Haven Holiday parks all around the UK are preparing to start the new season on March 19th by unveiling the results of a £40million winter investment programme.

Holidaymakers booking an early season break will be amongst the first to try out the new facilities at Haven’s 35 parks. New attractions range from Adventure Golf courses, new sports and play areas, improvements to venues and ShowBars, upgraded accommodation and, best of all, two fabulous Space Bowls giving guests the ultimate ‘Wow’ factor at Combe Haven near Hastings and Marton Mere at Blackpool!

Swimmers using the Space Bowls can expect a high speed ride down the flumes before spinning around the bowl and dropping into the pool. Great fun but not for the faint-hearted!

Haven say, ‘We’ve invested £40 million in our parks to ensure that families can enjoy even better facilities and some spectacular new innovations. But we’ve made sure our prices have remained affordable to provide the best possible value for money.’

Spring breaks start from as little as £99 for a family of up to six in ‘Superior’ holiday homes on three night breaks from March 19th or four night breaks from March 22nd. The special deal is available at a wide choice of parks including The Orchards near Clacton in Essex, Golden Sands near Mablethorpe, Hafan y Mor in North Wales and Haven’s flagship park, Devon Cliffs near Exmouth.

If you can’t get away until the Easter holidays Combe Haven is offering breaks from April 9th at £179 for a family of six and Marton Mere is offering Bank Holiday Breaks, arriving 2nd April from £299 – both prices based on ‘Superior’ bedroom holiday homes.

For bookings and more info call 0871 230 1900 or click on www.haven.com

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

Martin Dunford, one of the founders of the Rough Guides series of travel guides and reference books, has joined forces with the learning holidays specialist GoLearnTo.com.

Started by Vanessa Lenssen, GoLearnTo.com specialize in selling high quality learning holidays and experiences online, including language courses, cookery weekends, painting holidays, surf breaks and much more. Vanessa has over 20 years experience in the travel industry, working across a number of sectors, and was previously a Managing Director at STA Travel and MyTravel.

Dunford believes that there’s huge potential in the learning holidays sector.

‘Vanessa has established a great business in just two years, and I feel that together we can raise it to the next level. Our ambition for GoLearnTo.com is massive: to become the principal portal for learning and experience-based holidays on the web, with an inspirational and content-rich site that is the last word on this new kind of travel.

It’s a great opportunity. The sector is bigger than most people think, and getting bigger all the time. ’

The numbers bear this out. Just over three million adults attended a course while on holiday over the past three years, and over the past five years the number of consumers swapping beach holidays for trips that educate and provide new experiences has grown by 66%. Society is changing: a zeitgeist culture is driving the need for self-fulfillment, self-expression and status –holidays that satisfy the need to show off a new skill when you get home.

There is also growing interest in travel that can act as a fast-track catalyst for career changes, career progression and major ‘life-shifts’, and significant growth in the singles population and the ‘active retired’, both of which are key markets for GoLearnTo.com. According to National Statistics projections, the singles population in England and Wales is set to grow by almost a third by 2031, when it’s estimated around 45% of the adult population will live in single households.

Dunford continues: ‘Travel is in a relatively mature phase in the UK. For a huge number of people it’s just not enough to fly and flop anymore. They either want to give something back – hence the rise in volunteering and gap year experiences – or they’re looking for some aspect of self-improvement, hence the rise in activity breaks and in particular learning holidays, which are expected to be the number one growth niche market in travel in the next five years.’

Vanessa Lenssen comments: ‘I’m delighted to have Martin on board at GoLearnTo.com. He has a proven track record in building a fantastic brand at Rough Guides, and his experience, expertise and drive to succeed will be a fantastic asset in taking GoLearnTo.com to the next level.’

On a unique, special website – www.thewoofguide.co.uk – Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire highlights lots of pet-friendly properties and also has sections highlighting dog-friendly pubs, restaurants and activities.

All featured cottages have been specially reviewed – with a ‘paw rating’ – for their suitability for five categories of pet – everything from pups to pensioners.

For example, a week’s stay at Rose Cottage (sleeps four) in the tiny hamlet of Lochvane near Newport is £427 in mid April. The cottage is set in two acres of gardens and is minutes from sandy beaches and the coastal path.

Tel: 01437 772760, www.coastalcottages.co.uk or visit www.thewoofguide.co.uk

Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire have a selection of cottages dotted along the river that provide a wonderful “wind in the willows” feel to them allowing guests to enjoy the peace and tranquility of river life.

Secret Water is a delightful timber clad barn conversion, set on the owners 40 acre smallholding which includes 10 acres of woodland and tidal river frontage. The area teems with wildlife yet is only a 5 minute drive from the county town of Haverfordwest with its castle, shops and leisure centre. Wonderful rural views can be enjoyed from some of the rooms, stretching as far as the Preseli Hills. This lovely property is highly recommended for those looking for something different. It is in an ideal central position for accessing all of Pembrokeshires beautiful coastline and there is lots to do in the surrounding area, great walks, birdwatching, bass fishing, smallholding activities and boating.

Sleeping eight the cottage is ideal for holidays with family or friends! Prices range from £407 in early March to £1022 in mid summer.

Tel: 01437 772760, www.coastalcottages.co.uk

In case you didn’t know it’s St David’s Day on March 1st. Celebrate the patron saint of Wales with daffodils, leeks and the promise of a treat at one of Haven’s six Welsh holiday parks.

There’s plenty to choose from and it won’t cost a fortune either.

Haven’s Presthaven Sands – which is where Rio Ferdinand booked a family break – has loads to offer this spring including a new Adventure Golf course, extra fun in the pool and the go-kart track where Rio was spotted driving his children round the bend. Book a break during the Easter holidays and see 17 year old Welsh X Factor finalist Lloyd Daniels (on April 8th) live on stage …or inspire your tinies with a Fun & Fitness break on 28th June featuring Olympic hopeful gymnasts Frankie Jones and Keziah Gore.

Quay West is top of the pops for dolphin spotting, overlooking Cardigan Bay, home to one of the UK’s largest pods of bottlenose dolphins. There’s a heated indoor pool where you can have a bash at Aqua Jet Extreme, Aqua Gliders, Water Walkerz and Haven’s free Learn2Swim lessons.

Fancy a walk? Kiln Park and Lydstep Beach are both within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Kiln Park is just a stroll from Tenby’s stunning South Beach; nearby Lydstep Beach is a haven for watersports with sea kayaking, jet ski hire, power boat trips and Coasteering available from the park.

Hafan y Mor on the Llyn peninsula has more on offer than you can fit into a short break. A huge indoor heated leisure pool, Adventure Golf, the RopeWorks climbing activity centre, bike hire, go-karts, a boating lake, indoor and outdoor sports and a choice of three venues with non-stop family entertainment. And it’s within easy reach of Snowdonia National Park and lots of castles if it’s Welsh heritage you’re after. Encourage your kids to start cooking by booking an Annabel Karmel Creative Cooking break at Hafan y Mor on April 26th – and meet Annabel in person!

Or book a break at Greenacres which has direct access to the miles of Black Rock sands in North Wales. Great for beach sports, family golf (pitch ‘n putt and Adventure Golf) and the charming Italianate village of Portmeirion.

Prices start at just £299 based on 2 bedroom accommodation at Presthaven Sands for a four night break from April 5th. Seven nights from April 2nd costs £449 and Spring breaks in March start at less than £100 based on March 22nd for four nights at Presthaven Sands. All prices based on a family of up to six people in Superior accommodation.

For bookings, more info and additional savings available if you book before the end of February click on www.haven.com or call 0871 230 1900.

Spring is on it’s way here in Pembrokeshire, the nights are already starting to draw out making it the perfect time to come away with Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire and take advantage of Pembrokeshire and all it has to offer over this St David’s day.

The First Signs of spring are showing in the Botanic Garden of Wales and the first of the snowdrops are showing their colours, this is the perfect time to bring your pet along with you to experience many of the rural area’s Pembrokeshire has to offer.

Forest View Cottages are set on the outskirts of the breathtaking Brechfa forest in the rolling country side of Carmarthenshire. This group of 3 cottages are surrounded by 35 acres of ground, which you are free to explore. A perfect spot for a picnic is along side the horseshoe shaped lake which is a haven for the wildlife and swans that vacate it. Each cottage is individually designed retaining many of the original features, but enjoying the styles of modern fitted kitchen’s and open plan living space. Outside there is your own paved patio and landscaped communal area where you are free to enjoy an evening barbecue.

Couples and families will relax from the moment they go down the drive to this lovely holiday cottage. A week’s stay for 4 People and a dog at Ty Coedwig starting on the 27th February will cost £377, why not take a visit to the Botanic Gardens of Wales on St David’s day and enjoy all the entertainment available on this Patriotic day!

The UK’s leading guided walking holidays’ operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, is offering a two week holiday in the Cyclades Archipelago embracing the contrasting islands of Santorini and Naxos.

Santorini is a dramatic landscape with its sheer cliffs, dark sandy beaches and volcanic remnants, walks are taken along the rim of the ancient volcano, mountain ridges, picturesque villages and coastal paths.

By contrast, the island of Naxos is very different from its neighbour, with green, fertile valleys providing verdant scenic walks ending in languishing on one of the island’s idyllic sandy beaches.

Accommodation is in the three star Hotel Albatros on Santorini and the two-star Hotel Galini and Sofia Latina, located close to the sandy beach of St George on Naxos.

Price from £1069 per person includes, return flights, transfers, half board accommodation and the services of a tour leader.

For this Valentines, treat your loved one to a long weekend away in Tenby, Pembrokeshire. Wander along the stunning sea front, enjoy a coffee overlooking the picture-postcard harbour, and dine in one of Tenbys famous restaurants.

Your accommodation is a cosy cottage or quaint town house, within easy reach of all that Tenby has to offer.

For example, stay in Lantern Suite is a perfect couple’s hideaway! Part of a Grade II listed building it offers spacious accommodation in a lower ground floor apartment. There is a stylish, but romantic bedroom with feature bath. The large open plan kitchen/dining area leads through to the lounge which opens onto a small terrace with 2 steps up to your own pebbled garden. A smart and highly recommended base for this beautiful town with all its great amenities & beaches an easy stroll away.

Cost – £499 for a romantic couple, four nights accommodation, roses and chocolates on arrival and gourmet dinner in a popular restaurant.

Acorn Family Holidays new Inspirational Family Holidays brochure is out now!

Acorn’s new brochure (our biggest yet!) features pages of hand-picked, fun-filled holidays for families only – Activity Camping holidays, Snowsports holidays and Worldwide Adventure holidays.

Activity Camping Holidays – a fantastic choice of exhilarating water and land activities for all the family to enjoy together. The fun of camping is a highlight for everyone, with a village of tents set up ready for our customers when they arrive. Our outdoor locations in Brecon Beacons in Wales, the Ardèche in France, the Aosta Valley in Italy and Two-centre adventures in Italy and France form a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable family holiday. These holidays are a fantastic value, with everything included in the price (all activities, instruction, full-board accommodation and insurance).

Snowsports Holidays – a hand-picked selection of popular family-friendly resorts and hotels around the world, with all ski packs, ski lessons, lift passes, travel and half board accommodation as minimum included in the price. There is no doubt that some resorts are better suited to family skiing than others and our great selection really stands out from the crowd – choose from Killington in the USA; Jasper in Canada; Bormio and San Sicario in Italy; St Gervais and Montgenevre in France.

Worldwide Adventure Holidays – we have created unbelievable family adventures that allow you to explore exotic destinations, meet the locals, try the local delicacies and see the world as it really is. Our brochure gives a selection of our holidays, including the Nine day Nile adventure in Egypt, the Sun-soaked Aegean in Turkey, Exploring the natural beauty of Sri Lanka, Indulging all senses in India; Having an active adventure in Nepal and discovering the Berber Trail in Morocco, in addition our website features many more far flung destinations.