- 6,700 British holiday homes available to ‘book direct’ through Holiday Lettings
- Demand for British holidays so far in 2010 accounts for 20 percent of all enquiries
- Demand for UK holidays in 2010 is up 44 per cent year on year, further to the 88 per cent year on year growth experience in 2009 from 2008
- Choice of British holiday homes has doubled year on year
- UK holiday homes offer better value for money compared to hotels, especially for families

With 6,679 British holiday homes currently available for short term rental, holidaylettings.co.uk is an undisputed ambassador for National British Tourism Week, showcasing the largest choice of ‘book direct’ UK holiday homes.

The staycation marketplace accounts for 18 per cent of Holiday Lettings’ current inventory and 20 per cent of booking enquiries sent so far in 2010. The popularity of the staycation in 2009 saw demand for UK holiday homes increase by 88 per cent year on year. Demand for UK holidays in 2010 continues to grow, so far at an increase of 44 per cent on the same period in 2009.

The British homes cater to every budget, taste, holiday type preference and holidaymaker need, and regularly feature special offers to accentuate their affordability.

Most popular British holiday locations with HL holidaymakers:

City breaks in London, brighton, Edinburgh and Bath
Newquay, Cornwall Croyde
Bournemouth
St Ives
Padstow
Penzance
Cowes
Stratford upon Avon
York

UK areas where Holiday Lettings represent the most homes:

The West Country (Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset)
Holiday Lettings has more than 2,100 homes in the West Country with Cornwall dominating the landscape with 1,000 homes.

Up and coming areas increasingly popular with Holiday Lettings holidaymakers:

Cirencester
The New Forest
Rye, East Sussex
Brixham
Torquay
Whitby
Matlock
Canterbury

Some typically British holiday homes

BEACHSIDE VIEWS
Porth Beach View Apartment, Porth, Newquay, Cornwall
www.holidaylettings.co.uk/97602
£537 per week, sleeping six, (£89.50 per person)
Porth Beach View is part of an exclusive self catering holiday complex on the outskirts of Newquay town centre and near Watergate Bay. Overlooking Porth Beach, one of the best family beaches around Newquay, this two bedroom apartment is well equipped for up to six people and access to the beach is only a couple of minutes walk away. This apartment benefits from three separate balconies with spectacular coastal views.

BEAUTIFUL brighton
brighton Brunswick Apartment, brighton & Hove, Sussex
www.holidaylettings.co.uk/23119
£425 per week, sleeping four, (£106.25)
Stunning 5 star Visit Britain graded single bedroom flat in a beautiful period property. With floor to ceiling windows and original period features throughout, this property oozes luxury and is ideal for those looking for a stylish stop over to explore brighton. Only a one minute walk from the beach and ten minutes from the heart of town this spacious property also gas a home entertainment system, mini bar and ipod docking station, making it perfect for entertaining.

COTSWOLDS COUNTRY COTTAGE
Cats Abbey, Sherborne, Burford, Oxfordshire
www.holidaylettings.co.uk/26072
£4,419 per week, sleeping 24, (£184.125 per person)
an enchanting Cotswold farmhouse conversion that is located just off the A40, about five miles west of Burford, with spectacular views of Windrush Valley.
The big barn has a magnificent beamed ceiling, a gallery, a stone fireplace, wood-burning stove, and a stone floor with under floor heating. The kitchen is a cooks dream and the dining table can seat 24.

WONDERFUL WINDMILL
Braunston Mill, Braunston, Warwickshire
www.holidaylettings.co.uk/58307
£750 per week, sleeping six, (£125 per person)
A detached, contemporary retreat that features six floors of luxury, including: a very large kitchen, three bedrooms, a spacious lounge, bathroom and whirlpool bath, two en suite bathrooms and four WCs. The top floor offers breathtaking views that stretch across the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire countryside and there is a peaceful balcony area on the 4th floor.

As Chopin 2010 events continue across Poland, a UK company is offering an escorted music tour to Warsaw to celebrate the bicentenary of the famous composer’s birth.

London-based Kirker Holidays has put together a six-day trip escorted by the pianist Andrew Biggs, as the polish capital hosts the Chopin & His Europe Festival in August.

The tour, designed to celebrate what would have been Chopin’s 200th birthday, will take in a number of musical performances including a concert by the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra and several piano recitals. The six days will also include sightseeing trips to Chopin-related sites in Warsaw and Krakow.

Acting Director of the Polish National Tourist Office Bogdan Becla said: “This year will be a great time to visit Poland because of the Chopin 2010 celebrations that are taking place across the country, and visitors will certainly get the chance to see some wonderful performances and hear some beautiful music composed by one of Poland’s favourite sons.

“The escorted musical tour on offer from Kirker Holidays will certainly help to bring Chopin and his music to life.”

* For further information contact Ewa Binkin on 020 8991 7074 or ewa.binkin@poland.travel

Summer 2010 will see historic London hotel, Hazlitt’s utilise one of its newest additions, the only London hotel suite to feature a private roof terrace with retractable glass roof – making it an unspoiled location for even the most typical English summer day.

Recognised as Soho’s first boutique hotel, Hazlitt’s has become noted for its subtle take on the established traditions of hotel keeping. Behind its Frith Street exterior lays a refuge from the frantic pace of metropolitan life. At Hazlitt’s each bedroom is named after an historically famous local resident as the décor then reflects the characters of their namesake.

Hazlitt’s has recently been extended by eight rooms. One of the newest of these bedrooms is the distinctive Duke of Monmouth suite which boasts a private roof garden complete with sliding glass roof – possessing views over Soho’s rooftops the suite is an idyllic location for stargazing and entertaining friends.

The Duke of Monmouth suite’s masculine undertones draw on rich hues, oak panelling and voluminous curtains. While guests are not busy spotting London landmarks from the roof they can unwind in the seemingly bottomless rock n roll style bath which invites inhabitants to while away the evening with a long relaxing soak.

The Duke of Monmouth was born James Scott, who was the illegitimate son of Charles II. He was recognised by Charles as his son but the King did not make him his heir, instead bestowing on him the title Duke of Monmouth. He built Monmouth House in Soho Square, the buildings that make up Hazlitt’s were built on part of the site of the house after it was demolished. After the death of his father, the King, Monmouth led a rebellion against his uncle and declared himself King. He lost the battle of Sedgemoor and was then beheaded on Tower Hill. It is said it took eight blows of the axe to sever his head.

Situated in a quiet backwater off Soho Square, the discreet townhouse bolthole is a refuge from modern London. Dating back to 1718, Hazlitt’s has been meticulously restored and crafted to offer guests an overnight stay seen by London’s 18th century aristocracy. Quaint staircases, exquisite antiques and oil colours are subtly married with today’s technology; all rooms benefit from air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat screen television, Blu-ray player, stereo, mini bar, safe, antique desk and REN toiletries.

Gap Adventures offers UK travellers the chance to win 1 of 5 £250 travel vouchers and signed copies of best-seller 1,000 Places to See Before You Die every day for 5 days

London, 8 March, 2010 – New York Times best-selling author Patricia Schultz has been announced as the 10th celebrity judge in an esteemed panel that will select the Top 20 finalists of Gap Adventures’ highly-popular Create Your Own Adventure contest (www.createyourownadventure.com).

But the author of the definitive travel guide 1,000 Places to See Before You Die – who was named one of the 25 most influential women in travel by Forbes Magazine in 2008 – will have extra judging duties to carry out before she helps decide the top finalists. For all entries submitted between 8 March and 13 March, Schultz will select her five choices for ‘Best Adventure to Experience Before You Die’ out of the hundreds of worldwide submissions. The five winners will be awarded a £250 Gap Adventures travel voucher, as well as a signed copy of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die including a personalised message from the author.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to participate in such a dynamic online contest,” Schultz said. “Create Your Own Adventure allows travellers to share the itinerary of their dreams with others and communicate their passion for adventure to the world – I don’t think you could ask for anything more from a travel contest.”

The Create Your Own Adventure contest invites everyone from once-a-year travellers to seasoned globetrotters to submit an itinerary for the tour of their dreams, virtually anywhere in the world, virtually any way they want. Everyone with a winning tour idea can log on to www.createyourownadventure.com and use the customised itinerary engine to build their dream trip. The deadline for submissions is 31 March 2010 and the creator of the winning tour will have the opportunity to experience their adventure along with two lucky friends.

“Having Patricia Schultz come aboard as a judge simply is the perfect addition to this panel,” said Gap Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip. “Her commitment to exploring the world in search of authentic travel experiences aligns perfectly with our goals when we first dreamt up this contest. I can’t wait for her to join me and the rest of our travel-loving judges to select the finalists.”

For brides-to-be and their mothers Whatley Manor (01666 822 888 www.whatleymanor.com), the beautifully restored private manor house that nestles in 12 acres of Wiltshire countryside, has devised a series of two full day spa experiences and an overnight Mother & Bride-to-Be Spa packages to help mothers and daughters escape from the preparations and indulge in some exclusive pampering in the luxurious surroundings of its award winning spa Aquarias.

Aquarias spa is the only La Prairie five star ‘Art of Beauty’ centre outside of London. These centres are only found in the most exclusive spas around the world and are a sign of outstanding quality.

With a choice of two full day midweek spa experiences guests can select either a two hour or three and a half hour series of treatments. The two hour series of treatments includes a sixty minute facial and a Jessica mini manicure and mini pedicure per person, plus full use of the spa facilities followed by a light lunch and refreshments and costs £195 per person. Or alternatively the three and a half hour series of treatments comprises a ninety minute facial, choosing from a host of luxurious and signature facials plus a Jessica mini manicure and mini pedicure per person and full use of the spa facilities. This is followed by a light lunch and refreshments served in the spa lounge for £310 per person.

For those that wish to extend the indulgence and treat themselves to an Overnight Mother & Bride-to-Be stay, packages start from at £555, based on two guests sharing a standard room (Midweek only – Sunday to Thursday night), full English breakfast, use of all the spa facilities plus a 60 minute spa treatment and mini manicure and mini pedicure per person and a light lunch and refreshments served in the spa lounge. Prices for a Deluxe room are £595 and for a Suite £655 based on two guests sharing.

For further information and to book call Whatley Manor on 01666 822 888 or visit the website at www.whatleymanor.com.

The Philharmonia’s acclaimed ‘virtual orchestra’ travels to Leicester for a five-day installation in April

RE-RITE, the Philharmonia Orchestra’s critically acclaimed ‘virtual orchestra’ and the latest in classical music innovation, will be visiting Leicester from 21 to 25 April. The installation will take over and transform a disused nursery building on Museum Square (opposite New Walk Museum) by kind permission of Leicester City Council, and will be open from 10am to 5pm (late-night opening until 8pm on Friday 23 April) with free entry for all visitors.

RE-RITE, which has been made possible through the support of the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, first appeared in November 2009 in London in an old warehouse on the South Bank. 29 high-definition cameras filmed the Philharmonia performing Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, conducted by Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor Esa-Pekka Salonen, from every possible angle, including a camera attached to a player’s head. The installation creates a life-size virtual orchestra using projections of these videos onto the walls of the building and high-resolution screens, all provided by the project’s Technology Partner Samsung. These projections, together with various interactive elements, enable the audience to conduct, play and step inside the orchestra. From playing along with the percussion section to controlling every section of the orchestra from the conductor’s podium, the installation provides a unique insight into what it is to be part of a world-class orchestra performing one of the twentieth-century’s iconic pieces of music.

6,000 people visited the project in London. Comments from visitors included:

“A truly superb experience. Quite unique and absolutely had me spellbound and captivated.”

“I think this is a must for all children to appreciate the excitement of an orchestra.”

“Amazing experience! The blend of film and sound, the explanation (earphones & panels), the opportunity to join in – ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!”

The Telegraph wrote: “It’s a real-time education in seeing and hearing a piece, done in the most thrillingly immediate way.” 100% of visitors who filled in an evaluation form said they would recommend the event to friends.

The Philharmonia is therefore delighted that the next venue for RE-RITE will be Leicester. Resident at De Montfort Hall for 13 years, the Orchestra has always been part of the local community through many varied education projects and most recently through a new partnership with the University of Leicester. RE-RITE will augment further the Philharmonia’s relationship with Leicester audiences, engaging both regular classical music audiences and people for whom classical music is an unknown quantity to showcase the excitement and thrill of live classical music.

The ambitious project is the brainchild of Esa-Pekka Salonen who has developed the concept with the Philharmonia Orchestra’s Digital Department. Esa-Pekka Salonen commented:

“This project is quite simply ground-breaking. I’ve always been interested in how to combine technology with the kind of music we play, and how to make this collaboration organic rather than something that is just added on. Being inside an orchestra, experiencing the sensation of 101 players taking on this iconic music, is one of the biggest adrenalin rushes, and one that I want to share with the world. Now we’re doing just that.”

Entry to RE-RITE is free for everyone. The project runs from 10am to 5pm from Wednesday 21 to Sunday 25 April with late-night opening until 8pm on Friday 23 April. School and family workshops supported by the Helen Jean Cope Trust will take place throughout the week with a Philharmonia project leader and a musician from the Orchestra; for more information and to book family workshop tickets call FREEPHONE 0800 652 6717.

Visit www.re-rite.co.uk for more information including short films about the project and a preview of the conductor’s ‘mixing desk’.

The Easter period is always a popular time for a few days away. This year, Easter at the start (April 2 – April 5) when hopefully Spring will have had a chance to set in and the weather warmed up. For families, the Easter School Holidays means plenty of time to enjoy some of the amazing destinations and attractions the UK has to offer. Short break specialist, Superbreak (www.superbreak.com) has a range of excellent packages available over the Easter period for couples and families alike!

FAMILIES

Outdoor family fun in Wales – £349 per family of four. From orienteering and archery, to laser clay shooting and a special junior Rangers club for the kids, there is enough tranquil or adrenaline filled activities at the Bluestone holiday park to keep everyone entertained, whatever their age. Set in 500 acres of natural splendor, largely within the renowned Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Bluestone is a new generation holiday village and comprises of 182 stylish, comfortable timber lodges set around a private village boasting a pub, restaurants, wine bar, shops and a superb holistic spa – all for the exclusive use of staying guests. Visitors to Bluestone can also make a splash at the amazing Blue Lagoon waterpark, work up a sweat at the state-of-the-art Landsker Sports Club, or choose from a wide array of activities both on and off-site. Under 12’s can try their first Off Road Safari or learn how to build shelters in Bushcraft with the rest of the family. Under 6’s can try a Princess & Pirates party or a Teddy Bears picnic. Priced from £349 per family of four staying in a lodge on a self catering basis for three nights arriving 2 April.

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate at Cadbury World – from £187 per family of four – Everyone loves Easter Eggs at Easter so why not go one further with a chocolate themed day out at Cadbury World in Birmingham. With hands-on fun, interactive zones and the chance to get close to real liquid Cadbury chocolate this really is a better day in, than most days out. Packages are priced from £187 per family of four includes two night’s accommodation at the three star Jurys Inn Birmingham (two adults and two children sharing a room) and a one day entry pass to Cadbury World. Breakfast is included for the adults, children pay locally. Valid Friday to Sunday in April.

Animal Magic in Hertfordshire – £138 per family of four – Take the kids to Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire and get up close and personal with tigers, lions, monkeys, zebras, reptiles, birds and camels. What makes Paradise unique is the fact you can touch and feed many of the animals. Paradise is widely regarded as the most interactive zoo in the UK. A family of four can stay one night at the four star Marriott Cheshunt, just two miles from the park from just £138. Price includes breakfast for the adults, children pay locally and entrance to the park for the family. Based on 2 or 3 April arrivals.
COUPLES

Love Never Dies theatre night in London – from £149pp – Come to London this Easter and enjoy a night out at the theatre seeing Andrew Lloyd Webbers latest show that has just opened, Love Never Dies which continues the story of the Phantom of The Opera 10 years on. Packages cost from £149 per person staying one night at the newly opened four star Pestana Hotel Chelsea Bridge including breakfast and a top priced ticket to see Love Never Die. Valid on Friday 2 April. Saturday 3 April also available at £156pp. Based on two sharing.

Chill out with a three night trip to Chester – £125pp – Combine a trip to this historic city of Chester with a relaxing stay at the four star Mollington Banastre Hotel. Located just one and a half miles from the city itself, the hotel has a choice of restaurants, the elegant Garden Room or the relaxed Brasserie, both offering excellent cuisine and good service. Other facilities include a leisure club with swimming pool, gym, squash court, aerobic studio and beauty spa. A stay costs from just £125per person including full breakfast. Valid for a arrivals on 2 April and based on two sharing.

For more information and bookings call Superbreak 01904 644455
or visit www.superbreak.com

Festival fever creates May-hem in brighton

Britain’s favourite city-by-the-sea has staked its claim as the UK’s number one festival destination. This coming May brighton & Hove is gearing up for the greatest event line-up it has seen.

With a cornucopia of culture, comedy and creativity, brighton & Hove plays host to 100 yachts, 300 concerts, 1,000 caped crusaders, 1,000 artists, 1,200 live performances and 2,500 Minis.

“This year marks yet another landmark for our burgeoning festival scene.” David Smith, Councillor for Culture, Recreation & Tourism at brighton & Hove City Council. “The sheer volume and range of events on offer is set to eclipse all that has gone before, making brighton & Hove the only place to be in May.”

May in a snapshot:

brighton Festival, 1 – 23 May 2010
Legendary musician and producer Brian Eno Guest curates this year’s festival. Featuring a three week, action packed schedule including 175 live events, ranging from art installations to premieres, exclusive performances and free outdoor activities.
For more information visit www.brightonfestival.org or log on to www.visitbrighton.com.

brighton Festival Fringe 1 – 23 May 2010
With this year’s outdoor events running on solar power, England’s largest open access arts festival returns with over 700 events, showcasing the UK’s finest established and undiscovered acts. This year’s festival kicks off with a range of free outdoor performances over the May Day bank holiday weekend.
For more information visit www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk or log on to www.visitbrighton.com.

Artists Open Houses, every weekend in May 2010
The first weekend of May welcomes the arrival of Artists Open Houses. More than 1,000 local artists will throw open their doors to the general public, exhibiting work from the comfort of their own home.
For information visit www.aoh.org.uk or log on to www.visitbrighton.com.

The Great Escape Festival, 13-15 May 2010
Experience three days of pure musical heaven, as the UK’s most eclectic mix of live music gets underway. With 350 new, local and international artists playing at 30 of the city’s most exclusive venues.
For information visit www.escapegreat.com or log on to www.visitbrighton.com.

Superheroes Run, 16 May 2010
With a world record at stake, for the most superheroes in one place at the same time, the 1,000 caped crusaders pit their wits against each other with a race along the famous seafront.
For information visit www.heroesrun.org.uk or log on to www.visitbrighton.com.

London to brighton Mini Run, 16 May 2010
The 25th anniversary of the London to brighton Mini Run will see 2,500 Minis make the 55 mile pilgrimage from London’s Crystal Palace Park to Madeira Drive on brighton’s seafront.
For information visit www.london-to-brighton.co.uk or log on to www.visitbrighton.com.

Royal Escape Race, 28 May 2010
As the largest offshore race on the South Coast, outside of the Solent, 100 monohull yachts head out on the high sea for the 67 mile race from brighton’s Palace Pier to Fécamp on France’s Normandy coast.
For information visit www.royalescaperace.co.uk or log on to www.visitbrighton.com.

For information on events in brighton throughout May, contact Carl Steer at Rooster PR or log on to www.visitbrighton.com.

Lithuanian low-cost carrier “Star1 Airlines” announced a new route from Edinburgh to Vilnius (Lithuania), commencing 28 of March.

“The “Star1 Airlines” decision to launch direct flights between Edinburgh and Vilnius will definitely help to attract more tourists from Scotland to Lithuania. We are happy to cooperate with them marketing Lithuania to the Scottish travel trade and travel writers.” – states Augusta Jaudegyte, the Director of Lithuanian National Tourism Office in the UK.

“Our constantly expanding market share and growing passenger flow enables “Star1 Airlines” to establish itself as the only Lithuanian low-cost airline and further develop new routes and services. We believe that low fares of flights combined with the high quality of service and individual attention to each client offers us a strong competitive position”, Martynas Laivys, the head of the company said.

The airline does not charge for luggage – one suitcase not exceeding 20 kg will be carried free of charge. “This is particularly important to our customers who travel for business or leisure purposes. Free luggage and flight check-in are some of our advantages which bring down the costs for each traveller”, says the head of “Star1 Airlines”.

“Star1 Airlines” will launch its regular flights between Edinburgh and Vilnius from 28 March on Thursdays and Sundays (as of May 7 – on Fridays and Sundays). Fares to Edinburgh including all fees start from just 99 litas (£25). For booking, visit www.star1.aero or call +44 1293 874 986.
Apart from Edinburgh, “Star1 Airlines” also operates direct flights from Vilnius to London (Stansted), Milan (Malpensa) and restores summer season flights to Dublin and Girona (Barcelona).

Lithuanian low-cost carrier “Star1 Airlines” belongs to the Star Team Group of companies which also owns a tour operator “Star1 Holidays”. During the first six months of operations, the company has carried nearly 66 thousand of passengers in its scheduled and charter flights, while the period’s turnover amounted to 28 million litas.

The Dorchester Spa, London’s most distinguished destination spa, will be celebrating Father’s Day with a special offer for June 2010. Throughout the month, Fathers booked for a ‘Deep Tissue Massage’ treatment by Aromatherapy Associates will receive a complimentary Aromatherapy Associates ‘De-Stress Muscle Gel’ to continue the treatment benefits at home.

The ‘Deep Tissue Massage’ is a deeply restorative body treatment for the sports enthusiast or overworked father to help relieve tight, stressed limbs by dispersing the build-up of lactic acid. Swedish and cross muscle-fibre massage, stretching and draining techniques, are used in combination with highly therapeutic essential oil blends for deeper, longer lasting results. The Aromatherapy Associates ‘De-Stress Muscle Gel’ used during treatment contains essential oils of black pepper, rosemary and ginger for their stimulating benefits to the circulation providing a warm, soothing effect to help relieve muscular aches and tension.

The Dorchester Spa’s Aromatherapy Associates ‘Deep Tissue Massage’ is available as a 55 minute treatment priced at £110, or as 1 hour 25 minute treatment priced at £155. Gift certificates can be purchased on line or direct with The Dorchester Spa reception; the perfect Father’s Day gift.

For reservations and further information, please contact The Dorchester Spa on +44 20 7319 7109 or email spa@thedorchester.com. To see the Spa Treatment Menu, please visit www.thedorchester.com.