We are giving away a family ticket which includes 2 adults and 2 children for the fantastic Merlin attractions inside The Blackpool Tower which include:

• The Blackpool Tower Ballroom

• The Blackpool Tower Circus

• The Blackpool Tower Eye

• Jungle Jims

• The Blackpool Tower Dungeon

This is a great day out for the whole family with something to suit everyone and people of all ages.

Blackpool tower is an iconic landmark and with this pass you can spend a whole day experiencing what it has to offer. Our favourite part has to be the Dungeons as its sure to get your heart racing and is educational, entertaining and seriously good fun!

How do you enter? Simply fill in the form below with your name, email and the winner will be drawn at random in 4 weeks’ time! It is as simple as that:

Comments or questions are welcome.

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Why you should visit Stonehenge:

To see what many believe is the most important prehistoric monument in Britain. It is believed that Stonehenge was completed 3,500 years ago. However, construction started many, many years before that. The very first part of the monument was constructed in 3100 BC. The second phase of construction started around 2150 BC. It was during this phase that the 4 ton bluestones were transported 240 miles from the Preseli Mountains to the current site. Around 2000 BC the Sarsen stones were added. The largest of these stones weighs 50 tons and had to be moved 25 miles. The final stage of construction moved the stones into their current configuration.

You can visit it any day of the year (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Admission rates are currently £7.80 for adults and £4.70 for children. Hours vary by the season so visitors should check the English Heritage website for the most up-to-date hours. (http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/stonehenge/)

It is one of the most interesting ways to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Once a year, the rising sun aligns perfectly with the Altar stone, Slaughter stone, and Heel stone. Expect to be part of a large crowd if you visit on this day.

Stonehenge is an easy day trip for anyone visiting London. People who choose to drive will find easy on-site parking. Visitors can also choose to take a bus from the centre of London. The bus to Amesbury takes about 2 hours. From there, you will be a quick 2 mile walk or taxi ride to the monument. Or, if trains are more you style, take an hour and a half ride from London to Salisbury. From there, take a taxi 9.5 miles to Stonehenge.

An audio tour is included in the price of admission. Not only do you not have to pay an extra fee, the audio tour is available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, Dutch, or Swedish.

You can bring your own picnic to enjoy on the grounds. Kiosk style food vendors are also available.

Souvenirs are available in the onsite shop so you can bring home more than just your memories and personal photographs.

Hotels are available in nearby Amesbury and Salisbury. If you are a fan of The Beatles, you may want to stay at the Antrobus Arms Hotel. John, Paul, George, and Ringo stayed there while filming Help!

There are special opportunities to get up close and personal with the stones. When booked in advance, up to 26 visitors can stand in the middle of the stone circle (regular visitors must remain outside of the circle). Stone Circle Access occurs outside of normal visiting hours and lasts for an hour.

Visitors can go to more than one historic site in one day. Woodhenge is only 2 miles north-east of Stonehenge.

Lastly, maybe you’ll figure out the true secrets of Stonehenge. Historians and archaeologists have studied Stonehenge for years yet they still are not certain about its purpose. It may have been a burial ground. It may have been a calendar. It may have been a temple. Will you see something no one else has seen?

Article Provided by Steve at Explore-Earth travel blog.

It is the only Zoo in the UK to house Koalas, and is the first zoo to breed Penguins. In December 2011 they received two Giant Pandas on a 10 year loan from the government of China. Yang Guang and Tian Tian were brought to the Zoo with the hope that they could be bred, as they are highly endangered.

Yang Guang and Tian Tian were kept separately until just recently, because naturally Pandas are solitary creatures in the wild, and when they have constant company they adopt a ‘sibling’ like relationship, which inhibits the possibility of mating. They could however see each other through a mesh, and all the signs were good according to experts. Yang Guang translates as Sunshine in English, and Tian Tian is Sweetie.

There is only a 2 day window every year in which the female Giant Panda can conceive. When tests proved that she was ovulating, the keepers opened up the tunnel between their two compounds. Day one was relatively uneventful, but the two seemed happy in each other’s company and showed definite signs of interest. On day two it seemed even more promising, the male Panda Yuang Guang, or Sushine, several times assumed the mount position, but did not manage full communion. The pair are both 8 years of age which is said to be quite young for a Panda to be sexually active, so experts put it down to the fact that they are both simply too inexperienced and are merely at the stage of fumbling, even though the pair have both successfully bred with other Pandas.

Whilst there being a definite attraction between the two magnificent creatures, unfortunately the possibility of mating is over for another year. You can watch the Panda’s live on the ‘Pandacam’ on the Edinburgh Zoo website. Obviously the Pandacam was switched off during the two days the Pandas were in each other’s company, but you can watch selected videos online of the two together. It is now back on so you can watch the animals in there day to day lives, from the comfort of your own home, and keep your fingers crossed for next year. Yuang Guang and Tian Tian are the only two Panda’s in the UK and the first Pandas to be in the county for 17 years, so it is quite a huge spectacle for Edinburgh Zoo to be hosting such a rare species. You need to book tickets in advance to view the Pandas, but whilst it is free, it is also a must to avoid disappointment. You can do so over the phone or on Edinburgh Zoo’s website.

Paul loves staying in Scotland and recommends visit http://www.housetrip.com/en/edinburgh

If you’re looking for a home from home on your holidays!

If you are heading to the Lake District then why not try pod camping? Pod camping is for those that don’t want to stay in a tent but still want to enjoy the outdoors. A pod is usually a small wooden hut like the one in the picture below and they can sleep up to 3 people.

Why not stay in a Yurt, this is fast becoming a new type of accommodation for people to stay in which is new to the UK. However these have been around for thousands of years and the name Yurt actually comes from Mongolia. These are larger than a pod and can sleep up to 8 people. These usually have a stove in the middle which is used to heat the hurt and is also used for cooking. If there are a few of you on your trip then I would definitely recommend staying in one of these as you can split the cost between you and it can work out quite cheap for a unique experience.

Another form of accommodation that some friends of mine have stayed in before is a an old train that has been converted into a luxury hotel. You will get a full carriage to youself which will come fully equipped with a dining room, kitchen, toilet area and shower.

Obviously no trip would be complete to the UK without visiting the capital of England, London. There is so much to see and do here and we recommend you book at least a long weekend or you may not be able to fit it all in. There are many hotels in the city centre, but these obviously come at city centre prices. Therefore we recommend staying outside of the main city in a traditional London B&B. Most are easily accessible via the tube and will let you see what London is like outside of the city and save you money on your hotel which you can spend on more interesting things.

Another option when staying in city centres is to hire a flat. This is great if there is a lot of you travelling and you don’t want to be confined to a hotel room or are not too keen on sharing a room with people that you don’t know. Infact, it can actually work out cheaper than a hotel and you will get your own room, bathroom and hopefully an excellent city centre location.

If you’re not sure what to snap up, below is I guide to what I think will ensure you’re good to go this summer.

A BBQ and freezer full of food

Ensuring your freezer is stocked up with the usual barbecue favourites will mean you can whip up a feast in no time. I personally think that bangers, burgers and vegetable kebabs taste best when cooked over coals, such as on a Weber charcoal BBQ. Yes, it takes that little bit longer to heat up than a gas one, but your guests will get to enjoy the unmistakable taste of summer that is smoky, chargrilled food.

Buying a BBQ from a well-known and quality brand will also ensure that when the time comes for you to dust down the equipment from your shed or garage, you aren’t faced with the horror of a rusted grill or one that no longer works. That’ll leave you with two options – a last-minute dash to the shops (if they’re even open!) or having to cook your food on your oven grill, which isn’t what you want to serve your guests after promising them a barbecue experience!

A portable CD player, speakers and a playlist to please

Every party needs a good playlist in the background. Even if your friends and family are happily chatting away, any silent moments can be filled with music, which is great if you’re introducing people to one another for the first time. A portable CD player and speakers (or an iPod docking station for the more tech-savvy among you) will ensure everyone can hear your tunes. There’s nothing worse than having to use a CD player in the living room or kitchen, but no matter how loud you turn it up, you still can’t quite hear it.

A sturdy table and lots of chairs

The whole point of cooking a feast on your Weber BBQ is to gather all your loved ones in your garden to soak up the sun. If you don’t have enough table space or chairs, people will be forced to eat standing up or have to go inside. While a table and chairs can be a bit of an investment, if you regularly hold barbecues, I think it’s one worth making. Wooden sets are sturdy, look great in all gardens and should last a very long time if you look after it.

Something for when the sun goes down

When it’s sunny enough for a barbecue, I hate having to spend the later part of the night indoors because I’m feeling chilly. As soon as the sun comes out (and let’s face it, it’s not that often), I refuse to move. Purchasing a patio heater or chiminea will ensure your guests stay warm and will prevent the atmosphere being dented by a mass move inside. If you decide to splash out on a chiminea, you’ll benefit from being able to heat up snacks in it, without having to kick-start your Weber BBQ again.

There are loads more things you can add to a summer party kit – leave your favourites below.

As well as this signposted cycle route, the Dales is full of opportunities for all, from avid bikers wishing to climb to the ‘top of the world’, to the more leisurely cyclists wanting nothing more than a peaceful ride in an area of breathtaking natural allure and historical buildings. Deep in the heart of Bronte Country, accommodation Yorkshire offers a delightful 18^th century residence called Benchmark Cottage. This quirky little building is perfectly situated for cycle rides over the wild moors, taking in the inspiration for Wuthering Heights or simply experiencing the challenging terrain that is the Yorkshire Dales.

Masham is a popular holiday location for bikers, walkers and other tourists alike. Its location, five minutes walk away from one of the best known Dales villages, is the ideal starting and finishing point for all cyclists. With access routes to many surrounding attractions, such as Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, and home to two famous breweries, there is plenty to do and see in the area, and this village is part of no less than five well known cycle routes through the Dales. The Old Telephone Exchange sleeps two, has safe bike storage and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Newmarket is a small town in Suffolk in the east of England, within a couple of hours drive from London. The terrain is largely flat heath land, making it an ideal place to breed, train and race thoroughbred horses. It’s been a venue for the sport since the twelfth century, but its profile was significantly boosted by Royal patronage during the seventeenth century. More recently, the current Queen opened the National Stud at Newmarket in the 1960s.

Today, Newmarket is home to many of the UK’s top racing stables, and some 60 or more stud farms. It’s estimated that about 1 in 5 of the town’s population is a horse, and a large portion of the area’s economy centres on racing related activities. There are two racecourses in the town, the Rowley Mile and the July Course. If you’re hoping to come to Newmarket and see some racing, it’s essential that you do some research into the racing calendar, check the dress code, and book in advance.

Racing at the Rowley Mile takes place in spring and autumn. It’s by far the grandest and most historic of the two courses, although the July Course does have its own special charm. In all, there are eighteen race days at the Rowley Mile, nine in April and May, and another nine in September and October, sometimes extending into early November. The history may be rich, but the facilities are thoroughly modern. The Millennium Grandstand was opened in 2000, and will provide you with all the comforts and refreshments you require. Alternatively, you can always watch from the Bushes, where King Charles II himself was a spectator. The course encourages families with children, there are play areas for the younger ones, and often there’s entertainment for all the family. There are also deals where children under 18 have free admission.

As the name suggests, the July Course is a summer racing venue, although race days are not exclusively in July. Again, there are about eighteen fixtures, in the daytime and evenings. Recent investments mean the facilities are just as up-to-date as they are at the Rowley Mile, but the atmosphere is far more low-key. It’s a wonderful day out in the English countryside. Then, it’s time to make the most of the long summer evenings. When the light starts to fade, the July Course is famous for its post-racing entertainment. Some very big names have appeared at Newmarket in the past. In the summer of 2012, the line-up is said to include Tom Jones, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, and Van Morrison. You’ll have to check details for yourself, and always book in advance; evenings at the July Course are extremely popular. You’ll also need to dress for the occasion; everybody else will be looking their best.

Finally, we wouldn’t want to encourage excessive gambling, but a ‘little flutter’ is all part of the fun of English racing. Have fun, but try not to lose your shirt.

The ship now sits 11ft off the ground which allows the visitors to walk underneath it for the first time and shows off the ships design which shows how it was one of the fastest ships of all time.

What was the ship most famous for?

The Cutty Sark History is a fantastic one and it is most famous for its tea races between China and London.  It completed 8 of these trips and one of the most famous races was against Thermopyale in 1872. The Cutty Sark eventually lost the race, despite being over 400 miles head. This was due to the ships rudder breaking. However the carpenter on the ship managed to create a new rudder which cost the ship 6 days and it eventually arrived a week after the Themopyale. However the hard work of the crew was recognised and the carpenter was rewarded with a £50 bonus.

Gift shop

No trip would be complete to this magnificent ship without buying a gift from the shop, so why not Buy Cutty Sark Tea, after all, it’s what The Cutty Sark is most famous for. There are many different types of tea that you could buy to remind yourself of your trip to see The Cutty Sark but we recommend buying one of the Cutty Sark Twinings tea caddies which contain lose tea leaves and produce an excellent flavoured cup of tea.

Where is The Cutty Sark?

The restored Cutty Sark is in Greenwich which isn’t right in the city centre of London, but is easily accessible via the tube. It’s definitely worth making this small journey to see this amazing ship.

We would recommend phoning up and booking a ticket over the phone to make sure that you get your chance to see the ship as tickets are available on a time basis. This means that you will only have a certain timed slot to be able to visit. Tickets might not be available on the day, especially with it only just opening so it’s worth making a phone call to check availability. You can also book online.

The opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm with the last admission being at half 4.

Tickets are £12 for adults and £6.50 for children; concession tickets are available for £9.50 with proof of age. There are also family tickets available.

According to the research, Scotland, Aberdeen, Reading and Cambridge are the best places to find work in the country whilst Yorkshire, Hull, Stoke-on-Trent and Sunderland are the worst. The study showed that for every job vacancy in Hull, there were almost 80 unemployed; in contrast to in Aberdeen where there were more jobs than people claiming benefit.

If you work in the marketing and sales industry, Manchester is the hotspot for you whereas Belfast had the highest proportion of call-centre jobs. If you want to relocate and your skills lie in estate agents and secretarial work, London has the biggest demand while the best place for jobs in finance is Edinburgh. If you are looking for a job in the IT and construction sector, Liverpool reportedly has the fewest opportunities.

So if you are thinking about moving to the UK, take into account the latest findings of the top and worst places to find work. Moving home can be daunting, especially given the fact that you are in an alien environment and if you do not speak the native language, communications can be strained. If you are moving to another country to find work, or if you have already bagged yourself a job before relocating, try learning the lingo beforehand to ease the pressure.

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