Lancashire local Top Attractions Guide

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Local wildlife charity welcomes new trainees

Five trainees have begun a ninemonth placement with Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s Living Seas team. The three-year project to train people in marine conservation skills is running thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Skills for the Future scheme and is in partnership with the Wildlife Trusts for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside and the North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority. Over the last five years Cumbria Wildlife Trust has trained 20 young people in marine conservation skills, many of them graduates of marine conservation degree courses but others from Cumbria’s coastal communities. The trainees will gain the foundation skills and practical experience necessary for working in marine and coastal conservation, with an emphasis on community engagement. They will be undertaking a range of taught courses and ‘on-thejob’ training across Cumbria and

Lancashire’s coastal areas. Amy Hopley from Chorley, Georgina Blow from Ware, Hayden Hurst from Ipswich, Jade Chenery from Leicester and Rebecca Gledhill from Ulverston, will each spend half of the nine-month placement based at Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s Kendal office and half at their South Walney Nature Reserve on Walney Island. Miss Gledhill from Ulverston said: “I’m very excited to be starting this placement. The selection day was pretty tough and I know there was a lot of competition for every place on the scheme, so it’s great to finally get started. As I’m from Ulverston, I know Morecambe Bay is an amazing place for marine and coastal wildlife and I’m looking forward to discovering even more about this beautiful area and learning the skills to help me secure a job in the future.” Previous trainees have run a wide range of events, from Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s annual sand sculpture event, Beached Art, at St Bees to shore surveys with volunteers as part of The

Wildlife Trust’s Shoresearch scheme. Trainees also carry out scientific research on coastal environments around Cumbria and recent studies have been written on honeycomb worm reef at Heysham Flat and the effects of bird disturbance at South Walney Nature Reserve. Marine and Coastal Heritage Programme Manager, Mari-Ann Park, said: “Marine conservation has become a significant part of The Wildlife Trust’s work over the past few years, and a major part of this is education and community engagement. The trainees will take a pivotal role in helping local people to understand and value the wealth of wildlife that exists in the Irish Sea and what role they can play in both protecting and enjoying it.” Those who have completed the training scheme have gone on to work for the North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and charities such as The Wildlife Trusts and the RSPB.

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ make vital

progress to move M.V Lady Wakefield Ullswater ‘Steamers’ is announce that the first significant steps have successfully been completed to return M.V Lady Wakefield back into service after the December storms. During the height of Storm Desmond M.V Lady Wakefield snapped three mooring ropes before being rescued by Patterdale Mountain Rescue and ‘Steamers’ skippers who managed to board and steer her out of danger before the last rope gave way under the strain of the sheer volume of water escaping into the river Eamont. It was evident that some damage had been caused against the stern knocking the pier overnight and beaching her was

the only solution. After five months of being beached on neighbouring farmland this week welcomed a team of marine salvage agents from Titan & Ardent in Holland who were tasked to safely manage the move of transporting the vessel back into the water and then onto the slip at waterside so vital repairs can be completed. The work is expected to be completed by the beginning of July when M.V Lady Wakefield will officially re-enter service along with sister ships M.V Lady Dorothy, M.V Western Belle, M.Y Raven and M.Y Lady of the Lake and once again complete Ullswater ‘Steamers’ fleet

of vessels. Rachel Bell, Marketing Manager with Ullswater Steamers, said: “This weeks events have been a significant step forward for ‘Steamers’ and I am delighted that M.V Lady Wakefield has safely returned to the water so she can be repaired before being reunited with her sister ships where she belongs. She plays such an important role in the fleet and has been desperately missed. Rachel adds; “We are fortunate to have four boats in service to run the full timetable but we have looked forward as a company having Lady Wakefield back hope passengers who will travel with M.V Lady Wakefield to explore the beautiful water and stunning landscape on Ullswater will full appreciate her journey.” M.V Lady Wakefield was built in 1949 in Dartmouth by the River Dart Steamboat Co. Ltd, she worked on the River Dart and the Plymouth Sound before her arrival at Ullswater in 2007 where she was fully restored and renamed by HRH Princess Alexandra. She had previously been known as 'Berry Castle', 'Golden Cormorant' and 'Totnes Castle'. Her sister ship 'Seymour Castle' previously known as 'Devon Belle', went to Dunkirk but never made it to the beaches as part of the Little Ships evacuation in 1940, known in history as Operation Dynamo.

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Lake District and Cumbria

Cottages, Log Cabins & Lodges

Lake District and Cumbria Log Cabins & Lodges Lake District and Cumbria log cabin and lodge holidays are much sought after, so check out our selection now to ensure you secure the holiday of your choice. There are lodge & log cabin holiday parks both large and small, plus individual private rentals. Many offer superb settings to choose from, including lakeside and/or woodland locations and coastal retreats, many with hot tubs and onsite swimming pools. So act now and secure your Lake District lodges or log cabin break!

Lake District and Cumbria Cottages The Lake District and Cumbria offers a superb selection of self catering holiday cottages, including lakeside cottage locations, romantic retreats and stunning Cumbrian west coast settings. Some Lake District cottages are complete with hot tubs and there are cottages to suit couples, large groups or family gatherings. Choose either to simply chill out on a sun trap patio with a glass of wine, or perhaps take advantage of walking and cycling directly from the door. Lake District Hotels The Lake District and Cumbria has a vast selection of hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts to suit all needs and budgets. There are quaint family run B&B's many in spectacular locations, lakeside or town centre guest houses and splendid 5* hotels complete with à la carte restaurants, leisure facilities, spas, golf courses and indoor heated swimming pools. Check out our Lake District hotel, guest house and bed & breakfast selection - you really will be spoilt for choice


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Great Places to See Spring

Butterflies in Cumbria

Cumbria has such a wide range of wildlife habitats: from coastal sand dunes to the west, limestone grasslands in the south and a large area of peat bog in the north; there are places for all kinds of butterflies to thrive. Combine this with the fact our county has butterflies most at home in Scotland and those from the

warmer south of our island, means we boast 41 species altogether – quite a lot for a northern county. Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s guide to Great Places to See Spring Butterflies in Cumbria recommends great woodlands, meadows, industrial places and areas of the coast to spot beautiful butterflies. Look out for white butterflies at Allithwaite near

Grange-over-Sands; visit Whitehaven to see small blue butterflies or explore Finglandrigg Wood near Wigton to spot marsh fritillary butterflies. Just one quick look through Cumbria Wildlife Trusts’ Great Places to See Spring Butterfies in Cumbria and you’re sure to find a nature reserve, woodland or beach near you to visit. Charlotte Rowley of Cumbria Wildlife Trust said: “Most people know their garden butterflies like red admirals or peacocks by sight but there are so many other species of butterflies that can be found outside of our gardens in woodlands, on the coast or in meadows. There’s 41 species in Cumbria altogether, but we’ve chosen ten beautiful butterflies and ten great places to see them in this guide to help people get started on learning more about this well-loved group of insects.” Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s guide, Great Places to See Spring Butterflies, is available for free at www. cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/greatplaces-to-see-spring-butterflies

Cumbria Food Specialities

From award-winning meat and cheeses to celebrated jams and relishes, Cumbria brings you the best and tastiest locally sourced and lovingly produced food and drink. Cumberland Sausage Cumberland sausage is a form of sausage that originated in Cumberland, now part of Cumbria. The sausage is traditionally very long, and sold rolled in a flat, circular coil. The sausage is made using only natural ingredients and selected cuts of pork. The meat is normally chopped rather than minced, so giving it a distinctive chunky texture, and does not contain any added coloring

or preservatives. The seasonings are prepared from a variety of spices and herbs. Once mixed, the sausages are filled into natural pork casings. In March 2011, the “Traditional Cumberland sausage” was granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. Kendal Mint Cake Kendal Mint Cake is a glucosebased confectionery flavoured with peppermint. It has been made by Romneys of Kendal since 1918. Kendal Mint Cake is popular among climbers and mountaineers, especially those from the United Kingdom, as a source of energy.

According to legend, a Kendal confectioner, intending to make glacier mints, took his eye off the cooking pan for a minute and then, resuming his task, noticed that the mixture had started to ‘grain’ and become cloudy, instead of clear. When poured out, the result was Mint Cake. Sir Edmund Hilary and Sirdar Tensing ate this mint cake on top of Everest as they gazed at the countryside down below. Tensing also left some to appease his ‘gods’. This happening naturally increased sales of mint cake to hikers and climbers and visitors to the Lake District.

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Yorkshire Food

Delicious Yorkshire is famous for its rhubarb, boasting some of the largest producers in the UK. Placed between Leeds, Wakefield and Bradford they have become known world-wide as the rhubarb triangle. Forced Yorkshire rhubarb gained EU protected status in 2010. Yorkshire is home to over 80 real ale breweries producing almost a third of the UK's beer, (Directory of UK Real Ale Breweries 2009) while Rotherham hosts the fourth largest beer festival in the country. Kelham Island Tavern in Sheffield was voted best UK pub of the year in 2009. (CAMRA Society for Real Ale).

Indulgence Yorkshire has the most 'good quality rated restaurants' in the Harden's UK Restaurant Guide than any other region outside London, based on a sample of over 8,000 independent reviews. This represents the largest annual survey of restaurant goers in the UK. (Harden's Guide 2008). There are 5 Michelin Star restaurants in Yorkshire, more than any other region in England, outside of London. The Yorke Arms was given The Good Food Guide Readers' Restaurant of the Year, North East award in 2009, and now joins Anthony's Restaurant in Leeds (25th) as the only two Yorkshire restaurants in the Top 50.

Harrogate's Turkish Bath and Health Spa is one of only seven remaining 19th Century Turkish baths in the UK and has been luxuriously restored to the highest of standards, while Titanic Spa in South Yorkshire was the very first eco-spa in the country and has featured in The Independent's Top 50 Spas of the World. Meadowhall in Sheffield is Europe's largest shopping and leisure complex with over 400,000 people through its doors every week. "I've called Yorkshire the foodie county of Britain in the past and it seems to be in no danger of losing this title with a wealth of restaurants right across the board." Elizabeth Carter, editor of The Good Food Guide

Historic Yorkshire furniture takes centre

stage at county’s RHS Chelsea garden

Furniture created by an iconic Yorkshire business will take pride of place at Welcome to Yorkshire’s biggest ever garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Robert Thompson’s Craftsmen, based in Kilburn, North Yorkshire, have created a bespoke bench for the garden, which took four craftsmen 120 hours to make and features three of the company’s famous mice.Made from naturally seasoned English oak, the bench also features the proverb ‘Deep rivers move in silence, shallow brooks are noisy,’taken from the headboard of Robert Thompson’s bed. Born in 1876, Robert ‘Mousey’ Thompson dedicated his life to the craft of carving English oak and as a young man, he took over his father’s joinery business in Kilburn. The iconic mouse emblem apparently came when his carving companion, while working on a church screen, commented that their jobs left them as ‘poor as church mice.’ He carved his first mouse there and then, and the business has since gone from strength to strength. Simon Thompson Cartwright, the great great grandson of Robert Thompson, said: “When we were asked to help with the garden, we jumped at the chance to be a part of it. It has been a really enjoyable experience for the boys here and I am really proud to be involved.” God’s Own County –A Garden for Yorkshire, has been inspired by the medieval Great East Window at York Minster and showcases the county’s stunning

scenery, iconic heritage and skilled tradespeople. Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “I am really proud of the fact that we are not only going to have the biggest garden at Chelsea this year, but that we also have some fantastic Yorkshire businesses supporting the Yorkshire garden.“It is fantastic to have a business like this, with such a proud Yorkshire history, supporting our garden and I can’t wait to see the finished bench taking pride of place.”


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Loud and proud launch unveils local and international line-up

for yorkshire festival 2016

An explosion of colour, dance and music filled Trinity Leeds to launch the newest international festival in the country – Yorkshire Festival 2016. A street band accompanied a procession by the popular Handmade Parade to shout loud about the festival which will fill the county with worldclass artistic experiences from 16 June to 3 July. The full programme featuring hundreds of events was revealed today for the first time. Cie Carabosse will bring a garden of fire to Harrogate, Place des Anges sees angelic feathers falling from the sky in Hull and prepare to be astonished as electric cabaret circus The Raunch comes to Yorkshire fresh from London's Southbank. There will be international performances with artists and companies from 22 countries performing at the festival as well as a wealth of regional talent and Astor Piazzolla's tango operita María de

Buenos Aires comes to Leyburn with dance lessons for the quick footed and the finest music for aficionados. Handmade Parade in Hebden Bridge comes with a Russian twist when the embassy of Cardboardia opens its doors for the first time on English soil, and an innovative science fiction opera arrives at Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield. Expect the unexpected with a European premiere at Bradford's Alhambra featuring musicians from along the length of the Nile and Duke Studios asks the public to vote for their favourite track to get Yorkshire dancing for its Big Disco on 1 July. As part of a new commission, 2015 Turner Prize winner Assemble and artist Simon Terrillwill reimagine their touring exhibition, The Brutalist Playground, for the international Brutalist icon that is the Park Hill estate in Sheffield. Yorkshire Festival artistic director Matt Burman said: “We're very

excited to announce our plans for this year's Yorkshire Festival. We want people from across the county, from the rest of the country and all over the world to come and join us as we showcase our rich and diverse culture, show off our stunning venues and epic landscape, introduce visitors to our welcoming towns and cities, and introduce you to excellent artists doing excellent things.” Welcome to Yorkshire’s chief executive Sir Gary Verity said: “Building on the incredible success of Yorkshire Festival 2014, get set for an exciting summer with an eclectic mix of performances and events which will fill every corner of the county.” David Lascelles, Chair of the Yorkshire Festival 2016 said: “There are going to be some really spectacular occasions at this year’s Yorkshire Festival - international, home-grown, we’ve got it all. I do hope you can join us for some of them, I’m sure you’ll be glad you have!”

Unspoilt and diverse, Yorkshire offers miles of stunning countryside, including over 1000 square miles of National Park land with bustling cities and quaint market towns. Explore the scenic Heritage Coast or step back in time

at one on the regions many historical sites

Visit the tranquil Yorkshire Dales National Park and marvel at the majestic scenery, where the more active can immerse themselves in the extensive range of outdoor pursuits the region has to offer: such as walking, cycling, riding and watersports. Indulge your adventurous side in its renowned caves, potholes and labyrinth of underground passages. Or enjoy the wilderness of the North York Moors with its purple heather. Alternatively relax on Yorkshire's 130 miles of sparkling seashore, exploring its sheltered coves or marvelling at its towering headlands. Bridlington, Filey, Scarborough and Whitley Bay are superb resorts offering great holidays all year round. Historic Yorkshire If it's history you're looking for, Yorkshire has an abundant supply of it, from the stunning medieval Skipton Castle to the opulent Middleham Castle, the childhood home of Richard III. Take a visit to the magnificent 18th century Castle Howard or actually watch history come alive with a multitude of live

events in the region's historic abbeys, castles, houses and gardens. For the Shopaholic. Yorkshire also boasts many vibrant towns and cities, offering a range of cultural, gastronomical and retail experiences. York and Leeds are particularly worthy of note, with an intriguing mix of historical and cultural interest, coupled with extensive nightlife and café culture. Harrogate offers the discerning shopper a wide choice of stylish boutiques, or visitors can venture further a field and buy local produce in the many unspoilt market towns of the region.

For the Food Lover. Yorkshire has a very diverse food scene, with fashionable contemporary gastro pubs rubbing shoulders with more traditional fare. The bathroom scales may tell an indulgent culinary tale when you get home, but please don't leave Yorkshire without sampling home baked scones, Pontefract cakes and curd tart! You'll find Yorkshire people are renowned across the UK for being incredibly honest, down to earth and warm hearted, so wherever you go, you can be sure of a warm welcome.


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City Chic in Yorkshire

Spend time in one of Yorkshire's vibrant and cosmopolitan cities and enjoy a short stay or long weekend break. The Leopold Hotel, Sheffield - Built on the former site of a Grade II listed Boys Grammar School, the Leopold is Sheffield’s only four star boutique hotel. This historical property offers a quirky yet luxurious place to meet, situated centrally in Leopold Square offering an array of upmarket bars and eateries. Hotel du Vin, York - Located on the tranquil area known as 'The Mount', Hotel du Vin York is a beautiful grade II listed building that dates back to the early 19th century. Formerly a private home, an orphanage and most recently the Shepherd Homes building, the hotel offers 44 stylish bedrooms and suites, the HDV trademark bistro, bar and two private dining rooms, along with a courtyard for alfresco dining during the warmer months. Malmaison Hotel, Leeds - The super stylish bar and brasserie are seductively lit and have a relaxed

finest location in the city! A first class hotel from which to explore York. Everything is within walking distance,including the city walls and all York’s famous attractions. Hotel Du Vin, Harrogate - Whilst the exterior of the building retains its classical Georgian-styled features, inside the decor has created a truly exciting and enjoyable hotel. The hotel's classical 90-cover Bistro forms the heart of the public area rooms. In addition, there are two private dining rooms, a Cellar Snug, the Champagne & Claret Bar, and private courtyard. Quebecs, Leeds - An urban haven located in the heart of Leeds, situated in one of the most distinctive terracotta brick Grade II Listed buildings in the City. Expect to find rooms with a classic contemporary decor offering a luxurious guest experience. The Chambers, Leeds - boutique serviced apartments in the heart of the city are Leeds' best kept secret. From spacious studios to penthouses with rooftop Jacuzzis, experience the freedom of your own apartment

Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa, Leeds - Leeds is one of the North's most cosmopolitan cities. Thorpe Park is just a stone's throw from the best it has to offer - great shopping, vibrant night life and nearby, Harrogate, York and The Dales beyond. Middlethorpe Hall & Spa, York Middlethorpe Hall is a William and Mary country house, built in 1699 of mellow red brick with limestone dressings, for Thomas Barlow, a master cutler from Sheffield. It was bought in the 1980s and reopened as a luxury hotel, Restaurant and Spa in 1984, rescued from decay, caringly and lovingly restored by Historic House Hotels. Middlethorpe Hall is a William and Mary country house, built in 1699 of mellow red brick with limestone dressings, for Thomas Barlow, a master cutler from Sheffield. It was bought in the 1980s and reopened as a luxury hotel, Restaurant and Spa in 1984, rescued from decay, caringly and lovingly restored by Historic House Hotels.

atmosphere to complement this chic hotel. Located in the city centre, a two minute walk from bars, restaurants and retail therapy. Residence 6, Leeds - Officially Leeds's only five star city centre property. Located in the heart of the city centre, in one of Leeds' landmark buildings, The Old Post Office, Residence 6* reflects the ultimate expression of comfort and refinement, and provides a refreshing alternative to a five star hotel Dean Court Hotel, York - Standing in the shadow of York Minster, the

whilst enjoying the luxuries of a 5* hotel. Pop by for a night or stay for a year! Oulton Hall, Leeds -Oulton Hall combines all the elegance of a mid 18th century mansion with the modern facilities you would expect for business and leisure, including, Champagne Bar, Whiskey Snug, Drawing Room serving traditional afternoon tea, 2 restaurants, not to mention the 7 individually designed suites and the conference and banqueting facilities for up to 350 guests.

The Grand Hotel & Spa, York Experience the luxury, opulence and style of the golden age of travel at The Grand Hotel & Spa, York. Overlooking the historic city walls of one of the UK's most picturesque cities, The Grand offers the very best in traditional English style and service and is one of the finest luxury hotels in Yorkshire. Step into The Grand and experience the opulence of a building once described as a ‘Palace of business' recently transformed into a glorious hotel redolent of golden by-gone era.

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Welsh Government looks forward to

legendary year for tourism in 2017

As latest stats show a successive annual increase in visitor volumes and expenditure, with interim figures for 2015 on track to exceed the record visitor spend of £1.735 billion set in 2014, the “Year of Legends” campaign will continue to raise the profile of Wales’s tourism offer and aims to attract even more visitors to Wales in 2017. To allow the industry to engage in the planning process the “Year of Legends” will be a key feature of the Visit Wales tourism industry roadshows which will visit Aberystwyth, Caerphilly, Llanelli and Colwyn Bay between 10 and 25 May 2016. Year of Legends follows on from the success of the 2016 Year of Adventure – which so far has seen a nationwide celebration over last weekend’s activity filled ‘Great Weekend of Adventure’, an international marketing campaign, and the commercial success of a huge dragon sculpture at Caerphilly Castle. Ken Skates, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: “The Year of Legends 2017 presents an opportunity to build on the truly distinctive identity Wales has on the world stage, by allowing us to

capitalise on Wales’s rich culture and heritage to stand-apart from our competitors. In doing so, we want to reinforce positive perceptions of our country, and position Wales as a highquality, relevant and contemporary 21st century destination. The Year of Legends is our chance to immerse people in our epic story. And an opportunity to create legendary experiences for everyone.” Tourism providers across Wales are being encouraged to create or

theme product and experiences using Wales’s legends as inspiration – ranging from our historic heroes and sporting greats to the country’s iconic heritage sites and legendary tales. To support this, the Welsh Government has previously announced funding is being made available through the Regional Tourism Engagement Fund and Tourism Product Innovation Funds with the aim of developing Year of Legends projects and activities across Wales.

Campervan holidays in Wales

Strap a surfboard to the roof, a bicycle carrier to the back, get the cool kids onboard, and plan to get lost. 1,000 miles of coastline calls. Breakfast is sizzling on the hob, the hearty scent mingling with the sea air that drifts in through your kitchen window. All you need now is a little Beach Boys breakfast radio. You start the engine and sit in the driver's seat with a map and a cup of tea. Looking out over the dashboard, puffins catch flight as they dive from the clifftops. They roam freely, as do you. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is an obvious place to start, or perhaps the coves of Anglesey and surf beaches of Llangennith, Porth Neigwl/Hell's Mouth, and Freshwater West. Inland the monolithic landscapes of

Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons rise up into view from behind the wheel. Blissfully simple short breaks Aberffraw, Anglesey Campervan trips are blissfully simple to prepare for, making them ideal for short breaks, a week away or longer. Most campervans will sleep a family of four in comfort. If you have a larger group, you might pick a motorhome, or just book two campervans. As long as the fridge and the petrol tank are well-stocked, you are good to go. That means less time messing around getting to where you want to be, particularly if you love the great outdoors. You can wake up at the foot

of one mountain, hike up it, then drive to the next for the following day. You'll appreciate not having to pack away a wet tent after a night's rain. In the evening you just sit out on a folding chair and take in the Milky Way above your beachside campfire. Roof bars, roof boxes, rear ladders and bike carriers mean you could carry several surfboards, bikes, mountain gear, or whatever else takes your fancy for your trip.

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Stay somewhere different

From antique yurts to Hobbit tents to cavalry domes, Wales is a country full of quirky and unusual places to stay. Caldey Island Among the religious retreats of Wales, Pembrokeshire’s Caldey Island has been a site of religious importance since a Celtic monastery was built there in the 6th century. It’s just a short boat trip from Tenby and there are a limited number of self-catering facilities. Groups of visitors can also stay at St Philomema’s retreat house on Caldey during spring and summer months.

Wild and pictureseque youth hostels Here’s a smart alternative to the idea of renting out an enormous country house for that special birthday or anniversary party. There are numerous youth hostels and bunkhouses in some of the most wild Portmeirion and picturesque locations in Wales Portmeirion is a colourful and ornate that are available for hire, including Mediterranean village perched on the Brecon Beacons National Park the edge of a beautiful estuary near and on the shores of the Snowdonia. Porthmadog, on the north west coast of Wales. You will find yourself transported into another world as soon as you cross its threshold. Peacocks strut around gardens full of rare and exotic flora and fauna. There is a variety of characterful cottage accommodation within the village of Portmeirion itself, as well as the Portmeirion and Castell Deudraeth hotels.

The Old Station Tintern The Old Station at Tintern in Monmouthshire is widely regarded as one of the areas favourite visitor attractions, with a regular programme of events for children and families (including miniature train rides!), a ‘Destination Wye Valley’ exhibition and selection of railway memorabilia all housed in three restored railway carriages. All café ingredients are sourced locally and the cakes are made on the premises early each morning. True Taste judges recommend you to try the Lavender Cake.

Stay in Romany caravan accommodation

Romany caravan holidays in Wales offer the adventure of camping with the romance and comfort of the Old World. If you have ever pictured yourself running away for a life on the road, here is a place to dream it. Couples on weekends away will love the intimacy and escapism A remote area all of your own Picture a river jumping with brown trout flowing through the corner of a wild-flower meadow. Tucked in among the long grasses is a brightly painted wooden wagon, its side

window propped open to let a trail of steam drift into the spring air from an early morning pot of tea. Your book lies open on the caravan’s top step, just where you left it. Breakfast is laid out across the campfire table, still warmed a little from last night’s fireside revelries. The caravan’s roaming days are over, the little painted wagon restored, and its aching wheels scrubbed up and polished to rest easy among the buzzing bees. The yoke that once clung to a horse’s back now revels in its nostalgic retirement.

Life proceeds in the slow lane, with minutes drifting into hours as the simple tasks of the day are allowed to take over. This could be anywhere, but look outside and you catch the curve of a Pembrokeshire beach, the lilting horizons of Snowdonia, or perhaps the course of the river Wye. Romany caravans in Wales will bring you closer to our most beautiful natural environments. Cosy enough for two or more. Originally known as a vardo, the comforts of a Romany wagon are compact, but numerous

and well thought out. A small seating area and kitchen is usually followed by neatly stacked bunks. Couples can book cosy double caravans, but some sleep as many as six people. Traditional cast-iron pot-belly stoves are a frequent feature. You may try your hand at Romany cuisine, a campfire roast, or a stew bubbling in a kettle. Many caravans are accompanied by private outbuildings with bathrooms and other services.


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Fish, chips and tea on the Llanfair train

Visitors to the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway will have the opportunity to take a different trip along the Banwy Valley in coming weeks, with food and drink on offer during the journey. On the evening of Saturday 28th May the railway is running its first Fish & Chips train. The special working will depart Llanfair Caereinion at 6pm, and on arrival at Raven Square fish & chip suppers from the awardwinning Andrews Fish Bar of Welshpool will be served for passengers to enjoy during the return trip on the hopefully spring-like evening. Weather permitting, the return train will pause at the intermediate station of Castle Caereinion for participants to stretch their legs. Large and small meals, together with vegetarian options, will be available to travellers and advance booking for the train is essential – bookings close on Thursday 26th May. Then on Saturday 11th June and Sunday 24th July Welsh Tea trains will be a new addition to the timetable. Departing L l a n f a i r Caereinion at around 1.50pm, passengers will travel in one direction in one of the line’s balcony-ended carriages built originally for

the Zillertalbahn Railway in Austria, donated to the W&LLR in 1968 and for these trains specially fitted out as a buffet car. On offer will be tea, and a selection of locally-sourced Welsh tea-time treats including Caerphilly scones, bara brith and Welsh cakes. For the journey in the other direction participants will join a select few who have enjoyed the sumptuous white leather armchairs of former Sierra Leone Government Railway carriage no 1207. This British-built vehicle was repatriated from the west African nation by the W&LLR in 1975 and fully restored to its original condition

in 2009. In keeping with the firstclass environment, a steward will be on hand to offer cooling drinks as might have been served to combat the African heat in the carriage’s former days. SLR 1207 has seen limited use since its restoration, with fewer than 100 people having travelled in it so far. As with the Fish & Chip train, advance booking for the Welsh Tea specials will be necessary and space is very limited – full details and booking forms for both trains can be found on the events page of our website www. wllr.org.uk.


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Archaeology students

help reveal the secrets of Chester's Grosvenor Park

Archaeologists from Cheshire West and Chester Council's Historic Environment Team have picked up their trowels and headed out to Grosvenor Park, with a new group of students from the University of Chester who are taking part in the annual monthlong training dig. Being close to two of Chester’s major historic monuments the Roman amphitheatre and the medieval church of St. John the Baptist - has had an influence on the development of the park and more importantly on the archaeology that lies beneath. It is hoped that new information on the remains of both Cholmondeley’s mansion as well as the civilian settlement that lay outside Chester’s Roman fortress will be uncovered. Said Councillor Louise Gittins, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing: “It’s exciting that the archaeologists are uncovering more of the medieval building; hopefully they will prove that it was once part of St. John’s Church precinct before it was incorporated by Lord Cholmondeley into his mansion. They also hope to uncover more of the Roman road

leading to the amphitheatre, along with any related buildings. This new evidence will add to the rich tapestry that is Chester’s Story”. An Open Day takes place on June 1 giving the chance to see what the students have excavated and learn about the history of this corner of Grosvenor Park. More details can be found on the student’s Dig Blog at www. univchester-parkdig.blogspot.co.uk/ The training dig is a joint project between the archaeologists from Cheshire West and Chester Council's Historic Environment Team and the University of Chester and is an important part of the student’s archaeology degree course.

Said Dr. Caroline Pudney, Lecturer in Archaeology from the University of Chester: “It's a really valuable opportunity for the students to dig within Chester for their degree and to contribute to our knowledge of the city's past. The wide range of structures and artefacts from the Roman to the post-Medieval periods means that the site provides a unique environment for discovery and helps to inspire our students to further their archaeological experience.” The training dig is open for viewing until June 3, 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday (except between 12.30pm - 1.30pm daily and all day Bank Holiday Monday).

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