Jetsettersblog

Britain’s leading guided walks specialist operator, Ramblers Countrywide Holidays are offering a selection of Christmas breaks to various locations throughout the country.

All of these include half-board accommodation and the services of a dedicated tour leader on all walks.

Walking in the footsteps of the great Alfred Wainwright – a 7 night Christmas break at Hassness House, Buttermere – right in the heart of the beautiful and dramatic Lake District. Some of the best and most varied walking in Britain from the gentle amble to high peak hikes.

7 nights from 21 December – £429 per person

Walking in the Peak District – a 5 night Christmas break in the rugged Peak District’s National Park with its spectacular hills, dales and gorges. Highlights include, High Tor, Matlock Bath, Bakewell, Ashford-in-the-Water, Monsal Head, the cradle of the industrial revolution at Cromford, the High Peak Trail, travel by steam engine to Rowsley and a visit to Chatsworth House – ancestral home of the Dukes of Devonshire.

5 nights from 22 December £629 per person

Discover the North Wiltshire Cotswolds – a 5 night Christmas break in the glorious North Wiltshire Cotswolds discovering its wonderfully preserved ancient villages. Highlights include, Lacock (owned by the National Trust); Castle Combe (voted England’s most beautiful village in the 1960′s); Silbury Hill (built around 2,500 BC); the MacMillan Way though Bybrook Valley to Box’ and the city of Bath.

5 nights from 22 December £464 per person

Church Stretton in the Shropshire hills – one of the most beautiful landscapes in England. Highlights include walks on Longmynd, Pole Bank, the heights of Caer Caradoc and Bodbury Hill. Half-board accommodation at The Longmynd Hotel, set in ten acres of private woodland with panoramic views across the Welsh border.

7 nights from 23 December – £778 per person; 4 nights from 23 December – £544 per person

Rustic Oakham in Rutland – the ancient capital of England’s smallest county. Highlights include, Rutland Water, England’s largest reservoir, lake side walks, long-distance footpaths through Oakham and the Georgian town of Stamford. Half-board accommodation at The Whipper-In Hotel, Oakham – located in the centre of the town in the old market square.

5 nights from 23 December – £484 per person

Cheltenham at Christmas – a spectacular winter-wonderland in the Cotswolds. Highlights include, walks along the Cotswold Way to Leckhampton Hill; the Devil’s Chimney; the Cotswold Escarpment with spectacular views across the River Severn to Wales. On Christmas Day there is a shorter walk past the Whitcombe Reservoir and remains of a Roman Villa. Half board accommodation at Cheltenham & Gloucester Chase Hotel, Brockworth.

5 nights from 22 December – £529 per person;

Bookings for all of the above on

www.ramblerscountrywide.co.uk

01707 386800

Stingy Jack is back by popular demand! Listen to his spooky story and watch out for him lurking by the eerily carved turnips and in dark cobwebby corners
PLUS a whole Dungeon of blood, gore and more to endure including several great rides:
New for 2011, Vengeance: the UK’s first 5D laser ride ONLY at the London Dungeon – the ride of your afterlife!
Extremis: Drop Ride to Doom – an adrenaline-charged “last drop” in the dark
Traitor: Boat Ride to Hell – a chilling water ride
Tickets: £23.52 for adults, £17.52 for children + go with a group of mates for special rates
Priority entrance bookings available online at www.thedungeons.com – best priority entrance price guaranteed
Open 7 days a week, from 10:00am – 5:30pm with extended opening over half term
Nearest Tube/Rail: London Bridge
Visit: www.thedungeons.com for further information.

For Halloween 2011, Stingy Jack is back, following his popular death last year. The evil mythical character from Irish folklore was believed to be damned by the devil and made to walk in darkness for eternity carrying only a turnip lantern to light his way. This year, he will star in his own mini scare show enacted by the London Dungeon’s horribly gruesome actors. Be prepared to feel your blood freeze!

Visitors who survive Jack may wish they hadn’t, when the door to Vengeance, the UK’s first 5D laser ride opens. Taking scare to a whole new level, this technologically groundbreaking 5D ride is a full scale assault on the senses. Set in Victorian times at London’s most haunted address, 50 Berkeley Square, Vengeance takes guests on the ultimate ghost hunt. As a séance spirals out of control, riders will shoot it out against twisted, vengeful spirits whilst completely disorientated in the dark and spinning at high speeds.

With fifteen twisted experiences from Jack the Ripper to chilling rides and horrific characters lurking in the darkness, there is plenty explore this Halloween. Situated in the dark heart of the Capital, just a stone’s throw away from the River Thames, The London Dungeon is open seven days a week. Tickets are £23.52 for adults, £17.52 for children with birthday packages also available. Check www.thedungeons.com for full details or see their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/londondungeonofficial

Sunset days and autumn leaves crunching underfoot, October is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors and with half-term just around the corner, why not treat the whole family to a trip in the UK? With great value accommodations starting at just £29 per room per night*, available at 38 properties across the UK, the Days Inn® hotel brand is offering families a great excuse to escape.

Whether you are a culture vulture, a country bumpkin or an animal lover, book between now and 12 October 2011 and take advantage of brilliant deals for stays at Days Inn hotels between 4 October and 30 November 2011. Here is a selection of some of the great places you and the family can go:

Take the children to Chester Zoo, the UK’s number one zoo, with over 7,000 animals and 400 different species, including some of the most exotic and endangered species on the planet. Accommodation from £29 per room per night* at nearby Days Inn Chester East.

Enjoy Autumn’s celebration of colour in the Peak District with shades of red, brown, yellow and gold offering a romantic backdrop for a short break. Days Inn Chesterfield (Tibshelf) offers a convenient base for exploring as well as rooms from just £29 per room per night*.

Step back in time in Tewkesbury, one of the best medieval townscapes in England with its fine half-timbered Tudor buildings, overhanging upperstoreys and ornately carved doorways. Accommodation from £29 per room per night* at Days Inn Tewkesbury (Strensham).

Discover the birthplace of William Shakespeare, steeped in culture and history. Get a taste of Olde England – and explore the Bard’s own house in Stratford-upon-Avon. Accommodation from £39 per room per night* at nearby Days Inn Warwick South.

For a full list of participating hotels and to book visit www.daysinn.co.uk today.

Rated TripAdvisor’s number one Edinburgh attraction, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions offers a day out with a difference for children and grown-ups alike. And with opening hours now extended to as late as 8pm, there’s even more time to enjoy it.

Following its £1.2m expansion last summer, the five-star attraction has introduced a host of exciting new exhibits including the swirling Vortex Tunnel, Ames Room and Mirror Maze. The most recent addition is the popular ‘Severed Head’ illusion, which creates a fully garnished gruesome platter with the head of an unwitting volunteer.

Located a few feet from the Castle esplanade, Camera Obscura & world of Illusions comprises five floors of interactive exhibits, mind bending illusions and endless hands-on fun, plus a rooftop terrace overlooking the city, which houses the 176-year-old camera obscura itself. Deemed one of the best views of Edinburgh, visitors enjoy a 360 degree panorama across the city rooftops and beyond to the coast of Fife and the Pentlands.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is open seven days a week. Visitors can enjoy extended opening hours during the half term break, with the attraction open from 9.30am to 7pm, now until Friday 21 October, and then to 8pm until Saturday 29 October.

Ticket prices remain the same: adults £9.95, student/senior £7.95, children (5-15 yrs) £6.95 (under 5′s go free). For further details, visit www.camera-obscura.co.uk

Families can save up to €1,000 on sunshine breaks this October half-term following the launch of La Manga Club’s new all-inclusive packages.

The new deals provide five-star accommodation in the Hotel La Manga Club Principe Felipe; all meals and soft drinks; and a host of activities to entertain guests young and old.

All adults will receive a free activity each day from a choice of golf, tennis, selected spa treatments, or places in sports academies or junior club sessions for their children.

In addition all guests receive complimentary access to Spa La Manga Club’s pool, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis and fitness centre – some age restrictions apply – and the return of the Funlandia schedule of events will ensure there are plenty of free fun and games for the whole family.

A five-night, five-star, all-inclusive package, for a family of four, starts from just €2,508, with meals available in a selection of resort restaurants, including Italian cuisine at Luigis; Uncle Sams American diner, La Bodega’s traditional Spanish tapas; Asia, which offers the finest far-eastern food; and the hotel’s exquisite Amapola restaurant.

The Funlandia programme provides a variety of events for children and families, including swimming lessons, dance classes, jewellery and clay workshops, movie nights, treasure hunts and face painting, most of which are completely free of charge.

The resort also offers a range of junior academies with expert tuition in golf, tennis, football, rugby, cricket and dance, as well as a popular junior club.

La Manga Club boasts unrivalled facilities as a sport and leisure venue including three 18-hole championship golf courses, a 28-court tennis centre and a 2,000sqm spa and fitness centre. It also offers the choice of a five-star hotel, four-star serviced apartments and townhouses, more than 20 bars and restaurants and great fun for families.

For more information or to book a stay at La Manga Club call 00 34 968 17 5577, email reserve@lamangaclub.com  or visit www.lamangaclub.com

Nonsuch Bay Resort in Antigua has nine more apartments opening in October ready for half term. Book now and take advantage of the resort’s sailing activities and flexible childcare programme.

The apartments are decorated in a clean and luxurious style with hardwood floors, white walls and contemporary furniture. Each one has light and spacious living areas opening on to oversized verandahs with views of the bay. The resort also has a restaurant and three infinity pools.

Children and adults can spend their days sailing with the resort’s expert instructors in outstanding conditions for small boat sailing. Nonsuch Bay has specialist sailing facilities and two square miles of enclosed waters, protected from the open sea by a barrier reef, making it ideal for those learning to sail. More experienced sailors can take advantage of the consistent and warm trade winds.

Children up to the age of eight, who are too young to take part in the resort’s sailing activities can be booked into childcare for mornings of afternoons only or for the whole day. Children’s activities include scavenger hunts, nature walks, cooking, pool activities, treasure hunts, scrapbook making and sailing trips. A nanny service is also available, which allows children to be cared for in their apartment and in the creche.

A week in a two bed apartment at Nonsuch Bay, Antigua departing on 22 October with Virgin Atlantic costs from £1,089 per person based on four sharing with Kenwood Travel on 0207 749 9245.

The cost of childcare is £32 (US$50) for a half day (9.00am to noon and 1.00pm to 4.00pm) or £44 (US$70) for both morning or afternoon.

Superbreak line up great short break deals for October Half-Term

With half-term and Halloween not far away, why not treat the kids with a short break to attractions around the UK that are offering themed events as an added treat. Short break specialist Superbreak has packages to some of the key event happening this half-term that will keep little ghouls and goblins, witches and wizards entertained – but watch out, there’s something eerie around every corner!

WAND MAKING AND POTION MIXING AT EDEN PROJECT – HALLOWEDEN – £188 per family of four -Celebrate Halloween in Cornwall this October half-term with ‘Halloweden’ at the Eden Project with lots of spooky fun to keep the little terrors interested over the holidays. This popular family event will include the ‘Wishcraft tent’ offering little ones the chance to see pumpkin carving demos and try their hand at wand making and potion mixing. There is also the chance to have a go at ice-skating as there will be a wintry rink, which has a new design for 2011. Packages are from £188 per family of four staying one night in a family room at the three star Victoria Hotel Newquay and including a days entrance to the Eden Project for all. Breakfast is included for the adults, children pay locally. Valid 22 – 30 October.

ALTON TOWERS– SCAREFEST – £172 per family of four – Share in the season of spooktacular fun as Alton Towers celebrates ‘Scarefest ‘this Halloween from 15th – 31st October. With spine-tingling spooks for younger visitors and haunting horrors for thrill-seeking ghost hunters, there’s something for everyone this half-term. Scarefest 2011 features favourites such: as the Boiler House, Carnival of Screams and the infamous Terror of the Towers, as well as introducing some all-new haunting horrors. Guests will also be able to experience the theme park’s adrenaline pumping rides including the five greats: Nemesis, Oblivion, Air, Rita and the world’s first free fall drop coaster TH13TEEN with late night opening until 9pm every night. Visitors can expect the unexpected whilst wandering through the iconic Towers and riding a host of rollercoasters in the dark. Packages are from £172 per family of four staying one night in a family room at the three star Travelodge Burton A38 Southbound and including a days entrance to the park for all. (Children 4-11yrs) Valid from 15 – 31 October.

FANCY DRESS AT CADBURY WORLD – ‘HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR‘ – £89.20 per family of four – Head to chocolate heaven this half-term at Cadbury’s world in Bourneville and as an added treat the attraction is encouraging children to get dressed up as their favourite scary character. Kids of all ages will be treated to 14 different zones of chocolatey fun and delights, whilst learning how delicious Cadbury chocolate is made and its fascinating history and heritage.See chocolatiers demonstrate traditional chocolate-making skills and take a nostalgic walk through time in the life sized chocolate street. Have fun playing in chocolate rain, writing with liquid chocolate and concocting chocolate creations. There’s also an outdoor play area to burn off some energy before a visit to the World’s biggest Cadbury shop where families can stock up on all their favourite Cadbury treats. Packages are from £89.20 per family of four staying one night in a family room at the three star Travelodge Birmingham Central and including a days entrance to Cadbury World for all. Valid 22 – 30 October.

DECORATE CLOTHES AND ACCESSORITES AT KENSINGTON PALACE – £127 per family of four – This half-term head to London and why not spend the day at Kensington Palace, a historical Royal Palace that has been the home of some of Britain’s most famous Kings and Queens. Children can join in the special Georgian Celebrations between 22 and 30 October and clothes and accessories to wear to the party, learn about the language of fans and discover how the Georgians entertained their guests and have a go at playing some of their games. Packages are from £127 per family of four staying one night in a family room at three star Royal National Hotel and including a days entrance to Kensington Palace for all. Breakfast is included for the adults, children pay locally. Valid 22 – 30 October.

For more information or to book call Superbreak on 0871 222 3055

or visit www.superbreak.com

Always fancied heading down to the White Continent and following in the footsteps of famous explorers? Want to see some of the most amazing and awe inspiring scenery in the world but like the comfort of returning to a warm ship each day? Niche expedition cruise operator, Hurtigruten has launched a special offer for anyone wanting to visit Antarctica this winter that offers savings of up to £1240pp.

Book an Antarctic Discovery or Weddell Sea Adventure itinerary on selected dates in January and February 2012 and take advantage of a new, unspecified cabin offer. This means that passengers book a cabin at a special price which will be allocated to them on arrival. This could result in receiving a higher category cabin!

The voyage is onboard MS Fram, a ship specifically designed for polar exploration. Onboard lectures and talks lead by experts on Antarctica will ensure guests learn as much as possible during their voyage. Polarcirkel boats are used to take passengers ashore and closer to penguin colonies, ice formations and the wonders of Antarctica.

Antarctic Discovery – £3948pp (Was £4934) – SAVE £986pp – Available on 3 January and 14 February 2012. This 12-day voyage offers an introduction to the world’s most beguiling continent. Now priced from £3948 (was £4934) per person for an unspecified outside cabin including nine night’s full board on the ship, return domestic charter flight between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, one night’s b/b accommodation in Buenos Aires before and after the voyage, transfers and lectures. International flight packages are extra. Based on two sharing.

Weddell Sea Adventure – £4964pp (Was £6204pp) – SAVE £1240pp – Available on 21 January, this 15-day trip offers the chance to reach a latitude of 74° south into the rarely-visited, true heart of Antarctica, travelling in the wake of great pioneers such as Captain James Weddell and Sir Ernest Shackleton. Now priced from £4697 (was £6204)) per person for an unspecified outside cabin N grade cabin including 12 night’s full board on the ship, return domestic charter flight between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, one night’s b/b accommodation in Buenos Aires before and after the voyage, transfers and lectures. International flight packages are extra. Based on two sharing.For more information call Hurtigruten on 020 8846 2666 www.hurtigruten.co.uk

For further press information please contact: Madeleine Roast, Magnetic Public Relations Ltd, Tel: 07971 000265, Email: Madeleine@magneticpr.co.uk  , www.twitter.com/MadsMagnetic , Skype: madroast www.magneticpr.co.uk

Blythswood Square is located on a quiet green square right in the city centre which makes it perfect for a Christmas city break. When you tire of all the sightseeing and festivities you can retreat to the spa, experience the bespoke Turus treatments, indulge in the unique seven stage thermal experience and relax in Scotland’s first Seaweed Bath – the ultimate detoxifying experience complete with organic seaweed sourced direct from the Hebrides and rich in detoxifying minerals it can even battle cellulite! Alternatively chill out in the hotel’s stylish cocktail bar and sample some of the head bartenders exciting concoctions.

Glasgow is one of the greenest cities in the UK and a beautiful park is never more than a short walk away so wrap up warm and discover the riverside and woodland trails waiting to be explored. For theatre lovers there is a wide variety of shows on offer from ‘Snow White and the Seventh Dwarf’ – a laugh out loud comedy, the Scottish Ballet’s production of ‘Sleeping Beaut’y to the ‘Magical Adventures of Peter Pan’ there is something for everyone!

For the more musically minded the Christmas Festival at the Royal Concert Hall stages 10 days of entertainment to celebrate Christmas starting on 21st December with Carols by Candlelight. If you are in need of any retail therapy the Style Mile will impress and the city also has a growing vintage scene for that unique LBD for something more traditional visit the German Christmas market in St. Enoch’s Square.

Celebrate Christmas in true Scottish style at Blythswood Square.

The Christmas Break Package includes:

- Mulled wine and mince pies on arrival

- Two night’s luxury accommodation in an individually designed bedroom

- Use of the Scottish Thermal Experience throughout your stay

- Full Scottish Breakfast on the 25th December

- Christmas Day Lunch (1pm-8pm)

- Christmas Day Gift

- Brunch on the 26th December

Price £507 for a two night stay based on two adults sharing a Wee Classic Double

This offer is open from 24th-26th December 2011.

Alternatively if you prefer to stay at home over Christmas and escape for the New Year Scotland is renowned for it’s Hogmanay celebrations. Treat yourself to a luxury New Year Break at Blythswood square and soak up some of Scotland’s world famous festive atmosphere in style.

You can even pop along to the New Year’s Eve Street Party in George Square and watch the New Year roll in with a fantastic firework display. The New Year Break includes:

- An overnight stay in a luxury and individually designed bedroom

- 7 course dinner

- Full Scottish breakfast (extended to 11am on 1st January 2012)

- Access to the thermal Experience within the spa

- A choice of entertainment including Jazz in the Salon until midnight and a DJ in the Monte Carlo Suit until 2am

Available from 31st December 2011 to 1st January 2012 . Priced from £350 per room per night

For further information visit   www.blythswoodsquare.com

or telephone 0141 240 1622.

One of the UK’s most haunted castles will invite daring visitors to explore its deepest, darkest corners at a forthcoming Halloween event.

Glamis Castle, located in Angus and once the childhood home of The Queen Mother, is a picturesque castle set in a 14,000 acre estate and considered to be one of the most charming buildings in all of Scotland. However, this fairytale castle hides more than its fair share of dark secrets.

On Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October, Glamis Castle will share some of these secrets with curious visitors at its Halloween themed event. The event, which is aimed at families and will take place after dark, will provide a rare opportunity for visitors to wander the shadowy passageways and discover the ghostly goings-on and terrifying tales of this mysterious castle.

Helping to set the scene for this Halloween extravaganza are the enigmatic storytellers who will be recounting the spooky stories associated with this historic venue. Commencing within the dimly lit 16th century kitchens, the storytellers will set the scene before leading visitors through creepy corridors, before climbing narrow winding staircases into the crypt and finally venturing outdoors, for a torch lit procession.

The castle, which is the setting for Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, has a fascinating history and is widely recognised for its myths and legends. Over the centuries, various ghostly spectres have been sighted. Amongst the many spirits of the castle is that of the Grey Lady, who has often been sighted silently praying within the chapel. Also said to appear above the clock tower, the Grey Lady’s presence has been seen by a number of visitors spanning three centuries.

Another ghostly spectre referenced by the house staff is that of a young black boy sitting in an old stone seat by the door of the Queen Mother’s bedroom. It is said that this apparition relates to a young servant who worked in the castle over 200 years ago and was considered to be ‘very mischievous’. Having been caught misbehaving, the servant was ordered by his master to sit on the stone seat and to remain seated until dismissed. However, the absentminded master forgot to dismiss his servant and the young boy is said to have continued sitting until he froze to death. It is even claimed that, on occasion, the boy may attempt to trip visitors on the step as they pass.

David Broadfoot, Castle Administrator, at Glamis says, “With our reputation as Scotland’s most haunted castle, there is no other place that captures the mood of Halloween like Glamis! Our Halloween event gives us the opportunity to showcase this beautiful place in a different light. The event has been very popular in previous years and as one of the castle’s fastest selling events, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage interested visitors to book early.”

In addition to the guided tour and storytelling, the Halloween event will also offer visitors the chance to partake in a ‘Fiendish Feast’, which will see the Victorian Dining Room take on a completely different atmosphere after dark. To further enhance this atmospheric event, visitors are asked to bring lanterns and both children and adults alike are invited to dress up for the chance to win a prize for the best dressed.

For further details on the above event or to book tickets, please call 01307 840393 or visit www.glamis-castle.co.uk