Filed under: UK Travel
Posted by Becky
Getting away from the humdrum of everyday life and relaxing in style is one of the big draws of a short break. Whether escaping the 9 to 5 of working life, celebrating a special occasion or just in need of some pampering there are a great range of hotels across the country to suit your needs.
With so many hotels offering fantastic facilities from stunning gardens and fully equipped gyms to lavish spas and swimming pools staying away from home can offer the perfect indulgence. With that in mind we have picked our choice of the best hotels with swimming pools throughout the UK.
The Lakeside Hotel, Cumbria
Set on the edge of Lake Windermere the Lakeside Hotel is a stunning four star hotel. With an onsite Health & Leisure Spa including Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and a generous 17m Pool it is an ideal retreat. Plus with spa treatments available too you can truly relax on your break.
Danesfield House, Buckinghamshire
Boasting a superb location in the Buckinghamshire countryside Danesfield House is an award-winning country house hotel. With an array of facilities including a Michelin Star restaurant, tennis courts and Aromatherapy Associates Spa there is something to suit all needs. The award winning spa features a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, an array of treatment rooms and a fantastic 20m Ozone Cleansed Pool. Children between the ages of 7 and 16 years may use the pool and changing areas at specific time only.
Bowood Hotel, Wiltshire
Offering a tranquil lakeside setting the Bowood Hotel provides everything you could need for a relaxing break. With an 18 hole golf course, adventure playground and fantastic spa and gym facilities it has something for the whole family. The spa at the Bowood Hotel includes a 15m swimming pool alongside a crystal steam room, rock sauna, and aromatherapy showers.
Rockcliffe Hall, Co. Durham
Set in an 18th century country house Rockliffe Hall is a beautiful five star hotel. With a spa that stretches across 50,000 square feet it is the perfect getaway from the cares of everyday life. As well as a beautiful 20m swimming pool the spa features heat saunas, tropicarium, hydropool and an ice fountain.
Where will you be staying on your next short break? What have been the best hotel swimming pools and facilities?
April 13, 2012
With plenty of school holidays and bank holiday weekends still to come this summer now is a great time to start planning a short break with your friends or family. The UK has a whole host of exciting and vibrant cities to enjoy that are perfect for a getaway that is good value and only a few hours away! Our range of ‘For Less’ city breaks are an ideal choice for anyone planning a UK break, as they offer hassle free and affordable breaks at 4 of the top UK cities. All of our ‘For Less’ breaks come with 2 nights accommodation or more in your choice of hotels and a free gift of your choice worth up to £49.95 per couple.
London
The nation’s capital attracts millions of visitors every year as there is always a huge range of exciting events taking place, with world class attractions drawing visitors from around the globe. We love taking a short break to London for a spot of retail therapy at Harrods and Camden markets and to soak up some culture at the Tate Modern and National Gallery. As part of a London For Less break you can visit another amazing gallery for free as part of your package. The Queen’s Gallery in Buckingham Palace holds an array of priceless treasures held in trust for the Nation by The Queen and is a beautiful setting for enjoying the latest exhibitions. From 4 May the much anticipated ‘Leonardo Da Vinci: Anatomist’ exhibition arrives at the gallery, and is a must see for art lovers everywhere. To visit this amazing exhibition that features Da Vinci’s most iconic anatomical sketches simply choose The Queen’s Gallery as your free gift when booking a London For Less break.
Edinburgh
We love the renowned city of Edinburgh – with its rich heritage, stunning sights and striking architecture it’s the perfect destination for a short break to Scotland. Our favourite way to spend the day is by taking in the views from the iconic Edinburgh Castle before discovering the city’s vibrant nightlife at Olorosso Bar on Castle Street. As part of an Edinburgh For Less break you can choose from a range of superb attractions as free extras, including the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Edinburgh Dungeon. The spook-tacular dungeons tell the tales of Edinburgh’s creepiest historic figures and are a great attraction for children and big kids of all ages.
Liverpool
A short break in Liverpool never fails to be memorable – over the years we’ve had some great trips to this vibrant city in the North West. As a previous European Capital of Culture in 2008 and Best UK City in 2011 Liverpool is renowned for its maritime heritage, rich musical influence and fantastic shopping destinations. We love spending the day taking a stroll around Albert Dock and the Tate Liverpool before splashing some cash at Liverpool ONE. No trip to Liverpool would be complete, however, without a trip to The Fab Four – The Beatles Story, the award-winning attraction that explore the origins, life and times of the iconic Liverpool band The Beatles. The Beatles Story was recently visited by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, who was given a tour of the exhibition by managing director Jerry Goldman before unveiling a plaque to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the band’s creation. You can visit this superb attraction for free by adding it as your chosen extra when booking a Liverpool For Less break.
York
We might be a little bit biased as we’re extremely proud of our Yorkshire heritage, but here at Superbreak we think our city of York is a superb destination for a short break you’ll love. Our beautiful home town is brimming with history, stunning architecture and an array of boutique shops and delicious eateries to discover. What’s more, York is also home to some fantastic attractions, including the Jorvik Viking Centre and the York Dungeons. As part of a York For Less break you can now add free tickets to York’s newest attraction, Chocolate – York’s Sweet Story. This exciting new attraction celebrates the city’s long-standing chocolate heritage and for chocolate lovers everywhere also features a Chocolate Bar, serving artisan hot chocolates and mouth watering cakes. De-lish.
Which of our ‘For Less’ cities will would you like to visit next?
April 12, 2012
Posted by Becky
This week a major exhibition of Damien Hirst’s work opens at the Tate Modern in London. This is the first major exhibition of Damien Hirst’s work to display in the UK and is expected to attract thousands of visitors into the Capital. One of the Young British Artists to emerge in the 1990s Damien Hirst is now one of Britain’s richest artists being valued at over £200 million in 2010.
The artist has caused much controversy with his pieces, with many focusing on the theme of death. His famed work The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living featuring a shark suspended in formaldehyde sold for an amazing £50,000 and became an iconic piece of 1990s art. Those planning a London break to visit the exhibition at the Tate Modern will be able to see the sculpture alongside the two-part installation In and Out of Love, not shown in its entirety since its creation in 1991 and a range of paintings made throughout his career using butterflies.
The Damien Hirst exhibition runs from the 4th April to the 9th September 2012 and admission costs £15.50.
Staying at one of our London hotels you can enjoy a walk along the River Thames to the Tate Britain which features two extraordinary exhibitions. Running until the 15th July Picasso & Modern British Art explores Picassos influence on the British art world. Displaying over 150 spectacular artworks, with over 60 Picassos including his famed Weeping Woman painting the exhibition is a must for art lovers.
The exhibition offers the unique opportunity to see Picassos work alongside those artists he influenced including work by the acclaimed Henry Moore, Francis Bacon, and David Hockney.
The Tate Britain is also currently displaying an exhibition entitled Migrations, exploring British art through the theme of migration from 1500 to the present day. This exhibition runs at the Tate Britain until August.
With a Tate gallery in both St Ives and Liverpool there is plenty of art to discover across the country. Those planning a Liverpool break can see the work of Turner Prize winner Martin Creed or from June the Turner Monet Twombly exhibition will reside at the Liverpool Tate – the only chance to see this exhibition that brings together the work of the three great artists in the UK.
Will you be going to any art exhibition this year? Which is your favourite Art Gallery?
April 4, 2012
Posted by Becky
Last week a handful of Superbreak staff got invited to visit two of the stunning Radisson Edwardian hotels, the Radisson Edwardian at Heathrow and the new Radisson Edwardian Guildford, which opened in September 2011.
Leaving the Superbreak offices on Friday afternoon we travelled down to London with East Coast Rail and onto the Radisson Edwardian at Heathrow Airport. After the journey from York it was a great feeling to walk into the hotel’s beautiful lobby. With a glamorous chandelier, elegant staircase and luxurious seating areas the hotel provides a superb first impression. Once we were allocated our rooms we prepared for the evenings entertainments. The rooms are chic, spacious and totally quiet despite being a stones throw from one of the worlds busiest airport..
In the evening we were warmly welcomed by the staff into the stylish Newbury suite. With its own waterfall, palm tress and Koi Carp it was the ideal setting for the evening ahead. With a sumptuous array of food from all four corners of the globe we were treated to a taste of luxury, from the mouth watering buffet to an array of delectable desserts there was something to suit all tastes. Retiring to our rooms late on in the evening, sleep came easily.
Waking on the Saturday morning we grabbed a quick breakfast before stepping on the coach to head down to the Radisson Edwardian Guildford.
Guilford is a bustling market town nestled on the edge of the Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Radisson Edwardian Guildford hotel offers a superb base for exploring the area. Stepping into the hotel lobby you are greeted by a superb space, with a grand chandelier, feature book shelf including decorative ladder (a tribute to the author Lewis Carroll) and warm snug to sit and wait it offers a friendly and warm welcome.
The hotel exudes style from the design of the toilets to the features of the bedrooms and the open spaces of the lobby this is a hotel you’d want to stay in time and time again. It also features a luxury spa, well-equipped gym and choice of restaurants.
After we’d been shown this stunning hotel we headed back on the coach to begin our long journey home, but Guildford is definitely a town to add on to your destination list and we’ll be heading back there again soon.
Radisson Edwardian has 14 hotels, many of which are based in the capital. Have you visited any of the Radisson Edwardian hotels?
March 30, 2012
Posted by Becky
Due to open on the 31st March, Chocolate – York’s Sweet Story is the perfect day out for the whole family. Set in the heart of York city centre York’s Sweet Story celebrates the city’s close connection to the manufacture and production of chocolate and offers a fascinating insight into the heritage that it has left behind.
York is renowned for its chocolate connection, with Terry’s, Rowntree’s and Nestle all calling it home. The Terry’s chocolate factory was closed in 2005 but its history dates back to the 1800s while Rowntree’s was founded in York in 1862 and taken over by the Nestle company in 1988. The Rowntree’s brand is still used to date on products such as Fruit Pastilles, Randoms and Fruit Gums and the Terry’s name remains on the famous Terry’s Chocolate Orange.
If you are a chocolate lover then York is a fantastic destination for your next short break. With a host of history to explore, stories to discover and a fantastic chocolate bar serving the best hot Chocolate, York’s Sweet Story has it all.
Set in Kings Square close to the Shambles and just a short walk from the Minster, Chocolate – York’s Sweet Story is within easy reach of a great range of York hotels.
For your chance to win a family ticket to Chocolate – York’s Sweet Story simply complete our short questionnaire and you will be entered into the draw. The competition closes on the 30th March so get your entries in quick!
March 29, 2012
Posted by Kirstie
Opening today, 28th March, Christian Louboutin at the Design Museum in London promises to be a must-see exhibition for fashion and shoe-lovers alike. The exhibition presents the first UK retrospective of the iconic French shoe designer, celebrating a career which has pushed the boundaries of high fashion shoe design. Drawing from Louboutin’s personal archive, the exhibition explores the origins of the iconic red sole, and examines the many sources of his creativity, including cabaret and the showgirl; fantasy and fairy tale; art and architecture; film; landscape and travel. If you’re planning a short break in London soon then this exhibition is definitely worth a visit.
The exhibition is open now until 1st July 2012 and tickets cost a very reasonable £10.00 for adults. The Design Museum is easily accessible from many of our London hotels, located by the River Thames near Tower Bridge in central London. We think this new London exhibition would be perfect for anyone on a Girl’s Weekend in the capital for added variety in between shopping trips! Perhaps you’ll find some shoe-spiration for your next pair of must-have strappies.
To help you plan your next trip to London, with your girlfriends or your family, we’ve got a great range of London Hotel + Rail deals to help save you money and make planning your getaway a little easier!
Are you a lucky owner of a pair of Louboutins? Will you be visiting this new exhibition?
March 28, 2012
Posted by Kirstie
*Spoiler Alert! This blog contains details of what you will see and do on The Making of Harry Potter Tour!*
Last Wednesday a number of Superbreak staff were lucky enough to take another visit to The Making of Harry Potter tour at Warner. Bros Studios in Leavseden, near London. After visiting previously while the sets were still under construction, it was great to see the finished article prior to the attraction’s grand opening on 31st March.
Our tour began in the Cinema area where we saw a video introduction to the Studios’ history narrated by the Harry Potter stars, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, before being led by our guide into the breathtaking Great Hall set. Our energetic guide told us fascinating facts about the set, and for those of us who were a bit rusty on our Harry Potter movie trivia, reminded us of some of the iconic scenes that were filmed there, including the Yuletide Ball and the drawing of names from the Goblet of Fire. I particularly enjoyed seeing the tiny robes worn by Daniel in the first of the films, and the Hufflepuff Quidditch Costume as worn by Robert Pattinson himself.
After our exciting introduction we were left to explore the remainder of the sets by ourselves, which take you through all the fascinating roles people play in creating the movies and bringing the magic to life – from costume and wardrobe to graphic and set design. The level of detail included in the film sets, including the Potion’s classroom, the Gryffindor common room, Hagrid’s Hut, Dumbledore’s Office and the Weasley’s kitchen is utterly mind blowing.
Throughout the sets, the previously secret methods used to create some of the most spectacular scenes from the films are revealed, including green screen technology, animatronics and life-size models. You even get the chance to explore green screen technology for yourself and enjoy a broomstick ride that transports you over the winding streets of London and beyond!
For me, the overall highlight of the tour was the scale model of Hogwarts Castle and grounds. Stepping into the ambient room, the size and complexity of the model really does take your breath away. The 50ft wide model is superbly detailed and features over 2,500 fibre optic lights that bring the castle to life.
This brand new tour promises to be a fantastic attraction for Harry Potter fans and movie lovers alike, and is a must-see for anyone planning an attraction break. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is located in Leavesden just 20 miles North-West of London and is easily accessible from central London, Watford and Kings Langley stations. Entrance tickets and hotel packages available now from £161.16 per family of 4.
What is your favourite Harry Potter movie? Are you planning on visiting this new attraction?
March 23, 2012
Posted by Becky
If you are planning a short break in 2012 and want to stay somewhere out of the ordinary why not head to one of the many historic hotels across the UK. From Castles and old hunting lodges to converted barns and stately homes there are plenty of fantastic hotels to choose from. Whether seeking a city break or a country retreat you are sure to find a converted hotel that is right for you. Here is our selection of some of the best converted hotels across the UK:
Malmaison Oxford:
Housed in the former Oxford prison the stunning four star hotel is brimming with a unique luxury. Combining the original features of the prison with a chic Malmaison design the Malmaison Oxford is a fantastic destination for a short break in Oxford.
Bovey Castle:
Set in the heart of the Dartmoor National Park Bovey Castle offers a stunning location for your short break. Dating back to the early 1900s, when the Manor House was completed, the hotel stands within a stunning estate. The interior of the hotel exudes grandeur and takes you back to a more regal time. Staying at the hotel you can enjoy Falconry on the grounds (cost for this are extra).
Legacy Falcon Hotel
Boasting a superb location in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon the Legacy Falcon Hotel is stepped in history. Once a 16th century inn, the hotel elegantly blends the buildings original features with stylish décor and modern conveniences to create a relaxing haven.
Mar Hall Hotel:
Standing within a 240 acre woodland estate the Mar Hall Hotel is an elegant five star hotel which houses a baronial mansion dating back to the 1800’s. Stepping through the doors of the hotel you are taken back to a time of grace and style as the hotel retains many of the manors original features.
Hotel du Vin Henley-on-Thames:
The Henley-on-Thames Hotel du Vin is a magnificent conversion of what was once the town brewery. With a beautiful Georgian façade and careful consideration of the buildings original features the Hotel du Vin offers unique accommodation across the old brewery yard house.
Have you stayed in any intriguing hotels? Where would you recommend for something that little bit different?
March 21, 2012
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
Music fans have proven that the UK summer festivals are as popular as ever. Excitement over the Reading and Leeds festival line-up announcement yesterday caused their website to crash following a huge amount of traffic.
The excitement over the announcement is understandable as once again the festivals in Reading and Leeds are offering a line-up of top bands, with The Cure, Kasabian and Foo Fighters as the headline acts over the three days. Other bands with top slots include Paramore, The Vaccines and Florence + The Machine. All of the chosen bands will rotate between Reading and Leeds so music fans across the UK won’t lose out.
With more acts still to be announced across the three main stages, this year’s line-up is not one to be missed. If you’re planning on attending the festivals but don’t fancy getting up to your knees in mud then we’ve got a great selection of hotels in Reading and Leeds at a range of prices.
Taking place annually on the August Bank Holiday weekend the Reading and Leeds festivals are among the most popular music events in the UK and are continuing to grow year on year, with 2011 seeing a capacity of over 160,000 across the two sites.
What do you think of this year’s line-up?
March 13, 2012
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