Archive for January, 2009
BritRail Highlights
Published on January 27th, 2009.
Britain offers Value for Your Money
With the economy on everyone’s mind, it’s a good time to outline why travelling to Britain in 2009 might be the best time to go. Many currencies have strengthened against the British Pound making Britain more economical in 2009. Look for airlines to be removing fuel surcharges and offering great incentives to get travelers to the UK.
We can’t deny that a BritRail rail pass also offers great value and freedom for your money. In addition to this you can take advantage of amazing discounts. One such discount is the BritRail Senior Discount, where seniors 60 years and over are eligible to save 15% off select BritRail passes in first class (BritRail Consecutive Pass, BritRail FlexiPass, BritRail England Consecutive Pass, BritRail England Flexipass).
Another great way to save money is to buy city, tour or attraction passes. For example the Great British Heritage Pass is essential. This pass offers excellent value and free entry to nearly 600 castles, palaces, gardens and other historic attractions in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland including Stonehenge, Edinburgh Castle, Roman Baths, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Warwick Castle and Leeds Castle.
20% Off Season Discount on BritRail Passes
Please note that you can still take advantage of the 20% Off Season Discount for travel until February 28th, 2009. Travelers can purchase select BritRail passes (BritRail Consecutive Pass, BritRail FlexiPass, BritRail England Consecutive Pass, BritRail England Flexipass) and save!
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Spotlight on Newcastle
Published on January 16th, 2009.
Inspire me!
Newcastle is in North Eastern England, where world-class culture is featured in quayside architecture and neighbouring costal beaches are sure attractions.
Taking the train
Direct rail services depart every half hour from London Kings Cross (KGX) to Newcastle (NCL), and the journey takes approximately three hours. Newcastle is also easily accessible by rail from other major cities in Britain.
What’s on
Yoko Ono BETWEEN THE SKY AND MY HEAD
The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, a former industrial building located on Gateshead Quays is the biggest contemporary art gallery outside London. You can view two floors of Yoko Ono’s major exhibition until March 15, 2009. Comprising works from the 1950s to today, Between the Sky and My Head features conceptual art spanning music, performance, writing, painting, installation and sculpture. You will also notice Yoko Ono’s poetic and political inspiration. http://www.balticmill.com/yokoono/
Attractions & Sites
Gateshead Millennium Bridge
The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is the famous bridge over The River Tyne. Known as the ‘blinking eye’ due to its unique opening mechanism, that opens to allow passing traffic below. Going quayside also allows the opportunity to visit an array of excellent bars and restaurants, before visiting the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art on the Gateshead Quays.
Nocturne
Nocturne is the biggest light installation in Britain, illuminating the QEII Metro Bridge between Newcastle and Gateshead. Artist Nayan Kulkarni created this light installation where the lights are never same, rising and falling in brightness and intensity of colour to match the tide on The River Tyne below.
Coastline
The North Eastern coast features golden sands and stunning cliffs. Sunderland is known for Roker and Seaburn beaches where you can either find a quiet spot to relax, or to take a beautiful coastal walk. Other coastal activities such as water sports or traditional seaside fun are also available here and at Whitely Bay, which is especially popular with surfers.
The Castle Keep and The Cathedral Church of St Nicholas
Built during the 12th century, The Castle Keep is a Grade I listed building and after climbing the tower, allows for gorgeous panoramic views of the city. The Cathedral Church of St Nicholas is also located in the “Heart of the City” which is the oldest and most historic part of Newcastle.
Featured Lodging
HOTEL DU VIN NEWCASTLE
In the spirit of New Years and everything glam, Hotel du Vin & Bistro is a luxurious boutique hotel in the heart of Newcastle’s historic Quayside. With breathtaking views of the River Tyne, this hotel offers 42 luxurious rooms, featuring deep baths, fine Egyptian linen, and plasma TV’s. You can enjoy the bistro and bar, with alfresco dining, a cigar shack, and a wine tasting room. When arriving by train, Newcastle Central station is a 20 minute walk away or a short cab ride.
Address: Allan House, City Road, NE1 2BE
Tel: +44 0191 229 2200
Featured Restaurant
STARTERS & PUDS
Starters & Puds is across from Newcastle’s Theatre Royal with many choices to share around the table Mediterranean Tapas style. The interior reminds visitors of the building’s past as a bank with barrel vaulted ceilings, exposed brickwork, iron pillars, and cream walls. You can also order a larger version of a starter if you prefer.
Address: 2-6 Shakespeare Street, Newcastle
Tel: +44 (0)191 233 2515
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Experience the train with BritRail
Published on January 5th, 2009.
Rail Passes Allow Travelling Flexibility
The best part of having a rail pass when travelling in Britain is the flexibility it permits. With so many cities and towns that are must-sees on your itinerary, the ability to jump on and off the train at your discretion is key to fitting them all in. It’s also nice to have the freedom to stay a few more days in your favorite city or move to the next destination with new found friends. Having endless options on vacation is always much appreciated!
Another aspect of a rail pass’ flexibility is that you can select the one that best suits your budget and schedule. For example a BritRail Flexipass is best for non consecutive days of rail travel, whereas the BritRail Consecutive Pass is best for a number of consecutive travel days.
In addition, there’s a variety of validities depending on the pass. Select 4, 8, or 15 days of travel in a 2 month period with the BritRail Flexipass or 4, 8, 15, 22 or 1 month with the BritRail Consecutive Pass. Please note that European residents also have access to 2 and 3 day validities for quick weekend jaunts to the UK.
The options don’t end there of course…there is a total of 8 BritRail Passes to choose from depending on the countries you would like to visit. First decide which cities you want to visit in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland and then find the pass that’s a perfect match. Choose from the following passes:
BritRail FlexiPass
BritRail Consecutive Pass
BritRail England FlexiPass
BritRail Pass + Ireland
BritRail London Plus Pass
BritRail Central Scotland Pass
BritRail Scottish Freedom Pass
BritRail England Consecutive Pass
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