This is an archived copy of the BritainUpdate email newsletter that was sent out on 12th April 2005.

Special offers, prices and information shown were correct at the time of publication, but may not be available now.

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BritainUpdate from AboutBritain.com

Hello from AboutBritain.com!

It's April and we hope you are continuing to enjoy the BritainUpdate newsletter from AboutBritain.com.

Don't forget to check out our amazing special offers each issue for Hotel Bookings throughout Britain.

Quenton Fyfe
Editor

Contents

 Introduction

We're looking at North Wales and Anglesey this time, with a view to exploring what the area has to offer at this time of year.

 North Wales and Anglesey

North Wales - it's an area steeped in history, rich with rugged, varied landscape, and proudly Welsh in outlook. Whether you're looking for history, modern nightlife and entertainment, the great outdoors, stunning scenery, active pursuits or culture, North Wales has something to offer you. For many, it's this wide range of attractions and activities that give North Wales such a strong appeal.


The Snowdonia National Park was one of the first to be created and it attracts great numbers of visitors each year. The obvious focal point is Snowdon itself. At some 3,560 feet, it's the highest British peak outside Scotland. The Snowdon Mountain Railway will take you close to the summit if you don't feel up to making the trip on foot. Given that Snowdon, and its 100-odd surrounding peaks have been used for Everest expedition training, electing to take the train would be quite understandable! The whole area is enjoyed by many outdoors pursuitists from walkers to cyclists to riders and climbers. As such, it's well geared up to cater for your visiting needs.


Heading south west to the coast and Cardigan Bay, we find the remarkable, and immediately recognisable village of Portmeirion. To many the world over, it's the setting of Patrick McGoohan's trials and tribulations as The Prisoner. To its local residents however, it's home and the realisation of a boyhood ambition of early 20th Century architect, Clough Williams-Ellis. Which ever take you have on the village it's a fascinating, and popular, place to visit.


Moving north past the dramatic Llyn Peninsula towards the Menai Strait, you'll find the imposing, but unfinished, 13th century Caernarfon Castle. Built by Edward I as a seat of power and a means to contain the rebellious Welsh, it was never completed due to repeated attacks by locals who had different ideas. None the less, in 1969 it played host to the investiture of Prince Charles as the current Prince of Wales. Today, the castle is a World Heritage Site.


North-East from Caernarfon lies Menai Bridge, a Victorian town and location of Telford's impressive 1926 suspension bridge which, together with Stephenson's Britannia Bridge, links Anglesey with the mainland.


Anglesey really is a place to itself, with Welsh being the mother-tongue of many locals. It has a rich ancient history, from Neolithic times through the ancient Britons and druids to medieval times.


As you might expect there are lots of remnants to be seen from this turbulent history. From Neolithic burial chambers at Bryn Cellu Ddu through to the impressive Beaumaris Castle, again built by Edward I. Beaumaris town still retains its Victorian gaol and courthouse which are both well worth a visit.


As well as ferries over to Ireland, there are great views to be enjoyed from Holyhead featuring Ireland, the Isle of Man and Snowdonia on good days. In addition to the natural wildlife habitat to be found at Holyhead and the South Stack, there are man-made varieties on offer too - the Anglesey Sea Zoo is to be found on the shores of the Menai Strait at Llanfairpwllgwyngll and features a fascinating array of sea-life and recreated habitats. With features like this, great beaches, interesting history and even its own race circuit, Anglesey truly has something for everyone.


Back on the mainland again, travelling east along Conwy Bay we find Conwy Castle, another of Edward I's Iron Ring of fortresses. This one guards the fortified town of Conwy, with a feature Telford suspension bridge linking the two together. Telford designed this bridge with mock medieval towers to blend in with the castle.


Aberconwy House is to be found here. It's the only medieval merchant's house to have survived the area's turbulent past and, dating from the 14th Century, it's believed to be one of the oldest houses in Wales.


Conwy's coastal neighbour is the pretty Victorian town of Llandudno. Many regard this as the best of the various seaside resorts to be found on the North Wales coast, contrasting as it does with the traditional 'Kiss Me Quick' centres to be found further to its East. It features a golden, sandy beach flanked by the great limestone outcrops of Great Ormes Head and Little Orme. Llandudno's speedy rise in popularity amongst the Victorians is thanks in no small part to the smart, Owen Williams designed promenade.


Today's Llandudno offers its visitors good shopping, with a modern shopping arcade discreetly designed to blend with the traditional surroundings. The North Wales Theatre on the promenade is a new 1500 seat theatre, where West End shows and the Welsh National Opera perform.


Amidst the glitz and hubbub of the more modern easterly resorts, you can find the Offas Dyke National Trail at Prestatyn. This Long Distance Path runs the length of Wales from the North Coast down to Sedbury in the South.


While North Wales does not boast endless sunshine, it does boast an unrivalled mix of countryside, history, culture and activities meaning it's one of the very best British locations you can head for when you want to get away from it all.


 Hotels in North Wales and Anglesey

Remember, all our hotels are covered by our unbeatable Price Promise, meaning you won't find a better deal!

Photo of Seiont Manor Hotel, Caernarfon Seiont Manor Hotel, Caernarfon
Seiont Manor sits peacefully within the countryside of Snowdonia surrounded by 150 acres of mature farmland.


 

Photo of Quality Hotel Snowdonia, Llanberis Quality Hotel Snowdonia, Llanberis
Set in 30 acres of gardens and Woodland on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park, opposite the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Nestling between the twin Lakes of Padarn and Peris in the shadow of Snowdon itself, the location is simply breathtaking.
 

Photo of St George's Hotel, Llandudno St George's Hotel, Llandudno
Overlooking the splendid sweep of Llandudno Bay, the St George's Hotel offers the finest food, service and traditional Welsh hospitality. Some bedrooms enjoy breathtaking views of the bay and all have television and radio, telephone and hospitality tray.
 

Photo of Bulkeley Hotel, Beaumaris Bulkeley Hotel, Beaumaris
Anglesey has perfect beaches, amazing history and attractions to suit all ages. Dating back to 1831, the classic Bulkeley Hotel overlooks the water and offers fine views of the Snowdonia Mountains.
 

Photo of Travelodge Halkyn, Halkyn Travelodge Halkyn, Halkyn
Located on the A55 westbound, 4 miles south of Holywell, the Travelodge at Halkyn provides contemporary quality accommodation and an ideal base for exploring the northern Welsh countryside.
 

Photo of Ruthin Castle Hotel, Ruthin Ruthin Castle Hotel, Ruthin
Originally a 13th century castle, the beautiful Ruthin Castle Hotel offers traditional hospitality located at the gateway to Snowdonia. Explore the 30 acres of gardens and parkland or take a short walk into Ruthin.


Click here to see our full range of great hotels throughout Britain.

Alternatively, our range of Holiday Cottages across the country offer outstanding value and excellent accommodation - ideal for longer stays.

 Special Offers

Please be sure to check the note at the bottom of this section.


Photo of City Inn Westminster, London City Inn Westminster, London
The City Inn Westminster is central London's largest new build hotel for thirty years. This four star deluxe hotel offers 460 impressive and well appointed bedrooms, many with stunning views of London's skyline.

Per night rates (Fri - Sun):
08 Apr 05 - 14 Apr 05: Normally £93.00, offer price £59.50!
15 Apr 05 - 17 Apr 05: Normally £93.00, offer price £64.50!

Per night rates (Fri - Sun, Min 2 nights stay):
08 Apr 05 - 14 Apr 05: Normally £93.00, offer price £54.50!
18 Apr 05 - 30 Apr 05: Normally £93.00, offer price £54.50!
01 May 05 - 29 May 05: Normally £95.00, offer price £54.50!


Photo of De Vere Cavendish St James London, London De Vere Cavendish St James London, London
Located in prestigious Jermyn Street in the heart of London's Piccadilly. Guests will discover that Theatreland, Buckingham Palace, The Houses of Parliament and London's most exclusive shopping districts are on the doorstep. Perfect for a city break or theatre break.

Per night rates (Fri - Sun):
01 Apr 05 - 30 Apr 05: Was £89.00, offer price £74.00!
01 May 05 - 31 May 05: Was £79.00, offer price £74.00!


Photo of Novotel London Euston, London Novotel London Euston, London
Novotel London Euston is a "New Generation" modern stylish hotel, featuring leisure facilities, restaurant and bar which the leisure traveller has come to expect from a full service hotel. The hotel is adjacent to the British Library and close to the West End, Covent Garden, Regents Park and Oxford Street.

Per night rates (Fri - Sun):
30 Mar 05 - 30 Apr 05: Was £59.50, offer price £49.50!
01 May 05 - 31 May 05: Was £56.50, offer price £49.50!


Per night rates (Mon - Thu):
01 May 05 - 02 May 05: Was £94.50, offer price £49.50!
27 May 05 - 31 May 05: Was £94.50, offer price £49.50!


Photo of Swallow Hotel Preston, Preston Swallow Hotel Preston, Preston
A friendly modern hotel, located in an excellent position for touring the North West. The superb leisure club features an heated indoor swimming pool, spa bath, sauna, steam room, gym and sunbeds.

Per night rates (Mon - Sun):
1 Nov 04 - 30 Apr 05: Was £40.00, offer price £35.00!


Photo of City Inn Glasgow, Glasgow City Inn Glasgow, Glasgow
City Inn Glasgow is situated on the riverside at Finnieston Quay and combines a passion for modern design and innovation with contemporary living. The hotel is ideally located next to the SECC and close to the city's vibrant centre, the hotel provides the perfect location from which to explore the city.

Per night rates (Fri - Sun):
04 Apr 05 - 30 Apr 05: Was £47.25, offer price £44.50!
04 Apr 05 - 30 Apr 05: Was £47.25, offer price £42.00!*
* Min 2 night stay


01 May 05 - 01 Sep 05: Was £64.50, offer price £44.50!
01 May 05 - 01 Sep 05: Was £64.50, offer price £42.00!*
* Min 2 night stay


Photo of Radisson SAS Hotel Edinburgh, Edinburgh Radisson SAS Hotel Edinburgh, Edinburgh
The Radisson SAS Hotel, Edinburgh is situated in the very heart of the historic 'Royal Mile'. Halfway between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, the hotel is ideally placed for exploring Edinburgh's most famed attractions.

Sunday Saver Deal:
01 May 05 - 30 Apr 06: save 50% off Sunday night, when also staying Friday and Saturday


Photo of Novotel Bradford, Bradford Novotel Bradford, Bradford
Novotel Bradford is a light and airy hotel with a stylish decor and is conveniently located within a short distance of both Leeds and Bradford city centres, 10 miles from Leeds Bradford International Airport and ideally placed for exploring the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.

Per night rates (Mon - Thu):
01 Apr 05 - 30 Apr 05: Was £40.00, offer price £30.00!
01 May 05 - 31 May 05: Was £42.50, offer price £30.00!

 

Special Offers Note:
Don't worry about the Standard Rates shown on our hotel booking pages. These Special Offer prices will automatically be calculated and confirmed before you book.

 Next Issue

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