Pack more into London

London blooms in springtime, it’s literally buzzing with activity! There’s simply too much to cram into one short London break so before you set-off have a clear idea of where you want to explore and what you want to do. Why not choose a specific area within London for your mini-break, this gives you focus and you’re never too far from your hotel room too. So, where to start? Why not try the City of London as a destination, there’s loads to see and lots to do – our mini-guide will give you plenty of ideas!

Click here to download

So why is a spring break so good for us? We put the question to Dr Saul Hillman, psychologist, counsellor & therapist at the Belsize Health Clinic in Belsize Park, North London. In the first of this two-part mini-series, Saul explains why a short-break is particularly good to take at this time of year.

“Most of us are wrapped up in frantic lifestyles with multiple layers, competing demands and limited rewards on a day to day basis.  Whilst we may simply get used to this sort of lifestyle and don’t necessarily always notice the stresses in our body or state of mind, the effects do build up, and we often need to step back, observe and tweak our lifestyle in order to make sure the balance has not gone awry.

“Two large studies confirm this and indicate that taking regular breaks and vacations reduces risk of health problems including cardiovascular disease.  Further research at a more superficial level reports that people have more energy, higher degrees of life satisfaction and have fewer general health complaints after going away.

“At this time of the year, with the onset of spring and clocks going forward, we can benefit from longer and lighter evenings. There are strong reasons why a break may be a good move and may also have many positive health benefits.  For more than one in ten people in the UK, the winter and darker months between November and March can be challenging to varying degrees with less natural light, together with a range of symptoms that often get clustered together under terms such as ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)’ or ‘Winter Blues’.  In essence, the reduced natural light stimulates the release of serotonin, which results in the feelings that we commonly associate with depression.

“On top of this, given that many people have also just left behind a very intense and financially challenging period of Christmas, the early months from January to March can be the most psychologically challenging. Often, we are faced with realities not always matching up to our expectations.

“Short breaks have the potential to release us from the stress cycle in our lives.  When we get away, we remove ourselves from the actual physical location of our everyday life, the demands and rituals that pervade it and of course that state of hypervigilance which comes from the busy nature of our lives.

“As we all know and experience, a break can help by interrupting this pattern, defuse any lingering tensions, so that we can also gain a new perspective on what is important in our lives and what we maybe need to tap into more.  So many studies support the benefits from taking vacations given how they buffer the stress from our work and home lives.”

Dr Saul Hillman (PhD, BACP, GHR) psychologist, counsellor & therapist

In part 2, Saul shares his top tips on making your short break work harder and better for you, so you feel de-stressed for longer – coming at the end of April!

A good night’s sleep gives your mind and body the chance to recover, repair and rejuvenate and will quite literally set you up for the day ahead. You can step into this season with a ‘spring’ thanks to our super competition with Warren Evans bed makers!

A well-crafted, high-quality bed and mattress is essential for a restful night’s sleep so with all this in mind, we’ve teamed up with the experts at Warren Evans bed makers, who have 37 years of award winning experience handcrafting beds and mattresses, to give you the chance to win one of their super comfy Superior mattresses!

Voted 5 star for advice, range, delivery and quality in their ‘Best Mattress Retailers’ 2015 by Which? members, Warren Evans’ Superior 4000 Pocket Sprung mattress is expertly designed to support and enhance your best night’s sleep; featuring hand-tufted fillers and comfort layers using Orthofirm fibres which help regulate heat and retain the shape of your mattress for superior support.

Crafted in Warren Evans’ environmentally friendly Walthamstow workshop in North London, items are handmade and delivered, without middlemen, so you get superior service, quality and price.

So put a spring in your step this season thanks to our fabulous competition and a great night’s sleep with Warren Evans!

To enter our competition, please Click here

The competition ends on the 6th of May at 12pm

Good luck 🙂

Fancy winning a revitalising and rejuvenating spring break? Then check out our competition on Warren Evans’ Inspire Me magazine.

 

Spring is here at long last… time to book a spring break so you can blow away the winter cobwebs and enjoy the new beginnings this season brings!

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing some of the best spring break hot spots for friends, couples, families and young lovers (sigh!). Our mini-guides to your mini-break are easily digestible, pocket-sized parcels of know-how so you have the insight before you book.

We’ve also teamed up with psychologist, counsellor & therapist Dr Saul Hillman from Belsize Health Clinic who explains why a spring break is actually very good for you – his perceptiveness is both confirming and inspiring. And to top it all off we’ve teamed up with Warren Evans bed makers to give you the chance to win one of their super comfy Superior mattresses and a stupendous spring break, to the 5* Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa, Sussex worth £545, from us!

Why not hop in the car or take a leisurely train ride to laid-back Cornwall for your spring break this year? Find out a little more about this diverse southwest region, get the low-down on what to do and check out our top picks for hotels in the first of our mini-guides to your Super Spring Break – Cornwall!

Click here to download

1. Colosseum

The greatest remnant of the antiquity, the archetypal amphitheatre, an engineering wonder, the epitome of architectural excellence, a standing proof of both the grandeur and the cruelty of the Roman world – the Colosseum has been dubbed myriad ways, but there’s just no way of grasping their meaning until you see the blues of the sky through the perfectly curved arches. Designed to hold 50,000 spectators eager to watch the bloody spectacle, today it annually draws around 5 million willing to verify its world-acclaimed magnificence and never fails to make them catch their breath. A definite must see on your trip to Italy

2. Vatican

Although Vatican is an entirely separate state, the access to its magnificent collections is only through Rome. Centered on the splendid St Peter’s Basilica and Piazza San Pietro, it is the spiritual hub of the Catholic world and one of Rome’s most eagerly visited areas. Subsequent popes called upon the best masters to enhance and decorate the Catholic capital of the world, turning it into a work of art both inside and on the outside.

3. Taste the local food and drinks

One of the absolute must-do’s when visiting Italy (or in fact during any of your travels), is to enjoy the local food and taste. Sardinian food, for example, is characterized by very strong flavours, of which Cannonau, the local wine, is the perfect example. Carasau (a type of thin crispy bread) and Culurgiones (a ravioli-like pasta filled with pecorino cheese, mint and other ingredients) are other products of the Sardinian gastronomic tradition.

4. Visit one of the 8,000 Nuraghi

Nuraghi are beehive-like stone dwellings from the bronze age, and can only be found on Sardinia. The exact use of these structures is unknown, but many believe that they were either used as religious temples, or military strongholds. The most well-known Nuraghe is Nuraxi su Barumini, which has been declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Barumini is located at approximately 60 kilometres North of the Sardinian capital Cagliari.

5. Relax on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches

Sardinia and the Amalfi Coast are believed to have the most beautiful beaches in the entire Mediterranean Sea. Beaches like Cala Gonone, Li Coggi beach, or the touristic Costa Smeralda consistently appear in the top of ‘The World’s Best Beaches’ lists of international magazines and travel websites.

6. Amalfi

Pretty little Amalfi with its sun-filled piazzas and small beach is not a big place – you can easily walk from one end to the other in about 20 minutes. Amalfi occupied a high position in medieval architecture; its cathedral of Sant’Andrea, the campanile, the convent of the Cappuccini, founded by the Amalfitan Cardinal Pietro Capuano, richly represent the artistic movement prevailing in Southern Italy at the time of the Normans. Just around the headland, neighbouring Atrani is a picturesque tangle of whitewashed alleys and arches centred on a lively, lived-in piazza and popular beach; don’t miss it.

7. Eat two scoops of gelato daily

This is easy to do no matter where you are in Italy! Remember, Italian gelato is made with milk, not cream, so it’s a lot less fattening than you think. And you’re walking everywhere, anyway, so it’s a well-deserved treat.

8. Visit Italian vineyards

Italy is famous the world over for its wines, so even if you’re not a serious wine enthusiast you’ll surely appreciate the scenery and tradition of a trip through Italy’s vineyards. Almost every region in Italy produces wine – in fact, the country claims 20 major growing regions, including the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, and more than 2,000 grape varietals. Some are certainly better known than others, but no matter where you are in Italy you’ll not be far from a vineyard or two.

9. Valley of the Temples

The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily is an extensive archaeological site containing the well-preserved remains of various Doric temples dating from the 5th century B.C. The site being nested on a ridge overlooking the town, the term “valley” is obviously a misnomer, but it quite aptly captures the vastness and grandeur of the place.

10. Trevi Fountain

In the maze of narrow, meandering streets, Rome hides a sparkling jewel held to be a triumphant example of Baroque finesse and the natural artistry of water- one of the world’s most stunning fountains and a work of art in one.

 

To check out some of our fantastic Italian offers, click here

Visit the amazing country of #Malta and travel to the vibrant capital of #Valletta. Valletta has the greatest density of historic sights of any country which can all be seen by foot, as the city is mostly pedestrianised. If this amazing city isn’t enough, it also has some of the most beautiful beaches.

Malta has amazing things to offer, and loads of things to do or see. Some of the best things we’ve found to do are listed below:

The Azure Window is definitely one of Malta’s highlights. It is a beautiful, natural arch which has been formed in the rock due to waves crashing against the cliffs and eroding them away. It’s easy to get to by hopping on a ferry over to Gozo and then heading over to Dwerja Point which offers the very best views. This is a must visit!!

Visit the Dingli Cliffs which are the highest cliffs in Malta which plunge a sheer 250m into the sea. On the top of the cliff you can find what is known as the Clapham Junction, this is the largest collection of Malta’s mysterious cart ruts that criss cross the surface of the rock.

Go Scuba Diving in the clear Mediterranean sea. Malta is one of the best places to scuba dive in the world and all three islands offer a unique diving experience with an abundance of reefs, caves and wrecks that make diving here some of the most interesting in the Mediterranean.The depths of the dives vary, from the very shallow 12-metre Għar Lapsi dive to Lantern Point, with its underwater tunnel leading down to well over 50 metres.

Check out the amazing deal we have to offer by clicking on this link http://bit.ly/1PWp1sD.

It’s that time of year again, the nights are drawing in earlier and there’s a chill in the air. You don’t have to travel to Strasbourg or Brussels to find a great Christmas market, the UK has some of its own amazing markets right on your doorstep and a Christmas market break is a great way to get you in the festive spirit. So embrace those woolly jumper days as we’ve picked out the best Christmas Markets that the UK has to offer!

Birmingham

Why not visit the largest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria? Explore over 180 festive stalls in Birmingham’s Victoria Square. Selling everything from decorations to jewellery, handmade toys to delicious German food. Next to the Frankfurt Christmas Market, you’ll find the Christmas Craft Fair, where local traders offer beautifully hand-crafted items. Don’t miss out on the fabulous Christmas atmosphere that these two events bring!

This years opening times are:

12 November – 22 December, Victoria Square, New Street, Centenary Square & Chamberlain Square, 10am -9pm

See more : Click here

London

Choose from several markets throughout the capital, from large German Christmas markets to smaller Christmas fairs. Enjoy the festive extravagance of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland or experience the magic of winter at the spectacular Natural History Museum Ice Rink. Shop for seasonal gifts at the Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair or get creative at one of the festive workshops available at the Spirit of Christmas Fair at Olympia.

This years opening times are:

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park – Friday November 20 2015 – Sunday January 3 2016 (See website for exact opening times)

London South Bank – Friday December 4 2015 – Monday January 4 2016 from 10am to 11pm

Barcbican Christmas Market – Saturday December 12 2015 – Monday December 21 2015 (See website for exact opening times – http://www.barbican.org.uk/)

Bath

Seen as the ‘Christmas Capital of the West’, Bath is the ideal city to visit to get yourself in the joyful Christmas mood. The market is home to 150 individual wooden chalet style stalls, each offering unique, handmade and unusual gift ideas, brilliant decorations and festive food items. Choose from ice-skating in the crisp winter air or enjoy breath-taking views of the twinkling city whilst bathing in warm spa water.

This years opening times are: Thursday 26 November – Sunday 13 December. (See website for exact times)

Edinburgh

With a host of festive markets and fairs to choose from, Edinburgh offers a magical backdrop for Christmas shopping and winter events. Browse the Christmas markets on Princes Street and St Andrew’s Square to find perfect and unique festive gifts. A trip to Edinburgh at this time of year is not complete without a visit to the Scottish Market, showcasing the best food and drink that Scotland has to offer.

This years opening times are: 20 November – 4 January (See website for exact times – http://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/events/winter-festivals/edinburgh)

Manchester

Each year, Manchester’s city centre is transformed to provide an unrivalled festive experience. The award-winning Christmas Market provides the best opportunity to soak up the Christmas atmosphere. Take in the picturesque streets and squares as you follow the market trail through the city centre. Choose from 300 stunningly fashioned stalls, offering a range of local and European gifts, crafts, jewellery and much more!

This years opening times are: Saturday 14th of November – Monday 21st of December(Albert Square is open from 10am to 9pm daily)

It’s never too early for a bit of Christmas spirit, so click here to take a look at our Christmas category and book your break today!

The Lake District is one of the few locations that is perfect to visit at any time of the year and for any length of time.

If you were thinking of taking a long weekend or a week’s break there are hundreds of things to do in the area for people of all ages.

Why not stay at one of the Lake District Hotel Group’s many hotels, scattered around the Lakes in the most picturesque parts.
Don’t want to leave your furry friend at home?

Keswick was voted as the UK’s most dog friendly town in 2012 and the Lake District as a whole is more than accommodating for them.

With hundreds of different walks to choose from you can be sure that you will have a sleepy pup by the end of the day.

The Lake District Hotel Group prides itself on being dog friendly, and will even provide dog beds and bowls to save you having to overfill your card. They do have a small supplement fee to cover the cost of having your well behaved dog to stay however it is arguable worth the small price to bring your pet on holiday with you.

The only thing to be aware of when taking your dog out with you is making note of all the signs on farmland. This time of year, lambing season, you need to be careful that you keep yours dogs on leads.

 

 Wainwright’s Walks

The Lake District Hotel Group’s many hotels can provide a fantastic place to lay your head between the hundreds of footpaths and trails recorded by Alfred Wainwright.

For example if you are staying at the newly refurbished hotel Inn on the Square in Keswick (promoting from July) the number of walks you can take straight from your doorstep is probably too many for you to fit in during your stay. This is an extremely popular walk due to its ease, and stunning views from the top. It is easily done in half a day, which gives you the rest of the time to get exploring Keswick or maybe taking a row on Derwent Water!

Why not visit www.wainwright-walks.co.uk/ and get planning your walks to help make sure you have a memorable visit (and not because you got lost!).

 

The Lake District Hotel Group

Choose from seven award winning hotels in the most beautiful parts of the Lake District. From 4 star luxury Lake District hotels on the shores of Lake Ullswater and Derwentwater Lake, to traditional coaching inns and hotels in Keswick and a hotel in Penrith.

Lake District Hotels are ideal for hotel breaks in the Lake District, bed & breakfast and weekend breaks in the Lake District. Renowned for their well-trained and attentive staff, their exclusive Lake District hotels offer an excellent selection of award-winning locally sourced food, wines and local beers. All with modern, well-appointed rooms and facilities, it is understandable why so many guests return time and again to these hotels in the Lake District.

Don’t let the British weather put you off…

If there happens to be a couple of rainy days do not fear! There are plenty of things to amuse yourself with in the Lakes that are sheltered from the elements and many of these are very near the start of walking trails just in case the sun decides to make an appearance.

The home of Beatrix Potter, Hill Top, in Ambleside:

 

The Pencil Museum in Keswick:

 

Lakeland Motor Museum in Backborrow:

 

Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness:

 

The Old Grammar School in Hawkshead:

 

Take a look at http://www.hotelvouchershop.com to see our fantastic rates for The Lake District Hotel Group and plan your adventure.

It’s that time of year again, the schools have nearly broken up for Christmas and you need to find activities to keep them entertained over the festive season. Don’t panic, we’ve found some of the best family days out across the UK to keep those little ones entertained.

London Zoo

Visit Father Christmas and four of his reindeer at his Reindeer Lodge in Regent’s Park Zoo. Let the kids join the elves in Christmas crafts in the magical town of Elfville, they can write a letter to Santa and take a guided tour as they join in with the dancing elves.

Lapland UK

Take a journey to the UK’s home of Father Christmas! Based in Tunbridge Wells in Kent, your children will receive a personalised invitation from Father Christmas to visit his snowy home. Meet all of Santa’s friends from the elves and reindeer to even the husky dogs. Decorate gingerbread biscuits with Mother Christmas before ice skating with the elves. To finish off your visit, each child will receive a special gift from Father Christmas.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland is a spectacular festive experience for people of all ages! Enjoy the colourful Zippos Christmas Circus with all the family or the Magical Ice Kingdom which will take you through a fantastical world of ice and snow. Experience unrivalled views of London from the Giant Observation Wheel or visit Santa in his grotto at Santa Land. Browse the spectacular wooden chalets at the Christmas market, offering unique gifts, handmade crafts, jewellery and Christmas decorations.

Burning the Clocks in Brighton

Take the family down to Brighton for a unique festive experience. On 21^st December, the shortest day of the year, the people of Brighton and Hove make paper and willow lanterns to carry through their city and burn on the beach to celebrate the Winter Solstice. The evening combines a family lantern procession with a spectacular fire and fireworks show.

Gulliver’s World

Christmas at Gulliver’s transports you into a winter wonderland with a fantastic selection of Christmas rides, shows and attractions throughout the theme park. Let the children become an honorary elf or visit Mrs Christmas’ Kitchen to cook up some tasty teats!

Christmas at Warwick Castle

The children can enjoy a wonderful party in Warwick Castle’s Undercroft and a special breakfast with Santa. You’ll be greeted by Santa’s Elf on arrival, take part in spectacular party games and Christmas carols and then meet Santa himself! Explore the grand interiors of the Castle with a unique Winter Torchlit Tour. You’ll be guided through the Castle and experience how Christmas was celebrated through the ages.

Caerphilly’s River of Light

Welcome Santa this Christmas with the River of Light parade. Join in at the workshops and make wonderful lanterns in preparation for the big parade! The annual lantern parade will take place on Thursday 18^th December at 6:30pm. It will start from Caerphilly Railway Station park & ride and then make its way down to the town. The parade finishes with a beautiful fireworks display over the skies of Caerphilly Castle.

Edinburgh’s Christmas

Grab your skates and take a turn around the glittering ice rink on East Prices Street Gardens Terrace or get lost in Edinburgh’s magical Christmas Tree Maze. Enjoy a bespoke Christmas Story at Santa’s Grotto and let the children collect their gift as they get to meet Santa himself! A trip to Edinburgh is not complete without a visit to the European Christmas Market. Stretching from the Mound, along East Princes Street Gardens Terrace and around the Scott Monument, enjoy a unique shopping experience at this traditional market!

Christmas is getting ever closer with only 56 days left until the big day. If you haven’t started purchasing gifts yet, now is the perfect time to take a Christmas Shopping Break! With plenty of cities to choose from across the UK, you won’t struggle to find your shopping haven. We’ve picked out the best that the UK has to offer to help you on your way, and also a few of Europe’s top festive shopping destinations.

Manchester

Whether you’re looking for festive stocking fillers or gifts to wow your loved ones, Manchester has something to offer every shopper. The Trafford Centre offers shopping, food and entertainment all under one roof, from high street favourites to designer labels. Experience the magic of Christmas on 30^th October at the Christmas lights switch on and really get into that festive spirit! If you’re looking to shop leading fashion brands, head to New Cathedral Street, or for the perfect mix of luxury and high street brands, the Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre is the destination for you.

London

Renowned for being one of the best shopping streets in London, Oxford Street doesn’t disappoint when it comes to Christmas. You’ll be spoilt for choice in this shopping heaven, choose from high street shops, department stores and exclusive boutiques. The Oxford Christmas Market is also a must visit! Running from 11^th-21^st December, the German-style Christmas market is located on the historic Broad Street and is home to crafts, food and jewellery stalls. Visit Camden for unique Christmas gifts or Mayfair for exclusive boutiques. You won’t struggle to find Christmas spirit in London!

Birmingham

Christmas shopping in Birmingham is unbeatable, with such a variety of shopping centres and vibrant shopping streets, it won’t be difficult to find those perfect festive gifts. When it comes to shopping centres, choose from the world-famous Bullring to the elegant Great Western Arcade, the indulgent Mailbox to the unique Square, all filled with quality brands to suit every budget. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, a visit to the Jewellery Quarter is a must! Choose from hundreds of talented craftsmen and even commission your own personal piece to give to that special someone.

Edinburgh

As Christmas gets closer, it’s time for extended opening hours and in Edinburgh the perfect gift is not far from reach. The festive markets, ideally located in the city centre, are a highlight of the Edinburgh Christmas period. The Scottish Market in St Andrew Square offers the best of Scottish food and drink and traditional crafts, or visit the European Market in the Mound Precinct to find unique gifts and festive goods. Multrees Walk is the best shopping destination for you if you’re looking to treat someone to a designer boutique gift.

Lille

If you’re looking for a Christmas Shopping Break a little further afield, a trip to Lille is a must! The city sparkles and is transformed into a winter wonderland, ideal for Christmas shopping. The Christmas Market is being held from 19^th November to 30^th December, so there is plenty of opportunity to take in the festive atmosphere. With over 80 chalets offering gift ideas, nativity figurines, decorations and festive food, you’ll find that perfect little something, whether it’s a gift for a loved one or a little treat for yourself.

Paris

The city of Paris is transformed into a stunning gala of lights during the festive period, most popular are those decorating the Champs Elysées. Not to be beaten, the shopping areas compete to produce an elaborate display of festivity. The French department stores offer upmarket traditional goods, from clothing to perfume and cosmetics, treat someone special to a little bit of luxury this Christmas. The city is home to a number of traditional Christmas markets offering a variety of art and craft products, local specialities and special culinary delights.

 

There’s no such thing as being too prepared for Christmas, so click here to book your Christmas Shopping Break today!