Holiday Parks & Cottages elcome to the May–July 2009 edition of Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages. Our quick and easy-to-use design, allows you to locate your dream family holiday even faster. Choice Essentials (p4) is full of new product reviews and reader giveaways and Out & About (p6) offers some great ideas on where to go and what to see, this issue concentrates on good UK golf courses. We also have a great competition to win a family holiday, so take a look on page 8 for entry details. We’ve retained our popular Great Britain and Europe regional format with local information and useful website-listings with ideas on where to go and what to see. In addition, our Holiday Homes for Sale Section could help you find the holiday home of your dreams…
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Choice Essentials
4
Reviews & giveaways
Out & About
6
UK Golf Courses
Choice Competition
8
Win a Hoburne family holiday
South-West England South-East England East of England Heart of England
Contents page pics: Courtesy of Haven: www.havenholidays.com Published by: Travel & Leisure Magazines Ltd, 1st Floor, 103 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 4PU Tel: 020 8477 1529 Fax: 020 8514 4536 Email: choice@tlmags.com Printed by Wyndeham Heron ©Travel & Leisure Magazines Limited 2009
10 18 24 30
East Midlands North-West England Yorkshire Scotland Wales Continental Europe
32 34 38 40 44 48
Holiday homes, residential homes and accessories for sale 52
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Editor: Keeley Gordon keeleyg@tlmags.com Editorial Assistant: Loretta Prince lorettap@tlmags.com Advertising Sales: Jeannette Cumbers jeannettec@tlmags.com Admin/Accounts: Wendy Barfoot wendyb@tlmags.com Publishers: Peter Lewsey peterl@tlmags.com Terry Stafford terrys@tlmags.com
FOR RENTING OR BUYING A YOURNo– 1 CHOICE HOLIDAY HOME OR CARAVAN
Choice Essentials The World’s first inflatable roof rack The HandiRack is a unique, inflatable roof rack that can be fitted in just a few minutes. It’s perfect for those who enjoy the outdoor life, adventure sports and travelling. Designed to work hand in hand with the HandiHoldall, to offer an easy and cost effective (it is interchangeable between vehicles) way to gain more space. The HandiHoldall makes light work of transporting up to 50kg of camping gear, luggage and all sorts of holiday paraphernalia and can be packed away neatly when not in use. It can also be used with metal roof bars with an additional fitting kit (£15.99). The 2009 HandiHoldalls will be available from May at £79.99 plus £14.99 for the roof bar fitting kit and The HandiRack costs £49.99 from www.handirackuk.com
Out with the old, in with the new With summer on our doorsteps, theBabaSling™ is just the right product to get mums and dads out and about with baby. A sunny holiday flopped on the beach or an action packed adventure, theBabaSling™ is strong and versatile so you don’t have to hold back. With seven different carrying positions you can wear your baby in the most comfortable position and be hands free to enjoy yourself. Available in seven cheery colours and only £39.95 makes it the perfect holiday essential whatever the destination. www.theBabaSling.co.uk
Kevin Foord
Choice Giveaway: 2 x theBabaSling™
Spring is here so just as you would ditch your boots for your sandals, ditch your big all terrain three-wheeler for a much lighter model. The Maclaren Quest Sport weighs just 5.5kg and comes with a shopping basket and rain cover and features a one-hand compact umbrella fold. The lockable front swivel wheels make it easy to manouver and the seat also reclines for afternoon naps making this pushchair perfect for days out, whether you travel by car, bus, train, plane or boat! The Maclaren Quest is suitable from three months up to a maximum weight of 15kg. RRP £140 For stockists call 01327 841 310 or visit www.maclarenbaby.com
Britwave Summer Fashions “Staycations”, is the trend for the summer collection at John Lewis, with Brits predicted to stay at home to holiday this year. Included in the collection are colourful cardigans, 50s' inspired swimwear and Hunter Wellingtons – perfect for coastal holidays or summer festivals. Britwave Best Fashion Buys from John Lewis by Peter Ruis, Director of Buying, Fashion 1. Summer dresses – tie dyed style by Paul and Joe Sister £159 or Full Circle floral tea dress £89 2. Bikinis – Purple animal print bikini by John Lewis (£20 bikini top, £15 briefs) or Fuchsia 50s style by John Lewis (bikini top £20, and bikini shorts £18) 3. Cardigans – Cashmere boyfriend cardigan by John Lewis £89 or yellow, blue, purple and black striped cardigan by Jaeger £180 4. Sunglasses – Classic tortoise shell style £145 by Dior or Wayfarer style by John Lewis £10 5. Welly Boots by Hunter available in pink, black, green and navy £55 6. Swimsuits – Purple polka dot style by John Lewis £53.50 or Blue Avalon tankini by Sea Folly (tankini top £73, and tankini bottoms £31.) 7. Rain macs – Beige with large black buttons by John Lewis £99 8. Footwear – Gladiator sandals by Steve Madden £100 or Canvas pumps by Keds in red or white £25.99 9. Waterproof bucket hats by John Lewis available in pink, black, red and bronze £15 10. Umbrellas by Lulu Guinness monochrome striped style £24 www.johnlewis.com
Wash it, squash it, and go – every parent should have one! The wonderful washable, squashable highchair is now available with alfresco fasteners to fix to outdoor and pavement style chairs. The Totseat converts chairs of all shapes and sizes (including camping chairs) into a safe haven for a tot who can sit unaided, it’s the ideal accessory for camping and caravanning – minimal luggage (folds up into it’s own bag), and maximum impact. Totseat is the most adaptable product of its type in the UK, and is the only one to carry the logo of the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) in recognition of its safety credentials. The Totseat comes in a range of funky colours and costs £21.50 +postage from www.totseat.com
Choice Giveaway: 2 x Totseats
www.swimhut.com
www.swimhut.com
Reviews & Giveaways
15% off at www.swimhut.com New SwimDresses exclusive in the UK to SwimHut.com are now available The stylish SwimDresses are designed to be practical yet beautiful with an integrated tummy mesh panel and pants. Ideal for those who want more coverage from their swimwear, active mums or those who like to be able to party and swim without changing in between! SwimHut.com offers a fantastic range of swimwear, bikinis and tankinis from a selection of leading brand names, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round!
To claim your 15% discount, enter the code: CHPC2009 15% discount is valid until Sunday 19 July 2009. This code should be printed in capitals (the code is case sensitive). www.swimhut.com
Get connected with motormonkey
Choice Giveaways How to enter: Entries can be made by going to:
www.choicetravelinfo.com before Friday 17 July 2009 and entering your details under ‘competitions and giveaways’. The winner will be announced and published on the website. Terms and conditions on the website.
The smallest, lightest in-car charger in the world, the motormonkey packs the power to keep your phone connected and your music motoring on even the longest car journey. The motormonkey comes with adaptors for the most popular makes of mobile phone and also the connectors for iPod / iPhone, BlackBerry, Sony PSP – other adaptors can also be purchased if required. The slim line design means that the motormonkey is unobtrusive in your car (it sits flush against the 12 volt DC charger socket) and you can leave it plugged in, without worrying about draining your car’s battery. Each Kit Includes: 1 x motormonkey unit; 1 x Samsung M300 / G600 adaptor; 1 x Nokia & mini Nokia adaptor; 1 x USB retractable cable; 1 x mini USB adaptor for Motorola Razr, BlackBerry, and other USB powered devices; 1 x Sony-Ericsson K750i wide adaptor; 1 x DC 4.0 adaptor for Sony PSP and some digital cameras; 1 x LG Chocolate adaptor. Available from powertraveller.com priced £20.
Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 5
Out & About Holidaying at home is the in-thing this year and made even more enjoyable when teamed with a great pastime – golf! Britain has some fantastic golf courses scattered along the coast for you to enjoy. very golfer has heard of the world’s oldest course – St Andrews. It emerged out of the scrubby sand dunes hard by the Scottish University Town as far back as the 16th century and still presents a tough challenge to the world’s best golfers, especially during the Open Championship, held there every five years. The other historic British courses which hold the Championship are nothing like as old, but they share the same common heritage. Like St Andrews, Turnberry and Troon on the Scottish west coast; Carnoustie and Muirfield on the East; plus Lytham, Birkdale, Hoylake, and Royal St Georges in England, are all links courses, laid out along beaches and dunes right by the sea. On classic golf courses such as these the grass grows naturally (there is little need for irrigation), the fairways are firm, and the greens are hard and true. It is a different type of golf to what you will find in modern resort courses. The only water hazards are likely to be the sea itself, or perhaps the occasional fast-flowing burn. Instead it is the deep rough, even deeper bunkers and, when the weather turns, the wind, which makes links courses such a fascinating test of your technique. In fact, if you can play well on a British links course, you can play well anywhere. But you don’t have to go for the big names to enjoy some of the best of British golf. While the Open courses get all the international limelight, Britain has dozens of other excellent courses all around the coast. Many of them are over 100 years old and nearly all present an entertaining challenge for visiting golfers. Most are also private clubs, which means that you need to
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Peter Lonard (AUS) lines up a putt on the 10th at the Open Championships. Royal Lytham and St Annes. ©www.britainonview.com
©www.brita
St Andrew s, Fife m/Alan Cha ndler
inonview.co
contact them in advance to arrange your visit, but also ensures a friendly welcome and excellent facilities in the club house. Here is a selection of the very best in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
St Enodoc, Cornwall The 20th-century poet Sir John Betjeman played here regularly, and composed perhaps the only great poem about the game “Seaside Golf”, which begins: “How straight it flew, how long it flew”. It was inspired by a birdie at the 400-yard 13th, one of the most difficult holes on the course. He is buried in the church, which is half buried by drifting sand, near the green. The course is quite short, but very tight, and weaves behind two hills just behind the wonderful beach at Daymer Bay. Top Hole: 6th – a 378-yard par four with a second shot played blind over, or around, Europe’s highest bunker – the "Himalaya”. Pay and Play: £45. www.st-enodoc.co.uk
Formby, Lancashire First make sure you play the right course... Formby has two, one for ladies and one for men. The latter encircles the former and stretches in a series of wonderfully varied and challenging holes, into the dunes, and heather, and pine woods which reach down towards the sea. It is as much a nature reserve as well as a golf course and the card comes with a guide to the wildflowers and wildlife which flourish here, and include the rare red squirrel. Top Hole: The 15th – one of several without bunkers – is a 400-yard par four, with a tricky green guarded by high dunes on either side. Pay and Play: £100. www.formbygolfclub.co.uk
Kingsbarns, Scotland Less than ten years old, this was the first new course to be built on links land in Scotland for 70 years. It is just a few miles up the road from the Old Course at St Andrews, and was designed by the great Californian architect Kyle Phillips. He has the knack of being able to shape a golf course so that it feels right – part of the natural landscape rather than an artificial construct imposed upon it. The burns and bunkers, and the indentations of the coastline are all used to brilliant effect. Don’t miss the Old Course, but don’t miss this either. Top Hole: 12th – a huge par five (600 yards from the
UK Golf Courses Championship tees) which stretches along the shoreline at the far end of the course – you play an awkward third to the green on a rocky promontory. Pay and Play: £130. www.kingsbarns.com
Gullane, Scotland There are three courses at Gullane, just a couple of miles up the road from Muirfield, but opinions vary as to which is best. If you only have time for one, make it Gullane No. 1 which is on higher ground and has fantastic views. From the 7th tee you can see (reputedly) 14 different counties, as well as a spectacular vista over the Forth estuary towards Edinburgh. Top Hole: The 5th – a long 450-yard uphill par four. You need a long drive to open up the dogleg, but there are fairway bunkers everywhere and a treacherous sloping green. Pay and Play: £85. www.gullanegolfclub.com
Aberdovey, Wales A lovely course founded in 1892 among the dunes by the Dovey Estuary in Snowdonia National Park. It has been lengthened over the years and is now over 6,500 yards long and is famous for its fierce rough. It’s an “out and back” layout, but contributions from two of the great course designers of the last century – Colt and Braid – ensures plenty of interest and variety. Top Hole: 12th – glorious 150-yard par three, played uphill to a green above the edge of the beach. Pay and Play: £40. www.aberdoveygolf.co.uk
Ailsa Golf Course, Turnberry, Strathclyde ©www.britainonview.com
Royal County Down, Northern Ireland This is quite simply one of the best and most beautiful golf courses in the world. The 120 year-old links weaves its way through a range of enormous sand dunes which lie along the beach at Dundrum Bay. To the south rise the green shadows of the Mountains of Mourne, while to the east are the gentler hills and farmland of County Down. There are lots of blind shots – especially from the tee – so play it twice if you can to get a real feel for British seaside golf at its very best. Top Hole: The short 4th turns back towards the Mountains of Mourne for one of the best views of all, as well as one of the most challenging tee shots. Pay and Play: £65–£155. www.royalcountydown.org * Note that visitors may be welcome on specific days of the week, and that green fees vary according to the time of year and the prices here should be used as a guide only. On some courses there may be lower green fees if you play after 3pm or 4pm in summer. Check the course website for the latest fees and for booking arrangements. Feature courtesy of www.visitbritain.co.uk
Royal Troon, Strathclyde ©www.britainonview.com
ituated in the heart of the English Riviera, Hoburne Torbay has a unique continental feel. Enjoying stunning panoramic views and easy access to sandy beaches, there’s lots to see and do both on site and in the immediate area.
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The Premier caravan range is the ideal option for families looking for a little more space in their holiday accommodation. Equipped to a very high specification, these 12ft wide holiday homes are no more than four years old and are fully equipped for your family’s luxury holiday. Facilities at Hoburne Torbay include: Licensed Club with season long entertainment Sammy Seahorse Club Bayview restaurant, bar and deck Hoburne Bowl* Indoor leisure pool with flume, steam and sauna rooms Heated outdoor pool Crazy Golf* Beach hut snack bar and takeaway The Reef – indoor soft play area Pool* Satellite TV in the clubhouse Kids’ adventure playground Amusement Arcade* Launderette *charges apply
oburne’s parks are based in many traditional seaside and picturesque countryside locations, including Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire and the Cotswolds.
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For more information visit www.hoburne.com
Hoburne Torbay, Grange Road, Goodrington, Paignton, Devon 01803 558010
How to enter To be in with a chance of winning a one-week holiday in a 3-bedroom Premier caravan at Hoburne Torbay in Paignton, Devon for a family of up to 6, simply go to:
www.choicetravelinfo.co m before Friday 26 June 2009 and enter your details under ‘competitions and giveaways’. The winner will be published on the website. Prize cannot be taken between 18 July and 21 August and must be taken by 31 October 2009.
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Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 9
Newquay Beach, Cornwall ©www.britainonview.com
It’s hard to imagine that one region could have so many contrasts and that in even the most hectic of cities, the sheer beauty of the west-country can force you to relax. A place that is real, where the countryside villages resemble those on chocolate boxes and where beaches are so spectacular they take your breath away.
Cornwall offers more miles of unspoilt coastline than anywhere else in Britain. It’s vibrant image is the result of a rich history and culture that still lives and breathes through the sites and scenery scattered throughout the county such as stone circles, castles and remains of iron-age villages. Cornwall’s fishing industry still survives in harbours like Newlyn, Mevagissey, Padstow, Falmouth, Looe and Polperro, and many smaller boats still work out of coves such as Port Issac, Cadgwith and Mullion. Release the artist within you and fall in love with the light and landscape that the far end of England’s south-west peninsula has to offer. Cornwall has a wealth of small gallery’s and art cafes to pass the time away – that’s if you’re not too busy surfing, which is another of Cornwall’s pastimes, but that’s another story! Devon benefits from having two very different coastlines, in
the north you will find dramatic, rugged headlands and surf-washed sands whilst in the south, you can enjoy golden coasts, white pebbled beaches and sheltered bays. There are many reasons to visit Devon and one of the most popular is to sample the traditional Devon cream tea or to enjoy a fresh seafood platter – Devon is as famous for its culinary delights as it is for its magnificent coastline. Devon is perfect for family fun with miles of blue flag beaches and the best sand in the UK for building sandcastles! Devon is England’s greenest county and has been declared the number one organic county according to the latest figures from Defra. The spectacular coastal path, rolling countryside, stone circles, historic market towns and literary connections all add to the wealth of Devon’s rich heritage.
Somerset is a land of contrasts, from the 40 miles of coastline and the popular seaside resorts of Minehead and Burnham-on• First Great Western Sea, to the smallest www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk city in England, Tel: 08457 000 125 Wells and the • South West Trains legends that www.swtrains.co.uk surround Exmoor Tel: 0845 6000 650 and Glastonbury. • National Express Somerset is a www.nationalexpress.com haven for explorers Tel: 08705 808 080 – for walkers, South • Flights Somerset has over www.visitsouthwest.co.uk/main/flights 1,100 miles of paths • Route Planner and tracks to lose www.theaa.com/travelwatch/planner yourself in! For the
Getting there
Further info 1 Cornwall www.visitcornwall.co.uk Tel: 01872 322900
2 Devon www.discoverdevon.com Tel: 0870 608 5531
3 Somerset www.celebratingsomerset.com Tel: 01934 750833
4 Dorset www.dorsetforyou.com Tel: 01305 251000
5 Bristol & Bath www.visitbristol.co.uk Tel: 0906 711 2191 (Bristol: 50p/min) www.visitbath.co.uk Tel: 0906 711 2000 (50p/min)
6 Wiltshire www.visitwiltshire.co.uk Tel: 0870 240 5599 (charged at standard rate)
7 Gloucestershire www.gloucestershire.gov.uk Tel: 01452 505345
perfect rural retreat, visit the Heart of Somerset, home to the Blackdown, Brendon and Quantock Hills, Somerset Levers and Moors and the historic towns of Taunton, Wellington, Wiveliscombe – all with their own unique character and style. Somerset is alive with history and legend – walk in the footsteps of King Arthur and King Alfred, explore Exmoor – home of Lorna Doone and visit the mysterious Glastonbury Tor, rising out of the Somerset Levels (ancient wetlands) like a beacon.
Dorset is home to the World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Coast and its fossils dating back more than 190 million years. With seven miles of golden beaches, parks and gardens, Bournemouth is Dorset’s little gem, combining traditional splendour with modern facilities. Poole Harbour is Europe’s largest natural harbour and is a stunning location for all types of watersports. Amongst the scenery, attractions and picturesque villages, the spectacular and much photographed geological features of Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Old Harry Rocks are worth seeing. From historic market towns such as the County town of Dorchester, to seaside fun, dramatic cliffs and sweeping beaches, West Dorset truly offers something for everyone! Walkers can choose the magnificent Heritage Coast or the many way-marked routes inland. Bristol is famous for Brunel who designed the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Actor Cary Grant and Sir Humphrey Davy who discovered laughing gas and invented the miners’ safety lamp. In the 18th century, Bristol was the second largest port in the country and it was here that Brunel’s ss Great Britain was built. Launched in 1843, this was the first iron, propellant-driven ship to cross the Atlantic. Today, much of the character and charm of Bristol’s maritime past still remains and is used mainly for leisure and recreation. Bristol will cater for your every need with an array of new and old shopping areas, arts and museums, green spaces and parklife and for the adventurous, you can go rock climbing in the Avon Gorge, paddle through the harbour or mountain bike through Ashton Court Estate. Bath is home to the Thermae Bath Spa, the only place in the UK where you can bathe in natural hot waters. The World Heritage Site of Bath is one the most stunning places in Britain with some of the most famous architectural masterpieces in Europe such as the Roman Baths & Pump Room, Royal Crescent, Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge. Apart from being the perfect base in which to explore the north-east of Somerset and the Cotswolds, Bath itself offers its visitors a wealth of quality attractions, shopping experiences, theatre and restaurants in traditional yet modern surroundings.
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Wiltshire unites the districts of Kennet, West Wilts, North Wilts, Salisbury and South Wilts with the Borough of Swindon. With a population of nearly 430,000, much of the county is designated as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. The mystical force that surrounds the world-famous Stonehenge can sometimes overshadow the sheer beauty of this area. It’s breathtaking countryside, the open downland where uninterrupted views stretch for miles, ancient forests, picture postcard villages and the sparkling clear waters of the river valleys are perfect for outdoor activities all year round. Explore Europe’s largest man-made prehistoric mound, Silbury Hill and the White Horse Trail where you can search for the eight white horses that are carved into the hillside, some of which can be seen for miles. Wiltshire has over 7,500 walking paths and cyclists will love the traffic free country lanes with a series of routes range from family friendly off-road routes to the 160 mile, long distance, Wiltshire Cycleway route. Gloucestershire is the ideal place to visit at any time of the year. Covering most of the Cotswolds, the ancient Forest of Dean and the Vale of the River Severn, long summer days can be enjoyed kayaking or 4x4 racing, or drinking in one of the many lively pubs. Stroll amongst the Bluebells in Spring on your way to an antique shop or castle and in Autumn, watch the sleepy villages come to life as the trees change colour. In Winter, cosy restaurants with log fires and magnificent cathedrals are more than welcoming. Many historic towns, villages and splendid manor houses can be found in the county, including the homes of many celebrities. In ehenge e – Ston addition to the Wiltshir spectacular countryside, Gloucestershire has some outstanding historical buildings, including Gloucester Cathedral, Tewkesbury Abbey and the stunning Regency buildings of Cheltenham Spa. D orset –
Corfe C
astle
Whether you go in seek of the Jurassic coastline and dramatic cliffs of Devon and Dorset, the magnificent cathedrals of Salisbury and Gloucester, the famous spa in Bath or the maritime history in Plymouth, the south-west of England has a delight around every corner. Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 11
PORTHTOWAN TOURIST PARK Cornwall
Tel: 01209 890256 Email: admin@porthtowantouristpark.co.uk www.porthtowantouristpark.co.uk
• Food shop • Play area • Games room • Golf • Horse riding • Laundrette • Showers • Hook-up • Calor gas • Caravans • Motor homes • Camping. Prices for 2009: Two people, car & unit, incl. electric hook-up £11.50 to £19.
Completely level site, ideal for families and couples who want to relax and enjoy the quiet of the surrounding countryside. Centrally located for touring Cornwall, close to beach, new toilet block, 80 pitches.
Open April to September
12 Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009
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GLOBE VALE HOLIDAY PARK nr. Redruth and North Coast Cornwall
• Quiet Countryside Location • Pets accepted • Open Feb–Nov Paul & Louise Owen 01209 891183 www.globevale.co.uk info@globevale.co.uk
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Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 13
Cornwall
Plots available to purchase a new holiday home of your choice
Cornwall 14 Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009
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Cornwall Devon
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Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 15
Devon Dorset Glocestershire 16 Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009
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Glocestershire
~ CARAVAN FOR HIRE ~
Somerset
Here at Lakeside you and your family can be sure of a fun-filled and relaxing stay, on site at the camp or out and about in Minehead town. The beach is only two mins walk with golden sands and panoramic views of the sea and beautiful north hill and golf course. While walking the Avenue, checkout the Somerset Light Railway and Belhelm Gardens or take a bus ride on the 300 to Lynton and Lynmouth or go onto Illfracombe on a return ticket. Also on the way to Lynmouth over outstanding Exmoor, you will pass the infamous Culbone Inn. Static caravan. Sleeps 8. Central heating. Cooker, Fridge, Grill, Microwave, Oven. Separate dining area. Garden, Parking, Patio. Heated pool. TV. 1 Threebed bedroom, 1 Double bedroom, 1 Twin bedroom. 1 Shower room. Local activities: Cycling, Biking, Golf, Sailing, Waterskiing, Diving, Surfing, Windsurfing, Fishing, Paragliding, Swimming, Horse riding, Tennis.
Call Mr P B Murphy on 07739 104622
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Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 17
Oxford, Dreaming Spires
The South-east of England has been an inspiration for many storytellers and writers over the years. Idea’s for the children’s classics Alice in Wonderland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the Chronicles of Narnia all arose from this region which includes the counties of Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire and Sussex.
Kent is divided into three main areas – Medway and Maritime Kent; The Heart of Kent and Canterbury and Coastal Kent and together they create a unique combination of coast, countryside and historic attractions. Medway is the historical capital of Maritime Kent and is the ideal destination for a relaxing short break. Step back in time with a visit to The Historic Dockyard at Chatham where over 400 years of naval history are brought back to life. Canterbury and Coastal Kent has the famous White Cliffs of Dover, the traditional Victorian seaside resorts of Ramsgate and Folkestone and a blend of culture, heritage and tradition. The Cathedral city of Canterbury is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sits on the River Stour in one of the most attractive corners of rural Kent. The Heart of Kent offers more castles, stately homes and gardens open to the public than any other region in Britain.
Sussex is home to miles of dramatic coastline, from the golden sands of Camber in the east to the inlets of Chichester Harbour in the west. Family-friendly beaches can be found at Worthing, Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, Eastbourne and Brighton – England’s city by the sea. Within the Sussex countryside, the beautiful South Downs has over 2000 miles of well-managed trails ideal for walking, cycling and horse-riding. The 160km South Downs Way takes you from the coast at Eastbourne to the city of Winchester in Hampshire, passing across the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs and the Devil’s Dyke. Delve into Sussex’s towns for even more treasures. The town of Battle is the site of the most famous battle in English Heritage, The Battle of Hastings. Amberley is a beautiful town on the River Arun with many flint walled, thatched cottages and a medieval castle • Chiltern Railways www.chilternrailways.co.uk (now a hotel) and the Tel: 08456 005 165 medieval town of Rye, now a thriving • National Rail Enquiries market town www.nationalrail.co.uk 0845 48 49 50 overlooks Romney Marshes and was • Green Line Buses once surrounded by www.greenline.co.uk sea! Tel: 0870 608 7261
Getting there
Surrey is the most wooded county in the country and has the highest point in the south-east of England with
• Metrobus www.metrobus.co.uk Tel: 01293 449195
• London Gatwick Airport www.baa.com Tel: 0870 000 2468
breathtaking views of the Surrey Hills and surrounding countryside. The Surrey Hills is a 1 Buckinghamshire treasured landscape, rich www.visitbuckinghamshire.org Tel: 01296 382157 in wildlife and woodland and was one of the first 2 Oxfordshire areas in England to be www.oxfordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01865 792422 designated an Area of Outstanding Natural 3 Berkshire Beauty back in 1958. www.visitwestberkshire.org.uk Tel: 01635 30267 Surrey is also home to many towns and villages 4 Hampshire all with their own www.visit-hampshire.org.uk Tel: 01962 841841 ambience – Richmond is a lively cosmopolitan 5 Isle of Wight town full of boutiques, www.islandbreaks.co.uk Tel: 01983 813 813 cafes and fine restaurants and Kingston is the place 6 East & West Sussex where kings of England www.visitsussex.org Tel: 01243 382244 were crowned. With the Thames on its doorstep, 7 Surrey Kingston gives you the www.surreycc.gov.uk Tel: 08456 009 009 ideal opportunity to stroll along the Thames path at 8 Kent one of its most beautiful www.kenttourism.co.uk Tel: 01271 336020 parts. The towns of Esher and Epsom are home to two of the country’s finest racecourses.
Further info
Hampshire is a haven for nature-lovers. Escape to the woods and heaths of the New Forest where ponies and cattle roam freely and wild deer hide deep within the forest. The city of Winchester is the ancient capital of England and home to a fine Norman Cathedral, King Arthur’s round table and one of the oldest schools in Britain. Hampshire’s famous royal and military connections have provided a feast of places to visit like Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, one of the top ten heritage attractions in the UK and home to the World’s most famous ships – Mary Rose, HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860. Havant, Emsworth and the Blue Flag beaches at Hayling Island lie between the cities of Chichester and Portsmouth and are perfect for relaxation and tranquillity and the pretty villages of Langstone and Emsworth have great views of the harbour. Holiday-makers have been flocking to the Isle of Wight for years to enjoy their traditional seaside holidays. The 60 miles of coastline, hidden coves and golden sandy beaches are spectacular, whilst inland the countryside is fantastic with lots of colourful paths and trails to explore. The Isle of Wight is renowned for sailing but also offers all kinds of sports from golf and fishing to windsurfing and flying. Cowes and East Cowes are the Island’s most northerly towns and a mecca for yachtsmen, hosting many international sailing events – during the sailing season you can see a blanket of colourful sails covering the water. The historic town of Newport in the centre of the Island is its principle town and most popular shopping centre. Here you will find fine Georgian and Victorian houses, the Museum of Island History, markets, arts centres and much more. From lazy days spent in the Royal Borough of Windsor, to the hectic nightlife of Reading, Berkshire is a delightful county that can adapt to anybody’s pace of life. With parts of the North Wessex Downs and the Chilterns, both Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this county is ideal for walking, cycling and horse-riding with many excellent routes along The Thames Path, the Ridgeway and The Jubilee Path. West Berkshire is a delight waiting to be discovered from the Kennet and Avon Canal to the arts, history and heritage.
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Donnington Castle was once the Stronghold of Charles I and saw action during the civil war battles of 1643 and 1644. All that is left now is the Gatehouse but visitors are attracted by the views and children love to play amongst the ruins. Whether you choose to cruise along the River Thames, take a tour of Eton College or have some family fun at Legoland, Berkshire is perfect for a relaxing break.
Oxfordshire is full of natural beauty and charming villages and the city of Oxford is architecturally stunning with its famous colleges and riverside setting. Oxford has many literary links and has been used for numerous film locations. It was here that Lewis Carroll met Alice Liddell, the inspiration for Alice in Wonderland and Christ Church College was the setting for ‘Hogwarts’ in the Harry Potter films. In the south of Oxfordshire you will find the towns of Didcot, Wallingford, Thame, and Henley on Thames and to the North of the county are the historic market towns of Banbury and Bicester. Enjoy a cruise on the Oxford Canal or shop until you drop at Bicester’s famous shopping village – there is plenty on offer. Escape to Buckinghamshire for the day or a weekend and walk in the gentle rolling Chiltern Hills, stroll along the Thames Path at gorgeous Marlow or explore the famous beech woods at Burnham Beeches. There are plenty of fun attractions in Buckinghamshire for all the family to enjoy such as the oldest model village in the world – Bekonscot and the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery in Aylesbury. For the sporting type, Milton Keyne’s Xscape is Europe’s largest skiing and leisure complex and Waddesdon Manor is also a delight to see – now a National Trust property, it houses one of the finest collections of nview britaino French 18th Century front © a e S n Brighto decorative arts. Buckinghamshire Cha ©britain has four beautiful onview/K tham, Kent ent Tou Alliance rism country parks, Black /Daniel Boswor th Park, Langley Park, Denham and Thorney Park country parks with hundreds of acres of woodland, heathland, parkland, lakes and rivers that are open every day of the year for visitors to enjoy.
You can enjoy the best of both worlds in the south-east of England with gorgeous beaches and breathtaking countryside – you can even cross the Channel, but that’s another story! Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 19
Berkshire Hampshire 20 Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009
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THRIFTWOOD HOLIDAY PARK Kent
Beautiful park set in 12 acres of woodlands. Enjoy the tranquillity of the “high spot” of Kent. Outdoor heated pool, clubhouse, games room. Touring/tent pitches. Holiday caravans to hire. Open 11 months of the year. London only 25mins. Stanstead, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 7PB
Tel: 01732 822261
PRIMROSE COTTAGE CARAVAN PARK
Golden Hill, Whitstable, Kent CT5 3AR Tel: 01227 273694 Email: campbell_brian@btconnect.com Small, quiet site with views of the sea. Superstore, chemist and cafe close by, coach/bus stop walking distance. Pitches for tents and touring caravans with electric hook up points, level site. Pets welcome.Toilets, showers, chemical disposal unit.Tourist information. Agent for Calor Gas.
Oxfordshire
PLUS! 6/7 berth static caravans for hire
RELAX IN SUSSEX Sussex
Modern caravans for hire or sale on quiet Country Park near Lewes and South Downs. Easy access to coastal resorts of Brighton and Eastbourne. No clubhouse or swimming pool but nearby pub/restaurant. Sorry no children. Bluebell Holiday Park, Shortgate nr Ringmer, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 6PJ Tel: 01825 840407 www.bluebellholidaypark.co.uk
22 Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009
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Sussex
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Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 23
Hertfordshire – Much Hadham ©www.britainonview.com / Rod Edwards
The East of England is based around the ancient Kingdom of East Anglia, which was originally made up of Norfolk and Suffolk; these are now joined by Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire. Fabulous historic cities and towns, great country houses and gardens, bustling seaside resorts, picturesque villages, and miles and miles of beautiful countryside and coastline await your discovery.
Hertfordshire is home to Borehamwood, ‘Britain’s very own Hollywood’, the wonderful open-space of Lee Valley Park and the Grand Union Canal. St Albans is a popular town surrounded by countryside and was Britain’s third largest Roman city, called Verulamium. It’s Cathedral is particularly impressive. North of St Albans is Welwyn Garden City, taking its name from Welwyn, a separate village situated several miles north of the town. Perfect for modern shopping at the Howard Centre and a visit to the Roman Baths which are preserved in a steel vault underneath junction six of the A1(M)! To the east of the county, the lakes and open spaces of Lee Valley Country Park will provide more than just a day out whether your interests involve sport, wildlife or family activities. You can also visit the county town of Hereford with its castle and antiques shops,
Hatfield House (Queen Elizabeth I’s childhood home) and Bishop’s Stortford, birthplace of Cecil Rhodes.
Bedfordshire has a rich and varied rural landscape, fine towns and villages and is home to the highest point in the East of England, the Dunstable Downs. The county town of Bedford is noted for its fine river setting and connections to author/preacher John Bunyan and his famous book ‘The Pilgrims Progress’. To the north-west are pretty limestone villages such as Harrold and Stevington and in the east, the gigantic airship hangers at Cardington are a reminder of the area’s rich aviation heritage, more recently used as the set for the blockbuster movie “Batman Begins”. Britain’s first hot air balloon landed there too! As you head south of Bedford you will come across the lakes and wildlife of the Marston Vale and antique lovers will appreciate the fine Georgian town of Ampthill, set on the wooded slopes of The Greensand Ridge. Leighton Buzzard, set on the Grand Union Canal has always been • National Rail famous for its sand, Enquiries and Woburn for its www.nationalrail.co.uk wonderful abbey Tel: 08457 48 49 50 (home to the Dukes of National Express Bedford), and Woburn • www.nationalexpress.com Safari Park. Tel: 08705 808080
Getting there
Cambridgeshire is the only county in the East of England to border all five other counties in this region
• Route Planner www.theaa.com/travelwatch/planner
• One Railway www.onerailway.com Tel: 0845 600 7245
so is the ideal base for touring the area that some still refer to as ‘East Anglia’. One of the best 1 Bedfordshire ways to explore www.visitbeds-luton.com Cambridgeshire is by boat Tel: 01234 408063 – you can hire a punt, a 2 Cambridgeshire traditional flat-bottomed www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk boat, from the famous Tel: 0845 045 5200 university city of 3 Norfolk Cambridge, renowned for www.visitnorfolk.co.uk its historic churches and Tel: 01603 222222 ancient colleges – the first 4 Suffolk was founded in 1284. www.visit-suffolk.org.uk Explore some of the finest Tel: 01473 583000 buildings in Europe as you glide past the colleges on 5 Essex www.realessex.co.uk route to the willowTel: 0845 600 7373 shaped waterfront at Grantchester, inspiration 6 Hertfordshire for the poets Byron, www.enjoyhertfordshire.com Tel: 01438 737333 Tennyson and Rupert Brook. Cambridgeshire’s history spans back over 3000 years and at Flag Fen, near Peterborough, you can see how Bronze Age people lived. Oliver Cromwell was born and educated in Huntingdon and his former grammar school is now The Cromwell Museum. In Ely, Oliver Cromwell’s House recreates 17th Century life as he would have known it.
Further info
Norfolk is a refreshing place to visit with a pretty village around every corner and miles of unspoilt beaches and countryside. One of the most popular holiday areas is the Norfolk Broads with 200 kilometres (125 miles) of waterways to enjoy. Explore the Broads by boat – hire one for a week or for a day and you will soon learn to appreciate the nature that surrounds you. At the centre of this county is the vibrant city of Norwich, voted one of Britain’s top ten shopping destinations. Norwich is the most complete medieval city in Britain with fascinating museums, a magnificent cathedral, a Norman castle, half-timbered houses, a jumble of medieval lanes and a delightful old watergate down by the riverside. Norfolk’s coastline is An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, consisting of pleasant beaches, salt-marshes, cliffs, flint villages and nature reserves. Cliff-top Cromer is worldfamous for its crabs, and Yarmouth for its herrings and kippers. At Sheringham you can ride on a steam train to the antiques centre of Holt or visit the port of Wells-next-theSea, the pilgrimage centre of Little Walsingham and Lord Nelson´s birthplace at The Burnhams. For seaside fun, head to the sandy beaches at Hunstanton and Great Yarmouth. Directly south of Norfolk is Suffolk – the 8th largest county in England and one of the most attractive and interesting, much loved by writers and painters. Hills are not in abundance but the soft landscape holds hidden treasures for all visitors to explore. The choice of destinations within Suffolk offers the visitor options for all occasions from peaceful countryside, ideal for walking and cycling to busy coastal resorts and bustling market towns. Many of Suffolk’s meadows, heathlands and woodlands are nationally important wildlife reserves, making the county extremely popular with nature lovers. With open countryside and 45 miles of stunning coastline, Suffolk offers plenty of opportunities for picnics and other countryside recreation activities. Suffolk’s dry and sunny climate is ideally suited to the development of vineyards and orchards and there are a number of highly respected producers
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within the county that supply very fine quality wines and fruit juices. Numerous independent breweries such as Adnams and St Peter's still exist and ensure that the historic tradition of brewing within the county continues to thrive. The production of fine ales and good wine takes place alongside a thriving food retailing market and there are many reputable restaurants that serve food and drink prepared using locally sourced ingredients. The ancient Saxon county of Essex, is situated between Suffolk and Hertfordshire. Essex offers a wealthy mix of historic woodlands, pretty fishing villages, old towns, sweeping skylines and rolling fields. From the outskirts of East London to the borders of Suffolk, Essex has so much to offer and a good place to start exploring is Britain’s oldest town of Colchester. Discover the largest Norman Castle keep in Europe, now an award-winning museum and the nearby narrow streets of the Dutch Quarter, where the cloth industry once flourished. The Essex coastline is diverse and mainly unspoilt – from the traditional seaside resorts of Clacton-on-Sea, Southendon-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze to the yachting centre of Brightlingsea and Burnham-on-Crouch and not forgetting the hidden gems in between such as Mersey Island and Maldon. Whether you are looking for family fun, good nightlife, shopping, a quite retreat, fresh fish or the ideal place to s Edward eness launch your speedboat – Thorp iew.com / Rod Suffolk v n ritaino or jet-ski, there is a ©www.b piece of Essex’s coastline for everybody. Almost bordering Cambridgeshire, Saffron Walden is an ancient town with lovely timber-framed Essex – Lay buildings, many decorated ©www.b er Marney To we ri with pargeting (ornamental Rod Ed tainonview.com r wards / plasterwork) and the parish church is one of the largest in Essex. The Stour Valley is situated on the borders of both Essex and Suffolk and is one of the prettiest parts of the region. It was home to the artist John Constable (1776– 1837) and is enriched with picturesque medieval villages.
From historic houses, gardens and miles of coastline to food, culture and entertainment, Essex aims to please with a special air of romance and mystery. Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 25
Essex Norfolk
ELM BEACH is a quiet, 4-star Caravan Park situated overlooking a clean, sandy beach. We offer 2 or 3 bedroom Caravans, sleeping up to 6 people, fully equipped and heated, for hire from March through to New Year. Also available‌ 3 bedroom luxury detached bungalow just a stones throw from the beach. For details/brochure call 01493 721630 e-mail enquiries@elmbeachcaravanpark.com or visit our website www.elmbeachcaravanpark.com
CABLE GAP HOLIDAY PARK Relax in the peace and quiet of our family-run, top-award-winning park, right next to a sandy beach. Ideal for exploring Norwich, Great Yarmouth and the Norfolk Broads. Our comfortable Rose Award-winning caravans are equipped to a high standard with free gas, electricity, colour TV. Village shops and pubs nearby. Plus small shop on site. For full-colour brochure and details of special offers phone 01692 650667 email: holiday@cablegap.co.uk www.cablegap.co.uk 26 Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009
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BLUE RIBAND HOLIDAYS Bungalows, cottages, chalets & caravans and a choice of 12 locations. Pets welcome. Close to sandy beaches, many with cabaret club-houses, swimming pools & entertainment. Spring & Autumn short breaks. Small family discounts, all credit/debit cards accepted. Free brochure tel: 01493 732943 www.blueribandholidays.co.uk
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Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 27
Norfolk
Great Yarmouth ~ Caister ~ California ~ Scratby ~ Hemsby
Norfolk Suffolk 28 Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009
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Suffolk
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Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 29
Warwickshire – Warwick ©www.britainonview.com
The Heart of England is at the centre of England’s road network making it easily accessible from wherever you are.
Herefordshire has four long-distance walking trails as well as its very own Herefordshire Trail. Visit the famous Norman Cathedral in the city of Hereford where you can see the oldest map of the World, the Mappa Mundi and the Chained library. The quiet county of Shropshire has over 90 places to visit, including the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge and the birthplace of Charles Darwin. Shropshire is situated on the English Welsh border, gets more hours of daylight than anywhere else in the country and has over 32 castles. Since the 18th century, craftspeople in Staffordshire have been producing quality goods for renowned names such as Wedgewood, Spode and Royal Doulton. The uplands and dales of the Peak District are perfect for leisure and activity holidays, with opportunities for all kinds of sports. The West Midlands provide easy access to the history and heritage of the region. Birmingham is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city brimming with culture and sits betweens lush countryside and beautiful quaint villages.
Warwickshire offers an array of attractions from two renowned motor museums, a living Roman fort and Britain’s national organic garden and the medieval Warwick Castle is one of the finest in England.
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Worcestershire is home to some beautiful countryside, the cathedral city of Worcester and Malvern Water. Hire a narrow boat and explore the county’s numerous waterways or set sail down the River Severn, Britain's longest river. Home of Shakespeare, the potteries, the Black Country and Alton Towers, the Heart of England is a charming region to visit with a feast of things to do.
Further info 1 Herefordshire
www.visitherefordshire.co.uk Tel: 01432 260621
2 Shropshire
www.shropshiretourism.info Tel: 01743 462462
3 Staffordshire
www.enjoystaffordshire.co.uk Tel: 01785 277397
4 West Midlands
www.birminghamuk.com
5 Warwickshire
www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tourism Tel: 0870 160 7930
6 Worcestershire
www.worcestershire-tourism.org Tel: 01905 728787
Shropshire Staffordshire Heart of England
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Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 31
Derbyshire – Ladybower Rsvr
The East Midlands consists of Northamptonshire, Rutland, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire and can be found in the centre of the UK, just east of the Heart of England.
Northamptonshire is scenically beautiful, rich in tradition, heritage, charming stone villages, majestic stately homes, gardens and castles. Rutland is England’s smallest county and a little piece of old England, hidden away in the heart of the country where charming thatched cottages and fine Georgian architecture are reminiscent of a bygone age. Leicestershire is a diverse county with a lively and vibrant city teamed with traditional British countryside and stunning waterways. The diverse scenery of Derbyshire and the Peak District is a paradise for walkers, cyclists, extreme sports enthusiasts and the more relaxed lovers of the great outdoors. This county has something to offer everyone from breathtaking landscape, to bustling market towns. Nottinghamshire is home to the world’s most famous out-law, Robin Hood and the legendary Sherwood Forest. It has also turned out many creative greats including the poet Lord Byron and the designer Paul Smith, and is well known for its vibrant nightlife. Lincolnshire is the largest county in the East Midlands and has a wealth of
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qualities from some of England’s cleanest beaches at Skegness and Mablethorpe to the tranquillity of the Wolds.
From the unspoilt Lincolnshire Vales and the magical Fens to the well-kept secret that is Rutland, there is a piece of unspoilt East Midlands for everyone!
Further info 1 Northamptonshire www.explorenorthamptonshire.co.uk
2 Leicestershire & 3 Rutland www.goleicestershire.com
4 Derbyshire www.derbyshire-thepeakdistrict.co.uk
5 Nottinghamshire www.nottinghamshiretourism.co.uk
6 Lincolnshire www.visitlincolnshire.com
Lincolnshire
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Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 33
Boats on the shore of the lake, Cumbria ©www.britainonview.com
England’s north-west has it all – fashionable city haunts, unspoilt villages, historic streets and buildings and fantastic rural retreats. The story of culture and heritage in Chester and Cheshire has been a long and eventful one, as you will see when you visit one of the many museums in the county telling the tale. Discover how the Roman’s conquered, why the county is built on salt and about life on the waterways. Completely encircled by city walls, Chester offers a delightful mix of exclusive and modern shops, a vibrant nightlife and 2000 years of history. The city’s most unique feature is the 13th Century ‘Rows’ – two tiers of enticing shops, running through the main streets. One of the north-west’s most popular attractions is the beautiful Gothic Chester Cathedral which houses one of the most complete medieval monastic complexes in the county. Cheshire’s waterways are a pleasant and relaxing place to be, offering a chance to enjoy the sites of historic interest, heritage and culture. Cheshire has more miles of canals than any other English county – enjoy a relaxing river cruise or try sailing off the Wirral coast. Cheshire is home to Britain’s largest zoo, one of the UK’s most prestigious flower shows, some of England’s finest restaurants and a leading designer outlet village.
Delve deep at the nuclear shelter, discover an iconic halftimbered medieval manor house or explore Beeston Castle, standing majestically on a sheer rocky crag and boasting some of the most spectacular views in England. The past, the present and the future come together in
Manchester to create one of the coolest cities in Britain. Historical landmarks compliment bold, contemporary structural design, surrounded by beautifully sculptured open spaces. Manchester is a free-spirited city with a liberating open-mindedness much described as edgy, inviting, happening and different. Manchester is one of the world’s most innovative and original places for both making music and listening to it. Follow in the footsteps of Morrissey, look out for the next Oasis or Happy Mondays in one of the city’s 30-plus intimate live venues and party like there’s no tomorrow! Manchester is a fantastic shopping destination whether • National Express you are after funky, www.nationalexpress.com fashionable, chic or Tel: 08705 808 080 sleek – there is • National Rail Enquiries something to satisfy www.nationalrail.co.uk all tastes and budgets. 0845 48 49 50 Hunt down • Virgin Trains something unique at www.virgintrains.co.uk Tel: 08457 222 333 Saturday’s Tib Street fashion market, • Blackpool Airport www.blackpoolairport.com search for vintage Tel: 08700 273 777 chic and rare records in the Northern • Manchester Airport www.manchesterairport.co.uk Quarter, or search
Getting there
Tel: 0161 489 3000
the designer stores for something special before having lunch in Harvey Nichols! Beyond the city 1 Cumbria around the towns of Bury, www.golakes.co.uk Bolton, Wigan, Oldham and Tel: 0845 450 1199 Rochdale, you will find more 2 Lancashire than 500 square miles of www.visitlancashire.com inspiring countryside. Tel: 01257 226600 The picturesque Saddleworth villages of 3 Liverpool Diggle, Dobcross and www.visitliverpool.com Tel: 0845 601 1125 Uppermill are surrounded by dramatic Pennine moorland 4 Manchester and Barrow Bridge, a www.visitmanchester.com workers town on the Tel: 0871 222 8223 outskirts of Bolton was 5 Cheshire founded in the age of cotton www.visitchester.com and is a small and Tel: 0845 450 1199 picturesque village – perfect for a relaxing walk or picnic. Manchester is in a league of its own when it comes to sport. Famous for its football clubs, you can visit Old Trafford or the City of Manchester Stadium for a taste of international success. The 2002 Commonwealth Games has left Manchester with a host of world-class sporting venues for both spectators and participants to enjoy.
Further info
There is no better time to visit Liverpool and Merseyside as it prepares to celebrate the run-up to Liverpool European capital of Culture 2008. Lots of events are already planned for 2008 including musical concerts, exhibitions and festivals so make sure you are part of it! Another reason to visit is that 2007 is Liverpool’s 800th birthday, marking 800 years since King John signed the city’s charter in August 1207. Liverpool has come a long way since then, evolving from a tiny fishing port – the Dee was the predominant river of the time – to second city of the Empire. The city has two Cathedrals – The Anglican Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral – both are fine examples of internationally recognised architecture. Liverpool is the birthplace of the Beatles, Atomic Kitten, the Farm and Frankie Goes to Hollywood – follow the story of your icons or enjoy some new sounds of rock, jazz and contemporary music at the Philharmonic Hall. Liverpool is not short of attractions – visit Knowsley Safari park, the National Wildflower Centre or cross the river on the famous Mersey Ferry and enjoy fantastic views of the waterfront. Get out and about at Wirral Country Park with its breathtaking views over the River Dee and the Welsh mountains. Southport offers a great mix of superb shopping, a traditional Victorian promenade and a beach to stroll along later. Leave the hectic city behind and head off to
Lancashire’s rural delights. The Forest of Bowland and Arnside and Silverdale are both Area’s of Outstanding Natural Beauty – enjoy the colourful countryside, an array of outdoor activities and some good British fresh air! Discover the landscapes that inspired authors such as the Brontes and JRR Tolkien and explore unspoilt Lancashire either by bike or foot and you will be pleasantly surprised. For family fun, Blackpool and Lancashire offer fabulous beaches, glorious countryside, amazing family attractions, outstanding entertainment and accommodation to suit all budgets. From the thrills at Blackpool Pleasure Beach to the Circus at Blackpool Tower, your perfect seaside holiday awaits your arrival. Step back in time with a stroll along the Victorian Pier at Lytham St Annes – one of England’s finest
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resorts and a haven for peace and tranquillity. Lancashire also boasts four fantastic golf courses situated around the delightful resorts of Lytham and St Annes. Lancashire is a county of contrast and variety, from castles and stately homes to museums and waterways so whether you fancy a day by the sea, a trip to the countryside or want to add some fun and culture to your city shopping trips, Lancashire museums have some fantastic locations to choose from. From festivals and clubs, comedians and theatre to fine restaurants and quiet pubs, Lancashire’s buzzing nightlife will suit all tastes whether you visit the seaside resort of Blackpool, the university cities of Preston and Lancashire or the surrounding countryside.
Cumbria – The Lake District, is breathtakingly beautiful at any time of the year. Get lost in the view, breathe the fresh air and watch nature work its magic through the seasons and discover what has inspired generations of artists and writers alike. There are endless amounts of caravan and camping sites to choose from – pitch your tent at the foot of England’s highest mountain or moor your caravan beside the tranquil waters of one of the county’s famous lakes. Cumbria – The Lake District, was made for healthy appetites and a real treat awaits them with fresh local produce – meat, game, fish, fresh and ol organic fruit and Blackpo vegetables. All washed down with a pint of locally brewed ale or homemade fruit juice. Cumbria – The Lake District is an ideal place to try something new and exciting – how about paragliding, gorge scrambling or mountaineering? A spot of gentle lake rowing is just as delightful yet slightly less extreme! The hills and crags and lakes teamed with the variety of colour tones and textures of the natural beauty add to the ambience of any activity you choose to Cheste r indulge in. Whether you choose an exciting city break, a leisurely seaside retreat or an adrenaline filled adventure, England’s north-west is bursting with cultural confidence. Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 35
Cumbria 36 Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009
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Lancashire
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Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 37
York Minster South Front ©www.britainonview.com
Yorkshire is as diverse as they come. Situated in the north of England between the north-east of England and the East Midlands, this region offers a unique mix of stunning landscapes, breathtaking coastlines, vibrant cities, traditional villages and fantastic green countryside. Yorkshire has more square miles, 1000 in fact, of national parkland than any other region in Britain – visit the wildflower meadows in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, feel the presence of the substantial landscapes of the Peak District National Park or explore the blanket of purple heather uplands of the North York Moors National Park. If a change of lifestyle is what you require, then Yorkshire is your ideal place, a real pick and mix of not only landscape and sea but atmospheres and history too. It’s a rare pleasure to escape to one of those incredibly pretty villages, complete with traditional pub and tea-rooms, that remain unchanged from the days of the Morris Minor. Or, if a faster pace of life excites you, there’s a decidedly 21st-century Yorkshire out there waiting to entertain in cosmopolitan centres like Sheffield, Leeds, Bradford and Hull. The one common factor you’ll come across in this dynamic, diverse region is an engaging, welcoming atmosphere. Yorkshire folk are inviting and involving. They’re down to earth, approachable and friendly.
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Yorkshire’s coastline also has something to suit all tastes from popular seaside resorts and traditional fishing ports to miles of unspoilt sandy beaches to explore.
Sample the local atmosphere by joining in with the celebrations, historic and comical moments, music and sport, country shows and city spectaculars that Yorkshire has to offer.
Further info 1 Sheffield, South Yorkshire & The Peak District 2 Leeds, Bradford & Pennine West Yorkshire 3 North Yorkshire 4 Hull, East Yorkshire & The Yorkshire Wolds • Yorkshire Tourist Board
Yorkshire
LOVELY CARAVAN PARK Caravan Park in beautiful location with fishing lake, woodlands, close to Thirsk and the ancient City of York. Used caravans from £10,000. New models for sale from £17,000. Thirkleby Hall, Thirsk, North Yorkshire Head Office: Green Wood Parks, Itchenor Caravan Park, Shipton, Green Lane, Itchenor, West Sussex PO20 7BZ
FREE BROCHURE: 01243 514433 www.greenwoodparks.com
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Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 39
Castle and Loch, Eilean Donan, Highlands ©www.britainonview.com
Scotland’s lingering spirit of independence hits the traveller early; its own law, education, newspapers, banknotes and parliament leave you in no doubt of your location. But break through the shell and the country’s stern beauty is matched by a refreshing warmth of spirit. The Scottish Highlands have so much to offer – spectacular mountains, majestic glens and mirror-like lochs form the perfect backdrop to picturesque towns, isolated crofts, towering castles and pagoda-topped distilleries. A startling variety of wildlife also makes its home in the sealochs and glens where an unbroken thread of human history reaches back into the mists of time. History, legend, romance and the great outdoors combine seamlessly here to guarantee visitors a warm Highland welcome and a truly memorable holiday. Whether you are looking for an action-packed adventure, a taste of the local culture and history, or just complete peace and quiet, the Highlands of Scotland is the place to come. The Aberdeen & Grampian region of Scotland – Scotland's Castle and Whisky Country – is blessed with outstanding scenery – the majestic Grampian Mountains dominate the
skyline to the West whilst miles of unspoiled and often dramatic coastline frame the area in the East. With its sparkling granite buildings, Aberdeen has one of Scotland's most enchanting skylines, while the old town has a magical air of time gone by. A fantastic range of first class restaurants and a vibrant nightlife combined with a thriving cultural calendar and shops galore, all help make Scotland's third largest city a modern destination well worth the trip. The capital of the Grampian Highlands is even more unique thanks to the treasures on its doorstep. Sample the "water of life" and visit the eight distilleries and cooperage on the world's only Malt Whisky trail or follow the Castle Trail taking in 11 of the finest gems the region has to offer.
Perthshire, Angus and Dundee and the Kingdom of Fife are areas with an astonishingly diverse terrain, with plenty to attract and entertain visitors. The area boasts some of Scotland's most attractive towns and cities: Perth, with its upbeat air, • National Express: busy shops and www.nationalexpress.com relaxing pubs and Tel: 08705 808 080 wine bars; Dundee, • National Rail Enquiries dynamic and ideal www.nationalrail.co.uk for a cultural fix; Tel: 0845 48 49 50 Pitlochry and • Edinburgh Airport Aberfeldy, friendly, www.baa.com small-scale and Tel: 0870 040 0007 welcoming, while • Aberdeen Airport not forgetting the www.baa.com pantile houses and Tel: 0870 040 0006
Getting there
Further info 1 The Highlands www.highlandfreedom.com Tel: 0845 22 55 121
2 Aberdeen & Grampian www.aberdeen-grampian.com Tel: 01224 288828
3 Perthshire, Angus & Dundee and Kingdom of Fife www.perthshire.co.uk www.angusanddundee.co.uk www.standrews.com/fife
4 Argyll, The Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs www.visitscottishheartlands.com Tel: 01369 701000
5 Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley www.seeglasgow.com Tel: 0141 204 4400
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colourful harbours of Fife's East Neuk – a photographer's paradise. Away from habitation, the region offers plenty of active opportunities, from fabulous golf on some of the world's most famous courses to more adventurous alternatives, all set against countryside and coastlines rich with abundant wildlife.
Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and the Trossachs – the
birthplace of Scotland, the cradle of its Christianity 7 Ayrshire & Arran, Dumfries & Galloway and and nationhood and the focal point Scottish Borders of much of its www.ayrshire-arran.com dramatic history. Here you can savour the atmosphere of Hebridean islands, the charm of rural villages and the natural frontier which separates the rugged grandeur of the West Highlands from the gentler beauty of the Lowlands. These are lands where you can glimpse an eagle, an osprey, a wildcat, a fine antlered stag or even whales and dolphins. And if the fancy takes you, you can enjoy the spectacle of a Highland Games, the warmth of a traditional folk night or the flavour of a local food festival. Scotland's first great travel writer, Sir Walter Scott, was captivated by the beauty of this fascinating area. In his bestselling poem, the Lady of the Lake, he wrote of the landscapes around Loch Katrine: ‘From Kintyre to Killin and Tobermory to Tillicoultry, an open invitation awaits you in these heartlands of Scotland.’ www.edinburgh.org Tel: 0845 22 55 121
'Edinburgh,' said the writer Robert Louis Stevenson, 'is what Paris ought to be'. Its magnificent architecture shifts from the lofty tenements and narrow closes of its medieval Old Town as they tumble down the spine of the Royal Mile, to the grace and geometric precision of the Georgian New Town. Above it all, in its towering splendour, stands the Castle. Within this sweeping elegance is a compact city, a bustling city, above all a city which rewards every visitor. Beyond the city, the Lothian countryside provides a beautiful setting for the rich gems of the capital. This is an area steeped in history, filled with castles, great houses and battle sites. It's also the ancient home of the game of golf and you can find some of the great links and parkland courses of the world here. In fact, the trails and parkland and miles of glorious coastline in the Lothians open up the countryside for everyone - from picnickers on the fine golden beaches, to walkers high in the Pentland Hills. Vibrant and energetic, Glasgow enjoys a year-round
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buzz that visitors just love. This is particularly true of the city's arts scene. Over 200 arts organisations, including Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera, are based there, creating the cutting-edge productions and attracting high-profile exhibitions that led to the city being crowned as a European City of Culture. Central Glasgow's Manhattan-style town planning affords many sweeping vistas of the city's impressive Victorian buildings, dotted with little gems from the medieval to the present day. But it’s the Art Nouveau 'Glasgow Style' for which the city has become famous, and no one should miss the work of Glasgow's most celebrated sons, architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Surrounding the city is some of the best of Scotland's scenery, from the rolling hills of the Clyde Valley to the beautiful walking country of East Dunbartonshire that borders the south-west Highlands. Exploring further, you'll find that many of the towns and villages in the area such as Paisley, Hamilton, Biggar, Greenock, Gourock and of course the breathtaking New Lanark World Heritage Site make great day excursions from the city. Rich, rolling farmland, rugged sea coasts and Clyde coast islands characterise the South of Scotland. It's a land of ancient abbeys, castles and historic houses and also boasts strong literary connections, with both Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott having lived here. The real Scotland starts right at the border. Different accents in the shops and different names for beer in pubs are just two of the ways in which Scotland stamps its own personality straight away. Even the scenery changes and the hazy blue peaks of the Cheviot and Eildon Hills running out to a wide horizon have lifted the hearts of generations of travellers at Carter Bar on the A68. Then there are the forests and wild moors of upland Galloway and the vivid greens of Ayrshire's rich pastures, with the steep mountainous profile of the island of Arran as a backdrop. Where ever you travel here, you can be sure of a real Scottish experience.
When the weather clears, the midges relent and all becomes still, the tranquillity is unforgettable. Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 41
Scotland 42 Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009
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Scotland
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Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 43
Caldey Island, Pembrokeshire, Wales ©www.britainonview.com
Wales has such a variety of terrain in a comparatively small area that you can practise almost any outdoor pursuit, from walking to white water rafting, including pony trekking, wind surfing, hang gliding, quad biking, mountain biking, climbing, canoeing and kayaking. It also has almost 750 miles of coastline with some of the loveliest beaches in Europe - 44 of them flying Blue flags - so it is ideal for the traditional family bucket-and-spade seaside holiday too. Wales offers much more than the great outdoors. It has hundreds of castles and a huge industrial heritage. The town of Blaenavon is a World Heritage Site, its ironworks now telling many stories associated with the development of iron and steel. Big Pit, which lies just outside the town, offers insights into the mining experience by kitting out visitors with helmets and lamps for a tour of its workings 300 feet underground conducted by former miners. The attraction won the £100,000 Gulbenkian prize for Museum of the Year in 2005. The National Waterfront Museum in Swansea was shortlisted for the Gulbenkian Prize in its first year of operation. North Wales has some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in the UK. This area of
great contrasts ranges from the mountains of Snowdonia and the tumbling meadows of Ll n, to the flatland of Anglesey with its stunning coastline and the plump hills and lush valleys of the Borderlands. The Cheshire Plain runs into the Borderlands, which contain five of the Seven Wonders of Wales - Wrexham steeple, Overton’s yew trees, St Winefride’s Well, Llangollen bridge and Gresford bells - and lie within an hour’s drive of the other two, mount Snowdon and the 240-ft waterfall, Pistyll Rhaeadr. One of the jewels of this area is the Dee valley near Llangollen with its steep green sides and the powerful river flowing through its floor. It can be best appreciated from the dramatic Pontcysyllte • First Great Western: Aqueduct, which can www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk be crossed on foot or by Tel: 08457 000 125 canal barge! The North Wales • Virgin Trains: coastal resorts that www.virgintrains.co.uk extend from Llandudno Tel: 08457 222 333 to Prestatyn can boast • National Express: some of the best seaside www.nationalexpress.com fun in the UK. Tel: 08705 808 080 Llandudno sits on its own peninsula, nestling • National Rail between the Great Enquiries Orme and Little Orme www.nationalrail.co.uk Tel: 0845 48 49 50 headlands. This stylish, elegant resort, with its • Cardiff International majestic promenade, Airport has retained all of its
Getting there
Further info 1
Anglesey www.islandofchoice.com
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Llandudno & Colwyn Bay www.visitconwy.org.uk
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Rhyl & Prestatyn www.rhyl-prestatyn.co.uk
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Snowdonia www.visitsnowdonia.info
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North Wales Borderlands www.borderlands.co.uk
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Mid Wales & Brecon Beacons www.visitmidwales.co.uk
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Ceredigion www.tourism.ceredigion.gov.uk
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Pembrokeshire www.visitpembrokeshire.com
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Carmarthenshire www.visit-carmarthenshire.co.uk
10 Swansea www.visitswanseabay.com
11 South Wales Valleys www.wisdomandwalks.co.uk
12 Wye Valley & Vale of Usk www.visitwyevalley.com
13 Glamorgan Heritage Coast www.visitsouthwales.com
14 Cardiff
Victorian splendour and grace. It is a town which is proud of its literary links with Lewis Carroll, being the place where Alice Pleasance Liddell spent her holidays as a child. The neighbouring resort of Colwyn Bay has three miles of golden sandy beaches and a bustling town centre with stunning mountain scenery in the background. It is an extremely popular holiday favourite with people of all ages. The resort’s superb three-mile long promenade runs into neighbouring Rhos on Sea, a picturesque harbour town with a relaxed atmosphere. All along the seafront you can watch, or take part in a variety of watersports, including jet skiing,
windsurfing, water skiing and sailing. West Wales stretches from the western regions of the Brecon Beacons National Park to the offshore islands of Pembrokeshire, from the golden shores of Carmarthen Bay in the south to the wide sweep of Cardigan Bay in the north. The southern arm of Wales which juts out into the Irish Sea provides the prefect getaway destination, offering a wealth of sights, activities and amenities to suit every palate. Pembrokeshire is hailed as ‘gwlad hud a lledrith’ (land of magic and enchantment). Its many prehistoric remains, rich history, legends and folklore all combine to give it an unique identity. The county can be split into two by the imaginary Landsker line. South of this ancient dividing line lies an area affectionately known as Little England beyond Wales. To the north is the Welsh speaking Cymru – its wilder terrain possibly explains why it was never conquered by the Normans. The area’s steep rugged cliffs are home to hundreds of seabirds and other wildlife, as are the off-shore islands of Skomer, Skokholm, Grassholm and Ramsey which are worldfamous sea bird sanctuaries. If your idea of a holiday is an all-action, adrenalinepumping adventure break, then Pembrokeshire offers it all! An Utopia for adventurers, the county attracted Lord Nelson long before it became synonymous with outdoor pursuits. Locked on three sides by water, it is natural that many of the outdoor activities for which it is famed are strongly aquatic - the area even dreamed up one of the most original outdoor crazes, coasteering - which, by the way, has nothing to do with table mats!
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Coasteering involves traversing the coastline in any way possible, be it swimming, climbing, scrambling or biting the bullet and jumping those cliffs. Acolytes are decked out in wetsuits and trainers and receive expert tuition from instructors who keep them under close surveillance for every minute. Fans of the sport are growing fast. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is responsible for safeguarding this beautiful tract of countryside, and maintaining the balance of interests between, outdoor leisure activities and the communities that live and work in the Park. Tenby perfectly combines a rich history with unspoilt beauty and all the fun of the seaside. The town dates from medieval times. Most of the old town, with its maze of cobbled streets and narrow passageways, lies within the extensive remains of the 13th century walls. Parts of the walls still stand to their full height, particularly along the South Parade, and the towers which protected them can be seen at the famous Five Arches, of which there are actually six. Wales' capital, Cardiff, is Europe's youngest, and one of its fastest growing, capital cities. As well as rapidly growing into a financial and communications centre in recent years, Cardiff has transformed itself into a vibrant, cosmopolitan, modern city, worthy of its title - the youngest capital city in Europe. Many exciting projects are giving the city an air of dynamism and new found confidence. Cardiff has the Brecon Beacons National Park within easy reach - a 45-minute drive at most. It has on its doorstep the lovely Vale of Glamorgan with olmen picturesque villages, Wales D market towns and beaches too. Snowdo The city can offer nia accommodation to suit any taste and pocket. It has restaurants providing fine fare from all over the world, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of this former port and the tastes of its people. A different world awaits - Make it your world.
From the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains of the South, where the SAS test the best, to Snowdonia in the North, where the first conquerors of Everest trained, you have a land that makes the body tingle and delights the senses. Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 45
Wales 46 Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009
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Wales
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Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 47
Camping and caravanning has become a growing trend over the past few years and with the help of modern design and technology, spending a night under the canvas has never been so comfortable! If you like the idea of sleeping under the stars but the unreliable British weather is all too much for you to handle, then why not cross the channel and holiday on the continent? Visit one of Continent’s magnificent coastal resorts and let the sun recharge your batteries. France has miles of Atlantic coastal sandy beaches, the fun Mediterranean coast and the charms of Corsica and campers return to Spain year after year to enjoy the great combination of sunshine, sandy beaches, traditional fishing villages and the relaxed lifestyle.
Spain offers an array of historic cities, thrilling theme parks and water parks, magnificent architecture and superb stunning museums and cathedrals. In the south west of Spain in the province of Alicante, the Costa Blanca or 'white coast' is a land of many contrasts with golden beaches, green valleys, mountains, quaint villages and over 150km of coastline overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean sea. With the sun shining almost all year round, its natural landscape
makes the Costa Blanca an ideal destination for all kinds of sporting activities, including horse-riding, trekking, bicycleriding, mountaineering and numerous water-sports. The sunny Costa Cálida, or 'warm coast' lies on the south east coast of Spain. The 250km of coastline between the Costa Blanca and Costa Almeria enjoys an average temperature of 19ºC, 300 days of sunshine a year and is shared by two seas: the Mar Menor: a lagoon covering an area of 170 km2, making it the biggest salt water lake in Europe and one of the best places in the world for all watersports at any time of the year; on the other side is the Mediterranean with the spacious fine-sand beaches which include Punta del Estacio, Ensenada del Esparto • P&O Ferries www.poferries.com and Galúa. Tel: 08705 202020 The Costa del Sol has built its success on its • SeaFrance warm air and sea and www.seafrance.net Tel: 08705 711711 almost guaranteed sunshine. Resorts range • British Airways from Marbella – with its www.ba.com exclusive marina at Puerto Banús – to • EasyJet www.easyjet.com Torremolinos; add the dramatic mountain • Air France www.airfrance.co.uk scenery and spectacular cave at Nerja and a • Iberia wealth of sporting www.iberia.com options, and the Costa Eurotunnel del Sol emerges as a • www.eurotunnel.com varied and complete 08705 35 35 35
Getting there
Further info
holiday destination.
You could have a hundred different holidays 1 Spain in France. Brittany and www.spain.info Normandy offer rural 2 France charm and unforgettable www.franceguide.com places like Rouen and the 3 Italy Mont St Michel. The Loire www.enit.it Valley is lined with • Passport Office vineyards and châteaux, www.passport.gov.uk and the wild Atlantic coast • Foreign and runs south to the great Commonwealth wine-producing region of Office Bordeaux. The east has www.fco.gov.uk/travel medieval charm and splendour in the halftimbered towns of the Rhineland and magnificent cathedrals like Rheims, while further south lie the mountains of the Jura and Savoy, the inimitable Provence, and the glitz of the Côte d’Azur. The interior offers unspoilt landscapes such as the ever-popular Dordogne. And then there are the cities. Paris hardly needs any introduction; Lyons and Marseilles are neglected by comparison, as are many other beautiful and distinctive French cities. France has over 500 golf courses created by top architects and over 40,000 monuments including 10000 chateaux, abbeys and manor houses, 6000 museums and 1000 festivals so go and explore this country’s diverse history and discover a new way of life.
Italy is a world-famous cuisine, has the most glamorous cars, footballing legends, and some of the most beautiful art, music and architecture the world has ever seen, as well as one of its greatest empires and most influential languages. The country traditionally divides into three mainland areas, plus the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. The north is the industrial and commercial powerhouse of the nation, and boasts many fascinating cities, including the region’s largest, Milan and Turin, as well as such delights as Venice, Verona and Mantua. Ringed by the Alps, it also features some spectacular scenery – most famously the Italian Lakes. The south, known as the Mezzogiorno, is dominated by Naples; as well as being an unforgettable city in itself, it has the added attraction of nearby Mount Vesuvius and the excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum. Between north and south lies the Italy that has become the beloved haunt of such distinguished tourists as Tony Blair and his family. This is the cradle of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance, achievements whose legacy suffuses the region; but it is also where you will find the archetypal Italian landscape of rugged, shrub-strewn hills dozing in the golden light. The Continent has a wealth of holiday sites, some are fully equipped with all types of accommodation – you just have to turn up and move in! Others cater for the self-drive traveller who comes complete with mobile home and simply needs a stop-over and many are a combination of both. Travelling by ferry Travelling by ferry is a good way to start your holiday – avoid getting stuck in a busy airport or on a stuffy train – the ferry gives you the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the sea views. Do a spot of shopping, have a nice lunch and of course, you have the freedom of packing whatever you want. Travelling from Dover to Calais will take about 90
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minutes and cost approximately £35 per car and up to nine passengers, with no extra taxes or excess baggage charges to pay – simply fill up your car and off you go. A car plus a caravan will cost approximately £75.
Travelling by train A quicker way to cross the channel is by train. Eurotunnel takes you from Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes and costs from £49 per car, one way and doesn’t get affected by strong winds or rough seas! There is a passenger terminal building for shopping and refreshments before you depart but for the journey, passengers stay with their vehicles. Caravans are permitted in the single deck carriages, which allows more space for manoeuvring.
Important information It is important to remember that all UK passengers travelling to the Continent, including children and babies, will require a 10-year valid passport. If you are taking your car abroad, check with your insurance company to ensure you have the correct cover and carry the details with you. Many rava Costa B European countries by law require you to travel with spare bulbs, headlamp adaptors, red warning triangle, GB sticker and first aid kit as a minimum. Drivers are also required to carry their full driving licence and all passengers should have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which replaces the E111 form and is available free of charge from your local Post Office. European breakdown assistance and personal travel insurance cover for all members of your party is also recommended.
Whatever and Almalfi Coast, It wherever you aly choose, your holiday in the great outdoors will be both delightful and special. Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 49
France 50 Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009
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Spain
VILANOVA PARK Fantastic, High-Quality Campsite & Holiday Park Open All Year Round Barcelona airport 28 miles (train leaves every 15 minutes and takes 40 minutes). Taxi service provided from the airport. We provide facilities for camping, chalets and mobile homes with air conditioning, bed linen and a cleaning service. • Bar • Terraza • Restaurant • Supermarket • Two Outdoor Swimming Pools (1000 & 800 m2) • Heated Indoor Pool • Wellness Centre with Sauna, Jacuzzi, Jet Water, Turkish Bath • Golf (1 km) • Beach (3 km) • Sitges (5 km) • Port Aventura-Universal Studios (45 km) • Cava & Wine Penedes region (0 km).
www.vilanovapark.es Tel: 0034 93 893 3402 Fax: 0034 93 893 5528
52 Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009
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LOOK NO FURTHER FOR THE HOLIDAY HOME OF YOUR DREAMS! From here to the back cover you will find holiday homes and accessories for sale, insurance, residential and lots more.
South-East England Yorkshire Insurance
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YOUR SECOND HOME BY THE WHITE CLIFFS Easily reached via M20. Good selection of new and used caravans.
“We searched for months to find just the park we were looking for ” Mrs W.M.Dartford Tel: 01303 253462 Email: jm@capelcourtpark.co.uk
www.capelcourtpark.co.uk Capel Court Park, Winehouse Lane, Capel-le-Ferne, Folkestone, Kent CT18 7HU
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CARRINGTON PARK New & Pre-owned Luxury Holiday Caravans for Sale Quiet, family-run park, 500 yards from the sea, with panoramic views of the Isle of Wight. New Forest National Park & Lymington a short drive away. Pets Welcome. No sub-letting or residential use. NEW LANE, MILFORD-ON-SEA, LYMINGTON, HANTS SO41 0UQ Tel: 01590 642654 email: office@carringtonpark.co.uk
South East
Friendly sheltered park on the white cliffs, situated in lovely surroundings, magnificent channel views and coastal walks.
General Spain France
Yorkshire
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Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009 53
Insurance General Spain France 54 Choice Holiday Parks & Cottages May 2009
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