The Gazette
PAGE 2
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
A Gazette Publication Monday, January 26, 2009
2 YOUR TRAVEL
Best of BRITISH A holiday at a UK beauty spot can be just as good as a trip abroad. ED REED explores the top locations on home soil
F
ancy a magical break with picturesque views, relaxing walks and first-class food and drink? Then take a look in your own backyard! Great Britain boasts all of the above and more, from rugged coastlines to pretty, rural towns and wildlife-rich isles.
Not only will you learn more about the heritage, scenery and history of the country, you’ll help the environment by cutting back on your carbon footprint and save money too! Here are some of our favourite locations when you’re in need of an escape a little closer to home…
NORTH WALES
A sunset view from the Quay Hotel, one of North Wales’ most relaxing getaways
experience the UK’s best attractions Over £1000 worth of vouchers
Renowned for its coastal resorts, North Wales provides the perfect family getaway. It comprises the island of Anglesey, the Llyn peninsula and the Snowdonia mountain range, together with the catchments of the Rivers Conwy, Clwyd and Dee. The Isle of Anglesey is surrounded by 125 miles of coastline and boasts a whole host of historical sites, while the North Wales Borderlands is dominated by the spectacular Clwydian hills. Snowdonia, set in more than 800 miles of national park, is a magnet for climbers and walkers. And the Llyn Peninsula, which extends 30 miles into the Irish Sea, provides some of the best sailing and surfing beaches in North Wales. Tucked away in a quiet corner, perched on a harbour with stunning views, is the sleepy town of Conwy. The highlight is the town’s castle, an imposing fortress dating back to the 13th century. It looks amazing lit up at night. For the best place to stay, try the Quay Hotel. It’s perfect if you want total peace,
CORNWALL
Located at the tip of the south-western peninsula, Cornwall is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel and the county of Devon, over the River Tamar. It’s a popular holiday resort for visitors from the UK and abroad. The seaside resorts of Newquay, Falmouth and Polzeath are great for
ADVERT 15X4
Cornwall has something to offer everyone
only £9.99 Available from all good book shops online at www.daysoutuk.com or ring 01604 467088 ©CCNSTUDIOS50698c
The impressive Quay Hotel is a short drive from Llandudno
quiet and relaxation. And it’s just a 10-minute drive from the popular seaside resort Llandudno. Visit www.nwt.co.uk for more information or visit the hotel at www.quayhotel.com
family and short breaks with world-class surfing, fishing, boating and beaches. However, if you’re after something more low-key, Padstow, in the north, is a beautiful harbour town where you can relax and watch the world go by. Potter around the shops or escape everything with a walk along the coast. Park up at the nearby Harlyn Bay and go as far as your feet will take you – the scenery is simply breathtaking. The best time to visit is out of season when fewer tourists are
around – and you can also get a great deal on accommodation. Prices at the Althea House B&B start from £42 per person per night. Visit www.altheahouse.co.uk or call 01841 532579. Alternatively Woodlands, a country house just a 10-minute walk from the centre, offers three-night breaks for as little as £84 per person. Visit www.woodlands-padstow. co.uk or call 01841 532426 to book. For more information on the area, log on to www.visitcornwall.com or www.thingstodoincornwall.co.uk
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
A Gazette Publication Monday, January 26, 2009
PAGE 3
YOUR TRAVEL 3 Tobermory’s brightly painted buildings line the tranquil bay
WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND AND THE WESTERN ISLES These islands are accessible yet remote and are famed for their wildlife, which includes deer, golden eagles, seals and puffins. The mountains of Lorn sweep down to the town of Oban – the unofficial capital of the West Highlands. It’s known as the
MOUNTAINS OF MOURNE
The Mournes are tucked away in the south-east corner of Northern Ireland. They were part of an ancient Gaelic kingdom and a number of Irish kings are reputedly buried there. Rich with history, ancient settlements and castles dot the romantic region. With its rugged mountains, beautiful forests and
The Mountains of Mourne region has been classed an Area of Outstanding Beauty
Gateway to the Isles because it’s the main port for ferries departing to the Inner Hebrides. A quick boat trip takes you to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. From there, it’s just a quick drive to the famously picturesque
sandy beaches, the entire area has been classed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This mini Lake District stays much quieter than its counterpart on the mainland. The granite mountains, forest parks, bays, beaches and valleys form the perfect location for hill-walking, cycling, climbing, golf, horse-riding or fishing. The mountains are a hiker’s paradise; old mountain tracks take you past lakes, rivers and woods, and up to the peaks. They also offer world-class rock-climbing. Tullymore Forest Park offers nature trails and walks along the River Shimna for those looking for a quieter, relaxed pace. Newcastle, with its golden sands, restaurants and pubs, is probably the best place to be based. As well as being a lively coastal town, it’s also home to the famous Royal County Down Golf Club. For a place to stay in Newcastle, log on to www.touristnetuk.com
Tobermory, with its brightly painted buildings lining a peaceful bay. Other attractions include Fingal’s Cave on Staffa, the Treshnish Isles and the island of Iona, the birthplace of Celtic Christianity. To find some stunning accommodation, log on to www.scotland-holiday-cottage.co.uk, www.visitscotland.com or www.roomfinderscotland.co.uk
THE SHETLAND ISLES
The Shetlands are a group of more than 100 islands spanning 100 miles. Altogether, the islands have 900 miles of coastline, 138 beaches and 6,080 archaeological sites dating back to the Stone Age. The population has barely increased over the past 200 years and in the summer, people are outnumbered 10 to one by puffins. Shetland offers the best wildlife-watching in Scotland. There are more than a million breeding seabirds, the highest density of otters in Europe and regular sightings of killer whales. There are countless places to stay in Lerwick, or other quieter islands such as Yell
and Unst. And with 19 hours of daylight in the summer, the long days mean there’s plenty for active families to do. To find hotels and B&Bs, log on to www.visitshetland.com, www.roomfinder scotland.co.uk or www.undiscoveredscotland. co.uk
THE SCILLY ISLES
Accessible by boat, plane or helicopter, Scilly is an archipelago of about 150 islands and rock outcrops lying 25 miles south-west of Cornwall. There are five inhabited islands: St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martin’s, St Agnes and Bryher. All enjoy a humid and sunny climate, and because of this, the Scillies are home to a large number of exotic plants and flowers not found on the mainland. Wildlife flourishes and there are many important bird species that colonise the coast. Puffins are a particular attraction. The entire archipelago is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and more than half the land is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Other attractions include the tallest lighthouse in Britain and the most south-westerly pub in Britain, which can be found on St Agnes. If you take a boat to one of the many uninhabited
ADVERT 15X4 Beautiful wildlife on the island of Tresco
islands, you’re likely to have a pristine white beach all to yourself – apart from the odd nosey seal! And for the more adventurous, there are many incredible wreck and reef dives to enjoy. The crystal clear seas are home to rare corals and sea anemone. For accommodation, log on to www.simplyscilly.co.uk, www. isles-of-scilly.co.uk or www.tresco.co.uk
The peaceful island of Yell
PAGE 6
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
A Gazette Publication Monday, January 26, 2009
Home from HOME
YOUR TRAVEL 5
8 YOUR TRAVEL 6
Looking to travel on the cheap? SARAH MARSHALL considers a holiday in someone else’s house
W
hen a broken-hearted Cameron Diaz decides, on a whim, to swap houses with a stranger across the Atlantic in romantic comedy The Holiday, she meets and falls in love with the sexy Jude Law. Joining a home exchange agency doesn’t necessarily guarantee a love match, but this seemingly offbeat service is coupling up an increasing number of thrifty adventurers with their holiday of a lifetime. The concept is very simple: families, couples or anyone with an available property can sign up to an agency, where they register their details and desired destinations. Other members can then make contact, potentially reaching a mutual agreement to swap houses and even cars – all for nothing. It sounds novel, but the idea is nothing new. In the early ’50s a young New York teacher with time on his hands and very little money, drew up a list of fellow teachers who had expressed an interest in swapping homes over the school holidays. The concept caught on with formal networks emerging all over the world, aided by the advance of the internet. “If you’re prepared to put the effort in, you can have holidays it would never be possible to afford,” says Caroline Connolly, of HomeLink, the biggest and best-known home-swapping agency. Jez and Melanie Wadd, from Lancashire, veteran house-swappers with 11 trips under their belts, describe the concept as “an absolute godsend”. The Wadd’s last family holiday, a two-week trip to Sardinia in peak season, staying in a one-bedroom seaside studio, cost just £700 for all four – the price of the Ryanair flights. “We probably
ADVERT 10X5
saved around £1,200,” says Jez. Enjoying the view from someone Cash-strapped families can still enjoy else’s palatial beachfront apartment holidays through home-swapping sounds unbelievable. But there is, of course, a flipside. The thought of a stranger in your home does feel slightly disconcerting. The system is 100 per cent trust-based, but if users enter into a lengthy dialogue, they should find themselves paired up with “like-minded and decent” people. “If people break something, they will replace it or have it fixed,” says Caroline. “We had one lady who broke a plate and bought her host a whole new dinner service!” Although it’s important to sell your property by listing all the best amenities, honesty is key, says Caroline. And what is a turn off for some holidaymakers might be advantageous to others. A house backing onto the M25 might not be suitable for a retired couple seeking a quiet break, but it could be ideal for a family after easy access to the south of England. To ensure a smooth introduction, Caroline encourages first-time swappers to exchange with someone more experienced. Those who embrace the concept of house-swapping rarely look back and describe the experience as a breath of fresh air in the overcrowded package-holiday market. The service has opened doors to financially bound families, for whom the prospect of a holiday in 2009 went no further than a tent pitched in the garden. On top of that, it’s an opportunity to make friends for life.
Photos courtesy of Homelink
SWAP SHOP
Find a home from home on the following sites… ● Homelink: The world’s largest home-swap agency with more than 13,000
ADVERT 20X4
properties on the books. Joining fee £115. www.homelink.org.uk ● Home Base Holidays: This agency has 1,700 to choose from and costs £29.95 a year. www.homebase-hols.com
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
A Gazette Publication Monday, January 26, 2009
PAGE 7
Carry on CAMPING 7 YOUR TRAVEL11
Imagine pitching up a tent in an area of outstanding beauty for a holiday filled with relaxation and stargazing. ED REED goes back to basics…
C
BEST FOR…
amping has to be one of the true joys of life, whatever your age. Think you can’t live without your iPod, TV on demand or double-glazing? Think again. Whether you set up your temporary home at a slick site run by the Camping and Caravanning Club or a tiny farm plot on a remote Scottish peninsula, every outdoor experience is unique. Imagine soaking up views to die for – all for a few pounds a night and forsaking one or two modern luxuries. And what’s more, the spiritual and physical benefits of holidaying outdoors can easily compare to any expensive spa break. So rather than jetting off on a pricey package holiday this summer, you could be paying, at most, £20 for a family-of-four tent pitch. Whether you own a caravan, a swish motor home or just a basic canvas dome, there are sites out there to suit everybody including the quirky and unexpected. You could even set up camp in a large tipi or traditional gypsy caravan. Of course, the weather plays a crucial part in a camping holiday. Head north for the quality sites lining Scotland’s West coast, or for real outdoor types, try the Lake District for hiking up the fells and mountains. And for the daring, you could always ditch the campsite all together! Wild camping has been legal in Scotland since the passing of the 2003 Land Reform (Scotland) Act. So the true wild men and women of Britain can pitch up anywhere – within reason. Happy camping!
FAMILIES
Yurts and a pizza oven await lucky visitors to Woodland Tipis in Herefordshire. This pretty, ancient enclave has views across the Malvern Hills. Each tent and tipi comes complete with a wood burning stove and kettle. There are play areas for children and there’s a Go Ape site nearby, too. Woodland Tipis and Yurt Holidays, Woodlands Farm, Little Dewchurch, Herefordshire. Visit www.woodlandtipis.co.uk or call 01432 840488.
COUPLES
Rothiemurchus is for the tree-hugger in all of us. Nestling in beautiful Caledonian woodland, the award-winning site lies near the Cairngorms and Aviemore. It’s an ideal base for walkers wanting to explore the huge Cairngorms national park. Rothiemurchus Camp and Caravan Park, Rothiemurchus Estate, Aviemore, Invernessshire. Go to www.rothiemurchus.net or call 01479 812800.
FIRST-TIMERS
Knight Stainforth boasts a large campsite ideal for exploring the Yorkshire Dales. As welcoming to tents as it is to caravans, you can explore some of prettiest limestone
countryside in the UK. There are hill hikes or beautiful riverside walks. On site, there’s a children’s playground, free hot showers, washing-up room, games room, wi-fi and a shop selling walking maps and alcohol. Knight Stainforth, Little Stainforth, Settle, North Yorkshire. Visit www.knightstainforth. fsnet.co.uk or call 01729 822200.
BEACHES
Why not pay a visit to Treen Farm Campsite in Cornwall? Porthcurno is the largest and most popular beach, but head round the bay and you’ll have stretches of perfect white sand all to yourself. Other attractions include the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum and the Minack Theatre. Treen Farm Campsite, Treen, St Levan, Penzance, Cornwall. Visit www.treenfarmcampsite.co.uk or call 01736 810273.
VIEWS
Northern Lights Campsite is set amid classic highland scenery in Badcaul, Scotland. Whales, porpoises, stags and birds of prey have been spotted at this incredible location. This tiny site is surrounded by some of the most thrillingly beautiful landscape Scotland has to offer. Northern Lights, Croft 9, Badcaul, Dundonnell, Rossshire. Call 01697 371379.
HAPPY CAMPERS FREE WHEELING
If you love home comforts, why not invest in a motor home? The Komba, by Bilbo, the Volkswagen-based motor home converters, comes complete with kitchen, roof bed, fridge, water tank, lockers, curtains, heater and optional toilet. Prices start from £29,950. Contact 01342 892499, email sales@bilbos.com or log on to www.bilbos.com for more information.
COOK OFF
Blacks Collapsible Cookery Set, £19.99, contains two copper-bottomed saucepans, a frying pan and three cups. Nesting together for easy packing and storage, it has Stay-Cool foldaway handles. Go to www.blacks.co.uk or call 0800 665410.
SEE THE LIGHT
This Wind-up Torch, £29.95, from Baylis, has an integrated mobile phone charger. Keep it in the sun for free solar power or charge it from your laptop. Visit www.expertverdict. com or call 0871 855 1617.
BED HEAD
You never have to be without a comfy bed with a ReadyBed in your boot. A self-inflating, double camper costs £96.99. All ReadyBeds come with a three-year guarantee. Visit www.readybed.com for more information.
TOP THAT!
This Joules Fleece Lined Top, £39, is pre-washed to be soft and wearable from day one. It’s designed to keep you cool during uphill walks and warm when spending the evening at your tent. Available in sizes 8-20. Visit www.joulesclothing.com or call 0845 606 6871.
IN THE BAG
FEET FIRST
Your kids will love these funky Brantano Wellington Boots, £10. And what’s more, there will be fewer wet socks to wash! Go to www.brantano.co.uk or call 0870 990 1600.
Blacks Two Season Sleeping Bag, £36.99, is lightweight, comfortable and ideal for spring or summer. Go to www.blacks.co.uk or call 0800 665410.
ADVERT 15X4
■ Cool Camping England and Cool Camping Scotland, by Punk Publishing, cost £14.95 each.
PAGE 8
A Gazette Publication Monday, January 26, 2009
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk