October 2009

Britain Tourism Product Update October 2009

Hilton Liverpool

This city based new contemporary-styled 215 bedroom 4 star hotel will open for business on 15th November 2009.

The Hilton Liverpool will be a landmark hotel situated in the heart of the newly remodelled city centre. With spectacular views over the Liver Buildings, Albert Dock and Chavasse Park, the Hilton Liverpool hotel will offer easy access to the vast array of shops, restaurants and bars to be found in and around Liverpool One. The hotel's location is 20 minutes from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, 45 minutes from Manchester International Airport and less than 1 mile from Liverpool Street station, with services to all major cities in the UK.

Hilton Liverpool will offer a range of guest rooms including; Hilton Guest Rooms, Executive Rooms, Junior Suites and Executive Suites. All 215 rooms will offer views over the city or the Albert Docks. All Hilton guest rooms will offer high-speed internet access, data ports and satellite TV channels. Spacious Executive Rooms will provide a stylish environment in which to work and relax in comfort whilst away from home. All guests staying in Suites and Executive Rooms will enjoy access to the 7th floor Executive lounge, with its spectacular dockside views. For more information and reservations go to: http://www.hilton.co.uk/liverpool

Image: Aerial Shot of Liverpool One Retail Development

easyBus to the rescue at Gatwick North Terminal

Low-cost airport transfer coach operator, easyBus, will be the only direct public transport link from Gatwick's North Terminal to London for a period of over seven months, commencing September 2009, when the airport's terminal transfer transit is taken out of service for a major overhaul lasting well into the summer of 2010.

Passengers who might otherwise have used the rail service to London, which operates from the South Terminal building, can enjoy a massive fare saving too, if they take advantage of easyBus' lowest online fare of £2, available to early bookers - a saving of nearly £15 on the rail fare. BAA Gatwick are quoting connecting times of 20 minutes for the replacement bus service to the South Terminal, so there is no real time disadvantage to passengers opting to take the easyBus instead of the so-called express rail option. Journeys can take less than an hour to London, though slightly longer times can be expected during busier periods.

The new inter-terminal transit system at Gatwick Airportis being installed as part of the airport's £1 billion investment programme. From 28 September 2009 until May 2010, a replacement bus service will operate between Gatwick's North and South Terminals. The service will run every three minutes during the day (04.00 to 18.00) and every six minutes at night. South Terminal passengers still wishing to take advantage of the cheaper easyBus fares can still do so by taking the airport's bus shuttle to the North Terminal. BAA advise passengers to allow 20 minutes to transfer between terminals during this period.

Tickets can also be purchased from the easyBus ticket desk located conveniently right at Gatwick North arrivals or, if travelling to the airport from London, from the easyBus driver at their Fulham Broadway terminus. easyBus have recently revamped online booking service and one of the quickest and simplest online booking processes takes about two minutes to complete. The best fares are available to early bookers and if your flight gets in late, you can hop on the next service with available seats. Services operate up to every 20 minutes from the stop which is just seconds from the arrivals hall in the North Terminal.

easyBus also offers airport transfersbetween London Victoria and both London Stansted and London Lutonairports, with online fares also starting at just £2.

Visit easyBus at www.easyBus.co.uk

Image: easyBus logo

Christmas Events

The National Trust for Scotland is offering an exciting mix of activities for groups this Christmas.

Located at some of Scotland’s top heritage attractions they include the scintillating Keeping Christmas at Pollok House, where every room will be decorated in a different theme; the magical Enchanted Castle at Culzean – see it transformed into a fairy tale fantasy world; a very special Victorian Christmas at 800 year old Brodick Castle and the thrilling Cairngorm Reindeer Parade at Christmas Past Crathes Castle.

With hassle-free shopping and delicious festive food available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Christmas at the National Trust for Scotland.

For further information …
The National trust for Scotland
Tel: +44 (0) 844 493 2100 From the USA (toll free) 1866 211 7573
Email:

Wembley Stadium

This is a first! If you’re looking for a different venue in London this winter for some ice-skating well now you enjoy cutting up some ice at London’s Wembley Stadium.

ICExperience will run the ice-skating experience at Wembley Stadium from 11 December 2009 through to 3rdJanuary 2010. The ice rink will cover the stadium’s current pitch creating a 350m long rink. It will also be able to accommodate up to 700 skaters an hour.

Tickets are now available for purchase from Ticketmaster UK: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/

Skating only tickets: £11.50 for a single adult, £9.00 for a child (15 years and under) and £36.00 for a family ticket of 2 adults and 2 children

All inclusive tickets cost £32 for a single adult, £22.50 for a child (15 years and under) and £94.00 for a family ticket. These tickets include ice skating, opportunities to visit the England changing rooms and the player’s tunnel and explore the impressive stadium; learn some new football skills and take part in the Live Wembley Stadium road show, running throughout the day where you can meet some football legends, cheer for your favourite goal and sing along to some of the most famous football chants.

Other examples of Christmas ice-skating can be found at London’s Natural History Museum and Somerset House. Both available through Ticketmaster.

Image: Ice Skating, Christmas

English Vineyards very upbeat

English wine producers are expecting a bumper year as the wine harvest takes place. This year’s crop is expected to be significantly higher than the previous two years, and of better quality.

Wine experts predict that the latest harvest should allow the industry to produce in the region of 3m bottles of still and sparkling wine. England has some 416 winegrowers who have been steadily increasing planting in recent years. According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, there are 1,106 hectares of land now dedicated to grape growing – a rise of 45 per cent on 2005.

The success of vineyards like Chapel Down in Tenterden,Kent; Ridgeview in West Sussex; Denbies in Surrey and Three Choirs in Gloucestershire, means that we can expect to hear more about new and innovative partnerships with the farming community as farms release land for new wine production.

An important tour operator offering wine tours and tastings is English Vine Tours. English Vine Tours can organise a special day out for your private group, clients or company of 6 or more people we canprovide a bespoke wine tour service for you, with discounts available.

You will benefit from their exclusive wine tour service, including private transportation, wine tour, wine tasting, lunch and a complimentary bottle of English wine as a gift for each guest.

Their bespoke English wine tours take place at vineyards across Sussex and Kent (including Breaky Bottom, Sedlescombe,Bookers, Chapeldown and Biddenden) and you can choose from a half day and one day tour for your group English wine tour experience. More recently English Vine Tours has been combining wine tours with horseracing. To book a tour with English Vine Tours and obtain a quote please contact Ben Furst: ben@englishvinetours.co.ukWeb:www.englishvinetours.co.uk

Image: Grapes being harvested at Tenterden Vineyard, Kent

European Psychoanalytic Film Festival

The Fifth European Psychoanalytic Film Festival (epff5) returns this year, with Eastern European cinema as the focus of a fascinating programme of screenings, panel discussions and workshops. The festival, which takes place at BAFTA’s headquarters in London (195 Piccadilly, W1) from 29 Oct- 1 Nov 2009, will bring together film-makers, psychoanalysts, critics, film historians, academics and film-lovers for an in-depth look at cinema from a psychoanalytic perspective.

The Festival is supported by eminent director Bernardo Bertolucci who has been its Honorary President since it began in 2001. Programme information and booking details:

www.psychoanalysis.org.uk/epff5/programme.htm and

www.psychoanalysis.org.uk/epff5/register.htm. Festival website: www.psychoanalysis.org.uk/epff5

Hotel and Travel Information: Contact Tailor Made Tours: info@tmtlondon.co.uk Tel: 00 44 (0)20 8749 2662

On 8th November 2009 there will also be a special symposium about legendary ballet choreographer, Kenneth Macmillan. The special anniversary event, to take place at London’s Imperial College, will explore and celebrate his creative genius and how psychoanalysis and psychiatry helped him throughout his creative life. For more information: www.KennethMacMillan80thAnniversary.com

Images: Portrait in oils by Deborah MacMillan

Train Travel in Wales

Arriva Trains Wales has launched a new offer enabling passengers over 55 to travel between any two destinations on their network for just £15 return. Passengers will need to carry proof of age. Full details and terms and conditions, including ideas for destinations, events and attractions are available on the Arriva trains website. Take a look at the network map and start planning your journey - there's lots to choose from including the Conwy Valley, perhaps a leisurely seaside break in Llandudno, the Heart of Wales and Cambrian scenic routes. Add on fares are also available from other participating train operators to destinations beyond the Arriva Trains Wales network. For more information go to:

www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/club55.aspx

Image: View down to the beach at Llandudno, Wales

World Travel Market, London – 30th Anniversary

This year marks the 30th anniversary of World Travel Market, London. Boris Johnson, Mayor of London will attend the Official Opening and a special reception to mark this anniversary at the start of WTM on 9th November 2009.

Here are some interesting facts about WTM:

Almost 1m participants have passed through the doors of WTM over the past 29 years.

WTM has played host to almost half a million exhibitors since its creation with 198 countries and regions represented.

WTM has been hosted in three London venues, Olympia, Earl’s Court and ExCel – London. It has been located in ExCel since 2002.

VisitBritain and VisitEngland can be found at stand UKI1700British.

For more information about World Travel Market 2009 go to: http://www.wtmlondon.com/page.cfm/Link=1/t=m/goSection=1

Image: World Travel Market, London

National Trust – Putting to Bed

From around mid-October 2009, The National Trust will be run a seasonal events programme where visitors can time with staff at a variety of properties as they prepare the attractions and its contents for their winter rest. Known as ‘Putting the House to bed’ , this events progamme provides visitors with an opportunity to learn more about conservation work and talk to staff who help maintain some of Britain’s most important heritage attractions. Here is an example at Stourbridge. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/eventsNet/default.aspx?propertyID=324and other properties including Knole Park in Sevenoaks offering a special tour with lunch: http://www.googlesyndicatedsearch.com/u/nationaltrust?q=putting+a+house+to+bed&domains=nationaltrust.org.uk&sitesearch=nationaltrust.org.uk. For further details access the Events Section on the National Trust website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-events.htm

Image: Craigievar Castle, Scotland

Katherine Elizabeth

Here’s a great example of ‘creative tourism’ where visitors can learn a new skill (or have at least have a go at being creative).

Award winning milliner Katherine Elizabeth, who has designed for Dita Von Teese (the burlesque artist), The Soho Dolls band and recently appeared in Vogue magazine, is now using her success to teach others her beautiful craft in a fun party atmosphere. Whether you want a corporate team-building afternoon, a ladies lunch or simply the opportunity to create a beautiful, luxurious head piece, then these events promise to be extremely enjoyable and an event to remember! For more information go to http://www.katherineelizabethhats.com/. A beginner hat day class costs £95 all fabrics included, tea and cakes. Tuesday evening courses are also available in a 6 week block, this way you can learn the same course over a longer period of time. 6.30 - 8.30pm in Craft Central, her workplace. Price £20 per person per evening. Private Tuition is also available. Join (Katherineelizabethhats Face Book page) for up to date info on hat classes.

Katherine Elizabeth recently worked with VisitBritain’s Stockholm Office at a Meet the Brits event.

Other creative workshops are organised by companies including Create Boutique http://www.create-boutique.co.uk/Upcoming-workshops.php. To ask about their latest events programme you can email : info@create-boutique.co.uk.

Image: Katherine Elizabeth Hats

The Misanthrope

Just announced, and opening 7th December 2009 for a limited season, is Martin Crimp’s version of Le Misanthrope. Actors Damian Lewis (Alceste) and Keira Knightley (Jennifer) will star in Moliere’s finest comedy at The Comedy Theatre, London SW1. Seats will cost between £20 and £49.50 with special Premium Seats available in the stalls or dress circle, for £65. Celebration packages are available as well at a cost of £85 per person offering: Premium seat, access to an exclusive private area, an interval glass of champagne, souvenir programme and collector’s limited edition show poster.

The Comedy Theatre continues to show performances of ‘Prick up Your Ears’ until the start of The Misanthrope.

For more information: http://www.ambassadortickets.com/1497/667/London/Comedy-Theatre/The-Misanthrope

Image: Le Misanthrope

Kenilworth Castle (English Heritage)

For more than 400 years, the magnificent Elizabethan Garden at Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire, has been lost to the world but visitors can now once again experience its full glory.

Originally created for Queen Elizabeth I by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester at a time when he still hoped to marry her, the garden was designed to seduce and beguile its visitors. 

Magnificent carved arbours; a bejewelled aviary; planting abundant in colour, perfume and fruits and an 18-foot-high fountain carved from dazzling Carrara marble are just some of the glories that make Kenilworth Castle’s new addition the most complete picture of an Elizabethan garden anywhere in the world.

Web: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.860?utm_source=VisitBritain09&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=SupportWork&utm_campaign=TravelTrade more information or e-mail traveltrade@english-heritage.org.ukfor a free Travel Trade Map and 60-page Group Visits Guide.

Image: Kenilworth Elizabethan Garden

Medieval Banquet

The Medieval Banquet has had a major refurbishment and is looking GREAT!  The 420 seater restaurant is set in the beautiful area of St Katherine’s Dock – only 2 minutes walk from the Tower of London. The Medieval Banquet offers a  4-course dinner, unlimited beer and wine during dinner, a show, followed by a disco (Prices are different on special offers).  All ages, groups, individuals and private functions are welcome. The Medieval Banquet is also also open for group lunches – but without a show. For bookings/reservations please email: info@medievalbanquet.com Website: www.medievalbanquet.com.

Image: Medieval Banquet

Right Angle Events

Fascinated by forensics? If you've ever dreamed of joining a crack CSI team, award-winning
specialist company Right Angle will bring your fantasy to life with one of their authentic CSI corporate team building activities.

The company has been wowing top corporate names such as Aviva and Unilever since it was founded two years ago, attracting media attention and winning major business awards – including, just a few days ago, New Business of the Year(East of England).

"Our events are completely hands-on", says former Scotland Yard senior detective Steve Gaskin, who runs the company with wife Kate, who was also in the Met.  "We tailor our programmes to match specific objectives and outcomes for our clients while getting them involved in fingerprinting, photo fits, forensic dentistry, blood spatter pattern analysis and more." Prices start from as little as £50 per person, per morning. Examine the evidence for yourself at www.rightangleevents.co.uk; Email: info@rightangleevents.co.uk Tel: 00 44 (0)1603 864647

Image: Body on floor, Right Angle Events

At Home in London

At Home in London provides Bed and Breakfast in London homes. You can be confident of quality as my homes are part of Visit Britain's Quality in Tourismassessment scheme and are star rated. By 2009 all her homes will be inspected. At Home in London is the first London agency to be assessed.

Owner, Maggie Dobson, has carefully selected over 70 homes in desirable areas, including Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Belgravia, Kensington, Notting Hill and Chiswick. Friendly hosts are Londoners who enjoy welcoming guests and who are happy to share their insider's knowledge of London.

Tel: +44 20 8748 1943, Fax: +44 20 8748 2701, E-mail:info@athomeinlondon.co.uk, Web:www.athomeinlondon.co.uk

Image: Iron railing on a Notting Hill House, London

Warwick Castle – Britain’s Greatest Castle

A brand new 60 minute group ticket is now available at Warwick Castle. Plus, new catering options, including cream teas and champagne receptions, allow travel planners to customise their visit around their itineraries.

Only 15mins from Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle offers unique experiences and unforgettable photo opportunities.

60mins tickets are available exclusively on new group bookings for 2010 and are subject to daily limits.

Click here for details (www.warwick-castle.com/groups/traveltrade)

Email trade@warwick-castle.com for prices

Warwick Castle – Britain’s Ultimate Castle and BEST UK ATTRACTION 2009 (Group Leisure Magazine)

Image: East Front - Warwick Castle

MHOR

MHOR is a family run business based in the Trossachs National Park in Scotland. Run by brothers and sister, Tom, Dick and Melanie Lewis. MHOR is made up of the award-winning Monachyle Mhor hotel on the banks of Loch Voil and a 2,000-acre estate which farms sheep, cattle,pigs and hens. MHORFish is a fishmongers, restaurant and fish and chip shop) and MHORBread (a bakery, tearoom and shop).

If you’re thinking of an educational holiday experience then MHOR is the kind of place that will tick all of the boxes. It offers an excellent range of courses from seafood demonstrations to stalking, dry stone dyking, photography, highland safaris and as fascinating course for those interested in improving their breadmaking skills called ‘Bread,Butter and Jam’. The day-long course costs £125. http://mhor.net/courses/bread-butter-and-jam/

Christmas packages available during 2009 include a three night stay with rates ranging from £1090 (MHOR Classic) to (MHOR Luxury) at £1635. Rates are based on two adults sharing a room for a minimum of 3 nights on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. A great opportunity to gather with friends and family to celebrate the festive season in style at Monachyle Mhor hotel. On Christmas Eve, there will be a celebration 5-course dinner with a midnight candlelit service at Balquhidder Church and after carols. Christmas Day celebrations will begin with a gift from the hotel’s Christmas tree and a leisurely breakfast. A champagne reception will take place at 1.30pm followed by a 5-course Christmas Feast. On Boxing Day (26th Dec) you could enjoy one of the many walks in the glen or simply relax by the hotel’s open fire!

For more information go to: www.mhor.net and email: monachyle@mhor.net

Image: Monachyle Mhor Hotel

Kids Go Free at the British Music Experience

During the next school half-term break the British Music Experience, Britain’s interactive museum of popular music at The O2, is dedicating itself to music fans of the younger generation. Kids go free* from 24thOct to 1stNov. They can get hands on in the Gibson Interactive Studio and take lessons on guitar, drums, keyboards, or record their own track in the Sennheiser vocal booth. In the dance studio they can bust a move in their very own video and save all their efforts to view again online at home. All this, plus over 600 pieces of amazing music memorabilia brought to life across seven decades of Britain’s musical history.

Whether it’s facts about Duffy or Dizzee Rascal, their very best version of Bleeding Love, tunes they’ve learnt on drums or guitar from their favourite artist, it’s all saved onto their unique Smarticket. When at home they can then log onto their PC with their unique British Music Experience code and download more information on their areas of interest, watch their own dance video and download three free tracks from iTunes.

There will also be a special music and dance performance for kids of all ages on Saturday 31stOctober from 2pm.

Tickets from any day between 24thand 31stof October will be valid to come back and enjoy the special performance on the 31stincluding a chance to visit the whole of the British Music Experience all over again.

* 1 Child aged 6-16 goes free for every Adult with a full-price ticket. Under 6 do not pay admission.

For further information please visit www.britishmusicexperience.com/kids

or contact:

jonathan.furniss@britishmusicexperience.com

lucy.ellison@aegworldwide.co.uk

stephanie.jones@aegworldwide.co.uk

Image: Guitar

von Essen Hotels Award

von Essen hotels was recently named Hotel Group of the year at the AA Hospitality Awards 2009 - 2010.

von Essen Hotels comprises a collection of individual country house hotels in the UK and France.
AA Hotel Services Group Area Manager Giovanna Grossi said: “We selected von Essen hotels as Hotel Group of the year because they have demonstrated clear evidence of impressive investment, quality recruitment and outstanding achievement of accolades such as AA Rosettes and Red Stars.”

The AA Hospitality Awards recognise and reward the excellent services provided by the UK’s very best establishments and launches the 2010 AA guides to UK hotels and restaurants. Other AA Hospitality Awards 2009 – 2010 winners were:
AA Hotel of the Year: This award is the AA’s ultimate accolade for hotels in the UK and is presented to hotels that are recognized as being outstanding examples in their particular market.

Winner, England: Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa - an historic inn turned boutique hotel, nestled in the quaint market town of Helmsley, with warm and welcoming rooms to match.
Winner, London: The Connaught, Mayfair – a designer hotel that mixes faithfully restored period features and contemporary style.
Winner, Scotland: The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire – one of Scotland’s most luxurious resorts, boasting three of the top Scottish Championship golf courses.
Winner, Wales: Penmaenuchaf Hall Hotel, Snowdonia National Park – a Victorian manor house that has been converted into a luxury hotel set close to the market town of Dolgellau, where Mid Wales meets North Wales.

For more information about von Essen Hotelshttp://www.vonessenhotels.co.uk

Image: von Essen Hotels

Michael Jackson Exhibition

On 28th October Michael Jackson: The Official Exhibition will open at The o2 London. The exhibition will celebrate the entertainer’s career from his very early days with the Jackson 5 through his career as a solo artist in 1980’s and 1990’s up to his planned comeback.

One of the most popular exhibits is likely to be the white, crystal-covered glove that Jackson regularly wore in performances over two decades.

Visitors will also be able to see clothing Jackson would have worn in the ‘This is it’ tour he was due to start at the o2 London in July 2009.

Fans will also have the opportunity to see up-close a number of famous jackets including the red and black jacket that he wore in the Thriller video of 1983.

Tickets are available via: www.theo2.co.uk

Image: Michael Jackson, The Bubble Exhibition Space at the o2.

City Inn Leeds

Situated less than a five minute walk away from Leeds train station, the 333 room City Inn Leeds is the ideal choice for city breaks. The Sky Lounge, located on the 13th floor, offers guests cocktails and light meals with 360 degree views of Leeds. The award winning brand restaurant, City Café, is located on the ground floor of the hotel and has its own al fresco south facing terrace overlooking the Leeds to Liverpool canal.

City Inn also offers complimentary WiFi and broadband internet access throughout the hotel and in each bedroom guests will also find complimentary Apple iMac multimedia systems. The iMac in each bedroom offers guests a computer, 38 satellite and TV channels as well as a DVD / CD player / radio and also gives access to Skype through in-built Webcams. Each bedroom also has floor to ceiling windows, complimentary bathrobes, White Company toiletries and enhanced fresh air-conditioning.

Adrian Bevan visited City Inn Leeds. Current room rates start from £59 per night. Main business is from the corporate market accounting for 70% of current turnover. General Manager is actively courting the arts and creative industries. Recent guests including music group Radiohead. City Inn Leeds own car park opens in two weeks time and will offer valet parking. Its a hugely impressive property and staff are extremely helpful. Recommend full English breakfast. Commission on offer to the travel industry between 8-10%. City Inns are available through all main reservation systems and currently have other properties in Manchester, Bristol, Glasgow, Birmingham and a new their flagship hotel in Westminster, London.

http://www.cityinn.com/leeds/leeds-hotels.htm

Image: City Inn Leeds, Hotel Lobby

2010 and Beyond

Love Never Dies

Royal Society – Chicheley Hall

Rock Music Anniversary Tour 2010

New Dorchester Collection – Coworth Park

2010 Golf Open Championship Packages

New Bristol Museum

Beatles Film to be recreated on stage in 2010

Jury’s Inn Quayside

K Village Kendal

Bridgewater Canal

City Inn Tower of London

2012 - Cycling

2012 – Badminton

City of Culture 2013 - Durham

William Wordsworth Anniversary

Jumeirah Glasgow 2011

Love Never Dies

Just announced is the launch of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new musical Love Never Dies. During the recent launch in London, Lloyd Webber was at pains to say that he regards this new show as a ’completely stand alone piece’ . The musical will, however, continue the story of Phantom, who has moved on from his murderous reign at the Paris Opera House in France, to the fairgrounds of New York’s Coney Island in the early 20th century.

The show will open at the Adelphi Theatre London on 9th March, 2010. Jack O’Brien will direct the 30-strong company of on-stage performers, led by Ramin Karimloo, Sierra Boggess and Summer Strallen. Karimloo, who currently plays the Phantom in the original London production, will again portray the character in the second phase of the story. Sierra Boggess will play the role of Christine.

This latest project by Lloyd Webber is already being hailed as one of the biggest theatrical openings of 2010. Previews will take place from 20th February 2010.

Following the West End and Broadway premieres, further productions are being planned for Australia, Canada and the Far East.

Phantom recently celebrated its 23rd birthday in London’s West End.

For more information about London’s Adelphi Theatre: http://www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/adelphi-theatre

Image: Love Never Dies

Royal Society – Chicheley Hall, Buckinghamshire

The Royal Society has just announced that it will refurbish Chicheley Hall and will aim to re-open during summer 2010. The refurbishment will see the restoration and conservation of the building’s original 18th century architecture. Located just outside Milton Keynes, Chicheley Hall is a historically significant Grade I listed Georgian Country House set in 75 acres of formal gardens and grounds.

The property will be converted into a residential conference and events venue with a total of 47 bedrooms in the main house and in the north and south wings. Facilities will also include four meeting rooms for up to 25 theatre style and two lecture halls for up to 98 theatre style; one with tiered seating.

When the refurbishment is completed the Hall will serve as an extension of the Royal Society’s existing base in London, hosting a wide range of scientific meetings and events. It will also be available for the corporate market for residential and non residential conferences, meetings and seminars, social events, lunches and dinners plus team building events.

Chicheley Hall is located near Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. For information about existing conference facilities at the Royal Society go to: http://royalsociety.org/publication.asp?id=1842

Image: Chicheley Hall

Rock Music Anniversary Tour 2010

2010 is a BIG year for rock-n-roll anniversaries and to commemorate them the UK’s rock-music holiday specialist, Access All Areas (GB) Ltd, is offering a series of extended tours visiting landmark sites connected with historic events that have taken place over the last five decades of rock-n-roll.

It was 50 years ago that Eddie Cochrane died in a car crash near Bath, England; 40 years ago that the Beatles announced their split, the 40th anniversary of Jimi Hendrix’s death in a London apartment and 40 years since the first Glastonbury festival was staged. It was also 30 years ago that John Bonham (Led Zepplin) Bron Scott (AC/DC) and Ian Curtis (Joy Division) died; 30 years since Pink Floyd played The Wall over 6 nights at Earl’s Court. And 25 years ago rock went truly global with the broadcast of Live Aid from London’s Wembley Stadium. And Tom Jones and Ringo Starr celebrate their 70th birthdays!

A special anniversary seven-day tour will visit Bath and Glastonbury, South Wales, Liverpool, Manchester and London and include opportunities for general sightseeing in addition to seeing dedicated rock landmarks. The tour, which is limited to 16 participants, runs in June, July and September 2010 and costs from US$1500 per person.

For further information: Bruce Cherry at reservations@londonrocktour.com; web: www.londonrocktour.com

Image: Battersea Power Station

New Dorchester Collection Hotel – Coworth Park

Coworth Park is a Georgian manor house estate and spa set in 240 acres of private Royal Berkshire parkland. The new property which will open in May 2010, near Ascot, will have 70 bedrooms and suites in total with 30 in the main house and 40 in the converted stable block and cottages.

Two Michelin-starred Chef John Campbell recently announced his decision to move to work as the new Executive Chef at Coworth Park. The Dorchester Collection has some of the world’s most famous chefs working within its hotels, between them notching up a total of 10 Michelin-stars across seven hotels. These include two three-Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris - Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée and Yannick Alleno at Le Meurice, the two-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester in London and the two-Michelin-starred Gilt restaurant at the New York Palace in New York.

For more information: http://www.dorchestercollection.com/

Image: Coworth Park, Dorchester Collection

2010 Golf Open Championship Packages

Due to demand Best of Scotland Holidays has organised an additional package for the 2010 British Golf Open Championship at St.Andrews (15th-18th July 2010). The package is for the week and will include tickets for the four days of the competition.

Best of Scotland's British Open Packages start from £1179 and can be tailor-made to suit your needs.

For further information …
Best of Scotland Holidays
Tel: +44 (0) 131 516 8388 or (USA/Canada Toll Free) 1-888 678 1567
Email:lesley@best-of-scotland.co.uk
Web:

New Bristol Museum

The name of Bristol’s latest multi-million pound museum has been unveiled as M Shed. The new museum will be located in the city’s harbourside development. The new museum’s title has drawn inspiration from a former transit point for trains called M Shed.

M Shed, which is due to open in Spring 2011, will tell the city’s history from ancient times to the present. It will also operate working exhibitions including historic boats, trains and cranes, as well as providing free exhibitions, learning spaces, a workshop and train shed and a function space.

Funding for the new museum has come from the Heritage Lottery Fund, The City Council and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.

For more information about Bristol and its other attractons go to: http://visitbristol.co.uk/

Image: M Shed, Bristol

Beatles Film to be recreated on stage in 2010

A film recreating the early days of the Beatles has been adapted for the theatre. Backbeat, which told the story of the Beatle’s stay in Hamburg, will run at the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow from 9 February – 6 March 2010.

The play has been adapted by the film’s original director, Iain Softley. As with film, this new stage production will explore Stuart Sutcliffe’s relationship with photographer Astrid Kircher.

Sutcliffe first met John Lennon at Liverpool College of Art and stayed behind in Germany when the rest of the Beatles returned to Liverpool. He died in 1962 just before the Beatles hit the world stage. Sutcliffe, known as the ‘Fifth Beatle’ and the original bassist, was born in Glasgow, Scotland. For more information about the Citizens Theatre go to: http://www.citz.co.uk/

Image: Stuart Sutcliffe

Jury’s Inn Quayside 2010

A new hotel will be located on the Baltic Riverside, South Shore Road in Gateshead – a ten minute walk from Newcastle city centre and the Quayside entertainment district. It represents part of a £90m, four hotel investment by Jurys’ strategic development partner McAleer and Rushe. The new hotel will be Jury’s Inns’ second hotel in Newcastle (200 bedrooms) and will open in October 2010.

Acting Jurys Inn CEO John Brennan commented:

"It is a significant vote of confidence in Newcastle that we can announce plans for a new hotel in the area in today’s challenging economic climate.

Our positioning at the premium end of the budget market means we can be competitive with business users switching from four star hotels and leisure customers that still want hotel pedigree and hospitality from their weekend breaks – something missing from no frills budget operators” .

For more information about Jury’s Inn: http://www.jurysinns.com/

Image: The Baltic

K Village, Kendal

The K Village Factory Outlet Centre in Kendal is set to open in 2010 after a £100 m regeneration and redevelopment programme to create a unique state of the art destination shopping and leisure complex in the heart of the pretty market town. The new K Village will comprise a premium factory outlet centre, 5 restaurants and cafes, over 500 underground car-parking spaces, tourist facilities, including coach-parking and coach facilities for over 25 coaches, a 5,000 sq ft Heritage Centre, offices and 90 apartments.

www.kvillageoutletcentre.co.uk

Image: K Village, Kendal

Bridgewater Canal

2011 will mark the 250th anniversary of the Bridgewater Canal which opened in 1761. The Canal was built to transport coal from the mines of the Duke of Bridgewater at Worsley to the industrial areas of Manchester. The Bridgewater Canal was the forerunner of Britain’s canal network and revolutionised transport in this country. 2011 there are plans for a whole host of activities including:

Travelling exhibitions around the area

Opening of the Bridgewater Archive which includes a range of documents such as plans, rents books, deeds for the estate

Reminiscence project featuring views on how the canal was used for industry and how it is used today, plus memories from local

Programme of special boat tours along the canal

Range of blue badge guided walks and heritage trail

Plans include Boothstown to be promoted as a nature centre, Worsley as a heritage hotspot and Monton as a village hub for food and drink.

For more information contact Lindsey Hebden
Tourism Marketing Manager
Marketing & Communications

Salford City Council
Unity House, Salford Civic Centre, Chorley Road , Swinton, Salford , M27 5FJ
e: lindsey.hebden@salford.gov.uk

w: www.salford.gov.uk

t: 00 44 (0)161 793 2375
Visitor Information: www.visitsalford.info

Web: http://www.bridgewatercanal.co.uk/history.html

Image: Bridgewater Canal

City Inn Tower of London

Built immediately adjacent to Fenchurch Street Station in the heart of the historic City of London on the site of the mediaeval Crutched Friars Monastery, Samuel Pepys House, and the 18th Century Naval College.

The City Inn Tower of London’s roof top Sky Lounge and Terraces will offer stunning views of The Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the financial district of the City of London.

The property will comprise 600 bedrooms opening early 2011.

www.cityinn.com

Image: Tower of London

2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games

Cycling route for London 2012 set to be changed so it rivals Beijing      

The route for the cycling road race for the London 2012 Olympics is set to be changed so it uses iconic British venues like Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle . The new route is set to be finalised by the end of 2009.  

http://www.insidethegames.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6199 

Badminton has become the latest sport to reject plans to relocate it to Wembley for the 2012 Games            

Boxing's proposed move to Wembley was intended to make room for badminton and rhythmic gymnastics at the ExCel Arena and save £40 million on building a temporary arena to host them which would be demolished after the Games. However as this has been vetoed, organisers are considering moving badminton and rhythmic gymnastics.        

http://www.insidethegames.biz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7027%3Abadminton-promise-to-fight-plans-by-london-2012-to-move-them-to-wembley-&catid=1%3Alatest-news&Itemid=73

City of Culture 2013

In January Durham will find out whether it has been shortlisted to become the UK’s City of Culture for 2013. It was one of the first cities to get its application in. The successful city will be announced in May 2010. See new website which went live in September 2009 www.durhamcityofculture.co.uk

Image: City of Durham

William Wordsworth Anniversary

St Georges Day – The 23rd of April 2010, marks the 160th anniversary of William Wordsworth’s death. The romantic poet was born in Cumbria and much of his well loved poetry, including the famous ‘Daffodils’, was inspired by his life here. For travel trade enquiries contact Paul Kleian, Marketing Manager. Email: p.kleian@wordsworth.org.uk Tel: 00 44 (0)15394 35544; Mobile/Cell: 00 44 (0)7972 130252; Web: www.wordsworth.org.uk

Image: Dove Cottage

Jumeirah Glasgow 2011

Jumeirah, the Dubai-based luxury hotel management group – and renowned for its iconic Burj Al Arab - has announced plans to operate a new 5-star super-deluxe hotel in Glasgow.  Jumeirah Glasgow, Jumeirah’s fifth hotel to be signed in Europe, is scheduled to open in 2011.  Conveniently situated in Glasgow’s International Financial Services District the 25-storey development, designed by Ian Simpson Architects, will be one of the UK’s most luxurious hotels.  Guests will enjoy a range of leisure facilities, which include an impressive infinity pool, Jumeirah’s signature Talise Wellness spa, gym, rooftop cocktail lounge and several restaurants and bars. Extensive business and conference amenities will be supplemented by a 630-seat ballroom and a dedicated club lounge.  The £125 million Jumeirah Glasgow will comprise 160 luxurious guest rooms and suites and 85 Jumeirah Living serviced apartments.  

www.jumeirah.com

Image: Glasgow