The UK’s largest collection of David Austin roses has spectacularly burst into bloom at The Alnwick Garden, creating a stunning display of summer colour and fragrance.

Over 3,000 of the David Austin English Roses, known for their full flower and strong scent, have now bloomed in The Garden. There are over 200 varieties of this fashionable rose, which combine the forms and fragrances of the more traditional roses with the repeat flowering of modern roses.

Some of the varieties include Strawberry Hill, Ballerina, Buttercup, Summer Song and the specially produced Alnwick Rose.

The effect of the flowers is a magnificent display of colour for weeks on end and an amazing scent which fills the noses of visitors to The Garden from 100 yards away.

Trevor Jones, Head Gardener at The Alnwick Garden said: “The Alnwick Garden is the only place in the UK to see the David Austin roses in such large numbers. The sweet scent of the roses is amazingly powerful and hits you before you enter the walled garden. They are such beautiful, full-flowered roses and the burst of colour is magnificent.

“We’d urge those who’d like to see this stunning display to come and visit us over the next few weeks to get the full impact of the colour and aroma of these very special flowers.”
The Alnwick Garden has become known worldwide for its gigantic Treehouse, mysterious Poison Garden, beautiful water sculptures and unconventional - yet family friendly - garden design.

Opening times: 10am - 6pm (last admissions 5.15pm).
Visit: www.alnwickgarden.com for details.

Special Note: Images courtesy of The Alnwick Garden

TAKE A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE… AT FOUR PILLARS HOTELS
- Dinner, Bed & Breakfast from just £32 per night, Plus Kids Stay & Eat Free! -

Picnic baskets filled with potted meat sandwiches, hard boiled eggs, jammy buns and lashings and lashings of ginger beer… Ok, so that might be the stuff that only Enid Blyton novels are made of, but the great British public can enjoy a nostalgic trip down memory lane this summer, courtesy of Four Pillars Hotels.

All six Four Pillars’ properties offer warm and friendly hospitality, comfortable accommodation and comprehensive facilities and the hotels are rapidly establishing themselves as prime hotspots for mini breaks and holidays, perfectly suited for either families or couples seeking a picturesque staycation. This summer, a dizzying array of pastimes is available to Four Pillars’ guests including:
• Picnics
• Afternoon Cream Teas
• Lawn Games such as Croquet and Giant Chess
• Cycling & Walking
• Punt Hire in Oxford
• Boat Trips & Boat Hire
• Bucks Fizz Breakfasts
• Barbeques
• Lakeside Pub Lunches
• Pimms
What’s more, with outstanding service at all of the Four Pillars’ properties, you can leave ‘Jeeves’ at home! Visit www.four-summer.co.uk for more details on which hotels offers each activity.

Great fun for all ages, it’s the perfect time for families to reacquaint themselves with the finer things in life, promoting gentle pursuits to the younger generation, slipping quietly into an altogether slower pace of life and taking a step back from the stresses and strains of modern living. Entrust your holiday to Four Pillars Hotels this summer and, before you know it, the only care in the world will be “jam or cream first?” on your scones, with Pimms o’clock becoming de rigueur.

What’s more, old chap, you can take the whole family away for just £64 per night! That’s £64 per night, for two adults and two children under 12 (including dinner, bed and breakfast), as kids stay and eat for free*. So, spending quality time with friends and family, whilst enjoying the fantastic British summertime, has never been more accessible. Who’s for a spot of croquet after lunch? What ho!

For full details and conditions for the Four Pillars Summer Offers, or to book, visit: www.four-summer.co.uk or call 0800 374 692.

* The children staying for free offer is based on a maximum of 2 children sharing their parents' room. Free meals will be on the same basis as the package booked by the parents. Free dinner for children up to 12 years will be from the children's menu. For 13 - 16 year olds dinner will be charged as taken. At Cotswold Water Park children sharing their parent's room must eat before 7pm to qualify for free dinner.
Summer Breaks rates are valid until 2nd September 2010.

Rates listed are on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis and are per person, per night, based on 2 people sharing a standard room for the stated number of nights. Rates are valid from Friday 22nd July to Thursday 2nd September 2010 inclusive. Should you depart early, the price charged will be based on the actual number of nights booked rather than the number of nights stayed. Rates are subject to promotional room availability and are only available on selected dates. Applicable to new bookings only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.

See www.four-summer.co.uk for full terms and conditions.

STEP INTO SUMMER WITH ENGLISH HERITAGE
- Converted cottages offer a unique holiday with added heritage –

Summer holidays are just around the corner and this year looks set to be a scorcher. With English Heritage cottages, you can enjoy all the comforts of home, while nestled in the midst of some of England’s most beautiful landscapes.

English Heritage cottages are located in the grounds of spectacular historic properties and combine a private retreat with exclusive ‘after hours’ access to the grounds. Each cottage offers peace and relaxation, with history on the doorstep.

With properties all over England you could live it up as King of the Castle at Walmer Castle in Kent. Or, if rolling hills are more to your taste, try Mount Grace Priory in North Yorkshire.

In total there are 15 beautiful holiday cottages in English Heritage’s portfolio, all of which offer a truly unique location for a summer break and bags of heritage. The cottages maintain their rustic charm, despite being equipped with all the modern day luxuries, and include games and DVD players for any unexpected rainy days. Well-behaved dogs are welcome at most of them, too!

For reservations call 0870 333 1187. Full details, prices and availability for the entire holiday cottage portfolio can be accessed at www.english-heritage.org.uk/holidaycottages

Nine summer cottages:

NORTH
Prior’s Lodge, Mount Grace Priory
Sleeps 4+cot
This charming single storey stone cottage nestles against the medieval wall of the original manor house. The whole place exudes history. From the front windows there are views over the lake, which was once a medieval fish pond. And from the rear windows, there are views over the church and the cloisters, the former heart of this Carthusian monastery. 


Refectory Cottage, Rievaulx Abbey
Sleeps 4+cot
Built in the early 20th century for the custodian of the Abbey, this cottage is a reminder of the original medieval masons who built the Abbey. Their marks can still be seen on many of the blocks used in its construction. Nestled into the corner of the Abbey ruins, Refectory Cottage is a short walk from the River Rye, and provides the perfect base for enjoying the beautiful valley.

MIDLANDS
East Lodge, Hardwick Old Hall
Sleeps 4 + cot
There were two great Besses in Elizabethan England. One was the Queen herself; the other was Bess of Hardwick. Fabulously wealthy and married four times, Bess lavished care on her homes – and East Lodge forms part of the original building of Hardwick Old Hall. Its charm lies in leaded windows, high ceilings and its views over the property.

Pool House, Witley Court
Sleeps 8 + cot
This substantial and spacious family home stands a short walk away from the romantic ruins of Witley Court, a once-grand Victorian country house regularly visited by the future Edward VII. From the upstairs windows there are views not only over the well-wooded, rolling countryside, but also over the lake to the fantastic gilded dome of the Georgian parish church of St.Michael and All Angels. At some times of year, foliage allowing, the glorious Perseus and Andromeda fountain can also be seen.

Peacock Cottage, Kirby Hall
Sleeps 4+cot
Tucked away in the vast, historic grounds of Kirby Hall, Peacock Cottage offers the perfect romantic retreat. Spend your time walking through the deserted courtyard of Kirby Hall and the romantic gardens (complete with peacocks!). Situated at the end of a long drive that cuts through the meadows and onto horse chestnut lined avenues, the cottage has a private garden and glorious views of the great lawns, leading up to Kirby Hall.

SOUTH
Greenhouse Apartment, Walmer Castle
Sleeps 4+cot
Walmer Castle was the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. Famous former holders of this title include the Duke of Wellington and the Queen Mother. From this first floor apartment you look over the enclosed kitchen garden which has supplied the castle with vegetables, fruit and flowers for over 300 years.

South Lodge, Battle Abbey
Sleeps 4 + cot
South Lodge is a charming, single story gatehouse, with partly leaded glass windows and an enclosed, secluded garden ideal for barbecues. It enjoys views over the battlefield site.

Custodian’s House, Pendennis
Sleeps 2 + cot
High on the steep ramparts with sweeping views over Falmouth Bay, this solid single storey building stands in an enviable position. The approach is through the Gatehouse, now the main entrance to the fortress, and the Custodian’s House stands just behind the former Guardhouse. From all the main rooms there are views over to sandy Gyllyngvase Bay, the mouth of the Helford River and in the far distance to the Lizard Peninsula.

Cambridge Lodge, Audley End
Sleeps 4+cot
Built in 1882, the two-storey detached cottage was originally the principal gatehouse to Audley End and is a wonderful place for a restful getaway. Cambridge Lodge offers stunning views of the River Cam, across beautifully manicured lawns. On the ground floor there is a sitting room which overlooks the grounds of Audley End House, a fully equipped kitchen and a separate dining room. The organic kitchen garden is nearby, and visitors can enjoy after-hours access to the recently-restored Victorian stable-yard and to the rest of these magnificent grounds.

SUMMER SELF-CATERING DEALS FOR BIG AND SMALL IN WEST COUNTRY FROM HELPFUL HOLIDAYS

A small selection of family holiday homes and big country/coast houses have been discounted for summer weeks from Helpful Holidays, the West Country self-catering specialists. For details call Helpful Holidays on 01647 434063 or check out the special offers on www.helpfulholidays.com

Smaller for a family or two couples:
Down 20% - Devon stone barns, edge of Dartmoor now from £564pw for four
Two stylish ‘upside’ down’ cottages with vaulted beamed ceilings converted from a barn within an original farmstead near Lydford, Devon have been reduced by 20% for a week’s stay during the summer holidays. Now available from 24 July and 14 and 28 August at £564 per week, both sleep four, welcome pets and have direct access to Dartmoor. They can be let separately, or together for two families to share, and there is stabling for two horses. For details call Helpful Holidays on 01647 434063 or look and book online at www.helpfulholidays.com searching for refs A90 and A91.

Big for a family group or friends:
Down 20% huge house for 17 near Salcombe, South Devon Coast now £329pppw
A huge, handsome detached house for 17, with superb water views overlooking South Sands beach, near Salcombe has been reduced by 20% for a week from 23 July. Now priced at £329pppw (£5,597 for the entire house), it has 1.5 acres of gardens with shallow steps down to a private footpath leading to the beach. For details call Helpful Holidays on 01647 434063 or look and book online at www.helpfulholidays.com searching for ref L125.

SAVE UP TO 40 % ON EARLY SUMMER BREAKS WITH CELTIC HAVEN
Pembrokeshire cottage resort Celtic Haven is offering savings of up to 40 per cent on self-catering accommodation with last second deals from £139 per person for a short break or £189 per person for a one-week break. This offer is valid for stays between July 16 and 24, 2010.

The weekly rate of £189 per person is a saving of almost 41 per cent on the original published rate of £320 per person in a one-bedroom cottage. Discounts are also available for larger groups or families staying in bigger cottages – 25 per cent for four people and 18 per cent for six.

Three-night weekend breaks between July 16 and 19 or four-night breaks between July 19 to 23 are available for £139 per person, against the standard price of £480 for a one-bedroom cottage (two people sharing), again a saving of more than 40 per cent.

Set within the outstanding scenery of the Pembrokeshire National Park, Celtic Haven is a village resort of 26 cottages and houses, overlooking the Atlantic and the monastic island of Caldey.

With comprehensive facilities including West Wales’ only Elemis Premier Spa, sauna, gym, indoor swimming pool, all-weather tennis courts and a nine-hole headland golf course, Celtic Haven is offering savings on accommodation for families and couples able to get away before the summer school holidays.

All properties are equipped to luxury standard with full kitchens, including dishwasher and washing machine, CD stereo, TV, video/DVD player and central heating. And for those wanting a break from self-catering the resort has its own popular Waves Italian restaurant and bar.

For bookings, call 01834 870000 or visit www.celtichaven.co.uk

Further Information
For more information on Celtic Haven, please visit www.celtichaven.co.uk or call 01834 870 000.

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