Jetsettersblog

Summer In Greenwich

SUMMER IN MARITIME GREENWICH WORLD HERITAGE SITE

New Beer & Jazz Festival: Greenwich Wheel: Open-Air Theatre:

Free Attractions

This summer sees the first Greenwich Beer & Jazz Festival from 16 – 20 July in the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College; the high flying Greenwich Wheel remains in place until 28 September and several of the local historic attractions open their doors for free. Outdoor events also include a Continental Market in Cutty Sark Gardens over the weekend of 5-6 July and theatrical and opera performances in the Royal Observatory Gardens, Greenwich Park.

Whether you are planning a short summer break or a day visit to this beautiful World Heritage Site beside the Thames in south east London, there are plenty of things for every age to enjoy, which are easy on the pocket and ensure a great value family day out.

Maritime Greenwich also has some of south east London’s best pubs, restaurants and evening entertainment; a perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat and then go on to experience some brilliant theatre, exhilarating dance or live music.

With so much to see and do within Maritime Greenwich during the summer, it deserves more than just a day trip. Visitors can stay in the heart of the World Heritage Site at Novotel London Greenwich or Devonport House, both graded four star, or a quality B&B, perfectly placed to explore the many attractions and eateries on their doorstep.

New Beer & Jazz Festival

Quench your thirst this summer at the first Greenwich Beer & Jazz Festival on the lawns of King Charles Gardens at the Old Royal Naval College for five days and nights between July 16 and 20. Celebrating London’s tradition and expertise in brewing fine real ales, and the rich brewing history of the College, there will be great live jazz, a variety of food stalls and, fingers crossed, some warm summer sunshine.

This official CAMRA festival will play host to over 140 real ales, lagers, ciders and bottled beers from some of the best British breweries, as well as the latest summer brews, past champion beers and pub favourites.

The jazz line-up features an eclectic mix of summer sounds; from chilled lunchtimes to energetic evening sessions, with the very best in traditional jazz, funk, blues and soul. Traditional jazz enthusiasts will love the line-up, which includes James Evans Giraffe Band featuring Trevor ‘Fingers’ Williams’, Gumbo and Gentleman Jim McIntosh and the Jazzaholics; while the contemporary vibes will be supplied by among others, Snake Davis and Zena James.

Bookings for the Greenwich Beer & Jazz Festival can be made at the venue or in advance on www.greenwichbeerandjazz.com ; tickets are from £7 and opening times 12 noon to 10.30pm. The festival is supported by the Nelson and Meantime breweries and organised by PWR Events.

Greenwich Wheel

At 180ft (55m) from the ground visitors riding the Greenwich Wheel will have wonderful panoramic views beyond St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London to the west, across the river and past Canary Wharf to the heights of Hampstead Heath, and east to the Olympic site in the Lea Valley. In the foreground, the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site will be laid out in a rare perspective. Forty gondolas will each carry a maximum of six people taking 12-15 minutes to complete a rotation.

Tickets are £7 per adult and £4.50 for children under 16; a private gondola is £30 or, for that special experience, a champagne gondola can be reserved. It will be open seven days a week from 10am until 10pm; tickets are available at the wheel, subject to availability, or can be booked in advance online at www.greenwichwheel.com  (last tickets 9.30pm). The Greenwich Wheel is operated by PWR Events and supported by Regatta outdoor clothing.

Outdoor Theatre

Greenwich Theatre will be presenting afternoon and early evening outdoor performances by Rainbow Shakespeare of two of the Bard’s most popular comedies, the Merchant of Venice and the Taming of the Shrew in the Royal Observatory Gardens, Greenwich Park between 23 July and 3 August. There will also be a one-off performance of the opera Don Pasquale by the Garden Opera Company on 25 August. Book online at www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Free Admission

Among the attractions offering free entry is the National Maritime Museum, which includes the Queen’s House and Royal Observatory (www.nmm.ac.uk ).

Britain’s seafaring heritage is dramatically recreated in the museum’s galleries from the times of early explorers and household names like Nelson, Cook and Shackleton to visions of the future. The Atlantic Worlds gallery tells the story of Britain and the Americas in the years before independence while the All Hands interactive exhibits will keep children happily occupied.

The perfectly proportioned Queen’s House was begun in 1616 by Inigo Jones and now serves as a fine art gallery with changing displays. Currently on show is Turmoil and Tranquillity, an exhibition of marine drawings and paintings by Dutch and Flemish masters, 1550 - 1700.

Founded as a scientific institution for navigational research by Charles II in 1675, the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Among its most valued possessions are the clocks developed by John Harrison to determine longitude at sea. The Time and Space galleries also tell the story of time and help explain how we study the stars; you can stand in the courtyard astride the Prime Meridian Longitude Zero, which marks the division between the East and West hemispheres and from where world time zones have been calculated by international agreement since 1884.

For a small entrance fee you can also watch a fascinating laser show giving an insight into the mysteries of our Universe at the Peter Harrison Planetarium alongside the Royal Observatory.

The Old Royal Naval College offers free entry into its grounds alongside the Thames as well as the Chapel and Painted Hall, which has been described as Britain’s answer to Rome’s Sistine Chapel (www.oldroyalnavalcollege.org ).

Other free attractions include the Royal Greenwich Park with its beautiful rose garden, deer enclosure and stunning views across to the city of London; St Alfege Church which is home to several lunchtime recitals and the Cutty Sark pavilion where you can see the story of the tea clipper’s history and conservation. You can also walk through the vibrant Greenwich Market, which is open Wednesday to Sunday with a new food market on Wednesdays (www.greenwichmarket.net).

Special places well worth a visit making and which make a small entrance charge are the Fan Museum where a new exhibition, Fashion in the Palm of your Hand, running until 26 October explores fans as a filter for understanding fashion (www.fan-museum.org ) and the Wernher Collection at the Ranger’s House. Brought together by the diamond millionaire Sir Julius Wernher (1850-1912), the collection of over 700 works of art contains Renaissance jewellery, old masters, Limoges enamels and an eclectic array of items (www.english-heritage.org.uk).

Travelling to Maritime Greenwich during July and August

Maritime Greenwich is easily reached by South Eastern’s train service from London Bridge to Greenwich or via the Docklands Light Railway alighting at Cutty Sark. Alternatively there are several bus services coming through Greenwich or visitors can arrive by passenger boat at Greenwich Pier.

Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is currently carrying out improvements to the line which will allow greater capacity on the trains. Tower Gateway will be temporarily closed until April 2009; passengers are recommended to take the Jubilee Line and change to the DLR at Canary Wharf for Cutty Sark, or take the mainline South Eastern service from London Bridge to Greenwich.

The DLR link from Canary Wharf to Lewisham, via Cutty Sark, will also be suspended over some weekends when visitors are advised to use South Eastern trains.

To check details before travelling either call DLR customer services on 020 7363 9700 or visit www.dlr.co.uk , where the journey planner might also be of assistance.

Alternatively visitors can take a river cruise from a choice of piers and disembark at Greenwich, where the pier is under redevelopment to create a stylish, new waterside environment scheduled to open summer 2009 with a new landing stage, restaurants and café. Greenwich Pier remains open throughout its redevelopment period.

For details about travel to Greenwich, other events, places to visit and accommodation suggestions log onto www.greenwichwhs.org.uk  or telephone the Greenwich Tourist Information Centre on 0870 608 2000.

Haven Holidays summer entertainment package

Haven Holidays summer entertainment package kicks into action on July 19th

Muscle bound green giant the Incredible Hulk will be stepping directly out of Marvel Comics and into a Haven park near you – appearing live on stage in all his 7’2’’ action-packed pec-be-decked green glory. Exclusively available on selected Haven parks this one promises to be a huge favourite.

Summertime pantos have always been a ‘wow’ with kids who can’t wait until Christmas, but this year Haven have gone 3D with a Bogglevision version of Aladdin that brings panto-fun right up to date with cutting edge technology, special glasses and a performance that will leap right out into the audience. Honest, it’s amazing!

Circus stars from all over the world …but especially Russia…will be bringing all the fun of the big top to your holiday. And there’s wrestling, comedy acts and regular cabaret alongside professionally choreographed stage-shows, family shows for kids including Beauty and the Beast, the new Zoo Troop Rescue Show and the ever popular Professor Schloops. And all of it is included in the cost of your holiday.

There’s even more on offer during the day, with extra sports and activities with Family Tennis, Pilates and a chance to discover your inner golfer….as well as a sporting package that includes football, archery, fencing and family Wake and Shake sessions.

A seven night holiday in ‘Superior’ self-catering accommodation starts at £399 for a family of up to four people arriving on July 19th – based on Caister, near Great Yarmouth or Cala Gran, near Blackpool. Presthaven Sands in North Wales costs from £459 or Burnham on Sea starts at £529.

For immediate bookings, more information and details of other special offers visit www.haven.com  or call 0871 230 1900.

Transform Yourself At The Royal Yacht

This summer The Royal Yacht in Jersey is delighted to announce its latest packages to transform your physical and mental well-being in luxurious surroundings. From confidence boosting, to stopping smoking, to kick-starting your new fitness regime, there is a package to suit every need.

Begin your well-being weekend with an easy, short flight to Jersey, and just 15-minutes later you can be sitting on the terrace at The Royal Yacht. The hotel, which reopened July 2007, following a £30million upgrade and expansion, offers a luxurious spa, three restaurants serving a range of delicious and healthy meals, including the top class Restaurant Sirocco, and three bars, should you wish to let your hair down at the end of the day.

Four of the new packages have been created in partnership with Personal Trainer and Life Coach, Bryce Alford, described by GMTV’s Pete Cohen: “Bryce’s dedication to the people he works with shines through. His determination to help others on their journey to change is unstoppable!” These tailor-made packages have been designed to meet specific personal development needs. They draw on Bryce’s wide experience, having spent considerable time with many of the leading names in the field of personal development, such as Tony Robbins, Richard Bandler and Paul McKenna, and include the latest mind and body techniques, including NLP, EFT and hypnosis to create rapid change.

Using the finest Phytomer products, based on marine ingredients from the nearby French town of St Malo, The Royal Yacht’s Spa Sirène provides the ultimate in relaxation and pampering. Offering a number of signature treatments, such as the much-loved ‘Me, Me, Me Facial’, ‘Lavender Lullaby Massage, and the very popular ‘Perfect Package’ for men.

Located just 22 miles off the coast of France, Jersey makes the perfect backdrop to your weekend away. Officially the sunniest place in the British Isles, with vast stretches of sandy beaches, Jersey’s breathtaking fresh sea air will entice you to spend time outdoors. With a wide range of active pursuits on offer including blo-karting, waterskiing, kite surfing, abseiling, horse riding and kayaking, there really is something to keep everyone on their toes.

The Royal Yacht’s new packages:

I Quit – if it’s time to finally kick the habit, a weekend in Jersey is what you need. Working with life coach Bryce Alford, whilst in the relaxing setting of The Royal Yacht will leave you inhaling only fresh sea air. This two night packages costs £529 per person.

Confidence Clinic – feel confident on the inside and out, with this 3-night package, which combines exercises to help you train your mind, with a luxurious facial to help relax you. This two night package costs £489 per person.

What’s Eating You? – obtain the emotional, nutritional and physical support you need to achieve your weight loss goals. This three night package costs £679 per person.

Personal Power – kick-start your new fitness regime and healthy lifestyle with a three-day programme with Personal Development expert, Bryce Alford. This three night package costs £639 per person.

Spa and Sail – the perfect his and hers package, combining the thrill of sailing aboard one of the Dufour 34 Yachts with the relaxation of Spa Sirène’s finest treatments. This two night package costs £259 per person.

The Bigger Picture – The Royal Yacht’s ‘green’ package, which includes bicycle hire, animal adoption and a visit to Jersey’s internationally renowned Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. This two night package costs £249 per person.

A Danish Beach Break This Summer

Some of the best beaches in the whole of northern Europe are actually to be found in Denmark – and with summer temperatures generally hovering around a comfortable 20-25 degrees C, Denmark offers the perfect environment for a relaxing, get-away-from-it-all beach break.

There is a huge array of beaches stretching around the country’s 7,000km of sandy coastline, over 200 of which have been awarded Blue Flags in recognition of their environment, water quality, safety and facilities. From empty stretches of pristine sand to busy resorts featuring every activity under the sun, Denmark’s beaches are perfect for families, nature lovers, sports enthusiasts and just about every imaginable kind of summer holiday.

Best beaches for families

Denmark is full of family-friendly beaches scattered all around the coast. One of the best is Bisnap Beach in North Jutland, which was voted ‘Northern Jutland’s Best Beach’ by the readers of leading Danish newspaper, Morgenavisen Jyllands-Posten. Located just north of the typical Danish fishing village of Hals, this scenic, un-crowded beach is backed by extensive dunes and offers safe bathing and plenty of activities. The fine sand and shallow waters make this an especially child-friendly option, and the beach’s Blue Flag status is the icing on the cake.

Where to stay? Novasol offers a wide range of cosy holiday cottage and with prices per cottage they offer great value for families. Prices start from £150 to £250 for up to six people, depending on the time of year (www.novasol.co.uk  or call 0870 197 6568).

Further south in West Jutland, there are some spectacular beaches stretching along the North Sea coastline. One of the most magnificent of the region’s beaches is the 60km stretch of sand between Blavandshuk to Hvide Sande. Backed by a breathtaking wilderness of towering sand dunes, the North Sea beaches are some of Denmark’s most stunning. Kids will love the ‘seal safari’ boat trips that are available from Esbjerg Harbour, with sightings of Denmark’s largest population of spotted seals being virtually guaranteed during the summer months.

Where to stay? SeaWest (www.strandhotellerne.dk ) is one of Denmark’s newest holiday centres and located close to Hvide Sande with spacious, well-appointed, one- and two-storey chalets, where a week at the end of August in a Fisherman’s Cottage costs from £520 for a family of 4.

Some of Europe’s widest beaches can be found down in South Jutland, where the enormous stretch of white sand at Rømø is simply breathtaking and offers plenty of room for kite-surfing and sandcastle-building alike!

Where to stay? Many of the campsites (www.danskecampingpladser.dk )and holiday cottages (www.novasol.co.uk ). in this area, such as at Haderslev, Aabenraa and Sønderborg are located right on the beach, making for a hassle-free experience.

The island of Funen and its archipelago of southern islands combines some of Denmark’s most stunning scenery with wide sandy beaches and picturesque seaside towns such as the fishing village of Kerteminde, with its new sea-life centre ‘Fjord & Bælt’ where children can getting up close and personal with small whales and other fascinating sea life (www.fjord-baelt.dk ) or go west to the centuries old harbour of Assens for seafaring history and remarkably well-preserved collection of 18th and 19th century merchants houses.

Where to stay? Some of the best camp sites in Denmark can be found on Funen, with over 40 sites to choose from, including a number of exclusive 5 star campsites such as Top Camp Bogense Strand (www.bogensecamp.dk ) with everything from family water parks to private Jacuzzis (www.danishcampsites.co.uk ).

Another family favourite can be found at Grenaa in East Jutland. With seven kilometres of white, sandy beach and easy access to the many child-friendly attractions on the Djursland peninsula, Grenaa Strand is an obvious choice for families. Top attractions in the area include the Tivoli Friheden amusement park (whose rides range from a gentle Ferris wheel to some genuinely hair-raising roller-coasters) and the Djurs Sommerland water park, whose 60+ rides include roller-coasters, water slides and a kids’ flying school.

Where to stay? The holiday centre at FerieCenter Kattegat (www.kattegat.dk ) costs from £626 in June but after mid August the prices drops to £438 for a standard Type A house on a self catering basis for up to 4 people. Another great option a bit more inland is the DanParcs holiday centre “Søhøjlandet” near the pretty lake town of Silkeborg (www.danparcs.dk ).

Further east on Sealand, the coastline is characterised by sheltered beaches, picturesque fishing villages and countless islands that are ideal for exploring by boat. South of here are the relaxed, sandy beaches around the islands of Lolland, Falster and Mon, which are ideal for bathing especially Ulvshale on the island of Møn, Marielyst on the island of Falster and the whole of the Lolland-island Baltic coast.

Where to stay? A week at the Gilleleje Holiday Centre in North Sealand (www.danskfolkeferie.dk ), for example, costs from £931 in July but after mid August the price drops to from £645 for a week in a type B house for up to 6 people on a self catering basis. Alternatively, further south on the little island of Møn a week at the Camping Møns Klint (www.campingmoensklint.dk ) costs from approximately £200 for a family of two adults and two children.

Best beaches for …. beach combing

Not just for flotsam and jetsam: sharp-sighted beachcombers on many of Denmark’s beaches may be rewarded with genuine treasure in the form of particles of golden amber. These nuggets of prehistoric pine resin can be found in many places, though the oldest known example (carbon-dated to be around 170 million years old) was found on Bornholm, an island in the Baltic Sea that’s famed for its wonderful beaches and stunning scenery. Other good places to hunt for amber include the beaches of West Jutland, Kattegat and Østersøen. Conditions for both amber- and fossil-hunting are best after a storm, when the waves cast exciting discoveries all over the shore.

Down in the southern Sealand region (www.visiteastdenmark.com), meanwhile, the erosion of the dramatic cliffs at Møn make this area ideal for fossil-hunters and the opening of the GeoCenter at Møns Klint (www.moensklint.dk ) last year brings the story of Denmark’s geological development from 70 million years ago to the present today, to life with an interactive visitor centre that showcases the spectacular chalk cliffs.

Best beaches for…. art-lovers

Skagen, located right up on the extreme north-eastern tip of Denmark, has long attracted artists to the region thanks to the strangely pure quality of the daylight that’s given the North Jutland region its nickname, the ‘Land of Light’. Many hundreds of paintings of the local area can be viewed in the Skagens Museum (www.skagensmuseum.dk ), after which visitors can discover the artists’ renderings of the views and scenery in real life. Skagen’s beach – a long finger of the finest sand surrounded by waters of the brightest blue – is one of Denmark’s most iconic natural sites.

Best beaches for ….water sports enthusiasts

Wide, open beaches combined with fresh winds from the North Sea make South and West Jutland an ideal place to try out a variety of water sports. Windsurfing is popular all along the West Jutland coast, while down on South Jutland’s island of Rømø the wide, sandy beaches are perfect for kite surfing and beach sailing (also known as blow-karting). At 1½ miles wide at a low-tide, Sønderstranden beach offers the best conditions for these two activities in the whole of the country.

Best beaches for …. history buffs

There can be few more imposing backdrops to a beach holiday than the dramatic Renaissance masterpiece that is Kronborg Castle (www.kronborgcastle.com ). Located atop a sandy peninsular near the town of Helsingør, Kronborg Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is famed as the fictional setting for William Shakespeare’s tragic play, Hamlet. Over on the west coast, history comes to life at the Viking Museum and nearby Viking Centre (www.ribesvikinger.dk ), located just inland from the wonderful beaches to the south of Ebsjerg.

Best beaches for …. nature-lovers

Wildlife abounds around Denmark’s coastline and there are many exciting species to be discovered within easy reach of the beach. Skagen in North Jutland (www.visitnordjylland.com ) is a well-known hotspot for migrating birds, which congregate here in some numbers in the springtime before continuing their journeys across the Baltic Sea. Over on North Jutland’s western coast, the white sandy beaches within the newly-designated Thy National Park (www.thy.dk ) are just a stone’s throw away from exciting wildlife in the hinterland. Top billing goes to nearby Bygholm Vejlerne, the largest bird sanctuary in northern Europe, where bird species include ducks, waders and exotic-looking spoonbills.

Best beaches for …. foodies

Danish cuisine relies heavily on the dairy, cereal, pork and seafood products that grow readily in the country’s Scandinavian climate. Certain regional recipes are well worth searching out, such as the traditional home-made sausages found in South Jutland One of the most distinctive regional ingredients, however, is the delightfully salty ‘Wadden Sea lamb’ that is raised on the coastal grasslands of West Jutland. The delicious meat can be discovered in restaurants all across the region (www.gb.sydjylland.com ).

Best of both worlds!

The island of Funen and its surrounding archipelago of smaller islands combine the best of both worlds, with stunning scenery and wide sandy beaches lying within easy reach of Odense, Denmark’s third-largest city. Known as one of the oldest towns in Denmark and the birthplace of children’s storyteller Han Christian Andersen, this medieval city has some interesting attractions such as the Hans Christian Andersen Museum (www.odmus.dk ) and the superb collection of galleries, cafés and cinemas at Brandts Klædefabrik, housed in a former textile factory (www.brandts.dk ). Funen’s beaches are well known for their multitude of water sports, which include sea kayaking and sailing around the islands. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the opportunity of spotting seals and even whales when exploring these pristine coastal waters.

Getting there

Getting to Denmark from the UK has never been easier. DFDS Seaways (www.dfds.co.uk ) sails from Harwich to Esbjerg, while Sterling (www.sterling.dk ), SAS Scandinavian Airlines (www.flysas.com ) and Ryanair (www.ryanair.com ) fly to various Danish gateways from several UK airports.

For more information on Denmark including the latest offers go to this link:

FLOTILLA SAILING IN THE GREEK IONIAN SEA

TUITION FOR NOVICES

Departures 22 June from Gatwick: £459pppw

Join a social flotilla cruising the Greek Ionian islands with Sunvil Sailing departing Sunday 22 June from London Gatwick priced at £459 for one week or £729 for a fortnight with optional tuition for beginners. The price includes return flights from Gatwick, transfers and live aboard accommodation.

Beginners, or those with limited sailing experience, will literally learn the ropes under the watchful eye of a qualified instructor leading to a competent crew or day skipper certificate, dependent on their ability. Experienced solo travellers, or couples, can share-a-yacht with other sailors. After a day cruising around the islands, all the boats moor up in port together for a social evening ashore.

The live-aboard accommodation with or without tuition is based on two sharing a cabin and there is a contribution towards an onboard kitty for yacht damage waiver, fuel, a souvenir chart and other items including some meals and refreshments on board for those on a learn-to-sail yacht.

For further details call Sunvil Sailing on Tel: 020 8758 4780.

Email sailing@sunvil.co.uk

 or log onto www.sunvilsailing.co.uk

Travel The Euro Zone Without The Pinch

Lower taxes and subsidies give the Canaries an edge over more expensive mainland

Holidaymakers looking to cut costs to counter the euro exchange rate should look to the Canary Islands, where lower taxes and government subsidies make eating, drinking and refuelling much cheaper than in mainland Spain. According to the recently published Post Office holiday costs barometer, Spain is already the cheapest Euro zone country but there are several reasons why the Canaries are much cheaper still.

In mainland Spain almost everything is subject to a tax of 16.5% but in the Canaries the tax is only 4.5%, making food, drink, fuel etc. all significantly cheaper. Not only this, but any foods that are shipped in from the mainland (beef, vegetables etc) are subsidised by the government so that instead of being more expensive (like most islands that have to import the majority of their food) they are actually much cheaper. Tourists who are in self catering villas can take advantage of this subsidy just as much as the locals can.

For example, Mahou Beer (made in Madrid) is 1.50 euros in the capital and a mere 1.20 euros in Lanzarote. Mi chocolate milk on mainland Spain is 1.11 euros, in Lanzarote it’s just 42c. The cost of petrol and diesel is also about a third cheaper, making car hire and taxis much more affordable.

Premier Holidays is the largest villas with pools specialists in the Canaries, still with availability across the islands in July and August. For example, Villa Rosato is a three bedroom luxury villa set in Puerto Calero, Lanzarote. Set in spacious grounds with sub-tropical gardens and extensive south facing terraces, it’s just a five minute walk to the exclusive marina with a choice of shops and restaurants. This villa is available throughout July and August with prices starting from £1488 per week. This price is for the villa only and doesn’t include flights which can be booked via a number of airlines including Easyjet, Thomsonfly and XL Airways. Easyjet are currently offering July flights from London Gatwick to Lanzarote from £87.99 one way.

Call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit www.premier-holidays.com

Brandenburg - There’s More Than Just Berlin

Why be modest when there’s something to boast about? Brandenburg’s new English-language brochure “Brandenburg Holiday Destination” starts off with saying that if it didn’t exist anyway, the people of Berlin would have had to invent it…

So, take a minute and get yourself acquainted with the wide choice of things to see and do in Brandenburg. The regions close proximity to Berlin offers ideal opportunities for combining a city break with a variety of holiday options. The brochure includes highlights such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Potsdam with the palaces and gardens of Sanssouci or the natural landscape of the “Spreewald”, an atmospheric and secretive labyrinth consisting of thousands of small and larger waterways which is unique in Europe.

Brandenburg is also presented as a destination for active and well-being holidays and special features on the industrial culture, film and GDR history are included. Visitors will furthermore find information on culinary specialities and accommodation in the brochure.

Since 2007, Tourism Marketing Brandenburg has increased its activities in the UK market and is presenting the region as a travel destination to consumers, press and the travel trade. Activities include attending travel shows such as Destinations in London, sales calls and supplying regular information to the press. British travellers are now the third biggest group of international travellers to Brandenburg and in 2007 36.000 overnights were counted.

The Ferries Do The Driving For You

You don’t have to drive all the way down south to enjoy Europe. Sailing daily from Newcastle to Holland, our cruise ferries provide easy access to France, Germany - and beyond.

Unlike going via Dover-Calais, Folkstone or the Channel Tunnel, taking your car with us can save you many miles of driving - and pounds too.

Our cruise ferries from Newcastle to Norway and from Harwich to Denmark also offer excellent access into Sweden and the rest of Scandinavia.

Once onboard settle into your ensuite cabin, then enjoy fine cuisine, great bars and entertainment. Arrive relaxed and ready for your onward journey on the scenic roads of Northern Europe and Scandinavia.

Prices from £136 for 2 people plus car from Newcastle to Holland. Prices from £188 for 2 people plus car from Harwich to Esbjerg. Prices from £223 for 2 people plus car from Newcastle to Norway.

To book go to www.dfds.co.uk

Discovery Fishing for Angling Visitors

Discovery at Marigot Bay on the scenic west coast of St Lucia is offering a special summer package which is sure to reel in fishing enthusiasts.

During the summer months, the waters surrounding this eastern Caribbean gem become calmer and clearer as the tradewinds diminish and the temperatures get warmer.

They also become fertile fishing grounds with an abundance of Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Kingfish and Dorado.

Taking advantage of the ideal fishing conditions, anglers can now enjoy a four night stay at the beautiful five star Discovery at Marigot Bay with the added bonus of two exciting sport and game fishing excursions on a private fishing boat.

You don’t have to be a professional to have fun… If you’ve never fished before, don’t worry, our experienced fishing boat crew will be happy to show you the ropes. Meanwhile, experienced anglers can come and enjoy the thrill of new fishing grounds.

What’s included:

+ Four nights accommodation in a Resort View room or a Resort View Suite for two persons including all taxes at the luxurious Discovery at Marigot Bay resort

+ Full American breakfast each morning

+ Airport transfers

+ Two, half day Sport Fishing outings for two persons (this includes Captain, crew, fishing equipment, soft drinks, beers, rum punch and water on board. Max four per boat)

Total Cost

Resort View Room: US$2091
Resort View Suite: US$2655
Extra adult sharing (in suite only, sofa bed): US$580 (includes breakfast and fishing) Child under 12 sharing (in suite only): US$290

Additional Night Rate

Resort View Room Accommodation US$264.00
Resort View Suite Accommodation US$405.00

Valid to November 21, 2008

For more information, visit the Discovery website:

www.discoverystlucia.com or telephone: +1 758 458 5300

Discovery at Marigot Bay blends into its beautiful surroundings enhancing the natural loveliness of the bay described as “the most beautiful in the Caribbean” by novelist James A Michener. Opened November 30, 2006, the luxury Discovery resort provides guests with every possible modern facility. The 57 suites (half with private plunge pools) and 35 rooms feature spacious verandahs affording stunning views of the bay below. The interiors are a stylish combination of contemporary chic, state of the art fittings and Caribbean pizzazz. The world class Lapli Spa, fitness centre, watersports, marina, shopping, bars and restaurants make Discovery at Marigot Bay the ultimate holiday experience. Discovery is a member of Leading Small Hotels of the World.

See Vikings Fighting And Medieval Jousting

In The Real Home Of The Vikings This Summer?  As ’Faintheart’, the romantic comedy set in the world of Viking battle re-enactments and staring Ewen Bremner and Jessica Hynes, hits our screens this September, families visiting Denmark this summer can get to see in advance what life was really like as a Viking, through re-enactments and events at some of Denmark’s best preserves Viking settlements. Here’s a taste of what’s on offer across the country:

At Lindholm Høje, just outside Aalborg in North Jutland, visitors will find Scandinavia’s largest Viking burial ground with more than 700 graves. It dates from the late Iron Age and was covered by drifting sand from about AD 1000 so the site has remained very well preserved and has an excellent museum displaying many of the finds. Events and activities are held throughout the year with one of the largest being the annual Viking Market on 28 and 29 June 2008, when volunteers recreate Viking clothing, tools and weapons.  www.LindholmVikingespil.dk

On 26 – 27 July 2008 at the Moesgård Museum on the outskirts of Aarhus in East Jutland, battle will commence with re-enactments by archers, warriors and horsemen showing off their skills at the annual Viking Moot, Moesgård Beach. This also marks the largest Viking market in Scandinavia and dates back to the Middle Ages when a fair was held each year in Aarhus on 29th July, St Olaf’s Day. Market stalls offer a wealth of articles, and craftsmen will be producing items of iron, wood, leather, silver, wool, amber, glass and willow. Visitors can also try their skills at different activities including Archery and enjoy a taste of authentic Viking cooking over open fires.  www.moesmus.dk

In addition, each Saturday and Sunday to 28 August 2008, a Viking City Market will be set up in the centre of Aarhus where visitors can also see the city’s newly refurbished Viking Museum. www.visitaarhus.dkThis summer at Jels in South Jutland the ancient tradition of the ‘Viking Chronicles’ will once again be brought to life with performances taking place from 4-20 July. This year the theme is ‘Dannernes Konge’ and will see colourful pageants of spectacular scenes, fierce sword fights and stories re-enacted in the open air amphitheatre  (www.jelsvikingespil.dk )

.Fencing, archery and range of ancient games are on offer throughout the summer to visitors of the Ulvsborg Historiske Værksted (historical workshop) near Holbaek in Northern Sealand. There is also the chance to see the old herb garden and ancient breeds of Skudde sheep and Icelandic “landnáms” hens, as well as the castle keep which has recently been restored. http://www.ulvsborg.dk

Or for the largest collection of Viking ships in Denmark, set sail for the Viking Ships Museum in Roskilde, close to Copenhagen in Northern Sealand (open all year). Visitors can see five of the 11th century Viking ships that were excavated from the Roskilde Fjord and at the museum’s harbour there is a large collection of Viking ships and other Nordic boats where visitors can try their hand with the oars and sails and get a feel for what life was like at sea. http://www.vikingeskibsmuseet.dk

Also worth keeping in mind is the return of Viking ship the SeaStallion to Roskilde on 9 August after a 1,400-nautical-mile and a 6-week long voyage from Dublin in Ireland. To celebrate the homecoming, a Viking market with Viking stalls, re-enactments of Viking warriors fighting and fun Viking games, etc. will take place 9-12 August, 10:00 am–5:00 pm outside the Viking Ship Museum as well. www.seastallion.dk

Close to Roskilde is the Lejre Experimental Centre, where recreations of Stone Age, Iron Age and Viking settlements bring to life the daily routine of these ancient cultures with authentic demonstrations by skilled Viking women and Iron Age men, at this open air park and educational centre. Visitors can also help out grinding flour, churning butter and chopping wood, whilst children can go messing about on the river in dug out canoes at ‘Camp Fire Valley’. For details of the events see http://www.english.lejre-center.dk

90 minutes south of Copenhagen is Nykobing Falster, on the island of Falster, where the clock has been turned back to 1396 at the medieval centre of Sudkobing.

 Here ropemakers, blacksmiths and other craftsmen can be seen in action alongside dueling jousters who dice with death in daily demonstration.

Throughout the summer the ‘Trebuchet’ or medieval catapult is fired each day. Visitors can also see the evening shows in July and August and sample medieval recipes at the authentic Inn.
http://www.middelaldercentret.dk/Engelsk/welcome.html

Getting thereGetting to Denmark from the UK has never been easier! DFDS Seaways (www.dfds.co.uk)  sails from Harwich to Esbjerg, while Sterling (www.sterling.dk) , SAS (www.flysas.com)  and Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) fly to various Danish gateways from several UK airports.

For more information on Denmark including the latest offers go to this link:  and http://www.visitdenmark.com/LEGOLAND