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Lampard and Lineker take on Sandwich

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

By 101 Short Breaks newsdesk

One of our favourite UK hotels, The Bell in Sandwich, played host to an eclectic mix of stars last weekend.

Gary Lineker, Frank Lampard, Marco Pierre-White, Pamela Anderson, Jensen Button, JLS and Al Murray were all in Sandwich to film the Walkers Crisps latest TV ad, “Any sandwich is more exciting with Walkers”.

We love that Pamela Anderson passed on the tempting chicken liver parfait, roasted sea bass and other delicious delicacies on the lunch menu and opted for a cheese and pickle sandwich - with a packet of crisps presumably.

Check out the ads which will premier on ITV tonight (Wednesday 10th March) during the Man Utd v AC Milan UEFA Champions League match. In the meantime, see how the town of Sandwich reacted when Gary Lineker and Frank Lampard joined the local lads’ football training session, when Jensen Button cruised through the high street and more.

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Gatwick Express 10% discount for online booking

Monday, March 8th, 2010

gatwick express voucher code Gatwick Express 10% discount for online booking

Gatwick Express is offering a 10% discount on its trains between central London and Gatwick Airport, if booked online.

The offer starts today and runs until April 8, 2010.  Travel dates can be up to 6 months in advance. The 10% discount applies to all Express Class Return, Express Class Single, First Class Return and First Class Single tickets.

To take advantage, visit www.gatwickexpress.com/easterpromo

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Win tickets to the new Legoland Discovery Centre

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

legoland discovery centre logo Win tickets to the new Legoland Discovery Centrelegoland discovery centre manchester Win tickets to the new Legoland Discovery Centrelegoland discovery centre animation Win tickets to the new Legoland Discovery Centre

Here at 101 short breaks, we are giving away two family tickets - for two adults and two children - to the UK’s first LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, opening on March 22.

For your chance to win, simply answer the following question:

Where is the UK’s first LEGOLAND Discovery Centre located?

a) The Bull Ring, Birmingham

b) The Trafford Centre, Manchester

c) Westfield Shopping Centre, London

Send your answer (together with your full name) to info@101shortbreaks.co.uk by noon GMT on Wednesday March 31. The two winners will be picked at random from the correct answers and announced on the 101 Blog.

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is like a life-sized box of LEGO. Children can learn how the famous bricks are made on the LEGO factory tour, the master model builder will share his top tips for creating the best LEGO models in his master class and iconic scenes from the North West are recreated in the fantastic Miniland.

Kids can battle against trolls to save a beautiful princess on Kingdom Quest, the interactive LEGO laser ride, or they can experience being part of the action in the 4D cinema. Other features of the attraction include a LEGO Racers build and test track, LEGO Belville area and a DUPLO Village featuring a soft play section, plus a café and a shop featuring a huge range of LEGO products.

Located in The Trafford Centre, Manchester, the Centre will be open from 10am, 7 days a week (closing times vary) with day tickets costing £7 per adult or child - click here for details.

Terms & Conditions: the prize is for tickets only and must be redeemed at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester by December 31 2010 (excluding school and Bank holidays, subject to availability). There is no cash alternative.

We’d like to tell you about future competitions and holiday deals. Please let us know if you don’t want to be added to our mailing list

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Would you visit Madeira after the floods?

Friday, February 26th, 2010

quinta on madeira Would you visit Madeira after the floods?valleys of madeira Would you visit Madeira after the floods?

Is now a good time to visit Madeira - so soon after the devastating flash floods and mudslides that killed at least 42 people?

Media reports suggest that the Portuguese island is still struggling to return to normality. This BBC video shows the extent of the damage just 20 minutes outside the capital, Funchal.

But travel companies that know the island well say the main tourist areas have not been badly affected - and that local people are desperate for visitors to return.

John Dixon, Managing Director of Prestige Holidays, which has been operating in Madeira for more than 20 years, said today: “The island is quickly returning to normality. Most hotels are unaffected, flights are operating, main roads are open and the phone network and internet are fine. The clear-up operation has been extensive and almost every area that a tourist would want to visit is open for business.”

Dixon said his clients were not evacuated following the storms, and those with existing bookings are arriving safely. “We had 24 clients on the island and all of them were safe,” he said. “None of the hotels that we use were affected.”

Dixon urges British tourists not to abandon Madeira. “I appreciate that it’s a sensitive time to travel and that some clients have concerns about islanders who may be in mourning. However, the message is loud and clear from the islanders and tourism authorities. They need and welcome UK visitors.

“The worse thing for Madeira would be if people were to stop or postpone travelling to the island. Go to the island - you will have a great time, a warm welcome and you will be helping the islanders out.”

What do you think? Would you travel to Madeira now to support the island, or do you consider it insensitive? Please leave a comment below.

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Alice in Wonderland at The Grove

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

easter at the grove 2010 Alice in Wonderland at The Groveeaster breaks at the grove Alice in Wonderland at The Grove

By 101 short breaks newsdesk

Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland is released at cinemas on March 5, but you can experience your very own Mad Hatter’s Tea Party with Glamour Puds’ Eric Lanlard at The Grove this Easter.

The “groovy grand” Hertfordshire hotel is hosting fantasy cake-making classes throughout the Easter weekend with the Master Pâtissier himself. Drool over an inspiring and irresistible display of Chef Lanlard’s amazing creations, currently showing on Channel 4.

If Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is more your thing, The Grove’s own pastry chefs will hold a series of chocolate-making classes for parents and children with plenty of tastings.

Wannabe florists can pick up tips from uber-chic florist, McQueen’s, who will run flower workshops inspired by the world of Beatrix Potter.

Anouska’s, The Grove’s Ofsted-approved children’s club, will run a packed programme of indoor and outdoor activities through the Easter holiday. One highlight will be performance classes with professional actors from Perform, the renowned children’s drama group, culminating in a family show based on Peter Pan.

The Grove is offering 4 nights for the price of 3 throughout the Easter holidays (March 28 to April 25) with 25% off the cost of an adjoining room for children under 12. Rates start from £290 per room per night including breakfast (based on 2 sharing).

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Museums at Night weekend

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

museums at night cabinet war room Museums at Night weekendmuseums at night petrie museum Museums at Night weekendmuseums at night geevor tin mine cornwall Museums at Night weekend

By 101 short breaks newsdesk

Fancy spending the night in London’s Cabinet War Rooms sleeping in Churchill’s atmospheric World War Two shelter beneath the streets of Whitehall?  That’s one of the activities on offer in this year’s Museums at Night Weekend, an after-hours celebration of UK culture, history and heritage.

From May 14 - 16, museums and galleries throughout the UK will be opening late with over 200 events aimed at all ages and interests including historic house openings, re-enactments, industrial heritage exhibitions, stargazing and sleepovers.

For families, events include an evening in the Terrible Trenches exhibition at the Imperial War Museum, London where kids can learn to draw the Horrible way with Martin Brown, illustrator of the Horrible Histories series written by Terry Deary.

Try your hand at night-flying a helicopter on one of 50 flight simulators at the Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mare or come face to face with a Dalek, Wallace and Gromit and watch an Imax film with a sleepover at the National Media Museum in Bradford.

Join the Royal Marines on a night operation training session in the Royal Marines Museum in Hampshire or explore Bath’s Roman Baths at night.

For the grown-ups, options include a silent ’70s disco at the Tate Liverpool - grab a set of headphones and take to the dance floor in the sculpture gallery.

Play detective in a live game of Cluedo at Devon’s Torre Abbey or learn how 18th and 19th century eligible bachelors would meet their future fianceés at a Jane Austen-inspired evening at The Assembly House in Norwich.

Start planning now by visiting the Culture24 website.

man landscapeframe Museums at Night weekend

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Escape to Galesnjak, the heart-shaped island

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

Galesnjak islandsunseeker-64

By 101 Holidays newsdesk

Is this the ultimate Valentine’s Day holiday break?

Since being discovered by Google Earth, the heart-shaped island of Galesnjak in Croatia has been ‘the place’ for romantic escapes - and now it can be all yours for the weekend.

Show your loved one he or she’s worth it by splashing out €10,000 on a 2-day cruise of the Adriatic on a fully-crewed 64-ft luxury motor yacht including all meals and drinks (and, naturally, a romantic candlelit dinner).

You can travel at any time of year but Dora Vulic, founder and MD of the specialist operator Sail Dalmatia, tells us she can guarantee you’ll have the island all to yourselves in the summer. Her team can even arrange a wedding ceremony on Galesnjak.

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Escape the cooing couples

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

golfing on the costa de la luz Escape the cooing couplessan antonio malta Escape the cooing couples

By 101 Holidays newsdesk

Solo’s Holidays, specialists in holidays for single travellers, tell us that their Valentine’s weekend getaways have sold out - it seems the chance to escape the cooing couples and enjoy the company of fellow lone travellers is just too tempting.

If the thought of spending Sunday waiting for the roses and watching back-to-back tearjerkers on the box doesn’t appeal, Solo’s still have availability on a couple of holidays to ensure you’re far away on the day itself.

Head off on February 14 to Matalascanas on the Costa de la Luz for a week’s sociable golf. 5 rounds or, for beginners, a daily golf clinic with clubs, balls and tuition, are included in the price, together with flights and half-board accommodation at the 4* Tierra Mar Golf Hotel. One week costs £875.

Departing February 12, soak up some winter sun on a week’s beach holiday in Malta. The cost of £579 includes flights and half-board accommodation at the 3* San Antonio Hotel & Spa on Malta’s north coast.

Accommodation is in a double or twin room for single occupancy; flights are from Gatwick. Both holidays are accompanied by a Solo’s Tour Leader who will host a welcome drinks party.

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