Tag Archives: London

Attractions, Days Out, December Breaks, Events, Family Days Out, Holiday Attractions, Kids Days Out, London, News, November Breaks

Ice Skating at the Natural History Museum returns 2nd November

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This has to be one of our family favourites each year, ice skating outside of the beautiful Natural History Museum building in London.

We are not born ice skaters, in fact we barely strap a skate on of any sort during the year, but come November we find ourselves heading to London for an ice skating session on the outdoor temporaryLondons Natural History Museumy rink.  It’s great fun and what better backdrop to your efforts than one of London’s most impressive buildings.

Of course the ice skating is great fun but it also forms part of a fun winters day out. Once the skating is over there is plenty of time to take in the museum, which is absolutely free, or visit some of the other great museums near by – the interactive Science Museum is always popular with children.

Once you are exhausted there are plenty of great places to eat near by or simply travel short distance on the Underground to popular eating places around Covent Garden, Leicester Square and China Town.

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The Natural History Museum Ice Rink, supported by Starbucks, opens next Friday (2nd Nov – 6 Jan) promising a season of fantastic skating.

The first ice rink to open in London

Be among the first to enjoy a magical skate on one of London’s largest ice rinks, and celebrate the launch of Starbucks’ Red Cups with a hot drink in our fabulous café bar, open to skaters and non-skaters alike.

Something for the whole family

Bring friends and family along for a fun active day out. Next to the main rink we have a smaller rink and penguin skate aids for the little ones. And, don’t miss a spin on our beautiful fairground carousel, open throughout the day.

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Days Out, Family Days Out, London, Restaurant

Our Guilty Eating Pleasure… Ed’s Easy Diner at the Trocadero, near Leicester Square, London

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Ok, we admit it, we are partial to a burger, fries and a shake.

Ed's Easy DinerSo when we had an afternoon in London recently and in need of something to eat we had no choice but to head straight to our guilty pleasure, Ed’s Easy Diner near Leicester Square.  (There are other Ed’s Diners around the country, but we think this one is the best.)

While some places can do good burgers and fries, fw can match an Ed’s Strawberry Malt Shake, pure heaven in a glass.

And, given that my previous post was about how dodgy holiday reviews can be, let me assure you that we have not had so much as discount/tweet/Facebook like or cash incentive for this feedback, we just genuinely love the place – although if any Ed’s Easy Diner managers want to bribe us for future posts get in touch 🙂

You can check out their website but its much better to drink the strawberry malt.

That’s my guilty eating pleasure, what’s yours?

Days Out, Events, Family Days Out, Kids Days Out, London, News, Olympics, Sporting Events

Celebrate a Wonderful Sporting Summer with Team GB at London Victory Parade

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What a wonderful sporting summer it has been in the UK, we have been truly spoilt with sporting excitement, drama and moments to fill you with pride.

The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics have been simply AWESOME.  Not only for the outstanding performances, but for the Gamesmakers, the organisers, the crowds and the general buzz across the UK. We are hugely proud to be British and, as Lord Sebastian Coe said, London 2012 was ‘Made in Britain’.

Last night’s closing ceremony of the Paralympics was, as we have come to expect now, a polished entertaining spectacle that perfectly captured the mood and a firework ending that was jaw-dropping.

Sadly though the Closing Ceremony not only saw the end of the Paralympic Games but also the end of this wonderful summer of sport and I for one feel just a little deflated and sad this morning.  Britain being the centre of the World’s attention is something we have got to quite like!

However there is one last chance to look back and celebrate this wonderful summer of sports with all our sporting heroes in Team GB at today’s London Team GB Victory Parade.  Its starts at the Mansion House in central London from 1.30pm.

The parade of 21 floats will pass St Paul’s Cathedral and Trafalgar Square, where there’ll be a big screen at the base of Nelson’s Column along with live commentary. Each float will carry around 40 athletes arranged by sport. The parade is expected to take up to 13 minutes to pass any given point.

If you are going we would love to see some pictures.

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England, Events, Holidays, London, News, Olympics, Sporting Events, Summer Holidays, Travel

Olympics are ready to go for Gold

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Well the wait is so nearly over and the London 2012 Olympics are almost upon us. It seems a little unreal after waiting so many years but we are now into the final countdown with just 2 days to go to the Opening Ceremony.

From the day London was chosen there were doubts about whether the UK could deliver it on time and we have to say that what a tremendous job they have done, with venues ready and test events complete.

I for one expected the British Press to hammer on about every issue to try and undermine what should be a proud moment but there has been so little for them to comment on.

One can only be impressed at the organisation and focus it has taken for us to be ready and looking forward to it. Congratulations for a job well done so far.

So let the Games begin!

England, Events, Holidays, Kids Days Out, News, Summer Holidays, Sussex, West Sussex

Yum… French Market in Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex, 20th July 2012

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French Market CakesWe have just taken a look at today’s French Market at Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex and it’s looking just a little bit tasty!

In fact, we may have to be dragged away kicking and screaming from the cakes and bread stalls this morning. Also check out our favourite addition to the High Street, continuing the French theme, the delightful Real Patisserie for lovingly hand-made cakes and more.

There are even blue skies this morning so if you fancy something ‘naughty but nice’ head to this pretty little Sussex town, just don’t blame us if you put on a few extra pounds 😉

If this puts you in the mood for a French holiday then we suggest you check out some great value holidays in France.

B&B, Berkshire, Cottage Break, England, Guest House, Holiday Attractions, Hotels, Royal Ascot, Short Break

Royal Ascot next week, book a cottage short break to enjoy the fun

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One of the premier sporting and social ocassions in the British calendar, Royal Ascot gets underway next week – Tuesday 19th June.

A uniquely British sporting event where Royalty attends, there is a daily Royal Procession, and the guests turn out in the highest of fashion and style… the day even finishes with singing of traditional songs around the bandstand.

The horse racing is of the highest order, with 18 of the world’s most prestigious races taking place over the 5 days and with some £4.5 million pounds of winnings at stake.

Although Royal Ascot is well known for its fashion and, of course the designer hats on Ladies Day (Thursday), don’t let that put you off.  It’s a great day out even if you just want to observe it rather than be dressed for it!

Whether you are going for one day or a number of days, Royal Ascot is the perfect excuse for a short break.  Set in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Ascot is easily reached from Berkshire and Surrey.  Being only 50 minutes by car or train from central London also makes it within easy reach of London apartments as well as Hampshire, West Sussex and Kent.

You can find out more about Royal Ascot, see a selection of self catering cottages and useful links to B&B, guest house and hotels on our Royal Ascot Cottage Break page.

Apartments, England, London, Olympics, Short Break, South East England, Wimbledon

Wimbledon Championship Tennis Breaks

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With the grass court tennis now in full swing at Queens Club, we are on the final countdown to Wimbledon. With the roof over Centre Court at the ready, not even the British weather can intervene but here’s hoping for some sunny weather so we can enjoy those strawberries.

This year’s Wimbledon Championship is being held from the 25th June to the 8th July with British hopes largely resting on Andy Murray and some of our younger players in the junior events. Whatever the British success, or otherwise, Wimbledon is a fantastic experience and a wonderful way to spend a short break.  Unlike most UK major sporting events it is even possible to get tickets on the day – a limited number at the turnstiles each morning and late entry tickets after 5pm – but you will need to queue.

What’s more there is a second chance this year to see the best tennis players in the World, as the Olympic Tennis will also be held at Wimbledon from the 28th July to the 5th August.

If you can’t make either tournament then why not visit Wimbledon at a different time and go to the Museum and the Tour.  The museum has unrivalled memorabilia stretching back to 1555 and of course the sparkling trophies.  And, what could be better than seeing first hand around the Grounds that you have only ever been able to see on TV. A fantastic day out you are sure not to forget.

Find out more Wimbledon Tennis Breaks including apartments, B&B,s and Hotels in London or within easy reach by train.