Racing at Cartmel dates back to 1856. But it's almost certain that racing has taken place here since at least the middle of the fifteenth century when monks of the nearby priory entertained themselves by organising racing on mules.

Racing at Cartmel dates back to 1856. But it's almost certain that racing has taken place here since at least the middle of the fifteenth century when monks of the nearby priory entertained themselves by organising racing on mules.

This world renowned flower show brings together the best in gardening and horticulture, with beautiful displays showcasing the finest arrangements as well as offering garden workshops and selling equipment to make your garden more beautiful. The show displays both nursery exhibits as well as model gardens which will captivate and inspire you at this truly Royal event. The flower show itself has been running every year since 1913 with over 500 exhibitors coming to this prestigious event to showcase their ideas. It really is a unique experience to be able to see these displays up close and take in the stunning floral scents that fill the show.

For Christmas 2019, the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew will once again transform into a magical after-dark explosion of festive lights. Visit an enchanting world full of seasonal cheer beneath tree canopies drenched in Christmas Colour.

Grange-over-Sands  • Bowness • Keswick  • Ambleside • Grasmere • Carnforth

Running from November - January, Edinburgh’s Christmas offers no shortage of things to see and do this winter. Enjoy panoramic views of the capital from the top of the Big Wheel, spin around on the charming carousel in East Princes Street Gardens or brave a twirl on the 60-metre-high Star Flyer.

Traditional German Christmas Market - Christmas markets have been a tradition since medieval times and Edinburgh’s German Christmas Market is provided by stallholders based in Frankfurt. The popular market is back as always, selling a mix of classic and contemporary gifts as well as a range of German food and drink ideal for warming up the chilly bits. Tasty delights include hearty sausages, fried potato cakes, crepes and German beer, as well as the now famous Glühwein.

Douglas  • Port Erin  • Cregneash Village • Peel • ‘Royal’ Ramsey

The Isle of Man is a hidden treasure in the Irish Sea. This small Island lies just 60 miles off the mainland with classic railways, heritage sites and coastal resorts.
 

With its unspoiled landscape and unique blend of British and French influences, Jersey really is a place where you can get away from it all. Relax and enjoy the famed hospitality of its people, and lose yourself in the Island’s winding lanes or on its breathtaking coast. Jersey is an island of opposites, a small island with a big personality. Action-packed short breaks and long, lazy summer holidays. Sophisticated seaside hotels and great-value guest houses. A dash of continental Europe, a splash of Britain. Cosmopolitan city life, leafy country lanes, traditional beach cafés and trendy restaurants. The main currency of the islands is (£ sterling)

Llandudno is Wales largest resort, uniquely situated between the Great and Little Ormes with two wonderful beaches, the award winning North Shore and the quiet, sand duned West Shore. Llandudno has kept its Victorian and Edwardian elegance and splendour, despite its modern attractions. Fancy stretching your legs on the longest pier in Wales? A ride on Britain’s only cable hauled tramway? How about a picnic on a Blue Flag beach? You can check out the views from Britain’s longest passenger cable car.

• Llandudno • Llangollen • Caernarfon • Betws-y-Coed • Llanberis

Sunday Shopping with a Walking Tour on Monday Morning

In conjunction with the St Giles Hotel, we are delighted to offer a value for money London tour, including some Sunday shopping in London. This excellent hotel is situated on Tottenham Court Road near Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street (most shops don’t close until 6pm on Sunday). A guided walking tour takes place after breakfast on Monday morning.

Thursday Matinee Theatre & Planet Hollywood

Mamma Mia tells the story of how a young woman takes matters into her own hands to discover the identity of her father and the hilarious journey that begins… Set on an exotic Greek island we find Donna, ex-pop singer turned hotel owner, and mother of the Bride to be - Sophie. Brilliantly told through all the ABBA classics we know and love - Donna is reunited with best friends the Dynamos as well as some unexpected guests!
This fantastic feel-good story about love, friendship and laughter has been adored for over 15 years and is sure to have you dancing in the aisles!  Enjoy a 2 course dinner (fish & chips) after the show in Planet Hollywood's London restaurant  an unforgettable, entertaining and family-friendly experience in the heart of the West End's theatre district!

• Cairnwell Pass • Castle of Mey • John O’Groats • Orkney • Skara Brae • Scapa Flow  • Kirkwall

Located just 20 miles from the heart of London at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the very place where it all began and where all eight of the Harry Potter films were brought to life. The Studio Tour is accessible to everyone and promises to be a truly memorable experience - whether you’re an avid Harry Potter fan, an all-round movie buff or you just want to try something that’s a little bit different.

Thursford’s Christmas Spectacular has attracted over 5.4 million visitors to date and is the largest Christmas show in the country. It is set in the magical surroundings of mechanical organs and fairground carousels, with a cast of 130 professional singers, dancers and musicians – many of whom are West End performers. The three hour performance delivers an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety. It’s a fast moving celebration of the festive season featuring an eclectic mix of both seasonal and year-round favourites, with famous and much-loved chart toppers being performed alongside traditional carols. Word of this amazing show has spread and it is now generally recognised as being the largest show of its kind in the country, if not Europe. Up to fifty coaches per day travel from all over the country and many patrons have visited year on year.

Grange-over-Sands  • Bowness • Keswick  • Ambleside • Grasmere • Carnforth

Join us for Twixmas at The Cumbria Grand Hotel.

Relax after Christmas Festivities at home and let someone else look after you.

A Grade II listed Victorian property, Alvaston Hall is a half-timbered country house that’s the perfect place to relax, or use as a base for exploring the local area. Located just five minutes from the Cheshire riverside town of Nantwich, this wonderful hotel delivers a memorable experience with its well-kept gardens and impressive historical features. As soon as you arrive at Alvaston Hall, you’ll see why the hotel’s a recent recipient of four stars awarded by the AA. Facilities include a 9-hole golf course, spa and beauty treatments, and a great range of entertainment, including an impressive cabaret restaurant.

A Grade II listed Victorian property, Alvaston Hall is a half-timbered country house that’s the perfect place to relax, or use as a base for exploring the local area. Located just five minutes from the Cheshire riverside town of Nantwich, this wonderful hotel delivers a memorable experience with its well-kept gardens and impressive historical features.

(an early Christmas & New Year rolled into one)

Once owned by George V’s Lord in Waiting, Bembridge Coast Hotel overlooks the Solent. And the late Queen Mother came here to watch the yachts racing during Cowes Week. 
The hotel has a wonderful beach, and is an ideal base for touring the Isle of Wight.

This Victorian castle, looking out over its peaceful estate, never feels crowded. With its new stunning glass Atrium inside the castle walls providing a newly extended restaurant plus a bar and lounge. And the scenery is just beautiful. But what else would you expect this close to Snowdonia and the coast? Spend your days out and about enjoying the warm Welsh welcome, or relax in our leisure suite, explore the museum and gallery, or get stuck into our daytime activities.

This Victorian castle, looking out over its peaceful estate, never feels crowded. With its new stunning glass Atrium inside the castle walls providing a newly extended restaurant plus a bar and lounge. And the scenery is just beautiful. But what else would you expect this close to Snowdonia and the coast? Spend your days out and about enjoying the warm Welsh welcome, or relax in our leisure suite, explore the museum and gallery, or get stuck into our daytime activities.