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September 3rd, 2010 admin
With students returning to classes, now might be the best time to secure a fantastic Seychelles deal, especially if your holiday time isn’t tied to school holidays. It’s a tempting thought…escape the coming autumnal weather of Great Britain and head for the tropics!
Speaking of weather, the Indian Ocean archipelago of Seychelles is governed by trade winds and luckily sits outside the cyclone zone, making it a fantastic place to visit year-round. Temperatures are generally between 24°C and 32°C year-round, which means choosing your holiday wardrobe will be a breeze.
Seychelles has the typical trade wind cycles of rainy and dry seasons, with October to April traditionally warm and wetter, and May to September tending toward drier and cooler weather. While an autumn visit might include a rainy day or two, will it matter if you are curled up on a comfy sofa with a good book, lifting your eyes to gaze out on lush tropical foliage, granite-strewn beaches and perhaps your own private verandah?
Great Seychelles Deals
Alongside the fact that prime holiday destinations won’t be inundated with other tourists, the price of holidays in Seychelles generally goes down after the summer holiday season and tour operators will be keen to offer great Seychelles deals.
In fact, a quick look at one specialist operators’ site, Elite Vacations, shows that Seychelles deals are abundant - including a terrific deal at La Reserve Seychelles on Praslin Island. This idyllic retreat has just 40 air-conditioned rooms set along the secluded, private Anse Petite Cour Bay. Right now, you could book a 7 night stay in October on bed & breakfast from just £1,459 per person, which includes return flights from London, inter-island flights and private transfers.
If you’re keen to explore the main island, Mahé Island boasts several amazing boutique hotels including Sunset Beach, with 29 air-conditioned rooms in a peaceful, tropical setting. You could book a 7 night package from £1,329 per person, or stay 12 nights from £1,769 per person - including your return flights, hotel transfers, and accommodation in an Ocean View room. Alternatively, Cerf Island Resort - situated on a small island just a 10-minute ferry ride from the capital Victoria - is offering 40% discounts in September. This means 7 nights Half Board in a Hillside Villa starts from just £1429 per person.
Luxury Seychelles Deals
If you’re looking at a late September or October visit to Seychelles, you’ll find that barefoot luxury at the Denis Private Island is attainable and very desirable with a 50% partner discount offer - meaning that a five night stay on full board can be had from just £1,989 per person, staying in your own air-conditioned cottage with a private courtyard and outdoor shower, plus a spacious sitting area and easy access to an unspoilt beach.
If the idea of a remote island retreat sounds a bit too relaxed, think about a luxury holiday at the fabulous Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & spa - the world’s smallest Hilton with just 40 rooms. Five nights on Half Board in an Ocean View Hillside Villa costs from £1590 per person this November.
All these Seychelles deals and many more include return flights from London, private hotel transfers, accommodation and airport lounge passes.
Move Quickly
If you’re interested in a Seychelles holiday, these and many more fantastic Seychelles holiday deals can be studied at your leisure by visiting www.seychelleselite.co.uk. But don’t wait too long - most of the prices mentioned above expire at the end of September or October 2010!
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August 28th, 2010 Nikki
Every year thousands of people choose the Isle of Wight as their holiday destination. With its glorious views and picturesque surroundings the Island has become more and more popular each year with holiday makers of all ages.
During any holiday eating out and fine dining is one of the greatest pleasures for you and your family to explore. The Isle of Wight has plenty of restaurants and cafes situated throughout the islands many stunning towns and villages.
The Isle of Wight has a wealth of food styles ranging from traditional food fare to oriental cuisine. All of the restaurants use fresh local ingredients and seafood to enhance dining experiences and try their hardest to make them as special as possible. Top class food is available throughout the Island in the form of anything from cottage restaurants to the exquisite dining halls of many of the Isle of Wight Hotels.
One such location on the island that not only boasts wonderful sandy beaches and magnificent views is the resort of Shanklin. This picturesque seaside resort has plenty of restaurants and other dining establishments dotted throughout its charming landscape. One such venue is the Crab Inn who serves a wonderful and broad selection of dishes ranging from traditional bar snacks to succulent steaks. All of which are possible to enjoy in one the most photographed public houses in Britain.
Should you be visiting the area you can be assured that any pubs and Hotels in Shanklin will be serving the very best in food cuisine using fresh local produce.
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August 25th, 2010 Nikki
With so many stresses and strains in life the holiday is the ultimate form of relaxation but what should be a break away can sometimes turn into a time of stress and worry itself if not organised properly.
Firstly you should plan exactly what type of holiday you are looking for and what kind of activities you would like to partake in. If your idea of relaxation is soaking up the sun on a picturesque beach then there are plenty of ideas like Isle of Wight Breaks unless you really want a change of scenery. Knowing exactly what kind of holiday you want is very important and can help your holiday stress levels from the word go!
Knowing your holiday budget is very important to consider when planning a holiday, we all have ideas about the ultimate dream holiday but sadly not having the funds whilst at the location is a sure fire way of bringing a downer to your plans. The last thing anybody needs is to be constantly worrying and fretting about expenses whilst on holiday. A big tip to consider is that if you have problems paying your credit card bills already then leave all of your cards at home. Sticking to a holiday budget can reduce the stress both on holiday and when you get home.
Once you have booked your holiday it is very wise to research the accommodation you will be staying in. There are plenty of websites that hold information and guest’s reviews that can give you a great insight into what to expect and familiarise yourself with amenities. These websites hold information on worldwide accommodation from Bed and breakfast Isle of Wight to Californian hotels and are fast becoming a first port of call for holiday makers researching places to stay.
Take plenty of time choosing and planning your holidays to give you the best chance to relax and enjoy yourself with the least amount of stress and worry.
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August 19th, 2010 Ben
The Mediterranean is one of the most popular destinations for cruises in the world thanks to its warm climates, varied cultures and easy travelling distance from the UK and the rest of Europe. With so many different countries and destinations in the Med each cruise is a different experience.
One of the most popular Mediterranean cruises is one that takes in Venice and the Aegean Sea. Venice is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world thanks to its unique canals and stunning architecture. Visit the iconic locations of the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, The Bridge of Sighs and Santa Maria della Salute and fall in love with this magical city.
Once your stay in Venice is complete, you head across the Adriatic Sea to the beautiful city of Dubrovnik. Known as ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’ Dubrovnik is a very special city just waiting to be explored. From atop the cities mighty ramparts you can view Dubrovnik marble streets, gothic palaces, flowing fountains and glorious views of the Adriatic Sea.
Next it is on down the coast to Greece and the Aegean Sea. Here you can spend the day in the ancient Greek capital Athens that is full of historical wonders that stretch back thousands of years to the time of Zeus and the Greek gods. A highlight of this fascinating city is the Acropolis with its iconic Parthenon that towers above the modern and cosmopolitan city that surrounds it.
After the ancient capital it is time to head to Turkey and Izmir. Turkey’s third largest city is impressively located around a large bay and is backed by mountains. The modern city has plenty to delight visitors if they look hard enough. The Kordon is a great place to relax while the many restaurants, bars and cafes are great places to eat, drink and while away a few hours on a sunny afternoon.
After Turkey its time to return to Greece with a visit to Nafplion. This seaside town is home to historic sites, tempting taverns and plenty of charming shops. The highlights of the town are the Venetian fortress that towers above the town and the Syntagma Square with its beautifully preserved Venetian buildings.
It is then time to return to Venice and end your Mediterranean cruise holiday where you’ll be desperate to return again and explore more of the Meds delights.
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August 15th, 2010 Alex
The Isles of Scilly is a great destination for family holidays and attracts many tourists every year with its mild climate and scenic coastlines. All of the inhabited islands have a great wealth of activities and features for visitors to entertain and enjoy themselves. The Islands are very accessible so you can find several ways to visit should you be staying in a Cottage in Cornwall some way away.
There are many ways to explore the islands but by water is one of the most popular and convenient. A very large number of boat trips are available from the islands ranging from circular tours of the archipelago to wildlife excursions on some of the smaller islands. Fishing is a very large pastime for locals and visitors alike and the isles of Scilly can cater for most tastes with activities from full fishing boat charters to coastal fishing lessons. The world pilot gig championships are hosted every year on the isles of Scilly and prove a huge attraction to enthusiasts. With over 100 teams competing it guarantees to be a fun fuelled competition for spectators and locals alike.
Some people enjoy exploring the islands by foot and return to enjoy the glorious landscapes year after year. The island of St Marys offers walkers luscious views and landmarks such as the eight pointed star castle known as the garrison.
St Agnes may not be the largest of the islands but has a wealth of sights and activities for walkers with wonderful beaches and coastlines to take advantage of. Low tide gives walkers the opportunity to cross the sandbanks of St Agnes and visit the island of St Gugh.
The island of Bryher takes walkers across its wonderful landscape to Hell bay which holds amazing views of the coastline and Atlantic Ocean. Visitors are recommended to travel back via the eastern shore where they can see Hangman Island, an island that was allegedly a gallows site during the civil war.
Many of the other islands have coastal walks through untouched surroundings with wildlife and views making the Isles of Scilly a wonderful place for walking on a Cottage Break Cornwall.
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August 14th, 2010 Alex
The Forest Way is a linear country park located in the heart of East Sussex. It takes the route of a disused railway line and is used frequently by walkers, bikers and horse riders. The Forest way stretches from East Grinstead to Groombridge. The railway line opened in 1866 and even though it was a busy commuter line it was axed due to cuts in 1966. The line was bought by East Sussex County Council in 1971 and turned into a country park. In 2002 after huge improvements to the surface the Forest Way was added to the national cycle network.
The surface of the trail is flat and is a great place to teach children to ride bikes in safety without worrying about traffic. There are several different trails for visitors to explore all different in respects to length and difficulty from the new beginner to the fully charged mountain biker. As you travel along the route you can see that the trees have regenerated naturally and their chippings have become a great habitat for badgers, foxes and deer.
The Forest way is part of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is soaked in rolling hills, scattered farmlands and small woodlands. The track itself leads past the beautiful country home of Standon House and past the Weir Wood reservoir which is famous for its birdlife and wildlife.
The route passes through the village of Hartfield which was the setting for the famous AA Milne story ‘Winnie the Pooh’ in which Milne wrote about his son Christopher Robin and his friendship with the famous bear. The woodlands around Forest Way has inspired many other people over the years, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is one such writer that used the forest charm to invoke his imagination.
When you decide to visit the Forest Way country park you can rest assured that there are many Hotels in Sussex for you to choose from. Should you be travelling from afar it may well be wise to contact the local tourist information office to book your East Sussex Hotel with the slightest of ease.
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August 13th, 2010 Alex
Situated on the river Goyt the charming town of Whaley Bridge sits nestled between Macclesfield and Sheffield. The town is located within the high peak district of Derbyshire and enjoys the same scenic landscapes and views that the area is renowned for.
Whaley Bridge is often referred to as the gateway to the Goyt valley, the valley being a large area of natural beauty that is visited by cyclists and walkers every year.
A large feature of Whaley Bridge is the Peak forest canal and basin. The town sits at the end of the canal and enjoys a great history of boating throughout the ages. Many visitors travel via the canal down to the town for their Peak District holiday. A wonderful barge restaurant now sits at the canal head serving delicious and mouth watering food.
Owing to the town’s rich heritage with water it hosts a festival dedicated to its roots. The Whaley Water Weekend is hosted annually in June by the townsfolk and features activities on water and land. Bands, carnivals and a mini armada are among the attractions that thrill visitors year after year. If staying aboard canal boats is not for you then fear not, there are plenty of Holiday Cottages in the Peak District for you to stay in without getting yourself wet!
The town has a selection of shops and amenities which include something for everyone’s shopping tastes. In recent years the town has expanded with everything from supermarkets to alternative shops to satisfy the needs and virtues of visitors.
The town has a rail link on the Manchester-Buxton line and operates an almost hourly service making the town a great place to visit with ease. The town’s station is very quaint and is maintained and looked after by the local community group known as the Friends of Whaley Bridge Station showing the communities dedication to its town’s history and heritage.
The local council has produced a booklet detailing local parish walks for visitors so they won’t miss out on anything the town and surrounding areas have to offer.
With so many attractions and sights to see your Peak District Holiday simply wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Whaley Bridge.
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August 12th, 2010 Alex
Stirling castle is one of the most important and historically rich castles in the whole of Scotland. The castle sits atop the geological formation known as the Stirling sil and is surrounded on three sides by rock faces which give the castle a very strong defensive position. The very first record of Stirling castle dates back to 1110 when Alex I the then king of Scotland dedicated a chapel within the castle.
The castle features several important and culturally rich features within its grounds.
The Chapel Royal.
Many features have been built within the castle by request of royalty; the chapel royal was the last such feature. Built in 1594 the chapel took 10 years to complete and rests on the remains of the older chapel where Mary queen of Scots was crowned. The chapel has taken many different forms and uses over the year such as dining room, school room and storeroom. Restored to its previous glory after the First World War the chapel is once again in a glorious condition complete with a magnificent historical frieze that was discovered during its renovation.
The Great Hall.
The great hall was built in 1503 by James IV to impress his new queen Margaret Tudor. The hall is one of the largest banqueting halls within Scotland. The Castle was turned into an army depot in the nineteenth century which resulted in the removal of the roof and the space divided up. Restoration started in 1964 on the great hall and lasted 35 years in which time the hall was returned to its regal splendour and decadence.
The Palace.
The Stirling palace was built for King James V and his second queen Mary of Guise in or around 1540. The palace was intended as a celebration for his forthcoming marriage and built to be grander then any palace that his French bride would have seen before.
At one point the palace was the central hub of the government and was a showcase for George V and his thoroughly modern government.
Stirling Castle with its countless attractions and unique beauty is guaranteed to enhance and take your Self Catering Scotland holiday to new highs. With local accommodation such as Argyll Cottages, guesthouses and hotels nearby you have no excuse not to visit Stirling Castle!
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August 11th, 2010 Alex
Hartland Point is renowned for many things but its lighthouse is by far its main attraction. The Trinity Lighthouse was built in 1874 by Mr Yerward of Wales under the keen eye of Sir James Douglass. The lighthouse is 59 feet high and its lamp is situated 37 feet above sea level. Hartland’s lighthouse lamp can be seen from over 25 miles away. The lighthouse’s glow has been a nightly sight through the windows of Bude Cottages to the coastline towns of the welsh coast.
The lighthouse was built on a very large rock at the tip of the point and such was the constant battering of the sea that stone had to be broken from the cliff head behind the lighthouse and used as a natural barrier. This procedure was carried out frequently and as a way to try to remedy the problem a 30 metre long and 6 metre high seawall was built in 1925 to try to protect the buildings from erosion.
The Trinity lighthouse for many years hosted lighthouse keepers and their families but in 1984 it was decided to fully automate the site. The lighthouse was attached to a large accommodation wing with enough room to host up to 4 keepers and their families. The living quarters were demolished after automation had taken place and a helipad built in its place. The Lighthouse is currently monitored from the Trinity House operations centre in Essex.
The lighthouse is currently not open to the public as its access road is liable to rock falls and land slides.
A review this year has put doubt on the Trinity lighthouse’s future. Trinity House, the lighthouse authority for England and Wales are looking into replacing the 136 year old lighthouse and use technologies such as satellite navigation as a means to protect users of the sea.
As such, the organisation is conducting a review of the lighthouse and hopes to work together with current users of the Bristol Channel to ensure that the best and most efficient mode of safety operation is chosen. Hartland lighthouse is one of six Lighthouses that are facing significant changes due to its authority’s evaluations this year.
With times being so unpredictable for Hartland’s Lighthouse its supporters recommend to visit sooner rather then later and with so many places to stay locally like Luxury Bude Cottages now has never been a better time.
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July 30th, 2010 Alex
The Weald is one of the most famous features of South East England, and one of the favourite places to visit for those staying in Hotels in Sussex. Whereas now it is characterised by its diving clay valleys and climbing limestone ridges, it used to be a very different landscape.
Although the shape of the Weald has not changed much in the last five thousand years, what covered it has altered rather dramatically. The name Weald comes from the Old English word ‘weald’, meaning ‘forest’. The entirety of the Weald used to be covered completely in trees, probably even joining up with the New Forest in Hampshire from the borders of Romney Marsh in Kent.
People initially lived only on the fringes of the forest, using it as a resource for firewood or building materials. Gradually, the people began to travel through the forests to transport livestock, but only during the summer months. It was a wild and dangerous place.
Gradually, the forest was cut away as people used all of the wood for shipbuilding and charcoal to fuel the iron furnaces and brick making industry in Sussex. It was also cleared so that more land was available for farming.
So, people staying in East Sussex Hotels can now enjoy walks between the villages that are scattered across the Weald without having to worry about being molested by bears, wolves or wild boars, and can do so even in winter. Whether this is an improvement is for you to decide.
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