South Lakes Safari Zoo is a 17-acre site opened in 1994 at Dalton-in-Furness, a small town lying in a narrow valley. It’s a zoo with a difference because you come away feeling like you’ve really got up close to the animals, many of which seem free to roam; but before you start fretting, that’s just [...]
That’s right, there are many facets to Northumberland’s appeal, explaining why the county continues to draw tourists back time and time again. But there’s no getting away from the fact that there are an awful lot of castles – arguably more than in any other county. Everybody has their favourite and ours was Alnwick Castle. [...]
Flying to Krakow from Bristol Airport on a press trip was a delight for two reasons: firstly, I was able to use my local airport (being that I live in Somerset) for the first time in ages and, secondly, the official “Meet & Greet” parking facility ran without a hitch. When you book a “Meet [...]
If you’re visiting Krakow on business or pleasure, you won’t find a better hotel than the Hilton Garden Inn – it’s a delightful place where service with a smile is evident throughout. I visited for three nights in September 2014 and couldn’t have felt more welcome. From the staff at reception to the waiters and [...]
Holgates own several caravan parks on or near the coastline of Morecambe Bay with Silverdale – which won Cumbria Tourism’s “Best Holiday Park” award for 2014 – the company’s flagship site. Set amid 100 acres of scenic park and woodland, Silverdale – which takes its name from the picturesque village nearby – offers 80 [...]
Brockhole Visitor Centre, situated on the shores of Lake Windermere, has always been a favourite as far as my children are concerned. On most of our visits to the region, they enjoy the on-site play area before we explore the extensive grounds. (c) Richard Webber But now there is even more to [...]
We negotiated giant trampolines, walkways, slides and tunnels, having bucketfuls of fun in the process; and what’s so good about Treetop Nets – which is brand new for 2014 and, reputedly, a UK first – is that it’s suitable for adults and children (aged three upwards). The concept is simple but effective: over 1,500 square [...]
When the opportunity arose to visit Leicestershire with my family, my first question was, “What does the county offer that will interest my kids, aged 13 and seven?” Well, the answer to that one is simple: “plenty”. In fact, Leicestershire Promotions, the main tourism organisation for not only the city of Leicester but the entire [...]
Just outside the picturesque village of Grasmere, in the heart of the Lake District National Park, you’ll discover Grasmere Hostel – and what a find it is, too. Part of Broadrayne Farm – which also offers self-catering cottages – this independent hostel is owned by the ever-helpful Dave Keighley and his wife. (c) [...]
For me, Elterwater is one of the Lake District’s true gems: a cluster of houses and a pub lying in the Langdale Valley, just half a mile from the picturesque lake from which its name is derived. As well as its quaintness, the village is ideally placed for exploring some of the Central Lakes’ most [...]
