FF Travel & Tourism - Winter 2022/23

Get away to doing what you’d normally get a telling off for.

To the amazing colour festival. To embracing the techni-colour chaos. To finishing the day exhausted on a big sofa in your luxury accommodation. Holidays that let you arrive whenever you want and come and go as you please. Get away to it all, with 21 UK locations to choose from. Go to awayresorts.co.uk for your next holiday.

Family-friendly DEVON

Since the Victorian era, Devon has been known for being a great family-friendly destination for holidays and day trips. Whether you are looking for safe familyfriendly beaches, theme parks, farm attractions, zoos, aquariums or parks... you’ll find something for everyone in Devon.

With the chance to go rock climbing on Dartmoor, heart-pounding rides at a theme park, surfing in North Devon or just about anything else you can think of, Devon is the destination for family holidays.

Even those attractions that aren’t necessarily aimed at children are still very good at keeping their smaller visitors happy and amused. They often go above and beyond to make sure that there’s something for them too, especially during the school holidays where you can find additional activities, workshops and interactive exhibitions across the county’s museums, galleries and historic buildings.

BEACHES

With two coastlines, one of them being a UNESCO world heritage site and another one falling within a designated

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you are never too far from one of Devon’s incredible beaches. With a lovely mix of sand, pebbles, hidden coves, miles of space and small private beaches, there is something for everyone here.

Family-friendly beaches

Having a British beach holiday is such a quintessential part of growing up and Devon’s safe and clean beaches is one of the reasons why it is such a popular destination for families. Devon is home to a host of Blue Flag beaches and many of them have won awards for being great places for kids to do what kids do – muck about and have fun! With long stretches of sand, sheltered clean waters, good facilities and often rock pools a-plenty, they’re a great place to spend a day. Several of them are manned by lifeguards during the peak months too, so you can relax and just let them enjoy themselves. Paignton, Westward Ho!, Woolacombe and Dawlish Warren beaches are all popular beaches for families, as they have lots of nearby facilities, including toilets and kiosks full of refreshments.

Dog-friendly beaches

One of the most frequently asked questions is whether dogs are allowed on beaches, the simple answer is yes – most of them.

“Devon has a diverse history and plenty of heritage. One great way to explore this is by visiting a castle or stately home”

Holiday cottages fit for families...

Places like Saunton Sands, Instow, Beesands Beach and Salcombe North Sands welcome dogs all year around, while many of the others have restrictions at certain times of the year or areas that are dog friendly. Just make sure to check the signs dotted around the beach before stepping onto the sand! You can also find a full list of dog-friendly beaches in Devon herehttps://bit.ly/3HHCy7d

Get active

One thing that sets Devon’s beaches apart from others is the array of water sports available at them. North Devon is part of the UK’s first ever surf reserve because it has the perfect conditions for surfing and other similar sports. During the summer months, you’ll find plenty of organisations along the seafront offering everything from tuition to equipment hire, so whether you’re a seasoned pro or want to give yourself a fun new challenge, everyone can get involved! Croyde Bay in North Devon is one of the most used beaches by watersports enthusiasts, while Woolacombe is better for beginners as the surf is a little calmer. You don’t have to be in North Devon though, you can

enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking and a host of others in the English Riviera, South Devon and East Devon too!

Whether you want to chill out on the sand, indulge in some watersports, explore the South West Coast Path or just discover some creatures in the rockpools, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Devon’s beaches.

Devon adventures

Did you know Devon is home to several theme and adventure parks offering a host of different rides? You’ll find some of the biggest rides in the south west in the county and all of them are great fun for the whole family, whether you’re travelling with little kids, big kids or even elderly kids! If you dare, take on water slides or race each other across the park, there are indoor play areas for if the weather turns and some parks even have a selection of animal residents that you can befriend while you’re there. Some of them even offer the chance to do a spot of sheep or pig racing! Speaking of animals, Devon has a host of lovely animal attractions, from the large – such as the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth and Paignton Zoo – to the smaller options. Whichever one you choose; they are all great at educating and entertaining about native or exotic animals or marine life.

Devon’s history and heritage

Devon has a diverse history and plenty of heritage. One great way to explore this is by visiting a castle or stately home. National organisations

like the National Trust and English Heritage manage a variety of heritage attractions across the county and both offer lovely family-friendly days out, with activities, trails and additional workshops – particularly during the school holidays. Many of them are also happy to welcome dogs, so the whole family can join in!

Get active in Devon

For some, there is nothing better than running around a park or garden and there are plenty around Devon for you to walk around, cycle through or play in dedicated play areas. There are often some amazing facilities right nextdoor where you can pick up refreshments. They are a great option for the outdoorsy types who like to spend time in nature. It isn’t just the National Parks or landscaped gardens that make Devon a good family destination, the region isn’t known for being Mother Nature’s playground for nothing! You can check out opportunities to take on assault courses or the waves with some watersports or other adventure activities

Accommodation in Devon

Wherever you choose to base yourself on your Devon getaway, you can guarantee excellent accommodation to suit all requirements. Whether you want something coastal with an excellent view of the sea or somewhere more rural with nothing but sprawling fields outside your window, there is something for you. Whether you want a self-catered cottage or barn conversion, a stay on a working farm, a B&B or a grand hotel in Devon there is an extensive choice. Devon is full of friendly campsites or if you want something a little more unique, you’ll find a whole host of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget.

“The region isn’t known for being Mother Nature’s playground for nothing!”

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CORNWALL

St Michael’s Mount - St Michael’s Mount is a historic castle, garden and island community found off the coast of Marazion in Cornwall. Climb the cobbled path and ascend to the castle at the top of the island to discover a world of history.

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Cornwall really is the perfect place for an English staycation.

Nestled in the southwest, cushioned by the Atlantic Ocean, Cornwall boasts an expansive coastline and an abundance of open space. Not only that, but Cornwall is also known for its fascinating Celtic history, which is celebrated in its unique culture. For many, it is a place that feels like home and no year is complete without an escape to the Cornish countryside.

What do you think of when someone says Cornwall? For us, it’s a walk around the coast path with our fourlegged friend. It’s a Cornish pasty, crimped to perfection. It’s a scone, with jam first, followed by lashings of Cornish clotted cream. It’s the lazy days, relaxing on the beach with a book in hand, not a care in the world.

This said, why not discover a new Cornwall on your next staycation? Unleash your wild side and spend a day on the water, from paddle boarding and surfing, to jet skiing and coasteering. Enjoy the local art scene with a visit to the Tate, learn something new at the National Maritime Museum, or go underground and uncover the secrets of Cornwall’s tin mines.

Many a myth suggests that Cornwall is only a summer destination, and this is simply not true. Spring is the perfect time to explore the glorious gardens and heritage sites. In autumn, explore

inland Cornwall and discover the hidden gems that lie away from the coast. In the winter months, snuggle-up in front of open fires, watch the waves with a hot drink in hand, and treat yourself to total relaxation in one of Cornwall’s top spas.

It may sound cliche, but there really is something for everyone in Cornwall.

Top 5 attractions:

Eden Project - The Eden Project celebrates plants and the natural world. Explore the gardens that live under the famous biomes and learn of the relationships between plants and people.

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Minack Theatre - The Minack Theatre is Cornwall’s world famous open-air theatre, carved into the granite cliff and set in glorious gardens overlooking the spectacular panorama of Porthcurno Bay.

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Lost Gardens of HeliganExplore 200 acres of gardens in this mysterious estate that was once lost under the brambles of time.

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Tintagel Castle - Tintagel Castle is set high on the rugged North Cornwall coast, offering dramatic views. Cross the footbridge to discover the medieval ruins and hear the tales of King Arthur, or relax on the beach below and explore Merlin’s Cave.

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Fun adventuresfamily in South East England for every taste and budget

With award-winning family attractions, traditional seaside resorts, a multitude of blue-flag beaches and the mildest climate in the UK, it’s not surprising that South East England is one of UK’s most popular holiday regions for families.

From country parks to bustling cities, historic fortresses to modern theme parks; museums and festivals galore plus adventures on land, seas and in the air, there’s so much to enjoy and experiences for every taste.

Hampshire

Consistently ranked as one of the best attractions in the county, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers a unique insight

into a working Royal Navy Dockyard and is considered a must-visit for families. With 10 attractions in one ticket, there’s something to suit the whole family. Tread the boards of historic warships, discover guns and ammunition, take a harbour tour on the waterbus or take on physical interactive challenges at Action Stations; Commando Experience. In spring 2023, a new 4D immersive theatre experience, ‘1982 – Dive the Mary Rose’ will open, showcasing the untold story of the finding, excavation and

recovery of the Mary Rose.

Discover minibeasts, big cats, endangered species and what is being done to protect them at Hampshire’s animal attractions. Set within 140 acres of landscaped park, Marwell Zoo near Winchester is home to hundreds of animals including white rhinos, Amur tigers, Humboldt penguins and meerkats. And with five adventure playgrounds too, there are plenty of safe spaces for children to monkey around. For a hands-on animal encounter, head to Longdown Dairy Farm in the New Forest where you can cuddle baby chicks, rabbits and guinea pigs and join in with daily farming activities such as feeding the kid goats and calves. For talking, flying farm animals be sure to visit the world’s largest and first Peppa Pig World, located within Paultons Park near Southampton. Meet Peppa, her family and friends, take to the skies on Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter Ride or hop on the back of George’s Dinosaur for a rrrrrawesome ride around the park.

safety and cleanliness. The largest of Hampshire’s country parks is the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, comprising of 2,000 acres of downland, woodland and breath-taking views. There are multiple waymarked walking and cycling trails to suit all abilities plus play areas, assault course and dog activity challenge.

Isle of Wight

Just over two hours from London and a quick hop across the Solent by ferry or hovercraft, the Isle of Wight has long been a popular destination for families.

Famed for its relaxed, laid-back vibe, rolling countryside and stunning family-friendly beaches, the island is also rich in history and heritage with castles and forts, manor houses, a royal residence and dinosaur attractions aplenty. As one of the richest areas for dinosaur discovery in Europe, the island has been fondly dubbed

‘Dinosaur Isle’, which is also the name of is Britain’s first purpose-built dinosaur attraction located just over the sea wall in Sandown where you can walk back through fossilised time to the period of the dinosaurs 120 million years ago.

Dinosaurs rule the land at Blackgang Chine theme park, alongside fairies, cowboys and pirates in a magical world of imagination and thrill seeking. The UK’s oldest theme park continues to evolve with the addition of two new rides in 2022; The Shipwrecked Ride and the Evolution ride. Blackgang Chine offers a money-saving combined ticket with Robin Hill Adventure Park, allowing families unlimited visits to both attractions for seven days. Among Robin Hill’s 88 acres of parkland and woodland there’s many adventures to discover and enjoy including treetop canopy walkways, Jungle Heights adventure nets, a quarter-mile downhill toboggan ride, falconry displays and adventure playgrounds.

In the heart of Southampton’s Old Town, the city’s most important historic building Tudor House reveals over 800 years of history in one fascinating location and gives an atmospheric insight into the lives and times of both its residents and the city through family-friendly activities, interactive technology and fascinating displays.

The 230 miles of Hampshire coastline and multitude of country parks offer a wonderful, low-cost or free day out for families. Highcliffe, Barton on Sea and Milford on Sea in West Hampshire are popular for families for relaxing, swimming and water sports. To the east of the county, Hayling Island offers five miles of unspoilt coastline and holds a European Blue Flag and Tidy Britain Seaside Award for water quality,

“The 230 miles of Hampshire coastline and multitude of country parks offer a wonderful, lowcost or free day out for families”

For children aged eight and above a recreational tree climb at Appley Beach, Ryde is uncomplicated, outdoor fun. Using a rope and hardness, the experts will help children safely navigate a 15m high beautiful, mature oak tree just metres from the golden sands of Appley beach.

West Sussex

Home to the South Downs National Park and nostalgic, charming seaside towns, West Sussex is an ideal getaway for families.

Take a stroll along the River Arun to where the river mouth meets the sea and explore the 157-year-old Napoleonic Littlehampton Fort. You’ll find yourself on the sandy stretches of West Beach, a great place to search for sea creatures in the pools around the sea groynes. If your children love to rock the Rockpools then head to the beaches at Shoreham Fort, Climping Beach, Worthing Pier, West Wittering and Felpham Beach to find starfish, crabs, shrimps, limpets and snails among other watery wildlife.

Fans of Harry Potter will love exploring the Hogwarts-esque ancient castle at Arundel, set high on a hill with far-reaching views. Explore the medieval defences with towers, portcullis, drawbridge and

gates; climb the stone steps into the keep and squeeze along its narrow passages. During the summer months, the castle hosts a packed calendar of spectacular events including live reenactments and jousting.

Inland and to the east of the county is Wakehurst, Kew Gardens’ country estate where kids enter for free! Natural, eco-friendly play areas are scattered throughout the estate. Blow off some steam at Tree Trunk Trek adventure playground, search for wood carvings hidden in the woodland and navigate your way through the labyrinth. Enter the children’s walled garden and roll up your sleeves to get digging and dirty in the potting shed and mud kitchen.

East Sussex

With blue skies and three miles of pristine palm-lined promenade, it’s hard to believe that Eastbourne – the sunshine capital of the UK – is just over an hour from London. Previously overlooked in favour of larger Sussex coastal cities, 2023 is Eastbourne’s year as the town is experiencing huge regeneration and has just been named #1 on Time Out’s must-visit destination list of 2023.

Drusillas Park is always a popular day out for families visiting Eastbourne. Spark your imagination at the UK’s largest immersive sensory

play experience where reality and technology collide in a digital jungle, then sit back and relax on the Safari Express train as you journey through the zoo to discover more than 100 exotic animals.

Battle Abbey in 1066 Country tells the story of England’s most famous battle and offers a great day of discovery for all the family. Step back in time as you explore the atmospheric abbey and battlefield, learn how English history was changed forever in the interactive exhibition and step into the shoes of the Saxon and Norman soldiers in the medievalthemed adventure playground.

The newly opened Owens entertainment venue in the heart of historic Hastings is the UK’s biggest indoor adventure park with 20 different fun experiences over three floors. Enter the ‘Bizarium’ to come face to face with strange objects, test your reflexes and sharp shooting in the Bandit Battles virtual reality game or opt for traditional family fun such as Ten Pin Bowling or a variety of unique Crazy Golf courses.

Enter a world of spectacular handson science and discovery among the domes and telescopes of a worldfamous Herstmonceux Observatory. Daytime visitors can also explore the outside Discovery Park and Water Play areas providing an exciting environment with picnic spaces. In the evenings there are stargazing events and an opportunity to view some extraordinary night sky objects and discover the wonders of the world above us through historic telescopes.

Kent

2023 has been dubbed the ‘Year of the Coast’ with the completion of the England Coast Path. Celebrate the British coastline by heading to the

“The newly opened Owens entertainment venue in the heart of historic Hastings is the UK’s biggest indoor adventure park”

Kent Heritage Coast and exploring Britain’s most famous coastline.

View the world-famous White Cliffs of Dover from the coast path, from beaches, from Dover Pier or from the sea on a thrilling RIB ride and Sea Safari. Or take a trip on the River Runner out of Sandwich to see the seal colony at the mouth of the River Stour and learn about this historic waterway. For additional exhilarating aqua adventures, head to the new Whitemills Wake & Aqua Park near Sandwich, where you can try wakeboarding on the UK’s newest full-size cable and floating playground.

For a land-side adventure have blast at Betteshanger Country Park near Deal and explore the 250 acres on Swincars (lightweight, four-wheeldrive, electric quadricycles) with their extraordinary cross-country capabilities. If you’re still feeling energetic, try one of Boonies allweather, army-style outdoor fitness sessions. Alternatively, hire bikes and cycle the purpose-built paths through

the park.

Discover centuries of history at the three symbolic castles of Dover, Deal and Walmer. Built on the orders of King Henry VIII, Deal Castle is one of the finest Tudor artillery castles in England. Find fascinating artefacts and roam the underground tunnels, or ‘Rounds’, with a wooden musket to defend the castle tunnels. From Deal Castle you can cycle or walk to neighbouring Walmer to experience the beautiful Walmer Castle, once a residence of HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Inside the castle, discover stories and secrets from the castle’s past then explore the brilliant play trail through the woods.

Berkshire

Renowned as the home to the world’s most famous and oldest inhabited castle, the historic town of Windsor also appeals to families for its modern attractions, beautiful parks and gardens and adventure activities.

Legoland Windsor is the ultimate hands-on entertainment for children aged 2-12 with 12 themed lands to discover, 55 interactive rides, live shows, building workshops, driving schools and attractions set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland. DUPLO® Valley is for the tiny tots, or discover epic adventures, powerful guardians, and mysterious creatures in LEGO® MYTHICA. A shuttle bus is available from Windsor town centre and Legoland tickets are available at Royal Windsor Information Centre.

Get active at ‘Extreme Motion’ at Alexandra Gardens, an adventure park offering a range of exciting

activities. Reach heights of 20 feet on the bungee trampoline (any age over 15kgs), hire a bike or compete on the 18-hole adventure golf course.

A trip to Berkshire would be incomplete without visiting the life fairy-tale Windsor Castle, home to Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses. Must-sees for families include Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House complete with running water and flushing loos and Changing the Guard ceremony. There is a special audio guide for children (included in the admission cost), free family trails and a regular programme of family activities.

And if you’re tired after all that adventure, sit back relax and take a guided tour of the pretty town and its many historic sights either on board an open-top ‘Tootbus’ or amphibious ‘duck’ vehicle with Windsor Duck Tours.

For more ideas and inspiration for great family days out visit: visitsoutheastengland.com

UNIQUE SHORT BREAKS IN THE MAGIC OF NATURE portlympne.com

Treat yourself to a staycation Portsmouthin

Why not take a trip to the world-class Mary Rose Museum? It’s unrecognisable from the school trips of old, with the period of most intense conservation now complete. Long gone are the big pipes, tiny windows and jets of water. Instead, the ship can now be viewed in more detail than ever before, not least when you pass through the airlock to be in the same room as the ship – and even smell the timbers!

Alongside the ship itself is an enormous cache of Tudor artefacts that were also raised from the seabed during the raising operation. In fact, so large was the haul that it changed the way we thought about certain aspects of Tudor life in Britain. Plus, new for 2023 is a 4D cinema, to put visitors even closer to the action on the Battle of the Solent.

Elsewhere in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, you can go on board iconic ships that have changed the shape of British history. HMS Victory was Nelson’s flagship

Portsmouth is the perfect place for a short break with the family. From action-packed attractions to fascinating museums and huge events, it’s a great location for a day, but even better for a stay.

and from where he directed the oddsdefying win over the combined might of the French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Waterloo.

Victory is currently undergoing a huge restoration project of its own, to repair or replace the old timbers and ensure the ship can be enjoyed by generations to come. This work won’t leave the ship out of action to visitors, however, but instead give them unrivalled access into the painstaking work that goes into maintaining a naval icon.

Visitors can get up close to the restoration work and see master craftsmen at work, providing a different aspect to life at the Dockyard never seen before.

Also on display at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard are HMS Warrior, HMS M.33 and the National Museum of the Royal Navy – among many others. What’s more, one Ultimate Explorer ticket gets you access to all the dockyard’s attractions (including the Mary Rose), valid for a whole year.

The history continues on Southsea Seafront, where two top attractions are just a stone’s throw from the beach.

Southsea Castle was built (and, in part, designed) by King Henry VIII. Taking inspiration from fortresses on the continent, where odd angles and curves ensured the archers had no blind spots, Henry supposedly came up with the design we see today.

The castle itself houses a museum within the keep and offers stunning views out to sea from the ramparts. Inside there’s also a quality restaurant and even a microbrewery!

Mere metres from Southsea Castle you’ll find The D-Day Story. The museum uses personal testimonies from those who were involved in the Normandy Landings to bring their stories to life – and put you squarely in their shoes.

A visit to The D-Day Story begins with a trip on board LCT 7074, the enormous Landing Craft that has been faithfully restored in a multimillion-pound operation. The only LCT still in existence tells the story of these huge crafts (big enough to transport up to 10 tanks and their crew members across the channel) and the role they played on D-Day.

If natural history holds a little more appeal, why not head to Cumberland

House and discover the fantastic nature displays - covering everything from pre-history right through to the wildlife you can see in and around the city today.

The museum is also home to a seasonal butterfly house. In the summer months, you can see neo-tropical species in their own designated greenhouse. They’re brave and will often land on your arm or shoulder!

Portsmouth’s rich history continues into the world of literature. Did you know that Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth? Or how about Sherlock Holmes? Baker Street in London may be the iconic detective’s famous address, but it was in Portsmouth that author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first conceived of his most enduring character (and, indeed, where the first two Holmes novels were written).

You can explore more about Holmes and Doyle at Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, which has items from the largest collection of its kind in the

world on display all year round. Meanwhile, head over to the Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum to walk around the home where the world’s bestloved Victorian author was born – and see some of his own personal artefacts.

If you’re on the hunt for some bargains – or need to get some back-to-school items –Gunwharf Quays is the place to be. The waterfront outlet centre is home to more than 90 big-brand outlets, among them Clarks, Nike, Levi’s and Skechers. There are also some huge designer names offering up to 60% off RRP, including Radley, Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren and Armani.

After all that shopping and exploring, you can rest and recharge at one of the centre’s 30 bars, coffee shops and restaurants. Whether you want global cuisine overlooking the marina, to settle in somewhere cosy with a plate of hearty pub grub, or would rather get a fast food favourite – there’s something for all tastes and budgets.

Gunwharf Quays is also home to the Spinnaker Tower – a true emblem of Portsmouth. Take a trip in the high-speed lift to its three view decks and enjoy stunning views of up to 23 miles overlooking city, coast and country. It’s an ideal way to start or end your perfect staycation in Portsmouth.

From charming country cottages to spectacular coastal retreats, we have something for everyone in our collection of beautiful, self-catering holiday homes. Our expert local teams are always on hand to help plan your perfect getaway – so why not escape to one of our properties today?