Set in the furthest reach of South West England Cornwall offers a stunning landscape, beautiful towns and welcoming locals. The county is renowned for its miles of coastline, Cornish pasties, cream teas, surfer’s delights and traditional fishing villages but it has so much more to offer too.
With its own flag and steeped in Celtic tradition Cornwall is a fascinating destination for your short break. Whether planning a family holiday, a weekend escape with a loved one or just want to catch up with friends at the beach Cornwall is the ideal escape away from the cares of everyday life. From the stunning Lizard Peninsular to the ancient Minack Theatre, the miles of moorland at Bodmin Moor and the hugely popular ecological attraction Eden Project there is something for everyone to enjoy.
With a great variety of towns and villages from peaceful hamlets to vibrant seaside locations Cornwall offers a fantastic array of culture and lifestyles. Here is our guide to the must see towns in Corwnall:
St Ives:
St Ives is synonymous with art in Cornwall. Home to the Tate Gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum St Ives is a haven for artists and art lovers alike. The town won the award for ‘Best UK Seaside Town’ from the British Travel Awards in both 2010 and 2011.
Padstow:
This north Cornwall town is still a working fishing port and is home to Rick Steins famed fish restaurant. The town gets very busy in the summer months due in some to its quaint old town feel but also to the fact that it is surrounded by miles of beautiful sandy beaches. There are an array of quirky gift shops, pubs and restaurants to indulge in and it is the ideal base for exploring the South West Coastal Footpath.
Newquay:
The surfers paradise is a must see on any break to Cornwall. This vibrant town is brimming with things to do, from 7 miles of glorious golden sandy beaches to an international surf centre, buzzing nightlife and array of family friendly attractions there is something to please all tastes. Newquay is a busy resort so if it’s the quieter life you seek maybe stay somewhere else.
St Austell:
A perfect family resort St Austell dates back to the 13th Century and is Cornwall’s largest town. Set inland about a mile from the sea St Austell is within easy reach of many of Cornwall’s attractions including the spectacular Eden Project. The town centre has a cinema, restaurants, cafes and a selection of retail outlets
Falmouth:
Set in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Falmouth is steeped in a rich maritime history. Home to Falmouth University the town is thriving with creativity and features a great selection of art galleries, live music and more. For the sailors out there Falmouth is host to an array of sailing events, which take place throughout the year.
Have you ever been to Cornwall? Which is your favourite destination?
In 2012 the hit musical We Will Rock You celebrates its 10th Birthday. Written by Ben Elton and featuring the songs of the iconic rock band Queen, We Will Rock You premiered at the Dominion Theatre in May 2002. Since then the show has proved to be highly popular with those visiting London on a theatre break and has been seen by over 5.5 million people at the London venue and by over 13 million worldwide.
Featuring an array of best selling Queen songs We Will Rock You the musical offers a unique and innovative story that is set in a futuristic dystopian world. The songs of Queen are used to bind the urban narrative together in a spectacular piece of musical production. In 2011 the show won the Olivier Audience Award for Best Musical, in the same year that Queen fans were celebrating 40 years since the band’s creation.
Queen are one of the biggest selling rock bands of all time. Consisting of the late Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon they achieved huge success. Since forming in the early 1970s the band has totalled up over 300 million record sales, seven Ivor Novello awards and in 2001 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
With eighteen number one albums and eighteen number one singles, Queen are renowned across the globe. Through rereleases and features on popular movie soundtracks their music has reached across they years to stay popular with new generations.
In honour of the ten year anniversary of We Will Rock you a special performance is being given on the 14th May. While details have not yet been released about the show it is sure to a fantastic and memorable event and a must for any fan of the show and the band
Are you planning a London break to see We Will Rock You? Which is your favourite Queen song?
Guest Blog Post: In this article our Online Marketing Manager Khalid Amin reviews his recent family trip to Chester Zoo…
Chester Zoo is a great day out without any added any attractions however this year they’ve added a little bit of something extra with a great new exhibition, Dinosaurs Bite Back, but more on that later. I had the pleasure of visiting Chester Zoo last weekend with my kids and in-laws, that’s an age range of 4 to 78 and everybody left thinking they’d had a fabulous day out. As my in-laws live in Chester we tend to visit every few years but no one can accuse Chester Zoo of standing still as there was loads of new stuff to take in. I knew we were onto a winner with my 7 year old son as he plans to open York Zoo when he leaves school in the car park of a local small business.
Chester zoo is huge at over 100 acres so even on a busy Bank Holiday there’s a real feeling of space which is not something you can get at all big attractions like this. We took it relatively steady and still managed to see most animals we wanted. Highlights included the giraffes that came out of their enclosure for a good look at today’s humans just as we arrived and the sleek cheetahs that were so impressive stalking around their compound. The walkway above the cheetahs is as far as I can remember a new addition since our last visit. The zoo also does a huge amount of conservation work with species such as the Black Rhino which is in danger of becoming extinct in the next 25 years. If you want to take a closer look at the animals before you go visit the Chester Zoo webcams.
The Chester Zoo Dinosaurs are part of the Dinosaurs Bite Back exhibition which runs until early November later this year. The exhibition features 19 highly impressive robotic replicas of dinosaurs complete with sound effects and some of them even spit water (Tip: it’s the third one on the way round). I would love to name some of the dinosaurs on show but will have to leave you with a couple of photos instead. The exhibition is housed at the centre of the zoo complete with dinosaur talks. Entry is included as part of the normal entry fee but in terms of highlights it definitely ranked right up there for the kids. Before I forget, you can follow the Chester Zoo Dinosaurs, or Chester Zoo Rex to be precise on Twitter @DinosBiteBack
If, like us, you were picnicking, the zoo doesn’t force you into their own cafes and restaurants, as there are plenty of pleasant areas to eat your own food. When we did pop into a café, the coffee was not only reasonably priced but also very good. As you may expect from a charity that puts so much into conservation the coffee is both ethically sourced and Rainforest Alliance Certified.
I wouldn’t have any hesitation in recommending Chester Zoo as one of the best days out in Britain for both families and couples and it is easily my favourite animal park in this country. You can buy Chester Zoo and hotel packages from our website or over the phone in the call centre.
I’d love to recommend a hotel to stay in but as I stay at my in-laws it’s a bit difficult. What I can do though is recommend my favourite pub near Chester if you fancy a bite to eat or a pint. The award winning Pheasant Inn at Burwardsley has wonderful views across the Welsh Hills, a range of CAMRA recognised beer and source excellent local food.
The Chester Zoo Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs Bite Back, Zoological Gardens, Upton-by-Chester, Chester, CH2 1EU. Until November 4th 2012.
This summer all eyes will be on London for the much anticipated Olympic and Paralympic Games. While there’s so much going on in the build up to these huge events, here at Superbreak we’re also excited for the summer season in London’s Theatreland.
With millions of visitors expected in London and top shows such as Billy Elliot and The Lion King remaining open during the Olympics, it’s a promising time for the West End. For those hoping to see a show this summer, the Society Of London Theatre’s (SOLT) ‘Don’t Miss The Real Show’ campaign provides information on which shows are available, as well as advice on travelling to the West End during the Games. In the words of Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, “London theatre is the jewel in the capital’s crown… As London takes centre stage on the international map, our world-beating theatre is just the ticket, with gold medal performances every night.”
As well as the well-known long-running shows attracting visitors from around the globe during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, this summer sees some brand new shows take to the London stage that will dazzle audiences from home and abroad.
Following the huge success of Peter Pan last summer, theatre company threesixty will wow London audiences this year with an enchanting production of C.S. Lewis’ classic tale. Held in the state-of-the-art rainproof theatre tent in the heart of the picturesque Kensington Gardens, this dazzling performance will feature spellbinding video installations and breathtaking puppetry guaranteed to bring the story of Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy to life as never before. Adapted for the stage by directors Rupert Goold and Michael Fentiman, we think this is the perfect summer treat for all the family.
Heading to the Duke of York’s Theatre as part of the Royal Court’s West End Season, Posh written by Laura Wade promises London audiences an evening of decadence, debauchery and raucous laughter. Inspired by David Cameron’s previous pals from Oxford’s debonair and dastardly Bullingdon Club, Posh tells the tale of the young gents of ‘The Riot Club’ and their antics at their latest meeting. But, this isn’t just a good old knees-up, there’s revolution in the air… We agree with The Times’ description of this new London show, calling it ‘Lively, funny and wickedly timely.’ Perfect for an indulgent summer evening.
What better way to commemorate a great year for London in 2012 than with a theatre break to see the stage adaptation of the 80s classic film, Chariots Of Fire. Currently taking the Hampstead Theatre by storm, Chariots Of Fire transfers to the West End’s Gielgud Theatre from 22nd June. Featuring the classic Vangelis score, this phenomenal production tells the story of a pair of British runners who overcame prejudice to compete in the 1924 Paris Olympics. In an inspirational year for the nation we think this will bring a tear to the eye of every proud British theatre-goer this summer.
Which of these new shows are you hoping to see this summer? Will you be planning a trip to Theatreland during the Olympic Games?
Here at Superbreak we’re getting excited for a new TV show that promises to become one of our must-watch favourites. Starting next Sunday 6th May on BBC One, Planet Earth Live will be an exciting, interactive and ambitious wildlife series combining the BBC’s renowned breath-taking cinematography skills seen recently in the hugely popular Frozen Planet, with the thrill of live broadcasting seen in Big Cat Live and Springwatch. The show will see presenters Richard Hammond and Julia Bradbury broadcast live from southern Kenya, where they will connect with live feeds from around the globe. In anticipation of this groundbreaking show we’ve selected five great ways in which you can connect with nature on an animal themed adventure during your next short break…
1. Explore the tropics at Chester Zoo…
Tropical Realm at Chester Zoo not only features many species of reptiles and amphibians, from creepy Philippine crocodiles to giant Galapagos tortoises, but also contains one of the nation’s best tropical bird collections in the zoo’s enormous free flight walk-through area and aviaries. With over 40 species of birds to marvel at, the beautiful sounds they produce will transport you to the heart of the jungle. Chester Zoo is one of the UK’s best loved zoos and has many more exhibits that connect you to animal species from around the globe, from Elephants of the Asian Forest to the Realm of the Red Ape, there is plenty to see and discover.
2. Discover life on the farm at Kent Life…
In the heart of rural Sandling near Maidstone, Kent Life is a 28-acre working farm featuring free-range livestock including sheep, cows, pigs, horses, donkeys, goats, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, ducks and geese. This fantastic attraction is great for young children as it gives them the chance to handle some of the farm’s smaller animals in the ‘Cuddle Corner’. The farm also teaches visitors about traditional farming methods and Kent’s farming heritage. Plus it has a lovely tea room for the grown ups to enjoy a relaxing cuppa.
3. Head under water at Birmingham Sea Life Centre…
The Sea Life Centre in Birmingham is a fantastic attraction for getting hands on with creatures from the mysterious depths of our oceans. Visitors can handle crabs and starfish in the interactive rock pool before taking a trip through the breathtaking underwater tunnel through a million-litre tank filled with some of the world’s most beautiful and fascinating species, including Hammerhead Sharks and Green Turtles.
4. Feed the big cats at Paradise Wildlife Park…
As one of ‘the most interactive zoos in Britain’, Paradise Wildlife Park in Hertfordshire allows visitors to get up close and personal with their impressive collection of ‘big cats’ that includes white tigers, white lions, Amur tigers, Sumatran tigers, African lions, snow leopards, leopards, cheetahs and ocelots. As part of a ‘Feed the Big Cats’ experience visitors can have an unforgettable chance to feed a tiger or lion by hand.
5. Step back in time at the Natural History Museum…
No animal adventure would be complete without a trip to the phenomenal Natural History museum in London. You can easily spend hours exploring this amazing museum that houses some 70million artefacts that span the history of the planet. The museum’s Blue Zone is dedicated to the diversity of animal life, from marine invertebrates to large and familiar mammals, as well as animals that have been and gone in the world renowned collection of dinosaur fossils. Guests staying in our London hotels should make sure they pay a visit to this remarkable attraction as, best of all, it’s free to enter and open all year round.
Will you be watching the BBC’s Planet Earth Live? Which of these great animal attractions would you like to attend?
From the multi million pound Jurassic Park franchise, which included books, films, toys and a whole host of merchandise to the popular Ice Age series and the Don Bluth animated film The Land Before time we are fascinated by Dinosaurs and the time in which they lived. This year the spectacular Walking with Dinosaurs is coming back to the UK. Seen by over seven million people across the globe Walking with Dinosaurs is a huge phenomenon. Previewing at the Belfast Odyssey Arena in September the show will take in several arenas across the UK, finishing at Liverpool’s Echo Arena in May 2013.
Depicting life sized dinosaurs Walking with Dinosaurs is a must see for any fan of Dinosaurs, anthropology and natural history. The team behind the show have worked closely with scientist to create 20 life-size dinosaurs including Stegosaurus, Allosaurus, Brachiosaurus and the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex. Step back in time and discover 200 millions years of history as these impressive creatures take to the stage.
Each of the dinosaurs weighs approximately 1.6 tons and needs a team of 3 people to operate them, making this a show of truly epic proportions.
After the preview in Belfast Walking with Dinosaurs will open at the spectacular O2 Arena in London, and will play at the world renowned venue from the 26th December 2012 to the 6th Jan 2013. If you are planning a London break to see Walking with Dinosaurs then be sure to make time to visit the wonderful Natural History Museum. Featuring a superb Dinosaur Gallery including 100s of specimen displays and 4 moving animatronic dinosaurs, it is a must see for any Dinosaur lover.
From the O2 Arena the show will tour the UK taking in arenas in Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle, Nottingham and Liverpool. Will you be going to see Walking with Dinosaurs?
This time last April everyone here at Superbreak Towers, along with the whole of the nation, was growing ever more excited about the approaching wedding of the year. Kate Middleton would marry Prince William on 29th April and the whole world would be watching with their eyes fixed firmly on London. This weekend the now Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will celebrate their first year’s wedding anniversary and have chosen to mark the occasion privately, in contrast with the huge publicity that surrounded their wedding a year ago.
The newly wed couple have both had a busy year and have remained a key presence within the public interest. Earlier this month Madame Tussauds in London revealed new waxwork figures of the Royal couple that were modelled on their anniversary portraits. The model of the Duchess is dressed in an exact copy of the stunning blue Issa London dress she wore on the day of the engagement announcement, exclusively created for Madame Tussauds by the Issa design team. The new models take their place in the London attraction’s Royal Zone, which is also due to get a new figure of Her Majesty the Queen later on in the year to mark her Diamond Jubilee.
While the Duke has spent a great deal of his time during his first year of marriage working as a search and rescue pilot for the RAF, the Duchess has regularly made public appearances alongside the Queen as part of her Jubilee celebrations. The Royal couple will appear together alongside Prince Harry, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee procession on the 5th June. For those staying in our London hotels there will be plenty of opportunities to see the Royal procession as it passes along Whitehall to Trafalgar Square and down the Mall before arriving at Buckingham Palace.
Will you be heading to London to catch a glimpse of the Royal couple in the Queen’s procession? Or would you like to pose with the pair at Madame Tussauds?
For a great weekend in Manchester 2012, be sure to head to Old Trafford, home of Man Utd. and the Imperial War Museum North before heading for a drink in the Northern Quarter for a memorable Manchester night out. Read more about our top tips for a fantastic short break in the capital of the North in our latest news article…
Renowned for its connection with Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest as well as being home to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham is an often overlooked short break destination. Whether travelling with family or friends there are plenty of reasons to visit this fantastic city and enjoy a Nottingham break in 2012.
Set in the heart of England Nottingham is easily accessible from the M1 Motorway and offers a host of activities and attractions to explore. We have searched through all the city has to offer and compiled our list of the top reasons to visit Nottingham and with plenty of Nottingham hotels to choose from there is something to suit all tastes.
The Robin Hood connection:
Nottingham is a city that is synonymous with the legendary Robin Hood stories. From the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham through to the wondrous green of Sherwood Forest Robin Hood has captured our imaginations across the generations. With a multitude of books, blockbuster films and television programmes based on the iconic character Robin Hood has touched the lives of millions. Nottingham’s Robin Hood Trail is a great way to discover the lands of the legend. Pick up the Robin Hood trail from Nottingham tourism centre and explore across the county as you follow in the footsteps of the legend.
Nottingham Castle:
Boasting a superb location atop a high rock in the city centre Nottingham Castle is brimming with a rich and varied history. From sieges and murders to its destruction after the Civil War Nottingham Castle has stood the test of time. Now the Castle is home to a museum, art gallery and spectacular gardens. Beneath the castle lay a labyrinth of caves which form part of the award winning Cave Tours – a fantastic experience looking at the history of the Castle.
Galleries of Justice Museum:
Housed within the original courthouse and gaol the Galleries of Justice Museum is a fantastic day out. Once the only place where a criminal could be tried, incarcerated and hanged on the front steps of the court the building offers a grim look at crime and punishment of days gone by. Be sure to pay witness to a trial in the original Victorian Courtroom.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
No trip to Nottingham would be complete with out stopping by England’s oldest pub. Dating back over 800 years this stunning pub is a must see. Why not head down to the Cellars on a tour – this must be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
Have you visited Nottingham – what are your top tips?
With the Leeds and Reading Festival line up announced a few weeks ago it’s safe to say here at Superbreak we’re getting excited for the summer festival season already (in spite of all these April showers!). Whether the mainstream festivals aren’t for you, you’re mourning the lack of Glastonbury this year or you just fancy something a bit different, there are a great range of alternative festivals taking place in the UK right throughout the summer months. From live Jazz to cabaret and comedy, we’ve picked five top UK festivals not to be missed in 2012.
Cheltenham Jazz Festival, 2 – 7 May
The annual Cheltenham Jazz Festival in association with BBC Radio 2 is the perfect way to kick off the summer and an enjoyable way to spend the May Bank Holiday weekend. Taking place in the picturesque Montpellier Gardens and nearby venues, the festival features The Big Top tent and the Jazz Arena as well as a Free Stage where raw talent from local unsigned artists will be playing throughout the weekend. Headline acts on the main stages include the phenomenal Paloma Faith, and Jamie Cullum will also perform alongside soul singer Gregory Porter on Saturday afternoon. For those heading to this vibrant festival we’ve got a great range of hotels in Cheltenham at a range of prices perfect for your Bank Holiday break.
Brighton Fringe Festival, 5 – 27 May
Brighton Fringe Festival is England’s largest annual arts festival and takes place this year between 5 and 27 May. With 675 events taking place at 193 venues throughout Brighton, there is a mind blowing amount of top quality arts entertainment to choose from. A highlight of the festival is Fringe City, the free outdoor showcase of unique fringe performances for everyone to attend. In 2011, over 40,000 people attended Fringe City over three fantastic days of performances, stalls, sideshows, dance-offs, acrobatic balloonists, roaming choirs, mechanical horses and surreal walkabout performers. Brighton Fringe is a great alternative festival for visitors of all ages and is a must see when staying in one of our Brighton hotels this May.
Hay Festival, 31 May – 10 June, Hay-on-Wye (near Brecon Beacons)
The annual Hay Festival celebrates great writing across a myriad of mediums, and in 2012 will be in its 25th year. The festival takes place in the rural village of Hay-on-Wye near the stunning Brecon Beacons. Hay runs for ten days and features a packed programme of debates and conversations with poets and scientists, novelists and historians, artists and gardeners, comedians and musicians, film makers and politicians. Highlight acts of this year include Ian McEwan and Jacqueline Wilson. New for 2012 is The Sound Castle, the festival’s late night music club showcasing some fantastic performers. Hay is also an amazing festival for families, with a dedicated programme of literary events especially arranged for children and teenagers.
Beautiful Days Festival, 17 – 19 August, Devon
Beautiful Days in Devon is the Brighton-based band the Levellers’ annual 15,000 capacity family-friendly weekend camping festival which has been running since 2003 and is a favourite among fans of folk, roots and punk rock music. Taking place from 17 to 19 August at Escot Park, the festival features six stages showcasing a range of musical talents, from Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls to Reel Big Fish. With a dedicated Families Camping field, the festival also has an annual dressing up theme for everyone to get involved in which is yet to be announced. If camping isn’t your thing we’ve also got a good range of hotels in Devon perfect for your festival experience this summer.
Artsfest, 8 – 9 September, Birmingham
ArtsFest is one of the biggest, most popular urban festivals within the UK. Taking place annually it is also the UK’s biggest free arts festival, with no charges at all for the 600 events that make up the festival each year. Visitors to this amazing festival can see ballet to Bhangra and dub poetry to indie rock for free, making this an ideal festival even if you’re on a budget. This year the festival will see a huge range of events take place at venues throughout Birmingham city centre, including Centenary Square and the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral. Check out our range of hotels in Birmingham perfect for your visit to this vibrant urban festival that brings the city to life.
Have you visited any of these great alternative UK festivals? Which are you planning on attending this year?
