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A Right Royal Day Out
Blenheim Palace has announced the launch of its brand-new Palace and Play Pass, which gives visitors unlimited access to Adventure Play as well as to Blenheim Palace, Park and Gardens*.
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Hotels
It's A Dog's Life!
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Doggy dinners of the highest order!
As much as dog owners enjoy staycations the majority wouldn’t dream of leaving their faithful friend behind……..explaining why The Inn Collection Group has cottoned on to this niche aspect of the hotel stay market. The company has inns in handpicked coastal, country, town, and city locations - and in The Lake District there are 10, in the likes of Windermere, Ambleside and Bassenthwaite.
1:00 AM 6th May 2024
Hotels
Refurbished Brackenrigg Inn Reopens,
Newly renovated country pub with rooms, The Brackenrigg Inn, has opened its doors to Lake District locals, walkers and guests of Another Place, The Lake. Another Place, The Lake is tapping into local Cumbrian spirit with its latest venture – a refreshing take on a traditional country pub.
1:00 AM 4th May 2024
travel tips
I’ve Travelled The World - Here’s How To Make Packing For A Holiday Simple
Image by ivabalk from Pixabay
With spring here and the summer holiday season fast approaching, many of us will be preparing to jet-set on our next trip. Whether it’s a city break or a trip of a lifetime, there’s one thing we all need to tackle… packing our bag.
1:00 AM 4th May 2024
travel tips
Travel Expert Reveals How To Get Free Flight Upgrades
Image by Rainer Prang from Pixabay
With summer rapidly approaching, many are eagerly anticipating their upcoming holidays while seeking ways to save money on unnecessary expenses, such as plane seat upgrades. That said, a few extra inches of legroom and a comfier seat can make a big difference to your flight - and it's even more enjoyable if it's free.
12:00 AM 4th May 2024
Asia
Going Solo In The Maldives This July
Nova Maldives has announced a Solo Travel promotion as it seeks to capitalise on the increasing number of ‘go-it-alone’ adventurers. Throughout July, guests can immerse themselves in an array of engaging experiences designed to enrich their solo journey from art classes to meditation, yoga to snorkelling.
1:00 AM 30th April 2024
UK
Pancakes, Crumpets & Pies: LNER Launches New Onboard Menus
LNER has revealed its new First Class menus, which continue its long-held commitment to championing and celebrating local food and drink producers along its route. LNER’s handpicked suppliers stretch from Caithness in the Scottish Highlands to London, with producers based in destinations across LNER’s almost one-thousand-mile route.
1:00 AM 29th April 2024
holidays
The Perfect Escape - Colditz Opens To Tourists
Colditz Castle, Germany’s infamous POW camp for officers in World War II, has opened its doors to tourists.
1:00 AM 28th April 2024
Europe
Spotlight On - Lujo Hotel
The Lujo Hotel in Turkey has just announced its 2024 season with the inauguration of seven new SunSet villas, bringing the total number of private accommodations to 56 in eight distinct levels of excellence. Nestled on the Bodrum coast the property claims to offer unparallelled luxury and comfort and meticulously crafted accommodation guaranteed to offer visitors a serene retreat.
1:00 AM 26th April 2024
Europe
'Bluebird Effect' Boosts Lake District Tourism
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
The pulling power of Donald Campbell’s famous jet hydroplane Bluebird has made the village of Coniston one of this year’s hottest Lake District destinations says Cumbria Tourism Visitor numbers to Coniston’s Ruskin Museum have rocketed to record levels since the iconic craft, which crashed on Coniston Water in January 1967, returned to its spiritual home.
1:00 AM 24th April 2024
Short breaks
‘Harry Potter’ Duke Lines Up For Storytelling Session
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Photo: Jeffrey Zhang on www.unsplash.com
A new book by the Duke of Northumberland – peer in residence at Alnwick Castle, also hereditary home to ‘Harry Potter’s’ Hogwarts Academy – will kick off a series of literary events at the Cumbrian estate this Thursday.
1:00 AM 22nd April 2024
Asia
Khao Lak – A Slice of Authentic Thailand
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Chef Hopkins at one of Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort's master cooking classes
“I love this place because there aren’t too many Brits, there’s not an English breakfast in sight and it is still very much ‘authentic Thailand.’” Angela** who was holidaying with her husband and two young children, didn’t pull her punches. After all she ran a 500-student dance school in London: clearly organisation was her middle name and she knew exactly what she wanted from a vacation.
1:00 AM 20th April 2024
holidays
Foodies Given Green Light To Visit Cumberland
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
A new campaign showcasing Cumberland’s food and drink businesses has launched. Cumbria Tourism is working with Cumberland Council’s Destination Management team to run a new three-month campaign which aims to shine a light on hospitality businesses from small producers, family run cafes and fish and chip shops, through to fine dining restaurants, breweries and distilleries.
1:00 AM 19th April 2024
Short breaks
UK Glampsite Promises African Safari With English Countryside
A luxury glamping retreat in Lincolnshire has just opened promising a touch of Africa mixed with English countryside luxury! The Nest, made up of three dog friendly, lakeside glamping lodges is an alternative way to spend summer with friends and family this year.
1:00 AM 17th April 2024
Asia
New Jewel In India's Well-Studded Crown
Radisson Hotel Group has announced the debut of its luxury lifestyle brand, Radisson Collection, in India with the opening of Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar.
1:00 AM 15th April 2024
Asia
Bangkok’s Hidden Gems - A Three Hotel Journey
Thailand’s capital boasts countless ‘big attractions’ but move away from the well-beaten track and you will find some hidden gems: how to extract venom from a snake for example (do not try at home!) and the story of Jim Thompson, the US millionaire who disappeared without a trace leaving behind one of the biggest brands in the world!
1:00 AM 13th April 2024
Short breaks
Buckingham Palace East Wing Tours On Sale TODAY!
The East Wing of Buckingham Palace will be open to visitors for the first time this summer, when special guided tours of the Principal Floor become available to tourists visiting in July and August.
4:53 AM 10th April 2024
Middle East
Single Trip, Double Adventure – Middle East
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Jais Flight, the world's longest zipline in Ras Al Khaimah
A new joint summer campaign aimed at encouraging tourists to visit Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring Musandam in the governate of Oman, during the same visit, has been launched. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in collaboration with OMRAN Group, are behind the See Double campaign.
1:00 AM 8th April 2024
Europe
Stays In Harmony With Nature
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
They say that reconnecting with nature is the best way to restore life’s balance in favour of ‘leisure over labour’. So, look no further than Western Norway where you can spend the night with the ocean as your nearest neighbour. Panoramahyttene at Sandhåland (Karmøy) is not only ready to welcome its first guests, but also promises a breathtaking backdrop.
1:16 AM 6th April 2024
Cruising
Preventing Sea Sickness – Top Tips
Photo: Joseph Barrientos on www.unsplash.com
Sea sickness is a major concern for first-time cruise passengers and some people are event reluctant to take to the high seas for fear of feeling ill. However, there are many ways to combat this debilitating condition.
1:00 AM 4th April 2024
Windemere: I’m Falling For You!
Treetop Drop, an exhilarating and nerve testing 32ft freefall drop, has launched at Zip World Windermere. The new attraction will become part of the offering available at the existing high octane adrenaline Zip World site at Brockhole, Windermere. Suitable for anyone aged five years and above, the new adventure is the ultimate daredevil challenge.
1:00 AM 2nd April 2024
Europe
Jet2 Strengthens Its Bulgaria Offering
Jet2holidays is expanding its offering to Bulgaria this Summer with the addition of package holidays to the popular resort of Sozopol. The European country has proved popular with holidaymakers thanks to its purse-friendly appeal, prompting the UK’s largest tour operator to respond with tours to the ancient seaside town.
1:00 AM 30th March 2024
Africa
Moroccan ‘Earthquake’ Hotel Set To Re-Open
A North African hotel which faced partial closure following last year’s devastating Moroccan earthquake, will open six brand new Riads this July with a full re opening later this year. The Kasbah Tamadot, part of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition stable of properties, is synonymous with Berber hospitality and will reopen in full on 15th October.
12:00 AM 30th March 2024
Europe
Theme Park ‘Oscar’ For Swedish Attraction
Sweden’s premier theme park, Liseberg, has beaten the Americans at their own game, winning an LA industry ‘Oscar’ in recognition of its high standards of excellence and achievement. Opened in 1923, Liseberg is an amusement park located in Gothenburg and, with around three million visitors a year, is Scandinavia’s largest attraction of its type.
1:00 AM 27th March 2024
Americas
America's Darker Side - The April Eclipse!
Great Lakes USA will be one of the best places to see next month’s total solar eclipse, offering an unforgettable experience to those able to witness this natural wonder. Millions of North American sky gazers will see their day turned to night around April 8th as the eclipse does its stuff!
1:00 AM 25th March 2024
Hotels
Blackpool's Imperial Hotel - A Mint Legacy 157 Years On
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
As you enter the lobby at Blackpool’s Imperial Hotel it is hard to deny that you are following in the footsteps of political greatness and, as you check in, you wonder whether or not you will hear the tattyfilarious tones of Ken Dodd or one of his mother-in-law jokes!
1:00 AM 23rd March 2024
UK
The 5 Most Photogenic Landmarks In Northern England
York Minster has officially been crowned Northern England’s most ‘photogenic’ landmark, according to a new study. The UK is home to many iconic landmarks that pay homage to its rich history. But when it comes to the nation’s most papped locations, what are they?
3:59 PM 22nd March 2024
Cruising
Fred Olsen Offers Newcastle Seasonal Sailings
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is the first cruise operator to have departed from Newcastle this year, offering a variety of sailings to warmer climes. Smaller ship Balmoral set sail on her first cruise of the season from the Port of Tyne, taking guests on a nine-night ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruise.
1:00 AM 21st March 2024
Northern Quarter Pub And Boutique Hotel Reopens After Major Refurbishment
The Abel Heywood,
Salford-based brewery and pub retailer Hydes has re-opened The Abel Heywood, based in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, following a £200k refurbishment. First opened as a pub by Hydes in 2015, The Abel Heywood closed last month for a full interior refurbishment and refresh.
1:00 AM 18th March 2024
Deals
Choctastic Offer At Northern Hotels
Three northern hotels are taking part in a Willy Wonka style competition in which Golden Tickets have been hidden in choclaty treats with hotel stays as prizes. INNSiDE by Meliá, part of Meliá Hotels International, is eggcitedly ushering in its special #StayCurious Easter Golden Ticket Competition, in partnership with renowned Chocolatier, Oli The Choc.
1:00 AM 17th March 2024
Hotels
Easter Football Clinics - Maldives
Former Premier soccer star, Steve Sidwell, will be running a series of football clinics at Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll, one of the Maldives’ best family resorts, this Easter.
1:00 AM 13th March 2024
Deals
Euro Train Shuttle March Discounts
The rapid ‘Chunnel’ service to France, LeShuttle, is offering 20% off* Day Trip and Short Stay Saver tickets when you book before 24th March. The popular cross-channel service takes just 35 minutes to transport vehicles and their passengers under the Channel from Folkestone to Calais.
1:00 AM 13th March 2024
Europe
Serbian First As Hotel Brand Launches In Belgrade
Radisson RED Belgrade has opened its doors as a new upscale lifestyle hotel, marking the debut of the Radisson RED brand in Southeast Europe. Located on Takovska Street near the House of the National Assembly in Serbia’s capital, Radisson RED Belgrade offers a unique blend of tradition and contemporary style, following a complete renovation and rebranding of the existing hotel building.
1:00 AM 11th March 2024
Spot The Red Flags In This Holiday-Themed Brainteaser
Spring and summer are fast approaching and many of us are dreaming of sunny skies and sandy beaches as we plan our upcoming getaways. Not all trips are smooth sailing though, with one in five (21%) experiencing a short term fall out during their travels thanks to habits in others that they consider a ‘red flag’.
1:00 AM 9th March 2024
UK
London Life – Overnight At The Wesley Camden Town
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
Much of my childhood was spent in and around Camden Town, a well-known area of Northwest London. Somewhat down at heel in the ‘70s, it underwent a resurgence that began with the proliferation of markets and trendy shops. I seem to recall that at one stage Camden Lock was London’s third largest tourist attraction.
1:00 AM 9th March 2024
Weekend
Tallinn – Mediaeval City and Steven’s Domain!
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Edinburgh boasts its Greyfriars Bobby legend – the dog that guarded its dead master’s grave for 14 years – and Japan’s equivalent is Hachiko, immortalised outside Shibuya Station, but none of them can steal a march on Tallinn’s Instagram superstar: Steven the Seagull!
1:00 AM 9th March 2024
Hotels
21st Century Makeover For 18th Century Hotel
The bedroom suites at Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort on the outskirts of Leeds, West Yorkshire, have been upgraded as part of an improvement programme. Seven suites, including the up-market Richmond Castle Suite, famed for its modern glamour, have been given a makeover.
1:00 AM 6th March 2024
Americas
Shiver Me Timbers! What A (Mexican) Deal!
HolidayPirates have got a 52% saving on a 7 night all-inclusive stay at the beautiful 5* Crown Paradise Club Cancun, Mexico with return flights from Manchester and checked bags for £878. The best-value departure date available is 18th March but other dates also available.
10:11 AM 5th March 2024
Short breaks
Dark Knights At Mediaeval Muncaster!
A new Mediaeval Weapons Hall opens at Cumbria’s historic Muncaster Castle later this month. The immersive experience is one of the biggest developments at the castle for years and will enable visitors to try their hand at skills learned by mediaeval knights of old.
1:00 AM 4th March 2024
UK
The UK’s Best TV & Film Locations That You Can Visit, And They’re All FREE
The UK is home to stunning scenery, iconic landmarks and beautiful beaches, so it’s no surprise to see so many of these feature in blockbuster films and hit TV shows. And with award season now in full swing, film buffs can now explore a handy new road trip map from GAP insurance provider, ALA Insurance, which showcases the most iconic filming locations that won’t cost you a penny to visit.
1:00 AM 2nd March 2024
Weekend
In The Soup In Tartu
“You might want to turn the roaming off on your phone,” said our Estonian host, Herling Mesi, as we sped across frozen Lake Peipsi at Varnja, just a short car ride from the centre of Tartu. “The Russian border’s only 15km away,” she continued, “right in the centre of the lake, and even though we are only 3km from the shore, Russian telecom may pick up your phone signal.
1:00 AM 2nd March 2024
holidays
Kids Go Free In Cornwall
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
A Cornwall hotel has introduced a ‘Children Should Be Seen (And Not Paid For) package to coincide with the Easter holidays. The St Moritz Hotel + Cowshed Spa, in Trebetherick, near Rock and Polzeath, already has a dedicated kids club with its unique Mini Moritz programme of daily activities.
1:00 AM 28th February 2024
General Manager At Landmark Manchester Pub Toasts A Decade Of Success
Alex Allan
The general manager of a landmark Manchester city centre pub and boutique hotel is marking a decade in the job. Alex Allan, who was appointed as manager of the Abel Heywood in December 2014, has helped establish the Hydes brewery-owned pub as one of the star attractions of Manchester’s famous Northern Quarter and secure its reputation as one of the city centre’s firm favourite places to stay.
12:00 PM 27th February 2024
holidays
East Coast ‘Light Night’ Set For Encore Tonight
Light Night, the dazzling spectacle that captivated the east coast last year, makes its 2024 debut tonight, marking the second year running that large swathes of Scarborough, Bridlington and Whitby will hit the limelight!
1:00 AM 26th February 2024
holidays
Haven Holiday Parks Go Solar With £18m Investment
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Leading UK holiday park operator, Haven, has announced plans to invest £18m in energy saving measures across 39 of its 41 parks. The investment, to be completed by June this year, will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of more than three million guests and the 25,000 holiday homeowners who visit Haven’s parks.
1:00 AM 24th February 2024
Short breaks
Writing’s On The Wall For Historic House
Historic graffiti dating back 400 years will reveal King James I’s beliefs that witches and witchcraft may not have all been of the Harry Potter variety!
1:00 AM 22nd February 2024
‘Fred’ Wins Gold Standard Service Badge
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has won the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award in recognition of its exceptional standard of customer experience. The Trusted Service Awards, an independent seal of excellence, were set up by Feefo to recognise brands that use the platform to collect verified reviews and receive phenomenal feedback from their customers. Over the past year, Fred.
1:00 AM 20th February 2024
Africa
Unique South Africa Hotel Opening
Radisson Hotel Group has opened its first Safari hotel in Africa, bringing its total number of properties in the country to 11.
1:00 AM 17th February 2024
Hotels
Cumbrian Hotel Changes Hands In £1m+ Deal
Ravenstone Lodge, a nine-bedroom boutique hotel in Cumbria overlooking the Bassenthwaite Valley, has been acquired by the owners of the neighbouring Ravenstone Manor Hotel. The specialist Hotels team at commercial real estate firm Colliers sold the hotel which sits in three acres of mature gardens off a guide price of £1.245 million.
1:00 AM 16th February 2024
Africa
No Valentine? It Doesn’t Matter, Solo Travel Is Booming
Photo: Ibrahim Rifath on www.unsplash.com
Many couples will be enjoying a romantic Valentine getaway today, however, having a partner isn’t essential when it comes to travel. Taking a solo holiday, or “soliday”, is the latest travel trend that has been increasing in popularity over recent years.
1:00 AM 14th February 2024
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