Thursday 29 January 2015

Park Resorts on Wight - Part Four: Landguard

As the fourth and final part in our series on Park Resorts holiday sites on the Isle of Wight we take a look at Landguard Holiday Park, in Shanklin.

Landguard is Park Resorts' most recent acquisition on the Island, and is a close neighbour to the larger Lower Hyde site. As well as the usual range of holiday caravans it boasts some luxurious lodges and full camping facilities.

Although the site is situated in a beautiful woodland area it is only five minutes' drive, or about fifteen minutes' walk, from the beach at the popular and historic seaside town of Shanklin.

Landguard has two modern swimming pools, one indoor (with water slide) and one outdoor, as well as an adventure playground, and recently upgraded restaurant and leisurely entertainment facilities. Alternatively a more lively entertainment program is on offer next door at Lower Hyde, which is open to all Landguard guests.

Park Resorts offers Wightlink ferry services from Portsmouth to Fishbourne or Lymington to Yarmouth. Prices depend upon the time of year. It is worth getting in quick as Park Resorts is offering an attractive Early Booking Holiday Offer - now extended to February 6th - wherein you can save up to 30% off your 2015 holiday by booking now.

Monday 26 January 2015

Park Resorts on Wight - Part Three: Thorness Bay

This is the jewel in the Park Resorts crown, the king of holiday parks where the Isle of Wight is concerned. As the largest of the four sites in the company's Isle of Wight portfolio, Thorness Bay Holiday Park is the place to be for holidaymakers who like to get involved in what is happening around the site.

Thorness Bay has all the touring, camping and holiday home ownership opportunities (caravans start at £14,495 and the site is now open all the year round), plus an extensive range of chalets and caravans of all grades, from the pleasant and comfortable to the luxury with every mod con.

The entertainment is out on its own. Like other Park Resorts venues the Sparky's Krew Club are always around to entertain the children, with a host of daytime and early evening activities. Later in the evening there is music, comedy, in-house cabaret and party dances - something for everybody as you enjoy excellent service from the spacious and well-stocked bar.

MULTI-PURPOSE SPORTS AREA

An adventure playground, archery, horse riding, an indoor pool with an imaginative themed water chute and a large multi-purpose sports area mean there is no shortage of things to do for the young and the not so young.

The on-site restaurant (with another bar!) provides breakfast in the morning and a varied menu throughout
the day. From the spacious balcony outside one can observe all the activity on the busy Solent and across the water around Southampton, or one can take a short walk down to and along the beach to see it all from closer still.

Throughout your stay it is possible to keep stocked up with supplies from the busy camp shop.

Thorness Bay is located near to Cowes, so it can be accessed with the minimum of inconvenience from the Red Funnel after arrival at East Cowes. On selected dates a free ferry is available as part of an inclusive holiday deal.

Take advantage of the Early Booking Offer by organising your 2015 holiday before the 31st January, and get up to 30% off the published price. Click on the links here for further details.

Sunday 25 January 2015

Park Resorts on Wight - Part Two: Lower Hyde

The second location in our Park Resorts series is Lower Hyde, one of two parks situated in the popular seaside town of Shanklin.

Lower Hyde Holiday Park is of a similar size to Nodes Park, but is situated close to a major Island town - an easy walk both to the shops and down to the beach. As such it is an ideal retreat for families and seaside dwellers.

The star attraction is maybe the popular heated outdoor pool, open between May and September. As well as the pool itself an attractive patio area is provided for lounging. For those who prefer the warm ambience of an indoor swimming pool this is shared with neighbouring Landguard Park, with modern facilities and overlooking bar and food area.

As with all Park Resorts venues Lower Hyde boasts some great evening entertainment at the Squires Showbar. There is also an amusement arcade which has been recently refurbished.

Great news is that the park is now open all the year round, albeit with some curtailment of facilities during the short former closed season in winter. Holiday home ownership is available as on all sites and caravans can be purchased from just £16,995.

Remember the Early Holiday Booking Offer in which you can save up to 30% on all 2015 Holidays when you book before the 31st January.

Wednesday 21 January 2015

Park Resorts on Wight - Part One: Nodes Point

Much though we like travelling around, the one place we can always be guaranteed to return to each year is Park Resorts on the wonderful Isle of Wight. As holiday parks go these are the ones which in our view provide the best balance between peaceful enjoyment and entertainment, with high standards retained in every aspect of the holiday experience.

Park Resorts has four parks on the Island. One of them is Nodes Point, situated at St. Helens, near Bembridge. Just a short walk down to the beach (owned by the National Trust) at the beautiful Priory Bay, Nodes Point boasts an adventure playground, indoor fun pool with water slide, all-weather sports court, horse riding and evening family entertainment in a newly refurbished complex.

More good news is that Nodes Point is now open all the year round. As well as static caravans touring and camping is also provided for on site. A good selection of food is available from the Harbour View Terrace, and there is a well-stocked shop on site too which will provide for most of one's needs throughout one's stay.

One comment frequently heard about Nodes Point Holiday Park is that it has a strong community feel, not
least because of the many caravan owners who return sometimes several times a year. Holiday homes can be purchased from as little as £16,995 and it is always discussing what may be available in terms of finance and offers.

Until 31st January Park Resorts is running an unmissable Early Booking Holiday Offer, with up to 30% off all holidays booked for 2015. Click on the links for more details, but don't miss out - this offer expires at the end of the month.

Tuesday 20 January 2015

Carrington House Hotel, Bournemouth

The Carrington House Hotel is part of the Britannia group of hotels, owned by holiday giant Pontin's, which has expanded its portfolio of establishments in Bournemouth in recent years from three to five.

As regular users of one of the others, the Britannia (which will be reviewed at a later date) we received an offer of a very cheap stay which we couldn't refuse.

Of course Britannia Hotels doesn't provide accommodation at give-away prices for the sake of it. The group operates an intelligent rewards scheme which (presumably) allows it to analyse who spends money beyond the price of a room and to target its spare low-season capacity accordingly. As well as bringing in trade this has the added benefit of creating ambience for other customers and users of the hotel.

The Carrington is a welcoming establishment, with helpful staff and at which one immediately feels comfortable. It boasts 145 en-suite rooms offering a selection of amenities including tea and coffee making facilities, television, telephone and hairdryer. The hotel also has a decent heated indoor swimming pool with showers and changing rooms, as well as free Wi-Fi and parking.

NO COMPROMISE

Although both breakfast and dinner are surprisingly cheap (£5 and £10 per person respectively) there was no compromise on quality in either instance. Both are self-service, although staff are on hand to help. We dined towards the end of the evening time slot but did not feel rushed in any way.

The hotel is located closer to Boscombe than to Bournemouth proper, and a reasonably pleasant ten minute walk through Boscombe Gardens brings one out opposite the entrance to the pier.

In terms of clientele the Carrington seemed to be aimed at a younger and more business-type market than the Britannia, but the "feel" of the place made us want to return in the not too distant future. Not for everyone, but we liked it.

Sunday 4 January 2015

£9.50 Sun and Daily Mail Holidays

Sometimes going away on a Sun holiday can make one the butt of jokes but, snobbery aside, they are seldom noticeably inferior to any other holidays in their genre other than for the obvious fact that they will have cost less.

Launched nearly two decades ago, the Sun holiday is priced at £9.50 per person off season (the paper has since expanded into the peak season market, where it charges all of £15 instead). This price is based upon a minimum of four people per family, although at £38 it is worth paying for four even if holidaying alone. There is a small, optional charge for insurance and most parks add their own disbursements such a entertainment passes, linen and electricity. All the same the total bill for a whole family for either a weekend (three nights) or midweek (four nights) break will always be substantially less than £100.

More recently the Daily Mail has entered the same market, at the same price.

The deal is that every few months the newspaper will announce a new round of holidays. Participants need to collect a series of tokens from the newspaper and then fill out an online booking form using the codes provided, giving four possible dates and choices of four holiday parks. The scheme then awards the applicant with a holiday at £9.50 per head at one of the selected holiday parks on one of the chosen dates.

Caravans and chalets (usually) come in variable types and qualities, and with such holidays it really is pot luck as to whether you get one overlooking the sea or the site, have rowdy neighbours or inclement weather. The difference is, frankly, that if you've only paid £9.50 then you are apt to feel less hard done by if you do not, as to be fair you often do, fall on your feet.

If you like that kind of thing the entertainment and experience on these holiday parks can be superb, and the stuff of great memories. The author cannot speak highly enough of the £9.50 Sun or Daily Mail holiday. Try it and see.

Little Bassett B&B, Colwell Bay IOW

Planning permission has been granted for the opening of a small bed and breakfast in Colwell Bay, in Freshwater on the Isle of Wight. A dedicated Facebook page has been set up in support of the venture, and the grand opening will be taking place later this year.

This family-run business has two double rooms, one with a king-sized bed and the other with twin beds. A single occupancy en suite room is also available at no extra cost. All rooms have flatscreen TV, free Wi-Fi, and coffee and tea making facilities.

Children and dogs are very welcome. High chairs and travel cots including freshly laundered bedding are available upon request. All dogs receive a “doggy” towel, drinking bowls and small treat.

FULL ENGLISH AND CONTINENTAL

Full English breakfast and authentic Continental breakfast are offered. Celebratory flowers or chocolates can be organised prior to arrival for that special occasion. Beach towels and luxury picnic hampers are available (at a cost) upon request.

Little Bassett is situated 150 metres from the quintessentially English beach at Colwell Bay, one of many picturesque beaches in West Wight. It is a small and easily-accessible with clear, calm waters and gently sloping sand and shingle, making it ideal for swimming. Colwell Bay currently holds a Blue Flag award.

Little Bassett offers free car parking on site, and motorbikes and bicycles can be securely stored.

Lochs & Glens Holidays

Lochs and Glens Holidays offers coach tours throughout Scotland, utilising its own hotels to offer a highly competitive price package without compromising on the quality of service.

A family-run business, Lochs and Glens has operated since 1979. Running from a whole host of pick-up points throughout the United Kingdom, a range of tours is offered allowing customers to select not only according to preference but also by the number of days that one wishes to spend away. With packages including the Kyles of Bute, a Highland Safari, the Edinburgh Tattoo and an "English Lakes and Scottish Lochs" tour, there really is something for everybody.

The hotels themselves are all top quality, majestic in appearance and often boasting breathtaking scenic views. The operator is able to provide all this at a reasonable cost by cutting out the middle man and managing the whole travel package from start to finish.

An extensive and helpful website gives all the information needed to make a suitable choice from amongst the many options available. Newsletters and brochures are provided upon request.