Train Routes

For many holiday destinations like Windermere for example, it is even more important. To preserve this beautiful part of the country, tourists need to be responsible. Of course, there are the usual steps whilst on holiday such recycling and buying local produce so keeping food miles down but there are also many other ways in which you can help.A self catering holiday is the ideal way to lower the carbon footprint of a trip. The carbon footprint of a self catering holiday is significantly less than a hotel based holiday. Many factors contribute to this, the amount of lights, sheets and towels washed and spa and swimming pool facilities and greater control can be had by the guest to reduce energy consumption. Some self catering property owners and developers are creating a more eco friendly property, for example, installing solar panels, wind turbines and worming and composting facilities. Some Windermere self catering businesses offer incentives for cycling to the property such as a £50 discount on the Windermere cottages break. Giving a discount incentive it a great idea especially in the current climate. Storage and wash down areas are a must when arriving by bike and there are Windermere apartment complexes that provide such facilities. A cottage or apartment also allows for extra storage of kit, far more so that a hotel room.Travelling to Windermere couldn’t be easier by public transport. The main Virgin West Coat Mainline stops at Oxenholme – The Lake District which links Glasgow and Edinburgh to London Euston. Oxenholme has regular direct trains to Windermere. The main south Lakes bus routes all pass through Windermere and stop at the bus station. The 555 Stagecoach service links Lancaster with Carlisle through an hourly service and stops at Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere and Keswick.The Lake District offers mountain bikers & cyclists of all levels trails through some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. The accommodation & facilities at Windermere cottages ensure you get the most out of your Lake District cycling holiday. Self catering holidays benefit the environment too. The carbon footprint of a self catering holiday is significantly less than a hotel based holiday. Many factors contribute to this, the amount of lights, sheets and towels washed and spa and swimming pool facilities. Some self catering property owners and developers are creating a more eco friendly property, for example, installing solar panels, wind turbines and worming and composting facilities. By supporting organisations such as Cumbria Business Environment Network (CBEN) the Tourism and Conservation Partnership, tourism businesses in Windermere can get advice and support on how to provide a more environmentally conscious service to their guests. Their mission is “To create a more sustainable tourism sector by encouraging businesses to successfully operate in a way that also supports the environment and local community”.

You are advised to plan French camping holidays well in advance. The rise in popularity among British families for French camping holidays means booking early is essential to avoid disappointed. Substantial numbers of British families are choosing French camping holidays for their summer break.

Days consist of lying by the pool watching your children play with newly acquired friends. When evening approaches the aroma of barbecues drifts around the campsite, all this complemented with inexpensive quality French wine. Enjoying your summer break is easy, here are six steps to make planning French camping holidays easy also.

1. When is the best time to travel?

If your children are below school age or you’re traveling as a group of friends, then months May, June and September are cheapest. Additional benefits of those months include quieter roads, resorts and campsites. When booking French camping holidays in peak periods, book early to avoid disappointed as popular campsites become full very quickly.

2. Selecting your Campsite

From Normandy, Brittany and the Loire in the north to the Cote d’Azur and Languedoc in the south, it is possible to camp in most regions of France . Choose a region that matches your interests, maybe an inland retreat, beach holiday or culture and sightseeing. For campsites, checkout the facilities available, the official rating and the number of pitches match your preferences. The local amenities will give you a good idea whether a campsites region can satisfy your interests.

3. Choosing your Accommodation

French camping holidays offer a variety of accommodation. Tents, mobile home and chalet style cottages are available depending on your preference and budget. If your children are teenagers, go for the larger accommodation where possible it’s well worth while having a little extra space. At most campsites bed linen can be hired, otherwise don’t forget to take your own.

4. Getting there by Sea, Air or Rail

The English channel makes getting to France a little more awkward. Most holidaymakers drive to their campsite taking either the cross channel ferry or the Euro-star through the Channel Tunnel. The ferry is slower but general cheaper and for convenience the Channel Tunnel takes only 35 minutes. Fly-drive or Motorail are alternatively options to driving all the way from the UK . In peak season book your channel crossing, trains and flights early or you may end up with more expensive traveling arrangements or no traveling arrangements at all.

5. Stopping En Route

The Cote d’Azur and Languedoc regions of France may take 12 hours to drive non-stop from the UK . In that case many holidaymakers on French camping holidays choose to stop En Route. There are hotels chains across France including Novotel, Ibis, Kyriad and Campanile who offer good quality rooms at reasonable prices.

6. Visit Disneyland Paris and the way home

The route of many journeys across France is via Paris . For a little extra expense consider a two day stay at Disneyland Paris. It is possible to stay at the Disneyland hotels, but money can be saved by staying at one of the many hotels very close to Disneyland . And finally, leave enough time to visit CitiEurope in Calais , it’s a vast enclosed shopping center where French produce at bargain duty free prices can be purchased.

Discover the charm, enjoyment and relaxation of French camping holidays for yourself next year. Plan and book early and you will not be disappointed.

A millennium of history together with an unparalleled range of sporting and cultural attractions make the UK one the world’s most popular tourist destinations.

London:home of cool Britannia

One of the true great cities of the world, London is a year-round tourist mecca. Few cities can offer the wealth of historical and cultural splendour that London does. From the pageantry, pomp and ceremony of the royal quarter to the sheer elan of the theatres and clubs and shopping, London is a world unto itself.

transport:getting there and getting around:

The UK has excellent transport network of domestic flights, coaches, and railways. There are ferries from Europe and Ireland and trains from France and Brussels via the Channel tunnel. London is the center of the UK rail network with seven major lines converging on the capital.

Climate

The weather is the main preoccupation of the British and with good reason – it’s so unpredictable. The capricious nature of the weather can result in some surprises and it’s wise to be prepared for anything. But on the whole, the climate is temperate. Temperatures in summer range from 14-30 Celsius. In the winter, temperatures plunge to 1-5 C, the days are short and dark and frosts and snow are the order of the day.

accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in London

events

Other than all-year round concerts, sports events, plays and shows, there are world-famous annual events too. For sports fans there’s Wimbledon in May and classical music buffs can attend the proms, a series of concerts in the Royal Albert Hall during August.

If you enjoy a touch of pageantry, you can enjoy the changing of the guard in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace at 11:30am every day in summer and every other day in winter. And if you’re there in April, don’t miss the trooping of the colour on the Queen’s birthday.

Birmingham:city of a thousand delights

Once called the ‘city of a thousand trades’, Birmingham is now home to the UK’s second largest population and a gateway to the heart of England. Birmingham is now home to a broad array of visual and performing arts, music and theatre from such institutions as the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Birmingham Royal Ballet.

transport:getting there and getting around:

From London, you can reach Birmingham in just 2 hours and 30 minutes along the M40. Birmingham International Airport (BHX) connects with many far-flung destinations including Dubai, Chicago and New York. Birmingham is also a hub for long-distance rail and coach services. Birmingham New Street Station is the major train station. For long distance coaches, the coach station in Digbeth. Local buses are boarded at the Bull Ring bus station. Birmingham also has an extensive network of cycle routes.

Accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in Birmingham.

events

*Birmingham social and entertainment calendar is filled with concerts, art exhibitions, and comedy shows. Here are just a few of the most popular.

*With a large Irish population, one of the years most exciting events is the St Patrick’s Day Parade Festival held in March.

*September ArtsFest: This is the UK’s largest free arts festival. It draws over 100,000 visitors each year.

Manchester:soccer mecca and cool, green metropolis

Famous now for its high-profile soccer teams, Manchester is another British city with a history dating back to the Romans.

transport:getting there and getting around:

Efficient transport services make Manchester the gateway to the North of England. Trains regularly connect with London Euston. Journey time is around three hours. National Express coaches serve Manchester from a variety of destinations. Manchester International Airport connect with a range of domestic and international destinations. Public transport in Greater Manchester includes buses, coaches, Metrolink trams, and the local rail network.

accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in Manchester

events

*Manchester Jazz Festival 21 – 28 July, citywide. The best contemporary jazz from the north and beyond.

*Manchester Pride. 17 – 27 August Manchester’s annual gay festival.

*Manchester Food and Drink Festival in October celebrates the finest Mancunian food and drink.

*Manchester Christmas Lights Switch-on in November at Albert Square. Celebrate the beginning of the festive season.