Christmas and New Year
What makes the perfect Christmas break?
As the media report that more Brits are holidaying at home to beat the credit crunch and poor exchange rates, our major cities are reaping the benefits. Combined with the rise in popularity of the traditional German Christmas Market it’s not surprising that we are shunning European city breaks in order to do our Christmas shopping here in the UK.
Crack Christmas in your lunch break
No need to tighten the purse strings this December as online travel and leisure retailer lastminute.com is hosting a whole range of promotions and offers at lunchtimes every day throughout the month.
Enjoy the magic of Christmas at Blair Castle
Enjoy the breathtaking seasonal beauty and splendour of Highland Perthshire’s Blair Castle and grounds this winter. Listen to tales of Christmas traditions past, marvel at the beautifully decorated castle and experience the grandeur of the State Dining Room set for a festive banquet. Visitors can warm themselves by the roaring open fire in the ball room whilst enjoying a complimentary glass of mulled wine.
Experience Christmas in Cape Verde for less
Huge savings of £569 on seven-night Christmas holidays to Cape Verde – departing Birmingham on 19 December – have been announced by specialist operator, Holiday Options. The revised twin share price of £799 per person includes return flights, transfers and all-inclusive accommodation at the Hotel Crioula on the island of Sal.
Love Panto? Head to Haven
Planning a visit to the panto? If you’re looking for top value for money - don’t restrict it to a matinee performance in the Christmas hols! Book a four night break with Haven from as little as £16.50 per person (based on a family of six) and the fun doesn’t stop at an afternoon at the theatre – although the price isn’t much different.
Family Christmas on a working Cornish farm
Six people can hang their Christmas stockings above the fireplace at Tregavone Barn near Padstow. This cosy four star converted pig sty is on a 120 acre working farm close to some of North Cornwall’s most stunning sandy beaches. Your welcome tray includes a homemade Cornish cream tea and you are encouraged to make friends with the cows, sheep, chickens and of course the geese-a-laying during your festive farm-stay.
Leicester's in fashion
A major new short break package has been developed to celebrate Leicester’s spectacular multi-million pound cultural and style renaissance. The new Christmas and New Year shopping breaks start from £170 per couple and include a luxurious superior double room with full English breakfast at one of the region’s most fashionable hotels, Hotel Maiyango – a stunning new 14 bedroom boutique hotel.
Bookings spike as Brits look Christmas getaways
A leading holiday home rentals website has reported a 20 per cent increase in bookings, despite the UK’s struggling economy and reduced consumer spending. Bookings for UK destinations are also on the rise as families look for locations to spend Christmas and New Year without breaking the bank.
Luxurious festive getaways in Devon
Imagine celebrating Christmas or New Year in a stunning Victorian mansion complete with roaring fires, breathtaking estuary views and enough room for all your family or friends. Salcombe Holiday Homes (salcombe.com) specialises in large, luxury properties, which are available to rent over the festive period.
A gift for the globetrotter in your life
From bee hives to jungle jam, gift giving is about to get sweeter with a new partnership between The Travel Foundation, the sustainable tourism charity, and GlobalGiving.co.uk. Visit globalgiving.co.uk/travel to find a list of the Travel Foundation’s destination-based charity projects which are a perfect present for a globetrotting friend or family-member.
Krakow – A real Christmas cracker
The Polish city has appeared in a list of Europe’s top 20 festive markets compiled by The Times. The newspaper described Krakow as “a gem of a city” with “stunning architecture” where you can do your Christmas shopping in the most gorgeous of settings.
Covent Garden will ‘Delight’ visitors this Christmas
This winter, Covent Garden launches Christmas Delight – a unique programme of entertainment and music events, offering something that will charm and delight everyone, from the conscientious consumer, to the Christmas enthusiast, to the thrill seeker and thrifty spender.
Celebrate 2009 with Eurocamp in Amsterdam
If you find yourself in Amsterdam for New Year’s Eve, you’re in for a treat. The city’s streets are filled with people, who have come to enjoy the air of excitement that is New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam.
TV turns on family rows at Christmas
Despite Christmas traditionally being a time of cheer and goodwill, research released today by Holiday Inn has found that many people experience a festive season fraught with disagreements and rows.
Enjoy this English Riviera this festive season
You can enjoy the delights of the English Riviera this Christmas and New Year with Small Families, the UK’s leading operator for single parent holidays. Torquay has been a favourite with British holiday makers for generations with its mild climate, stunning sea views and delightful parks.