Good news for those who feared the weekend’s glorious weather would disappear as soon as it arrived - the beautiful sunshine is now expected to last until at least Friday.
The Met Office predicted highs of up to 21C across the country today and the mercury will hit 23 tomorrow - matching yesterday's hottest day of the year so far.
But forecasters predict the the warm spell will end on Saturday - just in time for the school Easter holidays.
Although, despite temperatures dropping to 12, there is still little sign of any rain - prompting new drought warnings.Temperatures are likely to pick up mid-week, but only as high as 16C.
It comes after almost a week of unseasonably warm and sunny weather. Amazingly, rather than the south of England, it was the Scottish village of Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, which recorded the highest temperature of the year so far as the mercury hit 22.9.
South of the border Otterbourne in Hampshire was the warmest place on Monday, peaking at 21.4C, while Porthmadog in Wales reached 21.1C. Meanwhile central London saw temperatures of 19C.
The first working day of the week saw Britain's beaches and parks fill up with sun seekers as forecasters said the heatwave was due to high pressure and breezes from north Africa and the Mediterranean.
Clear blue skies with dry, sunny weather is anticipated for most of the UK on Wednesday and Thursday.
Early mist and fog on Friday is expected to clear to make way for another beautiful day. Only western parts of Scotland will see some less enjoyable conditions in the shape of breezes and patchy drizzle.
But forecasters urged sun-worshippers to make the most of it because by the weekend temperatures will be back to a more seasonal average of 11-12C (51-53F).
They predict chilly starts followed by sunshine and highs of 21C in both the North and the South over the next few days.
Looking for the latest FABUKBreaks offers on a wide range of UK Holiday ideas let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Wednesday 28 March 2012
Tuesday 27 March 2012
British adults fail the national geography test
BRITONS may know all about the beaches of St Kitts and the lavish nightlife of Monte Carlo but they have little idea about the geography of their home nation, new national research has shown.
- ONE IN FIVE BRITISH ADULTS DON’T KNOW WHICH COUNTRIES MAKE UP THE UK
- SIX OUT OF 10 NAMED MOUNT EVEREST, BEN NEVIS AND SNOWDON AS ENGLAND’S BIGGEST MOUNTAIN
- A QUARTER OF THE NATION BELIEVES AYERS ROCK IS IN THE UK
BRITONS may know all about the beaches of St Kitts and the lavish nightlife of Monte Carlo but they have little idea about the geography of their home nation, new national research has shown.
While their children are busy leafing through revision notes in order to sit their geography GCSE exams this Spring, more than one in five British adults (20.6%) admit they do not know how many countries are actually in the UK.
In a year of national pride, which sees London play host to the Olympic Games and the Queen launch nationwide celebrations for her Diamond Jubilee, more than half of British adults (58.6%) confessed they believe Mount Everest, Ben Nevis and Snowdon are actually in England, according to the research* by luxury tour specialists Journeys of Distinction.
Staggeringly, more than a third of the nation (33.8%) believes the Home Counties circle Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow, according to the research.
Ten per cent of those polled have no idea that the huge Angel of the North is even in the UK, let alone in the north-east of England.
And almost a quarter of Brits think Australia’s iconic Ayers Rock is actually in Britain, while one in 20 confessed they had absolutely no clue that Stonehenge is also based here in Britain.
Astonishingly, one in five Brits confessed they don’t know where in the UK Britain’s legendary seaside resort, Blackpool, is located. And the majority (53%) have no clue where Balmoral Castle is based.
Almost a third of the nation (32.3%) don’t know that Canterbury, home to the world famous Canterbury Cathedral, is based in the county of Kent.
Many experts believe that advances in technology and the easy availability of online search engines which provide instant answers to any question anywhere, any time, means that people now don’t need to store geographical information like they did in the last century.
*Research based on a poll of 2,000 British citizens, carried out by OnePoll on behalf of Journeys of Distinction in February 2012.
Looking for the latest FABUKBreaks offers on a wide range of UK Holiday ideas let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Monday 26 March 2012
Saturday 24 March 2012
UK breaks set to increase after APD tax rise
The controversial tax hike on Air Passenger Duty is set to boost holiday staycations in the UK, according to a survey by a leading holiday rental company.
On Wednesday (21/03/12) it was confirmed that there wiill be an eight per cent double inflation rise in air passenger duty, starting April 1st. This tax is set to make flying more expensive for holidaymakers – a family of four travelling economy class to Florida could pay £80 on top of their trip.
As a result, two thirds of holidaymakers are more likely to take holidays in the UK, according to the holiday rental company’s survey.
It also looks like holidaymakers would choose to spend the money they saved by putting it back into their holiday experience. Of the people questioned, 30 per cent said that they would upgrade their accommodation with the savings made from avoiding the tax, whilst 35 per cent would use the money to take a second staycation holiday.
A spokesperson for the company who conducted the survey, said: “We expect a real surge in bookings from April as the impact of Air Passenger Duty hikes kick in. If you consider that a family of four travelling to Spain could pay up to £128 in tax alone, and the same family flying to Australia could pay in excess of £700 it becomes very clear why this boost is expected.”
The APD hike, which is an eight per cent double inflation rise in air passenger duty, has been condemned by the aviation industry as “a double tax increase for passengers”.
Looking for the latest FABUKBreaks offers on a wide range of UK Holiday ideas let FABTHINGS2do help you.
On Wednesday (21/03/12) it was confirmed that there wiill be an eight per cent double inflation rise in air passenger duty, starting April 1st. This tax is set to make flying more expensive for holidaymakers – a family of four travelling economy class to Florida could pay £80 on top of their trip.
As a result, two thirds of holidaymakers are more likely to take holidays in the UK, according to the holiday rental company’s survey.
It also looks like holidaymakers would choose to spend the money they saved by putting it back into their holiday experience. Of the people questioned, 30 per cent said that they would upgrade their accommodation with the savings made from avoiding the tax, whilst 35 per cent would use the money to take a second staycation holiday.
A spokesperson for the company who conducted the survey, said: “We expect a real surge in bookings from April as the impact of Air Passenger Duty hikes kick in. If you consider that a family of four travelling to Spain could pay up to £128 in tax alone, and the same family flying to Australia could pay in excess of £700 it becomes very clear why this boost is expected.”
The APD hike, which is an eight per cent double inflation rise in air passenger duty, has been condemned by the aviation industry as “a double tax increase for passengers”.
Looking for the latest FABUKBreaks offers on a wide range of UK Holiday ideas let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Friday 23 March 2012
Center Parcs "Best UK Holiday Provider "
Center Parcs Crowned Winner of Best UK Holiday Provider at Tommy’s Let’s Get Baby Friendly Awards
Wednesday 21 March 2012
Return of the Staycation
A leading UK tour operator has revealed that the 'staycation' could be making a comeback. The latest figures from the tour operator have shown that sales of UK breaks have increased by approximately 9% compared to the same period last year. This has been put down to the UK being under the spotlight during 2012.
There are a variety of factors causing this resurgence in UK breaks with the main one being the UK playing host to some top events during 2012 such as the Queens Diamond Jubilee, The Olympics, the 100th anniversary of the maiden voyage of RMS Titanic and the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens birth. Other popular events drawing in the crowds are the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Wimbledon Tennis Championships, the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot Ladies Day.
It's not just events that are proving to be a hit for people choosing to take their break in the UK in 2012, VisitEngland have recently launched a campaign showcasing the advantages of taking a 'staycation' instead of heading abroad. The campaign draws on the benefits of avoiding the hassle of passport control, lengthy queues to check-in at airports, poor exchange rates and the risk that travellers' suitcases may not arrive at their destination - which happened to many when London Gatwick suffered a power failure earlier this month and the baggage conveyors did not work. The 2012 campaign has got thousands of fantastic offers to make holidaying at home more affordable than ever this year.
With all the focus pointing towards London during 2012, short breaks to the UK's capital city remain popular with holidaymakers. Latest figures from Door2Tour.com have shown a 63% rise in sales for London city breaks and this does not include sales of London theatre breaks that have also risen in popularity. Many believe that the 'Royal Effect' has also had a positive impact on the popularity of UK breaks and coach holidays in England with interest in the Royal Family reaching new heights after The Royal Wedding. Sales for Door2Tour coach holidays to Buckingham Palace, its gardens and of course Windsor Castle have risen steadily in popularity. Traditional seaside favourites are also making a comeback with resorts such as Blackpool, Bognor Regis, Scarborough and Great Yarmouth all seeing a rise in hotel bookings.
A spokesperson for Door2Tour.com commented: "Our figures have shown that although the credit crunch is still affecting many of our customers, it has not dampened their spirits where holidays are concerned. It just means that for 2012, most will be shopping around for the best deal for their money. Europe is still a temptation for holidaymakers simply because of its guarantee of sun, sea and sand. In 2011, many people who chose to have a 'staycation' were probably let down because of the typical British weather and are more determined than ever to seek out that summer sunshine in 2012. Let's hope that with all the focus on the UK and the possibility of a beautiful summer, people will be persuaded that holidaying at home is the far better option this year."
Looking for the latest FABUKBreaks offers on a wide range of UK Holiday Holiday ideas let FABTHINGS2do help you.
There are a variety of factors causing this resurgence in UK breaks with the main one being the UK playing host to some top events during 2012 such as the Queens Diamond Jubilee, The Olympics, the 100th anniversary of the maiden voyage of RMS Titanic and the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens birth. Other popular events drawing in the crowds are the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Wimbledon Tennis Championships, the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot Ladies Day.
It's not just events that are proving to be a hit for people choosing to take their break in the UK in 2012, VisitEngland have recently launched a campaign showcasing the advantages of taking a 'staycation' instead of heading abroad. The campaign draws on the benefits of avoiding the hassle of passport control, lengthy queues to check-in at airports, poor exchange rates and the risk that travellers' suitcases may not arrive at their destination - which happened to many when London Gatwick suffered a power failure earlier this month and the baggage conveyors did not work. The 2012 campaign has got thousands of fantastic offers to make holidaying at home more affordable than ever this year.
With all the focus pointing towards London during 2012, short breaks to the UK's capital city remain popular with holidaymakers. Latest figures from Door2Tour.com have shown a 63% rise in sales for London city breaks and this does not include sales of London theatre breaks that have also risen in popularity. Many believe that the 'Royal Effect' has also had a positive impact on the popularity of UK breaks and coach holidays in England with interest in the Royal Family reaching new heights after The Royal Wedding. Sales for Door2Tour coach holidays to Buckingham Palace, its gardens and of course Windsor Castle have risen steadily in popularity. Traditional seaside favourites are also making a comeback with resorts such as Blackpool, Bognor Regis, Scarborough and Great Yarmouth all seeing a rise in hotel bookings.
A spokesperson for Door2Tour.com commented: "Our figures have shown that although the credit crunch is still affecting many of our customers, it has not dampened their spirits where holidays are concerned. It just means that for 2012, most will be shopping around for the best deal for their money. Europe is still a temptation for holidaymakers simply because of its guarantee of sun, sea and sand. In 2011, many people who chose to have a 'staycation' were probably let down because of the typical British weather and are more determined than ever to seek out that summer sunshine in 2012. Let's hope that with all the focus on the UK and the possibility of a beautiful summer, people will be persuaded that holidaying at home is the far better option this year."
Looking for the latest FABUKBreaks offers on a wide range of UK Holiday Holiday ideas let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Tuesday 20 March 2012
Park Resorts turns to Linked Bingo
Park Resorts the caravan holidays specialist is up the game in their bingo offerings. The company which operates parks across the UK had always seen bingo as an attractive service for its customers, however it has not followed suit of bingo clubs themselves and online bingo operators which link up to offer bigger and better prizes.
Park Resorts are introducing Linked Bingo; Every day of the week a single Bingo game will take place across all 37 Parks offering top prizes of thousands of pounds.
The senior brand manager at Park Resorts, Gemma Francis, commented:
“This is a really exciting time for Park Resorts, for both Owners and Holidaymakers alike! Our bingo nights are always really popular with everyone on park, and now the prize values are going to be so much higher, visitors to our Parks could win a life-changing amount of money.”
Not only is bingo a lot of fun but one of the reasons why holiday parks across the UK find their entertainment centres full on bingo evenings.
Looking for the latest FABUKBreaks offers on a wide range of UK Holiday Park holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Park Resorts are introducing Linked Bingo; Every day of the week a single Bingo game will take place across all 37 Parks offering top prizes of thousands of pounds.
The senior brand manager at Park Resorts, Gemma Francis, commented:
“This is a really exciting time for Park Resorts, for both Owners and Holidaymakers alike! Our bingo nights are always really popular with everyone on park, and now the prize values are going to be so much higher, visitors to our Parks could win a life-changing amount of money.”
Not only is bingo a lot of fun but one of the reasons why holiday parks across the UK find their entertainment centres full on bingo evenings.
Looking for the latest FABUKBreaks offers on a wide range of UK Holiday Park holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Monday 19 March 2012
New Indoor Sports Facility for Scottish Holiday Park Craig Tara
Craig Tara is opening a brand new leisure facility as part of a GBP 2.2 million investment in ensuring the popular Scottish holiday park has all-day, all-weather attractions available for guests.
'Airspace' is the first of its kind for Haven, who have 35 family holiday parks around the UK and a first for Scotland, offering a unique attraction for the park.
Operations Director Paul Nicol said, 'We appreciate that the sun doesn't always shine in Scotland and felt it was really important to ensure that our guests staying at Craig Tara can have fun whatever the weather.'
The new facility features an impressive multipurpose sports arena with a three-way climbing wall, an interactive sports wall, a 'total experience' golf simulator which allows guests to enjoy all the pleasures of a game of golf without braving the elements and a gigantic themed soft play area for younger children.
A varied programme of action sports and activities is planned to help families enjoy their holiday in Scotland to the full with sessions of football, basket ball, dodge-ball, Highland games, uni-hockey, inflatable it's a knock out, mini fencing and mini archery - and the good news is that they're all free! Guests will even be able to pre-book table tennis tables, badminton, short tennis or indoor bowls to play in the three indoor courts.
Paul Nicol added, 'Airspace is part of an overall scheme to enhance our guest experience at Craig Tara. We have also added a cafe area alongside the new facility as well as a brand new 'seaside-themed' Spar shop which has an in-store bakery and lots of lovely fresh produce.'
Whilst the team at Craig Tara are excited about welcoming families into airspace when the park opens on March 16th, the new facility is just one of a range of indoor and outdoor leisure options available at the holiday park. There's a huge indoor swimming pool on several levels with slides, flumes and a splash-fun area; a nine-hole golf course with views across to the Isle of Arran; a laser combat zone and a boating lake - as well as a full programme of kids clubs, organised activities, bikes for hire and coaching in a choice of sports.
Guests can pre-purchase activity passes to book onto sessions of fencing, archery, climbing, balance bikes, roller disco and various pool activities including Water Walkerz, Aqua jets, Mini jet skis, Aqua glider and Turbo paddlers.
Windcatchers have been installed on the roof of airspace and a number of other buildings at Craig Tara. This natural ventilation system literally catches the wind and sends it into the building whilst at the same time taking the stale air out. Cool fresh sea air is provided for everyone inside without mechanical intervention!
Looking for the latest FABUKBreaks offers on a wide range of UK Holiday Park holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
'Airspace' is the first of its kind for Haven, who have 35 family holiday parks around the UK and a first for Scotland, offering a unique attraction for the park.
Operations Director Paul Nicol said, 'We appreciate that the sun doesn't always shine in Scotland and felt it was really important to ensure that our guests staying at Craig Tara can have fun whatever the weather.'
The new facility features an impressive multipurpose sports arena with a three-way climbing wall, an interactive sports wall, a 'total experience' golf simulator which allows guests to enjoy all the pleasures of a game of golf without braving the elements and a gigantic themed soft play area for younger children.
A varied programme of action sports and activities is planned to help families enjoy their holiday in Scotland to the full with sessions of football, basket ball, dodge-ball, Highland games, uni-hockey, inflatable it's a knock out, mini fencing and mini archery - and the good news is that they're all free! Guests will even be able to pre-book table tennis tables, badminton, short tennis or indoor bowls to play in the three indoor courts.
Paul Nicol added, 'Airspace is part of an overall scheme to enhance our guest experience at Craig Tara. We have also added a cafe area alongside the new facility as well as a brand new 'seaside-themed' Spar shop which has an in-store bakery and lots of lovely fresh produce.'
Whilst the team at Craig Tara are excited about welcoming families into airspace when the park opens on March 16th, the new facility is just one of a range of indoor and outdoor leisure options available at the holiday park. There's a huge indoor swimming pool on several levels with slides, flumes and a splash-fun area; a nine-hole golf course with views across to the Isle of Arran; a laser combat zone and a boating lake - as well as a full programme of kids clubs, organised activities, bikes for hire and coaching in a choice of sports.
Guests can pre-purchase activity passes to book onto sessions of fencing, archery, climbing, balance bikes, roller disco and various pool activities including Water Walkerz, Aqua jets, Mini jet skis, Aqua glider and Turbo paddlers.
Windcatchers have been installed on the roof of airspace and a number of other buildings at Craig Tara. This natural ventilation system literally catches the wind and sends it into the building whilst at the same time taking the stale air out. Cool fresh sea air is provided for everyone inside without mechanical intervention!
Looking for the latest FABUKBreaks offers on a wide range of UK Holiday Park holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
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