STUNNING SNOWDONIA Short breaks and holidays in the U.K. are back in fashion in a big way. If you’re looking for stunning scenery with plenty to see and do, then Snowdonia in North Wales definitely ticks all the right boxes and in my opinion should definitely feature on the top of your ‘to do’ list The Snowdonia National Park, covering a vast 840 square miles, is one of the most amazing areas of outstanding natural beauty I have come across. The dramatic mountain ranges, with Snowdon standing majestically in their midst, cascade down into green fertile valleys with streams and sensational waterfalls eventually leading to the sea. Little picture-book villages are scattered high and low, and all seem to have their own story to tell and sights to see. With a breathtaking heritage coastline, castles and culture, industrial heritage, fabulous little railways, gardens, parks and family fun, Snowdonia is just waiting to be explored. WHERE TO STAY There’s lots of accommodation choice from camping and caravan sites, to B&B’s and many hotels throughout the region. I decided to combine my stay with one of North Wales’ most popular visitor attractions - Portmeirion PORTMEIRION VILLAGE The famous Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis certainly picked a fabulous spot in 1925 when he embarked on creating the inspirational village and gardens known as Portmeirion. The Italianate Village was finally completed in 1976 and is testimony to how a naturally beautiful landscape could be developed without spoiling it. Built on its own private peninsular with sensational views across the estuary, I was able to wander and experience a charming, quirky world of meandering streets and cliff top towers. If you’re of a certain age you’ll recall the cult television series The Prisoner starring the late Patrick McGoohan. The series was filmed at Portmeirion in 1967 and was subsequently instrumental in bringing many more visitors to this unique village resort. There’s a dedicated Prisoner shop selling memorabilia and the village is still very much a focus point for Prisoner fans. There are over 50 buildings of various styles and character. There are shops, cafes, restaurant, an audio visual show and a Portmeirion Pottery seconds shop. Seventeen of the quirky cottages are now let as self-catering accommodation sleeping from 3 to 8 people. The village is surrounded by over 70 acres of sub-tropical gardens and woodlands. There are lakes and miles of pathways with set walks for you to choose from. I took the opportunity to walk along the headland to the lighthouse, a sensational walk in itself but for me enhanced by simply stopping half way round to listen to the peace and solitude of the area. PORTMEIRION HOTEL The legendary Portmeirion Hotel was the base for my ‘staycation’. This hotel offers superb luxury accommodation still all in keeping with the design and vision of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. For me to try and describe the view across the estuary from my room (number 6 of course) would be doing it an injustice, it’s just something you will have to see and experience for yourself! I found the level of service throughout the hotel to be excellent. The restaurant, lounge and bar were very comfortable and relaxing and the restaurant offered a first class menu. And as for the full Welsh breakfast in the morning ......... a definite must! During my stay a wedding took place in the village. Portmeirion is licensed for civil weddings and I must say the village and hotel provided a romantic, fairytale setting for the bride and groom. Their reception was held in the hotel restaurant with delightful background music played by a Welsh harpist. There’s a pdf brochure about weddings at Portmeirion on their website www.portmeirion-village.com The website also gives details of accommodation choice and various offers. David Powell, travel and features MORE INFORMATION For further information on the attractions of Snowdonia you can have a look at the following websites: http://www.visitsnowdonia.info http://www.attractionsofsnowdonia.com http://www.tpnw.org David has also produced a great 2.5 min video review of Snowdonia and this can be seen by clicking on http://bit.ly/bcBB3b _____________________________________________________________ Isle of Man attractions open The Isle of Man is home to some of the best attractions that Britain has to offer and a host of unique hot spots across the Island are now open for the start of the season. These, coupled with the spectacular landscapes and stunning coastlines will guarantee an exciting holiday to remember. At around only an hour’s flight from most UK airports and slightly longer by ferry, the Isle of Man is much closer than you may think. From April, the Island’s famous attractions including the Laxey Wheel, Cregneash Village, Castle Rushen and Milntown will open to the public, providing an ideal time to explore this gem in the Irish Sea. As an Island steeped in history, the Isle of Man has an array of attractions. Unlike elsewhere in Britain, here you will find working Victorian railways, world-class road-racing events, ancient fortresses and the world’s largest working water wheel. The Laxey Wheel, built in 1854, was historically used to pump 250 gallons of water a minute from the Laxey mines 1500ft below ground. Today thrill-seekers can climb the dizzy heights of this magnificent structure and take in stunning views of the Island from over 70ft. For a more relaxing experience, take a leisurely drive to Cregneash Village where the National Folk Museum re-enacts the farming history of the Island. Wander round the village, listening to actors recalling stories of traditional Manx life, and take part in some of the craft workshops on offer. Before leaving the museum, be sure to take a few pictures of the spectacular scenery which overlooks the Calf of Man –some of the best views on the Island. The Isle of Man is also home to one of the most finely preserved castles in Europe, Castle Rushen, in the centre of the historic capital, Castletown. Take a trip to the ancient fortress of the Kings and Lords of Mann to see the dungeons and clock tower in all their glory before visiting the Old House of Keys, the former home of the Manx Parliament and centre of 19th Century political life. Here, budding politicians can take a seat in the debating chamber and vote on crucial issues that the Manx Parliament have faced in the past. Milntown is reputed to be the oldest continually habited dwelling on the Island. Take in the atmosphere of this well kept secret by exploring the beautiful gardens, before stopping at the cafe for some well earned lunch or afternoon tea. Keep your eyes open for the ghostly sightings which have also been reported by visitors. On your way back, take a final stop to take in the beauty of the Isle of Man through a trip to the Camera Obscura, on Douglas Head - one of only a few still in working order in the British Isles. The camera provides spectacular views of Douglas, and after being historically used to spy on other tourists at the bathing baths, it remains a fascinating object of interest. National Trust members can get into any of the Manx National Heritage sites for free. For more information on the Isle of Man or to request a 2010 brochure please visit http://www.visitisleofman.com _________________________________________________________________ ATTRACTIONS OF TENERIFE A popular tourist destination, Tenerife has something for everyone. Claire Oliver discovers some excellent days out on the island and felt like a film star on a ‘Whale and Dolphin Watching’ expedition. Did she manage to spot any of these wonderful creatures in their natural habitat? Read on and find out INTRODUCTION The Canary Island of Tenerife is the perfect year-round destination whether it’s for a romantic break away, a quick ‘run to the sun’ or a two week family holiday. I recently visited the ‘Sunshine Island’ and found that there is something here for everyone. Just a four hour flight from London Gatwick and I reached the south of Tenerife which is the most popular part of the island. The main tourist resorts are Los Christianos and Playa de las Americas and the choice of hotels here is quite staggering! From 3 star affordable’s to top class 5 star luxury. I chose a self catering resort in Golf Del Sur, a ten minute drive from Playa de las Americas. This is a much quieter area, just on the outskirts of the busy tourist regions. As there is so much to do on the island car hire was on my agenda for visiting some of the main attractions. LORO PARQUE Loro Parque is situated to the north of Puerto de la Cruz. This fantastic park has been open since 1972. It began as a paradise for parrots, and has developed into one of the biggest attractions of the Canary Islands. The parrots are still there but it is now also home to a wide range of animals set amongst tropical palm trees and exotic vegetation with stunning Thai architecture. A visit to this unique park must include the shows where you are able to experience a truly breathtaking dolphin, sea lion and Orca performance. The relationship between the animals and their trainers is remarkable and with a large screen and seating constructed to guarantee an unrestricted view, it was an amazing sight to see. However, for me, the truly special performance of the day was from the parrots. Their antics included roller skating and adding up, to selecting a beer from a vending machine. The Loro Parque parrots really are impressive and they captured the hearts and humour of the audience. In addition to the shows there’s an attraction called ‘Planet Penguin’. Entering a tunnel of ice you reach ‘Antarctica’, where up to 12 tonnes of snow is produced daily to keep the penguins comfortable. A visit to Loro Parque is a great day out. SIAM PARK Known as ‘The Water Kingdom’, this is a relatively new addition to Tenerife. It is the largest theme park with aquatic attractions in Europe located in south Tenerife. It is themed around the ancient Kingdom of Siam and has a fantastic selection of exciting rides. Whether you want to surf on huge 3 metre waves or relax on a glorious white, sandy beach, there is something for everyone here. For the ultimate burst of adrenaline you should head for the ‘Tower of Power’ an incredible water slide with an eye watering 25 metre drop. If you can’t quite manage to stand at the top waiting for your 3 second countdown - It’s great fun just to watch the thrill seekers dropping at what seems an incredible speed. If that’s not enough, try ‘The Dragon’ with his mammoth jaws gaping open as you hurtle closer and closer and higher and higher! As with any family styled theme park, it’s not all about extreme rides. You’ll also find some tamer but equally thrilling water rides with names such as ‘Jungle Snake’, ‘The Giant’ and ‘The Volcano’ Children even have their own water adventure world called ‘The Lost City’ and they have great fun exploring this area. Siam Park also has a wide selection of restaurants and shops. Whale & Dolphin Cruise Before my return to the UK I had to experience this attraction which I had heard so much about. I headed towards the harbour of Puerto Cólon, Costa Adeje where I boarded the Lina Yacht for a three hour whale and dolphin cruise with just 8 other guests! I felt like a film star as we sailed the Atlantic Ocean sunbathing and relaxing on deck as the experienced crew happily searched for whales and dolphins. Before long a lone dolphin and a family of Pilot Whales were spotted. These inquisitive creatures, clearly feeling safe in their own environment, approached the boat giving us all some wonderful photo opportunities. To finish off, the yacht anchored just shy of the shore and this gave us the chance to cool off in the crystal clear, luke warm ocean before receiving refreshments of soft drinks, beer and sandwiches. This is definitely an experience I would thoroughly recommend on a visit to Tenerife. Claire Oliver - staff writer INFO BOX For more information on Tenerife in general and the specific attractions Claire visited please refer to: • www.webtenerifeuk.co.uk • www.loroparque.com • www.siampark.net • www.linayachts.com The Lina Yacht is operated by Charter Sailing Rainbow and a 3 hour excursion cost 55 euros per person at the time of Claire’s visit. There is a maximum of just 12 people per yacht. The reservation number to call is +34 630 710 925 ______________________________________________________________ Enjoying Lichfield in Super Staffs! Looking into the attractions of Staffordshire, David Powell finds a beautiful, laid back City, ‘bursting’ with national treasures…… INTRODUCTION With more and more of us choosing to holiday or take regular short breaks in the U.K it’s amazing to discover the fantastic sights and attractions that are right on our doorstep. The beautiful county of Staffordshire is certainly no exception. Once synonymous with the traditional industries of pottery, mining, steel and textiles, Staffordshire is now a booming tourist region. Here you can find culture, nature and adventure with miles of roaming countryside, historic forests, meandering canals, stately homes, museums, theme parks, fine food and drink …… in fact it’s a county ‘bursting’ with national treasures. THE HERITAGE CITY Lichfield is the county’s premier heritage City situated in southern Staffordshire and within easy reach of the Midlands motorway network and just a couple of hours by train from London. In bygone days when the country relied upon coach and horse for transportation, Lichfield prospered as a long distance staging post. Along came the railways and the beautiful, laid back charm of the City blossomed. ACCOMMODATION I stayed at The George Hotel, a former coaching inn ideally situated in the heart of Lichfield and found this to be a perfect relaxing base from which to explore the area. With 45 en-suite rooms, including some with fabulous four poster beds, a popular carvery restaurant and private car park, The George Hotel offers an excellent standard of accommodation and service and has, at the same time, managed to retain its 18th Century charm and character. Other types of accommodation are plentiful in Lichfield District suitable for couples, families and groups. EXPLORING LICHFIELD Lichfield is easily and best explored on foot and if, like me, you pick up a copy of the Heritage Trail booklet available from the Tourist Information Centre situated in the foyer of the Garrick Theatre, this will help you explore the quaint streets, glorious parkland and stunning architecture. The City has a rich and varied history. Dr. Samuel Johnson, compiler of the first English dictionary, was born in Lichfield and his house near the market square is now an interesting museum and bookshop, offering a unique insight into his life. On the trail you’ll also discover Erasmus Darwin’s House, where you can learn about the Grandfather of Charles Darwin; The Lichfield Heritage Centre; The Tudor of Lichfield historic tea and coffee shop and the stunning Lichfield Cathedral. The medieval Cathedral with its awesome architecture, three spires, a fascinating history and fantastic views across the City, is well worth a visit, if only to take in the wonderful feeling of peace and serenity you will find inside. THE GARRICK THEATRE After a few hours on the Heritage Trail, I thoroughly enjoyed an evening show. The popular Garrick Theatre is modern, very comfortable and regularly offers comedy, drama music and more. Details of forthcoming shows are listed on the theatres website, or of course, the box office can assist. SHOPPING & EATING OUT The City has a blend of specialist and independent shops sitting happily alongside the usual high street retailers, so you’re sure to find something unique. There’s an abundance of restaurants and cafes and every taste seems to be catered for. I had a particularly outstanding meal, in fine surroundings at the award winning Chandlers Restaurant, twice winner of the Staffordshire good food awards. I would, however, urge you to book in advance as this lovely restaurant is always in demand. THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM Their names will live for evermore ... Just a short drive from Lichfield is this most amazing and wonderful memorial. Covering 150 acres there are more than 150 major memorials together with over 50,000 trees. Opened in 2006, visitor numbers are continually growing. The centrepiece is the Armed Forces Memorial which is the nation’s moving tribute to those lost in conflict since the end of WWII. The towering Portland Stone walls are engraved with the names of over 16,000 servicemen and women who have died on duty or as a result of terrorism. The National Memorial Arboretum is a world class centre for remembrance. There is a Far East Prisoner of War Memorial Building and the inspirational Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness observes a daily silence at 11.00am. The Arboretum is well signposted, with a large car park and a visitor centre with cafe and gift shop. In a county with so much to offer, the Heritage City of Lichfield makes for a great start and a super short break destination. David Powell travel journalist For more details and information visit: • www.visitlichfield.co.uk • www.enjoystaffordshire.com • www.thegeorgelichfield.co.uk • www.chandlersrestaurant.co.uk • www.thenma.org.uk (the Arboretum website) • www.troopaid.co.uk • www.lichfieldgarrick.com __________________________________________________________________ CAPTIVATING CRETE Crete is the largest of the Greek islands lying in the South East Mediterranean and is the legendary birthplace of the Greek God Zeus. For a relaxing holiday,with the option to explore Crete’s fascinating history, a 5 star luxury stay at Aldemar Hotels’ Royal Village, and the adjacent award winning Thalasso and Spa Centre, ticks all the right boxes …… INTRODUCTION The history of Crete stretches back thousands of years. It was home to Europe’s first civilisation, the Minoans, from around 3000 years B.C. to 1100 years B.C., during which time they built extravagant palaces. The remains of these buildings are now major tourist attractions with the Palace of Knossos being Crete’s biggest crowd puller. Other highlights on a holiday to Crete include the Gorge of Samaria, a natural wonder that is a must for nature lovers and walkers, and for beach lovers there’s the famous Vai beach with palm trees, the uncrowded Xerokambos beach or the Matala beach with its artificial caves. With its long hot summers the island of Crete is bathed in sunshine from May to late October with hardly any rainfall during the peak months of June, July and August. If you are looking for a relaxing break with the option to explore Crete’s fascinating history then Aldemar Hotels offer exclusive holidays that cater for your every need. GETTING THERE Aldemar have two luxury, 5 star hotels situated in Hersonissos approximately 25 km east along the coast from the capital Heraklion. Just over 4 hours flying time from the U.K., there are a number of airlines offering daily direct flights. EasyJet provide a straightforward service from Gatwick with good time slots and even with the Speedy Boarding option (first through the gate, seats are not allocated) this was the cheapest on the day. HOTEL FACILITIES The Royal Mare Village and The Knossos Royal Village are situated very close to one another. My week’s stay was at the Royal Village. This is a stunning and stylish hotel with the whole complex laid out to sweep to the sandy beach with breathtaking views out over the turquoise-blue waters of the Cretan Sea. From the hotel reception and main restaurant the hotel grounds are beautifully designed as a mix of two storey villas between exotic, well kept gardens. As you would expect from a hotel of this calibre, there’s an excellent choice of restaurants and bars and the standard of service was impeccable. I had a number of wonderfully prepared meals at the Artemis and Fontana Amorosa restaurants. This hotel has 346 rooms consisting of double rooms and family rooms suitable for two to four persons, so this is an all round hotel equally at home for couples and families; with children being particularly well catered for. There are two central outdoor pools, one with a 45 metre waterslide, great fun for the young and not so young! In addition there are two private pools for the exclusive use of guests staying in rooms near the sea. There were plenty of comfortable beds and shade - a perfect setting for relaxing days in the sun. All guest rooms are furnished to an outstandingly high standard and the facilities for children are excellent. Children have the option of eating in their own restaurant with specially tailored menus, there are children’s playgrounds, mini-clubs and a super early evening disco near the main bar where the kids were having a great time every evening before heading off to bed tired and happy. SPORTS & ACTIVITIES In addition to the usual sports facilities such as table-tennis, mini golf, keep fit, etc, there is a dedicated water sports centre near the private beach offering a range of water sports such as canoeing, diving, windsurfing, water skiing, and banana rides. The famous Tennis Academy is situated in the grounds of the adjacent Royal Mare Village Hotel and has seven international standard clay courts and a practice court with training wall. Bookings are easily made at reception or even on-line before you go! Entertainment is laid on both during the day and the evening arranged by the lively and hard working animation team, either in the hotel complex or in the open air amphitheatre. THALASSO & SPA RESORT The Royal Mare award winning Thalasso is listed among the 10 best Thalasso Centres in the world and I could easily see why. An extensive range of treatments for men and women dedicated entirely to well-being were on offer, including wellness, new energy, body shape, anti-cellulite, slimming, vein tone and harmonia. The Royal Massage was an experience which totally relaxed and unstressed my body. The Thalasso Centre is a luxurious 4000 square metre environment with first class treatment rooms, swimming pools, beauty and fitness facilities and knowledgeable, helpful staff. The building just oozes luxury and relaxation. CONCLUSION I went looking for a super hotel, at a great price with excellent facilities, access to a world class spa and wonderful dining options. I wasn’t disappointed, I found all this and more at the Royal Village in Crete. For more information have a look at the fact box below. David Powell - travel journalist FACT BOX • For more details, special offers and to book online visit: • www.aldemarhotels.com • www.aldemarholidays.com • for bookings and more info you can also telephone 0844 209 4099 ********************************************************** TY’N RHOS COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL REVIEW Introduction There are many things you expect from a hotel, mostly dependent on the time of day. • A warm, friendly welcome when you arrive, particularly after a long drive. • How about a stunning view over 50 acres of rolling countryside with views of the Anglesey coast and the Snowdonia National Park in the distance? • You’ll expect a first class restaurant serving an excellent choice of food and wine and where nothing is too much trouble. • Cotton Egyptian sheets and a bed you sink into. • Spacious well appointed rooms with en-suite facilities. I could easily go on, for I am reviewing The Ty’n Rhos Country House Hotel. SNOWDONIA I recently visited North Wales to experience a ‘long weekend’ break and explore Snowdonia. Covering approximately 840 square miles, the Snowdonia National Park is truly an area of outstanding natural beauty. There are unsurpassed views and an amazing amount of attractions which include the mountain ranges, with Snowdon peaking at 1085m (the highest in England and Wales), mountain railways, historic castles galore, beautiful coastal towns to explore, fantastic wonderfully restored ‘little trains of Wales’, woodland parks and the slate heritage of days gone by. For the more adventurous there’s pursuits such as rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking. HOTEL FACILITIES Ty’n Rhos is ideally situated as a base to explore the area or just to get away and relax, either on your own, as a couple or with friends and family. Situated on the outskirts of the historic town of Caernafon, this is 5 star luxury accommodation. My ‘superior’ room with a large en-suite, overlooked the landscaped garden and lake. After one of the best night’s sleep I could remember for some time, I awoke to a fantastic view and a peaceful silence, something you have to experience to believe. With the bathroom window open I felt strangely guilty as the sound of my electric shaver seemed to shatter the peace and quiet! Breakfast is at a civilised 8:30, cereals, juices, pots of tea or coffee and the full Welsh breakfast will set you up for the day. Run by husband and wife Martin and Janet James, they and their dedicated staff leave nothing to chance. There are 14 individually designed bedrooms and two separate self-contained cottages which are ideal for families on an optional self-catering basis. Martin and his team of talented chefs use fresh local ingredients; meat from local farms and butchers and freshly caught local fish. In the summertime vegetables and herbs are straight from their own kitchen garden. There are many meal options available and evening dinner is a splendid five course fine dining menu. There is a comfortable lounge, perfect for relaxing after dinner and the relatively new luxurious conservatory offers a splendid chance to enjoy a pre-dinner drink or afternoon tea whilst you sit and admire the far reaching views. CONFERENCES & WEDDINGS There is a specialised conference venue which accommodates from 2 to 60 people and if a wedding is on your horizon then you may wish to consider Ty’n Rhos as a perfect, fairy tale setting where everything is taken care of for you. Janet and her team will happily work with you to ensure your special day is as perfect as possible. Do have a look at the Ty’n Rhos website for photo’s, more details and special offers Ty’n Rhos - “All together a truly outstanding country house hotel” - David Powell, travel editor CONTACTS AND MORE INFORMATION Ty’n Rhos: Website: http://www.tynrhos.co.uk Telephone 01248 670489 Address: Ty’n Rhos, Seion, Llanddeiniolen, Nr Caernafon, Snowdonia. LL55 3AE Snowdonia: Websites: http://www.attractionsofsnowdonia.com http://www.visitsnowdonia.info http://www.star-attractions.co.uk """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" THE BOAT THAT KEEPS ON ROCKING – RADIO CAROLINE The release of the Richard Curtis film and dvd, The Boat That Rocked, has revived public awareness of Easter Sunday 1964, when Radio Caroline arrived off the UK coast, bringing all day pop music and destroying the broadcasting monopoly of the BBC. While the film is unashamedly a lightweight comedy, it will be seen as based on and inspired by Caroline. But, by using the past tense, there is the danger of reinforcing the false notion that the Caroline story started in 1964 and ended with Government legislation in 1967. In fact, it did not. The Marine Offences Act used all possible means to suppress offshore broadcasting and silenced other pirate stations but Caroline defied the law and continued rocking at sea until 1989. It was then that the UK and Dutch Governments working together, exasperated by the stations dogged survival, mounted an armed raid on the Radio Caroline ship, wrecking the vessel and stealing the broadcasting equipment. Limited reporting on Caroline in the media after 1967, was not due to lack of interest, but because Editors were threatened with imprisonment by the Government for admitting that the station still existed. Enthusiasts were jailed for wearing Radio Caroline T Shirts and for taking fuel to the floating radio station. Eventually the Caroline ship Ross Revenge was shipwrecked and the station unwillingly came ashore, reviving itself as a Sky Satellite and Internet broadcaster and is now transmitting internationally via new IPTV technology. Ross Revenge was salvaged and is in a UK port, being rebuilt. Station staff avoid questions about what she may be used for when the refit is complete. Peter Moore, boss of Radio Caroline, said. “While the film will no doubt be entertaining and successful, it is at best a two year snapshot of a remarkable and ongoing 45 year history. To coincide with the film, the BBC and various commercial stations will ‘pretend’ to be pirates through special programming, but the public do not have to regret the loss of Radio Caroline, they can tune in to it today. The Caroline ethic is simple. Same ideology, new technology.” ___________________________________________________________________ THE SHEPWAY ADVERTISER - Shepway loves it ! __________________________________________________________________ Disclaimer:- all external sites are given in good faith, but you will appreciate that we have no control over the content of external sites.