Europe Travel News

Gosport is 'busiest' sailing haven

Rob — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 09:54:56 +0000

With four marinas and a perfect position on The Solent with its 'double high water' each day, Gosport claims it is the busiest sailing destination on England's South Coast. The town, which also boasts Explosion! The Royal Navy Submarine Museum, but is often overshadowed by its bigger nautical neighbour Portsmouth, has improved its website for prospective visitors. As well as introductions in French and Spanish for the growing number of visitors from those countries, it is possible to download detailed information on what to see, walking tours and waterfront events.

Gosport's marinas are home to Alex Thomson, who achieved the single-handed record for the most miles sailed in 24 hours, and Dee Caffari, the first woman to have sailed single-handedly the 'wrong' way round the world – against the trade winds - becoming Yachtsman of the Year in 2006. Gosport is 83 miles south of London. (more...)

Indoor surfing at new Swansea centre

Rob — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 09:53:58 +0000

Learning to surf without going to the beach seems an unlikely scenario but that is exactly what visitors to the new Swansea Leisure Centre in the South Wales city will be able to do when it opens in December. The revolutionary Surf Stream will be part of a network of pools, slides and waves enabling novices and experts alike to try stand-up and bodyboard surfing in a huge indoor water park which will also include 'Masterblaster' – the world's first uphill water slide. (more...)

Welsh cycle route improved in Snowdonia

Rob — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 09:52:57 +0000

One of the most popular and scenic cycle routes in North Wales is being improved and reopened in time for spring. Called Lôn Eifion, it stretches from Caernarfon, with its 13th century castle, for 20 kilometres (12 miles), following an old railway line to the village of Bryncir. Gwynedd Council is removing the old dust surface along a section of the path, upgrading it to a smooth Tarmac finish. Known for its pleasant views of the Llyn Peninsula to the south west, Caernarfon Bay and the Isle of Anglesey to the west and north, and the mountains of Snowdonia to the east, it forms part of a trans-Wales route from Holyhead to the capital, Cardiff on the National Cycle Network. (more...)

Balloon rides in the Scottish Borders

Rob — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 09:51:46 +0000

Guests at the Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Course near Kelso can take to the skies and enjoy the beautiful Scottish Borders scenery from a hot air balloon. A special package includes a one-hour balloon flight from the hotel grounds with flight specialist Adventures Aloft, champagne on landing, an in flight photograph and breakfast at the hotel from the 'Celebrate the Flight' menu (£195). (more...)

London Dining - April

Rob — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 09:50:55 +0000

A new Japanese restaurant and special events at Pearl Restaurant and Bar feature in news from London's restaurant scene.

Shimo Restaurant and Bar (17-18 Tooks Court, EC4A 1LB) in the heart of the City of London, is named after the Japanese abbreviation for November, when fish becomes most delicious and the crab season begins. The menu offers sushi and sashimi among an array of traditional dishes including black cod and rib-eye teriyaki, followed by a European selection of desserts: for example, warm Swedish chocolate torte or raspberry semifreddo. (more...)

First 'virtual dive cage' opens in Bournemouth

Rob — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 09:44:45 +0000

Visitors are being invited to come face to face with great white sharks, dolphins, manta rays and a blue whale when the world's first interactive dive cage opens (March 27) at the Oceanarium in Bournemouth.

This virtual experience comprises more than 170,000 frames of video and animation with twelve 50 inch plasma screens creating a 270 degree continuous view of the ocean. Visitors will get the feeling of being submerged in a cage underwater with metal flooring, bars and transparent acrylic panels on the ceiling and will be able to learn about the creatures' habitat and anatomies by using interactive touch screens. The images have been created using detailed computer graphics, including over 150 modelled and textured teeth in the shark's mouth. (more...)

Cycle the royal River Thames

Rob — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 09:43:33 +0000

The Tour de France cycle race may be starting in London for the first time this summer, but leisure cyclists are being offered a chance to 'go with the flow' on a different route to the capital. Cycling holiday company Capital Sport has planned a nine-night self-guided tour following the River Thames from its official source near Cirencester in the Cotswold Hills to the Thames Barrier, east of the capital.

This 200 mile adventure uses bridleways, bike paths and quiet country lanes to criss cross the river, calling at the university city of Oxford, regatta town Henley and Marlow, before passing Eton, home of the boys' college, around the castle at Windsor and past the palaces at Hampton Court, Kew and Westminster. (more...)

Public spa for London's Bethnal Green

Rob — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 09:42:30 +0000

York Hall in London's Bethnal Green, site of some of the country's most famous boxing bouts, is set to become home to a new state-of-the-art spa facility. The £1.2 million Spa London, a joint project between the local council and Greenwich Leisure, will enable visitors to benefit from a whole host of treatments and therapies as they relax and unwind at the country's finest public sector spa, which is scheduled to open in the spring.

Spa London will be sited within the historic Victorian baths at York Hall Leisure Centre in Bethnal Green. Visitors will be able to enjoy a full thermal experience including, steam room, sauna and relaxation zone. Four treatment rooms will provide a comprehensive range of beauty treatments from international brands such as Thalgo, Jane Iredale and Jessica, all at affordable prices. Spa manager is Alex Smith, formerly in that role at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland, the 'home of golf'. (more...)

Newmarket's July racecourse is a sure fire bet

Rob — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 09:41:19 +0000

One of the two flat racecourses at Newmarket, the home of British horseracing, reopens in June following a £9 million redevelopment. The July racecourse takes on a garden party atmosphere in summer with its flowers and thatched buildings, attracting those looking for an entertaining and social occasion. The course, second only to Newmarket's Rowley Mile with the Millennium Grandstand as its focal point, hosts the annual Ladies' Day on the first day of the July Festival Meeting (July 11-13). So named because women don their most glamorous and stunning outfits (hats are de rigueur), it includes a best dressed lady competition. Newmarket Nights, a series of Friday evening race meetings followed by open-air pop concerts which start as dusk falls, are also held at the July Racecourse (various dates in June, July and August).

Steeped in history and heritage, Newmarket has been the home of British horseracing since the 17th century when King James I spent much of his time living in the town. King Charles II was also a regular visitor, reinforcing the town's regal equestrian link. The Jockey Club established its original headquarters here in 1752. (more...)

London event highlights - April

Rob — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 09:39:43 +0000

From the Tour de France Grand Depart to aural art on the Underground and innovative sculpture on city rooftops – London's coming events are as diverse as ever this spring and summer.

Travellers using the London Underground's Knightsbridge Underground station this year will be treated to the sounds of African elephants, Californian sea lions and grasshoppers while they wait for their train. Running for the whole of 2007 to celebrate 100 years of the Piccadilly Line, 'Zoorama' by Heather and Ivan Morrison presents a different migratory animal each week to be heard amongst the platform announcements. (more...)