Half term ideas for family holidays

My family is coming to visit me in England, including for the first time my little sister - who will be on her half term break from school! I am so exctied about this but needed to do a lot of planning because family holidays are different than taking a holiday by yourself - I wrote this article about taking a holdiay in England with the family, including kids, and wanted to share it with you guys!

So the kids are off school again and you’re looking for half term ideas. It’s time to take advantage of their break and go away on a family holiday in England! England has so much to offer, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Do you want to go to the seaside, the countryside or the city? Wherever you choose, you’re sure to have a fantastic time with the kids.

Try and build your break around the kids’ favourite interests. From seasides in the south to nature in the north, you can enjoy some of England’s top landscapes and attractions. You’ll find family-friendly places to stay, fab events to go to and a chance to enjoy some quality time as a family that won’t cost the earth.

Stay somewhere exciting like Hoe Grange in Brassington. The award-winning log cabins on this traditional family-run dairy farm offer a real home-from-home – you can even pre-order your shopping! It’s a great base from which to enjoy horse riding, water sports, cycling, climbing and more. Alternatively, enjoy a holiday in the city with Leicestershire’s Stay, Play and Explore promotion, which brings together five great attractions (Twycross Zoo, Conkers, National Space Centre, Snibston and Twinlakes Park) with regional hotels to offer excellent family rates.

If your kids love the sea, then enjoy some wet and wild fun in Devon and Cornwall. During half term, there will plenty going on to keep the kids amused. You can of course make your own fun – the beach has so much to offer, from building sandcastles and catching crabs to eating traditional fish and chips and running away from the wild winter waves.

If lakes are more their thing, then the Lake District is the ideal destination for your half term holiday. Take a trip on a boat, explore the surrounding countryside, visit traditional bakeries, and stay somewhere stunning. Low Wood Hotel, on the shore of Lake Windermere, welcomes families with open arms.

There are National Trust sites throughout England which offer half term activities - Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden in North Yorkshire and Owls, Vultures & other Amazing Critters at Bodiam Castle in East Sussex to name just two. Why not base your break around these, and take the time to explore the local area as a family?

The possibilities for family holidays this half term are endless. Take advantage of the school break and take your kids away somewhere exciting, and get to know England a bit better yourself at the same time.

Valentine’s Day Ideas: Romantic Accommodation

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to go somewhere different with your partner and stay somewhere special. There is such a huge choice of romantic accommodation across England, you’ll be spoiled for choice for your weekend breaks! Here are some Valentine’s Day ideas that are sure to sweep your partner off their feet.

The ideal romantic accommodation is a cosy cottage where you can relax and enjoy an idyllic escape from everyday life. Cuddle up in front of the fire, cook a romantic dinner in the self-catering kitchen, and just generally enjoy a world where you and your partner are the only two people in it. From thatched cottages in Devon and coastguard cottages in Dorset to historical cottages in Yorkshire and waterside cottages in the Lake District, there are so many to choose from you may have to make it a yearly tradition!

If you want to be waited on hand and foot for Valentine’s Day, then your perfect romantic accommodation can be found in hotels across England. Many offer special Valentine’s packages which include meals, spa treatments and goodies such as champagne and chocolates in your room. The great thing about hotels is that you can find them pretty much anywhere! Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of cities such as Manchester and Liverpool, or head somewhere a little less lively in Norfolk or Kent. Wherever you live, you’re sure to find a romantic Valentine’s hotel deal only a short journey away.

You don’t have to spend a lot to find a romantic place to stay. There are a lot of B&Bs which offer secluded rooms and stunning views. Try a farmhouse B&B in Somerset, where you can look out over the rolling countryside and enjoy romantic meals at traditional pubs nearby. Alternatively, head to the coast where you will find B&Bs in seaside towns such as Plymouth, Bournemouth and Brighton, which offer romantic locations at a low price.

Because Valentine’s Day is such a popular time for couples to spend a night, a weekend or a short break away, accommodation tends to get booked up very quickly – so make sure you don’t miss out. Find your ideal romantic accommodation and organise the perfect Valentine’s Day for you and your special someone.

Chinese New Year:Tourist Information

Chinese-feature_tcm21-86125
This time of year is always a good time to have a party. Just as well that the Chinese have wonderful celebrations for their New Year Celebrations.  I was lucky to be in London last year for the celebrations and I must say I really enjoyed the holiday and I am looking forward to this year again.

During their New Year celebrations in January and February this year, the Chinese are celebrating welcoming in the year of the rabbit. The festivities planned are as colourful and as vibrant as always and are sure to create a jovial atmosphere for spectators and participants alike. Here is some handy tourist information to make sure you get the best out of the celebrations.

Up and down England, cities will be full of the sound of music and laughter as people celebrate the Chinese New Year. City streets will be covered with market stalls full of traditional arts and crafts and authentic food and drink - some stalls even offer free tasting to get your mouth watering! The main events of course are the parades, dances, demonstrations and acrobatics that keep spectators transfixed. Watch as the lion, dragon and unicorn dances unfold, full of colour, music and passion; then follow them as they parade down the city streets. The performers demonstrate the patience and effort it takes to learn and prepare for these New Year celebrations – you will be in awe as you watch the skill with which they execute their routines. The Shaolin Martial Art Monks, for example, break steel plates over their heads!

The 6th of February will be a busy day all over England with Chinese New Year celebrations being held in Manchester’s Chinatown and Albert Square, Liverpool’s Chinatown area, Birmingham’s Arcadian Centre and Southampton’s Civic Centre and surrounds. Between the 3rd and the 8th, celebrations will also be held in Newcastle Gateshead’s Chinatown and Stowell Street, Sheffield’s City Hall, and London’s Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Chinatown. Throughout January and February, Nottingham’s city centre is alive with festivities, along with an amazing firework display which takes place in the Highlands Park there on Valentine’s Day, the 14th.

Celebrating the Chinese New Year is a great way to brighten up the miserable mid-winter months, no matter how you choose to take part. Whether it’s a day trip to a city like Manchester or an extended weekend away, Chinese New Year celebrations are a must-see for all the family!

Amazing Photos Inspire Travel & Exploration

I was on BBC News this morning and stumbled across this slideshow of photos taken by Sir Wilfred Thesiger.

This collection is really breathtaking and documents a time in history that seems almost ancient, yet took place not 100 years ago. Sir Wilfred travelled around much of Africa and Arabia during his lifetime taking some iconic photographs along the way.

These images have really inspired me to finally book a trip to Africa next year and I wanted to share them with as many people as possible to see if they inspire you too!

Heavy Snows Causes Travel Hell

Media_httpwwwjauntedc_vhvwh

Last week was one of the heaviest snow falls in England in recent memory. Luckily, living in London we avoided most of the blizzard-like conditions but that didn't stop Gatwick, and a number of other airports in the UK, to close.

It's really been an horrendous time of it for those trying to catch a flight abroad, or domestically for that matter. Luckily this week the snow is forecast to stay away, though freezing temperatures are sure to contribute to hazardous transport conditions.

Drivers are warned to drive at sensible speeds and be duely cautious of black ice and other hazards caused by the weather. For those travleing in and around london Transport for London (TfL) should be your new best friend. You will find all sorts of travel information related to London's tubes, buses, and rail services if you visit tfl.com.

I just hope the weather clears for my parents flight scheduled to arrive this Thursday. Luckily Heathrow has remained predominantly unnaffected so let's hope it stays that way.

For those who weren't travelling I'm sure last week was spent frolicking in the snow! But for those forced to travel, it really was a nightmare.

Stay safe everyone and be extra vigilant on the roads please!

photo via jaunted.com

They're Getting Married! Prince William and Kate Middleton it's official.

Media_httpnewsbbcimgc_hcxac

What a wonderful day November 16th was in England. All the news, for once, was not about spending cuts but the wonderful news of a royal engagement.

Prince William and Kate Middleton had been dating for a while and many saw the wedding as an inevitability. However, the official announcement was met with the same sort of surprise and excitement as though no one knew it was coming at all!

Prince William is obviously very handsome and I think Kate Middleton is also very beautiful. Looks like there will be a few more dashing children walking around the royal residences in years to come :)

I have been a fan of the British monarchy for a long time and the feeling that swept the country following the announcment was truly memorable. It seemed everyone was happy about the news and now everyone is excited about the upcoming wedding in the spring.

Apparently the British monarchy is the single most photographed family on the planet; even more than Brangelina and their growing list of children ;). Seriously though, it was a really happy time and it seems the two are really in love which makes it even more special.

The interview on television last night really showed a kind and romantic side to the couple and it was really touching to watch. I can certainly understand way British people are so fond of their monarchy.

photo via via bbc.co.uk

Christmas Is On The Way!

Media_httpwwwenjoyeng_qcepn

Now that Halloween and Bonfire NIght have come and gone it's now officially time to focus on Christmas! Halloween is lot's of fun and is an opportunity to cause a little mischief but you can't really beat Christmas for its caring and jolly atmosphere.

This year my parents will be coming from Poland to spend Christmas in London for the very first time and one of the things I can't wait to take them to is a Christmas market. I do a lot of shopping at markets throughout the year, at Portobello and Camden Markets but there's something extra special at Christmas markets.

The decorations and seasonal items really give Christmas markets that extra oomph and everyone is a lot more cheery than usual when battling some of the crowds.

Lincoln_xmas_market

Whilst my parents are here, instead of staying in London I'm going to take them to the Bath Christmas Market that I have heard so much about from colleagues. It is meant to be one of the more beautiful Christmas markets in England and will provide an excuse in taking a short break to one of England's prettiest and most historic cities.

The last city break I took was to Whitby which was loads of fun but took some time getting to. Bath is a much more convenient destination for London and I can't wait to spend some time there with my parents.

The Bath Christmas Market starts November 25th a goes all the way to December 12. There are loads of other famous Christmas markets in England so if Bath isn't convenient I'm sure you can find one local to your area.

Happy Shopping! ;-)

Halloween in London

Media_httpwwwtoimgnet_gayqv

Halloween is next week! I really like Halloween, ever since I was a child and since I've moved to London the "holiday" has really taken on a whole new life.

Halloween events in England have a far more spooky feel to it with many opting for scary costumes and ghostly make up to enhance the evening. If, like me, you don't mind being a bit scared every now and again then London is really a great place to be this Halloween.

The London Bridge Experience is putting on a sequence of really scary events that have made it the scariest attraction in the whole of the UK. This includes London's Dungeons as well and is something that my friends and I are really looking forward to this year.

There are also plenty of clubs that will be throwing their own halloween parties with clubbers donning extravagant costumes to enjoy the fright-fests that will ensue. But if you're looking for something a little more traditional that won't cost you lots of money, then I'd definitely suggest the London Bridge Experience.

I really can't wait for Halloween, it's a great holiday to let off a bit of steam before the proper Christmas holidays arrive!

Happy Halloween!

photo via timeout.com

Expensive Tickets for London 2012

Media_httpwwwjauntedc_pkbtr

Although the London Summer Olympics are still two years away, for some people who want tickets, it might be a good idea to start saving now. Especially since the spend review outlined by the government yesterday, times will be tight for a lot of people in the coming years.

Ticket prices are going to range from £20, very reasonable, to £725! Considering that most of the popular events, like the 100m men's final that will feature Usain Bolt, will be over in under 10 seconds, this seems like a very expensive ticket. Especially when you consider that at 1.5 hour long football final ticket will cost a maximum of £185.

Still I suppose it is all about supply and demand, and the cheapest tickets for the athletic finals do start at £50, but I would suggest bringing some binoculars if you want to be able to the tell the difference between the runners. Except for Usain Bolt of course, he'll be out in front!

Personally, I'm really looking forward to the Olympics here in London. I think lots of countries are going to have really good support and it is going to make for a really exciting atmosphere in London.

If you want to go to the Opening ceremony, tickets are priced, conveniently from £20.12 to £2,012.

photo via jaunted.com

Notting Hill Carnival 2010

Media_httpwwwthenotti_dswtd

The annual Notting HIll Carnival is only a week away! I went last year, my first time ever, and had a really amazing time.

The Caribbean food stalls were a particular highlight and all the food was delicious. Over a million people went last year which is an unbelievable number when you think the carnival started as a small local festival of this West Indian community.

The music is another highlight with everything from traditional steel drum bands to DJs playing a mixture of tracks on their massive sound systems.

Sadly I can't go this year because I'll be away on my own trip but if you are in London of the bank holiday weekend you really should check out the Notting Hill Carnival. it's free, suitable for kids and just a really great day out.

Closest tubes are Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Grove so plenty of options.

For more information you can go to the official Notting Hill Carnival website.

photo via thenottinghillcarnival.com