Video - Enjoy the craic in
Europe's friendliest city with
Craig Doyle
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Many of us travel around the world visiting many cities
for work and pleasure. But what makes us enjoy the areas
that we visit? What makes us want to go back and visit
the city again? Is it the view? Is it the friendliness
of the locals? Is it the Culture? Or is it a combination
of all the above? One city that has it all is Dublin.
Voted the friendliest city in Europe for a 2nd year
running by travel website Trip Adviser, but what is it
about the city that makes it so friendly? The city is
renowned for its bustling bars, comedy scene and
museums. The city also hosts a variety of festivals and
attractions, which is why they were also awarded the
UNESCO City of Literature award, one of only four cities
in the world. So what else does Dublin have to offer to
make it so friendly and welcoming? Craig Doyle, born and
bred in Dublin, has been all over the world as a
presenter of Holiday and is here now to share his views
on what makes Dublin so friendly to its locals and
visitors.
Visit Devon And Enjoy The
Pick Of The Autumn Crop!
Visit Devon this Autumn and
indulge all your five senses
with a season bursting with
exciting festivals and events
that will please the eye,
stimulate the mind, soothe the
soul and delight the taste buds.
For more events and information
on accommodation in Devon,
including late availability and
special offers check out:
www.visitdevon.co.uk.
For book worms who enjoy solving
a great crime mystery, then
unlock the secrets surrounding
the life and times one of the
world's most famous crime
writers Agatha Christie. The
Agatha Christie Festival (12-19
September) is a special
celebration of the achievements
and works of this most prolific
author, and the Festival marks
the 150th anniversary of her
birth.
The Festival promises an
exciting mix of murder, mayhem
and fun where visitors can walk
the Agatha Christie Mile which
highlights a wide range of
locations featured in the
author's books and life. Step
aboard the Dartmouth Steam
Railway for a murder mystery, or
enjoy lunch at the famous Art
Deco hotel Burgh Island,and to
really soak up the ambience take
a boat trip to Agatha Christie's
summer residence, Greenway,
which has recently been restored
on the glorious banks of the
River Dart. For more details
about the Festival, visit
www.englishriviera.co.uk/agathachristie/festival.
Hercule Poirot would have
enjoyed the chance to snoop
around some unusual and historic
properties that are now being
opened to the public, many for
the first time in Exeter as part
of the Heritage Open Days (9-12
September). This is a nationwide
event and celebrates
architecture and culture; there
are more than 30 events in
Exeter. For Information &
Tickets - Tel: 01392 665700
Devon's most famous country
fair, Widecombe Fair, gets
underway on Dartmoor (14
September) when Uncle Tom Cobley
and his grey mare take part in
the event's grand annual parade.
Widecombe Fair is as Devonian as
a cream tea and equally as
enjoyable with all the usual
stalls and events that you would
expect to find at a traditional
country show.
Enjoy the glory of Dartmoor from
the air with the Westcountry
Balloon Fiesta and day at the
races at Tavistock (3 - 5
September). Dozens of balloons
are taking part in the event,
early morning or evening balloon
rides are available. Check out
www.visitdartmoor.com.
If your mind needs a makeover
and you want to revel in the
delights of nature then join in
the celebrations for the 50th
anniversary of the designation
of South Devon as an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty -
visit:www.southdevonaonb.org.uk.
A major part of the anniversary
celebrations will be the South
Devon Walking Festival (25
September - 3 October). Breathe
in the clean South Devon air and
stand well back to enjoy the
spectacular views of coast and
country in a packed programme of
more than forty inspiring walks
which will an insight in to some
of the UK's most unspoilt and
beautiful locations.
Savour autumn's bounty with wild
food walks, forage for fungi and
berries from nature's larder
under the watchful eye of an
expert. Explore the beautiful
Kitley Estate on the Yealm
Estuary, where you can enjoy
watching otters and woodpeckers
and then finish your day with an
indulgent Devon cream tea.
Visit:
www.southdevonwalkingfestival.co.uk
or
If that was not enough for those
hungry for more walks and
spectacular scenery,
then head north in Devon for the
North Devon and Exmoor Walking
Festival (1 -4 October).
North Devon is also celebrating
fifty years as an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty and
the Festival has a wide range of
walks to suit all abilities from
an area stretching from Lundy
Island to Dunkery Beacon. Check
out:www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk
for places to stay during the
Festival.
Enjoy the splendor of autumn
through a celebration of
theatre, dance, music, art and
poetry, storytelling and
exhibitions at the annual Exeter
Autumn festival
(29 October -14
November). Visit
www.exeter.gov.uk/festival
for more information.
Devon is fast becoming a must
see destination for gastronomes
and the nation's dedicated
foodies will be heading to
Dartmouth for the annual food
festival (20 - 24 October).
Check it out on:
www.dartmouthfoodfestival.com
. Dartmouth Food Festival boasts
an exciting line up of some of
the UK's most renowned
chefs,from Devon's own Michelin
starred chef Michael Caines,
seafood chef and writer Mitch
Tonks, Mark Hix, Fergus
Henderson, Valentine Warner and
Jane Baxter from the Riverford
Field Kitchen.
Real Walking Holidays
For The Over 50's
Upland Escapes Walking Holidays - Walking to make your
soul sing
Upland Escapes – www.uplandescapes.com, offer
independent walking holidays that tick all the boxes for
active travel for the over 50's. If you are looking to
step up your activity, even whilst on holiday, this is
the perfect way to achieve your goals. Our walking
holidays are different in that they can be enjoyed by
anyone of any age. There is no need to worry about
whether you are still fit enough, so they appeal
especially to the 50+ age group who are still keen to
explore the beauty of the mountains, at their own pace.
A Short-Haul Suggestion – The Majella, Italy
Travel by train to Italy, via Paris (time for dinner
before the night train) & Milan (time for cappuccini) to
the wild and beautiful Majella National Park, in the
heart of the Appennines, where bears and wolves still
roam and where life is still pastoral and deeply rural.
Stay in an agriturismo run by the local farmers, or in a
charming B&B in the tiny village of Decontra
(population about 80) and explore on foot the limestone
mountains and deep gorges of the park. See
www.uplandescapes.com
Prices start from £305.00 pp (3 nights – land only) /
£545.00 pp (7 nights for the price of 6 – land only) –
children under 12 receive a 25% discount – One free place for
every booking of 6 or more people.
For more information, visit:
www.uplandescapes.com
Or call 01367 851 11
Travel & Holidays
Sixtyplusurfers Competition
Win Two Nights
in a Sensational
Suite at Park Plaza
County Hall Hotel
Park Plaza County
Hall is offering one
lucky reader the chance to win a
two night stay with a guest in
a beautiful suite at their
luxury hotel in London.
The winner will stay at the
hotel for two nights on a bed
and breakfast basis and will
receive a complimentary three course evening meal and
a bottle of house wine for two at the
Park Plaza County Hall's
in-house restaurant, Spectrum.
Park Plaza County Hall is a
four-star deluxe hotel that
provides the perfect base for a
luxury city getaway. It boasts
almost 400 light and airy
suites, the majority of which
blur the boundary between hotel
room and studio apartment by
offering fitted kitchenettes and
separate lounge areas.
The contemporary
and spacious suites, which are
much larger than the standard
London hotel room, welcome
guests with plasma screen TVs,
baths and rainfall showers.
There is also free Wi-Fi
throughout all the rooms and the
whole hotel, allowing guests to
keep up to speed with the online
world. Park Plaza County Hall’s
seven upper-floor penthouse
suites are absolutely stunning
and provide unbeatable,
breath-taking and iconic views
of the River Thames and beyond.
Situated amid the throng of
London’s vibrant South Bank,
Park Plaza County Hall is based
within easy reach of the
capital’s famous landmarks,
including the London Eye and
Houses of Parliament. Guests can
also visit the London aquarium,
the National theatre and the
South Bank centre, which are all
within walking distance, as well
as discover the city’s colourful
2,000 year history on an
open-top bus tour or river
cruise.
The more adventurous could even
try seeing the sights on one of
the new hire bicycles that are
dotted around London. With all
these activities and attractions
on the hotel’s doorstep, Park
Plaza County Hall is the perfect
escape for all ages of guest and
is also the ideal sanctuary for
families.
After seeing the sights, visitors can relax and revitalise
in Park Plaza County Hall’s very
own Aurora spa. They can indulge
in a range of treatments for him
and her, such as a deeply
moisturising rose hydrating
cocoon or a reviving Swedish
massage while sipping on a glass
of champagne.
Guests also have access to a
fully equipped gymnasium, sauna
and steam room as well as the
option of enjoying a spa
treatment in the comfort of
their own suite.
Once fully
rejuvenated, visitors can dine
at Spectrum, Park Plaza County
Hall’s stylish in-house bar and
restaurant that is located in
the hotel’s magnificent
14-storey atrium. Offering the
finest in Mediterranean cuisine,
Spectrum serves everything from
pizza and pasta to tapas and
grill options.
It also has a fantastic drinks
menu, including speciality beers
from around the continent and a
great selection of fine wines
and blended cocktails.
When the sun is
shining, guests can continue
enjoying their drinks in the
hotel’s exclusive Urban Garden.
Situated on a second floor
terrace, the Urban Garden offers
striking views of the London Eye.
Park Plaza County
Hall is easily accessible and is
located next to some of the
South East’s best transport
links. It is five minutes’ walk
from Waterloo station, which
provides access to national rail
services, and
the Jubilee, Northern and
Bakerloo tube lines. Guests can
also take advantage of nearby
bus stops or take a taxi from
directly outside the hotel.
Park Plaza County Hall is
located at 1 Addington St,
London SE1 7RY.
For reservations and further
information visit the website at:
www.parkplazacountyhall.comor call Telephone: 020 7021 1810.
For Your Chance to Win
Tell us what is
the name of the Park Plaza
County Hall's restaurant?
a) Compass
b) Pacific
c) Spectrum
d) Viceroy To Enter the Competition
Tell us the name of the Park
Plaza County Hall's restaurant?
Then send in your answer,
together with your full name,
postal address and telephone
number by clicking on
the special red email address
below:
Please fill in the subject box
of your email with the title:
Park Plaza County Hall
Competition (Sixtyplusurfers)
Terms and Conditions
1.
The prize includes two night’s
stay for the winner and guest in
a suite on a bed and breakfast
basis. It also includes a
three-course evening meal plus a
bottle of house wine at Park
Plaza County Hall’s in-house
restaurant, Spectrum.
2.
Please let us know if you do not
wish to receive any further
correspondence from Park Plaza
County Hall.
3.
The prize is subject to
availability.
4.
We do not accept automated
entries.
Sixtyplusurfers Competition
Win a Relaxing Break at the
Clumber Park Hotel
and Spa
Sixtyplusurfers has teamed up with the Clumber
Park Hotel and Spa in Nottinghamshire to give
one lucky reader the chance to win a wonderful
spa break for two worth £310.
This fantastic
prize includes a one-night break for two with
full English Breakfast and three course evening
meal. Accommodation is in a deluxe room. There
will also be a 55 minute spa treatment for each
person.
Enjoy the spectacular countryside
You
can have the best of both worlds at the Clumber
Park Hotel and Spa. Pack your walking boots and
explore some spectacular countryside, and when
you have had your fill of fresh air and
exercise, return to the fabulous New Leaf Spa
and soothe those aching muscles.
This is your chance to win a
wonderful spa break at this popular hotel – to
enter the competition simply answer the question
shown. Even if you don’t win the prize, you can
still enjoy the delights of The Clumber Park
Hotel and Spa by taking advantage of our great
special offer, see the details below.
A beautiful area to visit…
The hotel is situated on the
edge of Sherwood Forest which is famous as the
home of the legendary Robin Hood and his merry
men.
It is less well known that
this beautiful Forest is a National Nature
Reserve and home to over 1000 ancient oaks and
a unique mix of old woodland and heathland,
providing shelter to some of Europe’s oldest
invertebrates.
It is a tranquil and lovely place to visit, and
The Clumber Park Hotel and Spa is ideally
located being within easy reach of all the
area’s outdoor leisure activities, including
cycling, golfing, walking, karting, angling and
horse riding. Bicycles are available to borrow
free of charge from the hotel, and are perfect
for exploring the National Trust’s Clumber Park
property which is located opposite the hotel.
A spa to chill out in..
The New Leaf Spa is
luxurious and relaxing. There is a swimming pool
with outside decked area, an outdoor hot tub,
sauna, steam room and chill out room, an outside
courtyard and fully equipped gym.
Experienced
staff offer a range of treatments in six
spacious treatment rooms.
A hotel to welcome
you..
Friendly staff extend a warm
welcome to everyone who visits the Clumber Park
Hotel and Spa. There are two restaurants to
choose from, one a la carte and the other a more
relaxed bar and grill. The rooms are comfortable
and attractive and guests are welcome to use the
numerous public areas for reading and relaxing.
Special Offer
If you are not
lucky enough to be a winner, why not take
advantage of our special reader offer. This
includes one night in a superior room, full
English Breakfast, a three course evening meal,
and a choice of Aroma back relief or Tranquility
scalp massage all for only £99 per person.
Prices are based on two people sharing a room
and are subject to availability. To book please
call the hotel and quote
SIX09.
You can find out all about the Clumber Park
Hotel and Spa by visiting the website on
www.clumberparkhotel.com
The Clumber Park Hotel and
Spa, Blyth Road, Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire,
S80 3PA. Tel: 01623 835333.
For Your Chance to Win
Tell us what is the
name of the
forest which was home to the
legendary Robin Hood?
a) Epping Forest
b) Sherwood Forest
c) Ashdown Forest
d) Forest of Dean
To
Enter the Competition
Tell us the name of the
famous forest which was home to the legendary
Robin Hood? Then send in your answer, with your name, postal address and
telephone number by clicking on the
Sixtyplusurfers email
address below:
sixtyplusurfers@hotmail.co.uk
* This competition is open to our
UK visitors only
Staysure.co.uk Ltd is a leading
provider in over 50s travel
insurance and offers annual
cover up to the age of 80 and
single trips up to the age of
85.
Types of policy include
single trip, long stay,
backpacker and annual.
Staysure are one of the few
senior specialists who cover
many pre-existing conditions as
standard with screening options
for more serious conditions
which can be done with ease via
the website.
Our success‚ built on a
reputation for quality and value
for money has enabled Staysure
to expand the range of insurance
products available to our
customers
Staysure.co.uk Ltd. is
authorised and regulated by the
Financial Services Authority
(FSA registration number 436804
Things You
Never Knew
You Could Do In California
From its stunning sandy beaches
to its luscious green wine
regions, boasting the best wine
in the country, the Golden State
attracts millions of eager
visitors each year, keen to
behold its many attractions.
But, alongside Universal
Studios, Magic Mountain and the
Hollywood sign, the state holds
some well kept secrets. From the
weird to the wonderful, the
freaky to the fantastic; whether
you want to search for aliens or
get married, just think
California and you won’t be
disappointed!
California’s vineyards not only
produce some of the best wines
in the world, but you can also
have a wedding with a difference
in their midst. Why not surround
yourselves with beautiful Merlot
and Pinot Noir vines as you say
“I do”?
A wedding at Gundlach
Bundschu Winery has a luscious
landscape as its backdrop and
the romantic Cave Barrel Room
for the most perfect private and
intimate setting.www.gunbun.com/weddings
Lake Shasta is the home to some
spectacular caves, formed over
250 million years ago. Nowadays,
you are able to hop on a
catamaran and cruise over the
crystal waters to reach them.
http://lakeshastacaverns.com