Make sure you are prepared!
Keep a spare pair of sunglasses in the car with you. Although it might be cold outside, autumn still does have sunny days and, in fact the low level of the sun due to the shorter days can prove to be very hard to deal with. Typically the low sun is very dazzling, especially if you have a dirty windscreen, which leads us on to….

Windscreen care!
Make sure that your windscreen washer fluid is filled up – with more dirty and grit on the roads, combined with more rain, you will get a dirty windscreen pretty quick. Make sure that the fluid you use has an anti-freeze property to it so that it doesn’t freeze and is ready to go when you are! Also, autumn is a great time to check your windscreen wipers.

Check your battery!
It’s a fact that most batteries pack up in the colder months of autumn and winter as the car has to use more electrical juice to keep going. If your battery is over five years old, it would make sense to replace it, before it gives up the ghost on you when you least need it!

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That’s right, our very own Blackpool has topped the charts for being the best stretch of sand anywhere in the world. And to put that into perspective, Bondi beach in Australia and the Maldives didn’t even make the top ten!

Blackpool is, of course, famous for its illuminations and the Pleasure Beach, as well as donkey rides along the sand and comedy ‘kiss me quick’ hats.

But the top ten wasn’t just topped with a British beach, it also contained 5 additional entries:

1. Blackpool
2. Benidorm
3. Majorca
4. Brighton
5. Bournemouth
6. Algarve
7. Scarborough
8. Weymouth
9. Tenerife
10. Great Yarmouth

Post Office Money marketing director Pete Markey said; “Although some beaches have stood the test of time, there have been seismic shifts in tastes in the past sixty years.
Nowhere matches Blackpool for beach appeal but today’s holidaymakers are travelling further afield to find their new favourites.”

The survey went on to gauge the top beach activities, which are unchanged: building sandcastles, having a 99 ice cream and a paddle in the sea!

Where’s the bucket and spade? I’m off to Blackpool…..

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After all, what’s a family holiday if you have to leave your furry best friend at home?

Touring the country can be a fun experience for you all, with lots of new sights, smells and tastes to be had on the road ahead, but before setting off, make sure you have the essentials packed:

Hi, my name is…
A collar for your dog with tag probably sounds too obvious, but how about making sure the collar is up to date with all of your current contact details – maybe not so obvious! With hectic lives, sometimes it’s hard to remember to update collar tags and microchips with essentials such as phone numbers.

Stay close
Get a sturdy lead. With your dog encountering so many different new things, it is likely that he or she will want to explore further. But in strange and new environments, it makes more sense to be careful with your dogs, so keep them close at all times and only let them off the lead when you feel satisfied that the new area poses no further threats.

Home comforts
Don’t forget the good boy treats! Reward your favourite pooch by giving him treats for good behaviour and handling himself well in difficult or new experiences and encounters. Not only will he love you for the treats, it will help him to continue to learn. Also, don’t forget his favourite toys and bedding. Just because you are not at home, doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to be surrounded by his favourite things!

Pet Meds
Last but not least, make sure to pack any pet medicine that your dog is currently taking, or anything that will need to be taken whilst away, like worming tablets. A once over from the vet before you leave is normally a good idea, and be sure to flea your dog especially before he goes off in other bushy dog popular areas. Also, carry a first aid kit with bandages and gauzes in case of minor cuts or scrapes.

A beautiful portion of sand that has been captured between huge, picturesque cliffs, the beach is easily accessible and has super fine and soft golden sand – no pebbles in sight. The beach is very popular with families due to the location and the clear sea. When the tide is out, it is possible to walk round to the surrounding bays to visit the other beaches, but do beware, one of the surrounding beaches is a nudist one!

Treat yourself by sitting on the sandbars that form beneath the cliff fort of Treryn Dinas, which is surrounded by stunning bright blue waters – make sure you take your camera.

If you would like to grab something to eat, we would recommend the Minack Theatre Coffee Shop – offering local delights and light meals as well as soft drinks and teas and coffees, the theatre offers access to the local gardens for when you want a change of scenery. There is a payable admission fee for the theatre at £4.50 per adult and £2.50 for 15 years and under.

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Set on a backdrop of health land and dunes, the bay is perfect for children wanting to play and explore!

The northern stretch of the bay is accessible via chain ferry and exudes a desert island feel – you certainly do feel like you are stuck in the middle of nowhere!

There are a few nearby beaches; Shell Bay is a nudist beach and Knoll Bay is again popular with families.

If you want to grab a bite to eat, there is a nearby café at Knoll Bay called the National Trust Beach Café – this establishment serves hot and cold meals alongside refreshing beverages and the option to eat indoors our outside.

Studland Bay really is one of the places that you need to see with your own eyes to believe it.

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A whopping 660ft curve of stunning sand is set against the backdrop of dazzling white cliffs.
Children will love exploring in the rock pools, looking for crabs as well as shell picking. Safe swimming is also featured at this beach, making it great for families of all age.

If you want to have a walk when the tide is out, Joss Bay is just around the corner. The bay is popular with surfers and thrill seekers – don’t forget the suncream!

For food, there is a local retro restaurant that serves hot and cold meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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Historic Newport

Newport was created after the Normans conquered Gwent in 1093. In the early 12th century they built a castle by a ford in the River Usk. The town outgrew the earlier Roman town of Caerleon, gaining its first charter in 1314. It grew considerably in the 19th century, when its port became the centre of coal exports from the eastern valleys of south Wales. Until the rise of Cardiff from the 1850s, Newport was Wales’ largest coal-exporting port.
During the 20th century, the docks declined in importance, but Newport remained an important manufacturing and engineering centre for Wales. Newport suffered severely in the depression of the 1930s and unemployment was at a high, but its industries began to boom again when World War II began. Newport suffered a number of air raids during the Second World War. However after 1945 the town continued to flourish. In 1949 St Woolos Church was made a cathedral.

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Additional information on Newport can be found on its official website; Newport City Council and Newport City Council Twitter.

Famous Faces

A number of famous faces have originated from, or are connected to, Newport. Just a few are listed below.

Tony Pulis (born 16 January 1958) – Welsh football manager and former footballer, who was most recently manager of Crystal Palace.

Sir Terence Hedley Matthews KBE, FREng, FIEE (born 6 June 1943) – Welsh-Canadian business magnate, serial high tech entrepreneur and the first billionaire to be born in Wales.

Michael Sheen OBE (born 5 February 1969) – Welsh actor

Desmond Llewelyn (12 September 1914 – 19 December 1999) – Was a Welsh actor. He played Q in 17 of the James Bond films between 1963 and 1999.

Landmarks

Newport Castle

Not much remains of Newport’s pre-industrial past apart from the cathedral and the ruins of Newport Castle, squeezed between traffic-clogged Kings Way and the river. The castle was part destroyed by Owain Glynd?r in 1402 and was never properly refurbished. Only the section facing the river is still standing and sadly it’s not possible to enter the site.

St Woolos Cathedral/Newport Cathedral

Newport’s ancient cathedral provides a fascinating walk through history. The cathedral is the Diocese of Monmouth, in the Church in Wales, and seat of the Bishop of Monmouth. The name “Woolos” comes from Gwynllyw, the 5th-century Welsh saint who first founded a religious establishment on the site. When visiting the city, this is always a must-see for tourists.

Transporter Bridge

The spindly towers of the 1906 Transporter Bridge rise over the river, about a mile south of the city centre. A extraordinary piece of Edwardian engineering, it can carry up to six cars across the river in a gondola suspended beneath the high-level track, while still allowing ships to pass beneath. It’s also the largest of eight such bridges remaining in the world.

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A motorhome holiday may surprise you – Many people have never even thought about going on holiday in a motorhome, but these people don’t know what they are missing out on! One of the best things about going on a motorhome holiday is that they can be relatively cheap, meaning that even if you don’t have much to spend during the Easter break you can still treat yourself and your family to a short trip away. In a recent family survey, more than two thirds of parents (68%) say they would choose a leisure vehicle holiday not only to avoid airport stress and luggage restrictions but also for the freedom, adventure and flexibility it offers.

Plan ahead – The Easter break is usually seen the perfect time to get away with your family, as it’s long enough after Christmas for people to save up and the weather is usually looking much brighter and getting much warmer. However, the idea of going away for Easter is very popular amongst families, which can mean travelling during this time can get stressful, especially if you haven’t planned ahead. If you are planning to visit a popular tourist destination such as the seaside, then you will have to start planning your holiday as soon as possible. Many caravan parks and campsites get fully booked really fast at this time of year, so if there is a particular destination you wish to go to, book now. Something else to take into consideration is traffic – driving a motorhome can be difficult especially as they are not known for their speed or manoeuvring capabilities, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time and consider other road users.

Choose the size of your motorhome wisely – When hiring a motorhome, make sure you think about the amount of room you will need to comfortably fit you and your family. Kids can often get restless and irritated if they are in a confined space for too long, so always go for a motorhome that has enough space for the whole family to feel comfortable in. We have up to seven berth motorhomes available for hire, so plenty of space, plus dog friendly motorhomes, allowing you to take the whole family with you!

Prepare for the weather – This Easter, the weather is set to be warm and dry, pretty much across the majority of the UK. But make sure you’re prepared for the bad weather too! Rain can put a downer on your holiday as it can stop you and your family from enjoying the countryside and all the activities you may want to do. If it does rain, make sure you have plenty of activities or games to get involved in if you have to stay inside.

If you do decide to have a motorhome holiday this Easter holiday, we’re confident that your whole family will enjoy it. There are thousands of brilliant tourist attractions around the UK, many of which cost barely anything and are usually free for children.

Situated on the River Clyde in west central Scotland, Glasgow is a city renowned for its architecture, culture and friendly and welcoming people. There is a diverse collection of museums and art galleries, a huge variety of restaurants, loads of places to shop and some simply breath-taking pieces of architecture.

Glasgow was named the UK’s City of Architecture and Design in 1999, something that won’t surprise you when you see the city’s incredible Victorian buildings. Glasgow has gained a big reputation over the years for its participation in the live music scene, with many colourful parks scattered throughout the city.

The city was crowned the European City of Culture in 1990 and hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Glasgow is currently ranked as the 57^th most liveable city in the world.

Historic Glasgow

Glasgow grew from a small rural settlement on the River Clyde to become one of the largest seaports in Britain. It became a major centre of the Scottish Enlightenment in the 18th century. From the 18th century the city also grew as one of Great Britain’s main hubs of transatlantic trade with North America and the West Indies.

With the onset of the Industrial Revolution, the population and economy of Glasgow and the surrounding region expanded rapidly to become one of the world’s pre-eminent centres of chemicals, textiles and engineering; most notably in the shipbuilding and marine engineering industry.

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Additional information on Glasgow can be found on the Visit Glasgow website.

Famous Faces

A number of famous faces have originated from, or are connected to, Glasgow. Just a few famous Glaswegians are listed below:

Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman – British Prime Minister

Duncan Bannatyne – Entrepreneur

Sir Alex Ferguson – Former Manchester United manager

Kenny Dalglish – Former football player and manager

Andy Murray – Current World No. 6 & British No. 1 Tennis Player

Gerard Butler – Actor (300, The Phantom of the Opera)

Billy Connolly – Comedian

Sports (Football)

The world’s first international football match was held in 1872 at the West of Scotland Cricket Club’s Hamilton Crescent ground in the Partick area of the city. The match, between Scotland and England finished 0–0.

Glasgow has three professional football clubs: Celtic, Rangers, and Partick Thistle. A fourth club, Queen’s Park, are an amateur club in the SPFL League 2. The history of football in the city, as well as the status of the Old Firm, attracts many visitors to football matches in the city throughout the season. The Scottish Football Association, the national governing body, and the Scottish Football Museum are based in Glasgow, as are the Scottish Professional Football League

Sights

Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral is the only medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland to have survived the Protestant Reformation of 1560 virtually intact. There used to be a chanonry around it – a precinct where the bishops and clergy had their residences. The most interesting part of the cath­edral, the lower church, is reached by a stairway. Its forest of pillars creates a powerful atmosphere around St Mungo’s tomb, the focus of a famous medieval pilgrimage that was believed to be as meritorious as a visit to Rome. A must-see when visiting the city.

Burrell Collection

One of Glasgow’s top attractions was amassed by wealthy industrialist Sir William Burrell then donated to the city and is housed in an outstanding museum, in a park 3 miles south of the city centre. Burrell collected all manner of art from his teens to his death at 97, and this idiosyncratic collection of treasure includes everything from Chinese porcelain and medieval furniture to paintings by Degas and Cézanne. Regarded by many as one of best museums in Glasgow.

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With easy access to the A55, the city is an ideal starting base for tourists wanting to discover some of the beautiful hotspots in the north-east of Wales.

Historic St Asaph

St Asaph has been an important religious centre for centuries, dating as far back as AD560. The known story of St. Asaph (Llanelwy) begins in 576AD when St. Kentigern left his original foundation on the shores of the Clyde and is said to have taken flight to Wales in fear for his safety. Following a long journey during which he founded a number of churches in Cumbria, Kentigern settled in St. Asaph where he founded a monastery on the banks of the river Elwy before returning to his native Scotland.

St Asaph was always regarded as a city by many, even though it actually wasn’t officially. The town applied for city status in competitions held by the government in 2000 and 2002 (for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee) but was unsuccessful. In 2012 it again competed for the right to become a city as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. It was announced on 14 March 2012 that the application was successful and city status was to be bestowed upon St Asaph alongside Chelmsford and Perth. The status was formally granted by letters patent dated 1 June 2012.

Famous Faces

A number of famous faces have originated from, or are connected to, St Asaph. Just some are listed below.

Richard Ian Cox (born October 3, 1973) is a Welsh actor, voice artist, online radio host, and comedian.

William Morgan (1545 – 10 September 1604) was Bishop of Llandaff and of St Asaph, and the translator of the first verson of the whole Bible into Welsh from Greek and Hebrew.

Sir Henry Morton Stanley GCB (born John Rowlands; 28 January 1841 – 10 May 1904) was a Welsh journalist and explorer famous for his exploration of central Africa and his search for missionary and explorer David Livingstone.

Ian James Rush, MBE, (born 20 October 1961 in St Asaph, Wales) is a Welsh former footballer. Rush played for Liverpool F.C. from 1980-1987 and 1988-1996, and is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, having scored a total of 346 goals in all competitions during his two spells at the club.

Sightseeing

St Asaph Cathedral

St Asaph Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Diocese of St Asaph, one of the six dioceses of the Church in Wales. So many people visiting the city describe the cathedral as a hidden gem, even with its small size, the cathedral is a must see when exploring St Asaph. Britain’s smallest cathedral is the home of the William Morgan Bible and as such provides a vital link with Welsh culture and literature.

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