Here is the latest issue of the BritainUpdate newsletter which you requested when you made a booking on AboutBritain.com.

• Introduction
• A City Break in Newcastle
• Great Hotel Deals in:

     - Newcastle
     - York
     - Southampton
     - Bath

• How to Unsubscribe

AboutBritain.com wish all our subscribers Best Wishes for 2004. We hope you are enjoying this newsletter featuring areas of interest in our countryside and cities. Don't forget to check out our amazing special offers for Hotel Bookings throughout Britain.

This issue focuses on Newcastle-upon-Tyne, a vibrant city whose heritage stretches back 2,000 years. Newcastle and its neighbour Gateshead are renowned for their vast choice of shopping facilities, and with the January sales now underway, this is a good time to visit and hunt out some superb bargains.

Quenton Fyfe
Editor

"Newcastle" was the name given to the new fortification built on a Roman site, in 1080. The expression "Coals to Newcastle" derives from Elizabethan times, when all coal mined in the area was brought to Newcastle to be shipped from the port. Newcastle is renowned for shipbuilding; at one time 25% of the world's ships were built here. The people of Newcastle, known as 'Geordies' are warm and friendly, proud of their history, and they will welcome you to their city to delve into its past and enjoy today's attractions.

Newcastle's best known landmarks are the six bridges spanning the River Tyne, the lantern tower of St. Nicholas Cathedral and Earl Grey's Monument - climb the 164 steps to the viewing platform for a view of many fine buildings in the city centre.

You can learn about Newcastle's heritage and people at the Discovery Museum, with a whole floor of galleries devoted to life on Tyneside.

Children will love the Hancock Museum, the North of England's premier Natural History Museum whose current exhibition is "Dinosaurs", on show until 9th May.

The Norman Castle Keep, which is open to the public, towers protectively above the redeveloped Quayside district of the city. Visit the 16th/17th century half-timbered merchants houses known as 'Bessie Surtees House' and hear Bessie's romantic story.

For a night out in Newcastle there are cinemas, pubs and clubs galore. Concerts at City Hall, Live Theatre on Quayside, the Telewest Arena offers everything from ice hockey to pop concerts, and Opera North are performing at the Theatre Royal until 19th February.

Football fans will have the opportunity to see Newcastle United play on their home ground St. James' Park. The season continues until 8th May.

Newcastle's three large shopping centres will delight you - don't miss Antiques Village at Fern Avenue. Across the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, linking Newcastle to Gateshead, is the Metro Centre, one of Britain's largest shopping centres.

Gateshead is home to Baltic, a new international centre for contemporary art, opened in 2002. Baltic presents a constantly changing programme of exhibitions and events. Whilst in the area, why not visit Shipley Art Gallery with its nationally renowned craft gallery and exquisite glass collection.

A few miles south of Gateshead off the A187 stands one of England's newest landmarks; 'Angel of the North', sculpted by Antony Gormley. The Angel stands on a hilltop at the southern entry to Tyneside, 20 metres high with a wing span of 54 metres.

Whatever you decide to see or do, enjoy your visit to Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.

The Malmaison Newcastle is the perfect base for your trip - a classic contemporary hotel with traditional French brasserie, foxy bar, high tech gym and mini spa. Bedrooms are stylish, spacious and individually designed. The hotel is situated in the heart of Newcastle's quayside - the city's regenerated lively waterfront. Prices are from £56 when you book through us - so it's great value too.

Or save money, but enjoy the extensive leisure facilities at the Village Hotel & Leisure Club. This hotel has a 25 metre swimming pool, sauna, steamroom, gym and Healthworks beauty spa - yet costs from only £36. Amazing!

We have 17 Hotels in Newcastle to choose from, all at great prices - so you're sure to find the perfect place for you.

Moving slightly further south, York is always a favourite short break destination - and the Hilton York, with its central location, comfortable bedrooms and excellent restaurant is the perfect base from which to explore. With this Special Offer, you can stay in this excellent hotel from only £49.75. Outstanding value!

Or what about a trip to Southampton? The Hilton Southampton is only three miles from West Quay, home to over 80 great shops. Also nearby is the beautiful New Forest and the famous Beaulieu Motor Museum is also close at hand. And you can stay for less than half price when you book a January stay through us - just £24.75 instead of the usual £52! That's right - just £24.75 for a 4 star hotel with swimming pool and leisure facilities for less than the price of many B&Bs! Don't delay - availability is limited. (Based on two people staying for two nights in a twin or double room).

Bath is a wonderful city to visit with many attractions such as the Roman Baths and Pump Room open all year - and we have a superb offer for couples staying at the luxurious Hilton Bath City Hotel: Enjoy a two night stay with dinner included on your first night for only £32.25 per person per night, until the end of January.

We have over 1000 hotels right across the country on AboutBritain.com, with online availability and booking - all at low Internet prices. So wherever you want to go, just click here to find a great place to stay.

All prices are per person per night - based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room. (Don't worry about the Standard Rates shown - your special price will be calculated and shown before you book). Availability at these prices is limited, so don't delay!

That's all for this issue of BritainUpdate from AboutBritain.com - we'll be back next month with more ideas for breaks in Britain, and more great special offers.

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