Monday 30 July 2012

Schools Out For Summer - Witches and Wizards Academy

Need to brush up on your broom making skills? Pot some medicinal plants for your potions? Or just learn more about how to look after and handle owls, then this is the place for you.

Witches and Wizards Academy - Scarborough Art Gallery, Scarborough

Each day children can learn a new skill that will help them to become the perfect witch or wizard. Regularly throughout the School Summer Holidays - Daily 11am - 4pm - see the web-site for more information www.scarboroughartgallery.org.uk

Cost
FREE to Under 18's
Adults £2.00
Concession £1.80

Scarborough Art Gallery, situated in Scarborough's Regency Crescent just off the town centre, houses the Borough's fine art collection. Our Gallery spaces tell the story of the town and its various influences over the years through the wonderful paintings which feature seascapes and views of Scarborough. Learn about the influence of the sea, Scarborough's early history as a holiday resort and how fashion spoke volumes about your status and position in society.

The Gallery has a lively temporary exhibition programme that features contemporary work by professional artists. Events for all the family are featured throughout the year and especially over the school holiday period.

Fears, Foes & Faeries is the 2012 feature exhibition running from 23 March to 30 Sept.

Looking for the latest FABUKBreaks offers on a wide range of UK Holiday ideas let FABTHINGS2do help you.

Friday 27 July 2012

Brits Head for UK Coast

Brits Head for UK Coast as Beach Summer Breaks Boom.

According to statistics released by Owners Direct, breaks at the British seaside are becoming increasingly popular among British holidaymakers.

Despite April to June this year being the wettest on record, it seems Brits aren’t put off from holidaying at home.

Based on an analysis of top enquiries to the holiday home rental site, Owners Direct, there has been a sharp increase in tourist hot spots at home.

Families are heading for popular UK beach destinations such as St. Ives and Newquay in Cornwall which have both seen a big rise in enquiries.

In the lead up to the summer, Owners Direct has also seen a significant increase in the number of enquiries for holidays in the Peak District.

It seems the UK weather hasn’t dampened anyone’s enthusiasm for a traditional British summer break.

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Thursday 26 July 2012

August bumper month as over 10 million Brits plan holiday at home.

UK Holiday operators set for bumper month as over 10 million Brits plan holiday at home.

More than 10 million Brits – 21 per cent of the adult population – plan to make the most of the summer by taking at least one holiday or short break in the UK, with 8.9 million of those planning to take the trip in England.

These are the findings of VisitEngland’s Summer Trip Tracker, which also discovered that the ‘staycations’ are likely to generate £2.3bn in tourism spend for the UK economy.

Around 10.8 million Brits are currently ‘undecided’ about taking a trip away during the summer, with concerns around their financial situation (39 per cent of this group) and the weather (28 per cent) being the main drivers of doubt. Twenty-two per cent are waiting to see if there are special offers or deals to take advantage of over the summer period.

“I’m delighted to see that over 10 million people are planning to holiday at home this summer,” said James Berresford, VisitEngland’s chief executive. “The industry has a vast opportunity to inspire those still undecided and convince them that England is the place to be this summer.

“If we convert even half of those who are undecided about taking a summer break in England, we could potentially contribute an additional £600m to the UK economy. The trend for last-minute bookings is strong, this coupled with the recent return of sunshine to our shores could provide the industry with a welcome boost.”

VisitEngland also revealed that Brits are fully in the Olympic spirit with 10.8 million Brits having attended the Torch Relay or torch relay event. Six per cent say they have tickets to the Olympics, while another 6 per cent are hoping to go to free events in London to soak up the atmosphere during Games time.

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Wednesday 25 July 2012

Holidaymakers Searching for Holidays in UK

Despite many British travellers flocking to warmer climates to escape the UK’s prolonged run of bad weather, there has also been a reported increase in the number of searches being made for UK holiday cottages.

Independent Cottages, an online holiday cottage directory in theUK, has reported an 18 percent rise in online searches during June 2012, when compared to the same period in 2011.

A spokesperson for Independent Cottages, said, ‘Given how awful the weather has been I would have expected traffic to drop not increase.’

Another survey by the same company also indicates a rise in the percentage of people holidaying inside the UK, mostly due to the affordability of the holidays on offer, with holiday cottages considered to be quality accommodation at reasonable prices.

However, holidaying in London during the 2012 Olympic Games may prove to be expensive, as suggested by a recent survey conducted by M&S Money. The study highlighted that a beach holiday abroad is more financially viable than staying in London during the first week of the 2012 Games, with a saving of around 25 percent.

Jane Lawson, the head of travel money at M&S Money, said, ‘Staycations are clearly popular this year, particularly as people look forward to celebrating the Jubilee and Olympics, in what will be a British summer to remember. However, with the cost of activities and eating out in theUKrelatively high, and favourable foreign exchange rates helping to make your money go further abroad, a holiday at home is not always the most affordable option.

To get the most from your holiday budget, no matter what the destination, it’s important to plan ahead. As well as looking for good deals on travel and accommodation, thinking about exchange rates, local costs and the kind of extras you will need to spend your money on will help to ensure you have the best possible holiday experience.’

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Tuesday 24 July 2012

When are they going back to school again?

Parents in the UK will spend a staggering £2,474 on childcare and entertainment this summer, according to a new study.

The overall cost of the school holidays includes an average spend of £351 on childcare, £504 on days out and £665 on additional transport and food.

Researchers also found that the financial and emotional effect of the summer break is giving 73 per cent of parents sleepless nights as they worry over how to keep their children occupied over 42 days.

The ‘School’s Out’ study by budget hotel chain Travelodge, which surveyed 5,000 British parents, revealed that the US trend of coupon collecting has become increasingly popular in the UK, with a third of British parents devoting between two to three hours each week voucher-hunting to save on household costs.

The report also found that 17 per cent of parents with children under 18 will not be taking a holiday this year, while 53 per cent of those who are taking a break are planning to stay in the UK.

And the impact of the recession was clear, with less than a third of parents able to afford to take more than one break a year.

Meanwhile reservations data from Travelodge has revealed that a new staycation trend has emerged - the revival of British road trips.

'We’re calling it "hotel hopping". People are visiting two or three destinations in a week rather than staying at just one,' said Travelodge spokeswoman Shakila Ahmed.

'Families might stop off at Eastbourne, Brighton and Bognor Regis exploring the Sussex coast, for example.
'It’s a great example of the British ability to make the best of making do – one holiday suddenly feels like more.'

The report also revealed that coastal destinations top the staycation list with 46 per cent of families heading to the sea-side this summer.

Cornwall, Edinburgh, Lake District, Devon and Blackpool were the most popular destinations for families.
However families viewed the unpredictable weather as the most significant disadvantage of staying in the UK, with 81 per cent of parents admitting that their school holiday budgets could be blown if the wet summer continues.

'Parents told us that entertaining children on rainy days is £53 more expensive than on dry days,' Shakila added. 'More rain could really put the Wellington boot into already cash-strapped parent’s budgets.

'Going to the beach and having picnics were two of the top three activities mums and dads have planned for their kids – both low cost but heavily reliant on clear skies.

'Despite aiming to spend an average of £150 less this summer than last, parents are now bracing themselves to spend hundreds of pounds more, if the weather doesn’t improve for the duration.'
NETMUMS founder Siobhan Freegard also states that a washout summer would have a major financial impact on families this season.

'Summer can be tough for families who are already struggling, as the holidays mean increased food and childcare bills, so less to spend on short breaks and days out,' she said.

'When it's sunny there are lots of options for free activities, such as outdoor treasure hunts or picnics in the park. But rainy days are harder to manage as kids are often full of energy but cooped up in the house.
'You can't beat the British weather so why not make a virtue of it? Wrap up the children in wellies and waterproofs and go puddle jumping or try a nature walk in the rain spotting snails and slugs?

'If you are stuck for indoor inspiration, think back to your youth – a pack of cards, marbles, torches in the bedroom, cardboard box robots - the things you loved as a child can all be re-introduced for the new generation.

'While getting creative takes more time to plan than a trip to a pricey theme park, it makes memories your children will treasure forever. All the research shows children want time with their parent’s more than expensive days out.'

Working parents will be taking an average 12 days off during the summer holidays according to the survey, with fifty two per cent of working parents reporting difficulties getting time off during the school holidays due to competition with colleagues who also have children and co-workers who don’t have children and don’t understand the practicalities of school holidays.

A quarter of parents felt that summer school holidays should be reduced as they found it too expensive to keep children entertained for over six weeks.

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Friday 20 July 2012

Wave Hotel: Butlins waves goodbye to the hi-de-h

The brainchild of Billy Butlin, these resorts were set up 76 years ago with the tag line that the working man should be able to have "one week’s holiday for one week’s pay". On the back of the 1938 Holiday Pay Act, which gave blue-collar workers their first paid breaks, the concept quickly caught on and in its heyday there were 10 resorts across Britain and Ireland (and one in the Bahamas) filled with family huts, knotted handkerchiefs on heads and organised fun. But as holiday companies took the all-inclusive idea to the Costas in the Eighties, with the guarantee of sunshine, Billy’s baby hit the buffers. Today, just three resorts remain – Minehead, Skegness and Bognor Regis.

Swallowed up by Bourne Leisure in 2000, the resorts have been quietly bringing themselves into the 21st century, at a cost of £125million. including the Wave, the newest of three new hotels on the Bognor Regis Resort.



Butlins offer several levels of accommodation, ranging from the basic Silver Apartments in the older buildings to the higher-end Ocean Hotel and the Wave There can be a huge difference between the cheapest rooms – £300 for a family of four for a three-night break, without food – and the most expensive, £1,330 including all meals.

It is the all-inclusive aspect that is so appealing, the idea that you don’t have to think and frantically plan for how to entertain your little darlings. Most costs are known and most of the thinking has been done for you. Much like a cruise, in fact. All-inclusive resorts like this will never replace the sort of holidays that are considered more middle class, involving quaint b&bs, secluded locations, grand country house hotels, idyllic scenery, cultural trails and adventurous activities. But they can sit quite comfortably together, though.

Looking for the latest FABUKBreaks offers on a wide range of UK Holiday ideas let FABTHINGS2do help you.

Thursday 19 July 2012

England's longest zip wire to open at the Eden Project

The longest zip wire in England – measuring 660 metres – has been unveiled at the Eden Project.

Visitors to the popular Cornish attraction, which is best known for its giant “biomes” that house a variety of exotic plants, will be able to ride the zip wire from Saturday.

They must pay £5 in addition to their general admission ticket, while those not wishing to explore the rest of the site must pay £10 to ride the zip wire, which crosses the entire 35-acre site. The ride lasts around a minute.

Gaynor Coley, the Eden Project’s chief executive, was one of the first to use it during an inauguration ceremony today. She was joined by circus performer Marco Fiera, who took to the zip wire on a Penny Farthing bicycle.

Riders must weigh between 40kg and 120kg, and must be at least 1m20 in height. Those under the age of 14 must be accompanied by someone over the age of 16, and those under the age of 18 require parental permission. See www.edenproject.com for more information.

The longest zip wire in Britain was previously found at Adrenaline Quarry, also in Cornwall, and measures 490m in length.

Meanwhile, a temporary zip wire is due to open at Wembley Stadium next month. The 200-metre wire will be open from August 16-22. See www.wembleystadium.com/tours

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Wednesday 18 July 2012

Cornwall named top holiday spot for over 50s

Cornwall has been named the top UK holiday destination for those aged 50 and over in the 50+ Awards 2012.

Fighting off competition from York and London, who took second and third place respectively, the Duchy was applauded for its variety of gardens, walks and scenic spots.

Organised and presented by the 50+ Show, the awards showcase the best that life has to offer for those who have celebrated their mid-centenarian year and cover everything from best health product to best personality across 53 categories.



Malcolm Bell, head of VisitCornwall, collected the award at the inaugural 50+ Awards Gala Reception in London.

He said: "The grey pound is vitally important to Cornwall as with 41% of our visitors aged 55 plus they could be considered our core market.

"To our benefit they are flexible in visiting times and most likely to visit during the autumn and winter which supports the development of a year-round visitor economy. This award shows that we are keeping this important visitor base happy and will help to attract new visitors."

The Award winners were decided through online nominations and votes by those aged over 50. In total 211,465 votes were cast and the Best UK Destination was among the top 20 most voted for categories.

Looking for the latest FABUKBreaks offers on a wide range of UK Holiday ideas let FABTHINGS2do help you.

Tuesday 17 July 2012

Enjoy "beautiful" English countryside on UK breaks

Britons who take UK breaks have been urged to dedicate more of their time to exploring and enjoying the magnificent countryside that can be found across so much of the country.

Expert psychologist Dr David Lewis has spoken about exactly what the English countryside has to offer and he suggested it is a shame that many people do not spend more time there. Indeed, it is not uncommon for people to take holidays in Devon, Sussex, Northumberland and other spots with a huge amount of scenic green spaces and fail to make the most of it.

He said he believes rural parts of the UK are "neglected", despite the fact there is clearly "so much the country has to offer".

"I think it would be nice if people explore some of the things that the English countryside has got to offer. There are so many beautiful places around of which we know very little about," Dr Lewis explained.

Spending time in the countryside is not all about taking in the fresh air and amazing panoramas. In fact, trips to green locations can be packed with activities, such as hiking, cycling, rafting, climbing and orienteering.
The countryside certainly has all the credentials to make for a wonderful UK holiday and should be discovered in more detail by many of the tourists who take trips to it.

Britons who are planning to enjoy a vacation in the country this summer might be wise to include a visit to one of the country's national parks in their itinerary. Spots such as Devon boast two national parks - Exmoor and Dartmoor - while other places such as Yorkshire offer easy access to several.

Walkers could be wise to prioritise a holiday in Sussex, home to the popular South Downs Way. The 100-mile route through the Hampshire and Sussex countryside can be completed over several days and allows people to enjoy an authentic experience of life in this part of the world.

Looking for the latest FABUKBreaks offers on a wide range of UK Holiday ideas let FABTHINGS2do help you.

Monday 16 July 2012

London 2012 Olympics journey planner

Transport for London will operate a range of new social media platforms to assist and inform commuters before and during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

With approximately one million more people than usual expected to be in the capital during the forthcoming Olympic Games, London commuters and incoming visitors are being warned that the city’s transport network will be under unprecedented strain. Today TfL has announced the full list of social media platforms and planning tools it is making available to those who will be travelling through the city during Games time.

In addition to TfL’s permanent Twitter account (@TfLOfficial) a number of Transport for London Twitter accounts will be providing additional advice on how services and roads are operating during the Games period. They are @TfLTrafficNews, @TfLTraveAlerts and @GAOTG. Individual Twitter accounts also exist for each of London Underground’s Tube lines, the DLR, London Overground and the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme. You can find a complete list of TfL’s Twitter, Facebook and YouTube accounts here.

Transport for London is warning commuters that each day of the Games will be different, with certain stations and interchanges set to be exceptionally busy when important events are held nearby. The website www.getaheadofthegames.com has been set up to give commuters notice of how busy their journeys are likely to be and is recommended reading for travellers looking to plan their journeys through London in advance of their arrival. Already the service has been used by 1.5 million people. Londoners will also be able to sign up for email alerts to help them plan their commute during the Games at www.tfl.gov.uk/gamesemails while ticket holders are advised to use the Spectator Journey Planner to plan their journey to Olympics venues. Wi-Fi is now available in a number of London Tube stations and will be complimentary during the Games period so commuters will be able to access updates on the move.

The social media accounts and travel mailing lists introduced by TfL are supplemented by a number of other online travel platforms. This week Concentra launched an interactive graphic detailing which Tube stations are likely to face the most severe disruptions on any given day of the Olympics; Google maps, meanwhile, is now offering cycling directions which should be of use to Londoners who are planning on cycling to work during the Games.

Looking for the latest FABUKBreaks offers on a wide range of UK Holiday ideas let FABTHINGS2do help you.

Friday 6 July 2012

Sun Holidays from £9.50 are back.

GET away for less, with over 290 parks across the UK and Europe to choose from.

Sun Holidays from £9.50 are back.

The Sun have got holidays in September, October and November at hundreds of fabulous parks in the UK, Ireland, France (inc. Corsica), Spain, Italy, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Austria.

They've even a couple of late summer breaks in early September from just £15 per person.

TO book your holiday, simply Collect TEN differently-numbered tokens from those that are being printing in The Sun.




Check out the park listings and some top tips and deals, complete the booking form. Then attach your tokens and you’ll soon be enjoying the holiday bargain of a lifetime.

WHEN TO GO:

These are the starting dates for Sun holidays from £9.50:

Monday-Friday (4 night breaks): September 10, 17, 24 October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 November 5, 12, 19, 26

Friday-Monday (3 night breaks): September 14, 21, 28 October 5, 12, 19, 26 November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

These are the starting dates for Sun holidays from £15:

Monday-Friday (4 night breaks): September 3

Friday-Monday (3 night breaks): September 7

Looking for the latest FABUKBreaks offers on a wide range of UK Holiday ideas let FABTHINGS2do help you.