Dublin, such a popular destination with groups whether it be for sporting events, sight seeing, stag and hen parties or university tours.

When thinking of a destination that caters for just about all tastes then Dublin is hard to beat. From the extensive arts and culture, to sporting events and music festivals, Dublin has it all. For group travel, it really is the destination of choice.

Universities, schools, brides and grooms to be, family and friends are all feeling the effects of the economic downturn. These groups are having to be more aware of costs for group travel.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great time in Dublin and Cork - there are lots of things to do, see and experience and we can help you to plan and book the best of them at the cheapest group prices. Many of Dublins top attractions are located within easy access of a large selection fo Dublin hostels.

Somewhat of a hidden gem of a day out is on the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) commuter train service which runs right along the coast, so it??™s like a cheap tourist train, with breathtaking views and fabulous places to visit along the route.

One must visit location on the train journey is the pretty fishing village of Howth (rhymes with ???both??™), a twenty minute DART journey along the coast north of Dublin city centre. Howth has a pretty harbour, which is used by both working fishing boats and pleasure craft ??“ but did you know that it also has a beach? Shhh! Don??™t tell anyone, but when you come out of the DART station, walk about 100 meters towards Howth village, take a left then walk down the little alleyway to your left ??“ and you come out on Claremont Beach! It??™s right beside the pier, but you could easily miss it ??“ it??™s a great place to take a stroll, building up an appetite for??¦

Top money saving tip??™s when staying in Dublin hostels
Travelling with a student group is certainly not easy or cheap, so making wise decisions prior to your trip will pay off when you arrive in Dublin or Cork. Planning your itinerary and booking the most important elements of your trip can not only be more cost effective for a group but also less stressful for the group leaders!
Here are some top tips on how you can save your group money for your stay in hostels in Dublin.

In some hostels, your group??™s breakfast is covered so you just have lunches and dinner to think about for your group saving both time and money. Whether your group are busy with itineraries everyday or just taking it easy, wouldn??™t it be great not to have to stress about sorting out lunch or dinners for the whole group? You can organise packed lunches prior to your arrival in some hostels and they will be delivered to the hostel reception for your group to collect in the morning time. Make use of the hostel’s helpful staff. They can often pre-book a local restaurant for your group at discounted group prices. Booking and paying for lunches and dinners in advance means your group saves money, saves time in the precious evenings not having to find a place to accommodate a large group and helps with daily budgets.

Many groups plan their trip to Dublin and Cork and don’t even consider costs of visiting attractions /activities until they arrive. They’re missing all sorts of opportunities to save money. By planning ahead and booking prior to arrival in Dublin hostel you will save a significant amount of money for the group.

Student discounts and other concessions will make a difference to your groups budget. If you are a student group in one of the Dublin hostels, make sure you bring your student cards on your trip. Lots of shops and attractions in Dublin offer student discounts.

The Glenburn Hotel is an elegantly appointed Edwardian property set in the Heart of Windermere offering delightful accommodation on a Bed & Breakfast or Half Board basis.

Returning year after year, visitors have enjoyed excellent service delicious food and comfort of the charming bedrooms. Whatever your reason for visiting the Lake District whether it be for it’s natural beauty, stunning walks or just a well earned break Peter and Jackie Baister along with their friendly team will endeavour to make your stay as relaxed and as comfortable as possible.

The hotel’s great location is ideal for exploring the English Lake District. A ten minute stroll will take you to the vibrant area of Bowness and the Lake where boats will ferry you to many intriguing destinations. Relax and enjoy ten miles of magic during the many sight seeing cruises taking in the breathtaking scenery, secluded bays and the wooded islands that surround England’s largest natural lake. For the more energetic there are lots of walks to enjoy at your leisure including a gentle hike up to Orrest Head just a short walk from this Windermere hotel. Here you will find viewing point 750 feet high where you can sit and enjoy magnificent views of the central fells, the Yorkshire Pennines and the Lakes or just to watch the sunset over this picturesque corner of England. Enjoy an early evening stroll along the lakeside before returning to the hotel for a candlelit dinner in our lovely restaurant with food cooked to perfection by our resident chef Marcin. After dinner you can relax in the lounge on our comfy sofas enjoying a coffee or your favourite tipple from the bar.

The Glenburn has ample on site parking so you can just park up and all amenities are within a short walking distance.

If you are celebrating an anniversary or birthday why not surprise your loved one by ordering champagne, chocolates, flowers or a birthday cake to be put in your room on arrival.

At The Glenburn we will go that extra mile to make your stay in the Lake District just Perfect!

* Elegant, relaxed & stylish totally refurbished accommodation
* Excellent food, freshly prepared to order. Full Cumbrian cooked breakfasts plus buffet, and candlelit evening meals
* Special dietary needs and vegetarians catered for
* 16 Double, twin, triple, quad, superior, deluxe and deluxe four-poster rooms
* Deluxe rooms and four-poster rooms have brand new spa baths, rain showers and flat screen TVs
* Satellite TV and free wireless Internet connection
* Complimentary tea and coffee, hair dryers in all rooms
* Fully licensed bar and guest lounge
* A totally smoke and pet free environment
* FREE use of Parklands Country Club and Spa in Bowness for all guests
* Free parking throughout your stay
* Five minutes walk from Windermere and ten minutes to Bowness
* Special touches such as champagne, chocolates, flowers, birthday cakes etc
* Family rooms for three/four/people
* Gift certificates a speciality
* Two deluxe self catering holiday cottages sleeping up to six
* Private family parties and functions catered for, we’ll take care of everything

The Lakeland Cottage Company is pleased to announce a price freeze for 2012 bookings taken in June.

A cool and tempting offer has arisen at the Lakeland Cottage Company. Book a holiday or short break in one of the Lakeland Cottage Company??™s portfolio of luxury cottages and receive the benefit of prices frozen at the 2011 FRP.

Whether it is for a romantic weekend in autumn or winter or a main summer holiday, the price freeze offer benefits any early birds out there. With rising costs in labour, taxes and goods, increased costs for self catering property owners are unavoidable. However, many understand that a reward and a thank you must go to those guests who book in advance.

Having some of the highest quality cottages in the Lake District on offer, the Lakeland Cottage Company are leading the way in luxury self catering accommodation. For even greater confidence in making a reservation, all of their properties are inspected by Visit England, the UK official accommodation quality and standards organisation with many being 5 star gold award properties. A choice of some 85 Lake District cottages of varying sizes and in unrivalled locations are further reasons why the Lakeland Cottage Company are at the forefront of self catering agencies in this region.

This offer may not be used in conjunction with other offers or incentives the Lakeland Cottage Company may be publicising, nor applied to any reservation already made and confirmed prior to publication of offers, or after the period of the offer date. The Lakeland Cottage Company and or the owners of individual properties reserve the right to remove the offer at any time, or to extend or revise the offer beyond any dates published on this website, any amendments or changes cannot be used against reservations already made and confirmed.

To browse the Lake District cottages on offer and take advantage of the special price freeze offer, visit http://www.lakeland-cottage-company.co.uk/

The beautiful Rydal valley is in the heart of the Lake District.

Ambleside hotels in the Rydal Valley are ideally placed for walking or sightseeing with almost all areas of the Lake District being reachable within an hour??™s drive. There are many walks in the immediate area, from the Fairfield Horseshoe at over 2600 ft to low level walks alongside lakes and tarns in the valley. Several detailed walks in the area can be found our bedroom folders, from books in our two lounges and in local booksellers.

Ambleside has grown over the years to a thriving village that has many wonderful shops, restaurants and cafes. One of the largest garden centres in the UK is 20 minutes walk away, with the Cinema and Park less that 15 minutes. Ambleside hotel and bed and breakfast owners will happily recommend places to eat. Waterhead, which is 30 minutes walk or a 5 minute drive away, is the jumping off place for catching the ferries that will take you to Bowness and Lakeside on Windermere Lake.

Beyond Grasmere lies Keswick, the gateway to the Borrowdale Valley. A more rougher scene is set out before you as this is the setting for many of the highest mountains in the Lakes. Continuing through Borrowdale will take you over Honister Pass and down towards Buttermere and Crummock Water.

To the east lies Ullswater, a beautiful scenic drive over Kirkstone Pass will take you down along its shores and to Aira Force, where the impressive waterfalls thunder down into the lake. To the West is Hawkshead and Coniston, where there are wonderful walks to be had amongst the forests and woods with Coniston Old Man being a popular favourite.

Windermere and Kendal are south of us, with Kentmere Valley providing some lovely walks with a real sense of being tucked away. Around Winster and Newby Bridge can be found some great low level walks which take you away from the crowds and into some beautiful valleys and villages that are hidden from the tourists.

This brief description shows just how ideally placed Ambleside hotels are for walks, shopping and scenic drives within the Lake District.

May Cottage is location close to the centre of Bowness-on-Windermere making it the perfect base to explore all the Southern Lakes. Just one road from the edge of Lake Windermere, an easy stroll to the boat rides, quaint shops and a variety of Bistros, Restaurants and Wine & Tapas Bars. The climatic end to the famous Dalesway Walk - Wonderful, never ending, breathtaking scenic walks and drives. Leisure facilities offer relaxing sauna, steam, jacuzzi, swim & gym areas, with snooker, cafe & bar with Sky T.V. lounge section.

Here is just a small sample of the excellent reviews May Cottage B&B in Bowness-on-Windermere have received on TripAdvisor:

Great B&B accomodation close to the centre of Bowness
5 of 5 stars
Date of review: 4 Apr 2011

Most pleasant welcome received from Sue - the accomodation was ideal for our three night stay - with a very comfortable bed room and fine ensuite. The excellent full English breakfast ,accompanied by Sue’s little talk on the locality and its history, set us up for the day’s walking . The B&B is just a few minutes walk to the centre of Bowness and the pubs and restaurants.
For Rugby League fans, a must is a chat with Len Casey , Sue’s husband and breakfast chef, who can relate anecdotes about his playing career for Great Britain ( some as captain) and England and both Hull clubs.
“A gem of a B&B”
5 of 5 stars
Date of review: 1 Apr 2011

Our first trip to the lakes and first visit to a B&B. We recently married and decided to stay away for a couple of nights.

Sue and Len are great value, warm and welcoming. Place is a gem, you ll be lucky to get availability as the repeat business is a sign of how popular this place is.

Would love to stay again!

“SIMPLY THE BEST”
5 of 5 stars
1 more review of May Cottage by Sallyberisford:

Date of review: 23 Mar 2011

We returned to May Cottage, & yet again received a warm, friendly welcome. Sue goes out of her way to make you feel at ease & welcome. She has stories to tell you & her knowledge of the area is outstanding. She has a brillant sense of humour, ALL the rooms are lovely & clean.
If you stay here it is only a very short walk into Bowness & all the shops, pubs etc.
I mustn’t forget Len, who does a wonderful breakfast each morning, Len to is a chirpy chappy.
Throughly recommed you to stay here.
We felt like part of Sue & Lens extended family. Will definately return.
THANKS BOTH

Cockermouth, one of the most attractive market towns in Cumbria, sits along the River Derwent eight miles from Keswick.

Set at the confluence of the rivers Cocker and Derwent, Cockermouth is a quaint market town, which although dates back to medieval era the main period of growth was during the Georgian period of the early eighteenth century.

The town is eight miles north-west of Keswick hosts a number galleries, river walks and places of historical interest. Cockermouth is the birth place of poet William Wordsworth.

This gem of a town with ample galleries, river walks and historic Cockermouth Castle. Lots of pubs, specialist shopping and restaurants. Close to Bassenthwaite Lake there are so many other things to do and see in Cockermouth, making it the perfect family location but equally as suited for a romantic weekend. Cockermouth also does not suffer overcrowding of some of the more central Lake District towns and has a choice of Cumbria self catering properties.

In addition to the galleries and places of historical interest the town has a range of traditional stores and some more popular national stores. The town also has a large number of bars and restaurants, many of which are located on the newly re-developed Market Place and Main Street.

An interesting way to explore the town is the Cockermouth Trail. The trail takes you around a fascinating walk through the town??™s history, exploring nineteen of the famous landmarks and some lesser known landmarks of the town. Maps can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre.

As the main period of growth for Cockermouth was during the Georgian period much of the road layout and buildings were developed during this time; with a great number of buildings retaining their original features, each year to celebrate the Georgian influence, the town holds a Georgian Fair.

The River Derwent flows behind the Main Street and Wordsworth House. There are pleasant footpaths and seats along the banks of the make for a delightful walk along the river. There is also a large car park next to the river with access into the Memorial Gardens and over the bridge into the Main Street. The river can be flowed into the brewery and then into Market Place.

Cockermouth has a number of popular visitor attractions such as: Wordsworth House, The Sheep and Wool Centre, the Castlegate House Gallery, the Kirkgate Centre and Jennings Brewery; which produces ‘real ale’ and has been located in the town centre since 1828. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the brewing facilities and discover more information about this 175 year old process and even sample and take home the finished product from their on-site shop.

All of this makes Cockermouth the ideal place for both a quiet and relaxing Cumbria cottages break and a hectic sight-seeing holiday. Choose from self catering properties including Cumbrian cottages to apartments, lodges and town houses.

Oldfield House is a former Victorian Gentleman??™s residence that now offers high quality Windermere B&B accommodation. The house is set in a quiet residential area away from the busy main road, yet is still within easy walking distance of Lake Windermere. This Windermere Guest House is the ideal location for your short break in the English Lake District, whether you are walking in the Mountains, exploring the world of Beatrix Potter or taking in all the other events and attractions the area has to offer.

The location allows a for very quiet night??™s sleep, so if its relaxation you are after, then Oldfield House is place for you.

All rooms are appointed with many creature comforts with high quality linen, luxury Egyptian cotton towels, LCD Tv’s, beverage tray and bathroom ammenties. And for those worried about car parking, they have ample spaces available for guests.

For more details please visit www.oldfieldhouse.co.uk

Far Nook is a traditionally built detached Lakeland stone property set in its own grounds on the northern fringe of Ambleside, but only five minutes walk from the town centre facilities including shops, restaurants, visitor attractions and even a cinema.

Far Nook has been arranged with our guests comfort in mind with its individual bedrooms and other guest facilities. We will serve you a hearty breakfast in our delightful dining room. You can look forward to a relaxed and comfortable stay in the beautiful Lake District.

Far Nook Ambleside B&B has private off-road parking available for all our guests and we are only 300 yards away from the nearest bus stop.

Look no further for 5 star Lake District Bed & Breakfast accommodation.

Cuckoo Brow is a quiet little hotel nestled in the village of Far Sawrey near Ambleside and only a short walk to the famous National Trust home of Beatrix Potter ??“ Hill Top Farm. This Lake District Inn offers good, clean accommodation with hearty bar food served in its cosy Claife Crier bar. Popular with walkers, cyclists and the weekend traveler alike, you will find a warm welcome att Cuckoo Brow. Their doors are open to families and to those wishing to bring their pet away to the Lake District.

When it comes to Lake District Bed and Breakfast accommodation the Cuckoo Brow should be your first choice.

Week off work…check, beautiful vistas required, the English Lake District…check, want to see as much as possible, camper van…check!

With such vast, varied and breathtaking scenery as in the Lake District, it is far too difficult a task choosing one destination for a holiday or short break. Great driving roads+breathtaking scenery=the perfect recipe for camper vans.

Camper vans give you:
The opportunity to visit and experience numerous locations in one trip.
Give you the freedom to stop off when and where you like and for what duration.
No need to worry about there not being a hotel or guest house available in the area.
You are protected from the elements unlike camping.

You??™ll never tire of driving on the roads in the Lake District and Cumbria which has some of the most scenic roads in England. In particular, Hartside Pass which The AA and Top Gear list in their top 10 driving roads in England. Other great driving roads include the Kirkstone Pass, the A591 which passes through Ambleside, Grasmere and onto Keswick and not for the faint hearted Hardnott and Wrynose passes.
VW camper vans are particularly suited to the roads in the Lake District. They are compact and allow you to drive on the stunning, narrow roads which other, larger camper van and mobile homes would not be able to.

Camper vans have seen a renaissance in recent years both in terms of new camper vans and mobile homes but especially the popularity of the classic VW camper van. Their iconic status continues to grow and excite young and old. Driving around in the VW camper van is guaranteed to turn heads and makes a holiday even more special.

A mobile holiday is the ultimate in economical holidaying. The cost of parking up on a camping or caravanning site is nominal and sometimes areas can be found that are free. You can self cater as much of the meals as you wish although the Lake District has some fantastic eating houses that really should be visited.

Many people simply can??™t justify purchasing a VW camper van for themselves due to lack of annual leave and other commitments. A camper van has to be used regularly both for economy and for the wellbeing of the van. The perfect solution is in the form of hiring. VW campervan hire is now available in the Lake District and enables those who want to experience a camper van holiday but that do not want to purchase one. Volkswagen camper van hire is also great for those thinking of purchasing a van to gain knowledge of driving one. Camper van hire in the UK, sorted.

Jamaica is situated in the centre of the Caribbean, between 17.5 degrees and 18.5 degrees north latitude and 76.5 degrees and 78.5 degrees west longitude. Cuba is 90 miles north.

Jamaica is the third largest of the Caribbean Islands. Cuba is the largest with the second place taken by Hispaniola which contains the countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Jamaica is the largest English-speaking Island in the Caribbean, measured at one hundred and forty six miles long and fifty one miles wide and occupying an area of 4,400 square miles.

The population of Jamaica is just over two and a half million with high concentrations in the cities and surroundings, especially Kingston, the capital. Most visitors fly into Montego Bay as the North Coast is home to most of the beautiful beaches and other famous visitor attractions, like Dunn’s River Falls.

It is said that Columbus described Jamaica as “a land of hills and valleys” and crumpled a piece of paper to demonstrate its topography. Almost half of Jamaica is over a thousand feet above sea level and about forty square miles are above five thousand feet.

The mountainous character of Jamaica creates a wide range of micro-climates. The northeast winds blow regularly throughout the year. During the day, the sea breeze blows onshore and at night, the land breeze blows off- shore. During the American winter season, cold fronts may affect Jamaica, producing very strong cold winds, rain, and a change in wind direction from the North.

There is little seasonal change in average daily temperatures in the lower regions of Jamaica where the majority of the population resides. Readings at St. George’s College Station, Kingston:
??? July Average Low at 75.1 degrees Fahrenheit, Average High at 90.7 degrees Fahrenheit
??? January Average Low at 69.1 degree Fahrenheit, Average High at 86.7 degrees Fahrenheit

Temperatures are ten to twenty degrees Fahrenheit cooler in the highlands, but the summits of the Blue Mountains have seen light frosts on winter nights.

Higher than average rainfall occurs during September to October and May to June. The major dry period is from January to March. The average annual rainfall of 77.1 inches is strongly influenced by the terrain. The northeast of the island receives the most rain. Areas of the Western end also receive high rainfall.

Daily winds develop along the coasts with great regularity and have greater climatic influence than seasonal variations. Typically, the sea breeze commences in the morning, reaches its maximum velocity of about 20 knots at midday, and then gradually subsides in the afternoon, when they often produce afternoon showers in the interior.

Visitors will not be disappointed by the variety on this luscious island, from sun-kissed white sand beaches to rivers and waterfalls, to mountains and valleys in the interior. There are lots of different types of accommodation to choose from including hotels, Jamaica Villas, and Jamaica apartment rentals. There is so much to see and do in Jamaica including visiting the Island??™s best beaches at Silver Sands where you will find fantastic places to stay including Silver Sands Villas and cottages. Silver Sands is located on Jamaica’s famous North Coast, midway between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

Bassenthwaite Lake
Bassenthwaite Lake is one of the largest of the Lake District at approximately 4 miles long and ?? miles wide. Despite its size this long and narrow lake is very shallow, at its deepest point it reaches a depth of just 70 feet. The Lake is easily accessible with the A66 dual carriageway running along the western edge. The laybys are extremely popular for people wanting to take pictures and a spot of bird watching.

Coniston Water
Coniston is the third largest of the lakes and is approximately 5 miles long and ?? a mile wide. The lake is hugely popular with tourist due to its large expanse of water, which contains a number of tranquil islands, as well as the stunning scenery. The lake was famously the setting for the book Swallows and Amazons as well as the setting for Donald Campbell??™s ill fated attempt to break the water speed record.

Derwentwater
Derwentwater is approximately 3 miles long and 1 mile wide making it the widest lake in the Lake District. The lake has a number of islands within, one of which contains Derwent Island House which is open to the public just 5 days a year. The huge Skiddaw overlooking the lake and the nearby market town of Keswick make Derwent one of the most popular lakes for visitors.

Ullswater
Ullswater is the second largest of all the lakes in the Lake District at approximately 9 miles long and ?? of a mile wide. Regarded by many as the most beautiful of all the lakes, Ullswater often finds itself compared to lakes in Switzerland, such as Lucerne. This favourable comparison is thanks to the beautiful scenery with mountains to one side and green fields and woodland on the other. The lake is great for water sports, with canoeing, sailing and wind surfing particularly popular. There are also the more relaxing steamer boats that take you on a cruise of the lake.

Windermere
Windermere is the largest lake in the Lake District and is the largest in the whole of England at approximately 10.5 miles long and 1 mile wide. As well as being the largest of the lakes Windermere is also the most well known and has long been a very popular attraction for tourists. Many of the tourists who do visit end up taking part in at least one of the many on water activities available. These range from wake boarding, sailing and canoeing to a more sedate pleasure cruise.

About the Author
This article was written on behalf of Borrowdale Gates ??“ one of the best Hotels in Keswick providing luxury base for your Lake District holiday.

Windermere is a popular destination for people of all ages, all tastes and all interests. Of course, Windermere is very famous as a base for walking the Lakeland fells and for doing many other outdoor activities but more and more visitors are coming to Windermere for a bit of luxury.

To add to the already long list of Windermere??™s attributes and lures comes luxury. Windermere has some of the most stunning buildings with many of the larger residences being luxury hotels. In recent years, some of the luxury hotels have taken their attention to detail to another level. They have refurbished, redesigned, added on, decorated and paid even more attention to detail than before. Windermere now has some of the best hotels in the country and more than rival some of the famous hotels in south.

Dining has become a more prevalent factor in many hotels these days. Hotel restaurants often used to be of a pretty poor standard even when the hotel itself was of a high standard. Michelin starred restaurants are now common practice in hotels with big name chefs taking control at these luxury complexes.

Windermere couldn??™t be in a better location for a restaurant to obtain top quality produce. Cumbria the Lake District has some of the finest local produce in the country from lamb and sausage to cheese, bread and cream. It really isn??™t hard to understand why the Lake District is also now home to some of the finest restaurants in the north of England. Being relatively close to the coats means even the freshest seafood can be found.

Attention to detail is key for a luxury hotel from the service to rooms and outside areas. One of the best hotels in Windermere has seen recent refurbishment has produced a collection of rooms without compromise, most with patio doors leading onto the gardens and with either spa baths or hot tubs. They have also created luxury suites in a renovated Lake house with many having stunning views over a private lake. Constant refurbishment is essential in luxury hotels for complete perfection. Its gardens are as well looked after as the inside of the hotel with different seating areas. Their aim was to create a terrace that comprised different ???rooms??™ for people to sit in.

This has been created by breaking up the terrace with different materials and features such as ponds with water features and raised beds. During the day, the south-facing terrace enjoys the sunshine, and at dusk the sunset can often be enjoyed with pre-dinner cocktails. On warm evenings the terrace is candle lit. Pathways lead from the terrace to the south gardens and to the wild meadow and llama paddock.

The special services available set a luxury hotel apart from the rest. Organisation of spa treatments for example, private dining rooms, chauffeurs and touches such as the turning down of bed covers at night.

Lancashire, situated in North West England and encompasses such famous towns and cities such as Blackpool, Manchester and Liverpool. Even though Lancashire is a county for business and industry, it has some the best attractions and days out in the whole of the North West.

Blackpool Zoo
Just two miles from the famous sea-front, the multi-AWARD WINNING Blackpool Zoo provides a home to over 1,500 animals from all over the world. The Zoo provides new standards of animal care and aims to provide a stimulating, informative and enjoyable experience that demonstrates its role in the conservation of endangered species.?  All your favourites from aardvarks to zebras in 32 acres of spacious, mature parkland.

Greenlands Farm Village, Tewitfield, Carnforth, Lancahire
Greenlands Open Farm
This is a truly hands on experience with plenty to learn about and it??™s not just for the kids, the adults will enjoy this as well. You can meet Red and Blue our Shetland ponies, hold a pygmy goat kid or watch the baby piglets annoying their mum. With plenty to see under cover, our open farm can be enjoyed come rain or shine.

The Farm Shop
Downstairs you??™ll find a butchers, deli, eggs, fruit and vegetables and a feast of cakes and biscuits supplied from the local area. Also while you are here why not treat yourself to something from The Loft upstairs ??“ with clothing, art, gifts, cosmetics and homeware, you??™ll be spoilt for choice. Many are locally sourced and fairly traded, it??™s a treasure trove of interesting and unique products.

National Trust Rufford Old Hall
Rufford, Ormskirk, Lancashire, one of Lancashire??™s finest Tudor buildings
Just minutes from J27 of the M6, Rufford Old Hall has something for everyone. The spectacular Great Hall is believed to have hosted a young Shakespeare and there are collections of armour, weapons and tapestries.

Lancashire’s Countryside Collection
You may be surprised to discover that Lancashire has two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, over 100 square miles of access land and has such a varied landscape that it has inspired artists ranging from Wordsworth to Tolkien.

Hidden in this spectacular countryside you will find a range of attractions to visit, food to taste and experiences to try. Follow winding country lanes to discover pretty garden nurseries and charming tearooms serving delicious homemade food. Uncover culture and heritage at stately homes and steam railways alongside sweeping vistas and wild moorland.

Cram in a fun packed day for the kids at a farm attraction or Simply cast a line and relax beside a serene fishing lake. Lancashire’s nationally protected landscapes are also home to nature reserves and country parks - a perfect retreat for a weekend wander or a serious trek - just don’t forget your binoculars!

So as you can see, Lancashire has a wealth of history but also a wealth of diverse Lancashire attractions for the whole family, young and old.

Broughton In Furness

Lying to the west of the Coniston Mountain Range, between the southern reach of the Duddon Valley and the wide gentle plains of the Duddon Estuary, Broughton is a bustling town, full of activities, and a perfect base for exploring one of Cumbria??™s most unspoiled and dramatic landscapes.

The history of Broughton dates back many centuries with the oldest building thought to be the church of St Mary Magdelene, first built as part of an eleventh century Saxon settlement. The church today is the result of a major restoration taken place in 1873 by the firm of Paley and Austin.

Over time, Broughton became an important market town, a centre of the wool trade and the manufacture of the oak baskets known as swills. Among the little back streets you would have found blacksmiths, millers, tanners, dressmakers and cobblers carrying out their crafts in readiness for the weekly markets.

During the reign of Elizabeth I the town was granted a charter giving permission to hold fairs. To this day, each year on the 1st August, there is the ceremonial ???Reading of the Charter??™, where pennies are thrown to the children.

Today many of the houses and buildings are Georgian, centred on the elegant town square, built by the Lord of the Manor to resemble a London Square. The Market Hall, a fine structure, was built in 1766, originally housing small lock up shops and is now the home of the Tourist Information Centre, exhibiting locally produced glassware, ceramics and paintings. In the centre of the square is a fine obelisk, erected to celebrate the silver jubilee of King George III in 1810, and stands next to both the ancient fish slabs, used to sell fish caught in the River Duddon and Estuary, and the village stocks for those who broke the laws or behaved in an unseemly manner.

For day to day needs Broughton is perfectly self contained with some good shops, inns and restaurants. On Prince??™s Street there is Melville Tysons Grocer and Butcher. The shelves groan with preserves, chutneys, wine and pastas; the deli counter has a fabulous selection of cheeses, hams, salami, olives and pastries and the butcher sells the finest cuts, many from locally produced fell bred stock. Next door is the Village Bakery and Cafe. Using only the finest produce to bake their wonderful fresh breads, pastries and cakes the aroma as you pass is enough to draw anybody inside. Finally on Prince??™s Street, is the Post Office selling local maps, books, ice cream and general goods.

To take full advantage of Broughton in Furness visitors should look to stay in one the area’s fine Lake District cottages and self catering holiday homes.

The Peak District spans an area of over 500 square miles lying mainly in Derbyshire but also stretching into the counties of Cheshire, Staffordshire, South and West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. The Peak District was Britain??™s first national park, designated in 1951 and is the fourth largest National Park in the UK.
It is a hugely popular national park due to its location with an estimated 20 million people living within a one hour drive. Being on the doorstep of Greater Manchester and Sheffield, this isn??™t a huge surprise.

The region is divided into sections known as The Dark Peak, The White Peak, The Staffordshire Moorlands and the Derbyshire Dales. The highest point in the Peak District is Crowden Head on Kinder Scout at a height of 2070 feet above sea level. Kinder Scout is located in The Dark Peak area and can be accessed from Edale which is also the start of the Pennine Way. Most of the region is over 1000 metres above sea level but unlike the craggy Lake District and Snowdonia hills, the Peak District hills are more undulating being soft and rounded.

The appeal of a self catering holiday is growing. A self catering holiday can give a greater freedom and more space for families and allow multiple couples or friends to go away together, splitting costs and
creating a good value holiday. Cottages in the Peak District can be found in many villages as well as off the beaten track should a totally ???get away from it all??? holiday be required. Derbyshire cottages can be found in an abundance of styles from unique character properties to spacious, luxury holiday cottages fitted with all the latest gadgets and conveniences.

Walking is the main activity here, both in the Dark Peak and in the hills to the north. The Pennine Way starting from Edale, winds its way up the Pennine chain. The White Peak covers the limestone dales towards the market town of Bakewell. In addition to walking, climbing ‘nursery slopes’ surround the Hope Valley can also be experienced. All the equipment and tuition required can be found Cycle Hire, Horse riding & Treking can be arranged locally, as can Day Fishing in Ladybower Reservoir (seasonal).

When staying in a Peak District cottage, there is never a shortage of activities. Of course going for a walk up one of the many peaks and experiencing the views is a must but there are hundreds of other attractions. Chatsworth, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, set in 1,000 acres of parkland: a magnificent house and gardens, model farmyard, adventure playground, shops & restaurant. Haddon Hall, a romantic fortified medieval manor, home of the Rutland family, with delightful terraced gardens and restaurant. Eyam Hall preserves the domestic scene of the 17th century, where the Wright family have come and gone for 300 years. Hardwick Hall was created by one of the great characters of the Elizabethan era, Bess of Hardwick. The original tapestries & needlework are displayed. The National Trust now administer Hardwick Hall and many others in this area Calke Abbey, Kedlestone, Sudbury, Gawsworth and the moorland estates of Longshaw & The High Peak.

The towns of Bowness and Windermere are arguably the most vibrant and popular places in whole of the Lake District. They are busy for most of the year with people coming to enjoy the facilities offered by Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake. These include lake cruises to Waterhead in Ambleside and Lakeside at Newby Bridge, sailing, canoeing, fishing and the Windermere car ferry, which runs between Ferry Nab at Bowness and Far Sawrey.

Windermere is a great base for exploring the Lake District thanks to its excellent transport links. Windermere Railway station offers rail connections to Kendal and Oxenholme and it also has direct trains to and from Manchester Airport. Buses also run regularly from Windermere station including southbound journeys to Kendal and northbound journeys to Ambleside, Grasmere, and Keswick.

There is plenty for the whole family to do in and around Windermere including looking round some of the superb shops and visitor attractions such as The World of Beatrix Potter where all 23 Peter Rabbit tales are brought to life in 3D. Other local places of interest include …

Blackwell Arts & Crafts:
House in Bowness which is a superb example of the Arts & Crafts movement;

Hilltop - Near Sawrey:
Take the ferry and visit the writer’s 17th century cottage at the other side of Lake Windermere and see it exactly as she left it complete with her furniture and china.

Lakes Aquarium:
The Lakes Aquarium is located on the Southern shore of Windermere and can be accessed by taking a lake steamer from Bowness to Lakeside at Newby Bridge. Here visitors have the chance to see many exotic and local fish.

William Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage:
Here visitors can visit the home of England’s famous romantic poet at Grasmere. The adjacent Wordsworth Museum displays national treasures of the poet. There is an onsite tea room and gift shop.

The Lake District National Park Visitor Centre:
At Brockhole, situated on the shores of Lake Windermere, ideal family entertainment with interactive exhibitions and adventure playground. Whatever the weather.

For more active visitors there are plenty of walking routes available around Windermere including walks to spectacular viewpoints at Orrest Head and Biskey Howe where you will find breathtaking views of Lake Windermere and as far out as Morecambe Bay on a clear day. Windermere Golf Club is a very picturesque course and here you can relax after your round in the golf club restaurant with great views of surrounding mountains.

To take full advantage of Windermere and Bowness visitors should look to stay in a luxury Bowness on Windermere B&B or Guest House.

The Lodore Falls Hotel in Borrowdale valley played host to past members of staff during a weekend reunion in Keswick. Over 60 ex staff and several current employees got together to renew friendships and memories.

The reunion attracted past employees from all over the world including Peter Dixon and his wife who travelled especially from Australia for the occasion and stayed on to see friends in the Lake District. Also present was Kurt Hartmann and his wife who travelled from Germany. Kurt was Head Chef at the Lodore Falls Hotel for 27 years and it was he who taught current Head Chef Mike Ward.

The reunion began with afternoon tea at Lake District Hotels ltd Lodore Falls Hotel, followed by an evening trip into Keswick for drinks and a friendly pub catch up.

On Sunday everyone gathered again at the Lodore Falls for Sunday lunch and a group picture before departing home or on holiday.

Organised by Head Chef Mike Ward, Sales Manager Tanya Sentance, and past employee Vikki Brier, they all agreed the effort of finding everyone was worth it. Finding staff was made easier by using social media sites like Facebook and friends reunited. Mike said ???Social media has made an impact on being able to keep in close touch with friends across the world. It made finding everyone and keeping them informed so much easier. It was a monumental occasion and great to meet people who worked here years ago.

Mike really enjoyed catching up with his Head Chef mentor and it was especially important that lunch was perfect. Having over 60 people at the event shows how much people fondly remember their time working here at one of the most famous Keswick hotels. It was also nice for our current team to catch up with old friends.???

With packages tailor-made for both ???him and her??™, the Brooklands Hotel in Surrey is the perfect remedy for mind, body and soul.

If fast cars and fabulous spas are your passion, then why not check in to the Brooklands Hotel in Surrey. Situated on the site of the legendary racetrack and airfield, the hotel features a selection of simply stunning packages bound to satiate the most demanding spa divas and the most passionate petrol heads ??“ perfect with the British Grand Prix fast approaching in early July.

If thoughts of indulgence and utter relaxation make you and your partner purr with pleasure, then the Fast and Fabulous Spa Experience is the package for you. You will be treated to two sumptuous spa treatments each, choosing from the signature Jane Scrivner High Velocity Massage, to the Body Brushing treatment or even the Butter LONDON 30 minute Manicure, you can be sure you??™ll both be left quintessentially pampered!

Alternatively if your partner??™s more of a thrill-seeker than a pleasure-seeker, and would prefer to race round one of the UK??™s most famous tracks, rather than succumb to spa treatments, then the His and Hers Spa & Car Experience is bound to keep you both happy. As you enjoy a relaxing Full Body Massage in the hotel??™s destination spa, your partner will be having the time of his life negotiating hair-pin bends and high-speed manoeuvres with an exhilarating 30 minute driving experience at Mercedes-Benz World.

The unique, design-led Brooklands Hotel opened its doors this March on the site of the iconic Brooklands race track. Brooklands Hotel brings a sensational property to the market. The much anticipated opening offers the ultimate combination of contemporary design with a vibrant history. Predominantly glass, this super style-statement of a property has been designed for luxury, while embracing the rich legacy of the Brooklands race circuit. Complete with a destination spa, cocktail bar, restaurant, and state-of-the-art conferencing facilities, the 120 luxury rooms and suites offer unrivalled luxury within this area of Surrey. Priding itself on personality, individuality, and an unparalleled level of uniqueness ??“ where else will you find a spa on a race track, with luxurious suites only thirty minutes away from central London?

The ???Fast and Fabulous Package??™ rate is based on two people sharing a standard room (single occupancy in a double bedded room is ??179.00 per room, per night). Spa treatments times are subject to availability and should be booked at your earliest opportunity prior to your stay to avoid disappointment. For more information on the newest of the Spa hotels in Surrey visit http://www.brooklandshotelsurrey.com.

Cartmel is a medieval village situated on the edge of the southern Lake District. The 12th century Cartmel Priory typifies this village both in architecture and history. It is still used for worship today as it has been for over 800 years and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The other main attraction for visitors to Cartmel is the racecourse. With the first recorded race said to have taken place on the mid 1800??™s, Cartmel races continues to grow in stature and popularity year on

year. The creation of a new grandstand, with the back drop of the beautiful southern Lake District coupled with catering to rival any top race event has really put Cartmel on the map.

Cartmel is very much becoming a gastronomic destination. Cartmel and its surrounding villages have some of the best examples of Lake District gastronomy in the whole of Cumbria and the Lake District. Even though many of the restaurants and public houses are located within historic buildings, the food served is right in the 21st century using the finest locally sourced produce that is found in an abundance in the south Lakeland area.

Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding is one of the most famous exports from Cartmel. The pudding is now sold all over the United Kingdom and even world with high class restaurants in London serving this still handmade in Cartmel pudding.

With its top quality food, beautiful historical buildings, race course and spectacular scenery, it??™s not hard to believe that Cartmel attracts a cosmopolitan visitor. Luckily, when visitor will find some excellent Cartmel self catering accommodation. When attending the races, what better place to stay in than a beautiful Grade II listed manor house or a beautiful double-fronted period property in Cartmel.

Nearby attractions also include Holker Hall (a stately home with lovely gardens and grounds and a cafe, Cark-in-Cartmel), the Lakeland Motor Museum (In addition to vintage and classic motors, the museum now features of faithfully recreated period shop fronts and also has a themed gift shop. It is now located at its new site in Backbarrow, on the main A590) and Brantwood (an historic house & gardens which used to be the home of John Ruskin with a shop, caf?© and terrace on the east side of Coniston Water).