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Checks And Tips For Your First Motorhome Trip
Our series of
Motorhoming
articles aims to share insights into the pleasures and adventures of this mode of travelling at home and abroad - along with the realities and practicalities involved.
Motorhome magic: Ben Nevis campsite Images by Steve Hare
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Short breaks
Dazzling Sahara, Vibrant Souks: Why Morocco Has Me Hooked
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Leisure Editor
Sahara adventures await outside Marrakesh Images by Steve Hare
When the festive decorations start to look as jaded as many of us feel and the weather forecast is beyond depressing; it’s time to seek new adventures in exotic climes. While this may sound challenging, both geographically and financially, especially if you only have a few days off work, it is more do-able than you may think.
P.ublished 3rd January 2026
Hotels
Rome On A Budget Via Northumberland!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Slaley Hall Hotel Spa & Golf Resort
Experiencing the breathtaking wonders of Imperial Rome usually includes a few photo opps at the Colosseum or, indeed, the Trevi Fountain, however, there is a cheaper alternative but it does require thermal undies and a thick coat!
P.ublished 29th November 2025
Hotels
Ghostly Guests At The Queen Hotel!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
When you walk through the doors of the Queen Hotel in Chester pause for a moment if only to contemplate those great people that have gone before: Charles Dickens, Lillie Langtry, Thomas Thornycroft and Thomas Brassey.
P.ublished 25th October 2025
Europe
The Man Behind The Third Man
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Self-confessed obsessive Gerhard Strassgschwandtner!
“I have been pregnant with this film since 1994 when I first saw it properly,” confides Gerhard Strassgschwandtner, before carefully spelling out his 18-letter surname and adding, “it’s little wonder that my wife hasn’t divorced me.
P.ublished 6th September 2025
Short breaks
Roll Up! Roll Up For The Next 130 Years!
It is just one of four circuses in the world where the ring can be lowered into a pool holding 42,000 gallons of water and, had it not been for a public outcry in 1990, plans to close Blackpool Tower Circus might have found the popular entertainment replaced by an animatronic attraction!
P.ublished 19th July 2025
Short breaks
Cathedral Dusts Off Its Copies Of Magna Carta
Three rare copies of the Magna Carta, the keystone document that made everyone, including the Monarch, equal under the eyes of the law, go on display at Durham Cathedral next month. Starting on 11th July the rare manuscripts from the cathedral’s collection will be made available for public viewing to mark the 800th anniversary of the 1225 issue.
P.ublished 25th June 2025
Hotels
A Little Mayfair Luxury
The Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is set to debut its newly renovated collection of 18 suites. They promise to reflect the hotel’s signature blend of understated luxury.
P.ublished 25th June 2025
Short breaks
Go Wild In The Country – In Your Trunks!
Let’s face it — UK summers aren’t always about heatwaves. But they’re perfect for getting out of town, reconnecting with nature, and dipping into fresh, open water. Hellotickets – the international booking platform for travel experiences – has rounded up the most refreshing escapes under an hour from two major cities in the north.
P.ublished 23rd June 2025
Europe
New West Yorkshire Airport Terminal Opens
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has this week announced the official opening and commencement of operations from its brand-new terminal. The opening marks the end of the first phase of the airport’s ongoing £100 million terminal expansion project.
P.ublished 20th June 2025
Short breaks
A £2m Boost For Lakeland Farmers Also Supports Tourism
Lake District farmers supporting projects that help nature recover, enabling tourists to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape at the heart of Wordsworth country, have been given a £2m boost. The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) is celebrating the success of a fourth year of funding from DEFRA’s Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) grant.
P.ublished 16th June 2025
Hotels
SCHLOSS Roxburghe & The Bonnie Prince Charlie Link!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
The magnificent Schloss Roxburghe on the outskirts of Kelso in the Scottish Borders
The story goes that Scotland’s Young Pretender, Bonnie Prince Charlie, visited what is now the 5-star manor house hotel SCHLOSS Roxburghe, on the outskirts of Kelso, in 1745, planted a white rose bush and left Lady Chatto’s household swooning in his Royal aura!
P.ublished 17th May 2025
Short breaks
Buckingham Palace Displays Unique Art Works
In 2023 Phillip Butah was invited to join The King and Queen on a State Visit to Kenya
Visitors to the Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms can see special exhibition this summer, The King's Tour Artists, featuring over 70 works of art from His Majesty's own collection, many on public display for the first time. An accompanying publication, The Art of Royal Travel: Journeys with The King, will further explore and celebrate this special royal tradition.
P.ublished 5th May 2025
Short breaks
Exploring The Western Lake District
Egremont is a pretty enough place. It has a long, straight high street that could pass for any number of Lake District towns, and an ancient church but, lurking at the foot of the ruins of its 12th century castle sits something of a more curious nature……a bronze statue of a man gurning!
P.ublished 3rd May 2025
Europe
N’ICE’ One – Reykjavik on a Budget!
Iceland has long topped the bucket list for travellers craving otherworldly landscapes, geothermal pools, and the magic of the Northern Lights. But it’s also gained a reputation for being one of the most expensive places in Europe to visit — particularly when it comes to food, drink, and accommodation.
P.ublished 1st May 2025
Hotels
World Class Stay & Play Golf Packages
Golf lovers can now experience a new collaboration between two of the UK’s premier golfing destinations – Marine Hotel Ballycastle in Northern Ireland and Another Place, The Machrie on Islay, Scotland.
P.ublished 26th April 2025
Europe
Adventures In Amsterdam!
There is something eternally appealing about spilling out of bed three hours before your Amsterdam flight, top and tailing your packing, enjoying breakfast and then taking a gentle 15-minute taxi ride to airport check-ins, leaving plenty of time for a leisurely coffee ahead of take off!
P.ublished 19th April 2025
Europe
New Sweden Flights For Nordic Skiers
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Alpine skiing. Location: Kläppen, Dalarna
British skiers will have easier and more affordable access to Sweden’s premier Alpine Region of Sälen this December. EasyJet is launching weekly direct flights to Scandinavian Mountains Airport from both Manchester and London Gatwick. Prices start at £27.99. The launch marks the first time that Scandinavian Mountains Airport will be connected directly to the UK by a low-cost carrier.
P.ublished 16th April 2025
Europe
Airline Packing Hacks Too Good To Be True
Photo: Mikey Wu on www.unsplash.com
Packing light for a holiday can mean cheaper travel – but some social media packing hacks could actually end up costing you more at the gate. Airlines around the world make over £26 BILLION a year from baggage fees alone, and a growing chunk of that is coming from passengers stung by hand luggage charges.
P.ublished 14th April 2025
Short breaks
The ‘King’ Is Alive And Working In Weymouth!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
A slick operation
There may be a guy working down the chip shop who swears he’s Elvis or, so said English songwriter, Kirsty MacColl. However, I am delighted to report that he’s been promoted and is currently working at two hotels on the Esplanade at Weymouth!
P.ublished 12th April 2025
Short breaks
Millennium First For Alnwick Castle
Year One and Year Two pupils from Harry Hotspur C of E Primary School officially open Alnwick Castle for the new visitor season.
Visitors can now go ‘below stairs’ and explore the extensive Victorian kitchens at Alnwick ‘Harry Potter’ Castle in Northumberland, for the first time in the Castle’s 1,000 history. They have been unveiled as part of a transformative four-year restoration project.
P.ublished 9th April 2025
Short breaks
Literary Holidays From Inntravel
Writing and walking have always gone hand-in-hand. From Wordsworth and Rousseau to Leigh Fermor and Macfarlane, many literary greats have sought inspiration from the almost meditative act of walking, of placing themselves intimately in the landscapes.
P.ublished 7th April 2025
Short breaks
Eden Camp’s Living History Weekend Returns This Easter
Eden Camp, the only remaining prisoner of war camp in Britain, is holding another of its Living History Weekends over Easter on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th April. The immersive event, staged among the original POW huts at the 1942 complex near Malton, North Yorkshire, promises to transport visitors back to the 1940s, offering an unforgettable opportunity to experience life in WWII Britain.
P.ublished 5th April 2025
Short breaks
Major Titanic Exhibition Docks in The North
A large-scale Titanic exhibition has opened at the Royal Armouries in Leeds ahead of its onward sailing to Manchester this July. And the first Briton ever to dive to the wreck, ex-Army man, Dik Barton from West Yorkshire, has given the stunning event his personal seal of approval, attending the formal opening this week.
P.ublished 1st April 2025
Deals
Roaring Easter Egg-Stravaganza At Wildlife Park
The award-winning Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster, is setting its own Eggsample this weekend with the launch of a three-week programme of events for the kids. Running until Monday 21st of April, visitors can enjoy an array of daily shows at the Auckley attraction including Victor’s Big Adventure, The Jungle Book Live Show and Pirates of Pantaloon Bay, all included in the entry price.
P.ublished 30th March 2025
Deals
May Getaways: Sun, Relaxation And Adventure Await!
May brings warmer days, longer evenings, and two bank holidays – the perfect excuse for a well-earned break! Whether you’re seeking total relaxation or eager to explore somewhere new, there are some handy package holidays on offer, all departing from Leeds Bradford Airport.
P.ublished 26th March 2025
Short breaks
Trio of Train Operators Combine Forces To Promote Lakes
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
For the first time ever, all three train companies operating to and within Cumbria have joined forces on a new high-profile marketing campaign to highlight the ease of car free travel to the destination.
P.ublished 22nd March 2025
Short breaks
Lambing Experience at Cumbria’s Garden of Eden
Make the most of the Easter holidays with a stay at Augill Castle in Cumbria, this April, where families can not only enjoy great food and fresh air in the beautiful countryside setting of Eden Valley, but also enjoy a lambing experience.
P.ublished 20th March 2025
Deals
Cracking Easter Breaks From LBA
The Easter break is just around the corner and, with two whole weeks off school, it’s the perfect time to book a last-minute break with the family. Here, Leeds Bradford Airport has rounded up some egg-citing deals to help you enjoy a fun-filled family break during the school hols!
Beachside Bliss in Benidorm
5 nights, All Inclusive, £345 per person, departing Tuesday 8th April.
P.ublished 12th March 2025
Europe
First Look At New Leeds Bradford Airport Terminal Expansion
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has released new visuals to showcase its transformative £100 million terminal expansion. The major redevelopment, set to be completed in time for this year’s summer holiday season, is designed to elevate the passenger experience while reinforcing the airport’s commitment to sustainability and regional economic growth.
P.ublished 10th March 2025
Europe
New Trio of Camping and Motorhoming Guides
As the motorhome lifestyle continues to soar in popularity across the UK those considering this unique, convenient and adventurous means of travel may welcome the contents of Tom Lewin’s three informative and insightful guides.
P.ublished 5th March 2025
Short breaks
Hiding In The Derbyshire Hills
“If that’s glamping,” said my pal John, “then I’m leaving our house, down-sizing and moving in with you!” It was not difficult to understand his point considering that I was, at that moment, simmering in an outside jacuzzi at the
Longnor Wood Holiday Hideaway near Buxton in Derbyshire
.
P.ublished 1st March 2025
Europe
Dutch Pedal Power Gives Way To Sweden
Sweden´s Scenic Göta Canal Cycle Route has been named 2025 Cycle Route of the Year at one of the Netherlands’ premier trade fairs. Fiets- en Wandelbeurs, Utrecht’s annual cycling and hiking fair, carries a lot of weight.
P.ublished 22nd February 2025
Hotels
Cheshire's Jacobite Jewel
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Crewe is perhaps best known as a large railway junction but, on the outskirts of this once mighty 19th century town famed for its engineering innovation and design, sits a rather splendid hall that on first viewing leaves you breathless.
P.ublished 15th February 2025
Short breaks
Roadchef’s Bright Spark Idea for Lakeland Tourists
Six more 350KW electric vehicle (EV) chargers can now be accessed by Lake District bound tourists. One of the UK’s leading motorway service operators, Roadchef, has installed the additional EV units at its Killington Lake services on the M6 in Cumbria, located between junctions 36 and 37.
P.ublished 14th February 2025
Americas
In Love With Yourself On Valentines Day!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Valentine’s Day, for many, is a time for cherishing and celebrating loved ones but this year, Friendship Travel is encouraging ‘solos’ to prioritise themselves and enjoy the benefits of a go-alone getaway. Taking time for yourself can be liberating with many returning from a solo-trip not only refreshed but with a newfound love for their own company!
P.ublished 12th February 2025
Hotels
An Obscenely Quirky Weekend In London!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
If you know what Peppa Pig, The Rocky Horror Show and an ‘obscene’ novel penned by James Joyce have in common, then you are already half way to sampling one of London’s quirkier weekend stays.
P.ublished 8th February 2025
Europe
LBA Announces Direct Route To Swiss Alps
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is heralding the launch of easyJet’s new service to Geneva, which has now taken to the skies. The new route adds another European destination to the airport’s winter offering, building on the recent success of easyJet’s latest route to Paris, its long-standing Belfast connection and Malaga and Palma launching from the end of next month.
P.ublished 3rd February 2025
Hotels
In Love With London’s Lancaster!
Lashings of love bird luxury is on offer at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel this Valentine’s Day as Cupid prepares to release his arrow! One of the capital’s most iconic hotels, Royal Lancaster London has sweeping views of Hyde Park and exudes timeless opulence and charm, making it the perfect place to share quality moments with someone special.
P.ublished 30th January 2025
Short breaks
Scottish First For Harrison Holidays
Harrison Holidays has announced the acquisition of Crofthead Holiday Park in Ayrshire, making this the family-owned business’s 10th site and its first in Scotland. The Preston based organisation has been operating since 1974, but in recent years has seen significant expansion of its portfolio with the addition of several new holiday parks across the country.
P.ublished 28th January 2025
Short breaks
JORVIK Viking Festival: Fighting Fun In Feb!
Europe’s largest Viking Festival returns to York next month (Feb 17 – 23), and organisers have revealed a horde of events to excite, thrill, entertain and disgust, with the promise of an extra fiery spectacular, more weapons to train with at the Berserker Bootcamp, and another infamous Poo Day now extended to a full week!
P.ublished 25th January 2025
Short breaks
You’ll Love Carlisle…..The Day After Valentine’s!
Artist impression: Tullie, a new welcome. Credit De Matos Ryan
Carlisle’s world-leading museum and gallery, Tullie is set to unveil its transformed entrance and welcome area on Saturday 15 February 2025.
P.ublished 4th January 2025
Americas
Treehouse Life In Manchester & California
Treehouse Manchester in the making
One of the world’s more unusual hotel brands – often described as ‘playful’ - has announced it is opening in Manchester, UK as well as California’s Silicon Valley next year. And, when Treehouse Hotels, part of Barry Sternlicht’s hotel empire, opens, there will be up to 40% off.
P.ublished 1st January 2025
Short breaks
Hope You’ll Visit Award Winning Darlington!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Hopetown Darlington has won the Visitor Economy Award at the County Durham Together Awards 2024. The ceremony, held at Hardwick Hall, follows hard on the heels of winning the North East Culture Award for Best Museum or Cultural Venue 2024 and the Welcome accolade and Quality Assessed Visitor Attraction accolade awarded by VisitEngland.
P.ublished 26th December 2024
Hotels
Coach Operator Announces £1m Hotel Makeover Programme
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
The Esplanade Hotel, Scarborough
Scarborough’s Esplanade Hotel is to get a makeover as part of a £1m refurbishment programme by its operator, Daish’s Holidays, the independent family-owned coach holiday group. The company, which has been serving the UK market for over 45 years, will upgrade five of its 12 hotels ahead of the 2025 season.
P.ublished 24th December 2024
Europe
A Treat Of A Retreat!
Looking for the ultimate wellness escape in 2025? Then, Mallorca’s The Deià Retreat may be worth considering. Set in the breathtaking hills of Deià, this luxury resort promises an enriching experience for those looking to reset, recharge, and reconnect with themselves.
P.ublished 18th December 2024
Short breaks
At The Peak Of Success
A PEAK District camping and glamping site is celebrating after winning three top awards in a month. Longnor Wood Holiday Park picked up one UK-wide award and two best in region accolades at three different national award ceremonies during November.
P.ublished 14th December 2024
Hotels
York Minster’s PANEful Marital Advice!
You could have lived a lifetime in York and walked The Shambles a thousand times but, however many strides you take through what is certainly one of the UK’s finest Roman cities, you will never be short of things to do. If your marriage, for example, is in trouble, then the city’s stunning Minister might just be the tonic required to give your love life the perfect boost!
P.ublished 30th November 2024
Short breaks
Colne – Lancashire’s Offbeat Shopping Destination
As the festive season approaches, Colne in East Lancashire is offering a fresh take on Christmas shopping and family outings. Combining a vibrant High Street filled with independent retailers and an exciting new entertainment hub, this historic town is another alternative destination for a day out.
P.ublished 28th November 2024
Europe
Easyjet Announces New 2025 Spanish Routes For LBA
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Staff at LBA celebrate the new easyJet routes to Palma and Malaga - photo credit Roger Moody
Just when you think summer is over, easyJet has brought a touch of Spain to Yorkshire by announcing new routes to Malaga and Palma from Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) starting late March next year.
P.ublished 20th November 2024
Hotels
Hawarden Estate Creates A Buzz With New Offer
The Hawarden Estate in North Wales is offering a three for two nights deal from January to March, with the option to stay in the estate’s Beekeeper’s Hut. Guests at Hawarden have the option of three different to bed down and create a home-from-home including the Beekeeper’s Hut that sits in the heart of the Walled Garden.
P.ublished 18th November 2024
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