The Royal Highland Show, Edinburgh, www.royalhighlandshow.org
TOYS for the boys. Big tractors costing more than your house, down to the more affordable for the youngsters in the family.
These proved to be the highlight for the male part of the Hay household, with the female side preferring to watch the parades of animals in the show ring.
The Royal Highland Show is an institution around Britain with farmers from Lancashire competing with their counterparts from The Highlands of Scotland for a prestigious award.
But so much has the show grown over the years, that is it a real day out and one you need to start early if you plan to see every animal, display or shop round this massive showground just next to Edinburgh airport.
There’s lots of different varieties of sheep, cattle, horses and poultry to look at and for the non-animal, there’s bee-keeping, cheese-making and a massive food hall to savour.
The big guns in agricultural machinery set up stall too with some impressive and costly equipment to entice the farmer on his day out.
And the equally big name supermarkets and milk and vegetable suppliers vie for your attention. An educational centre to keep the children occupied was a big success, as were the food outlets enticing you in.
But despite all the sparkle round the four-day event, the sight of a huge Highland cow enjoying a snooze whilst the sun shines outside or a wonderful Clydesdale horse plodding round the showring, is what the Royal Highland Show is all about.
By Rebecca Hay
Muncaster Castle
Ravenglass, Cumbria, England
WITH British Airways strikes; the dreaded 'R' word recession and clouds of volcanic ash, the idea of saving money and holidaying on these shores suddenly seems a lot more attractive.
With two weeks off work duly booked and the weather looking good, a two-hour scenic trip North to Muncaster Castle proved an ideal start to our Great British holiday.
The prospect of a meander around a haunted castle was the allure for my ghost-hunting better half, while a chance to see the bluebells and rhododendrons paint the landscape in vivid colours appealed to me.
Even on a Monday, the historic location in the western Lakes was buzzing with visitors young and old, and there were no shortage of takers enjoying the individual interactive audio tours of the impressive, yet somehow homely, castle public rooms, including the reputedly haunted Tapestry Room!
If tracking down ghosts and enjoying tales of yesteryear indoors are not to your taste, however, there's still lots to do at Muncaster. For bird fans, there's the world owl centre with its wise inhabitants cooly observing their visitors, with a daily 'meet the birds' experience every afternoon to see the owls and birds of prey in action and find out more about the conservation work being carried out.
And the those with green fingers, Muncastle can hardly be beaten for its floral displays. Meandering along the driveway from the ample car park to the castle and its outbuildings, there are tantalising glimpses of the estate's 70 acres of gardens, featuring rare and unusual trees and plants. The view from the front of the castle is, indeed, breath-taking, with the panorama of the Lake District fells and their muted colours providing the perfect backdrop for spectacular rhododendron, camelia and azalea collectioons of the estate.
Creeping Kate's Kitchen proved an ideal spot to sit outside in the sunshine and enjoy a leisurely - and surprisingly cheap - lunch to set us up for the afternoon while there's lots to do for any children you have in tow ... six miles of paths in specially planned walks could exhuast even the most energetic of offspring, while the meadow vole maze; playground and chance to feed the ducks - or watch the herons turn up for their tea every day.
We swopped the airport waiting lounge for a taste of Great Britain at its very best and weren't disappointed. There's nothing quite like 'staying at home' every now and again and Muncaster certainly makes you feel right at home as it has been the domain of the Pennington family for more than 800 years. The present day family still reside in the castle and you can see their personal family touches all over amid the history and are reminded of their presence at every turn from their voices on the audio tour proudly outlining the castle's past to going about their business running the estate and chatting with their 'guests'.
By Sally Dahmke
Sharmanka Theatre, Trongate, Glasgow
www.sharmanka.com
IT has a reputation for being one of Glasgow’s hidden treasures and when you watch the magic of the Sharmanka Theatre, you will know why.
For it is one of the most unusual, but clever shows I have seen and if you are in the big city, it is worth a visit. Sharmanka, which is Russian for hurdy-gurdy or barrel organ was founded in 1989 by sculptor-mechanic Eduard Bersudsky and theatre director Tatyana Jakovskaya in St Petersburg.
Sergey Jakovsky joined the team at the age of 12 and is responsible for the light and sound design. The show is based around the kinetic sculptures created by Bersudsky. Made of scrap metal, electrical motors and carved figures, the sculptures are fascinating. They are so simple, but so wonderful.
Using items such as old sewing machines, Bersudsky started making the sculptures as a child because he had no toys. His first creation was a theatre made from a wooden postbox and a few walnuts which he made in the kitchen of his communal flat.
The show uses shadows and movements combined with music to make the sculptures come to life. My favourite was the rag n’ bone man which was created as a tribute to the Barras Market in Glasgow, where lots of scrap have come from.
To see it is to believe it, so next time you are in Glasgow, take in the theatre, your children will be fascinated!
By Rebecca Hay
RRS Discovery, Dundee, www.rrsdiscovery.com. Verdant Works, Dundee, www.verdantworks.com
MY three-year-old Ruaridh wants to be a cow-pie eating Desperate Dan who loads the coal into the boiler to help RRS Discovery set sail.
Quite the explorer he is. And his visit to Dundee, home of the Beano and Dandy comics and the famous ship was a real adventure for the wee fella and his sister Flora.
The weeks before we went to Dundee, Ruaridh studied his Dennis the Menace and Gnasher annual ready to meet some of the comic’s favourite characters which have been immortalised as bronze sculptures in the city’s shopping area.
Ruaridh was particularly impressed with Dan and especially his tum and from there it was the short walk to the five-star tourist attraction The RRS Discovery. In the late 19th century Captain Scott and his intrepid crew headed off to the unknown of the Antarctic continent in search of scientific knowledge. Temperatures were below 50 degrees below zero and winds roared more than 90 mph, with icebergs some 20 miles long.
The museum pays homage to Scott and his team and as Ruaridh was to discover, there are lots of hands on things to try out while mum and dad read all the bits about how Scott lived. The boat itself is in magnificent beast and Ruaridh loved running around and seeing how the men went about there daily lives. Well worth its five star -rating, as is the Verdant Works, a museum housed in a wonderful old jute mill. In the 19th century, Dundee was the capital of the world for making jute, a product which could be used for such things as webbing and sacking to the more unusual bacon wrappers and oven cloths.
The mill is hands on for children who can see the wonderful old machinery and try their hand at weaving the special produt which was so successful that in the 19th century there were lots of millionaires in Dundee. Both the boat and the works are part of the Dundee Heritage Trust, working hard to preserve the city’s rich industrial past for generations to come.
By Rebecca Hay
By Rebecca Hay
Family short break at Center Parcs, Whinfell Village, Cumbria. For more information log onto: www.centerparcs.co.uk or telephone 08448 266 200.
THE smile on the face of my two-year-old son Ruaridh said it all. He had just tried his hand for the first time at ten pin bowling and with glow balls too and he loved it!
Ok so his mum licked him and Dad too, but the sheer pleasure of trying something new and exciting was just the buzz for the wee fella. We had travelled to the Center Parcs village in Whinfell Forest, just near Penrith in Cumbria.
Covered in snow it looked like a winter wonderland and what fun we had. Ok its not everybody's cup of tea having to spend time with the family, but a holiday here is as near to perfect as you can get. |  |
With three-month-old baby sister Flora in tow, we needed somewhere we could relax, entertain Ruaridh and allow Flora to stick to her strict eat, sleep regime. The village has different types of lodges to suit everyone and we stayed in one of the new style woodland ones. Recently refurbished, it is fitted with all the mod cons you would wish for, from DVD player to dishwasher, ours slept up to six, had two bathrooms and of course a beautiful view of the forest.
With a family of grouse for neighbours, Ruaridh had fun trying to entice them into his house for a spot of television or a game of hangman on the blackboard and we spent a comfortable three night stay there.
To save on carrying everything but the kitchen sink, like you usually do when travelling with children, Center Parcs has its own supermarket and you can order in a whole host of groceries to get you going.
The village's handful of different restaurants cater for all tastes and we tried out Hucks, an American diner which was perfect for Ruaridh to try his hand at some tasty ribs and steak, washed down with a chocolate brownie and without
breaking the bank.
The best way of getting around is by bike and the family friendly village has bikes for all shapes and sizes and even trailers which go on the back so you can carry your children around in style. Ruaridh and I enjoyed a morning exploring the village and bird spotting at the well-placed hide. The ethos of Center Parcs is to be green and environmentally friendly and guests are invited to recyle and not use their cars, creating a nice and safe atmosphere.
All the activities are based around the village centre or sports block and spa. There are Time Out clubs for the children to enjoy while you have a bit of time on your own and there are lots of activities for the children to enjoy from
teddy-bear making to junior fencing. A huge swimming pool takes centre stage and has sections for all ages, with the babies enjoying their first dip, while the older ones try out the daredevil rides.
The sports arena has everything from football coaching to learning to play tennis and is an ideal place to learn a new skill. For me the Aqva Sana was the place to be. A haven away from the children, this five-star retreat has 15 different experiences from a Greek herbal bath to a Turkish Hammam. Set in a tranquil location, it just oozes calmness and to wile away those stress levels, there are trained beauty therapists to massage you or treat you to wonderful facials full of exotic treatments.
There is something for everyone and in the current climate of watching the pennies, it is an ideal holiday haven. If you book before January 25th a four night mid-week break in a lodge for four will cost you £229. So why not light up your child's face?
Day Out At The Races - Hamilton Park and Mussleburgh - for fixtures and ticket prices log onto www.hamilton-park.co.uk and www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk
TAKING a two-year-old and a seven-week old baby on a day out can prove to be quite stressful. Boredom soon sets in for the toddler and the baby likes a change of scene too.
So I was a bit dubious when we decided to take our two children, Ruaridh and Flora to the races. But we needn't have worried, for the nursery rhyme "horsey horsey'' took on a new meaning!
First stop was the Flower of Scotland family day out at Hamilton Park Race Course. And what a great day out this proved to be. Its a lovely traditional ground, with an interesting racetrack which seems to stretch for miles.
The staff here had made sure everyone was catered for, with free fairground rides for the children in between the races. It meant Ruaridh could actually have a go on the rides without mum and dad telling him they were out of order, which happens everytime he visits the supermarket!
Hamilton has a nice feel to it, a lovely old-fashioned ground, friendly atmosphere and the day we visited, some of racing's top names dropping in by helicopter.
The facilities are good too, with everyone happy food and drink wise and best of all the terraces were not so crammed we couldn't see.
We switched from west to east for a trip to Mussleburgh, another old-fashioned and particularly handsome ground close to Edinburgh. As at Hamilton, parking was free and well-organised.
The paddock was a great way to see the horses getting ready to race and Ruaridh raised a laugh when he didn't like the horse with glasses on, the poor horse had blinkers on!
Mussleburgh is a well-looked after course, with excellent facilities and a lovely old-fashioned stand. Like Hamilton it is nice and friendly and well-organised.
Infact both courses were wonderful, the only difference being we broke even at Hamilton and left Mussleburgh empty-handed - but that's racing for you!
With more and more people leaving these shores to set up home on the other side of the world, trips to Australia have suddenly become much more accessible.
A couple of weeks camped in a sibling's or offspring's spare bedroom is an ideal way to save money while you enjoy the sights and sounds that this amazing land has to offer.
The lure of an eight-month-old grandson enticed my husband Harry and I to tackle the 20-hour plus flight from Manchester to Adelaide via Heathrow and Singapore in the capable hands of BA and Quantas. There's no getting away from the fact it's not a journley to be relished. While economy class provided us with adequate leg room, films and food, we couldn't help casting an envious eye over the better cabins upfront.
Another great incentive to upgrade proved to be the BA lounge in Terminal 5 we'd been offered entrance to on the way home - weary, travel-worn and jaded, it appeared like an oasis in the desert. It was, indeed, a haven of peace and tranquility with plush seating to stretch out on while browsing a selection of the latest newspapers and magazines. And, after what felt like a lifetime of aeroplane food, the sight of the tempting and deliciously fresh breakfast buffet was welcome. From fresh coffee and ice-cold juices, to some of the best porridge my husband said he'd ever tasted, it certainly encouraged you to 'breakfast like a king'. |  | I managed to pass the tempting wines, bacon rolls and cereals to graze on the wonderful Continental options on offer to set me up for the final leg of my journey.
In fact, the calming effects of the lounge helped me to get over the disappointment of realising our early flights meant we wouldn't be able to enjoy the relaxing treatments available in the Elemis spa that forms part of the BA lounge complex. A massage would have certainly been welcome on my jet-lagged neck and shoulders - although I'd have put my chances of staying awake to see it through at zero.
It was only on our return home to Manchester from Terminal 5 - on the very last leg of our three-week journey - that the BA bubble burst. While we idled by the luggage carousel at Manchester, our two suitcases were languishing at Heathrow - it wasn't until 36 hours later that we were reunited, via a courier service and several anxious phone calls on my part.
I put the blame for our baggage mishap on Harry fair and squarely. He'd tempted fate by declaring his pride in the fact that - despite aeroplane transfers mounting up to double figures as we crossed the continents and then traversed Australia - we and our baggage had never been parted. Even a hasty transfer at Cairns Airport (following a delayed flight) couldn't shake off the suitcases as we made our way to Ayers Rock - or Uluru- for a night to remember.
The Ayer's Rock resort itself - a series of hotels, campsites and tourist shops - springing out of the orange desert sand lacked any character but there's no doubt that the rock itself and its curvaceous sister casts a spell over you, slowly and subtly. In the afternoon sun I barely gave it a second glance, used to the imposing presence of Pendle Hill watching my every move in my day-to-day life. Yet when the sun started to set and we headed out into the desert for a Sounds of Silence three-course meal, served on tables decked in pristine white cloths with the wine flowing freely, the rock slowly came to life and bewitched those sharing the experience. Sipping champagne while being hypnotised by the rock and haunted by the sounds of the didgeridoo is certainly one of my moments to remember in Australia, while huddling for warmth around a campfire as the desert temperature plunged and being guided around the vast jet black velevt sky made me realise my place in the universe.
It seems indeed that nature provided all the special moments to remember on our trip. We'll never forget our trip to the Great Barrier Reef with the Fanta Sea crew - it's a must if you're heading to Australia's Quensland coast. We were whisked to the Reefworld base on the edge of Hardy Reef for a day that dreams are made of. There were shocked looks from the crew when we announced we weren't the greatest snorkeling fans but that didn't stop us from enjoying the underwater sights. As most of our companions donned scuba gear or snorkeling masks - all provided by Fanta Sea for the day - we headed off to the viewing platform and took a trip on the semi-submersible, travelling incles away from turtles, colourful fish and coral. A massage with aloe vera proved the ideal remedy for a spot of sun burn and to sooth away the last memories of working life on the other side of the world while a short helicopter trip above the reef - taking in the famous heart reef has proved a real talking point ever since.
Days later Whitehaven Beach - regularly voted one of the top beaches on the planet - lured us for an afternoon on its fine white sand and crystal clear sea, again with Fanta Sea, whose range of trips and ferry crossings around the Whitsunday Islands - where we spent nine days - would appear hard to beat. They even offer overnight stays on Reefworld for a handful of guests to enjoy exclusive use of the facilities and peaceful dives in the great expanse of the Coral Sea.
Back on the classy - but rather expensive - Hamilton Island, we found a great attraction that didn't hit you hard in the pocket. The Koala Gallery boutique zoo provided many of the highlights of our stay and a $20 entrance fee each gave you as many repeat visits as you wanted. With daily shows of the giant crocodile being fed, a chance to cuddle a koala and a dingo and have a chat with Freddie, the German-speaking cockatoo, I'd say it's a must on any itinerary. Elvis the baby koala had everyone "aaahhhhing" and a chance to eat breakfast with the koalas in the morning always seemed popular.
Back in the city, Adelaide Zoo was eagerly awaiting the arrival of a pair of pandas - the first to make their home in Australia - and has made it to the top of the list for "must-see" attractions on our next visit Down Under. With conversations starting "next time we're here..." plans are afoot for a ride around the Barossa Wine Valley by horse and carriage and Kangaroo Island is now in our sights, too. It's not without good reason that the Lonely Planet travel guide to Australia is so very thick, we've discovered. Every page is packed full of the sort of detail that makes your trip extra special and it'll no doubt become a bible in the Dahmke household over the coming 18 months as the next adventure in Oz is being planned.
For your BA flights visit - www.britishairways.com
For more on your Lonely Planet guides visit - www.lonelyplanet.com
For your guide to the full range of Fantasea ferries and cruises visit - www.fantasea.com.au
To find out more about Adelaide Zoo visit - www.adelaidezoo.com.au
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BY October summer holidays are a distant memory as Autumn brings colder weather, darker mornings and evenings and that dreaded feeling that winter is on its way.
But after an early-Autumn weekend break in a luxurious log cabin at Sandy Balls Holiday Centre in the New Forest, Hampshire, we felt completely relaxed and rejuvenated.
So it’s a long drive (five-and-a-half hours) down the M6, M5, M4 and finally cross-country through quaint villages with thatched roofs, which would not look wholly out of place in a TV period drama. |  |
The result, however, is well worth it. The views alone are enough to warrant the journey.
Sandy Balls itself is set in 120 acres of park and woodland on the edge of the New Forest, England’s smallest national park.
It’s website heralds it as an ideal destination for a relaxing weekend or an action-packed family holiday. We chose the former.
We arrived late on Friday afternoon, were met by friendly staff and directed to our two-berth “Hazel Hideaway” cabin which was to become our home for the next three days.
The lodge was welcoming and spacious with an open-plan living room with Freeview television and DVD player, dining area and modern kitchen which was fully kitted out with everything you could possibly need.
The bathroom was spotless with a bath and shower, which had the water pressure just right, and the bedroom was a decent size and extremely comfortable.
Outside there was a seating area with barbecue stand which we got to use on the Sunday as the weather was glorious and uncharacteristically warm.
The first night of our stay, a little tired after the trip down from Lancashire, we cooked and ate in the cabin, opened a bottle of wine and settled down to watch the best Friday night TV had to offer.
Saturday started with a lazy lie-in and reading the newspapers. I then went for a gentle swim at the leisure centre while my boyfriend Lee checked out the on-site watering hole, the traditional Woodside Inn.
The leisure centre has something for everyone. I chose to give the gym a miss and headed straight for the heated pool.
It’s a decent size and there was plenty of room to do a few lengths. I imagine it’s much busier in summer but there’s also an outdoor pool which can be used in the warmer months. For people who want to do some serious swimming there are adult-only sessions throughout the week.
Feeling pleased with myself I’d managed to do some form of exercise while away from home it was time to head back to the cabin for lunch.
That night we checked out the Bistro and were glad we did. The food was truly amazing. You definitely need to book. We made our booking at lunchtime on Saturday for that evening and there were only two tables left. I imagine in peak season you’d have to give them much more notice.
When we went into the restaurant it was buzzing. There was a jazz band in one corner of the room and tables packed with couples and families.
That night the Bistro was advertising a special pasta offer but we chose from the menu.
I started with a delicious crayfish cocktail and Lee had the home-made leek soup with bread.
That was followed by tuna off the specials board for me served on a bed of spaghetti with salsa rossa and was absolutely mouthwatering with the tuna seared to perfection.
Lee’s main course was hearty beef bourguignon accompanied by mash potato and a clean plate said he’d enjoyed the food as much as I did.
Warm weather and bright sunshine on Sunday provided the perfect opportunity to explore the woodland around the park.
The scenery there is stunning and the tranquil setting has the power to make you feel relaxed in an instant.
We took a meandering and, at times, steep path down to the river, which was brimming with wildlife, before walking up the other side of the hill and back through another part of the holiday park.
It was then off to the Woodside Inn for a well-deserved couple of drinks to watch the football but I think Lee wished we hadn’t bothered after his team suffered a 6-2 thrashing!
A barbecue was the perfect way to finish our trip and after an early night we woke early on Monday to pack and start the journey home, although we both wished we could stay a bit longer.
During the weekend we were there, Sandy Balls was celebrating its 90th anniversary and if our break is anything to go by I can see why people keep coming back year after year. The perfect tonic!
•Sandy Balls Holiday Centre, Godshill, Fordingbridge, New Forest, Hampshire SP6 2JZ
Tel: 0845 270 2248 (Booking line), 01425 653042 (General enquiries)
Email: post@sandy-balls.co.uk
Visit: www.sandy-balls.co.uk
By Barry Bradshaw
It has been called "the greatest show on earth", the stars of the show being the trees of New England as their leaves change colour in the Autumn.
In America, of course, they call Autumn "the Fall" so it is the time of year to literally Fall in love with nature.
My wife and I have just returned from 12 nights in New England, five of which were spent in the White Mountains of New Hampshire where the highways and byways meet up to offer miles of visual delights. The trees may have been the stars of the show but they were ably supported by scenic trails that led off the highways as well as numerous other attractions.
These attractions included Cannon Mountain Tramway, Flume Gorge, Mount Washington Cog Railroad, Polar Caves Park, and numerous others - all of which can be accessed through the White Mountains Attractions Value Pass. The pass costs 295 dollars and gives you access to 16 attractions which would cost a lot more if paid for individually. The people to contact for the pass are White Mountain Attractions at PO Box 10, North Woodstock, NH 03262 or you can visit the website www.VisitWhiteMountains.com
We used North Conway as the base for visiting these attractions which are dotted about off the Kancamagus Highway, and although five nights was an adequate number for what we wanted to see, you could easily spend many more there - especially if you enjoy walking.
We had arrived at North Conway from White River junction in Vermont where we spent two nights visiting such sites as the Quechee Gorge and the pretty town of Woodstock. After North Conway, we went on to spend two nights on the Maine coast in Ogunquit which is a delightful place boasting a seaside walk called Marginal Way. After that, it was back to Boston to fly home.
We had spent three nights in Boston on our arrival in America and we had never explored an American city so thoroughly - mainly through the Freedom Trail which, in taking you to locations relevant to America's beginnings, takes you to all parts of this pleasant and compact city.
The holiday in New England over, we are left to enjoy our snapshot memories. Never have our holiday pictures included so many of trees - but what beautiful pictures they are. We took early seats for "the greatest show on earth" because it's usually October when the colours are their most impressive, but if you are prepared to compromise on the colours (and they are still impressive) in order to enjoy more sunshine and longer days, you will take a leaf out of our book - if you know what I mean!
* My thanks to Discover New England at PO Box 3809,Stowe, VT 05672 and to the White Mountains Attractions Association on www.VisitWhiteMountains.com for their help with my visit.
"WE'RE all going to the zoo tomorrow" was the song being sung in the Cox household one Friday night in August – and we were.
The destination for our family trip out the following day – Chester Zoo.
It ended up being a three car excursion as the four of us were joined by my parents, as well as my brother and his girlfriend.
Set in 110-acres of gardens and with more than 7,000 animals to see, a visit to Chester Zoo was the perfect way to spend a summer Saturday.
Despite the lacklustre summer climate, we were extraodinarily lucky with the weather and arrived to find the sun doing its best to shine down on us.
From the outset the organisation was tremendous from the efficient parking attendants, to the lockers where we were able to leave our picnic enabling us to wander hands free round the zoo and the illuminous wristbands provided for the children on which we are able to put a mobile phone number in case they got lost.
Once the food had been safely stowed away and following a quick coffee stop we set off in search of animals with our location maps in hand.
First stop was the elephant house, followed by a tour of monkey island where the sight of two primates picking bugs of each other and using them as a mid-morning snack was one of day's highlights for the younger members of our group.
From there we headed into the twlight zone.
Unsure what was in store, seven of us headed into the gloom – leaving one of our party outside guarding the bags. We kept close together as bats of all shapes and sizes brushed past us as they swooped from one side of the roof space to another.
We had decided to split the zoo in two – planning before and after lunch routes round the park.
During the first half of the day we saw zebra, ostriches and black rhinos before comparing our meerkat impressions and watching in fascination as the solo sentry kept watch for predators.
Unfortunately the spectacled bears appeared to be elusive and we had much debate about whether one of the cranes we saw was real or simply a life-sized model!
Having opted to take our own food, we lunched beside the mongoose and warthog enclosure making use of one of the zoo's many picnic tables.
After lunch we headed back to the elephant enclosure, walked through the butterfly journey where the colourful insects flew from plant to plant within touching distance and took in the gorgeous baby giraffe and the beautiful okapi – which appeared to be part zebra, part giraffe.
We saw penguins and pelicans, sealions and sand lizards, as well as various big cats. But the real highlights of the trip were seeing the orang-utans and the cheeky chimpanzees who made a bee line for my other half, making faces at him through the glass and even appearing to give him a rather rude hand gesture which made us all laugh.
Having taken a trip on the monorail rather than the water bus we realised we'd missed a whole section out and once we alighted retraced our footsteps to see the komodo dragons and visit the reptile house.
Seven hours after we'd arrived we sat in the car park finishing what was left of the picnic and arguing about what the best bits had been and agreeing the zoo had been excellent value for money.
•Chester Zoo is easily found off junction 14 of the M6 and in high season costs £50 for a family of four. For further details visit www.chesterzoo.org
By Rebecca Hay
Waverley Excursions, www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk
FOR our two-year-old son Ruaridh it was a dream come true. He has just hopped aboard the world's last sea-going paddle steamer and settled down to a tasty sandwich.
Then from nowhere in flies a sea rescue helicopter which proceeds to attempt to get as near to the boat as it can get. It turns out the coastguard is practising a dummy run rescue operation. As it flies off, we settle down for a six hour trip trip around the wonderful scenery of the Isle of Bute and Arran in Scotland. |  | We boarded at Largs, an old-fashioned seaside town which has a famous ice-cream parlour to tempt you before you set off. The Waverley is a magnificent vessel. Beautifully restored, it has two towering red, white and black funnels which lean slightly forward, giving the boat a quirky look.
The timber decks are gleaming with varnish and the brass pipework lovingly polished. The Waverley is a run by a registered charity and relies on volunteers and enthusiastic passengers to keep it going. And its a must for wee fellas like Ruaridh. It can carry up to 750 passengers and the highlight of the boat is that as well as watching the paddles plough you through the water, the mighty engine room is open and on view, allowing fascinated folk to watch it smoothly move through the sea.
Our trip took us to the lovely Isle of Bute, its capital Rothesay is famous for the Zavaroni family, whose daughter Lena was a child dance star, before she tragically lost her life in 1999.
The family seem to own half the food shops in the town, which in its hey-day was the place to be seen in the summer for all the locals trying to escape the city life of Glasgow.
Differing prices mean you can hop on and off the boat and once we had left Rothesay, it was down the narrow Kyles of Lochash to the lovely island of Arran and the tiny hamlet of Lochranza. As it was the last sail of the season for this particular route, we were welcomed to the island by a pipe band and then enjoyed an hour onshore on the beach, playing with the deer which wandered around the castle, while the Waverley made its way round the bay to Skipness Point and Castle.
As we set back off from Lochranza, the locals performed a tradition of throwing toilet rolls at the crew, who hurled them back, to send off the boat in style. The return trip gives you a chance to try out the bars, tea room and restaurant, hunt out souvenirs at the shop and of course watch the seagulls as they heads back to Largs, past some wonderful scenery.
As we sailed into Largs, the funnels proudly hooted and blew out steam to mark its return and the end of Ruaridh's latest adventure, one he will remember for a long time if his love of his newly acquired mini Waverley boat is anything to go by!
The Waverley's season takes it around a range of different communities, before moving south and cruising down The Thames for a totally different experience. See the website above for trips, prices and a look at the boat. |
By Christina Reed
ENTERTAINING two small girls during the summer holidays can prove both expensive and exhausting. Gulliver's World at Warrington fits the bill. It caters for the very small to the youngsters who want more adventure.
For four-year-old Henrietta, there were lots of fun fair rides from giant teacups to driving tractors and mini diggers. And six-year-old Natasha could not only indulge in some scary rides in preparation for the big rides at the seaside, but she had the chance to dress up as a princess and sit in the magical carriage.
Gulliver's World is only a 40-minute drive from Burnley. There is easy and free parking outside and once inside the attractions are nicely set out in natural surroundings. Children get to meet the cartoon characters Dora the Explorer and Lenny the Lion. And there is live entertainment on the hour.
A train takes you round the park and you can take in your own refreshments or buy from the variety of stalls on offer. In short, it has everything a family could ask for and with change over for another visit soon.For more information on Gulliver's World, log onto: www.gulliversfun.co.uk
By Rebecca Hay
LOW-COST airlines equal slightly out of the way destinations and that can only be a good thing if the places are as classy and welcoming as Bergamo.
East of Milan, this beautiful Italian spot is a tale of two cities. The walled hilltop upper town is surrounded by a lower modern town and also home to the equally luxurious Hotel Excelsior San Marco. This lovely hotel on the main Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII is fronted by a well-kept garden and inside is equally as good, with well-appointed rooms with all the mod cons, a bathroom with a inbuilt jaccuzzi and a wonderful rooftop restaurant and well-stocked breakfast room. This four-star hotel also boasts some stunning views of the upper town and you can wile away a few hours on the balcony enjoying the view of the former outpost of the Venetian empire.
A 15-minute drive from the airport allows you a view of some impressive mountains and once you hit the town, you will not be disappointed. Historically Bergamo was more closely associated with Venice, which ruled the city for 350 years until Napoleon arrived. The city has a wealth of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
A funicular takes you into the medieval old town and you soon find yourself in an impressive square. The winding cobbled streets are packed with intrictae shops and bars which are full of character and soon draw you in to spend your hard-earned money. It is nice just to wander round taking in the atmosphere and peering over the walls to see the sprawling modern city below. If sights are your thing, the old city is full of them. As you enter from the funicular you will see the 17th century Palazzo Nuovo, now a library and the most interesting feature of the Piazza Vecchia square. Nearby is the Palazzo della Ragione, which was first built in the 12th century and reconstructed four centuries later. The Torre del Campanone is a tower with some stunning views and nearby is a Baroque cathedral and an imposing Romanesque church.
Museum fans can enjoy the well-stocked science and archaeological buildings and there is a special museum which traces the history of the city and a wonderful art gallery. Once you have had your fill of culture, there are plenty of green areas, including a well-stocked botanical garden. Bergamo is a well-heeled place with plenty of restaurants and ice cream parlours to tempt your palate. And polenta is the main part of a local's diet. Another advantage of staying in Bergamo is that the special city of Milan is nearby, with plenty of shops and interesting places to visit and the Bergamo alps and nearby lakes are a real attraction for nature lovers. So, follow that low-cost airline trail and head for somewhere new!
FACTFILE:
For more information on the Hotel San Marco, visit: www.hotelsanmarco.com
Tourist information is available via www.apt.bergamo.it
By Barry Bradshaw
NORTHUMBERLAND has been voted the most tranquil county in England.
Little wonder, then, that my wife and I returned from a three-night break there, feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Our first taste of that tranquillity came virtually as soon as we entered the county when visiting Kielder Water and Forest Park. There are numerous walks to enjoy here and we chose the Lakeside Way, on which the only sound that could be heard was the sound of our footsteps on gravel. We stopped occasionally to enjoy the utter silence and to look out for any wildlife that might cross our field of vision. The park is home to 75 per cent of the UK’s native red squirrel population and other mammals living in and around this area include badgers, otters and voles.
As well as tranquillity, Northumberland is also famous for its castles and we visited one of its most famous, Alnwick Castle. Alnwick is the second largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor, and has been used as a location in two of the Harry Potter films as well as the TV series “Blackadder.” It contains an impressive array of treasures in the form of china, furniture and paintings, and for the children there is the Knights’ Quest, an interactive learning experience in which children are encouraged to dress up as medieval knights and ladies and complete a series of challenges.
Next door to Alnwick Castle is the Alnwick Garden, one of the most exciting contemporary gardens to be developed in the last century and a wonderful attraction for all ages. The centrepiece of the garden is the Grand Cascade, the largest water feature of its kind in the country but also popular is one of the largest wooden tree houses in the world. Alnwick Garden is developing all the time so it should be quite something when it is complete.
Already quite something is Cragside House with its gardens and estate. This National Trust property is in Rothbury and, being the home of inventor Lord Armstrong, was Victorian England’s most technologically advanced mansion. You can explore the estate on foot or by car via the six-mile estate drive, but either way, the time will fly by. We spent four hours there and could have spent many more.
Northumberland is full of sparsely populated villages which are worth a visit in themselves but it also has sparsely-populated beaches which offer some more of that famous tranquillity. We walked along the coastal path to Embleton Bay, just one of the many beautiful beaches along the Northumbrian coastline.
After three nights, it was time to head home but not before we called in on the famous Beamish Museum in County Durham. This open-air museum illustrates life in the North East in the early 1800s and 1900s. It’s a great educational experience for the young and wonderfully nostalgic for the not-so-young.
Northumberland is known as “The Secret Kingdom” because it tends to get overlooked on the tourism trail, but its attractions are no longer a secret to me, I am very happy to say.
FACTFILE: Our accommodation was at the Rock Farmhouse B&B in Rock, near Alnwick. It’s a country house in a really lovely location, very close to Alnwick town - http://www.visitnorthumberland.com/site/home/rock-farm-house-p6151. Northumberland Tourism Tel: 01670 794522 Fax: 01670 794529 www.visitnorthumberland.com
By REBECCA HAY WHAT'S in a name? A lot if you are a native of Derry or is it Londonderry. Over the years there has been much debate as to what the city should be called and the final decision is down to The Queen.
So while we wait and see what Her Majesty decides, we'll just stick to the popular Derry. The Northern Ireland city is the only completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of walled cities.
They date back to the early part of the 17th century and have survived some bloody battles. And so have the locals. They have endured some horrific times, but the beautiful city is starting to pick itself up and welcoming visitors.
Low-cost airlines mean more tourists and the friendly Irish are waiting, ready to have some craic. The Hay clan decided to take a break over the New Year and we thought we would find an empty hotel, as all the celebrations had finished.
But the City Hotel in the heart of Derry was heaving with guests, many who had popped over from Southern Ireland to enjoy the rub of the Euro and have some fun. The hotel is in an ideal spot and has wonderful views of the River Foyle. It is well equipped, with spacious rooms, hearty breakfasts and a well-appointed spar and swimming pool to work off the pounds.
A good way of finding your bearings is to take a tour and the award-winning City Tours run by Martin McCrossan was just the ticket. We were led round the walls by our friendly and well-informed guide Garvin.
For a nominal fee of £4, we enjoyed a wonderful stroll round the city. Garvin took us through the siege of Londonderry to the more recent Bloody Sunday troubles and along the walls to see the beautiful cathedral, Irish churches and the historic buildings which have provided shipbuilding and shirt-making jobs for the locals.
Derry is most famous for Bloody Sunday, which saw 14 civilians shot dead by the army following a riot at the end of a march protesting about internment without trial on January 30th, 1972. Inquiries into the deaths are still ongoing and next year a final judgement is set to be made on the historic event.
Feelings run deep in the city, with the areas of Bogside, Creggan and Brandywell, which were barricaded off by the security forces between 1969 and 1972, now removed and replaced by a gable wall with the words "You are now entering Free Derry'' emblazoned on it.
Bogside is were murals depiciting the troubles have been painted, with the face of innocence, Annette McGavigan who was killed as she returned home from school, alongside one of Bernadette Devlin, a leading figure in the civil rights movement.
The Museum of Free Derry and the Tower Museum provide the history of Derry, with the beautiful Guild Hall, Workhouse Museum. Harbour Museum and a shirt-making exhibition among the tourist attractions.
Derry has many famous faces from singer Dana to musician Phil Coulter and the city's pubs and clubs pay homage to Derry's fine tradition for music, with the old style spit and saw dust establishments the place to be at night-time.
They may have had their fair share of troubles over the years, but the people of Derry have stayed strong and are finally re-building a spirit and city which does its history proud.
FACTFILE: Accommodation: The City Hotel is central and has panoramic views of the River Foyle.
Telephone: 02871365800; www.cityhotelderry.com
Tourism: City Tours are an ideal way of exploring Derry on foot. Telephone: 02871271996; www.derrycitytours.com. For more tourist informaiton contact Derry Tourist Board: telephone: 02871267284; www.derryvisitor.com
By Rebecca Hay
HAVING two Scotsmen in the family means that a traditional breakfast is the order of the day. And that means a bowl of porridge, small for the wee man with a dash of honey, but don't tell his Dad, because its salt and water only for him (or so he says!).
As porridge is a big part of the Hay household, it meant I had to have a go at being crowned the World Porridge Making Champion. So off we went to Carrbridge, a beautiful village in the Highlands, 20 odd miles out of Inverness and famous for its historic bridge. Who ever thought of starting this challenge was a genius. For over the past 15 years, it has brought fame for the village, and fortune for the bed and breakfasts, as visitors from across the world desend on the place for the big event.
I had previously entered in 2005, and made pals with fellow competitor Albert Cowie from Portessie. The retired accountant is a bit of a character and we struck up a firm friendship. So when I found out he was entering and that top chef, Tom Lewis was a judge, off when the entry form. The challenge starts with a parade through the village of the porridge competitors, complete with a pipe band and a toast to the porridge with a wee dram, before the competition really gets going.
With such a prestigious prize up for grabs, the competition is healthy and despite my best efforts, I was well and truely pipped at the post by worthy winner Ian Bishop. |  | | | Our picture show's the granite city in all it's glory |
A souvenir spurtle (used for stirring the porridge) was my reward and off went the Hays to Rosemarkie in the Black Isle, where we stayed in a holiday home belonging to a friend of the family. Rosemarkie is a lovely village by the Moray Firth, with a small, but beautiful beach and lots of peace and quiet. The Black Isle is a gem and has lots of lovely walks and nooks and crannies to explore. From there we headed up North to Aberdeenshire and the majestic town of Banff. First off, we stopped off for afternoon at Albert's home in the small fishing village of Portessie. And what a view he has from his home, with the water glistening through his windows.
With such a prestigious prize up for grabs, the competition is healthy and despite my best efforts, I was well and truely pipped at the post by worthy winner Ian Bishop.
A souvenir spurtle (used for stirring the porridge) was my reward and off went the Hays to Rosemarkie in the Black Isle, where we stayed in a holiday home belonging to a friend of the family. Rosemarkie is a lovely village by the Moray Firth, with a small, but beautiful beach and lots of peace and quiet. The Black Isle is a gem and has lots of lovely walks and nooks and crannies to explore. From there we headed up North to Aberdeenshire and the majestic town of Banff. First off, we stopped off for afternoon at Albert's home in the small fishing village of Portessie. And what a view he has from his home, with the water glistening through his windows.
Banff was to be our home for two nights. And where better to stay than the Fife Lodge Hotel. Owned by local councillor and businessman John Cox, the hotel was originally the Fife Estate Factor's home and many of the original features have been retained. The main hotel has nine bedrooms and nearby is a lodge bungalow which can accommodate up to eight people. We dined like lords in the impressive restaurant, with locally sourced ingredients on the menu and hearty breakfasts in the morning.
And we needed them with all the sight-seeing to do. Banff has a lovely bay, with clean beaches and sparkling water and even in October, the sun was out to allow us to play on the beach.
Among the sights to be seen in Banff is Duff House, an impressive baroque mansion which was built between 1735 and 1740 as the seats of the earls of Fife and designed by William Adams. It has a superb and permanent collection of Scottish art. Nearby is Banff Museum, which has award-winning displays on local wildlife, geology and wildlife. In neighbouring Macduff, there is the marine aquarium, a haven for my son Ruaridh, not least because he got the chance to stroke the starfish! Just up the road from Banff is the picturesque village of Portsoy, famous for its marble, which is a beautifully patterned green and pale pink serpentine, quarried near the village in the 17th and 18th centuries. My favourite stop-off though was the small, but beautifully formed town of Huntly. Famous for Deans shortbread, this lovely spot has an impressive ruined castle, which was the former stronghold of the Gordons on the banks of the River Deveron. A coastal drive to Aberdeen takes you through some lovely villages such as Pennan, featured in the film Local Hero and Gardenstown, a small fishing village.
In the big city, its oil which rules. Known as the granite city of Scotland, thanks to its stonework which sparkles in the sun, Aberdeen has lots of museums, such as the maritime one, centered on a three-storey replica of the North Sea oil production, and the Marischal museum, which houses a fascinating collection of material donated by graduates. If sport is your thing, then head for the Aberdeen Snowsports Centre where you can try your hand at snow tubing on a new 'snowflex' surface. If you buy an adventure pass, you can also enjoy all the thrills of transition extreme, a huge indoor skateboard and bmx park. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy the Speyside wildlife tours and go rafting or canoeing at Full on Adventure at Aviemore.
And if you try all that out in a few days break, you will need a hearty bowl of porridge to keep you going!
FACTFILE:
For more information on:
Visit Scotland Adventure Pass:
The Adventure Pass offers buy one, get one free and buy one, get one half price on activities throughout Scotland and is valid until May 31st, 2009. For further information on the Adventure Pass and to download activity vouchers, log onto www.visitscotland.com/adventurepass
Accommodation:
Fife Lodge Hotel, SandyhillRoad, Banff, AB45 1BE, 01261 812436, www.fifelodge.com
Activity:
Aberdeen Snowsports Centre, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, AB10 7BA, o1244 810215, www.aberdeensnowsportscentre.co.uk
Tourist Board:
For all holiday information, contact 0845 2255121, www.visitscotland.com
World Porridge Championships:
Held each October in Carrbridge Village Hall. Log onto www.goldenspurtle.com
By Rebecca Hay THEY breed them tough in Latvia. The country has endured its fair share of horror over the years. Both the Soviets and Nazi's occupied Latvia during the last half-century and subjected the locals to some unforgivable crimes.
But the country has pulled itself up by its shoelaces and since it was granted independence in the 1990s, it has begun to thrive. The enchanting city of Riga was the choice for my mother and I to visit. Once known as the Paris of the East, it casts a spell over you, with its swirling art nouveau and sparkling cobbled streets. Low cost airlines have made this Baltic city easily accessible, the only downside to this is, that it has become a haven for stag nights, thanks also to the relatively cheap alcohol.
We stayed in the heart of the magical old town in the cool and minimalistic Hotel Centra. Our room, 601 has stunning views of the city and the calm oasis also provided sleek rooms, with modern furniture, art and a huge plasma television, to keep us happy.
A handy way to ensure you can see everything on your trip, is to buy a Riga pass. The pass allows free transport on the buses and the wonderful old trams as well as access to most of the museums.
To get our bearings, we hopped onto the sight-seeing bus and with the audio tape as our guide, settled down to a one hour tour of the city. Once we had an idea of our landmarks, we took a walking tour of the world heritage listed old town, starting off at the House of Blackheads, Riga's architectural gem. Built in 1344 for the Blackheads' Guild of Unmarried Merchants, it was damaged in 1941, flattened by the Soviets seven years later and re-built from scratch, in 2000.The town hall opposite was also raised from the ashes in 2002. |  | | The Dome Catedral | A statue of Riga's patron saint, St Roland stands in the town hall square and nearby is the Laima clock, a traditional meeting place for lovers. Medieval Riga Castle built in 1330, now houses the president and a museum of foreign art. The nearby Powder Tower still has nine Russian cannon balls embedded in its walls.
Lavish decoration was introduced at the turn of the 20th century and as you walk through the streets, you will be wowed with everything from twisted faces with flowing hair to elegant Parisian decorations.
As in other Baltic countries, the staple diet is good old-fashioned fare with plenty of dishes to keep the cold out, from potato cakes to pork. And if you can avoid the stag parties, the bars are cool and inviting, with such delights as Riga Black Balsam, a treacley alcoholic beverage, on offer.
The museum of the history of Riga provided a good insight into the past happenings, but its the Museum of The Occupation of Latvia, which tells the most chilling tale. Latvian people are known to be hard to get to know and its little wonder, with the horrors they endured under the Soviets and Nazi's who strived to purify the country of its unwanted.
An inscription inside the museum reads: "They took it all, our native land, our honour and our name, they punished us for being human beings,'' - Anon. The Latvians have to be congratulated for not allowing the evil powers from destroying them and their country and they deserve the richness which is now beginning to flood this country - go and see it while it grows.
FACTFILE:
For more information on:
Accommodation: Hotel Centra, Audeju Iela, telephone: + 371 722 6441, www.centra.lv ; email: hotel@centra.lv
Tourist information: Riga Tourism and Co-ordination and Information Centre, Ratslaukums 6, Riga; telephone: + 371 67026072; fax: +371 67026068; www.rigatourism.com; email: tourinfo@riga.lv
Riga Pass: 76 Kr Valdemara 8, Riga. Telephone/fax: + 371 67217217, www.www.rigacard.lv; email: info@rigacard.lv
| | | | By REBECCA HAY IT'S the ultimate tale of two cities. The elegance of Edinburgh versus the granite like charm of Glasgow.
Only an hour's drive separate the Scottish gems, but in terms of life and culture they are worlds apart. Or are they? I have to confess to be biased about my love of Glasgow. It's the birthplace of my husband Kenny and our son Ruaridh (Gaelic for Rory), so it will always be close to my heart. But Edinburgh is so swish, whether its the impressive and soon to be tram-filled Prince's Street or the wonderful array of designer shops.It is a lovely train journey across the countryside from Glasgow to Edinburgh.
Comfortable too as First Scot Rail has got it sewn up, with clean carriages, efficient staff and prompt departures and arrivals (what more can you ask for!). As you step off the train at The Waverley Station you are immediately impressed by the famous and equally expensive Balmoral Hotel.A favourite with film star Sean Connery and the place where writer JK Rowling is said to have holed up for a month, while she finished off her Harry Potter novels, the hotel oozes class.
Before we ventured around the city, it was time to satisfy the tum of one wee man. And where better than The Stockbridge Restaurant. It is just a 10-minute walk from the station and housed in a listed building in the heart of Stockbridge, one of Edinburgh's swanky suburbs. Run by Jason Gallagher and his partner Jane Walker, the restaurant is swish and the food impressive. For £12.95 you can enjoy a two-course lunch or if you are feeling peckish, £14.95 for three courses. South African Jason has cooked for big names such as Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones, so how would he fair with our little celebrity? Very well I am pleased to report. The wild mushroom soup went down a treat, as did the home-made vanilla ice cream with butterscotch sauce. Jason does a tots taster menu for £6.95 which gives the younger diners a chance to taste some yummy dishes like crab tortellini and venison casserole. The grown-ups enjoyed tenderley cooked pigeon breast, plump salmon fillets and tasty ratatouille, finished off with a classy cheese platter and melt-in-your mouth plum crumble. The walk back into town gives you chance to walk off the calories and then tackle the Royal Mile up to the classic Edinburgh Castle, which is home to the Scottish crown jewels, stone of destiny and Scottish National War Memorial. The city also has an abundance of art galleries from The National Gallery to the Royal Scottish Academy, and of course the controversial Scottish Parliament building.
Younger members of the family have plenty to see, with the zoo which has the UK's only koalas and the equally fun butterfly and insect world, as well as the worthwhile Bank of Scotland museum, where you can pit your wits and win some chocolate coins. The Royal Yacht Britannia in the trendy suburb of Leith is a great attraction to visit and there are plenty of festivals on throughout the year, to keep everyone entertained.
Walking around Edinburgh's Old and New Town, West End and Grassmarket, is the ideal way to see the city's fine architecture and if you venture outside, there are five top beaches just minutes away.
And so to the old favourite, Glasgow. Like Edinburgh it has its fair share of top eating establishments and The Sisters in is no exception. Nestled away just upstairs from Kelvingrove Street, I can't speak too highly of this restaurant. Run by sisters Pauline and Jacqueline O'Donnell, the family-friendly establishment has a lovely glow about it and serves great food. A snazzy booster seat for Ruaridh went down well, as did his home-made fish cakes, with a dipping sauce, which was so creamy that the wee fingers spent most of their time in the pot! And the puff candy meringue with honeycomb icecream and butterscotch sauce pudding was so tasty, Ruaridh didn't even pause for a breath as he gulped it down. We opted for the pre-theatre meal, which is £14.95 for two dishes or £16.95 for three and includes a glass of wine. The menu is good value too, as there are specials available, meaning there is an excellent choice. Plockton prawns in garlic sauce and home-made chicken liver pate and the finest oatcakes around, went down well with mum and dad, as did the fishy sea bream and tenderly cooked Limerick ham and the good old Scottish dish of rumbledethumps tatties and buttered cabbage. Then there was the obligatory cheese plate, with a generous choice of cheeses and those mouth-watering oatcakes.
Scotland has many wonderful restaurants and the Edinburgh and Glasgow two are up with the best. Like its neighbour, Glasgow has an abundance of things to see and do. Architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh is one of the city's famous sons and his unique style can be seen around the city at such gems as The Mackintosh Church at Queen's Cross and The Glasgow School of Art. The Willow Tea Rooms in Sauchiehall Street were designed by Mackintosh and today serve up a lovely afternoon tea. Glasgow Cathedral is one of the country's most magnificent medieval buildings and the only one on the mainland to survive the Reformation of 1560 intact. Holmwood House on the south side of the city was designed by Alexander "Greek'' Thomson and down the road in Blantyre is the David Livingstone Centre, which is the birthplace of Scotland's greatest explorer. Restored to her former glory, the s.v. Glenlee is one of only five Clydebuilt sailing ships still afloat in the world and is a must for children, along with the nearby science centre.So back to the to the first question - are the two cities worlds apart - I will let you visit and decide - I am off to explore some more!
FACTFILE:
For more information on accommodation and what's to see and do, log onto www.visitscotland.com
Food: Check out www.eatscotland.com which features more than 600 restaurants across Scotland, food festivals and trails and information on regional flavours. Restaurants: The Stockbridge Restaurant, 54 St Stephen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5AL; telephone: 0131 226 6766; website: www.thestockbridgerestaurant.co.uk and The Sisters Restaurant, 36 Kelvingrove Street, Glasgow, G3 7RZ; telephone: 0141 564 1157; website: www.thesisters.co.uk
Transport: First Scot Rail runs regular services between Glasgow and Edinburgh and the outlying towns. For up-to-date travel information, log onto www.firstgroup.com/scotrail |  | Edinburgh Castle and the new town of Edinburgh from the Royal Botanic Garden.
Pic: P. Tomkins/Visit Scotland/Scottish Viewpoint |  | A city guide chats to tourists in George Square, with a view beyond to the city chambers in the city centre of Glasgow.
Pic: P. Tomkins/Visit Scotland/Scottish Viewpoint |
Whether it's history, shopping or culture you're after, you can't go far wrong in York.
Just a 90-minute drive from East Lancashire, it proved the ideal location for a weekend break for my ghost-hunting husband Harry and myself, with every minute packed with new experiences.
Yes, we're both York "junkies" and have been before several times, but every visit is different and there's always something new to see and do in the city that was voted European Tourism City of the Year by European Cities Marketing and Best UK City in the Telegraph Travel Awards in 2007-08.
While you can't guarantee the weather - we had torrential rain and howling gales - there's plenty to do undercover and leave the exploration of the city's hidden nooks and crannies and shopping streets to a fine day.
Avowed history buffs, our first port of call was the Barley Hall, York's finest medieval townhouse where you're free to try on the historical costumes, sit on the furniture and handle the artefacts. And where but York could you, as Harry and I did, kick off our shoes and take part in a scene from a Passion Play enacted by a local theatre group in the historic hall. We made up the numbers at the Last Supper in the great hall, sitting at the long table with our soup and bread. |  | We couldn't leave York without doing a spot of ghost hunting and Saturday evening, the summer solstice, saw us head off to the bansk of the River Ouse for a ghost walk. There are several to choose from but we had been recommended the Original Ghost Walk of York, which has been scaring and entertaining visitors for 35 years with tales of terror, hauntings and unusual snippets from 2,000 years of York history, not to mention a few laughs. Ending on the steps of York Minster, it's an ideal way to pass the evening and work up an appetite for a visit to one of the many restaurants York has to offer, including Saffron, the Indian restaurant recently visited by Prince William and friends on a night out.
Our ghostly theme continued on Sunday where we donned hard hats to take a trip underground into the cellars of the Treasurer's House to see the very spot where the famous parade of ghostly Roman soldiers was seen during renovation work. If you're claustrophobic, this isn't an excursion for you, but the Treasurer's House and garden themselves have lots to offer, with friendly guides posted in every room to explain its history and quirky facts. Bought by entrepreneur and collector Frank Green in 1897, he remodelled the 17th Century house to his own taste and exacting standards as a showpiece of furniture and design fashion over four centuries in its 13 rooms.
 |  |
Completing our ghostly theme, York Dungeon was also on our itinerary for an afternoon of terror that got our hearts racing and saw me appear in the dock in a mock witch trial of 17th Century. With blood, guts and gore galore, it's certainly not for the faint hearted but makes the horrible bits of history come to life in toe-curling detail and had our fellow visitors screaming and clinging to each other in desperation as the shocks came thick and fast.
While York Dungeon may not be for everyone, the Jorvik Centre is a must on any trip to York, with history coming to life before your very eyes in your own time capsule as you glide back in time to the days of the Vikings, with the sights and smells if history bombarding your senses as you come up close and personal to the past. It's a dynamic vision of York in the 10th Century with interactive displays on how archaeologists uncovered the past, making history fun and exciting for everyone.
 | York Minster was also a "must" on our list. We'd looked round several years ago and who couldn't fail to be impressed by the stunning architecture and awe-inspiring vastness but this time we'd decided to attend the Sunday morning Eucharist service. Flickering candles, robed priests, golden icons and Latin chants created a true theatre of religion with the words of the Communion service given new life and meaning as they echoed into the minster where tens of thousands had worshipped over the centuries, their hopes, dreams and prayers seeping into the very stonework to add to the atmosphere.
I must admit, the Minster was a hard act to follow, probably the highlight of our stay in York, but Monday saw us heading back home, but not until we'd fitted in a visit to the vast National Railway Museum, packed with locomotives old and new, not to mention Royal. From the Japanese Bullet Train to the Flying Scotsman special it's an absolute dream for any rail fan. Right next to the museum is the new Yorkshire Wheel - York's very own London Eye and Harry and I couldn't resist a trip to see the views from the top. Soaring 60m above the city centre you can see for 20 miles and it's a great way to get your bearing and see the sheer scale of York's impressive minster, whose famous lantern tower still tops the tip of the wheel by a whopping 10m.
With such a packed few days, Harry and I were certainly in need of a comfortable hotel near the city centre. |
The Bishop's Hotel in Holgate Road ticked all the right boxes. Just a 10-minute walk to the city walls, it has a handy free car park and well deserves the plethora of awards it has scooped over recent years. Run by ex-footballer Marco Gabbiadini and his wife, Deborah, Bishops boasts all the luxury - with Body Shop products in the en-suite, comfy sofas and a canopied bed - but still maintains that friendly, down-to-earth touch with staff who greet you like a family friend. It isn't that cheap to eat in the centre of York, but the Bishops breakfast will set you up for the day - with a choice of cooked breakfasts, healthy cereals and fresh fruit and juices and as much toast as you can manage! The website is www.bishopshotel.co.uk
We were sorry to say goodbye to York, with a quick walk around part of the walls rounding off our stay as the sun finally managed to make an appearance. Yes, we'd seen a lot but still have lots more to do on our next trip … a visit to the Cold War bunker becjons, as does a cruise down the river, a return to the Shambles and perhaps even York Castle Museum - but you need a full day for that, there's so very much to see!
If shopping rings your bell, then you can't go far wrong with York Designer Outlet on the outskirts of the city with designer labels galore in 115 stores, including Gap, M&S, Coast and Armau - it's another day out in itself with lots of places to eat and plenty of parking, although York centre itself can hardly said to be lacking in top-name stores, a dinky market and lots of individual boutiques.
Entrance fees to many of the sights in York can add up if youre on a whistle-stop tour like Harry and I were, one way round that is to pay upfront with a handy York Pass which allows entry into 29 top tourist attractions and comes with a free guidebook. There are one, two or three-day passes starting from £21 and family passes go for £58. It's all explained at www.yorkpass.com
Our advice would be to plan your schedule before you arrive in York to make the most of your stay, so a guide to where to stay and what to do from the city's visitor information centre can come in handy. Ring up for one on 01904 550099 or visit the website at www.visityork.org
Sally Dahmke |  | |
FACTFILE: For more information on:
Accommodation: Euro Hotel, 53 Cartwright Gardens, Bloomsbury; www.eurohotel.co.uk; reception@eurohotel.co.uk
London Eye: Bookings via 0870 5000 600 or www.londoneye.com
London Pass: Passes can be bought via 0870 242 9988 or www.londonpass.com
Tourist information: www.visitlondon.com LONDON is a fast exhilirating place to visit when you are young, free and single.
So what is it like when you have a lively 15-month-old baby in tow? Exhausting!, but fun too, especially for said son, who probably saw more people crossing the road to King’s Cross station than he does in a normal day in Lancashire!
With dad Kenny and Ruaridh (Gaelic for Rory) , I spent three nights in the big smoke trying to cram in as much as we could in the time available.
Our hotel was chosen because it was a stone’s throw away from King’s Cross and it proved to be a pearler, with good comfy rooms, satisfying breakfasts and for Ruaridh, plenty of pretty staff attending to his every need and being rewarded with a flutter of his long eyelashes!
Armed with our London Pass, which allows you to get into a whole host of attractions free, along with discounts on food and leisure, we braved the Underground and made our way to the wonderful cartoon museum.
Lets hope the new Mayor, Boris Johnson is going to do something about the antiquated transport system as not only is the Underground, noisy, smelly and exhausting, it is definitely not child/pram friendly, with hardly any lifts, meaning you have to hump the pram and child up and down the stairs.
The cartoon museum made up for the Tube though. Full of gems by cartoonists such as Pont, Watkins and Tidy, it is a joy to look around as you re-live your childhood comic cartoons and old seaside postcards.
Next up was a visit to The Britain at War Experience, complete with gas masks, air raid shelters and wonderful old style posters, the museum was a worthwhile visit.
You find you have to pace yourselves in London and it takes an age to get from one side to another, so we decided the best way of seeing everything in one go, was via the wonderful London Eye. With around 3.5 million visitors a year, it is easy to see why as you float in the air, and on a good clear day, you can see all the tourists sights, such as Battersea Power Station and Buckingham Palace.
The eye also runs a river cruise which gives you a chance to get your bearings and enjoy a wee bit of history too, via the excellent commentary.
With Ruaridh chomping at the bit to get out of his pram, a trip to Greenwich Park was a must, before we headed for some welcome food at the Borough Market.
On the train journey home, we sat back and reflected on an excellent, but tiring visit to the wonderfully cosmopolitan London - a return visit will have to wait until Ruaridh is able to walk on his own and when Boris improves the transport system! |
 |  | Pictures courtesy of visitlondonimages/britainonview | |
By Margaret Parsons
THEY say a weekend in the country is just what the doctor ordered.
And if you’ve been feeling the stresses of the daily grind how true that is.
Even though we live in a beautiful spot it is just an easy hour’s drive to feel you are completely away from it all.
Hit the M6 from East Lancashire and you are soon at the Lakeland Leisure Village near Carnforth where it feels like entering another world.
Maybe it’s the accommodation, the setting, the congeniality of staff, the leisure and dining facilities, or the whole package, but it works - certainly for the work weary or the busy family wanting a break. |  |
The accommodation is log cabins but forget the wild west.
These are log cabins (timber lodges) with the L for luxury factor.
A master bedroom with ensuite, two twin bedrooms, spacious bathroom, luxury all-mod-cons kitchen, dining room and large lounge with feature fireplace, windows everywhere and patio doors onto the large patio and decking area.
Space to park, space for children to play safely and space to sit back and chill and let the stresses of Monday to Friday drain away.
This idyllic spot has its own lake - hence the name - and fantastic views. You are less than half an hour from Lake Windermere so you can imagine the scenery is spot on.
We arrived on Friday night for a weekend break and were instantly struck by the atmosphere.
Our accommodation was first class and with three adults, a baby and an 11 year old we had masses of space in our six-berth cabin.
After unpacking and having a look around we settled down for the night with a glass of wine or two and chatted until the early hours with the baby sleeping soundly.
Saturday morning after a leisurely start and an even more leisurely breakfast, we headed off to the leisure centre. Well, it would have been rude not to!
We gave the superbly equipped gym a miss this time and headed for the pool where we spent a comfortable two hours between pool and steam room, swimming, chatting and generally having a lovely relaxed time.
Back at the cabin we enjoyed a late snack lunch before young Hannah, aged eight months, decided it was time for an afternoon nap. By then we were all feeling so chilled out that we decided to join her and all took to our beds for an hour. It really wouldn’t happen at home on a Saturday afternoon when you are thinking about that pile of ironing under the stairs, the beds that need changing and the kitchen floor that needs a mop?
But we were at Lakeland, relaxing and loving every minute.
Before getting ready to try the restaurant another short walk was called for and we went round the lake with its fountain in the middle making a picturesque site.
Some visitors love the cabins around the lake where they have their own moorings while others are on “The Heights” with their exalted views over the area.
Whichever you choose you won’t be disappointed.
On Saturday evening we were made very welcome in the restaurant where they couldn’t do enough to make sure the baby was comfortable. This is a family park so there were a few children about, but as they have their own little beach close to the restaurant and bar area they could come and go safely under their parents’ watchful eyes.
Full marks to the newly-refurbished Water’s Edge restaurant.
The food was outstanding – from the melt-in-the-mouth pastry in the goat’s cheese tartlet for starters to the pear chardonnay and strawberry dessert. Absolutely first class. Louise, aged 11, tucked into duck for starters while we had the goat’s cheese tartlets and rissotto.
Our mains were lamb shank which fell off the bone, succulent fillet of beef and Thai fishcakes, while Louise went for the Water’s Edge special – a smokey bacon and banana pizza. “Interesting” was her response - but I thought it was quite tasty.
The puddings were to die for and three hours had slipped by before we knew it.
A short walk back to our cabin for more chat and a few more nightcaps to bring a totally relaxing day to a close.
Sunday morning we enjoyed breakfast in the sunshine admiring the views on the patio and then I went off for an hour of pampering in one of the two beauty therapy suites.
After a massage followed by leisurely but pretty extensive facial I felt rejuvenated - even my nagging back from too much time hunched over the office desk, felt released and relaxed.
Sadly we had to head off home late afternoon - but we chose the country route this time through Carnforth and Lancaster and found a country pub for Sunday tea just before we reached the Trough of Bowland.
Many people choose this leisure village as a base for walking in the Lake District or seeing the many attractions round about, but we opted for a total chill fest and could not have found a better spot.
We had decided to make it a women’s only weekend while the menfolk had headed off to the Scottish Highlands to walk up Ben Nevis and were unmoved by the texts from them telling us how fantastic it was and didn’t we wish we were there, but how their legs ached from the climb.
None of it! We were throughly relaxed and rejuvenated by our log cabin break in our Lakeland get-away-from-it all.
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* Fact File: The Lakeland Leisure Village, part of the Pure Leisure Group, has timber lodges to hire for a holiday or short break, or to buy, starting from £85,000 to around £200,000.
Holiday lodge ownership inquiries: 01524 784222, email ownership@lakeland-leisurevillage.co.uk
Holiday booking hotline: 01524 781453, email holidays@lakeland-leisurevillage.co.uk |
SUN and sangria are the two ingredients which make Spain a popular destination for many British holiday-makers.
So how about a sherry in the shade instead? After the dismal weather of the summer, my husband Kenny and I were desperate to seek a little warm before the winter sets in.
And we found it, mid-October in the wonderful Jerez de la Frontera in Andalucia. Best-known for the production of sherry, Jerez (pronounced heh-reth) has much more to offer.
In the summer Monarch Airlines launched four flights a week to Jerez from Manchester and being the only airport to serve the Cadiz province, it is a must for travellers and beach lovers alike, with the region bursting with culture and some wonderful beaches.
Fares including taxes start from £49.99 one way (£81.50 return) including |  | | complimentary newspapers and a hot towel service, with the added bonus of food and drink available too and a chance to pre-book seats with more leg room and check in online before departure.
Our seven-month-old son Ruaridh was on his second trip aboard an aeroplane and this time he handled it in his stride and enjoyed his time trying to dismantle the life-saving equipment under the seat!
If sherry is not your thing, Jerez offers an electic mix of horses and flamenco too. The inland town is world-famous for its sherry, made from grapes grown on the chalky soil surrounding countryside and most people come to visit its many bodegas which include the more familiar Harvey's Bristol Cream, an enormous production, housed in wonderfully old fashioned gardens, complete with ornate fountains, and the popular Tio Pepe range.
But Jerez is also the capital of Andalucia's horse capital and home to the flamboyant flamenco dancing. The well-heeled town oozes class and has lovely wide tree-lined streets and fine architecture and the tourist information has done a fine job of creating a trail around the town for you to follow.
The town is made up of a mixture of British and Andalucian people, which came about when British money developed Jerez's wineries from the 1830s. Since 1980, most of the wineries, previously owned by about 15 families, have been bought out by multi-national companies.
The old quarter of Jerez is home to the impressive 11th and 12th century Islamic fortress Alcazar, which contains a beautiful mosque which was converted into a chapel by Alfonso X in 1264 and a wonderful pair of Arab baths. The gardens are well-worth a visit too and the palace's tower houses a camera obscura which gives an interesting view of the town.
Nearby to the Alcazar is a statue of Manuel Maria Gonzalez Angel, the founder of a bodega and whose uncle Jose Angel gave his name to the famous sherry Tio Pepe, with Tio meaning uncle and Pepe a nickname for Jose.
The town also has a Gothic cathedral, handsome 16th century town hall and an excellent centre for flamenco dancing, which tells you everything you will ever want to know about the colourful pursuit. |  | Most of Jerez's 20 sherry producers run tours of their bodegas and just outside the town there is a famous equestrian centre which trains horses and riders. Nearby is a zoo, which has more than 1,300 animals.
During the year, there are three main festivals. In late February it is the turn of the flamenco to be celebrated, with May, the month for the horse fair and autumn when the grape harvest is marked.
Accommodation is sky high during the festivals, but other times of the year is is well-priced. We stayed in the family-run Hotel Serit in the old quarter and close to the bustling fish and fruit markets. The owners run a clean and friendly establishment, with the Spanish love of children evident, if the fuss which was made of Ruaridh, is anything to go by!
A short train journey soon has you on the coast with the wonderfully hospitable Cadiz the pick of the bunch. It was the second time we have visited this lovely city whose people are warm, open cultured and independently minded and whose aim is to make the most of life, whether it is enjoying good company over a drink, soaking up the sun or having fun at the festivals. | It is also said to be the oldest city in Europe and has some very tasty tapas bars, which serve up such delicacies as monkfish hamburgers and duck a la orange!
Another must to visit is the small town of El Puerto de Santa Maria, for food, if not for culture. It is a nice small town, with yet another lovely beach and a famous attraction, a restaurant called Romerijo.
It's the Harry Ramsden of Spain, abeit on a grander scale. Split into two, one side boils the seafood on offer, while the other fries it and you can fill your tum with 18 types of fruits from the sea, whether it is juicy prawns or tasty dogfish.
And you could always do what the locals do and once you have finished, hop back on the train and 15 minutes later, down a sherry in the spectacular Jerez!
FACTFILE: FOR more information on:
Accommodation: Hotel Serit, C/Higueras, Jerez. Telephone: 956 340 700/956 340 716. Website: www.hotelserit.com, Email: info@hotelserit.com
Transport: Monarch Airlines, telephone: 08700 40 63 00. Website: www.flymonarch.com, web bookings include a £10 discount per return flight or £5 per one-way flight.
Tourist Information: Telephone: 956 32 47 47. Website: www.turismojerez.com |
ABERDEENSHIRE has just been voted the best place to live in Scotland and it is not difficult to see why.
It has it all, stunning scenery, a fantastic coastline, culture, top restaurants and a laid back lifestyle. Enough said, lets just hope everyone doesn't go and live there and ruin all those pleasures.
Just visit instead and help boost the tourist industry! It is a fair drive up from Lancashire, but well worth it. Visit Scotland chose The Croft Guesthouse in Elgin, in the neighbouring county of Moray for our three day stay.
Joining me on this trip was my young son Ruaridh, who was born in Scotland, and his grandmother Caroline, leaving Dad Kenny at home to have some well-earned rest!
Three days is not enough to see this area, but we tried our best and were left wanting more! |  | | Elgin is the capital of Moray, at the heart of an ancient Celtic earldom and is famed for its mild climate and rich farmland.
Elgin's main attraction is its impressive ruined cathedral, which is known as the "lantern of the north'' and is one of the most beautiful ruins in Scotland. Consecrated in 1224, the cathedral was burned down in 1390 by the infamous Wolf of Badenoch, the illegitimate son of Robert II, following his excommunication by the Bishop of Moray. The octagonal chapter house is also one of the best in the country.
Nearby is a lovely public garden and Elgin museum, full of collections of fossil fish and Pictish carved stones and Spynie Palace, which is two miles north of Elgin and residence of the medieval bishops of Moray until 1686.
If whisky is more your thing, Elgin boasts Gordon and MacPhail, the world's largest specialist malt whisky dealer with 450 varieties of the golden syrup.
For me Scotland is all about the sea and what better than driving around the Aberdeenshire/Moray coastline? Lossiemouth or Lossie as the locals call it, is famous for its airforce base, but it is its beautiful golden-sand beach which stretches for miles which makes it special. It is also home to Dolphincity, a 36ft sailing yacht which records data on marine mammals and offers wildlife-watching cruises.
The coastal route takes you to the handsome Georgian town of Banff, which is also home to the First Minister, Alex Salmond, and Duff House, an impressive baroque mansion which was designed by William Adam.
There is also a marine aquarium with a 400,000 litre open-air tank and some oddities on view, including the brightly coloured cuckoo wrasse.
The pretty fishing village of Portsoy has a lovely harbour and is best known for its marble, a beautifully patterned green and pale pink serpentine, quarried near to the village in the 17th and 18th centuries.
But for me, my favourite place was Cullen, home to the wonderful Cullen Skink soup. As you sweep down the main street and through an ancient archway, you are greeted with a scene which makes Scotland that extra special, the glistening and gently rippling water and not a crowd in sight!
FACTFILE: FOR more information on accommodation, what to do, transport and help planning a trip to Scotland, log onto www.visitscotland.com
Rebecca Hay
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