For The First Signs of Spring

February is the month for snowdrops. If you love spring flowers, why not book a few days leave,  plan a road trip and have a whistle stop tour of some spectacular gardens? It’s a great time to visit – no crowds and heaving car parks, and the warmish weather has encouraged many plants to show their colours early. You’ll be covering a lot of ground, on foot and in your car, so ensure you have comfortable shoes, check your car insurance renewal is up to speed and head for these beautiful spaces, for a spot of early plant hunting. If you are member of the Royal Horticultural Society, it’s free entry too!

Hyde Hall – Chelmsford Essex

There is always something new going on at Hyde Hall – where you can enjoy year round colour and interest. Take at look at The Robinson Garden for specialist plants – or Clover Hill has natural planting, with great ribbons of snowdrops and crocus.

Wisely Gardens – Woking Surrey

Wisely covers a  huge site, you’ll easily spend a day here and there is so much to experience, from the giant rock gardens, to the new lakeside planting schemes bamboo forests, bluebell woods, and giant magnolia trees. There are plenty of places to enjoy a break and, of course, if it’s really chilly, you can always visit the magnificent Greenhouses, which take you through a range of climates, from temperate to hot, dry desert. Wisely has an excellent library and resource centre and regularly holds specialist lectures, art exhibitions and local events, so you could find yourself being spoilt for choice here.

Rosemoor  - North Devon

Rosemoor Garden covers about 26 acres in all – and has a wonderful woodland area, with thousands of spring bulbs and primroses. The scent is heavenly! Although significantly smaller than it’s sister garden (Wisley) it is very well laid out, and the surrounding countryside is great too – you could stop off for a trip on Exmoor National Park, or head out for the beaches of Saunton Sands or Woolacoombe, both well known surfing spots.

Caerhays Castle – St Austell Cornwall

Caerhays is stunning – with open, airy gardens, with a castle, complete with circular turret. The surrounding woodland was the work of J C Williams, a keen gardener who funded plant hunting trips to China in 19^th century. Springtime sees the gardens smothered in spring bulbs, and there is a National Plant Collection of Magnolias to view – and of course, Cornish Cream Teas are on, offer should you start to flag.

Members of the RHS can visit from Gardens from 13^th February until June.

You could test your stamina and do all four gardens in five days, or better still, pick a couple to visit and take a leisurely look at the countryside as you drive along the way – you’ve got the rest of the year to pick up speed!

Oslo City Break Guide

If you’re looking to go on holiday in 2012 and not sure where to go, why not consider Oslo? The third largest city in Scandinavia, Oslo is one of the largest capitals in the world, with much of the metropolitan area covered by forest.  Oslo, has all the modern conveniences, but it’s still a city in touch with nature. There has been a settlement here for over a thousand years since it was founded by King Harald Hardåde in 1048 and it became the capital of Norway in 1300. It’s almost amphitheatre-like in design, with the city centre close to the Oslo fjord and all the districts, both commercial and residential, reaching out from the centre in all directions. It may be a long way north, but the climate in Oslo is reasonably temperate. Warm air from the Gulf Stream allows the summers to be mild and pleasant with long, frequently hot sunny days. In the winter, temperatures generally hover above freezing and with snow generally in plentiful supply, it is a perfect venue for winter sports.

The Norwegians like to think of their largest city as the world’s winter capital and it’s not difficult to see why. For example, the Oslo Winter Park is only 30 minutes from the city centre and is a haven of activities for all ages.

Ski-ing and Skating

There’s alpine skiing, snowboarding and telemark skiing with special facilities for novices and children, although many of the local youngsters look like they’ve been on the slopes all their lives. If snow is ever, literally, thin on the ground, a powerful snow cannon ensures snow throughout the winter and spring.

The Spikersuppa skating rink is in the heart of the city centre, much as skating is in the heart of its people. It’s free to use although there is a rental charge for the use of skates. Stalls sell coffee, popcorn, hot dogs and other refreshments and it’s also a spot where Oslo people meet and socialise.

Viking Long Boats

If keeping your feet steady on the ground is more for you, shopping in Oslo is a positive delight. There are independent boutiques selling articles from the genteel to the plain outrageous and the charming antique shops bring Viking history to your fingertips. Oslo is an all year round tourist experience. There are over 50 museums in the city, which embrace all aspects of Nordic life, culture art and literature, but for a real sense of history, the Viking Ships Museum is a must. Where else would you get a chance to see three elegantly preserved large Viking ships along with textiles, jewellery and weapons so intrinsic to Viking life? It will not disappoint and you’ll leave enriched by the experience.

No summer visit would be complete without a visit to the Vigeland Sculpture Park so named after its creator Gustav Vigeland. Let your mind wander as you encounter over 200 bronze, granite and cast iron sculptures and enjoy these artistic creations as they touch your soul.

Island Hopping

For some of us a holiday isn’t a holiday without a spot of island hopping, so head for the ferry and the Oslofjord will do the rest. The great thing about this city is that the tourist activities are all popular with the local people themselves. Enjoy the ferry journey on the blue, calm stillness that is the fjord and then relax with a book or a picnic on an island just minutes from the city centre. There’s a really good service between the six different islands, each with its own history, character and charm.

The Botanical Garden is, in a word, beautiful. Its Palm House features exotic plants from around the world and the Scent Garden provides a stunning array of different aromas to both stimulate and inspire. The Arboretum and main garden offer a retreat from the stresses of city life as well as a range of over 1800 flowers, trees and shrubs.

City Life at Aker Brygge Wharf

Throughout the summer months, the Aker Brygge Wharf is teeming with people both day and night. The site of an old shipyard, it’s now home to a shopping mall, apartments, bars and restaurants, as well as the sea-front boardwalk. Take in a film here or visit the theatre, or just watch the sun go down on one of Europe’s finest capitals.

A good way to experience all the city has to offer is by purchasing the Oslo Pass. Get one for 24, 48 or 72 hours and you’ll get free entry to over 30 attractions, free public transport, free walking tours and much more, as well as discounted rates in shops, restaurants and other venues. The Oslo people are proud of their city and want you to see why the Norwegian capital is a popular destination for city breaks.

Where To Ask The Big Question

Taking the decision to make a marriage proposal to someone that you love is one of the most important things you will do in your life, so it is hugely important that you make the most of this never to be repeated moment and ensure that the setting is one that is memorable and unique.

Choosing to propose during a romantic break in Europe can help to build some great first memories as a couple who will go on to share their lives together, and with careful planning a proposal trip can be one of the most exciting times of your lives together. Choosing a location for the proposal itself is an important part of the planning process, and here we look at a selection of romantic spots across Europe which can set the scene perfectly for those hoping to hear a yes from their perfect partner.

Top of the Eiffel Tower – Paris

Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world and their can be no better location in the city to pop the question than at the top of this iconic landmark – with its amazing panoramic vistas across the city and surrounds. Consider taking a trip to the top as night falls and go down on one knee as twilight descends and the cityscape begins to sparkle with lights. If all goes to plan you can celebrate with a luxury meal at one of the two stunning restaurants located in the tower itself – the Jules Verne one Michelin Star establishment on the second level of the 58 on the first floor.

The Trevi Fountain – Rome

If you want to surprise that special someone with a romantic summer proposal there is no better place to do it than in Rome. City breaks to Rome are a popular getaway for couples and an evening stroll up the Spanish Steps and through the city streets followed by a local gelato alongside the stunning Trevi fountain can set the scene for the perfect proposal. Don’t forget to throw a coin into the fountain to ensure you will return to this special spot in years to come.

The London Eye

The largest Ferris wheel in Europe offers an exciting and unique proposal opportunity, allowing you to pop the question against the stunning backdrop of the London skyline. Rise above the stunning south bank and take in the icons that line the banks of the River Thames while you wait. Consider hiring a private pod and ensure the Champagne is on ice before the off for the perfect proposal experience.

Cruising on Loch Ness

If you want a memorable setting against which to make your proposal, then why not head for the Highlands. The legendary Loch Ness, gateway to Scotland’s Great Glen, makes the perfect spot for an al fresco ask. Take a cruise on the loch from the Clansman Pier and ask that all-important question in the shadow of Urquhart Castle for an unforgettable experience.

Surprises and Prizes To Be Won

If you like surprises and prizes, HostelBookers have a thing or two in Santa’s sack this year, just for you! In the spirit of a traditional advent calendar, HostelBookers will be getting fun and festive giving away fantastic prizes every day between 1st and 24th December.

They can’t promise everyone a white Christmas but they can offer prizes including iPad2, free accommodation, a Kindle, InterRail tickets, Round-The-Word Expert flights and much more…ding dong indeed!

To Enter

Come and play the game in three easy steps…

1.  Go to HostelBookers Facebook page.
2. Like Hostelbookers.
3. Click on the ‘Christmas Giveaway’ tab and answer a question.

• A new question will be posted daily at midnight 00:00 GMT up to and including 24th December.
• Winners will be notified by email and announced on the blog once they claim their prize.
• Answers will be posted on the Facebook wall and on the blog.

For more information and terms and conditions click here

HostelBookers is the leading budget accommodation website in the travel industry not to apply a service charge and is, on average, 8.7% cheaper than its nearest competitor. It features over 20,000 hostels, cheap hotels and budget properties on its website in over 3,500 destinations across the world. Follow them on Twitter @hostelbookers

Good Value Cruise Deals That Won’t Break The Bank

Putting up your feet and getting your sea legs on doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, if you get my drift! Leaving it all behind and setting sail aboard a cruise ship can seem like a bit of a pipe dream. It might seem like a better idea to save your money and buy an inflatable dinghy, a cheap bottle and encourage the kids to row.  If the latter floats your boat, give it a shot, but, if you’re a little savvy and you do your homework, you’d be surprised at how reasonable some cruise deals can get.

What’s In The Cruise Package?

First things first, accommodation, meals and entertainment are almost always included in the price. With P&O cruises, for example, not only are all meals and luxury accommodation included, but you also get an array of entertainment and relaxation/sports facilities included in the price. These include west-end style productions in the on-board theatres, comedy, live music, cinema, dance classes, cookery demonstrations, special interest seminars, saunas, Jacuzzis, steam rooms, swimming pools, a gym and full use of the sports court for playing sports like football and tennis.

With a well-established company like P&O, you can also be assured that you will be getting a great service. It might be tempting to take a cruise with an unfamiliar liner offering enticing prices, but it is worth checking up on some reviews to make sure it really is as good as it sounds. But how to actually get a good deal?

Bag a Bargain Cabin

The thing is, empty rooms on cruise ships are wasted stock and so cruise liner companies are keen to fill their cabins before departure. If you have the means, experts advise people to book as early as possible for two reasons: price and availability. According to agents, the best prices are generally found early on; with prices increasing as departure dates loom closer.

It seems that, in order to secure their costs and give them peace of mind in advance, cruise-liner companies are attempting to attract custom as early on as possible, by offering reduced rates.

Although booking extra early might not get you the absolutely rock bottom price you’re looking for, booking in advance should ensure that you get the right kind of cabin, departure date and special requirements you may want or need.

Prices vary hugely depending on the location of the cruise and the amount of time you spend on-board. If you’re on a budget, why not try a Mediterranean cruise? The costs involved with travelling further afield are, of course, transferred onto the holiday goer and so it seems sensible to explore some of the charms and idiosyncrasies of our neighbouring countries, whilst not missing out on the luxuries offered en-route.

Ask The Experts

The internet is saturated with companies offering cruises, so, if you’re feeling a little lost at sea with where to begin, I would recommend using a company that specialises solely in cruise holidays, utilising their expertise to find the best cruise to suit you. Try looking at cruise1st.co.uk and exploring their pages for their constantly updated cruise deals to suit every kind of budget.

Bon Voyage!

Family Holiday Ideas

Holidays are a wonderful opportunity for families to spend some time together and enjoy each other’s company – that is if they are well planned! When planning a family holiday, however, it is important to remember that, because all the family will have different needs and tastes, breaks should be carefully put together to ensure that everyone’s preferences are catered for, afterall, there are a range of different holiday options that families can go for, and picking the right one for your brood will help to ensure that everyone takes home some great memories from their time away. Here we look at a few of the options open to families and what they have to offer.

Family Sun Break

For many families, the annual holiday is all about sun, sea and sand, which is why so many families head for destinations such as Spain, Greece and Portugal in the summer months. European beach breaks are a great way of relaxing with loved ones, with most resorts catering well to the needs of the family group. Parents will enjoy relaxing on the beach with a good book, while little ones will be able to take advantage of activities from sand play to waterparks or may even enjoy spending some time with new friends taking part in organised kids’ club activities. Package holidays to the most popular resorts come with the option of additional excursions which can help prevent boredom setting if well planned to break up the break.

The Family “Staycation”

With the post credit crunch climate and a rise in the popularity of carbon neutral and eco-friendly travel, more and more families are looking at holidaying in the UK. The “staycation” as it is popularly known is a great choice of holiday for families with a number of benefits – from reduced travel times for little ones to access to familiar groceries and lack of language barrier. Staycationing families can take advantage of UK attractions that they might not otherwise get the chance to enjoy – from Alton Towers to Whipsnade Zoo and Windsor Castle to Hampton Court, there is something to suit every family’s own favourite style.

Active Breaks for Families

As children get older, parents can find it a challenge to keep them occupied and interested throughout the family holiday, which is why many opt for active breaks with their loved ones. Choosing a holiday with organised activities can help to ensure that even the most unenthusiastic of tweens and teens is excited and engaged during family time. In the UK why not consider surfing schools in Cornwall, kayaking on the Caledonian Canal or scaling the ascents of Snowdonia? Further afield parents may wish to consider planning an active break in a destination that offers a selection of water sports or even saving this kind of holiday for the winter months when they will be able to take to the slopes with their offspring to enjoy the delights of skiing and snowboarding.

South Devon Treasures

Devon has long been a popular UK break destination, with accommodation options ranging from holiday parks, holiday lodges, through to luxury static caravans.  Whatever type of accommodation you opt for Devon is chock full of fun, interesting and intriguing attractions, from ravishing natural landscape and eccentric museum collections to world class music events and quaint villages. Picking out our Top 10 hasn’t been easy but we’ve given it a go – there should be something for everyone in there, from toddlers to great grandparents. Alongside some of the more famous attractions we’ve included some less well known places that we think are a real treat.

Paignton Zoo

Open all year round Paignton Zoo is one of Devon’s most well known attractions and is a great day out if you have children. Tucked away in the 75 acres of grounds is a Big Cat Forest featuring endangered Asiatic Lions and Sumatran Tigers, a Wetland Experience and Aviary. There are loads of hands on displays for curious, knowledge hungry types and the various enclosures and habitats are imaginatively and spaciously presented. Especially impressive is the huge Reptile Tropics glasshouse, which is a humid, hot home for snakes, lizards and astonishing plants.

Babbacombe Model Village

Babbacombe Model Village in Torquay is one of the best and most imaginative. Become a Giant for a day and tower over this recreation of the world in miniature, set in four acres of beautiful gardens. There are thousands of miniature buildings, people and vehicles from Britain’s past along with some hilariously animated scenes that reflect the British brand of humour! Look out for special events throughout the year such as the Halloween Evening of Mini Horrors or the Christmas Winter Wonderland.

Overbeck’s Museum and Garden

An Edwardian house in the tiny hamlet of Sharpitor near Salcombe is the unlikely host of this delightfully idiosyncratic museum. Visitors will find all kinds of curios collected, and even invented, by the eccentric research chemist and inventor Otto Overbeck, who believed that everyone could live until the age of 350! While there are also interesting displays of natural, maritime and local history it’s the more unusual artefacts such as the Polyphon – a 19 Century jukebox – and a ‘rejuvenating machine’ that are sure to intrigue and amuse. Don’t forget to take a walk round the lush subtropical gardens and admire the wonderful estuary views.

Start Bay: Blackpool Sands and Slapton Sands

Three or four miles south of Dartmouth the coast path climbs past the pretty hill top village of Stoke Fleming and descends onto popular Blackpool Sands, an unspoilt cove ideal for swimming and lounging round on a hot day. The beach is flanked by steep wooded cliffs and the excellent Venus Cafe is open all year round offering a menu stuffed with local and organic dishes and an all weather seating area. There is also a car park here. Carry on along the coast path to Slapton Sands with its three miles of shingle beach and the Slapton Ley Nature Reserve lagoon, which supports herons, terns, widgeon and the rare great crested grebe.

Totnes and The River Dart

Totnes is a market town of ancient pedigree that is now a peaceful, bohemian centre of alternative therapies and the arts. There are a few things worth seeing in Totnes itself, including the Cider Press Centre and the ruined castle with great views of the town and Dart Valley. Dartington Hall’s sculpture strewn gardens are immaculately kept and there is a constant programme of films, plays, concerts, dance and workshops at this world famous arts centre. An annual literature festival takes place in mid July and there is also a summer festival of mainly classical music from late July through to late August. For a wonderfully mellow way to explore the River Dart and this alluring part of the South Hams jump aboard a river cruise and float off downstream to Dartmouth. There are daily trips from Easter to October and in other months by arrangement.

Buckfast Abbey and Dart Valley Steam Railway

Just north of Buckfastleigh, the River Dart weaves through a wooded green valley and into the grounds of the imposing Buckfast Abbey. Although the site of the Abbey has a rich and ancient monastic history – it is built on the site of an 11^th Century abbey built by Canute, later a Cistercian building which was subsequently razed to the ground in 1535 by Henry VIII – the existing building was completed by a handful of French Benedictine Monks in 1932.  There is also a stained glass exhibition, a display on the Abbey’s history and the renovated Physic, Sensory and Lavender gardens provide a lovely fragrant stroll. Before you leave don’t forget to stock up on the infamous Buckfast Tonic Wine!

In summer,  hop on the restored steam trains of the South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh (check for winter times) for a scenic and fun way to see the Dart Valley, which is particularly beautiful in Autumn with all the leaves in full colour.

Buzzard Cycle Route

If you are feeling energetic then the best way to explore south east Devon’s coast, interior villages and rural countryside is to hop on a bike and tackle some if this eighty mile circular route, which takes in Sidmouth, Seaton, Axminster, Honiton, Woodbury and Exmouth. It covers an astonishing scenic variety, from coast to commons, heaths to hills and estuaries from the Exe to the Axe. It is possible to break the route into three daily stages so you can complete the route at your own pace, with plenty of stops to view the attractions and lovely vistas. There are plenty of great watering holes along the route to keep up your energy. A leaflet pack containing ‘The Buzzard Regional Cycle Route’ (National Route 52) leaflet and other cycle routes in south east Devon are available from East Devon District Council. Tel: 01395 516551 and ask for Countryside Services.

A La Ronde

Sitting on a hillside four miles south of Topsham and overlooking the Exe estuary is the unique neo-Gothic folly A La Ronde. Created in the 1790s by two cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter, who were inspired by their own European Grand Tour to construct this 16-sided house filled with mementos of their travels. Over the years they also added their own artistic creations ranging from bizarre murals made of game bird and chicken feathers to oddities made of seaweed and sand. The stairway and gallery at the top of the house are completely covered in shells, which can be viewed more closely through a special closed circuit TV system. Finish off your visit with a cuppa and a cake at the excellent café.

Beer

The village not the drink! One of the gems of the Devon coast, the tiny fishing village of Beer is nestled between two gleaming white headlands with a stream gurgling through its centre. Fishing vessels are still winched up onto the pebbly beach and lines of painted wooden bathing huts jostle for space under the white cliffs. In mid-August huge crowds descend on the village for Regatta Week. In mid October there is also a popular Rhythm and Blues Festival. After a hearty breakfast and mug of tea at the old school beach café head west along the cliff path for a mile or so and enter the Beer Quarry Caves. Vast chambers and narrow tunnels, worked continuously from Roman times until 1900, make up this hour long walking tour, through a chapel 200ft underground and passing etched signatures of long gone quarrymen.  It’s chilly down there so wrap up warm.

Back on the coast head south as the path climbs for mile up to Beer Head, a majestic 426foot viewpoint with a stupendous panorama of the surrounding coastline. Take some time to wander down in the Hooken Undercliff, a thickly grown wilderness created by a landslip in 1790… find your way to the beach through the trees.

Sidmouth Folk Festival and Ottery St Mary’s Tar Barrelling

Both Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary are lovely places to visit at any time of year but if you get the chance, don’t miss out on these two unique events.  Sidmouth is a grand old English seaside town with stunning Georgian architecture and boasts one of the country’s most exuberant, and best, folk-music festivals. Sidmouth Folk Festival is held over eight days at the beginning of August. Over 600 folk and roots acts from around the world, as well as dance and theatre companies, converge on this seaside town, taking over venues, parks and pubs.

Ottery St Mary sits on the banks of the River Otter in a gorgeous valley and is the site of one of Devon’s most daring events… annual tar barrelling. This unusual event takes place on Bonfire Night, November the 5^th every year and thankfully has yet to be shut down by the health and safety brigade. Each pub sponsors a barrel which is soaked in tar three days before the event; the barrels are then set alight and carried through town on the backs of volunteers! Seventeen barrels are carried during the day and range in size from small for the “boys”, medium for the women and youths, and up to “gert big unz” for the men. To top it all off is a huge bonfire, a funfair, live music – a great Devon event.