Eynsham

The Aquarium at Plymouth provides an insight into the underwater world with a chance to see loads of sea creatures in three huge tanks (one is the largest tank in the UK. With displays of 5000 animals, this makes for a great day out for the whole family. The aquarium has six zones with creative and interactive exhibits: they are the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Reef, Coral Seas, Weird Creatures, The Shallows and Explorocean zones. Full of wonderful marine life and incredible facts from the seas of the world, they enable you to find out about fish, sharks, octopi, whales, sea turtles, sea mammals, seahorses, coral and more. The technologically innovative Explorocean zone is always very popular...

Devon is one of the most popular UK destinations for family holidays and the tourism industry caters for families throughout the county. With the credit crunch meaning that the pound is much weaker against the Euro and the Dollar, UK destinations are particularly popular this year and bookings in Devon are already seeing an increase on last year's figures. To enjoy a family holiday in Devon, a little bit of planning before you set off will make sure that the entire family has a holiday to remember. If you have chosen self-catering accommodation, make sure you have everything you need. A quick phone call to the provider will ensure that essential items such as towels are provided or if you have to...

No summer holiday can ever be truly complete without the opportunity to play in the waters of ocean, stream, or pool. There's simply no better or more iconic way to enjoy yourself and cool down during the hottest parts of the year. In order to truly enjoy your family holiday in Devon, however, a thorough knowledge of water safety and some basic swimming techniques are necessary. Without them, one wrong move can leave you regretting your trip. Swim Safety for Kids Teaching children to swim and play safely in the water is even more important than it is for grown ups. Children are much more vulnerable in the water, even if they are being watched by a parent or lifeguard. However, it is also important...

Lundy Island is an enjoyable place, a Devon venue a million miles away from the "busyness" of everyday life; a place to relax and sit back, although you can also enjoy walking, church-bell ringing, diving, birdwatching, canoeing, climbing,fishing, snorkeling, photography, and painting! Lundy Island is essentially a granite outcrop approximately three and a half miles long by half a miles wide, rising some four hundred feet out of the sea, 12 miles off the coast of Devon where the Bristol Channel meets the Atlantic. With its West Side being hit by the prevailing south-westerly winds and the East Side being much more sheltered, there is a profound difference between the flora that grows on the two...

As one of the UK's most popular family holiday destinations, Devon provides many family attractions. Some are farm based, some are adventure based, some are quirky, and some are huge attractions that cater to all age groups. As a Devon native, I've visited many, and these are my favourite family attractions for visiting with toddlers. 1) Living Coasts, Torquay This coastal zoo's small size makes it well suited for a half day visit, and ideal for a toddler's attention span, as well as older children. Designed for sea birds and coastal wildlife, it has penguins, which are always popular! 2) Haldon Forest Park, Kennford (south west of Exeter) Haldon Forest Park has a family play trail with a...

Devon is one of the most stunning counties in England and with a range of things to do and see it makes the perfect holiday destination. Whether you are planning a romantic weekend break or a week away with friends and family, there is something for everyone. Situated in the South West region of England, Devon is an area of outstanding natural beauty with numerous historical sites and gardens, an extensive coastline, fabulous countryside and an array of activities available to suit all ages. Countryside The Devon countryside is full of picturesque towns and villages with extensive moorland stretching across hills and valleys overlooking the rugged coastline. There is plenty to explore, including...

gone are the days when people left school at 16 and went on to work for the same company until they retired at 65. Today, many people switch jobs and careers, sometimes out of choice and sometimes out of necessity whilst many others prefer flexible working patterns to cope with the demands of looking after or starting a family. Others may choose to take a ‘sabbatical’, i.e. to take some time out to maybe travel the world or to return to full or part time education in order to better themselves. As this flexibility in our everyday lives becomes ever more the norm, then so many of us wish to have a similar degree of flexibility when it comes to our finances. We increasingly want loans and...

As we become more and more busy and involved in the walk of life, its not very often that we get the time and opportunity to look back to ourselves and give enough time to our near and dear ones. To meet these needs all inclusive family holidays can be extremely effective. It doesn't only sooth our beauty seeking minds, but also takes us away from the business of day to day life and leaves us to strengthen the bonds with the dearest ones. All inclusive holidays are popular not only among the people living with large families but also among young couples. No matter what the budget is, due to the constant demand, all inclusive family holidays offers are easy to find with most of the travel agencies...

I'm often asked the question 'What can we do to support our childrens education out of school?'. The answer they receive is not always the one they expect. They expect me to tell them to do something very time consuming and something that involves spending money. But the truth is, I simply tell them to use worksheets. To teachers, worksheets are an answer to prayer. The can be used to see where children are at (in terms of: do they have a clue what you just taught them?), they can be used to practice on and they can be used as a recap tool. They are brilliant! A great thing about worksheets is that they are not only available to teachers. They are available to parents too. However, as parents, we...

A self catering holiday is one where no food is included in the price of the holiday, usually all food will have to be provided for by yourself. Although this at first seems to be a disadvantage there are a number of advantages to a self catering holiday over a standard catered holiday. Many self catering holidays are cheaper than their catered counterparts as accommodation providers don't have to pay for food, waiters or chefs. This is obviously a huge expense for hotels to provide meaning the resulting costs of the holiday will have to be higher. Buying food while on your holiday, though a little inconvenient, will usually be much cheaper than buying food at the hotel. A self catering holiday also...

Think of Wales and what do you see? Green-sloped mountains, undulating landscapes, quaint cottages and, of course, the ubiquitous sight of grazing sheep. Wales, in a world where uninterrupted natural landscapes are rare, retains its old world charm and simplicity of atmosphere. This is probably why over 13 million people choose to visit Wales every year! Wales as a holiday destination has something for everyone - historic castles, wide open spaces and even modern-day adventure sports. Another fascinating option is exploring the ancient mines and caves that litter the landscape - there are several trails through underground rock formations that can be explored as you, literally, take a journey to the...

The capital of Wales, Cardiff, means "fort on the Taff" and its magnificent castle is one of the very best attractions in the city. The third Marquess of Bute used his vast coal mining wealth to fund the castles wonderful gothic interior. There is also a Norman Keep and well as some remaining sections of the original Roman fortress wall. The castle also houses a museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into military history, while during the summer there are special events such as jousting tournaments and Shakespearian performances. The castle is surrounded by Bute Park, which is said to be the richest urban park in term of trees anywhere in the world. The cities bay area is a necessary visit for...

If you are seeking out an experience to remember, quad biking days in Wales may provide what it is you are looking for. Tenby, Swansea, Cardiff, Pontypridd, Machynlleth and Denbighshire - and Seven Sisters near Neath - all provide centres for quad biking, giving you a host of options to choose from. Whether you want to fill one of your days up on a holiday to Wales or you are just looking for a one-off afternoon of excitement, there are quad biking vouchers you can buy online to meet your wishes. And with Wales being such a beautiful part of Great Britain, you can be sure that the quad biking tracks offer you the chance to take in some spectacular sights. Wild and wet woodland The quad experience...

A holiday to Wales offers you the chance to experience many different things and a vacation to the principality can be made even more special by a day's horse riding. There are riding schools - offering ponies and horses - situated throughout the this part of Great Britain, giving you the opportunity to explore each part of the Welsh landscape in the saddle. A lot to offer Horse riding in Wales can be compiled in large groups or individually and there are treks in the mountains, forests and on the coast to choose from. Expert riders are provided to lead groups on horseback, while families should always check the individual packages because there are various age restrictions at Welsh stables. Wet and...

If you're looking for ideas for a cottage holiday in Wales, why not head to the coastal village of St Dogmaels? Located at the northernmost point of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail, St Dogmaels offers a historic setting and plenty of scope for long walks and day trips. Its main attraction is the remains of St Dogmaels Abbey, a 12th century monastery that was among the most prosperous in Wales at its peak, but was destroyed at the command of Henry VIII in the 16th century. Now its ruins attract tourists from all over, particularly in the summer, when a unique theatrical event takes place at the site every year. The Abbey Shakespeare Players come to St Dogmaels every summer to stage a...

For many people, self catering cottages in Wales are the ultimate place to spend the holidays with family these days. Wales is a beautiful place with a large quantity of breathtaking scenery from coast to coast, and with opportunities available that will appeal to people of all ages. Holiday cottages, apartments, or bed and breakfasts in Wales make the perfect base from where you can plan an endless variety of activities, including walking, pony trekking, cycling, bird watching or water sports. If you want to enjoy visiting very old historic sites, museums and cathedrals or places of national interest and importance, consider renting one of the holiday homes in Wales. Now most of the companies are...

One of the best parts about living in the UK is the variety of amazing locations within a small area. There are so many areas that you can visit or plan a holiday to. And, the great thing is you might not have to travel very far. Chances are one of these great get-a-away spots could be right in your backyard. One of my favorite spots to visit is Wales. There are so many great holiday regions to choose from. The following are a list of some of my favorites: · Pembrokeshire is just like London, only completely different. It should be on your first stop of places to visit in Wales. This region is home to the most beautiful and award winning beaches. It also has incredible national parks...

Head to Pembrokeshire in Wales for the period surrounding New Year's Eve and you may be able to tick off a number of resolutions for the forthcoming 12 months at an early stage. If your new year's resolutions involve seeing new sights, not spending as much money and keeping in shape - as is likely for many of us - a cottage holiday in Wales could fit the bill. Seek out new year availability for such holiday residences and you could find a competitively priced deal. Furthermore, the destination will open the door to a plethora of new places to explore and the option of taking healthy treks along the coast. Even if you are not making any new year's resolutions this time around, you are sure to be...

When Transylvania is mentioned, it is likely that most people will immediately think of the infamous legend of Count DRacula and with it associations of goth-style culture. However this beautiful region of Romania has much more to offer than vampiric charm. It is a region full of history and character, surrounded by the dramatic and awe inspiring views of the Carpathian mountain range. Sighiioara is a highlight of any visit to the region. The citadel is a sinister presence on the horizon due to its battlements and needle spires as well as its hill-top location. It was, after all, the birth place of Vlad iepei, the future “Dracula”. Yet this intriguing city offersother historical and cultural...

Heading on holiday is generally a happy time, but it is often tempered by the fact you have to leave your dogs or other furry friends at home. But those travelling to Pembrokeshire should know it is possible to find cottages for pets in this picturesque part of west Wales. Once you have found a suitable location that permits you and your faithful companion to enjoy a cottage holiday in Wales, then the real fun of enjoying the local countryside can begin. Both you and your dog are sure to benefit from the great outdoors, whether it is the wonderful woodland, the beautiful beaches or the scenic coastal paths. In short, the Pembrokeshire countryside is perfect for dog-walking - there are even a number...

As Wales is such a green and picturesque land, it is a popular destination with tourists who want to get back to nature and breathe fresh air. Blessed with beautiful and rugged landscapes, cottage holidays in Wales offer a chance for a group of friends or family to head away and spend some time with more privacy and a greater sense of adventure. Waking up, opening the curtains and gazing out of the window at the luscious green terrain with a few other cottages dotted nearby is a wonderful experience. After sitting down to a big breakfast, the whole group can then lace up their shoes and head into the outdoors to partake in some hill walking, kite flying or any other activity they fancy. As the land...

Wales is a popular destination for Brits keen to rent a house by the beach and relax on a cottage holiday - with the town of Tenby being one of the most visited locations in the principality. Tenby has several options for those seeking cottages with a sea view, as well as offering a wealth of attractions and activities to enjoy. You can visit historical and cultural sights such as the Tenby Museum & Art Gallery and the ruins of Tenby Castle - which is thought to date back to the 11th century - as well as the wall that surrounds the town, again believed to have been built at around the same time. If you do decide to rent a cottage by the sea, you will be able to easily access one or more of the area...

Wales is famous for its beautiful scenery, picturesque villages and wonderfully warm welcome. A new and exciting way of seeing Wales is to explore its waterays on a barge holiday. Welsh canal barge holidays on the Llangollen canal are a fantastic way to explore rural Wales at the relaxed pace it deserves. The canal snakes across North East Wales and takes you through two tunnels and across two aqueducts; the Chirk Aqueduct and its more famous neighbour the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. You'll get the chance to master the art of navigation through locks though you will still have plenty of time to simply admire the views as you cruise, to stop off at rustic canal-side pubs or to make the most of the nearby...

Galicia in particular and Northern Spain in general have long been considered to be a hidden jewel in the entire Spanish tourist industry and hidden away within Galicia itself are some further jewels and we are going to examine Rias Baixas further. If you look at all of the autonomous regions that make up modern day Spain, Galicia has to be the most remote and hidden away within that remoteness lies Rias Baixas. Historically, always classed as the poorer cousin to some of the other richer regions Galicia had an economy that did not easily lend itself to modernisation and herein lies a paradox in that it is this very reluctance to embrace modernity throughout that gives the region much of its appeal...

Holidays should be fun and include the whole family. For many people, that means taking the dog as well rather than leaving it behind in a kennel or with a dog sitter for a week or two. Wales is a beautiful country to explore and there is no shortage of facilities where four-legged friends are just as welcome. If you are holiday with a dog, look particularly at Pembrokeshire, as it is especially well-equipped to accommodate dogs. During the day, you can go on any number of walks in the area, choosing a length and terrain to suit both you and your canine companion. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority handles many routes that dogs will enjoy. You will need to keep animals under control...

As one time regular guests at Bed and Breakfast accommodation establishments throughout the UK and Europe we were always amazed at the quantity, quality and diversity of accommodation. The friendliness and willingness to help has always been a hallmark of the small B&B especially within the UK. I can't remember the last time we stayed in a hotel. Why pay extra for a hotel when B&B accommodation offers so much more in homeliness, character and personal service. The success and number of B&Bs throughout the UK has partly been due to the ease of starting the business and the lack of regulation imposed on what is usually a second income or diversification (as is the case of Farmhouse B&B...

With the credit crisis affecting the country it's time to start looking at where savings can be made and the family holiday is bound to come under scrutiny. With a trip abroad potentially costing thousands and the exchange rate moving away from our favour making costs abroad even more expensive, what can you do to save a small fortune? Well, the obvious answer is to not holiday abroad. Booking a holiday cottage is simple and easy, it means that you don't have to change currency and there are many more savings to be made. But with the weather not always on our side, to keep the costs down you must plan ahead. Booking at home has many savings. No airport transfers to worry about can save the cost of a...

Crossing the border into Mexico you suddenly feel alive. Music and colour surrounds you as you approach Tijuana with an enormous selection of auto body repair shops opening ready to reupholster your interior or give your vehicle a “Tijuana Paint Job”. Finding parking was easy, if a little unnerving, as the underground car parks seem to have their own beggar willing to look after your car for the day. I walked away uneasily from my beaten up Ford Pinto but as it fitted in well with the local vehicles I didn’t think it was in danger of being stolen. Early morning and first stop was breakfast. It was huge, delicious and cheap which was just as well considering what was to follow...

HISTORY The first recognised Cheltenham Festival took place at Prestbury Park in 1902. The precursor to the Gold Cup, a four-mile steeplechase, for amateur riders was run in 1904. The inaugural Cheltenham Gold Cup was run in 1924, won by Red Splash. The winning prize money was £700.The last twenty-five runnings have seen eight 9-year-olds, seven 8-year-olds, five 10-year-olds and five 7-year-olds successful. Only seven of the last twenty-five favourites have won: Kauto Star 2007, Best Mate 2003 / 2004, Master Oats 1995, Desert Orchid 1989, Dawn Run in 1986, and Bregawn in 1983. Four Irish-trained horses have won in the same period: War of Attrition 2006, Kicking King 2005, Imperial Call 1996 and...