Filed under: Half Term
Posted by Kirstie
From Alton Towers to Thorpe Park, many of the Theme Parks across the UK are re-opening over the next few weeks. With Easter only a few weeks away, now is a great time to get planning an Attraction Break for you and your friends or family, so to provide you with some inspiration here’s my choice of my Top 5 favourite roller coasters!
1. Rita at Alton Towers
Launched in 2005 and given a spooky makeover in 2010, Rita, formerly known as The Queen of Speed, is one of the fastest rides at Alton Towers theme park in Staffordshire. I queued for over an hour to have a go on this ride during the first year that it opened but it was completely worth it. After a long and exciting wait I was lucky enough to get seats at the very front, and when the ride started it honestly felt like being shot out of a gun! When you give this ride a go make sure you hold onto your eyeballs as you’re catapulted from 0-100km/ph in 2.5 seconds!
2. The Big One sponsored by Pepsi Max at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
The Big One sponsored by Pepsi Max is Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s scariest ride and holds the crown as the UK’s tallest and fastest roller coaster! Feel the adrenaline rush as you climb to a nail biting height of 235ft and enjoy the views over Blackpool bay before taking a terrifying drop towards the sea! I sat next to my Dad the first time I went on this ride, and as a man of few words it was hilarious to hear the ear-piercing shrieks that came out of his mouth! This is definitely not one to be missed for anyone paying Blackpool Pleasure Beach a visit.
3. Stormforce 10 at Drayton Manor
Any theme park trip in the summer is not complete without a ride that leaves you drenched. The worst culprit and the most thrilling I’ve experienced is Stormforce 10 at Drayton Manor theme park near Tamworth. The ride is the UK’s first reverse chute water coaster with a 180 degree platform that sends boats backwards down a 9m drop! I got well and truly soaked when I went on this a few years back so I’d recommend planning this as your last ride of the day if you don’t want to spend the rest of your theme park trip walking around in soggy pants.
4. Colossus at Thorpe Park
Opened in 2002, Colossus is one of the biggest rides at Thorpe Park theme park in Surrey, and offers thrill seekers an adrenaline fuelled ride through a record breaking ten vertical loops as you hurtle towards the UK’s only quadruple corkscrew! With mind blowing twists and turns this ride is a real stomach-lurcher, so I’d save your packed lunch for afterwards!
5. Vampire at Chessington World of Adventures
One of the first ever roller coaster rides that I went on was Vampire at Chessington World of Adventures in South West London. Set in the Transylvania zone of the park, the ride has one of the lowest height restrictions for roller coasters in Europe. At only 1.1m Vampire is the perfect ride for youngsters to try their first roller coaster experience so they don’t miss out during your family break.
Will you be visiting any theme parks this summer? What are your favourite roller coaster rides?
March 16, 2012
With York celebrating its 800th year as a city there are plenty of exciting events and festivals taking place throughout the year. From the renowned Viking Festival in the February half term to the legendary Mystery Plays in August the city will be a buzz of activity. Highlights of the York 800 Festival include a Medieval Festival in the summer, the Festival of the Rivers, a chocolate festival and the popular illuminating York festival so no matter what time of year you plan your York break there will be plenty going on.
York marks the 800th anniversary of it becoming a self-governing city on the 9th July of this year and celebrates the event with an array of activities. On the exact weekend of the anniversary there will a whole weekend of events for those staying in York hotels to enjoy. From plays and music shows to festivals, events and more there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are some highlights of the York 800 Festival calendar or for further detail visit the York 800 page:
6 – 9 Apr – York Chocolate Festival
Chocolate Festival celebrating the city’s long heritage of chocolate making.
7 Apr – 1212: The Making of the City
The opening of a new medieval gallery at the Yorkshire museum
2 – 10 Jun – Railfest at the National Railway Museum.
Britain’s biggest rail celebration.
6 – 14 Jul – Early Music Festival
Renaissance music influence by the Olympic theme of excellence.
7 – 2 Jul – York Rivers Festival
Annual river celebration with a flotilla of boats on the River Ouse.
2-27 Aug – York Cycle of Mystery Plays
The magnificent Mystery Plays return to their outdoor setting in the Museum Gardens.
4-12 Aug – Medieval Festival
A celebration of York’s medieval history
24-27 October – Illuminating York
Annual light installation festival.
29 Nov – 2 Dec – St Nicholas Fayre
Busy Christmas fair throughout the city centre.
Will you be visiting York this year, what events are you looking forward to?
February 3, 2012
Posted by Danielle
If you are planning on heading to Yorkshire with the family in 2012, then a visit to Wakefield is a must! When you are on a short break with the kids it’s important to make sure there is plenty to keep them entertained throughout your stay. Wakefield has some fantastic attractions with free admission and with some great value hotels in Wakefield to choose from the only question is when do you go?!
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Yorkshire Sculpture Park is set in the grounds of a 500-acre 18th century country estate. As one of the world’s leading open-air galleries it showcases some amazing exhibitions that the whole family will love. The park boasts some incredible scenic vistas of the valley, lakes and eighteenth century estate buildings with new exhibitions introduced each year there is always something new to see and with a new Underground Gallery there is also extensive indoor exhibition space to complement the outdoor sculpture displays. If you are looking for a half term getaway this is perfect!
The Hepworth Wakefield
Since its opening in May 2011 the Hepworth Wakefield is Yorkshires landmark gallery for the visual arts. Boasting over 1,600 square meters of light filled gallery space this magnificent building is the largest purpose-built exhibition space outside of London. This incredible building brings together work from Wakefield’s art collection, exhibitions from world-famous artists and never before seen works by Wakefield’s very own Barbara Hepworth. Events run throughout the year with many family activities, talks and concerts the Hepworth Wakefield is a fantastic day out and offers the perfect family break.
National Coal Mining Museum for England
If you are looking to uncover some of the incredible history from this area then a trip to the National Coal Mining Museum for England will be right up your street. This huge 41 acre site will have you delving into the hidden world of mining throughout the centuries. A visit to the museum will have you discovering exactly how the miners lived, worked and relaxed from the Victorian age through to the modern day. You will get the opportunity to descend 140 meters on an underground tour led by ex-miners to find out how coal was extracted and moved to the surface. Then visit the ponies and learn all about their valuable role in mining coal. A mixture of interactive displays, special events and children’s activities will have you and the kids entertained for hours.
Have you visited any of these attractions?
February 2, 2012
Posted by Kirstie
With the National Railway Museum in York launching their Wizard Week this coming half term, we’ve got a spell of Harry Potter fever here at Superbreak Towers. If you’re a Harry Potter fan too and you know your Imperio from your Impendio and your Reducto from your Relashio, then our picks of top UK Harry Potter theme breaks should be right up your Diagon Alley.
From the 11th to the 19th of February, Wizard Week at the National Railway Museum will host an exciting range of wizarding events, including wizard duels, owl displays and magical tricks designed to entertain children and big kids alike. As well as showcasing the iconic steam engine that featured in the Harry Potter films, there is also a competition for the best dressed wizard! Those of you planning short breaks this half term should check out our great range of hotels in York that provide easy access to the National Railway Museum and the rest of the great attractions that York has to offer.
For fans of the Harry Potter movies there is an exciting new attraction opening in spring that is guaranteed to blow you off your broomstick. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter gives you the rare opportunity to see original costumes, special effects and props used from all eight films. The tour will allow you to come face to face with some of the most recognisable film sets including headmaster Dumbledore’s office, the Great Hall at Hogwarts and, my personal favourite, the Gryffindor common room. Home to many a post-Quidditch celebration and the scene of Harry and Ginny’s first kiss, this is definitely not one to be missed. If you want to catch a glimpse of the backstage magic for yourself then book a Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Hotel + Ticket Package today.
Harry Potter fans in the north of England should pay a visit to the historic Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. Many memorable scenes from the Harry Potter films were filmed in the castle grounds including the flying lesson with Madame Hooch in Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone where Harry discovers his skills as a seeker after catching Neville’s airborne Remembrall. The castle hosts regular Harry Potter themed activities, including daily broomstick training sessions. If you fancy a visit to this magnificent location we’ve got a great range of Northumberland hotels that make an excellent base for your wizarding adventures.
Which of these great Harry Potter theme breaks will you be visiting? Answers via Owl Post (or leave your comments below!)
January 31, 2012
With Christmas and New Year now a distant memory the February half term is fast creeping up. Whether planning a short break away with the family, a special treat to visit one of the UK’s attractions or sightseeing tours or a theatre break to London there is plenty to discover this half term.
For lovers of the sea and marine life Sealife centres across the UK are offering Kids go Free with every paying adult. From the seaside towns of Scarborough, Brighton and Blackpool to the outstanding National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham there are plenty of destinations to choose from.
If you are after the thrill of the theme park then Alton Towers will be open between 11th-19th February with a selection of rides on offer including the big rides Oblivion and Nemesis alongside the Peugeot Driving School, Marauder’s Mayhem and the Runaway Mine Train. Not all rides are available during this time.
Why not explore the wonders of Warwick Castle and learn about life in medieval times with hands on activities and exhibitions or discover the stunning Royal Palaces of London. If you are planning a break to London then be sure to take in a show in the West End with a great range of shows on offer there’s bound to be a theatre break to suit you and your family from the acclaimed Matilda, to the highly popular Lion King or the magic of Shrek brought to life on the stage.
What will you be getting up to this half term?
January 17, 2012
This half term treat the animal lover in your family to a short break at one of the UK’s fabulous zoos or wildlife parks. With a great selection throughout the UK there are plenty of destinations to choose from. Whether a fan of reptiles, Big Cats, Birds of Prey or safari animals there is a zoo or wildlife park waiting for you.
No matter where you are planning your half term break you are sure to find some wildlife close by. If you are visiting the Capital on your break then a must see is the ZLS London Zoo, based in Regents Park it is one of the worlds oldest Zoos as it was opened in 1828. Today the Zoo is home to over 700 species including Lions, Tigers, Monkeys, Komodo Dragons and several species that are listed as threatened.
ZLS also own the ZLS Whipsnade Zoo, set in 600 acres of Bedfordshire parkland the Zoo was Europe’s first open Zoo. Now celebrating its 80th birthday Whipsnade Zoo is home to over 2,500 animals, with plenty going on throughout the day you can discover all about the Elephants, Sealions, Lions of the Serengeti and more.
Further north is the fantastic Chester Zoo, set in 110 acres of award-winning gardens Chester Zoo is a great day out for the whole family. With over 400 species and 7,000 animals there is plenty to see. From the Jaguar enclosure to the Black Rhinos and the Tropical Realm it’s brimming with wild and exotic animals. Nearby is the renowned Knowsley Safari Park where you can see the animals roaming free.
If you’d like a real hands on experience then the Paradise Wildlife Park – Feed the Big Cats attraction is ideal. Get the chance to hand feed one of the parks remarkable lions or tigers.
There are plenty of places to visit which don’t have to cost the earth, from Tropical World in Leeds or The Yorkshire Wildlife Park to Paignton Zoo. Where will you be going this half term?
October 19, 2011
With the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter opening from March 2012 we decide to have a look at where else in the UK you can enjoy a Harry Potter themed short break.
Since the publication of the first Harry Potter book in 1997 the series has become a global phenomenon with over 400 million book sold worldwide. The film rights were bought by Warner Bros and over the course of ten years the Harry Potter franchise has become one of the biggest UK exports. For fans of the films there are plenty of destinations throughout the UK where you can let your imagination run riot and re-enact scenes from your favourite Harry Potter film.
Head to the North East of England and enjoy a stay in one of the fabulous Durham hotels. Durham Cathedral was used as part of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, this gothic Cathedral perfectly lends itself to the magical world of Harry Potter. Further north you’ll find the striking Alnwick Castle, the Grade I listed building was used as Hogwarts exterior and interior throughout the films.
If you are planning a Yorkshire break then a visit to Goathland train station is a must, this small station provided the setting for the Hogsmeade station where the Hogwarts Express stops. Also in Yorkshire you will find the limestone pavements of Malham cove, where Harry and Hermione camp in the first instalment of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The limestone is naturally formed and has existed for centuries, an ideal spot for a day out or a picnic Malham is just a short drive from Skipton.
Will you be going to the new Harry Potter tour? Which is your favourite film?
October 14, 2011
With half term nearly here we thought we’d take a look and some of the fascinating sights and attractions of the UK. Whether you will be staying at one of our hotels in London, planning a weekend break in the country or spending a day at a theme park there is plenty to discover on your short break.
In the beautiful Kensington Gardens stands the Elfin Oak. The 900 year old tree is decorated with elves, gnomes and small animals and is Grade II listed. Originally from Richmond Park the stump was moved to Kensington Gardens in 1928 where it was decorated by the illustrator Ivor Innes. The Elvin Oak can be found next to the Princess Diana Memorial Playground and is a must see for anyone staying in a Kensington hotel.
When Robert Ripley first starting drawing illustration of the amazing things he saw on his travels he was celebrated as an eccentric. Now there are Ripley’s attractions across the globe displaying some of the worlds most bizarre exhibits. Ripley’s Believe it or Not in London has over 700 exhibits, including shrunken heads, dinosaur eggs and much more.
During your time in London why not pay a visit to the Museum of Brands in Notting Hill or Pollock’s Toy Museum alternatively spend some time discovering all about tea in the Twinings Museum and shop on the Strand.
Outside of London there is a fantastic array of unusual sights to explore, from the Museum of Witchcraft in Boscastle Cornwall to Mother Shiptons cave in Yorkshire there is something for all to enjoy.
If you enjoy natural wonders and are planning a break in Yorkshire then a visit to Brimham Rocks near Harrogate is a must. These stunning formations cover 50 acres and are said to have connections to the Druids. Another great sight in Yorkshire is Stump Cross Caverns, travel underground and see the stalactites of these stunning caves.
Where will you be going this half term?
October 11, 2011
It only seems like last week when the kids went back to school but before you know it, it will be October half term! If you are looking for a way to keep your little monsters occupied then look no further as there is plenty to keep them busy over the school holidays.
In October many of the large theme parks begin to shut their doors for another season but not before many offer spooky attraction breaks to celebrate Halloween and half term! From 15th – 31st October Alton Towers is transformed for the Scarefest embracing all things Halloween. The park will stay open until 9 pm giving you the opportunity to try out some of the rides in the dark. Legoland also offers a variety of spooky Halloween activities during half term including the Scooby-Doo firework display and for older children a trip to Thope Park over half term is a must.
If you are planning a short break, why not include tickets for the Dungeons and discover some of the most gruesome moments in history. York, Edinburgh, London and now Blackpool all have spooky tales to tell you which will have you screaming for the door. But if you aren’t looking for a scary break then check out our October Half Term Breaks for some other great ideas for half term.
What will you be doing this half term?
September 24, 2011
While the majority of us may live on mainland Britain the UK is surrounded by an array of smaller Islands which have plenty to offer those seeking a short break. From the warmer climate of Jersey and Guernsey to the stunning settings of the Shetlands and the Victorian seaside towns of Anglesey there is a host of off shore locations waiting to be discovered.
Owned by the National Trust Brownsea Island is a fantastic place to visit for all those who love wildlife. Offering great views of Poole harbour the Island is home to an array of wild animals from red squirrels and Sika deer to kingfishers and oystercatchers there is plenty to see. With a great choice of hotels in Poole to choose from you can enjoy a break at Brownsea Island for longer.
Travel north to the Scottish Islands and discover rugged landscapes, stunning scenery and blissful tranquilly in these remote destinations. With so many beautiful Islands to choose from it’ll be the experience of a lifetime.
Enjoy some of the Mediterranean climate with a break to the Channel Islands, brimming with a rich history and striking coastline you can relax and enjoy all these Islands have to offer. From the War Tunnels of Jersey to the much celebrated literary sights of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society you’ll find a great selection of activities to occupy yourself. If it’s a relaxing break you’re after than the Channel Islands is ideal for that too.
So which of the UK Islands have you visited, are there any hidden gems that shouldn’t be missed?
September 10, 2011
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