A welcome break in North Devon
By Tony Watts - Editor - 12/08/2010
We’ve got 36 hours, a full tank of petrol, walking shoes, and an overnight bag. It’s sunny and we’re wearing sunglasses. Where do we go? North Devon.
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What is this life if, full of care
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows...
Well a short break on a narrowboat on the Shropshire Union Canal certainly gave us just that – time to stop and stare – at the beautiful English countryside and to see parts you would never reach by any means of transport other than a boat. If you want to get away from the stresses and strains of everyday life this is just the holiday for you.
Charity offers affordable holidays with a difference
National charity Vitalise is offering recession-busting opportunities for enthusiastic people to have the holiday of a lifetime while helping others.
Vitalise Holidays is seeking enthusiasts of all descriptions to accompany groups of visually impaired people on holidays throughout the UK, Europe and worldwide in 2010-11.
Get fit, have fun and help protect the nation’s heritage on a National Trust working holiday
Do you fancy a holiday where you can get fit, have fun and play your part in conserving the nation’s heritage? Then why not take a National Trust working holiday and know you are helping to protect some of the country’s finest coastline, countryside, historic houses and gardens.
Guernsey: the history island
If you want a holiday where history, natural beauty and great weather combine, follow Mature Times editor Tony Watts across the sea to the Channel Islands.
Something for everyone at Gwel an Mor
Set overlooking the bay of Portreath in Cornwall, Gwel an Mor (meaning ‘view of the sea’) is a holiday village which lives up to its name - with a stunning location and a whole host of activities on the doorstep, there really is something for everyone here!
In King Louis' footsteps
Drive up the long avenue towards the house and you can fondly imagine yourself accompanying former occupant Louis XVIII in his carriage, or perhaps another erstwhile resident, Gustave IV exiled King of Sweden...
Messing about on the… canal
Peer closely at a map and you’ll see an intriguing lacework of blue lines across many parts of the UK. Each one of those blue lines is a canal – many of them dating back to the dawn of the industrial revolution. Today, restored to their former glory, they represent an opportunity to enjoy one of the most marvellous of holidays… aboard a narrow boat. John Stevenson discovers the delights of a life afloat.
New breaks target the active generation
A whole series of activity breaks for adults – from learning about antiques and classic cars through to painting and our native mushrooms – have been launched by Warner Breaks. Their new “Experience Breaks” are available just for adults across all of its 13 UK properties. Hosted by some of the UK's leading experts in their field, they offer the opportunity to “try something different” as part of a relaxing short break.
Enjoy a Weekend of leisure and learning in the Cotswolds!
The Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful areas of England, known and loved by people across the world for its gently sloping hills, sleepy villages and market towns.
The 300-acre Farncombe Estate, just outside the picturesque village of Broadway, offers a fascinating range of events in stunningly beautiful surroundings with good comfort, good food and exceptionally friendly and willing service.
Feel creative? Then get writing!
Is there a budding novelist, poet or journalist within you, bursting to get out? If so, then we may be able to help. During 2007 Mature Times' editor Tony Watts will be running two specialist creative writing weekends in conjunction with Warner Breaks.
Disabled? Get a break with Vitalise
National disability charity Vitalise has launched a new programme of breaks for disabled people and carers. The accessible Centres, which are based in Cornwall, Essex, Nottingham, Southampton and Southport, are open from February to December, providing an extensive range of short breaks for disabled people in a holiday setting.
Reader offer: the ultimate in five star luxury
The St David’s Hotel & Spa on Cardiff’s waterfront, one of the world’s leading contemporary resort spas, is offering Mature Times readers the ultimate luxury retreat for their weekend break.
You and a partner can enjoy a sumptuous overnight stay at this award winning hotel with continental breakfast included, for less than half the usual rate - at just £75* per person per night.
MT readers will receive an exclusive upgrade to a Deluxe King Room, where a fresh fruit plate will be waiting for you on arrival. You are then invited to relax in the spacious, contemporary styled room, complete with marble bathrooms and a private balcony from where you can enjoy the stunning bay views and sunsets.
Where to go next Summer
Thinking of where to go next summer? The following websites provide helpful information on places to visit and events at British coastal locations: take a look to find the best of British!
