Leicesterholidayguidejan2015

See page 3 and the back page of this supplement for our Day Trips & a full list of our 2015 Holidays

Quality without compromise

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

www.woodscoaches.com 0116 278 6374

1

Day Trips | Holidays | Theatre Shows | Cruise & Air

2

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

LEICESTER MERCURY

Like us on Facebook

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Facebook.com/leicestermercury

It’s time to plan your 2015 holiday I

t’s always nice to have something to look forward to, and now a whole new year spreads before us, what better thing to get excited about than a holiday? Major tour operators and leading travel agents have launched a range of special offers and discounts to boost 2015 breaks and escapes.

Inside this supplement you will find everything to get you excited holiday-wise, from coach trips to far away shores.

As Britain is once again likely to be a top choice for UK holiday-makers this year, we’ve focused on great places at home.

Popular options include the Lake District, Norfolk, Cornwall and Devon, and breaks such as walking holidays or long weekend stays.

The lure of the east coast will once again prove a popular option – with good old Skegness and the surrounding towns proving a reliable choice for a fun break. You really haven’t

BRITAIN IS ONCE AGAIN LIKELY TO BE A TOP CHOICE FOR HOLIDAY-MAKERS experienced family life properly until you have all spent at least one week huddled together in a static caravan in the pouring rain. It’s life enhancing. Just remember to bring your wellies.

Camping under canvas is also an option. Campsites are good value, usually well placed for popular resorts – and many have entertainment centres with bars and restaurants on site.

January is the busiest time of the year for travel agents, you’ll be looking to shave a few pounds from the cost of your summer break. Here’s how: 1. School’s out.

A simple one really. If you

haven’t got children, always go on holiday when other people’s children are at school. It will save you a small fortune – plus, it will be less crowded around the pool and noticeably quieter.

2. Unsociable hours.

You can save pounds if you’re willing to jet out on a Wednesday night at 11.30pm rather than just after your breakfast on Saturday morning.

If you take up this option then travelling mid-week, late at night, should reduce the cost of accommodation and flights to tourist destinations that do not attract business travellers.

3. Alternative airports.

You can also save a tidy sum if you’re willing to fly from a lesser known airport.

Big is not always better, remember.

4. Book late – or early.

As a general rule of thumb, book early. However, if you are flexible and do not mind where you stay, late deals still offer the best value for money.

Looking for

Timeshare Advice?

No sales commission or upfront sales fees

Timeshare specialists for resorts worldwide Fully compliant with EU legislation Floating weeks, fixed weeks, points & club memberships

“Our family are all grown up now” “We own a timeshare with lower trading power”

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

2

FOR YOUR FREE 16 PAGE COLOUR BROCHURE CALL

0800 012 4764

WE HAVE ADVICE CENTRES LOCATED IN TENERIFE, BOURNEMOUTH, YORK AND STRATFORD UPON AVON Services offered include timeshare resales, client purchases, trade-ins, legal disposals, alternative holiday products as well as offering advice on getting the most from your existing timeshare ownership.

WWW. WOODSCOACHES.COM

FEBRUARY 2015 SPECIAL OFFERS

MARCH 2015

WINDSOR CASTLE & AFTERNOON TEA

BATH

S/Citizen/Child £55 Adult £56

SKEGNESS

Sunday 8th March

Thursday 12th March

S/Citizen/Child £24 Adult £25

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

WORCESTER

£22 per person

Special offer £20 per person

SEWING FOR PLEASURE, NEC, BIRMINGHAM

DURHAM

S/Citizen £34 Adult £36 Child £24

Sunday 1st February

TRAFFORD CENTRE, MANCHESTER Saturday 7th February

£22 per person

LONDON MUSEUMS

Wednesday 18th February (School Break)

£22 per person

Saturday 28th February

Special offer £22 per person

Plus many more available...

WARNER BROTHERS STUDIO TOUR Easter Monday 6th April

THE BRITISH MUSEUM

Tuesday 14th April

Sunday 22nd March

S/Citizen/Child £26 Adult £27

KENSINGTON PALACE S/Citizen £37 Adult £41 Child £26

BATTERSEA DOGS HOME

HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT & SIGHTSEEING LUNCH CRUISE

S/Citizen/Child £27 Adult £28

S/Citizen £71 Adult £72 Child £47

Tuesday 24th March

S/Citizen £44 Adult £45 Child £41

£26 per person

S/Citizen/Child £19 Adult £20

S/Citizen £59 Adult £60 Child £52

Monday 30th March

Thursday 19th February (School Break)

S/Citizen/Child £26 Adult £27

Friday 20th March

CHESTER ZOO

WEST MIDLANDS SAFARI & LEISURE PARK

Easter Saturday 4th April

Easter Sunday 5th April

OXFORD Friday 27th February

APRIL 2015

Plus many more available...

LONDON THEATRE SHOWS

MAY 2015

Saturday 18th April

WENSLEYDALE RAILWAY & HAWES Tuesday 21st April

S/Citizen £35 Adult £36 Child £32 Plus many more available...

JUNE 2015

SANDRINGHAM HOUSE

BRECON MOUNTAIN RAILWAY

S/Citizen £35 Adult £38 Child £31

S/Citizen £38 Adult £40 Child £35

Friday 1st May

Wednesday 3rd June

LEGOLAND, WINDSOR

CLEETHORPES S/Citizen/Child £23 Adult £24

Bank Holiday Monday 4th May

Friday 5th June

KOOZA BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

THE LION KING

Wednesday 18th March

S/Citizen/Child £54 Adult £57

£87 per person

CORONATION ST. THE TOUR

MAMMA MIA

STRATFORD UPON AVON & RIVER CRUISE

£71 per person

S/Citizen/Child £28 Adult £29

BBC GARDENERS WORLD LIVE

BEAUTIFUL

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

Friday 12th June

S/Citizen/Child £42 Adult £44

£72 per person

S/Citizen/Child £26 Adult £27

THE VIEW FROM THE SHARD

BICESTER SHOPPING VILLAGE

Sunday 14th June

S/Citizen £52 Adult £53 Child £46

S/Citizen/Child £24 Adult £25

LADIES DAY AT ROYAL ASCOT

Wednesday 18th February

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN Thursday 26th February

£67 per person

WAR HORSE

Thursday 5th March

£72 per person

THE COMMITMENTS Sunday 15th March

£65 per person

JERSEY BOYS

£65 per person

Thursday 9th April

Thursday 9th April

Plus many more available...

Tuesday 5th May

Thursday 7th May

Sunday 10th May

HUNSTANTON

Wednesday 10th June

£46 per person

Thursday 18th June

Sunday 17th May

Silver Ring - £61 per person Grandstand - £100 per person

Plus many more available...

Plus many more available...

S/Citizen/Child £23 Adult £24

3

Tuesday 17th March

£75 per person

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

For further information, brochures and bookings please call 0116 278 6374 or alternatively visit www.woodscoaches.com for great discounts!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

HOLIDAY GUIDE

LEICESTER MERCURY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Facebook.com/leicestermercury

Time to dip your toes in

HOLIDAY GUIDE

@Leicester_Merc

Cornwall’s many delights O

nce you drive past the old smugglers’ rest of Jamaica Inn you know you’re nearly there.

Cornwall is a real holiday destination renowned for its winning combination of natural, rugged beauty and sparkling visitor attractions that promise great days out, rain or shine.

While you might not trust the climate to provide sunshine throughout your stay, you can surely rely on the scenery – and it’s well worth the bet.

Southwest England has more recommended beaches than any other region in the Good Beach Guide and Cornwall is

ST IVES: Once dependent on fishing this seaside town lies on the north Cornish coast and is one of the premier destinations for holiday-makers due to its crystal blue waters and temperate climate

5

LEICESTER MERCURY

the jewel in the crown. Soaring cliffs alternate with sheltered coves; thundering surf with secluded rock-pools, shady caves and wonderful white sands stretching for miles.

The scenery is stunning, with wooded valleys and wide vistas of sparkling sea complimenting historic market towns, pretty fishing villages and riverside hamlets. Ancient stone circles and iron-age villages lodge between Land’s End and Penzance and Celtic crosses dot the countryside.

There’s plenty of choice in where to stay across hotel, B & B and self-catering accommodation and the journey needn’t be a downside. Around six

FISTRAL BEACH: This Newquay beach is world famous for its surf

hours should get you to your holiday home, via the M5 route to Exeter, or a meander down the Old Fosse Way through the lovely villages of the Cotswolds. The last third of the journey covers the dramatic landscapes of Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor.

A rising tide of surfers has turned Newquay into a holiday hotspot for the young and single. The Atlantic swell and prevailing winds create a surfer's paradise at Fistral Beach, an immense stretch of sands pounded by the thrillingly famous Fistral break. International surfing events are regularly held here and there are excellent facilities, with shops, cafe, hire shops, toilets, showers and surf lessons, together with a long season of lifeguard cover to ensure safety for beachgoers and families alike.

Further down the coast St Ives is a quaint rival, teeming with holidaymakers in summer. A must for arts and crafts, the town’s 30-plus galleries include Tate Modern and there are many handy bistros and cafes tucked away for refreshment in the narrow, winding streets.

THE EDEN PROJECT: Opened in March 2001, the bio-spheres offer a look at environments across the world, from desert to tropical rainforest Visitor attractions countywide are many and varied. The Minack Theatre near Lands End has an inspirational programme of summer events and the award-winning Eden Pro-

TOURS BY SPECIAL TRAIN

THE ROYAL HOTEL Skegness

SETTLE & CARLISLE STATESMAN Departing from:

LOUGHBOROUGH, LEICESTER, NARBOROUGH, HINCKLEY Prices from only: £79

WANT TO kNOW mOre?

A memorable day tour on board the ‘Statesman’ celebrated train with a journey over England’s most spectacular railway – the legendary ‘Settle to Carlisle’ line, with its great limestone peaks and deep valleys we travel through the Yorkshire Dales and over the famous Ribblehead Viaduct with a lunchtime sightseeing break in historic Carlisle.The train returns around the beautiful Cumbrian coast offering stunning views of the Lakeland Mountains, Irish Sea, Solway Firth and Morecambe Bay.

Visit www.pentewan.co.uk or call 01726 845200

FOR A BROCHURE OR TO BOOK 0345 310 2458/2489 WWW.STATESMANRAIL.COM

Perfect for a short break or a family holiday.

FEW Holiday parks can promise a better location than Pentewan Sands. This award-winning holiday park sits on a private half-mile stretch of coast in the sheltered waters of Mevagissey Bay. As well as stunning views of the sea and surrounding countryside, there’s so much to do on site in the all-weather leisure facility, The Seahorse Club. Here, there are two indoor swimming pools – a fun pool with water

ADVERTISING F E AT U R E flume and another for more serious swimmers – a variety of entertainment during the high season for the whole family and some special activities for kids.

The upper deck caters for those who just want to kick back and enjoy the view with a drink and a selection of delicious meals. For those who want to stay on the beach, the

Driftwood Bistro & Bar serves locally sourced fresh fish. Nearby are cliff walks, the Eden Project, the fishing harbour of Mevagissey and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Choose from spacious two and three bedroom holiday homes, most of which have spectacular sea views, while others enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a secluded woodland.

Alternatively, bring your own tent, touring caravan or motor home.

www.pentewan.co.uk

February Special Offer Arrival dates 2nd, 9th and 23rd

4 nights

Dinner, bed and breakfast

Entertainment - most evenings

Mon - Fri

only £94

(per person per stay)

www.theroyalhotelskegness.co.uk South Parade Skegness, Lincolnshire PE25 3EH, 01754 762 301

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

SATURDAY 25 APRIL

5

4

You’ll love Pentewan Sands.

Our award-winning park sits on half a mile of Cornwall’s most stunning coastline.

With a choice of ways to stay with us either in a Holiday Home or bringing your own motorhome or tent, and plenty of ways to fill your time, you can look forward to falling asleep each night to the sound of the sea.

paces, while the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Trebah Garden at Falmouth and the spectacular, ruined Tintagel Castle on the north coast all deliver a truly memorable visit.

Choice of accommodation at award-winning holiday park

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION…

Love the beach?

ject close to Truro is now a top UK tourist attraction. Eden’s huge collection of 140,000 plants - almost 7,000 different types - means provides something exciting every few

©LW

4

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

HOLIDAY GUIDE

LEICESTER MERCURY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Facebook.com/leicestermercury

Time to dip your toes in

HOLIDAY GUIDE

@Leicester_Merc

Cornwall’s many delights O

nce you drive past the old smugglers’ rest of Jamaica Inn you know you’re nearly there.

Cornwall is a real holiday destination renowned for its winning combination of natural, rugged beauty and sparkling visitor attractions that promise great days out, rain or shine.

While you might not trust the climate to provide sunshine throughout your stay, you can surely rely on the scenery – and it’s well worth the bet.

Southwest England has more recommended beaches than any other region in the Good Beach Guide and Cornwall is

ST IVES: Once dependent on fishing this seaside town lies on the north Cornish coast and is one of the premier destinations for holiday-makers due to its crystal blue waters and temperate climate

5

LEICESTER MERCURY

the jewel in the crown. Soaring cliffs alternate with sheltered coves; thundering surf with secluded rock-pools, shady caves and wonderful white sands stretching for miles.

The scenery is stunning, with wooded valleys and wide vistas of sparkling sea complimenting historic market towns, pretty fishing villages and riverside hamlets. Ancient stone circles and iron-age villages lodge between Land’s End and Penzance and Celtic crosses dot the countryside.

There’s plenty of choice in where to stay across hotel, B & B and self-catering accommodation and the journey needn’t be a downside. Around six

FISTRAL BEACH: This Newquay beach is world famous for its surf

hours should get you to your holiday home, via the M5 route to Exeter, or a meander down the Old Fosse Way through the lovely villages of the Cotswolds. The last third of the journey covers the dramatic landscapes of Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor.

A rising tide of surfers has turned Newquay into a holiday hotspot for the young and single. The Atlantic swell and prevailing winds create a surfer's paradise at Fistral Beach, an immense stretch of sands pounded by the thrillingly famous Fistral break. International surfing events are regularly held here and there are excellent facilities, with shops, cafe, hire shops, toilets, showers and surf lessons, together with a long season of lifeguard cover to ensure safety for beachgoers and families alike.

Further down the coast St Ives is a quaint rival, teeming with holidaymakers in summer. A must for arts and crafts, the town’s 30-plus galleries include Tate Modern and there are many handy bistros and cafes tucked away for refreshment in the narrow, winding streets.

THE EDEN PROJECT: Opened in March 2001, the bio-spheres offer a look at environments across the world, from desert to tropical rainforest Visitor attractions countywide are many and varied. The Minack Theatre near Lands End has an inspirational programme of summer events and the award-winning Eden Pro-

TOURS BY SPECIAL TRAIN

THE ROYAL HOTEL Skegness

SETTLE & CARLISLE STATESMAN Departing from:

LOUGHBOROUGH, LEICESTER, NARBOROUGH, HINCKLEY Prices from only: £79

WANT TO kNOW mOre?

A memorable day tour on board the ‘Statesman’ celebrated train with a journey over England’s most spectacular railway – the legendary ‘Settle to Carlisle’ line, with its great limestone peaks and deep valleys we travel through the Yorkshire Dales and over the famous Ribblehead Viaduct with a lunchtime sightseeing break in historic Carlisle.The train returns around the beautiful Cumbrian coast offering stunning views of the Lakeland Mountains, Irish Sea, Solway Firth and Morecambe Bay.

Visit www.pentewan.co.uk or call 01726 845200

FOR A BROCHURE OR TO BOOK 0345 310 2458/2489 WWW.STATESMANRAIL.COM

Perfect for a short break or a family holiday.

FEW Holiday parks can promise a better location than Pentewan Sands. This award-winning holiday park sits on a private half-mile stretch of coast in the sheltered waters of Mevagissey Bay. As well as stunning views of the sea and surrounding countryside, there’s so much to do on site in the all-weather leisure facility, The Seahorse Club. Here, there are two indoor swimming pools – a fun pool with water

ADVERTISING F E AT U R E flume and another for more serious swimmers – a variety of entertainment during the high season for the whole family and some special activities for kids.

The upper deck caters for those who just want to kick back and enjoy the view with a drink and a selection of delicious meals. For those who want to stay on the beach, the

Driftwood Bistro & Bar serves locally sourced fresh fish. Nearby are cliff walks, the Eden Project, the fishing harbour of Mevagissey and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Choose from spacious two and three bedroom holiday homes, most of which have spectacular sea views, while others enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a secluded woodland.

Alternatively, bring your own tent, touring caravan or motor home.

www.pentewan.co.uk

February Special Offer Arrival dates 2nd, 9th and 23rd

4 nights

Dinner, bed and breakfast

Entertainment - most evenings

Mon - Fri

only £94

(per person per stay)

www.theroyalhotelskegness.co.uk South Parade Skegness, Lincolnshire PE25 3EH, 01754 762 301

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

SATURDAY 25 APRIL

5

4

You’ll love Pentewan Sands.

Our award-winning park sits on half a mile of Cornwall’s most stunning coastline.

With a choice of ways to stay with us either in a Holiday Home or bringing your own motorhome or tent, and plenty of ways to fill your time, you can look forward to falling asleep each night to the sound of the sea.

paces, while the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Trebah Garden at Falmouth and the spectacular, ruined Tintagel Castle on the north coast all deliver a truly memorable visit.

Choice of accommodation at award-winning holiday park

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION…

Love the beach?

ject close to Truro is now a top UK tourist attraction. Eden’s huge collection of 140,000 plants - almost 7,000 different types - means provides something exciting every few

©LW

4

6

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

LEICESTER MERCURY

Like us on Facebook

HOLIDAY GUIDE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

Follow us on Twitter

Facebook.com/leicestermercury

7

LEICESTER MERCURY

HOLIDAY GUIDE

@Leicester_Merc

Having a beautiful break in Norfolk A

CRABBING: You can make a meal of having fun at the seaside

H, Norfolk. With its miles of unspoilt coastlines, great seaside resorts, picturesque villages and historic market towns, it is arguably one of the best places the UK has to offer when it comes to holiday destinations.

Luckily for us here in Leicestershire, it’s pretty much on our doorstep. Just a short hop along the A47 and we’re there on glorious East Coast.

Boasting some of the country’s top beauty spots and attractions, it’s no wonder we flock there in our thousands every year to enjoy holidays and short breaks.

As the “staycation” continues to grow in popularity as a result of the credit crunch, Norfolk is fast becoming one of our favourite places to visit in the UK. It seems there’s something for everyone in this county, regardless of age, interests and budget.

BLAKENEY POINT: Indulge in some seal spotting TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Whether you want to peruse stately homes and learn about its heritage, or just want a great family holiday, Norfolk has all the attractions you need for a fantastic time.

For the kids there’s a whole host of animals, wildlife and zoos including Hunstanton Sea

Life Sanctuary, Amazona Zoo in Cromer and Thrigby Wildlife Gardens in Great Yarmouth.

There’s plenty to do in the form of theme parks such as Norwich’s Dinosaur Adventure Park, Playbarn for the under-sevens and Oasis Sports and Leisure Centre.

The county’s beautiful stately homes and attractions include the monastic ruins on Binham Priory and the peace and tranquillity of the Gooderstone Water Gardens.

And, of course, no trip to Norfolk would be complete without a spot of crabbing, whether in Cromer, Hunstanton or WellsNext-The-Sea.

SHOPPING AND CRAFTS If a trip to Norfolk is all about retail therapy for you, then you can indulge to your heart’s content at such outlets as Castle Mall which has no less than 80 stores to browse, or why not visit the English Whisky Com-

©LW

All the major coastal resorts

Whether you like to stay in the lap of luxury, or are happy to do it yourself self-catering, Norfolk has pretty much every possible choice of accommodation from caravans to cottages, hotels to holiday homes.

If you’re planning on relaxing and not lifting a finger, then boutique hotels and luxury B&Bs are on hand to cater to your every need. While campers and caravanners can enjoy great pitches and idyllic surroundings at such spots as Applewood Caravan and Camping Park, and Waveney River Centre which has lovely views of the marina.

RESERVES. NEAR BLAKENEY, WALSINGHAM AND WELLS. SLEEPS ONE DOUBLE AND 2 SINGLES PLUS COT & HIGH CHAIR.

Tel. 01883 715579

©LW

THE CAMBRIA HOTEL, SEA FRONT PAIGNTON All rooms ensuite, some with balcony and seaview No single supplement Includes outings, bed, breakfast and evening meal and evening entertainment and return coach travel from Leicester St Margaret’s bus station.

• SKEGNESS SEAFRONT • SEAVIEW AND BALCONY ROOMS AVAILABLE ALL FULLY ENSUITE • FREE VIEW IN ALL ROOMS • LARGE FAMILY ROOMS AVAILABLE • LICENSED BAR AND GUEST LOUNGE • UPGRADES AVAIL TO INCLUDE FLOWERS CHOCOLATES AND WINE / CHAMPAGNE IN YOUR ROOM FOR THAT SPECIAL OCCASION • PACKED LUNCHES AND PICNICS ALSO AVAILABLE • THEATRE TICKETS AND RESTAURANTS CAN BE BOOKED ON REQUEST.

Call or write for further information.

Tel: 01803 559256.

Email: cambriahotel@live.co.uk

CAMBRIA HOTEL

32-33 Esplanade Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 6BL

©LW

©LW

TEL: 01754 612387 / 0782 6169418 www.thelaurelshotel.co.uk enquiries@thelaurelshotel.co.uk

CITY BREAKS

THEMED BREAKS

GREAT DAYS OUT

Including Scotland, Wales & The Lake District

London, Edinburgh, Newcastle & Liverpool

Steam Railways, River Cruising & Castles WATERWAYS: Glide along at a gentle pace to get the best view of wildlife and the scenery

Cities, seaside, historical & flower shows

Most tours are half board with excursions.

Jolly boating on the Broads Summer M Sunshine Coach travel at

To order your free copy of our 2015 holiday brochures call

01530 816425 or visit us on-line at www.robertstravelgroup.co.uk

or call in to our Holiday Lounge at Midland Road, Huggglescote

Roberts & Paul James Holidays are part of the Roberts Travel Group

y first thought as I arrived at the boatyard was, “how am I going to manoeuvre this water-borne juggernaut?” The boat’s incredibly spacious interior – with three double en-suite bedrooms, large lounge and galley (as we nautical types call the kitchen) – filled its 45ft length and 12ft width nicely.

The boatyard staff – used to a succession of novices like me, I’m sure – were immensely helpful when it came to negotiating the extensive network of rivers and lakes which make up the Norfolk Broads.

I did wonder how I was going to take it all on board, but, thankfully, it’s all written down in the Skipper’s Manual – the onboard bible frequently referred to over the course of the week. After tuition, we were ready to set off on our own.

It went well, at first, easing gently forward out of the berth, but the boat took on a life of its own as we drifted slowly into others moored nearby. Fortunately, an expert was around to hop on and guide us out the marina.

It was on this maiden voyage we were introduced to the beauty of cruising on the Broads.

Herds of cows graze languidly among a landscape dotted with ancient mills as you glide along the river, lined by rushes commonly used to thatch properties. But it’s the cornucopia of wildlife, particularly birds – from great crested grebes gracefully diving for their fish dinner, to hordes of coots and cormorants performing simil-

by ALAN THOMPSON

ar underwater aquabatics – that took my mind off our bad start.

Our route took us along the River Thurne, past Ludham Marsh Nature Reserve.

An hour or so into our journey, we had meandered our way to the ruins of St Benet’s Abbey and another of the joys of cruising on the Broads came home to me.

Taking advantage of one of the many free public moorings along the river, we went for a walk in the warm October sunshine.

❛❜

The pace of everyday life seemed a million miles away as we enjoyed that rarest of privileges – our time.

The pace of everyday life seemed a million miles away as we enjoyed that rarest of privileges – our time.

Boaters are friendly folk, too, always ready for a chat. I also saw, for the first time, a dog wearing a life-jacket – a wise precaution for the pets of boating folk.

We took time to prepare lunch before heading off to our destination of Wroxham and Hoveton, known as the capital of the Norfolk Broads.

Sadly, however, we were denied the pleasure as we could find no free, easy-to-enter mooring places for a novice like me.

A word of warning, then: if you’re planning to head somewhere to spend the night, get there early enough to find one you are confident enough to moor up at.

The alternatives are mooring in a more remote location, which is fine as you’re self-contained, or heading back to the boatyard. We chose the latter, so my 16-year-old son could watch live football on TV. There are some parts of everyday life you can’t escape, it seems.

The next morning, after another comfortable night, I witnessed something magical, a flight of maybe 20 swans flying at head height along the river.

The wildlife and generally pleasant climate are two of the attractions of a boating holiday on the Broads.

Planning your trip is the key to success. Check on your map for public moorings, boatyards and facilities – for showers and water – and places of interest.

And don’t forget, you’re not at home. Leave the hairdryers and straighteners behind.

You’ll have far more pressing needs for your electricity, which is renewed by running the engine. And you’re advised to top up your water daily.

Boating, it has to be said, is far more pleasurable on bright, sunny days. On the one day the weather let us down, we just slid the roof across and carried on cruising. You can always warm yourself with a hot drink from the galley.

its best with

5 day half board holidays in Britain’s best loved resorts

20 Apr

Exmouth

£289

27 Apr

Paignton

£295

09 May Isle of Man

£409

25 May Eastbourne

£305

22 Jun

Bournemouth

£299

25 Jun

Llandudno

£355

Convenient local departures from Ashby, Coalville, Fosse Park, Leicester & Melton Mowbray.

Call 01530 816425 or book on-line at

www.robertstravelgroup.co.uk Paul James Holidays is part of the Roberts Travel Group

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

3 MILES FROM LOVELY COASTLINES, BEACHES AND BIRD

LAKES & MOUNTAINS

7

6

Bed & Breakfast from £20pp/pn Weekly Special from £140pp

GREAT BEACHES

PLACES TO STAY

IN LOVELY VILLAGE WITH PUB PETROL AND SHOPS.

A selection of seaside and country properties for self-catering holidays in North Norfolk.

Coach Holidays with Style

pany to find out how it is made, before exploring its shop to see one of the biggest collections of Malt Whisky from around the world.

Visitors can also embrace their crafty side at The Courtyard where craftspeople take part in traditional and contemporary crafts of all kinds.

COTTAGE OPPOSITE PRIORY RUINS

Tel: 01263 823010 info@keysholidays.co.uk www.keys-holidays.co.uk

Rediscover Britain in 2015

6

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

LEICESTER MERCURY

Like us on Facebook

HOLIDAY GUIDE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

Follow us on Twitter

Facebook.com/leicestermercury

7

LEICESTER MERCURY

HOLIDAY GUIDE

@Leicester_Merc

Having a beautiful break in Norfolk A

CRABBING: You can make a meal of having fun at the seaside

H, Norfolk. With its miles of unspoilt coastlines, great seaside resorts, picturesque villages and historic market towns, it is arguably one of the best places the UK has to offer when it comes to holiday destinations.

Luckily for us here in Leicestershire, it’s pretty much on our doorstep. Just a short hop along the A47 and we’re there on glorious East Coast.

Boasting some of the country’s top beauty spots and attractions, it’s no wonder we flock there in our thousands every year to enjoy holidays and short breaks.

As the “staycation” continues to grow in popularity as a result of the credit crunch, Norfolk is fast becoming one of our favourite places to visit in the UK. It seems there’s something for everyone in this county, regardless of age, interests and budget.

BLAKENEY POINT: Indulge in some seal spotting TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Whether you want to peruse stately homes and learn about its heritage, or just want a great family holiday, Norfolk has all the attractions you need for a fantastic time.

For the kids there’s a whole host of animals, wildlife and zoos including Hunstanton Sea

Life Sanctuary, Amazona Zoo in Cromer and Thrigby Wildlife Gardens in Great Yarmouth.

There’s plenty to do in the form of theme parks such as Norwich’s Dinosaur Adventure Park, Playbarn for the under-sevens and Oasis Sports and Leisure Centre.

The county’s beautiful stately homes and attractions include the monastic ruins on Binham Priory and the peace and tranquillity of the Gooderstone Water Gardens.

And, of course, no trip to Norfolk would be complete without a spot of crabbing, whether in Cromer, Hunstanton or WellsNext-The-Sea.

SHOPPING AND CRAFTS If a trip to Norfolk is all about retail therapy for you, then you can indulge to your heart’s content at such outlets as Castle Mall which has no less than 80 stores to browse, or why not visit the English Whisky Com-

©LW

All the major coastal resorts

Whether you like to stay in the lap of luxury, or are happy to do it yourself self-catering, Norfolk has pretty much every possible choice of accommodation from caravans to cottages, hotels to holiday homes.

If you’re planning on relaxing and not lifting a finger, then boutique hotels and luxury B&Bs are on hand to cater to your every need. While campers and caravanners can enjoy great pitches and idyllic surroundings at such spots as Applewood Caravan and Camping Park, and Waveney River Centre which has lovely views of the marina.

RESERVES. NEAR BLAKENEY, WALSINGHAM AND WELLS. SLEEPS ONE DOUBLE AND 2 SINGLES PLUS COT & HIGH CHAIR.

Tel. 01883 715579

©LW

THE CAMBRIA HOTEL, SEA FRONT PAIGNTON All rooms ensuite, some with balcony and seaview No single supplement Includes outings, bed, breakfast and evening meal and evening entertainment and return coach travel from Leicester St Margaret’s bus station.

• SKEGNESS SEAFRONT • SEAVIEW AND BALCONY ROOMS AVAILABLE ALL FULLY ENSUITE • FREE VIEW IN ALL ROOMS • LARGE FAMILY ROOMS AVAILABLE • LICENSED BAR AND GUEST LOUNGE • UPGRADES AVAIL TO INCLUDE FLOWERS CHOCOLATES AND WINE / CHAMPAGNE IN YOUR ROOM FOR THAT SPECIAL OCCASION • PACKED LUNCHES AND PICNICS ALSO AVAILABLE • THEATRE TICKETS AND RESTAURANTS CAN BE BOOKED ON REQUEST.

Call or write for further information.

Tel: 01803 559256.

Email: cambriahotel@live.co.uk

CAMBRIA HOTEL

32-33 Esplanade Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 6BL

©LW

©LW

TEL: 01754 612387 / 0782 6169418 www.thelaurelshotel.co.uk enquiries@thelaurelshotel.co.uk

CITY BREAKS

THEMED BREAKS

GREAT DAYS OUT

Including Scotland, Wales & The Lake District

London, Edinburgh, Newcastle & Liverpool

Steam Railways, River Cruising & Castles WATERWAYS: Glide along at a gentle pace to get the best view of wildlife and the scenery

Cities, seaside, historical & flower shows

Most tours are half board with excursions.

Jolly boating on the Broads Summer M Sunshine Coach travel at

To order your free copy of our 2015 holiday brochures call

01530 816425 or visit us on-line at www.robertstravelgroup.co.uk

or call in to our Holiday Lounge at Midland Road, Huggglescote

Roberts & Paul James Holidays are part of the Roberts Travel Group

y first thought as I arrived at the boatyard was, “how am I going to manoeuvre this water-borne juggernaut?” The boat’s incredibly spacious interior – with three double en-suite bedrooms, large lounge and galley (as we nautical types call the kitchen) – filled its 45ft length and 12ft width nicely.

The boatyard staff – used to a succession of novices like me, I’m sure – were immensely helpful when it came to negotiating the extensive network of rivers and lakes which make up the Norfolk Broads.

I did wonder how I was going to take it all on board, but, thankfully, it’s all written down in the Skipper’s Manual – the onboard bible frequently referred to over the course of the week. After tuition, we were ready to set off on our own.

It went well, at first, easing gently forward out of the berth, but the boat took on a life of its own as we drifted slowly into others moored nearby. Fortunately, an expert was around to hop on and guide us out the marina.

It was on this maiden voyage we were introduced to the beauty of cruising on the Broads.

Herds of cows graze languidly among a landscape dotted with ancient mills as you glide along the river, lined by rushes commonly used to thatch properties. But it’s the cornucopia of wildlife, particularly birds – from great crested grebes gracefully diving for their fish dinner, to hordes of coots and cormorants performing simil-

by ALAN THOMPSON

ar underwater aquabatics – that took my mind off our bad start.

Our route took us along the River Thurne, past Ludham Marsh Nature Reserve.

An hour or so into our journey, we had meandered our way to the ruins of St Benet’s Abbey and another of the joys of cruising on the Broads came home to me.

Taking advantage of one of the many free public moorings along the river, we went for a walk in the warm October sunshine.

❛❜

The pace of everyday life seemed a million miles away as we enjoyed that rarest of privileges – our time.

The pace of everyday life seemed a million miles away as we enjoyed that rarest of privileges – our time.

Boaters are friendly folk, too, always ready for a chat. I also saw, for the first time, a dog wearing a life-jacket – a wise precaution for the pets of boating folk.

We took time to prepare lunch before heading off to our destination of Wroxham and Hoveton, known as the capital of the Norfolk Broads.

Sadly, however, we were denied the pleasure as we could find no free, easy-to-enter mooring places for a novice like me.

A word of warning, then: if you’re planning to head somewhere to spend the night, get there early enough to find one you are confident enough to moor up at.

The alternatives are mooring in a more remote location, which is fine as you’re self-contained, or heading back to the boatyard. We chose the latter, so my 16-year-old son could watch live football on TV. There are some parts of everyday life you can’t escape, it seems.

The next morning, after another comfortable night, I witnessed something magical, a flight of maybe 20 swans flying at head height along the river.

The wildlife and generally pleasant climate are two of the attractions of a boating holiday on the Broads.

Planning your trip is the key to success. Check on your map for public moorings, boatyards and facilities – for showers and water – and places of interest.

And don’t forget, you’re not at home. Leave the hairdryers and straighteners behind.

You’ll have far more pressing needs for your electricity, which is renewed by running the engine. And you’re advised to top up your water daily.

Boating, it has to be said, is far more pleasurable on bright, sunny days. On the one day the weather let us down, we just slid the roof across and carried on cruising. You can always warm yourself with a hot drink from the galley.

its best with

5 day half board holidays in Britain’s best loved resorts

20 Apr

Exmouth

£289

27 Apr

Paignton

£295

09 May Isle of Man

£409

25 May Eastbourne

£305

22 Jun

Bournemouth

£299

25 Jun

Llandudno

£355

Convenient local departures from Ashby, Coalville, Fosse Park, Leicester & Melton Mowbray.

Call 01530 816425 or book on-line at

www.robertstravelgroup.co.uk Paul James Holidays is part of the Roberts Travel Group

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

3 MILES FROM LOVELY COASTLINES, BEACHES AND BIRD

LAKES & MOUNTAINS

7

6

Bed & Breakfast from £20pp/pn Weekly Special from £140pp

GREAT BEACHES

PLACES TO STAY

IN LOVELY VILLAGE WITH PUB PETROL AND SHOPS.

A selection of seaside and country properties for self-catering holidays in North Norfolk.

Coach Holidays with Style

pany to find out how it is made, before exploring its shop to see one of the biggest collections of Malt Whisky from around the world.

Visitors can also embrace their crafty side at The Courtyard where craftspeople take part in traditional and contemporary crafts of all kinds.

COTTAGE OPPOSITE PRIORY RUINS

Tel: 01263 823010 info@keysholidays.co.uk www.keys-holidays.co.uk

Rediscover Britain in 2015

8

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

LEICESTER MERCURY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

Like us on Facebook

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Follow us on Twitter

Facebook.com/leicestermercury

9

LEICESTER MERCURY

HOLIDAY GUIDE

@Leicester_Merc

Beautiful Devon beckons

SALe

Y

THE ENGLISH RIVIERA: Babbacombe Bay, Torquay

Check out Prague to make the most of your money

in association with

Great Coach Getaways with R&J Associates

CZECH capital Prague has come out top for value for money in the ninth Post Office Travel Money holiday money report.

Prague recorded the lowest price for the cost of eight tourist staples including meals and drinks (£35.29), and registered the survey’s lowest price for a three-course evening meal for two with wine (£21).

Exchange rates are likely to prove game-changers when it comes to holi-

4 night half b breaks fr oard om only

in association with Warner Leisure Hotels

£269 * per pers

on

Don't forget.... all these breaks include

8

0116 2161367

©LW

01263 825077.

©LW

www.waitamoment.co.uk

hurry book today, offers end 31-01-15 NeW 2 dAyS - VALeNTINeS WeeKeNd

INCLudeS: 1 nt DBB in Hotel + excursions PERFECT GETAWAY

NeW TOur FrOM

14-Feb (Skills)

£89

NeW 5 dAyS - SouTH CoAST exPLoReR

INCLudeS: 4 nts DBB in Hotel + excursions SAVE £10 per person

HARBOUR HAVEN: Brixham is famed for its charm, character and enticing array of local restaurants.

16-Feb (Laver)

WaS £314 NOW FrOM

£304

NeW 2 dAyS - HALF TeRM AdVeNTuRe

INCLudeS: 1 nt DBB in Hotel + excursions WARWICk CASTLE ENTRANCE

A sheltered bay and southeast aspect creates the perfect suntrap, with the palm lined waterfront the focus, seafront gardens and a lively harbour.

Beautiful beaches with Blue Flag status are accessible in minutes, by foot, road, or water, at Oddicombe, Meadfoot, Broadsands and Breakwater beaches.

At the centre of Torbay is Paignton, another top holiday destination, its safe sandy beach a must for families, alongside the pier, amusements, watersports – and the famous zoo, with around 2,000 animals to spot.

Thanks to award-winning accommodation and world-class attractions, it’s a hot spot for

couples and outdoors enthusiasts too, with kayaking, waterskiing and paddle-boarding among a challenging range of watersports to tackle.

Stay in a coastal holiday cottage, a guesthouse with sea views, beach chalet, or topnotch hotel, with something here to suit all tastes and budgets.

On the southern tip of Torbay bustling Brixham Harbour is a traditional attraction that wears its working hat with panache. This home of the UK’s largest fishing fleet and its thriving fish market also yields an exciting tourist centre, famed for its charm, character and enticing array of local restaurants.

19-Feb (Coachstyle)

FrOM

£75

2 dAyS - CHINeSe NeW yeAR IN LoNdoN

INCLudeS: 1 nt B&B in 3* Hotel + leisure time 2ND COACH ADDED

21-Feb (Skills)

FrOM

£69

3 dAyS - A WeeKeNd AT THe AdeLPHI

INCLudeS: 2 nts DBB in 3* Hotel + excursions SAVE £5 per person

06-Mar (Coachstyle)

WaS £139 NOW FrOM

£134

5 dAyS - STuNNING yoRKSHIRe dALeS

INCLudeS: 4 nts DBB in Hotel + excursions SAVE £10 per person

09-Mar (Laver)

WaS £374 NOW FrOM

3 dAyS - A WeLSH WeeKeNd

£364

INCLudeS: 2 nts DBB in 3* Hotel + excursions SAVE £5 per person

20-Mar (Coachstyle)

WaS £119 NOW FrOM

5 dAyS - BouRNeMouTH

£114

INCLudeS: 4 nts DBB in 3* Hotel + excursions SAVE £10 per person

30-Mar (Coachstyle)

WaS £209 NOW FrOM

£199

NeW 5dAyS-KeNT FT CALL THe MIdWIFe

Family firm Skills continues journey

INCLudeS: 4 nts DBB in 4* Hotel + excursions SAVE £25 per person

06-Apr (Skills)

WaS £239 NOW FrOM

£214

NeW 5 dAyS - LIVeRPooL To LAKeLANd

INCLudeS: 4 nts DBB in 3* Hotel + excursions SAVE £10 per person

06-Apr (Laver)

WaS £379 NOW FrOM

£369

oFFeRS AVAILABLe oN SeLeCTed 3-4 dAy (£5pp OFF) & 5 dAy BReAKS (£10pp oFF)

£10

OFF vOuCHer

CODE “v2015a”

Quote code“v2015a” over phone, apply online on the booking payment page, or present in person in our shops.

Save £10pp OFF any 5 Day breaks only

Gedling, stage carriage services to East Bridgford and Bestwood, shop premises in Alfreton Road, and a pickingup point and booking office in Derby Road, Nottingham.

Skills Holidays, trading arm of Skills Motor Coaches, became a limited company in 1958.

Nigel Skill, grandson of the founder, began work with the family business while he was still at school. As a teenager, he cycled from his home in Blidworth to earn pocket money cleaning coaches, leaving home at 4am.

His father, Stuart Skill, by then was running the firm,

insisted they all learned to drive early and, aged 10, Nigel would manoeuvre coaches around the depot for washing.

Nigel bought the firm in 1987 to become managing director.

Continental tours were introduced in the 1970s and since 1986, when de-regulation was introduced, Skills has concentrated on the coaching side of the industry, investing in a first-class fleet of modern vehicles and offering luxury coach holidays ranging from day trips and weekend breaks to tours of Europe and beyond.

Skills Holidays, as it is now known, is based in Bulwell.

Available on Skills Coach Holidays, Coachstyle Breaks or Laver Coach Holidays.

T&Csapply.Directbookingsonly.Newbookingsonly.Cannotbeusedwithother offers or existing bookings. vouchers offer expires 31-01-15.

DATE 06-Mar 09-Mar 20-Mar 27-Mar 30-Mar 30-Mar 03-apr 03-apr 03-Apr 03-apr 03-apr 03-apr 06-Apr 06-apr 09-apr 10-apr 10-Apr 13-apr 13-apr 13-apr 13-Apr 13-apr 13-apr 14-apr 17-Apr 17-apr 20-apr 20-apr 20-Apr 23-apr 27-apr 27-apr 27-apr 27-apr 28-apr 01-May 01-May 04-May 04-May 04-May 04-May 07-May 08-May 09-May 10-May

SPECIAL OFFERS DAYS FROM SAVE a Weekend at the adelphi 3 £139 £5 The Stunning yorkshire Dales 5 £374 £10 a Welsh Weekend 3 £119 £5 Wales on rails!

4 £343 £5 Bournemouth 5 £209 £10 Singles- Scarborough & Whitby 5 £354 £10 easter in Blackpool 4 £169 £5 easter- The Wye valley & More! 4 £343 £5 easter- Great Little Trains of Wales 4 £373 £5 a Welsh easter 4 £179 £5 easter-Southend&TheCuttySark 4 £333 £5 easter in Torquay 4 £159 £5 From Liverpool to Lakeland 5 £379 £10 Kent Ft Call the Midwife Tour 5 £239 £25 Perranporth & Cornwall 5 £389 £10 Mini Cruise - Keukenhof Gardens 3 £139 £5 Lancaster Ft Lake Windermere 3 £139 £5 North Wales explorer 5 £229 £10 Magical Merseyside 4 £209 £5 Sandown, Isle of Wight 5 £199 £10 Belfast & Legend of the Titanic 4 £299 £5 a Shropshire Travelogue 5 £410 £10 The rhine valley 5 £219 £10 Falmouth, St Ives & eden Project 5 £384 £10 Lille & Brussels Ft ypres 4 £179 £5 Mini Cruise - Keukenhof Gardens 3 £139 £5 Singles- Snowdonia 5 £394 £10 Paignton & The english riviera 5 £259 £10 delightful durham dales 5 £414 £10 Hampton Court & Wiltshire 5 £410 £10 Ness Gardens & Chirk Castle 5 £399 £10 Singles- Springtime in eastbourne 5 £404 £10 Dunoon & The Isle of Bute 5 £269 £10 Weston-Super-Mare 5 £219 £10 Wiltshire’s villages 3 £129 £5 Cruising on Sharpness Canal 3 £332 £5 Isle of Man 5 £459 £10 Mill rythe Holiday village 5 £199 £10 Cheshire Highlights 5 £389 £10 Wonderful Wildlife of Scotland 5 £409 £10 valkenburg 5 £295 £10 Manchester Ship Canal 3 £179 £5 The Bowood rhododendrons 3 £259 £5 royal residences & Gardens 3 £179 £5 Northumbria explorer 5 £359 £10

Save uP TO £5 Or £10 OFF Per PerSON OF THe FrOM PrICe SHOWN

£5

OFF vOuCHer CODE “v2015a”

Quote code“v2015a” over phone, apply online on the booking payment page, or present in person in our shops.

Save £5pp OFF any 3&4 Day breaks only

Available on Skills Coach Holidays, Coachstyle Breaks or Laver Coach Holidays.

T&Csapply.Directbookingsonly.Newbookingsonly.Cannotbeusedwithother offers or existing bookings. vouchers offer expires 31-01-15.

local pick ups across the east midlands & south yorks our travel shops

3-3a Mansfield Rd, Nottingham, NG1 3FB | Belgrave Rd, Bulwell, Nottingham, NG6 8LY 104 Chilwell Rd, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 1ES | Unit 24BCD, Eagle Centre Market, Derby, DE1 2AZ 25 Swan Street, Loughborough, LE11 5BL

call now to request all our brochures or book

0845 666 5544 online bookings www.skills.co.uk

Offers end 31-01-15. Subject to avialabilityand selected coach holiday only and terms & Conditions apply. For tours operated by Skills Holidays, CoachStyle, Skills Days Out visit www.skills.co.uk for full Terms & Conditions. For tour operated by Laver Holidays visit www.laverholidays.co.uk for full Terms & conditions.

Prices are per person based on 2 people sharing a twin room and are subject to availability. NIL single room supplements are limited.

All credit card transactions are subject to a 2.5% charge.

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

*Terms & Conditions: Prices are based on 2 people sharing a standard room in a hotel or standard chalet in a village.

All persons in your booking must be over 21 years old. R&J Associates terms and conditions apply. Bourne Holidays Limited (trading as Warner Leisure Hotels) is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 01854900 whose registered office is 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL.

For further information please call

WANT to avoid the queues at major tourist attractions?

A new website, Wait A Moment, aims to reduce customer waiting times across a wide range of services, including tourist hotspots.

By highlighting peak waiting times at some tourist destinations, the website aims to give people enough information to make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary queuing.

Queues, especially during a short getaway, are frustrating and time consuming, using up minutes or even hours that visitors would otherwise spend on more enjoyable holiday activities.

For more information go to

PLe15’ u o C R e ‘P F F * eNdS 31/01/ THe ANNuAL HoLIdAy SALe o *SPeCIAL oFFeR

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

IF you have enjoyed the odd day trip in years gone by, chances are you went on a Skills coach.

The company has been rooted in Nottingham since 1919, when it was founded by Arthur Skill, in Radford.

He only had one lorry, which he used to collect fish from the market, followed by light haulage work during the day.

But it was a roadside encounter with men walking to work from Radford that prompted him to launch his first passenger service.

Using the same lorry, he was soon carrying miners to Bestwood Colliery and, in 1921, he bought a Crossley charabanc – Skills’ first true bus.

A workers’ service to the Celanese factory at Spondon was followed in 1927 by services to Bridlington and Scarborough and later to Mablethorpe, Skegness, Cleethorpes and Southend-on-Sea. From 1937 onwards, the purchase of other operators at various times added colliery services to Bilsthorpe and

£50

uP TO

9

Comfy, quiet, self catering wing of family home.

Sleeps 2 - 5, Close to sea and shops.

No smoking or pets.

✓ Stylish accommodation ✓ Delicious breakfasts & 3-course evening meals ✓ Fantastic live entertainment ✓ Range of daytime activities ✓ Use of sports and leisure facilities ✓ No kids

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

How to avoid queues

SHERINGHAM NORFOLK

With so much included on a Warner break, there couldn't be a better getaway. Have a look at some of our great Warner Leisure tours featured in 2015 - book now to save disappointment!

For more information or to make a booking call: 01455 444 328 or visit: www.rjcoachtravel.co.uk

day choice in the year ahead, the report predicts. Lower prices in European cities and resorts have helped them fill eight of the top 10 best value places in the report’s worldwide holiday costs barometer.

In a close-run race, Portugal’s Algarve (£36.04) retained its runner-up place for the second year and remains Europe’s best value beach resort.

Sunny Beach, Bulgaria and Spain’s Costa del Sol cost a few pence more.

ou’ll never guarantee a UK holiday in the sun, but you can turn the odds in your favour by going south.

Heading for Devon is like going abroad without crossing the Channel. The lengthy journey makes your holiday all the more special for getting well away from it all. The scenery is fantastic, the climate renowned for its mildness and if you catch the right weather, it's as good as a break can get.

The effect of the climate is clear, with the milder winters creating a microclimate for exotic plants to flourish.

The national parks of Devon are stunning as you journey south west, open moorlands contrasting starkly with the picture-postcard scenery of thatched villages set in wooded valleys – and the cream teas just have to be sampled.

Torquay is among the top holiday destinations.

One of the sunniest parts of the country, this gleaming south Devon resort can notch up to 1,750 hours of sunshine a year, averaging around eight hours a day – as well as delivering everything else that makes a family holiday special.

Torquay has been one of the UK’s best-known UK holiday resorts since Victorian times, when anyone who was anyone had an attractive villa overlooking the sea.

Today’s town has a continental flair in its Riviera culture, with a glitzy marina, lively nightlife and specialist shopping that makes it a draw for miles around.

8

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

LEICESTER MERCURY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

Like us on Facebook

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Follow us on Twitter

Facebook.com/leicestermercury

9

LEICESTER MERCURY

HOLIDAY GUIDE

@Leicester_Merc

Beautiful Devon beckons

SALe

Y

THE ENGLISH RIVIERA: Babbacombe Bay, Torquay

Check out Prague to make the most of your money

in association with

Great Coach Getaways with R&J Associates

CZECH capital Prague has come out top for value for money in the ninth Post Office Travel Money holiday money report.

Prague recorded the lowest price for the cost of eight tourist staples including meals and drinks (£35.29), and registered the survey’s lowest price for a three-course evening meal for two with wine (£21).

Exchange rates are likely to prove game-changers when it comes to holi-

4 night half b breaks fr oard om only

in association with Warner Leisure Hotels

£269 * per pers

on

Don't forget.... all these breaks include

8

0116 2161367

©LW

01263 825077.

©LW

www.waitamoment.co.uk

hurry book today, offers end 31-01-15 NeW 2 dAyS - VALeNTINeS WeeKeNd

INCLudeS: 1 nt DBB in Hotel + excursions PERFECT GETAWAY

NeW TOur FrOM

14-Feb (Skills)

£89

NeW 5 dAyS - SouTH CoAST exPLoReR

INCLudeS: 4 nts DBB in Hotel + excursions SAVE £10 per person

HARBOUR HAVEN: Brixham is famed for its charm, character and enticing array of local restaurants.

16-Feb (Laver)

WaS £314 NOW FrOM

£304

NeW 2 dAyS - HALF TeRM AdVeNTuRe

INCLudeS: 1 nt DBB in Hotel + excursions WARWICk CASTLE ENTRANCE

A sheltered bay and southeast aspect creates the perfect suntrap, with the palm lined waterfront the focus, seafront gardens and a lively harbour.

Beautiful beaches with Blue Flag status are accessible in minutes, by foot, road, or water, at Oddicombe, Meadfoot, Broadsands and Breakwater beaches.

At the centre of Torbay is Paignton, another top holiday destination, its safe sandy beach a must for families, alongside the pier, amusements, watersports – and the famous zoo, with around 2,000 animals to spot.

Thanks to award-winning accommodation and world-class attractions, it’s a hot spot for

couples and outdoors enthusiasts too, with kayaking, waterskiing and paddle-boarding among a challenging range of watersports to tackle.

Stay in a coastal holiday cottage, a guesthouse with sea views, beach chalet, or topnotch hotel, with something here to suit all tastes and budgets.

On the southern tip of Torbay bustling Brixham Harbour is a traditional attraction that wears its working hat with panache. This home of the UK’s largest fishing fleet and its thriving fish market also yields an exciting tourist centre, famed for its charm, character and enticing array of local restaurants.

19-Feb (Coachstyle)

FrOM

£75

2 dAyS - CHINeSe NeW yeAR IN LoNdoN

INCLudeS: 1 nt B&B in 3* Hotel + leisure time 2ND COACH ADDED

21-Feb (Skills)

FrOM

£69

3 dAyS - A WeeKeNd AT THe AdeLPHI

INCLudeS: 2 nts DBB in 3* Hotel + excursions SAVE £5 per person

06-Mar (Coachstyle)

WaS £139 NOW FrOM

£134

5 dAyS - STuNNING yoRKSHIRe dALeS

INCLudeS: 4 nts DBB in Hotel + excursions SAVE £10 per person

09-Mar (Laver)

WaS £374 NOW FrOM

3 dAyS - A WeLSH WeeKeNd

£364

INCLudeS: 2 nts DBB in 3* Hotel + excursions SAVE £5 per person

20-Mar (Coachstyle)

WaS £119 NOW FrOM

5 dAyS - BouRNeMouTH

£114

INCLudeS: 4 nts DBB in 3* Hotel + excursions SAVE £10 per person

30-Mar (Coachstyle)

WaS £209 NOW FrOM

£199

NeW 5dAyS-KeNT FT CALL THe MIdWIFe

Family firm Skills continues journey

INCLudeS: 4 nts DBB in 4* Hotel + excursions SAVE £25 per person

06-Apr (Skills)

WaS £239 NOW FrOM

£214

NeW 5 dAyS - LIVeRPooL To LAKeLANd

INCLudeS: 4 nts DBB in 3* Hotel + excursions SAVE £10 per person

06-Apr (Laver)

WaS £379 NOW FrOM

£369

oFFeRS AVAILABLe oN SeLeCTed 3-4 dAy (£5pp OFF) & 5 dAy BReAKS (£10pp oFF)

£10

OFF vOuCHer

CODE “v2015a”

Quote code“v2015a” over phone, apply online on the booking payment page, or present in person in our shops.

Save £10pp OFF any 5 Day breaks only

Gedling, stage carriage services to East Bridgford and Bestwood, shop premises in Alfreton Road, and a pickingup point and booking office in Derby Road, Nottingham.

Skills Holidays, trading arm of Skills Motor Coaches, became a limited company in 1958.

Nigel Skill, grandson of the founder, began work with the family business while he was still at school. As a teenager, he cycled from his home in Blidworth to earn pocket money cleaning coaches, leaving home at 4am.

His father, Stuart Skill, by then was running the firm,

insisted they all learned to drive early and, aged 10, Nigel would manoeuvre coaches around the depot for washing.

Nigel bought the firm in 1987 to become managing director.

Continental tours were introduced in the 1970s and since 1986, when de-regulation was introduced, Skills has concentrated on the coaching side of the industry, investing in a first-class fleet of modern vehicles and offering luxury coach holidays ranging from day trips and weekend breaks to tours of Europe and beyond.

Skills Holidays, as it is now known, is based in Bulwell.

Available on Skills Coach Holidays, Coachstyle Breaks or Laver Coach Holidays.

T&Csapply.Directbookingsonly.Newbookingsonly.Cannotbeusedwithother offers or existing bookings. vouchers offer expires 31-01-15.

DATE 06-Mar 09-Mar 20-Mar 27-Mar 30-Mar 30-Mar 03-apr 03-apr 03-Apr 03-apr 03-apr 03-apr 06-Apr 06-apr 09-apr 10-apr 10-Apr 13-apr 13-apr 13-apr 13-Apr 13-apr 13-apr 14-apr 17-Apr 17-apr 20-apr 20-apr 20-Apr 23-apr 27-apr 27-apr 27-apr 27-apr 28-apr 01-May 01-May 04-May 04-May 04-May 04-May 07-May 08-May 09-May 10-May

SPECIAL OFFERS DAYS FROM SAVE a Weekend at the adelphi 3 £139 £5 The Stunning yorkshire Dales 5 £374 £10 a Welsh Weekend 3 £119 £5 Wales on rails!

4 £343 £5 Bournemouth 5 £209 £10 Singles- Scarborough & Whitby 5 £354 £10 easter in Blackpool 4 £169 £5 easter- The Wye valley & More! 4 £343 £5 easter- Great Little Trains of Wales 4 £373 £5 a Welsh easter 4 £179 £5 easter-Southend&TheCuttySark 4 £333 £5 easter in Torquay 4 £159 £5 From Liverpool to Lakeland 5 £379 £10 Kent Ft Call the Midwife Tour 5 £239 £25 Perranporth & Cornwall 5 £389 £10 Mini Cruise - Keukenhof Gardens 3 £139 £5 Lancaster Ft Lake Windermere 3 £139 £5 North Wales explorer 5 £229 £10 Magical Merseyside 4 £209 £5 Sandown, Isle of Wight 5 £199 £10 Belfast & Legend of the Titanic 4 £299 £5 a Shropshire Travelogue 5 £410 £10 The rhine valley 5 £219 £10 Falmouth, St Ives & eden Project 5 £384 £10 Lille & Brussels Ft ypres 4 £179 £5 Mini Cruise - Keukenhof Gardens 3 £139 £5 Singles- Snowdonia 5 £394 £10 Paignton & The english riviera 5 £259 £10 delightful durham dales 5 £414 £10 Hampton Court & Wiltshire 5 £410 £10 Ness Gardens & Chirk Castle 5 £399 £10 Singles- Springtime in eastbourne 5 £404 £10 Dunoon & The Isle of Bute 5 £269 £10 Weston-Super-Mare 5 £219 £10 Wiltshire’s villages 3 £129 £5 Cruising on Sharpness Canal 3 £332 £5 Isle of Man 5 £459 £10 Mill rythe Holiday village 5 £199 £10 Cheshire Highlights 5 £389 £10 Wonderful Wildlife of Scotland 5 £409 £10 valkenburg 5 £295 £10 Manchester Ship Canal 3 £179 £5 The Bowood rhododendrons 3 £259 £5 royal residences & Gardens 3 £179 £5 Northumbria explorer 5 £359 £10

Save uP TO £5 Or £10 OFF Per PerSON OF THe FrOM PrICe SHOWN

£5

OFF vOuCHer CODE “v2015a”

Quote code“v2015a” over phone, apply online on the booking payment page, or present in person in our shops.

Save £5pp OFF any 3&4 Day breaks only

Available on Skills Coach Holidays, Coachstyle Breaks or Laver Coach Holidays.

T&Csapply.Directbookingsonly.Newbookingsonly.Cannotbeusedwithother offers or existing bookings. vouchers offer expires 31-01-15.

local pick ups across the east midlands & south yorks our travel shops

3-3a Mansfield Rd, Nottingham, NG1 3FB | Belgrave Rd, Bulwell, Nottingham, NG6 8LY 104 Chilwell Rd, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 1ES | Unit 24BCD, Eagle Centre Market, Derby, DE1 2AZ 25 Swan Street, Loughborough, LE11 5BL

call now to request all our brochures or book

0845 666 5544 online bookings www.skills.co.uk

Offers end 31-01-15. Subject to avialabilityand selected coach holiday only and terms & Conditions apply. For tours operated by Skills Holidays, CoachStyle, Skills Days Out visit www.skills.co.uk for full Terms & Conditions. For tour operated by Laver Holidays visit www.laverholidays.co.uk for full Terms & conditions.

Prices are per person based on 2 people sharing a twin room and are subject to availability. NIL single room supplements are limited.

All credit card transactions are subject to a 2.5% charge.

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

*Terms & Conditions: Prices are based on 2 people sharing a standard room in a hotel or standard chalet in a village.

All persons in your booking must be over 21 years old. R&J Associates terms and conditions apply. Bourne Holidays Limited (trading as Warner Leisure Hotels) is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 01854900 whose registered office is 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL.

For further information please call

WANT to avoid the queues at major tourist attractions?

A new website, Wait A Moment, aims to reduce customer waiting times across a wide range of services, including tourist hotspots.

By highlighting peak waiting times at some tourist destinations, the website aims to give people enough information to make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary queuing.

Queues, especially during a short getaway, are frustrating and time consuming, using up minutes or even hours that visitors would otherwise spend on more enjoyable holiday activities.

For more information go to

PLe15’ u o C R e ‘P F F * eNdS 31/01/ THe ANNuAL HoLIdAy SALe o *SPeCIAL oFFeR

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

IF you have enjoyed the odd day trip in years gone by, chances are you went on a Skills coach.

The company has been rooted in Nottingham since 1919, when it was founded by Arthur Skill, in Radford.

He only had one lorry, which he used to collect fish from the market, followed by light haulage work during the day.

But it was a roadside encounter with men walking to work from Radford that prompted him to launch his first passenger service.

Using the same lorry, he was soon carrying miners to Bestwood Colliery and, in 1921, he bought a Crossley charabanc – Skills’ first true bus.

A workers’ service to the Celanese factory at Spondon was followed in 1927 by services to Bridlington and Scarborough and later to Mablethorpe, Skegness, Cleethorpes and Southend-on-Sea. From 1937 onwards, the purchase of other operators at various times added colliery services to Bilsthorpe and

£50

uP TO

9

Comfy, quiet, self catering wing of family home.

Sleeps 2 - 5, Close to sea and shops.

No smoking or pets.

✓ Stylish accommodation ✓ Delicious breakfasts & 3-course evening meals ✓ Fantastic live entertainment ✓ Range of daytime activities ✓ Use of sports and leisure facilities ✓ No kids

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

How to avoid queues

SHERINGHAM NORFOLK

With so much included on a Warner break, there couldn't be a better getaway. Have a look at some of our great Warner Leisure tours featured in 2015 - book now to save disappointment!

For more information or to make a booking call: 01455 444 328 or visit: www.rjcoachtravel.co.uk

day choice in the year ahead, the report predicts. Lower prices in European cities and resorts have helped them fill eight of the top 10 best value places in the report’s worldwide holiday costs barometer.

In a close-run race, Portugal’s Algarve (£36.04) retained its runner-up place for the second year and remains Europe’s best value beach resort.

Sunny Beach, Bulgaria and Spain’s Costa del Sol cost a few pence more.

ou’ll never guarantee a UK holiday in the sun, but you can turn the odds in your favour by going south.

Heading for Devon is like going abroad without crossing the Channel. The lengthy journey makes your holiday all the more special for getting well away from it all. The scenery is fantastic, the climate renowned for its mildness and if you catch the right weather, it's as good as a break can get.

The effect of the climate is clear, with the milder winters creating a microclimate for exotic plants to flourish.

The national parks of Devon are stunning as you journey south west, open moorlands contrasting starkly with the picture-postcard scenery of thatched villages set in wooded valleys – and the cream teas just have to be sampled.

Torquay is among the top holiday destinations.

One of the sunniest parts of the country, this gleaming south Devon resort can notch up to 1,750 hours of sunshine a year, averaging around eight hours a day – as well as delivering everything else that makes a family holiday special.

Torquay has been one of the UK’s best-known UK holiday resorts since Victorian times, when anyone who was anyone had an attractive villa overlooking the sea.

Today’s town has a continental flair in its Riviera culture, with a glitzy marina, lively nightlife and specialist shopping that makes it a draw for miles around.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

LEICESTER MERCURY

Like us on Facebook

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Facebook.com/leicestermercury

Just sit back and enjoy IF the words “coach trip” conjure up images of either a reality TV show or elderly people going to Skeggy for the day, then think again.

Gone are the days when coaches were mainly all about Horace and Doris enjoying a day trip to Great Yarmouth.

Just like camping has become “glamping”, it seems coach travel is well on its way to becoming glamorous again, and is fast growing in popularity with people of all ages.

And it’s not just about day trips in Britain either. More and more passengers are choosing to abroad. So whether you are looking to take a short break on a shoestring, or fancy indulging in a longer stay without the hassle of motorway driving or the hustle of the airport, then why not consider taking the coach.

Here’s our quick guide to what’s on offer: ■ UK breaks Coach companies offer a wide range of UK breaks to suit all ages and budgets from day excursions, two - five day breaks travelling to destinations in England, Ireland and Wales.

There’s the chance to take a loved one on a mystery weekend away for a special birthday

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

Follow us on Twitter

new

brochure available from 1st November

the views

ww w.m acp

her son coa che

GLENFIELD SPECIAL JERSEY 2015

s.co .uk

By Air & By Sea Staying at the Norfolk Lodge Hotel; 3 sun, one of the island’s most established hoteliers and just a 10 minute walk to shops and parks. All bedrooms ensuite with TV, tea/coffee etc, family run, entertainment, indoor pool, Half Board, return transfers, all taxes and rep service included. A friendly atmosphere offering excellent value for money.

England, Wales,

s 2015

Scotland, Ireland

& Europe

NEW A choice of NO single supplement holidays & home pick-ups are now available

By Air with fights from Birmingham inc luggage for 7 nights. Financially protected.

16th May - £539pp 11th July - £579pp

By Sea with transport to/from Poole for 6 nights.

26th April - £429pp 14th June - £509pp 6th Sept - £509pp 18th Oct - £429pp In conjunction with Travtel International.

Glenfeld Travel, 3 Station Road, Glenfeld, Leicester, LE3 8BT

Tel: 0116 2871608 / 2877207 Email: glenfeld.travel@vsmail.co.uk

Telephone: 01530 414 101 or 01530 270 226

Web: www.glenfeldtravel.co.uk

Glenfeld Travel 3 Station Road

GLENFIELD TRAVEL ROYAL ASCOT DAY TRIP

ADD US ON FACEBOOK ABTA BONDED ©LW

March 30th - 5 days At the superb Red Lea Hotel; spacious, indoor pool, lift, all rooms en-suite including a traditional Yorkshire Fish and Chip evening, Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding, a night at the races and last night at the proms. Excursions, quality entertainment and a free drink each evening. Great fun and value.

Melrose - Easter Special

One of the highlights of the summer’s social calendar. Join us as we enjoy an afternoon of top class racing and take the opportunity to step out in style. Our package includes Executive Coach Travel direct to Ascot, your choice of Grandstand or Silver Ring ticket, commencing with a Club Sandwich en-route and a bottle of chilled bucks fizz. Car park 6; tree lined and closest to the main entrance. On arrival, a 2 course lunch served with pimm’s, Champagne, strawberries and ice cream.

After the day’s racing, our Chef ’s sumptuous buffet will be served with sweets and all drinks included.

All food and drinks transported byChill Hire Van.

£165 GRANDSTAND OR £135 SILVER RING £65 PER PERSON DEPOSIT TO SECURE YOUR PLACE Glenfield Travel, 3 Station Road, Glenfield, Leicester, LE3 8BT

Tel: 0116 2871608 / 2877207 Email: glenfield.travel@vsmail.co.uk Web: www.glenfieldtravel.co.uk ADD US ON FACEBOOK ©LW

Embrace

the freedom of escorted touring

£255pp

THURSDAY 18TH JUNE 2015

aLWays a seLL OUT eaRLy BOOKiNG adVised.

GLENFIELD TRAVEL'S SPRING SAVERS Scarborough - Themed Break

al retreat and a dose of opulence might just love a stay at the Lumley Castle in County Durham.

Full details are available on the company’s website and its brochures. Customers who book holidays online receive a five per cent discount.

April 3rd - 5 days 4 nights at the George & Abbotsford Hotel; family run.

Tours inc Edinburgh, the Borders, Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Traquair House; the oldest habited building in Britain inc tour and ale tastings.

Gala Scottish night with pipers and singers. Free drink each evening.

Exploring New Zealand

£289pp

Tenby - All Inclusive

BOOK NOW &

April 20th - 5 days All Inclusive break at the seafront Belgrave Hotel for 5 days. All excursions, nightly entertainment, Bed & Breakfast, 3 packed lunches, dinner and bar included from 6.30 - 10.30pm each evening.

SAVE £150

Canadian Rockies

by Train

Eastbourne £319pp

DIAL A BROCHURE

Departs Jan 16 - Feb 06, 2016 From £5059 per person

PER PERSON

What a deal! £299pp

May 11th - 5 days Staying at the Congress Hotel; our customer's favourite. Family run, spacious, lift, quality food and all tours inc the East Sussex Railway. Nightly entertainment and a free drink each night.

22 Days • 30 Meals

BOOK NOW &

SAVE £100

11 Days • 15 Meals

Departs Sept 25 - Oct 05, 2015 From £3759 per person

PER PERSON

We are delighted to offer our 33rd UK Coach Brochure which contains a great selection of days out, mid-week breaks, weekends and special events.

Included our Early Season Offers listed above, along with departures to the Isle of Wight, Ilfracombe, Weymouth, Porthcawl, Llandudno, Sidmouth, Torquay, Newquay, our Suffolk and Norfolk weekends, Blackpool and the ever so popular Edinburgh Tattoo plus our Edinburgh Christmas Market and Borders tour.

We have regular departures to Jersey and the Isle of Man. Days include The City Varieties in Leeds, Thursford Christmas Spectacular and our Executive Day to Royal Ascot for Ladies Day. Not forgetting our most famous Comedy Weekend in November, now it's in 22nd year, over 4 days; 10 star acts, a great fun weekend with no bad language.

All tours are on Executive Coaches with local pick-ups, tours, entertainment, plus a few extras.

We have the complete package and are fully bonded for your protection.

Groups; please call for a tailor made quotation.

For your copy, please call: Glenfeld Travel, 3 Station Road, Glenfeld, Leicester, LE3 8BT Tel: 0116 2871608 / 2877207 Email: glenfeld.travel@vsmail.co.uk Web: www.glenfeldtravel.co.uk ADD US ON FACEBOOK

Prices include discount and are based on twin occupancy, return flights from Heathrow, hotel transfers, meals as specified, Private Door-to-Door transfers

GLENFIELD TRAVEL 3 Station Road, Glenfield, For more information please contact: Leicester, LE3 8BT Glenfield Travel on 0116 287 2871608 1608 / 2877207 Tel: 0116 or drop in to pick up your free brochure in conjunction with Email: glenfield.travel@vsmail.co.uk Glenfield Travel, 3 Station Road, Glenfield, Leicester, LE3 8BT

www.glenfieldtravel.co.uk BROCHURE(S) AVAILABLE IN STORE

www.glenfieldtravel.co.uk

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

Book Online: www.macphersoncoaches.co.uk

day excursions | mini breaks | holidays

Ladies day 2015

home set in four acres of treelined parkland.

In this, the year of the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, Woods are also running a tour of the battlefields of Belgium, including trips to Ostende and Bruges.

History buffs who fancy a rur-

11

10

3 Easy Ways To Book

Royal Ascot

EARLY BOOKING ADVISED AS EVENT ALWAYS SELLS OUT

Contact your award winning agent:

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

LET Woods Coaches take the wheel and transport you to some of the best-loved tourist destinations in the UK and mainland Europe.

A trusted Leicestershire company, they run a packed calendar of day trips, city breaks and holidays to suit all tastes and budgets.

All the hard work is done for you – you just have to climb on board, sit back and enjoy the ride on one of the company’s luxurious, top range coaches.

Pound for pound, coach travel is the cheapest way to travel and it cuts out all the fuss of negotiating the rail network or fighting your way through an airport.

Highlights of this year’s package include exciting trips to London’s world famous West End Theatre land, beautiful and buzzing Edinburgh, shopping and culture heartland Liverpool and historic York.

We love the tradition of the classic English seaside town and Woods has that covered too, whether it’s the Norfolk resorts of Hunstanton and Cromer, Southport, on Merseyside, Bournemouth or the Isle of Wight.

For those who are prepared to go slightly further afield there’s a chance to take traditional English tea in a French castle – cheekily called the gateau in a chateau tour.

Staying on the South coast of England, Woods will take you across the channel, via St Omer, and on to Chateau Tilques, a majestic country

SPOILT FOR CHOICE: Take your pick from a wide range of Woods’ destinations from the coast to top London shows

Select Holiday

Visit our Travel Shop: 4 Brook Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch

HOLIDAY GUIDE

@Leicester_Merc

or anniversary celebration.

Many operators offer trips for the visually impaired where holidaymakers can enjoy a relaxing stay in a specially-designed hotel with easy access and facilities for guide dogs.

■ Trips abroad If you love the idea of travelling and seeing the world, but aren’t a keen on flying, then many coach travel companies offer holidays to Europe. From Austria to Finland, Belgium to Disneyland Paris, and everything in between, so there’s no excuse not to visit.

■ Singles holidays For lone travellers, a coach trip can be the perfect excuse to get out there and see Britain while meeting like-minded people. Many companies offer holidays tailored specifically to single people, from weekends across the British Isles to eight-day breaks abroad.

■ Themed holidays Themed breaks can be great fun, and an ideal way to travel while indulging your favourite interests. Popular trips include musical themes like the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour to Liverpool, Murder Mystery Weekends or nostalgic trips such as a 1950s Weekend in Yorkshire.

new & exciting destinations

11

LEICESTER MERCURY

©LW

10

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

LEICESTER MERCURY

Like us on Facebook

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Facebook.com/leicestermercury

Just sit back and enjoy IF the words “coach trip” conjure up images of either a reality TV show or elderly people going to Skeggy for the day, then think again.

Gone are the days when coaches were mainly all about Horace and Doris enjoying a day trip to Great Yarmouth.

Just like camping has become “glamping”, it seems coach travel is well on its way to becoming glamorous again, and is fast growing in popularity with people of all ages.

And it’s not just about day trips in Britain either. More and more passengers are choosing to abroad. So whether you are looking to take a short break on a shoestring, or fancy indulging in a longer stay without the hassle of motorway driving or the hustle of the airport, then why not consider taking the coach.

Here’s our quick guide to what’s on offer: ■ UK breaks Coach companies offer a wide range of UK breaks to suit all ages and budgets from day excursions, two - five day breaks travelling to destinations in England, Ireland and Wales.

There’s the chance to take a loved one on a mystery weekend away for a special birthday

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

Follow us on Twitter

new

brochure available from 1st November

the views

ww w.m acp

her son coa che

GLENFIELD SPECIAL JERSEY 2015

s.co .uk

By Air & By Sea Staying at the Norfolk Lodge Hotel; 3 sun, one of the island’s most established hoteliers and just a 10 minute walk to shops and parks. All bedrooms ensuite with TV, tea/coffee etc, family run, entertainment, indoor pool, Half Board, return transfers, all taxes and rep service included. A friendly atmosphere offering excellent value for money.

England, Wales,

s 2015

Scotland, Ireland

& Europe

NEW A choice of NO single supplement holidays & home pick-ups are now available

By Air with fights from Birmingham inc luggage for 7 nights. Financially protected.

16th May - £539pp 11th July - £579pp

By Sea with transport to/from Poole for 6 nights.

26th April - £429pp 14th June - £509pp 6th Sept - £509pp 18th Oct - £429pp In conjunction with Travtel International.

Glenfeld Travel, 3 Station Road, Glenfeld, Leicester, LE3 8BT

Tel: 0116 2871608 / 2877207 Email: glenfeld.travel@vsmail.co.uk

Telephone: 01530 414 101 or 01530 270 226

Web: www.glenfeldtravel.co.uk

Glenfeld Travel 3 Station Road

GLENFIELD TRAVEL ROYAL ASCOT DAY TRIP

ADD US ON FACEBOOK ABTA BONDED ©LW

March 30th - 5 days At the superb Red Lea Hotel; spacious, indoor pool, lift, all rooms en-suite including a traditional Yorkshire Fish and Chip evening, Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding, a night at the races and last night at the proms. Excursions, quality entertainment and a free drink each evening. Great fun and value.

Melrose - Easter Special

One of the highlights of the summer’s social calendar. Join us as we enjoy an afternoon of top class racing and take the opportunity to step out in style. Our package includes Executive Coach Travel direct to Ascot, your choice of Grandstand or Silver Ring ticket, commencing with a Club Sandwich en-route and a bottle of chilled bucks fizz. Car park 6; tree lined and closest to the main entrance. On arrival, a 2 course lunch served with pimm’s, Champagne, strawberries and ice cream.

After the day’s racing, our Chef ’s sumptuous buffet will be served with sweets and all drinks included.

All food and drinks transported byChill Hire Van.

£165 GRANDSTAND OR £135 SILVER RING £65 PER PERSON DEPOSIT TO SECURE YOUR PLACE Glenfield Travel, 3 Station Road, Glenfield, Leicester, LE3 8BT

Tel: 0116 2871608 / 2877207 Email: glenfield.travel@vsmail.co.uk Web: www.glenfieldtravel.co.uk ADD US ON FACEBOOK ©LW

Embrace

the freedom of escorted touring

£255pp

THURSDAY 18TH JUNE 2015

aLWays a seLL OUT eaRLy BOOKiNG adVised.

GLENFIELD TRAVEL'S SPRING SAVERS Scarborough - Themed Break

al retreat and a dose of opulence might just love a stay at the Lumley Castle in County Durham.

Full details are available on the company’s website and its brochures. Customers who book holidays online receive a five per cent discount.

April 3rd - 5 days 4 nights at the George & Abbotsford Hotel; family run.

Tours inc Edinburgh, the Borders, Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Traquair House; the oldest habited building in Britain inc tour and ale tastings.

Gala Scottish night with pipers and singers. Free drink each evening.

Exploring New Zealand

£289pp

Tenby - All Inclusive

BOOK NOW &

April 20th - 5 days All Inclusive break at the seafront Belgrave Hotel for 5 days. All excursions, nightly entertainment, Bed & Breakfast, 3 packed lunches, dinner and bar included from 6.30 - 10.30pm each evening.

SAVE £150

Canadian Rockies

by Train

Eastbourne £319pp

DIAL A BROCHURE

Departs Jan 16 - Feb 06, 2016 From £5059 per person

PER PERSON

What a deal! £299pp

May 11th - 5 days Staying at the Congress Hotel; our customer's favourite. Family run, spacious, lift, quality food and all tours inc the East Sussex Railway. Nightly entertainment and a free drink each night.

22 Days • 30 Meals

BOOK NOW &

SAVE £100

11 Days • 15 Meals

Departs Sept 25 - Oct 05, 2015 From £3759 per person

PER PERSON

We are delighted to offer our 33rd UK Coach Brochure which contains a great selection of days out, mid-week breaks, weekends and special events.

Included our Early Season Offers listed above, along with departures to the Isle of Wight, Ilfracombe, Weymouth, Porthcawl, Llandudno, Sidmouth, Torquay, Newquay, our Suffolk and Norfolk weekends, Blackpool and the ever so popular Edinburgh Tattoo plus our Edinburgh Christmas Market and Borders tour.

We have regular departures to Jersey and the Isle of Man. Days include The City Varieties in Leeds, Thursford Christmas Spectacular and our Executive Day to Royal Ascot for Ladies Day. Not forgetting our most famous Comedy Weekend in November, now it's in 22nd year, over 4 days; 10 star acts, a great fun weekend with no bad language.

All tours are on Executive Coaches with local pick-ups, tours, entertainment, plus a few extras.

We have the complete package and are fully bonded for your protection.

Groups; please call for a tailor made quotation.

For your copy, please call: Glenfeld Travel, 3 Station Road, Glenfeld, Leicester, LE3 8BT Tel: 0116 2871608 / 2877207 Email: glenfeld.travel@vsmail.co.uk Web: www.glenfeldtravel.co.uk ADD US ON FACEBOOK

Prices include discount and are based on twin occupancy, return flights from Heathrow, hotel transfers, meals as specified, Private Door-to-Door transfers

GLENFIELD TRAVEL 3 Station Road, Glenfield, For more information please contact: Leicester, LE3 8BT Glenfield Travel on 0116 287 2871608 1608 / 2877207 Tel: 0116 or drop in to pick up your free brochure in conjunction with Email: glenfield.travel@vsmail.co.uk Glenfield Travel, 3 Station Road, Glenfield, Leicester, LE3 8BT

www.glenfieldtravel.co.uk BROCHURE(S) AVAILABLE IN STORE

www.glenfieldtravel.co.uk

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

Book Online: www.macphersoncoaches.co.uk

day excursions | mini breaks | holidays

Ladies day 2015

home set in four acres of treelined parkland.

In this, the year of the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, Woods are also running a tour of the battlefields of Belgium, including trips to Ostende and Bruges.

History buffs who fancy a rur-

11

10

3 Easy Ways To Book

Royal Ascot

EARLY BOOKING ADVISED AS EVENT ALWAYS SELLS OUT

Contact your award winning agent:

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

LET Woods Coaches take the wheel and transport you to some of the best-loved tourist destinations in the UK and mainland Europe.

A trusted Leicestershire company, they run a packed calendar of day trips, city breaks and holidays to suit all tastes and budgets.

All the hard work is done for you – you just have to climb on board, sit back and enjoy the ride on one of the company’s luxurious, top range coaches.

Pound for pound, coach travel is the cheapest way to travel and it cuts out all the fuss of negotiating the rail network or fighting your way through an airport.

Highlights of this year’s package include exciting trips to London’s world famous West End Theatre land, beautiful and buzzing Edinburgh, shopping and culture heartland Liverpool and historic York.

We love the tradition of the classic English seaside town and Woods has that covered too, whether it’s the Norfolk resorts of Hunstanton and Cromer, Southport, on Merseyside, Bournemouth or the Isle of Wight.

For those who are prepared to go slightly further afield there’s a chance to take traditional English tea in a French castle – cheekily called the gateau in a chateau tour.

Staying on the South coast of England, Woods will take you across the channel, via St Omer, and on to Chateau Tilques, a majestic country

SPOILT FOR CHOICE: Take your pick from a wide range of Woods’ destinations from the coast to top London shows

Select Holiday

Visit our Travel Shop: 4 Brook Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch

HOLIDAY GUIDE

@Leicester_Merc

or anniversary celebration.

Many operators offer trips for the visually impaired where holidaymakers can enjoy a relaxing stay in a specially-designed hotel with easy access and facilities for guide dogs.

■ Trips abroad If you love the idea of travelling and seeing the world, but aren’t a keen on flying, then many coach travel companies offer holidays to Europe. From Austria to Finland, Belgium to Disneyland Paris, and everything in between, so there’s no excuse not to visit.

■ Singles holidays For lone travellers, a coach trip can be the perfect excuse to get out there and see Britain while meeting like-minded people. Many companies offer holidays tailored specifically to single people, from weekends across the British Isles to eight-day breaks abroad.

■ Themed holidays Themed breaks can be great fun, and an ideal way to travel while indulging your favourite interests. Popular trips include musical themes like the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour to Liverpool, Murder Mystery Weekends or nostalgic trips such as a 1950s Weekend in Yorkshire.

new & exciting destinations

11

LEICESTER MERCURY

©LW

10

12

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

LEICESTER MERCURY

Like us on Facebook

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Facebook.com/leicestermercury

Award. Swimming is good here and when the wind is up there is surfing and bodyboarding too, as well as lifeguard cover from June to September.

At the centre of the sea front stands the sturdy Skegness Pier. It’s easy to find and even easier to park your car, with plenty of space either side of this splendid building. Inside you can play latest video games, go ten-pin bowling, including Cosmic Glow Bowling.

Despite the uncertain future of Fantasy Island, with its

SEASIDE FUN: There is plenty to do for families at Lincolnshire’s coastal resorts

Walk by Waterfalls in the scenic countryside of the

YORKSHIRE DALES

Country Cottages and Apartments in beautiful Wensleydale.

Weeks from £197 per couple Weekends from £93 per couple Split week/breaks available all year.

Families welcome.

Set sail for a bargain Lower aviation fuel costs and the falling euro mean general holiday bookings in the UK are surging, and cruise lovers can join in the bargains too.

Cruise ships used to be the playgrounds of the elite but there are ways to bag a great deal, depending on when you book, destinations and flexibility.

“There has never been a better time to book a cruise early,” says Dan Townsley, managing director of specialist Cruise1st.co.uk.

“The plunging fuel prices mean cheaper flights which will in turn lower the cost of fly cruises. Customers looking to book long-haul fly cruises to the Caribbean, for example, could save hundreds of pounds.

“Likewise, those cruising to European destinations will find that they get more bang for their buck as the pound stands strong against the Euro.

“All of this will see some great deals to be had and coupled with cruise lines increasingly offering added value on their cruises, from free all-inclusive packages to complimentary cabin upgrades, now really is

the time to get in there early and capitalise on these savings.”

You can also save money by taking a repositioning cruise, which allows you to visit uncommon and even exotic ports of call as a cruise ship relocates to a new region. They typically include itineraries such as Alaska to Hawaii, Alaska to the Mexican Riviera and transatlantic crossings from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, or the reverse.

Cruise lines sell these oneway routes (usually at a discount), rather than sail the ships without passengers. In spring, for instance, you could do a journey from Brazil to Italy with thecruisetraveller.co.uk from £1,099 per person, including flights from London to Sao Paulo, two nights’ five-star accommodation there before joining the ship for a 17-night full board cruise, flying home from Genoa.

Look for destinations with specific annual seasons – ships which cruise Alaska may have to reposition come the autumn, for instance – or for transatlantic cruises as ships reposition from East Coast ports like New York and Fort Lauderdale

to Europe for a season of Mediterranean or Northern European sailings.

Wave campaigns, which offer incentives including free onboard spending money, free allinclusive drinks packages, low deposits, free parking at UK cruise ports and free credit card charges, are increasingly being brought forward by cruise lines, and savvy travellers should watch out for them.

Operators often add incentives for new ships, to fill places

soon after sailings are announced. Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas launched in October 2014 and Anthem of the Sea is launching in April, as well as P&O’s Britannia which is launching in March.

“If you can be flexible with your travel dates then you could benefit from huge savings,” says Townsley.

“Sometimes booking a cruise a week earlier or a week later can get you a promotional fare or a discount. Potentially, you

Have you ever

Our favourite bits:

* An owners’ lounge just for you * Our brilliant heated indoor and

thought about owning your very own holiday home by the sea?

outdoor pools with flumes are open throughout the season

* Our two fully stocked fishing lakes are just the place to relax

* There’s a fab funfair on our park * We have miles of golden beach

Great value holidays from only £327.00 per caravan per week

Caravans Book on line now www.holidaycaravansnorfolk.co.uk Or phone: 01328-710394

on our doorstep

Caravans owned and operated by Orchard Caravans (Norfolk) Ltd Great Eastern Way, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1LY

www.orchardcaravans.com

©LW

Brochure Tel: 01969

663976

* The seaside resort of Skegness

(24hrs)

Email: Rita@Meadowholidays.com www.meadowholidays.com

is just down the coast

www.mundesleyholidaychalets.co.uk

2015 Site fees

Luxury holiday chalets On North Norfolk coast, Short breaks available. close to broads.

OAP discount Winterton Valley is a wonderful place for a real away from it all holiday, very quiet and yet only 8 miles from Gt Yarmouth should you want the bright lights, shows and many more attractions. Te lush valley, situated between the holiday park and the sea is ideal for enjoyable walks. It has private access to Winterton's fne sandy beaches. Both the beach and valley are perfect for dog walking, and pets are very welcome on site.

Te village of Winterton is a short distance away, with its well stocked stores and 300 year old pub which serves excellent food and drink at the bar or in the family room and garden.

Winterton Valley Holidays Site Ofce, Edward Road, Winterton-on-sea, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR29 4BX Telephone: 01493 377175 Email: info@wintertonvalleyholidays.co.uk

could see a difference of hundreds of pounds in price for a sailing even just a few days later or earlier.”

Last-minute bargains are always out there. Cruise1st (www.cruise1st.co.uk; 0800 953 4707) is offering an eight-night all-inclusive cruise around France and Spain with Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas on its maiden voyage from £1,099 per person, including all food and drinks (including alcohol), departing April 22.

£2,122*

01263 720719

01507 477 060

visit: goldensandsholidaypark.com

Holiday Properties (Mundesley) Ltd

©LW

with 1 4 new holiday home pitches

with first season’s included!

For more information call:

discount if booked by 31st January 2015 ©LW

are from as little as

New exclusive development for 2015

Sat Nav: LN12 1QJ

*These fees apply providing you purchase your caravan directly from Bourne Leisure. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.

Bourne Leisure is registered in England and Wales, no 04011660. Registered office 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. 70628

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

Meadow Holidays

HOLIDAY GUIDE

13

12

3 and 4 night short breaks from as low as £176.00

©LW

Smart way to book holidays

MORE of us than ever before are booking our flights on phones and other mobile devices, according to global travel search site Skyscanner.

One in five Brits has now booked flights on a mobile or tablet, according to research, and the most common place to book flights when outside of the home is work, with 20 per cent admitting to booking holidays while in the office, followed by in the pub and while out for dinner.

The rise of mobile devices means that one in 20 (5 per cent) has booked travel while in a meeting or at the gym and 1 per cent of us has even booked holidays in the bathroom.

The percentage of UK travellers who use a smartphone to search for their flights increased 88 per cent in 2014 compared to 2013, according to Skyscanner data.

HOLIDAY CARAVANS ON THE BEAUTIFUL NORTH NORFOLK COAST Wells-next-the-Sea

www.springsholidayestates.co.uk Email: enquiries-suttonsprings We have 4 beautiful caravan holiday parks which offer a wide variety of attractions; set on the east coast of Lincolnshire just a short distance away from the rolling Lincolnshire Wolds: Sutton Springs – with its quarter mile of beach frontage along the promenade.

Trusthorpe Springs – with a heated swimming pool and dining the Park is set around the grounds of Trusthorpe Hall. Tourers are welcome and letting vans are available.

Lakeside Springs – with its well stocked fshing lake.

Tourers are welcome.

Anderby Springs – a quiet location that’s just a short stroll from the beach.

Three of our Parks have licensed Clubhouses which provide entertainment and a great atmosphere to relax with friends; new and old.

We offer an extended season in some of our Parks with free Wi-Fi and Golf membership and sell superb quality new and part new holiday homes.

Main Offce, Sutton Springs, Sutton Rd, Mablethorpe, Lincs, LN12 2PZ Tel: 01507 441333

@Leicester_Merc

©LW

W

massive offering of amusements, nearby Ingoldmells features one of the biggest holiday parks in the UK, offering a broad spectrum of cottage, bungalow, apartment and caravan accommodation three miles north of Skegness.

Just a two-minute walk from the beach, Ingoldmells is also home to Butlins holiday camp, launched back in 1936. A lot has changed since then and now it’s bang up to date with high quality accommodation, entertainment and great restaurants serving tasty snacks and meals.

Water babies will be rooted in Butlins’ newest Splash Waterworld, launched in 2013. There are thrilling flumes and rides, quieter paddling areas for little ones and if your mood tends to quietude, plenty of relaxing space to unwind.

For ultimate peace and solitude visit Gibraltar Point, a wonderful wildlife reserve stretching south of Skegness to the mouth of The Wash, where you’ll find space away from the crowd. The three-mile span of unspoilt dunes, marshes and lagoons, with its network of walks and trails, guarantees a real back to nature experience.

13

LEICESTER MERCURY

Follow us on Twitter

Family-friendly Skegness e all know ‘Skeggie’, our nearest port of call for a paddle. Leicester folk have been holidaying here for centuries, safe in their knowledge of the broad sandy beach, friendly local shops and affordable, home from home accommodation.

We can reach Skegness within a couple of hours and just know we can rely on this tried and trusted Lincolnshire resort to deliver all we want in a family holiday, from fast, fun amusements, to a simple stroll along the promenade, or a peaceful nature walk.

The rosy cheeked fisherman logo has been replaced by a striding, abstract form and the ‘bracing’ catchphrase is now ‘so relaxing’, but this traditional seaside resort retains all its original appeal, as well as offering the latest thrills of today.

Central Beach is expertly geared for families, with a splendid pier and hi-tech amusements, as well as the seal sanctuary and indoor butterfly conservatory at nearby Natureland.

The beach itself is long, sandy and noted for its cleanliness, with a coveted Blue Flag

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

12

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

LEICESTER MERCURY

Like us on Facebook

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Facebook.com/leicestermercury

Award. Swimming is good here and when the wind is up there is surfing and bodyboarding too, as well as lifeguard cover from June to September.

At the centre of the sea front stands the sturdy Skegness Pier. It’s easy to find and even easier to park your car, with plenty of space either side of this splendid building. Inside you can play latest video games, go ten-pin bowling, including Cosmic Glow Bowling.

Despite the uncertain future of Fantasy Island, with its

SEASIDE FUN: There is plenty to do for families at Lincolnshire’s coastal resorts

Walk by Waterfalls in the scenic countryside of the

YORKSHIRE DALES

Country Cottages and Apartments in beautiful Wensleydale.

Weeks from £197 per couple Weekends from £93 per couple Split week/breaks available all year.

Families welcome.

Set sail for a bargain Lower aviation fuel costs and the falling euro mean general holiday bookings in the UK are surging, and cruise lovers can join in the bargains too.

Cruise ships used to be the playgrounds of the elite but there are ways to bag a great deal, depending on when you book, destinations and flexibility.

“There has never been a better time to book a cruise early,” says Dan Townsley, managing director of specialist Cruise1st.co.uk.

“The plunging fuel prices mean cheaper flights which will in turn lower the cost of fly cruises. Customers looking to book long-haul fly cruises to the Caribbean, for example, could save hundreds of pounds.

“Likewise, those cruising to European destinations will find that they get more bang for their buck as the pound stands strong against the Euro.

“All of this will see some great deals to be had and coupled with cruise lines increasingly offering added value on their cruises, from free all-inclusive packages to complimentary cabin upgrades, now really is

the time to get in there early and capitalise on these savings.”

You can also save money by taking a repositioning cruise, which allows you to visit uncommon and even exotic ports of call as a cruise ship relocates to a new region. They typically include itineraries such as Alaska to Hawaii, Alaska to the Mexican Riviera and transatlantic crossings from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, or the reverse.

Cruise lines sell these oneway routes (usually at a discount), rather than sail the ships without passengers. In spring, for instance, you could do a journey from Brazil to Italy with thecruisetraveller.co.uk from £1,099 per person, including flights from London to Sao Paulo, two nights’ five-star accommodation there before joining the ship for a 17-night full board cruise, flying home from Genoa.

Look for destinations with specific annual seasons – ships which cruise Alaska may have to reposition come the autumn, for instance – or for transatlantic cruises as ships reposition from East Coast ports like New York and Fort Lauderdale

to Europe for a season of Mediterranean or Northern European sailings.

Wave campaigns, which offer incentives including free onboard spending money, free allinclusive drinks packages, low deposits, free parking at UK cruise ports and free credit card charges, are increasingly being brought forward by cruise lines, and savvy travellers should watch out for them.

Operators often add incentives for new ships, to fill places

soon after sailings are announced. Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas launched in October 2014 and Anthem of the Sea is launching in April, as well as P&O’s Britannia which is launching in March.

“If you can be flexible with your travel dates then you could benefit from huge savings,” says Townsley.

“Sometimes booking a cruise a week earlier or a week later can get you a promotional fare or a discount. Potentially, you

Have you ever

Our favourite bits:

* An owners’ lounge just for you * Our brilliant heated indoor and

thought about owning your very own holiday home by the sea?

outdoor pools with flumes are open throughout the season

* Our two fully stocked fishing lakes are just the place to relax

* There’s a fab funfair on our park * We have miles of golden beach

Great value holidays from only £327.00 per caravan per week

Caravans Book on line now www.holidaycaravansnorfolk.co.uk Or phone: 01328-710394

on our doorstep

Caravans owned and operated by Orchard Caravans (Norfolk) Ltd Great Eastern Way, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1LY

www.orchardcaravans.com

©LW

Brochure Tel: 01969

663976

* The seaside resort of Skegness

(24hrs)

Email: Rita@Meadowholidays.com www.meadowholidays.com

is just down the coast

www.mundesleyholidaychalets.co.uk

2015 Site fees

Luxury holiday chalets On North Norfolk coast, Short breaks available. close to broads.

OAP discount Winterton Valley is a wonderful place for a real away from it all holiday, very quiet and yet only 8 miles from Gt Yarmouth should you want the bright lights, shows and many more attractions. Te lush valley, situated between the holiday park and the sea is ideal for enjoyable walks. It has private access to Winterton's fne sandy beaches. Both the beach and valley are perfect for dog walking, and pets are very welcome on site.

Te village of Winterton is a short distance away, with its well stocked stores and 300 year old pub which serves excellent food and drink at the bar or in the family room and garden.

Winterton Valley Holidays Site Ofce, Edward Road, Winterton-on-sea, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR29 4BX Telephone: 01493 377175 Email: info@wintertonvalleyholidays.co.uk

could see a difference of hundreds of pounds in price for a sailing even just a few days later or earlier.”

Last-minute bargains are always out there. Cruise1st (www.cruise1st.co.uk; 0800 953 4707) is offering an eight-night all-inclusive cruise around France and Spain with Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas on its maiden voyage from £1,099 per person, including all food and drinks (including alcohol), departing April 22.

£2,122*

01263 720719

01507 477 060

visit: goldensandsholidaypark.com

Holiday Properties (Mundesley) Ltd

©LW

with 1 4 new holiday home pitches

with first season’s included!

For more information call:

discount if booked by 31st January 2015 ©LW

are from as little as

New exclusive development for 2015

Sat Nav: LN12 1QJ

*These fees apply providing you purchase your caravan directly from Bourne Leisure. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.

Bourne Leisure is registered in England and Wales, no 04011660. Registered office 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. 70628

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

Meadow Holidays

HOLIDAY GUIDE

13

12

3 and 4 night short breaks from as low as £176.00

©LW

Smart way to book holidays

MORE of us than ever before are booking our flights on phones and other mobile devices, according to global travel search site Skyscanner.

One in five Brits has now booked flights on a mobile or tablet, according to research, and the most common place to book flights when outside of the home is work, with 20 per cent admitting to booking holidays while in the office, followed by in the pub and while out for dinner.

The rise of mobile devices means that one in 20 (5 per cent) has booked travel while in a meeting or at the gym and 1 per cent of us has even booked holidays in the bathroom.

The percentage of UK travellers who use a smartphone to search for their flights increased 88 per cent in 2014 compared to 2013, according to Skyscanner data.

HOLIDAY CARAVANS ON THE BEAUTIFUL NORTH NORFOLK COAST Wells-next-the-Sea

www.springsholidayestates.co.uk Email: enquiries-suttonsprings We have 4 beautiful caravan holiday parks which offer a wide variety of attractions; set on the east coast of Lincolnshire just a short distance away from the rolling Lincolnshire Wolds: Sutton Springs – with its quarter mile of beach frontage along the promenade.

Trusthorpe Springs – with a heated swimming pool and dining the Park is set around the grounds of Trusthorpe Hall. Tourers are welcome and letting vans are available.

Lakeside Springs – with its well stocked fshing lake.

Tourers are welcome.

Anderby Springs – a quiet location that’s just a short stroll from the beach.

Three of our Parks have licensed Clubhouses which provide entertainment and a great atmosphere to relax with friends; new and old.

We offer an extended season in some of our Parks with free Wi-Fi and Golf membership and sell superb quality new and part new holiday homes.

Main Offce, Sutton Springs, Sutton Rd, Mablethorpe, Lincs, LN12 2PZ Tel: 01507 441333

@Leicester_Merc

©LW

W

massive offering of amusements, nearby Ingoldmells features one of the biggest holiday parks in the UK, offering a broad spectrum of cottage, bungalow, apartment and caravan accommodation three miles north of Skegness.

Just a two-minute walk from the beach, Ingoldmells is also home to Butlins holiday camp, launched back in 1936. A lot has changed since then and now it’s bang up to date with high quality accommodation, entertainment and great restaurants serving tasty snacks and meals.

Water babies will be rooted in Butlins’ newest Splash Waterworld, launched in 2013. There are thrilling flumes and rides, quieter paddling areas for little ones and if your mood tends to quietude, plenty of relaxing space to unwind.

For ultimate peace and solitude visit Gibraltar Point, a wonderful wildlife reserve stretching south of Skegness to the mouth of The Wash, where you’ll find space away from the crowd. The three-mile span of unspoilt dunes, marshes and lagoons, with its network of walks and trails, guarantees a real back to nature experience.

13

LEICESTER MERCURY

Follow us on Twitter

Family-friendly Skegness e all know ‘Skeggie’, our nearest port of call for a paddle. Leicester folk have been holidaying here for centuries, safe in their knowledge of the broad sandy beach, friendly local shops and affordable, home from home accommodation.

We can reach Skegness within a couple of hours and just know we can rely on this tried and trusted Lincolnshire resort to deliver all we want in a family holiday, from fast, fun amusements, to a simple stroll along the promenade, or a peaceful nature walk.

The rosy cheeked fisherman logo has been replaced by a striding, abstract form and the ‘bracing’ catchphrase is now ‘so relaxing’, but this traditional seaside resort retains all its original appeal, as well as offering the latest thrills of today.

Central Beach is expertly geared for families, with a splendid pier and hi-tech amusements, as well as the seal sanctuary and indoor butterfly conservatory at nearby Natureland.

The beach itself is long, sandy and noted for its cleanliness, with a coveted Blue Flag

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

14

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

LEICESTER MERCURY

Like us on Facebook

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Facebook.com/leicestermercury

Why not visit my pad?

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

Follow us on Twitter

BEST FOR SAFARI: ZIMBABWE WITH peace having returned to this South African country in recent years, it looks set to regain its status as one of the best safari destinations in Africa.

Guides train rigorously for at least seven years before qualifying, longer than in any other country, and parks are, at least for now, free of crowds.

Visit Hwange – almost the size of Switzerland, take in the views from Cecil Rhodes’ grave at Matopos Hills, or head even further off the beaten track to Chilo Gorge Lodge whose owner, Clive Stockil, was presented an award for conservation work by Prince William.

■ The Ultimate Travel Company offer a two-week one-off departure with co-founder Nick Van Gruisen on September 1, visiting Victoria Falls, Hwange, Matopos Hills and Chilo Lodge.

BEST FOR BEACH: SRI LANKA

COACH HOLIDAYS TO

PRICE PER PERSON

NOW from

Departures in April, June, September & October 2015

Visits: Nice, Bastia, Calvi, Corte, Ajaccio, Marseille The beautiful island of Corsica is home to some of the most picturesque railways in Europe, which take us from the mountainous heart to the capital on the coast, on this leisurely holiday by rail.

Our holiday includes

Return Eurostar from London to Lille TGV from Lille to Nice and Marseille to Lille One night’s bed and breakfast in Nice One night’s bed and breakfast in Marseille Return daytime ferry crossings to Corsica Seven nights’ half board accommodation on Corsica Train journey from Bastia to Calvi Train journey from Calvi to Corte Customers Train journey from Corte can travel by rail to Ajaccio from Leicestershire  Free time in Bastia, Calvi, Corte for an additional and Ajaccio supplement of  Services of a Tour Manager £39 return         

www.experiencetravelgroup.com

WONDERFUL FOR WILDLIFE: COSTA RICA AFTER performing admirably well in the FIFA World Cup, this small Central American country grabbed people’s attention, and with the launch of Thomson Airway’s new weekly service from Gatwick in November 2015, it’s set to grow in popularity.

Sloths, resplendent quetzal birds and squirrel monkeys inhabit the rainforests, while turtles can be found nesting along the sandy coastline.

■ Get off the beaten track with Pura Adventure’s 4x4 selfdrive, visiting the volcanoes and bubbling mud pots of Rincon de la Vieja National Park and exploring the exceptionally biodiverse Corcovado National Park.

www.pura-aventura.com

ANYONE with an interest in art, design and science should visit the new Musee de Confluences on the outskirts of Lyon.

Built to resemble a floating cloud, the museum questions the history of Earth and mankind, using objects amassed from the 16th to 21st century.

■ France’s famous gastronomic city can easily be reached on the Eurostar in five and a half hours from London St Pancras (£108 return). Stay at Cour des Loges, where parts of the building date back to the 1300s and the restaurant boasts a Michelin star.

www.courdesloges.com

HOT FOR HISTORY BUFFS: TURKEY NEXT year marks the 100th anniversary of the April 25 Gallipoli landings, when British, French and ANZAC troops made an unsuccessful attempt to gain a sea route from Europe to Russia during World War I. Visit memorials and graves in Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park, and learn about the tragic events.

WEXAS Travel offer a sevenday Marvels of Turkey tour,

AN EXOTIC CITY BREAK: SINGAPORE

www.explore.co.uk

MAD FOR MUSIC: MEMPHIS STILL regarded as the king of rock n’ roll, Elvis would have celebrated his 80th birthday in January 2015. Fans are expected to descend on Graceland to mark the occasion.

■ Western & Oriental offer a special 10-day Totally Tennessee fly-drive holiday, including visits to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nashville, Memphis, Graceland and Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park.

www.westernoriental.com

GALLIPOLI LANDINGS: Visit memorials and graves in Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park

LYON: Be a culture vulture and dine in style Set in an oasis of greenery, all of our caravans are in close proximity to essential holiday amenities. We pride ourselves on the standard of our caravan park and the quality of your holiday. We work hard to ensure that the site maintains its reputation and award winning status and as a family run business, we can offer a more personal service with staff who will bend over backwards to ensure your stay is as relaxing and carefree as possible.

So remember, the ideal family holiday is alive and well and waiting for you at Green Farm.

A superb range of scenic River Cruises for groups and individuals across Europe, the Far East and on the Mississippi, from Leicester’s Premier River Cruise Company.

Call today or visit the website for your copy of the 2015 brochure.

7 day Rhine Cruise from £569

£100 OFF pp ON RIVER CRUISES...

SRI LANKA: Peace opens up Tamil region

PLEASE QUOTE ‘MERCURY’ TO RECEIVE THIS FANTASTIC OFFER BOOK BY - 28 FEB 2015 *Please note - offer not available on Cruiseco Products

Scratby, California, Great Yarmouth, NR29 3NW. “Regular Award Winner” in Great Yarmouth’s In Bloom Holiday Centre Competition.

English Tourist Board ★★★★ Fully serviced caravans, select park. All amenities, clubs, pool, etc. Two minutes beach.

Close to Great Yarmouth and Norfolk Broads.

Reasonable terms. FREE colour brochure.

©LW

©LW

14

ONCE a small fishing port, Singapore has become a thriving metropolis and one of the busiest stopover cities for flight routes. There’s plenty of reason to stick around in the sovereign city state, which was once a British trading post, and next year a number of celebrations will be held to mark 50 years since independence.

The new National Gallery Singapore is set to attract art lovers, while sports fan will be interested in the Southeast Asian Games (June 5-16).

■ Explore offer a 12-day Explore Malaysia tour, incorporating a visit to Singapore.

HIGH ON A CULTURAL AGENDA: LYON

www.wexas.com

Email: glenfield.travel@vsmail.co.uk 3 Station Road, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8BT

7207

Phone: (01493)

730440

www.greenfarmcaravanpark.com

MEMPHIS: Follow the footsteps of the King

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

TEL: 01803 294844

To book or request a brochure please call Glenfield Travel on 0116 287 1608 /

15

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

beaches and a colourful insight into Tamil life.

■ Experience Travel Group offer one-week tailor-made holidays in the north and east regions of Sri Lanka from £1,299 per person, including flights, B&B accommodation and guides.

holiday is a way of life.

£1179*

*Prices are subject to availability

www.howdencourthotel.co.uk

which also includes visits to Istanbul, Mount Ida and Sirince.

www.freewheelcruises.com 0116 255 8417

Highlights of Corsica

by Rail 10 days

Call now for our 2015 free Colour brochure. Check our Customer feedback on Trip Advisor HOWDEN COURT HOTEL CROFT ROAD, TORQUAY

A DECADE since this Indian Ocean island was hit by a tsunami, its fortunes are on the up.

The reopening of The Queen of Jaffna rail service, running from capital city Colombo to northern province Jaffna, will provide access to an area once troubled by unrest during the country’s civil war. Now the peaceful region offers idyllic

PLANNING YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY OR LONG WEEKEND BREAK? SAR AH MARSHALL RECOMMENDS THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT THIS YEAR

At Green Farm caravan park, £150 OFF providing the perfect family THE BROCHURE

TORQUAY

HOLIDAYS THROUGHOUT THE SEASON WE PICK UP AT L.FOREST EAST & ALSO AT ASDA FOSSE PARK

HOLIDAY GUIDE

@Leicester_Merc

www.theultimatetravel company.co.uk

COSTA RICA: A haven for wildlife

15

LEICESTER MERCURY

14

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

LEICESTER MERCURY

Like us on Facebook

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Facebook.com/leicestermercury

Why not visit my pad?

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

Follow us on Twitter

BEST FOR SAFARI: ZIMBABWE WITH peace having returned to this South African country in recent years, it looks set to regain its status as one of the best safari destinations in Africa.

Guides train rigorously for at least seven years before qualifying, longer than in any other country, and parks are, at least for now, free of crowds.

Visit Hwange – almost the size of Switzerland, take in the views from Cecil Rhodes’ grave at Matopos Hills, or head even further off the beaten track to Chilo Gorge Lodge whose owner, Clive Stockil, was presented an award for conservation work by Prince William.

■ The Ultimate Travel Company offer a two-week one-off departure with co-founder Nick Van Gruisen on September 1, visiting Victoria Falls, Hwange, Matopos Hills and Chilo Lodge.

BEST FOR BEACH: SRI LANKA

COACH HOLIDAYS TO

PRICE PER PERSON

NOW from

Departures in April, June, September & October 2015

Visits: Nice, Bastia, Calvi, Corte, Ajaccio, Marseille The beautiful island of Corsica is home to some of the most picturesque railways in Europe, which take us from the mountainous heart to the capital on the coast, on this leisurely holiday by rail.

Our holiday includes

Return Eurostar from London to Lille TGV from Lille to Nice and Marseille to Lille One night’s bed and breakfast in Nice One night’s bed and breakfast in Marseille Return daytime ferry crossings to Corsica Seven nights’ half board accommodation on Corsica Train journey from Bastia to Calvi Train journey from Calvi to Corte Customers Train journey from Corte can travel by rail to Ajaccio from Leicestershire  Free time in Bastia, Calvi, Corte for an additional and Ajaccio supplement of  Services of a Tour Manager £39 return         

www.experiencetravelgroup.com

WONDERFUL FOR WILDLIFE: COSTA RICA AFTER performing admirably well in the FIFA World Cup, this small Central American country grabbed people’s attention, and with the launch of Thomson Airway’s new weekly service from Gatwick in November 2015, it’s set to grow in popularity.

Sloths, resplendent quetzal birds and squirrel monkeys inhabit the rainforests, while turtles can be found nesting along the sandy coastline.

■ Get off the beaten track with Pura Adventure’s 4x4 selfdrive, visiting the volcanoes and bubbling mud pots of Rincon de la Vieja National Park and exploring the exceptionally biodiverse Corcovado National Park.

www.pura-aventura.com

ANYONE with an interest in art, design and science should visit the new Musee de Confluences on the outskirts of Lyon.

Built to resemble a floating cloud, the museum questions the history of Earth and mankind, using objects amassed from the 16th to 21st century.

■ France’s famous gastronomic city can easily be reached on the Eurostar in five and a half hours from London St Pancras (£108 return). Stay at Cour des Loges, where parts of the building date back to the 1300s and the restaurant boasts a Michelin star.

www.courdesloges.com

HOT FOR HISTORY BUFFS: TURKEY NEXT year marks the 100th anniversary of the April 25 Gallipoli landings, when British, French and ANZAC troops made an unsuccessful attempt to gain a sea route from Europe to Russia during World War I. Visit memorials and graves in Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park, and learn about the tragic events.

WEXAS Travel offer a sevenday Marvels of Turkey tour,

AN EXOTIC CITY BREAK: SINGAPORE

www.explore.co.uk

MAD FOR MUSIC: MEMPHIS STILL regarded as the king of rock n’ roll, Elvis would have celebrated his 80th birthday in January 2015. Fans are expected to descend on Graceland to mark the occasion.

■ Western & Oriental offer a special 10-day Totally Tennessee fly-drive holiday, including visits to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nashville, Memphis, Graceland and Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park.

www.westernoriental.com

GALLIPOLI LANDINGS: Visit memorials and graves in Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park

LYON: Be a culture vulture and dine in style Set in an oasis of greenery, all of our caravans are in close proximity to essential holiday amenities. We pride ourselves on the standard of our caravan park and the quality of your holiday. We work hard to ensure that the site maintains its reputation and award winning status and as a family run business, we can offer a more personal service with staff who will bend over backwards to ensure your stay is as relaxing and carefree as possible.

So remember, the ideal family holiday is alive and well and waiting for you at Green Farm.

A superb range of scenic River Cruises for groups and individuals across Europe, the Far East and on the Mississippi, from Leicester’s Premier River Cruise Company.

Call today or visit the website for your copy of the 2015 brochure.

7 day Rhine Cruise from £569

£100 OFF pp ON RIVER CRUISES...

SRI LANKA: Peace opens up Tamil region

PLEASE QUOTE ‘MERCURY’ TO RECEIVE THIS FANTASTIC OFFER BOOK BY - 28 FEB 2015 *Please note - offer not available on Cruiseco Products

Scratby, California, Great Yarmouth, NR29 3NW. “Regular Award Winner” in Great Yarmouth’s In Bloom Holiday Centre Competition.

English Tourist Board ★★★★ Fully serviced caravans, select park. All amenities, clubs, pool, etc. Two minutes beach.

Close to Great Yarmouth and Norfolk Broads.

Reasonable terms. FREE colour brochure.

©LW

©LW

14

ONCE a small fishing port, Singapore has become a thriving metropolis and one of the busiest stopover cities for flight routes. There’s plenty of reason to stick around in the sovereign city state, which was once a British trading post, and next year a number of celebrations will be held to mark 50 years since independence.

The new National Gallery Singapore is set to attract art lovers, while sports fan will be interested in the Southeast Asian Games (June 5-16).

■ Explore offer a 12-day Explore Malaysia tour, incorporating a visit to Singapore.

HIGH ON A CULTURAL AGENDA: LYON

www.wexas.com

Email: glenfield.travel@vsmail.co.uk 3 Station Road, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8BT

7207

Phone: (01493)

730440

www.greenfarmcaravanpark.com

MEMPHIS: Follow the footsteps of the King

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

TEL: 01803 294844

To book or request a brochure please call Glenfield Travel on 0116 287 1608 /

15

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

beaches and a colourful insight into Tamil life.

■ Experience Travel Group offer one-week tailor-made holidays in the north and east regions of Sri Lanka from £1,299 per person, including flights, B&B accommodation and guides.

holiday is a way of life.

£1179*

*Prices are subject to availability

www.howdencourthotel.co.uk

which also includes visits to Istanbul, Mount Ida and Sirince.

www.freewheelcruises.com 0116 255 8417

Highlights of Corsica

by Rail 10 days

Call now for our 2015 free Colour brochure. Check our Customer feedback on Trip Advisor HOWDEN COURT HOTEL CROFT ROAD, TORQUAY

A DECADE since this Indian Ocean island was hit by a tsunami, its fortunes are on the up.

The reopening of The Queen of Jaffna rail service, running from capital city Colombo to northern province Jaffna, will provide access to an area once troubled by unrest during the country’s civil war. Now the peaceful region offers idyllic

PLANNING YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY OR LONG WEEKEND BREAK? SAR AH MARSHALL RECOMMENDS THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT THIS YEAR

At Green Farm caravan park, £150 OFF providing the perfect family THE BROCHURE

TORQUAY

HOLIDAYS THROUGHOUT THE SEASON WE PICK UP AT L.FOREST EAST & ALSO AT ASDA FOSSE PARK

HOLIDAY GUIDE

@Leicester_Merc

www.theultimatetravel company.co.uk

COSTA RICA: A haven for wildlife

15

LEICESTER MERCURY

WWW. WOODSCOACHES.COM

DATE

Our range of tours have been carefully planned with you - our customers - in mind.

We have carefully selected quality hotels to ensure that you will have your most comfortable stay ever.

In addition, the investment in our coach fleet means that you will get to your destination in the height of luxury, feeling totally relaxed.

Your Woods Coaches driver also acts as your courier whilst you are away, so you are assured the highest standards in driving and complete customer care whilst you are away.

HOLIDAYS FROM YOUR DOORSTEP* *Extra cost.

DATE

DAYS DESTINATION

MARCH 2015 6-8

3 1

2 for 1 Normandy Delights – Rouen & Honfleur Ostend Day Trip via Eurotunnel, Belgium

£349 for 2 £59

7 8-12

5

2 for 1 Royal Caernarfon

15-19

5

2 for 1 Beautiful Lakes and Fells

£409 for 2 £409 for 2 £349 for 2 £109

20-22

3

21-22

2

2 for 1 Normandy Delights – Rouen & Honfleur Mystery Weekend

27-30

4

2 for 1 A Taste of Ireland – Dublin

To ensure that you travel in comfort on our holidays, we have invested in a new fleet of touring vehicles. The Irizar I6 are among the very best in luxury coaches, and ours have been custom built to a high specification for us.

30.3-3.4

5

2 for 1 Beautiful Lakes and Fells

2

Mystery Weekend

These spacious, plush coaches boast everything you’d expect from a premium touring vehicle. On board, you’ll find hot drink making facilities and a fridge to keep you refreshed, as well as a light, airy cabin and a variety of entertainment options. Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.

Introducing our new touring coaches

Features include: • Reclining seats with arm rests • 3-point seat belts • Washroom & toilet • DVD and TV screens • Tea & coffee making facilities • Climate control system • Microphone

PRICE FROM

16

5

Stunning Splendour of Sidmouth

£449

24-28

5

Isle of Man, Manx Magic

£409

AUGUST 2015 4-8

5

Northern Ireland/Giants Causeway/Titanic £449 Experience Houses & Gardens of Yorkshire £399

9-13

5

9-13

5

Mystery & History amongst Scotland’s Secret Lands – Inveraray

£349

14-16

3

Edinburgh Tattoo

£249

22-28

7

Sparkling Sandown, Isle of Wight

£529

23-26

4

Edinburgh Tattoo

£349

31.8-4.9

5

Sandringham House & Gardens of Norfolk £439

SEPTEMBER 2015 £379

Heart of the Lakes, Keswick

£389

12-13

2

Mystery Weekend

£109

13-17

5

Isle of Arran

£399

17-21

5

Rhine in Flames

£349

£109

18-20

3

Railways of Kent

£239

22-26

5

Isle of Man, Manx Magic

£409

26.9-5.10

10

Florence and the Hills of Tuscany

£999

28.9-2.10

5

Jersey by Air

£499

3

Three Cathedral Cities/Bournemouth

£219

17-19

3

Dutch Bulbfields

£249

17-20

4

Edinburgh City Break

£239

24-26

3

Great Little Trains of North Wales

£229

25-26

2

Ostend Explorer

£129

27.4-1.5

5

Eastbourne – An Elegant Resort

£359

27.4-1.5

5

Shanklin, Isle of Wight

£359

MAY 2015

OCTOBER 2015 3-4

2

Settle-Carlisle Railway Weekend

£149

4-8

5

Eastbourne – An Elegant Resort

£359

5-9

5

Southport All Inclusive

£389

10-11

2

Mystery Weekend

£109

11-15

5

Highland Capital – Inverness

£389

12-16

5

£399

16-20

5

Warners Bodelwyddan Castle, North Wales Stunning Splendour of Sidmouth

18-21

4

Whitby, North Yorkshire Moors, York

£299

£349

2

The 3 B’s – Blankenberge, Battlefields & Bruges Fred Olsen Cruise – Mountains, Waterfalls & Fjords of Norway Mystery Weekend

£109

24

1

Ostend Day Trip via Eurotunnel, Belgium

£59

17-22

6

Garden Splendour in Devon & Cornwall

£499

25-29

5

£349

18-22

5

Warners Cricket St Thomas, Somerset

£399

Romance, Heritage & History of the Scottish Borders

5-7

3

Railways of the South Coast

£239

7-12

6

Spectacular Skye

£399

8-12

5

Glorious Lakeland

£339

14-18

5

The Gardens of North Wales

£399

19-21

3

Gateau at a French Chateau

£249

20

1

Ostend Day Trip via Eurotunnel, Belgium

£59

NOVEMBER 2015 1-2 2 Wake up at the Waldorf 2-6 5 Holly & Ivy Pre-Christmas Break, Dorset 15-16 2 Cardiff Christmas Shopping 17-18 2 London Theatre Break Double Bill 21-22 2 Mystery Weekend 22-23 2 Liverpool Christmas Shopping 28 1 Cite Europe Day Trip, via Eurotunnel 29-30 2 Chester Christmas Shopping 29-30 2 Brighton Christmas Shopping

21-25

5

The Charm of West Looe & Polperro

£379

DECEMBER 2015

22-27

6

Maxi Day Tour to Orkney & Castle of Mey

£519

27-28

2

Mystery Weekend

£109

4-7 6-7 23-27 23-27

4 2 5 5

Lille & Bruges Christmas Markets York Christmas Shopping Christmas on the English Riviera, Torquay Quintessential Chester at Christmas

£249 £119 £499 £499

2-6

5

Romantic Journeys of Yorkshire

£389

4

Celebrate New Year in Harrogate

£379

5-9

5

Wild Northumbria

£389

30.122.1.16

12-16

5

Gardens of Suffolk/Cambridgeshire

£439

30.122.1.16

4

New Year in Style, Shanklin, Isle of Wight

£389

£899

JUNE 2015

JULY 2015

LDM-E01-S4 LM03

£399

23-27

The Cream of Devon, Paignton

17-19

9-10

£389

Isles of Scilly & The Cornish Coast

5

£199

8

Bournemouth & The Isle of Wight

5

5

My Lords and Ladies/Lumley Castle

9-16

5

16-20

7-11

3

5

13-17

7-11

12-14

4-8

PRICE FROM

£419 for 2 £409 for 2

APRIL 2015 11-12

DAYS DESTINATION

£399

£179 £319 £109 £219 £109 £109 £59 £119 £109

For further information, brochures and bookings please call 0116 278 6374 or alternatively visit www.woodscoaches.com for great discounts! *Single room supplements may apply. * No online discount for 2 for 1 holidays.