Bridlington is a seaside resort and a small port located on the North Sea. It is situated just south of the promontory known as Flamborough Head and provides you with easy access to the towns of Hull and Scarborough.

Bridlington has much to offer, even if you don’t venture out to towns like Hull and Scarborough. Below we take a look at just a few of the attractions you may consider visiting if you decide to spend some time in the seaside resort of Bridlington.

1. Sewerby Hall and Gardens are located on the cliff tops above Bridlington and form the gateway to Flamborough heritage coast. When you arrive you are greeted with views from the house and garden over Bridlington’s north bay. The hall was originally built between 1714 and 1720 but was not actually opened to the public until 1936 when Bridlington Council purchased it. The hall itself houses an exhibition of souvenirs and mementoes relating to the world famous aviator Amy Johnson who came from Bridlington.

Also for the children there is the zoo that they can enjoy which houses many different types of domestic and wild mammals. Plus a large number of reptiles and birds. Amongst the creatures housed here are Cameroon sheep, llamas, parakeets, monkeys and Humboldt penguins.

2. Bridlington Leisure World is another, more modern, place you can visit. It is a great place to spend the day when the weather isn’t as nice as it could be as it has 3 swimming pools for you to use. It also features a wave pool and water slides. Also if you are there on a Friday evening and you have children with you who are over eight years of age they can then try out the inflatable assault course.

However, if you are on your own with your partner then you could try out the centre’s state of the art gymnasium. The gym has the latest in exercise equipment and excellent views of Bridlington Bay. Plus there are fully trained staff to help you and who can provide a health check service if you wish.

3. Bridlington Yorkshire Belle is the cruise service which allows you to see the spectacular cliffs and coast line from the sea as it sails around Flamborough Head and takes you to Bempton’s Bird Sanctuary. The current Yorkshire Belle was built and has been in service since 1947 as the original built in 1938 was destroyed during the Second World War. The cruise itself lasts for around one hour and drinks and snacks are available on board.

4. Adults and children will all enjoy the John Bull Rock Factory and Candy Kingdom. For more than three generations now they have been producing traditional kinds of confectionary along with biscuits and chocolate. They are famous for producing sticks of rock. This attraction is just located a short distance from Bridlington in Carnaby. As well as touring the factory you have the chance to join the work force so you can make your own lollipops and rock.

Make sure that you have an enjoyable stay in Bridlington and book your hotel in Bridlington here.

Swindon is in the county of Wiltshire has good transport links to the rest of the country.  It lies around 40 miles from Bristol and 40 miles from Reading. Whilst 81 miles to the east of Swindon is England’s capital, London. 

If you are looking to explore Wiltshire then Swindon makes an ideal base. There are lots of good quality hotels in Swindon and the surrounding area. As for places to visit there is Cotswold Wildlife Park to the north of the town along with Cotswold Water Park.  Otherwise there are place such as Bowood House and Lacock Abbey to visit as well. 

There are lots of places to see that are closer to Swindon and her we take a look at some of these. 

About 30 minutes drive from Swindon is Avebury Stone Circle. This is larger than Stonehenge but less famous. But you still have the opportunity unlike at Stonehenge which is short drive away to wander around the stones and get up close and personal with them. 

Avebury Stone circle encompasses part of the village where it is located. Plus surrounding it are ditches and external banks and for you to approach the village you would have had to walk through an avenue of the stones. The stones were re-erected by Alexander Keiller during the 1930’s. There is a museum on site including a 17th Century thatched threshing barn and you can find out more about the sites history. The museum is quite hands on and interactive. 

As mentioned above to the north of Swindon is Cotswold Wildlife Park which houses a wide variety of animals from across the globe. There is a pride of Asiatic lions plus rhinos, leopards and assorted primates. There are also smaller mammals such as meerkats together with penguins and other tropical birds. All in all, the park makes for a great family day out.  For the children to help get rid of some of that energy they have they can try out the adventure playground. Plus during the summer months they have the chance to get close up and personal with some animals and watch some wonderful birds of prey.

Another place of interest is Lacock Abbey which was converted into a house in around 1540. Fortunately the sacristy ceiling, chapter house, monastic rooms and medieval cloisters have remained largely intact. But along with exploring the abbey and the sixteenth Century stable courtyard there is also the Museum of Photography for you to explore as well. The museum was established to commemorate the life of the inventor William Fox Talbot who lived at Lacock Abbey during his life in the 1800’s. If you have a sense of deja vu about this building then it has been used a number of times as location for TV and film productions including the Harry Potter films.

When you next visit Swindon, book your hotel in Swindon here.

FurReal Pup

Christmas is such an exciting but expensive time, especially for families with young children. With children being targeted by TV advertising, it is an almost impossible task to decide what toy to purchase with our hard-earned cash.

The British Toy Retailers Association represents over 150 members in the toy industry with its members selling over 90% of the toys sold in the UK market. Being an independant body established over fifty years ago, it acts as the voice of retailers to take into account what customers are looking for, what children find exciting and keeping an eye on the latest trend in new products. Every year, following the major toy fairs where all the new products are introduced, they produce a list of what they found to be exciting and what they forsee as the top selling toys the following Christmas.

In days long gone the ultimate high-tech toy was a clockwork train. Nowadays we can find amazing toys including toy dogs that obey your spoken command, dollys that eat, drink, sleep, cry….and pee !! and a whole plethora of electronic toys which range from consoles to voice changing masks to funny little machines that detect weird mutants loitering in the very air that we breathe.

Let’s take a look at a few of this year’s stars and we’ve simply got to start with that lifelike puppy. It’s made by FurReal and named “Biscuit - My Lovin’ Pup“. It costs a a hefty £119.95, but this amazing life-sized Golden Retriever puppy obeys your every command. He sits, lays down, gives you his paw and has umpteen sensors that tell him when you’re stroking him so that he can make little puppy yelps and barks whilst wagging his tail. Leave him alone for a minute or two and he nods off and starts snoring.

It’s time to move from cuddly and cute to high-tech, sci-fi and totally weird. The Catcha Beast is a little hand held, battery operated toy that detects invisible beings that inhabit the atmosphere around the user. Once the monster is detected then it has to be wound into the machine. It’s very difficult to describe, if you click on the following link, there’s a video that shows the gadget in use. The Catcha Beast is for sale at £17.95.

Our final offering is priced halfway between those earlier toys. Elmo Live has escaped from Sesame Street and costs £59.95. He’s another amazing creation with the ability to speak, sing, sit and stand together with crossing his legs whilst seated on a chair telling stories. He isn’t voice activated like Biscuit the pup, but he performs a number of actions if you squeeze his foot, tummy, back or nose.

So there we have it. Three of the toys voted as the best of the year by the toy industry. Check out our top toy website for a selection of other fine presents.

Swansea is probably one of the most vibrant and lively of all the cities in Wales. Not only is there much for you to do and see in this city but also in the surrounding area as well. Just a short distance away by car is the seaside resort of Mumbles and favorite with people during Victorian times. Below we take a look at just a few of the places one can visit when you visit Swansea. 

1.    Swansea Castle - This ancient fortification has stood here for nearly 1,000 years now. Originally not only was it lived in but acted as the administrative centre for the city. Prince Owain Glyndwr attacked the castle in the fourteenth Century. In the 19th Century it was used as a debtor’s prison. The tower that survives is located in the heart of the city and stands over the amphitheatre and fountains that was where the market use to be some 500 years ago.

2.    Swansea Museum – This museum explores the history of Swansea. It is now the oldest museum in the whole of Wales and the poet Dylan Thomas who came from the city described it as “A museum which belongs in a museum”. Along with its collection of rare early nineteeth Century Swansea porcelain one will find the mummy of a four thousand year old Egyptian priest and the skeleton of an Ichthyosaur. 

3.    National Waterfront Museum – This is situated in the Maritime Quarter of the city’s marina and has the largest collection of floating exhibits to be found in Wales today. The museum offers a large number of interactive displays. So if you have inquisitive children with you then this is a great place to spend an afternoon. 

4.    Museum of Egyptian Antiquities – This is the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts you will find in the UK outside London. The museum is home to over 1,000 objects dating back to between 3500 BC and AD500. Again admission in to this museum as with the one previously spoken about is free.  So if the weather isn’t as wonderful as you hoped spend a few hours wandering through the museums halls will help to pass the time.

5.    Margam Stones Museum – This is situated 15 miles to the east of Swansea in the town of Port Talbot. It features the Celtic standing stones collection that have been gathered here from across Wales. There are the giant cartwheel crosses which are more than 1,000 years old along with an ornate Christian memorial stone that dates back to before the Roman’s conquered the country.

6.    Plantasia – Here you have the chance to enjoy and explore all kinds of environments to be found around the world.  Inside the glass pyramid the climate is controlled and you will find yourself wandering from a rainforest to a desert. Along with the attraction containing 5,000 different kinds of tropical and exotic plants there is the aviary and butterfly house to enjoy. There is also a range of fish and reptiles and some Cotton Top Tamarin Monkeys.

When you next stay in Swansea, you can choose your Swansea hotel here.

The city of Peterborough is located in the county of Cambridgeshire in the East of England. The town itself is situated on the River Nene which then flows directly in to the North Sea which is about 40 miles to the North East of the town. Although there is not much for one to view in the city itself there are many wonderful attractions one can enjoy in the surrounding area. Here we look at just a few of these attractions when you stay in Peterborough.

One place that is favored by many visitors to the city of Peterborough is Flag Fen Archaeology Park. Here you will find a wooden causeway and platform that stretches for 1 kilometre and which has been preserved perfectly through the ages. The causeway was built 3,500 years ago and was used by the Celtic fen dwellers for rituals and worship purposes.

But it isn’t just the preserved causeway that brings visitors to this attraction it is the chance to see how our ancestors lived during the Bronze Age. You can also see what life was like more than 3,500 years ago as well as examining many of the artifacts from this era including swords and personal items that have been found here.

Another place that many people like to visit is Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre, located deep in the heart of Cambridgeshire. Along with the 18th Century Mill and Country Farm to enjoy there are other things that will keep the children amused whilst visiting it. Bonnie is one of the horses at the Shire Horse Centre and if you visit in the spring then why not cheer the lambs on at the Lamb National.

The centre offers a range of home cooked meals in its restaurant and there are also picnic areas if you prefer. Plus after all that enjoyment why not take home a few mementos from a wonderful day out by visiting the “Three Little Ducks Shop”.

If you do have a car then it would be worth spending time at Croyland Abbey a Benedictine Abbey which was founded back in 716AD by King Ethelbald of Mercia. Although the original building has since been destroyed, there is still a 15th Century North Aisle which is used as a parish church as well as the 12th Century Norman Arch and fifteenth Century West Front for you to explore.

Also a short drive from Peterborough is the Imperial War Museum at Duxford. As well as housing 180 different types of aircraft of historic significance it also contains one of the best collections of military vehicles and tanks. The museum is indoors, so it makes an ideal wet weather activity. Plus it offers you the chance to really learn more about what life was like for those who went to Normandy and about the famed General (Monty) Montgomery.

Book your next hotel in Peterborough here. You will find a big selection of places to stay in Peterborough.

Hexham is a market town in Northumberland and is located to the south of the river Tyne. Certainly if you are looking for somewhere to stay in order that you can spend time exploring Hadrian’s Wall or the Northumberland National Park this town is ideal. There are plenty of wonderful hotels, guesthouses and B&B’s in Hexham where you can rest your weary feet after you have spent all day wandering around the area.

However along of course with spending time exploring Hadrian’s Wall there are plenty of other attractions close to Hexham to be enjoyed. Below we take a look at a few of the places you may find of interesting whether on your own or with your family.

1.     Corbridge Roman Site was used by the Roman’s as their main supply depot when their armies were building and guarding Hadrian’s Wall nearly 2,000 years ago.  Much of this Roman settlement has now been excavated and you can see some of the finest examples of Roman military granaries in England today. There is also a museum where you can see many of the artifacts that have been discovered on the site during the  excavations. These include the famous Lion of Corbridge, a stone fountainhead.

2.    Housesteads Roman Fort and Museum is also popular with tourists. Here you will see what is now the most well preserved of all the Roman forts that were built along Hadrian’s Wall during the time when the Roman armies were in occupation in the area. But it is not just the fort that attracts visitors to the site it is chance for them to see what a Roman hospital looked like as well.

3.    Allen Banks & Staward Grange is ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern living. There are many marked walks both through ornamental and ancient woods to enjoy. Plus upon reaching Staward Wood you can explore the remains of a medieval Pele tower. Whilst at Allen Banks there is a Victorian Summerhouse that has been reconstructed for you to enjoy. The woodlands are cut in the middle by a river gorge and you can spend many a happy hour identifying the many plants and animals there.

4.    Alnwick Castle is the second largest of all castles in England today that is still inhabited. This has been the home of the Earls and Dukes of Northumberland since 1309. There is also evidence to show that a castle has stood on this site since around 1096. It was however the 1st Lord Percy of Alnwick who began restoration on the castle back in the early fourteenth Century and today parts of this still remain. 

Of course we have shown you a few of the attractions that get many people to stay in Hexham. But the one that is probably most likely to draw the tourists is of course Hadrian’s Wall. Although not all the wall remains there are still many sites along the track it took in order to protect the Romans from the Scottish tribes. As with many of the ancient monuments around the UK this was in 1987 classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and since that time has been maintained by English Heritage.

Find your next Hexham hotel here.

With Christmas just around the corner and winter most definitely upon us maybe its time to start thinking about taking a break in these winter months. Time seems to go so slow around this time, the nights are long and its to cold to go anywhere. More and more people are choosing to spend the holiday season abroad with cheaper flights, warmer weather and the chance to do something a little bit different at Christmas. This is all well and good but many will miss the family time together and the chance to catch up with people you haven’t seen ll year. One other option could be to look at staying in this country, for example there are some lovely holiday cottages in Sussex which are available all year round, they are very cosy and welcoming, real log fires, beautiful surroundings and many places to visit. Many people may prefer this time of holiday as it means they can even just go for a long weekend and still get to see their family and friends. This may not get you away from all the cold weather over the winter time but it can be a real family treat to go and stay in a old cottage with the traditional setting that many feel is more homely than 2 weeks away on a tropical beach. There are a wide range of locations and spending the holidays in Sussex is a wonderful way to spend a few days over Christmas.
Regardless of whether you want to enjoy the beauty of the clasping mountains or if you want to waggle your toes at the sandy beaches or simply want to enjoy the nameless seethe of the flowers, cottage holidays are for you. You can unwind yourself amidst the pulsating shimmer of the tawny moon and give you and your family a perfect romantic getaway at the holiday cottage during your summer holiday.

Oban has much to offer its visitors. It is steeped in history and there are many castles and standing stones for you to visit and explore. But there isn’t just things to keep one amused during the day the is plenty on offer in the evenings as well. So you will find that your visit to Oban will be a very memorable and enjoyable one. 

Below we take a look at some of the attractions that you can spend time at when you visit this wonderful town whether for a long weekend or for a week’s holiday.

1.     Slate Islands – This is now a heritage trust site and allows you to see how slate was quarried from here and then exported around the world. For more than three hundred years slate was quarried from this site and you can learn how this was done by viewing the working models on site. The site is open seven days from March to September.

2.    Atlantic Bridge – This structure was built in 1792 because during the Jacobite rebellion of 1745 it was discovered that transporting large numbers of troops over water using ferries was difficult. The bridge links Seil Island to the Scottish mainland and has sufficient height to allow sailing boats to pass below it. It’s main other claim to fame is that it is the only bridge to actually cross the Atlantic ocean.

3.    Kilmartin Glen – This is a very important ancient monument site and you can find Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and early Christian Settlements. But along with all these settlements for you to explore this is now the only place left in Britain where wild raised bogs are made.

4.    Sea Fari Adventures – This attraction provides you with the chance to come in close contact with some of the fantastic wildlife which lives off the Argyll coast as well as on land. During your visit you will hopefully get to see some whales, seals, dolphins and porpoises along with the native deer and eagles. For those who want to they can spend a whole day at sea whale watching if they want.

5.    Oban Chocolate Company – Young and old alike will enjoy visiting here. Your factory tour will allow you to see the chocolatiers at work producing their delicious handmade chocolates. Then afterwards spend time in their cafe sampling some of the cakes and hot chocolate that they make. 

6.    Oban Distillery – This is a place that those who like something a little more alcoholic will enjoy. Here you will learn about how they produce their 14 year old single malt whisky and others. Included in the price of a visit to this attraction one can tour the distillery and food is provided afterwards. As well as a whisky related gift after your tour.

Make sure to book your hotel in Oban here.

Worcester is the county town of Worcestershire and is situated on the banks of the river Severn. The final battle of the English Civil War took place here between Oliver Cromwell’s army and that of King Charles I. It was following Oliver Cromwell’s victory over King Charles I that lead to England and Wales becoming a republic for the next twenty one years.

The town is also home of the factory where Royal Worcester Porcelain is produced and the birth place of the English composer Sir Edward Elgar. There are plenty of things for you to do and enjoy when you stay in Worcester and below we look at just a few.

Whilst building of Worcester Cathedral began in 1084, it was not used as a place of worship until the 14th Century. Today it is considered to still be the loveliest of all Cathedral’s to be found in England. When you visit it why not spend time exploring the Royal Tombs, Medieval Cloisters, the Chapter House and Ancient Crypt. Plus remember to spend time looking at the magnificent Victorian stained glass windows. If you are energetic enough to climb its towers then you will be rewarded with wonderful views over the city and the surrounding countryside.

Another place you may want to visit is the cottage in which Edward Elgar was born. This is situated near the Teme Valley and has views over the Malvern Hills. Today the cottage in which Elgar was born now houses a wide selection of manuscripts and scores of this world famous composer along with concert programs and cuttings from newspapers.

Slightly further away from Worcester is Eastnor Castle. This has much to offer you to relax or somewhere the children can get rid of some of that energy they have. It is situated in the Malvern Hills and surrounded by a deer park. It has a 22 acre arboretum leading down to the lake as well as plenty of other things for you to enjoy.

There are the adventure playground and assault course for children and a maze. Whilst for the adults there is some wonderful woodland and lakeside walks that they may find pleasant. And of course the castle’s tea rooms for a spot of lunch.

Of course no visit to Worcester would be complete without spending time at the Royal Worcester Visitor Centre. This attraction is situated just two minutes walk from the Cathedral and offers a number of things for those who choose to spend time there. You have the opportunity to take one of the many guided tours or to watch the skilled craftsmen at work. Plus if you feel especially creative you could always have a go at painting a plate for yourself. Royal Worcester was established in 1751 and its name is synonymous with the production of good quality bone china and porcelain products.

When you next visit Worcester, book your next Worcester hotel here.

The city of Leeds is located on the River Aire in West Yorkshire, England and its history can be traced back to the fifth Century. At this time it was known as Loidis and was part of the kingdom called Elmet. The real rise to fame of Leeds was during the industrial revolution and it was a centre for wool production. Now it has become one of England’s major financial and legal centers. 

Here we’ll take a look at just some of the things you can see and do when you stay in Leeds. 

The Thackray Medical Museum is beside St James’ Hospital and traces the history of medicine over the last one hundred and fifty years.  But if you think this is going to be a boring attraction to visit then think again. This is one of the most popular attractions because of the dramatic stomach churning reconstructions and the hands-on exhibits. Certainly young and old can have hours of fun whilst visiting this attraction and is perfect for visiting when the weather isn’t that great. 

The Royal Armouries opened their doors in 1996 and were initially housed in one of Leeds waterfront properties. The five different themed galleries contain all sorts of weaponry and guns covering different subjects. One relates to war another is devoted to tournaments, the third to self defence, the fourth to hunting and the final one contains armour and arms from the East (orient). But you don’t just look at the displays there are one that you can interact with and others which provide dynamic live action.

For something a little more pleasing on the eye then a visit to Harewood House should be considered. The interior of this eighteenth Century Palladin style country house designed by Robert Adam, with landscaped grounds by Capability Brown. The many rooms in the House include works by Turner, Gainsborough as well as Chippendale items. 

There are over a thousand acres of grounds to explore and these include an adventure playground to keep children occupied and a sanctuary for birs. The Stables Courtyard offers refreshments for your tea break. 

One more attraction that is very popular with visitors to Leeds is Armley Mills which offers you a chance to discover what life was really like during the industrial revolution.  Before it was turned into a museum, the building was the world’s largest woolen mill and you can see how clothes are produced. Plus it also houses a 1920’s cinema that has been fully restored to its former glory.  The best time to visit this particular attraction is at the weekend when the waterwheels and steam engines are working. 

Make your stay in Leeds complete by choosing a Leeds hotel from this list.