5 fantastic attractions to visit this February half term!

5 fantastic attractions to visit this February half term! 

With February half term fast approaching, why not let The B & B Directory inspire you to go somewhere new with your family? From museums and castles to National Trust properties and theme parks, we are completely spoilt for choice! 

Your family will love discovering somewhere new just as much as you! Scroll below for 5 places waiting to be explored by you and your family:

1) Visit Dippy the Dinosaur at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow. The iconic Diplodocus dinosaur skeleton is venturing out of London for the first time since 1905 and is travelling to Glasgow.  Admission is FREE to the Dippy on Tour exhibition at Kelvingrove Museum.
Website: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/dippy-on-tour-a-natural-history-adventure

2) Dreamland in Kent will be hosting its first ever Children's Book Festival this February half term. The action-packed line-up includes a very special appearance from The Gruffalo, plus screenings of film adaptations of Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler classics by Magic Light Pictures, including Room on The Broom, Stick Man, The Highway Rat, The Gruffalo and their highly-anticipated latest release Zog!
Website: www.dreamland.co.uk

3) Go medieval at Corfe Castle in Dorset. Experience medieval family fun with a quest, crafts and workshops. Budding knights and damsels can bring your own brave teddy for the Great Escape and watch missiles launch from the castle's medieval siege engine.
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle 

4) Unleash your creativity at the Bishop’s Palace in Somerset. Crafty Cats will be making all things space-related, with alien masks, constellation lanterns and flying rockets among the activities on offer.
Website: www.bishopspalace.org.uk

5) Become a first-class hunter at Leeds Castle. Become a first-class junior hunter this half term on the grounds of the castle. Families can throw on their wellies and thinking caps as they venture through the Leeds Castle estate on a special trail.
Website: www.leeds-castle.com

With just a small snippet of the fantastic family events coming up this February, we hope The B & B Directory has inspired you to get something booked in your diary in time for this half term.

Do you need accommodation? Take a look at our fantastic website www.thebandbdirectory.co.uk and secure accommodation today. All bookings can be made directly. 

         

5 hidden gems to visit in 2019.

5 hidden gems to visit in 2019.

There are so many picturesque places to visit in the UK that are worth adding to your 2019 bucket list. Why go abroad when there are so many fantastic hidden gems worth discovering right on your doorstep? Let The B & B Directory inspire you to explore more in the New Year.

Britain boasts many ancient monuments, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, famous buildings and landmarks and numerous historical sites dotted across the country.

Take a look at these fantastic hidden gems worth visiting below:

1.    Llŷn Peninsula. Tucked away beyond Snowdonia’s craggiest peaks, with the Irish Sea on one side and Cardigan Bay on the other, the Llŷn has a distinctive, unspoilt character that’s all its own. Llŷn’s mix of culture and heritage, traditional farmsteads and little ports, beaches, bays and sea-cliffs are unlike anything else you’ll find in Wales or elsewhere, for that matter.

2.    Barnard Castle. Set on a high rock above the River Tees, Barnard Castle takes its name from its 12th century founder, Bernard de Balliol. It was later developed by the Beauchamp family and then passed into the hands of Richard III. With fantastic views over the Tees Gorge, this fortress sits on the fringe of an attractive working market town also known as ‘Barney’ so there is plenty to do for families on a day out.

3.    Lansallos. Stretch your legs in a living Cornish landscape. With activities ranging from camping and kite flying to walking and watersports, there are numerous ways you can explore the coast and countryside. As part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, there is an abundance of wildlife waiting to be discovered, from the wildflowers on the coastal slopes to the many birds on the cliffs and farmland.

4.    Clevedon Pier. The country’s only Grade I listed pier still intact, it had to be built especially tall and thin (due to reasons ranging from iron supply issues to a very high local tide), creating what’s known as “the most graceful seaside structure in Britain.”

5.    Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Connected to the cliffs by a rope bridge across the Atlantic Ocean, Carrick-a-Rede Island (home to a single building - a fisherman's cottage) is the final destination. Suspended almost 100 ft (30 m) above sea level, the rope bridge was first erected by salmon fisherman 350 years ago.

Discover these hidden gems and so much more in 2019! Do you need accommodation? Take a look at our website The B & B Directory for accommodation inspiration. Our website is an online directory of guest accommodation located within the UK and Ireland. All bookings and enquiries are made direct with the owners. 

The B & B Directory is a user friendly online directory for bed and breakfasts, guest houses and hotels in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

         

Iconic Film Locations

Iconic Film Locations

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With such fantastic weather there's never been a better time to plan a staycation! Save yourself the hassle of going abroad and enjoy what our beautiful country has to offer. Britain is famous for its historic castles, beautiful stately homes, bustling cities and pretty villages.
These settings have now become iconic film locations including Harry Potter's Alnwick Castle as well as Pride and Prejuce's Chatsworth House.

Let The B & B Directory inspire you to visit these fantastic destinations. Scroll below for 5 film and TV locations worth visiting this August. Find accommodation nearby using our user friendly online directory.

1. Alnwick Castle, Northumberland. Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England. It has been home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family, the Percys, for over 700 years. Combining magnificent medieval architecture with spectacular Italianate State Rooms, Alnwick Castle is one of the UK’s most significant heritage destinations. In recent years it has also taken starring roles in a number of film and television productions, featuring as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter films and as a location for ITV’s Downton Abbey. 

2. Portobello Road, London. The reputation of Notting Hill was forever changed by the 1999 romantic comedy of the same name. Home to the world famous market, is at the heart of the film, the opening scenes were also shot there. If you are planning on visiting the market on your next London trip be prepared to shop until you drop!

3. Lyme Park, Cheshire. In the 1995 BBC version of Pride and Prejudice, this Italianate house owned by the National Trust stood in for Mr Darcy's grand estate, Pemberley. Follow in the footsteps of Mr Darcy and the BBC film crew on the Pemberley Walking Trail.

4. Castle Ward, Country Down. Game of Thrones was filmed at Castle Ward. The hit series has become a worldwide phenomenon over the course of its award winning seven seasons. Castle Ward’s historic farmyard is the location of Winterfell, the backdrop for the series pilot and much of season one. It’s also where you will find the Whispering Wood and key scenes including Robb Stark’s Camp, the Baelor battle and when Brienne confronts the Stark men.

5. Antony House, Cornwall. Antony is a beautiful early 18th-century mansion with a fine collection of paintings, furniture and textiles. The grounds, landscaped by Repton, sweep down towards the Lynher estuary and include formal gardens with topiary, a knot garden, modern sculptures and the National Collection of Daylilies. The Woodland Garden has outstanding rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and camellias. The magic of Antony was recognised by Walt Disney when it was chosen recently as the set for the film Alice in Wonderland, directed by Tim Burton. 

The B & B Directory is a user friendly online directory for bed and breakfasts, guest houses and hotels in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

         

5 Gorgeous Gardens

5 Gorgeous Gardens  

Summer is here and the weather is fantastic! Get outdoors more by visiting some of the best gardens our country has to offer. Enjoy stunning walks, capture that perfect shot and reflect on your day over a coffee or two. Be inspired, make new discoveries and enjoy your summer months outdoors. Do you need a place to stay? Use our website The B & B Directory to find guest accommodation within the UK and Ireland. All bookings are made direct with the owner.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan (Cornwall)

Lose yourself in the magic of these enchanting gardens. Discover the woodland sculptures of Giant’s Head and Mudmaid and clamber over the rope bridge that hangs across the jungle canopy. This award winning garden restoration project is fun for the whole family.

Royal Botantic Garden (Edinburgh)

On a city centre hillside and offering spectacular views of Edinburgh, the Royal Botanic Garden is home to the largest collection of wild-origin Chinese plants outside China. The tumbling waterfall, impressive Sierra redwoods and world-famous rock garden make this an inspirational visit for experts and novices alike.

Bodnant Garden (Conwy)

Known worldwide for its botanical collections, Bodnant Garden gives visitors a chance to explore an array of exotic plants grown from seeds and cuttings gathered on plant-hunting expeditions over the last century.

Mount Stewart (County Down)

This is pinned as one of the most inspiring and unusual gardens in the National Trust's ownership with a rich array of Mediterranean design. You can now visit the newly restored Walled Garden that has helped to save one of the oldest grape vines in the UK and Ireland.

Stourhead (Wiltshire)

Perhaps the most beautiful and magical of all of the great landscape gardens, Stourhead is an English 18th-century view of Arcadian paradise. In late spring and early summer the garden is a tranquil place to sit and relax, enjoy a picnic and immerse yourself in 300 years of history.

With just a snippet of what’s on offer, there’s so much to see and do. Why go abroad when we have so many fantastic places to visit right on our doorstep? A day at one of these quintessential gardens will inspire you to explore more and with school holidays just around the corner, it’s the right time to make a bucket list on your next holiday destination.

Find accommodation using our website www.thebandbdirectory.co.uk and book direct with the owner. 

The B & B Directory is a user friendly online directory for bed and breakfasts, guest houses and hotels in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

         

The Tregenna, Blackpool, Lancashire

The Tregenna, Blackpool, Lancashire

https://www.thebandbdirectory.co.uk/12442

The Treganna is a family friendly hotel in Blackpool, just 60 yards from the shops. We are ideally located for exploring this popular seaside resort. All are welcome, so whether you are staying with us for business or pleasure we look forward to welcoming you.

Breakfast is served in the dining room where there is a choice of cereal, juice, tea, coffee and toast to enjoy before your full English.

The Treganna is in a great part of Blackpool where you can reach many attractions with ease. Blackpool Tower and Winter Gardens are just across the road and the tram is close by which can take you along the promenade. By night you are spoilt for choice with the entertainment and places to eat and drink.

The B & B Directory is a user friendly online directory for bed and breakfasts, guest houses and hotels in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

         

It's #PhotoMonth! Let the B & B Directory Inspire You!

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Do you love photography? Here are 10 places to visit to capture the perfect shot!

There are so many ways to capture the perfect shot and moment, whether it’s using a mobile phone, tablet or a camera of your choice. Taking photographs and keeping them is the perfect way to store memories visually that you can look back on as the years go by. A popular past time, it’s increasingly becoming more and more popular due to the fantastic technology available to us today! 

As the years go by, it’s always a special experience to look back at the memories you’ve made. So, let The B & B Directory inspire you to explore more and take more photographs! Capture every special moment that you can keep for a lifetime.

1. St Michael's Mount. Explore the incredible island of St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall. Discover legend, myth and over a thousand years of fascinating history. Walk across the granite causeway at low tide and be camera ready for the panoramic views across Mounts Bay to Lands’ End and The Lizard Peninsular.

2. Cheddar Gorge. Explore one of Britain’s most spectacular landmarks found in Somerset. At 400ft deep and 3 miles long, this is England’s largest gorge and with its spectacular pinnacles and beautiful caves, it’s just waiting to be discovered.  

3. Stonehenge. This is the most prehistoric monument in Europe located in Wiltshire. Explore the ancient landscape on foot and step inside the Neolithic Houses to discover the tools and objects of everyday Neolithic life.

4. Loch Ness. Explore this beautiful loch and see if you can spot the mythical lochness monster! This beautiful loch located within the Scottish Highlands offers the perfect location for peaceful walks, picnics and photo opportunities. 

5. Derwent Water. Located within the Lake District, this location is arguably the most photogenic region in the UK. This beautiful stretch of water can be easily accessed with good parking close to the famous Derwent Piers.

6. Snowdonia National Park. With wild landscapes and villages steeped in history, Snowdonia National Park is a breathing destination. Best known for hiking, there’s so much to explore including waterfalls, lakes and beautiful landscape. Alternatively, take a ride on a steam train or climb one of the highest peaks in Wales.

7. Durdle Door. Eroded by time and nature, Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks. Located on the Lulworth Estate, this breathtaking landmark is part of the historic Jurassic Coast.

8. White Cliffs of Dover. Visit this magnificent coastal site that overlooks the English Channel in Kent. These white cliffs are one of the country’s most spectacular natural features and have been a symbol of hope and freedom for centuries. Enjoy exhilarating cliff top walks and learn more about the fascinating military history.

9. Giant’s Causeway. The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, created through an ancient volcanic eruption. Visitors to this location can explore way-marked trails and enjoy spectacular coastal scenery accomplished by an innovation audio guide available in 11 languages.

10. Camber Sands. Camber Sands is a popular coastal resort located in East Sussex. It offers a unique combination of miles and miles of unspoilt sand dunes with lots to do in the day as well as the evening. Away from the beach the beautiful old port town of Rye deserves exploring, along the old smugglers hideouts dotted along the coast and of course the iconic white cliffs.

Explore these fantastic locations and capture the perfect shot to add alongside your holiday memories made already!

The B & B Directory offers an easy to use online directory of guest accommodation located with the UK and Ireland, so don’t waste any time, plan your next adventure today!