Belfast City Guide

Posted on September 12, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

If you have never been to Belfast before and are planning to go then you will be in for a treat…

Belfast Facts

A thriving city which always has something going on: Belfast is the largest city in Northern Ireland.

Belfast may be a small city but it is big on excitement.

There is a population of only 286,000 in the city of Belfast but what it lacks in size and population it more than makes up for in history, events and fun things to do.

First Thoughts on Belfast

Your first impressions of the city is just how beautiful it is. The accent of the resident will also leave an impression. The Irish accent is know to be beautiful and lyrical, as is the friendliness of the Irish people.

Then there will be so much stuff to do that you won’t know where to start.

If you are a Game of Thrones fan then you are certainly in for a treat as the hit fantasy TV show is filmed in Belfast and the rest of Ireland.

You can take a tour of Titanic Studios in Belfast where it is filmed. You can also take a Game of Thrones location tour and get a picture of yourself sitting on the throne.

For something else that will also inspire a high amount of awe you might want to go for some real-life history and see the Titanic Belfast. Titanic Belfast is the largest Titanic visitor experience in the world. It is situated right beside the real historical site where the world’s most famous doomed ship was constructed. The 6-floor building will also have all of the information you could ever need to know about the Titanic, from her construction to the very tragic end.

Because there is so much to do in Belfast and you will be surprised at just how amazing the city is, the best thing to do is to sort out your accommodation first. Find a good hotel from Hotel Direct before you leave so you can just relax and enjoy the rest of your visit. After you have dropped your stuff off the first thing you should do is grab a guinness. A trip to Ireland is not fully complete until you have tried this famous beverage.

Whats happening in Belfast?

There are also a number of festivals that happen in Belfast throughout the year.

Check ahead before you leave and you won’t miss out.

Festivals range from Red Bull Music Weekend, Sound of Belfast and the Belfast Restaurant Week.

You can take your pick depending on when you visit but there is usually at least a few great festivals or events running in the city. Catch some live music and you might hear the next big thing. A lot of famous artist have come our of Northern Ireland like Snow Patrol, Ash, Van Morrison, Therapy?, The Divine Comedy and The Undertones.

What about food?

You will also have a good choice when it comes to eating out.

There is a substantial amount of good restaurants in Belfast. Try and have a traditional dish like Irish Stew, Colcannon (a traditional Irish dish which generally consists of mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage) or soda bread.

Family fun

There is also plenty of things to do for families. The Belfast Zoo is a good place to start and the W5 interactive science museum will have hours of educational fun to entertain you and your children. For the more sporty and energetic there is the T13 Urban Sports Academy.

Here there is a good range of exciting and sporty things to do: BMX, skateboarding, kick scooter, break dancing, urban art and DJing. Rather handy, the T13 Urban Sports Academy is opposite the Titanic Belfast. So you can catch both star attractions on the same day if you have time.

All in all, Belfast is a wonderful place to visit, not only will it make a good first impression on you, but it will also leave a good lasting one, with wonderful memories and an urge to go back again and again. What are you waiting for?

Langshott Manor Review | Travel

Posted on September 11, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

After our recent marriage my new husband and I spent a wonderful bank holiday weekend at Langshott Manor which we booked via http://secretescapes.com. It was a truly wonderful 16th-century Elizabethan manor house in Surrey. We got a good rate and it included breakfast and a five-course tasting menu.

This is what http://secretescapes.com said:

A 16th-century Elizabethan manor house, complete with red brick walls, casement windows and an ancient moat, Langshott Manor is a real boutique gem. Set within three acres of secret garden near Horley in the heart of sleepy Surrey, you’re just an hour’s drive from the Big Smoke. Slip on your Hunter wellies and get ready for a decidedly stylish country retreat.

The refurbished Mulberry Restaurant is full of nooks and crannies to hide away in. Packed with original features, it has a cosy fireplace and views out across the pristine gardens. The menu is both refined and hearty, with plenty of home-grown produce and local ingredients.

Good to know

Please note that check-in is at 4pm ad check-out is at 11am.

The restaurant’s dress code is smart-casual, which excludes trainers, sportswear and ripped denim.

We like

The quirky original features in this grand 16th century Elizabethan manor house

The re-invented Mulberry Restaurant where you can have fabulous gourmet dishes and afternoon tea

Walking through the grounds to discover the ancient moat and beyond, tranquil countryside

We were very impressed with the food, the service and our room. The grounds were beautiful and relaxing. Ducks played in a pond and even came right up to the restaurant. They were completely adorable. Our room had a four poster bed, a hall and a beautiful bathroom. The food truly is first-class, as good as anything in the best restaurants in London.

We had a wonderful time. Upon checking out we noticed the service charges were quite a lot but, to be fair, the service is impeccable. The papers are not free and will be added to your bill. The nearest train station is Horley. You could take a taxi to the manor house and it won’t cost much. It is also possible to walk as long as you have a good sense of direction or GPS on your phone.

My husband and I have become quite obsessed with http://secretescapes.com since we booked out mini moon and are already working on our next trip.

Top Ten Downtonesque Destinations

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

To celebrate the return of Downton Abbey, here is the Top Ten Downton Abbey style places to stay. Sigh.

1. Rushton Hall Hotel and Spa: Kettering, Northamptonshire

From £119 / per room per night from Secretescapes.com (saving £61 / per room per night)

The Grade I listed Rushton Hall Hotel and Spa is so grand and packed full of original features that guests could easily imagine they’re living the Downton Abbey dream. The magnificent 16th century building is surrounded by 25 acres of beautiful grounds, with a large lake, croquet lawn and tennis court, making for the perfect country escape. Having been awarded four coveted red stars and three rosettes for dining, the hotel itself features a gourmet restaurant, a full sized billiard table and the Stable Yard Spa – which has its own indoor swimming pool, fitness room and indulgent range of treatments on offer.

Offer includes accommodation in a superior room, full English breakfast and a 10% discount on treatments at the spa and on dinner in the restaurant. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

2. Melville Castle: Edinburgh, Scotland
From £99 / per room per night (saving £66 / per room per night)

Standing within 50 acres of beautiful woodland, Melville Castle is an 18th-century country house hotel just 20 minutes from Edinburgh. With original features, gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape and luxurious rooms, even Lady Violet wouldn’t have much to complain about in this historic four-star castle. Stylishly decorated with traditional touches throughout, guests can throw themselves into the Grantham lifestyle, engaging in countryside activities like clay pigeon shooting, horse riding and falconry.

Offer includes accommodation in a Classic Double room, cooked breakfast, complimentary afternoon tea for two and complimentary late check-out. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

3. Peckforton Castle: Tarporley, Cheshire
From £125 / per room per night (saving £90 / per room per night)

Boasting stunning vistas across the Cheshire plains and a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2014, the dramatic Peckforton Castle combines regal charm with modern luxury to create an exclusive four-star retreat with a real touch of enchantment. With a range of gung-ho country activities like falconry and land rover experiences, guests will feel like Lord and Lady of Manor from the moment they pass through the drawbridge.

Offer includes accommodation in a Classic room, breakfast and two-course dinner in the brasserie and 30% discount on pre-booked spa treatments. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

4. The Ickworth Hotel: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
From £149 / per room per night (saving £86 / per room per night)

The Ickworth Hotel is situated in the grounds of the grand Ickworth stately home, a National Trust property which dates back to the early 1700s and is one of the most unusual and spectacular country mansions in Britain. It’s easy to imagine the Earl of Grantham strolling down the magnificent corridors while the girls take a stroll in the stunning landscaped gardens. Guests can explore the grounds on foot or on the hotel’s bikes and can access the exclusive Italianate gardens out of hours.

Offer includes accommodation in a Standard room, full English breakfast and three-course dinner. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

5. De Vere Slaley Hall Hotel: Hexham, Northumberland
From £109 / per room per night (saving £65 / per room per night)

The serene grounds at De Vere Slalely Hall are just 40 minutes from the centre of Newcastle and offer one of the country’s most spectacular golf settings, featuring green championship fairways and bordered by beautiful woodland. The stately hotel also boasts a wide selection of restaurants and bars, including a stylish brasserie and a cosy whisky snug. There’s also an exclusive spa offering Germaine de Capuccini treatments, as well as a gym and a 20-metre pool, offering guests the ultimate luxury experience.

Offer includes accommodation in a standard room, breakfast and a two-course table d’hote menu dinner per person, a complimentary bottle of wine in the room upon arrival, full use of leisure facilities, 25% discount on any spa treatments booked directly and 20% discount on spa retail products. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

6. Walton Hall: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
From £114 / per unit per night (saving £103 / per room per night)

Constructed as the ancestral home of the Mordaunt family, the 16th-century Walton Hall served for centuries as a high society residence before its recent multi-million pound restoration, which has transformed it into a luxury hotel with 65 acres of parkland. It boasts the two time AA rosette awarded Moncreiffe Restaurant, in addition to a spa and wellness centre, which includes a fitness suite, aerobics studio, indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room. Walton Hall is the perfect spot for enjoying a leisurely getaway full of countryside walks and provides an excellent base for exploring nearby Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick.

Offer includes accommodation in a premium room, full English breakfast, three-course set menu dinner on first night, a bottle of house wine with dinner, afternoon tea, use of leisure facilities and late check-out until 1pm. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

7. Danesfield House Hotel & Spa: Marlow-On-Thames, Buckinghamshire
From £149 / per room per night (saving £75 / per room per night)

A turreted white country house framed by crisp landscaped gardens, the Danesfield House Hotel & Spa sits pretty in the Buckinghamshire countryside, just a few miles from Marlow and the regal town of Henley-on-Thames. With two restaurants and a multi-award-winning spa, this cool retreat has an indoor pool, a gym and a range of luxury treatments. The restaurant is run by chef Billy Reid, and the Orangery has a gourmet menu to rival Mrs Patmore’s culinary delights, with spectacular views down to the River Thames.

Offer includes accommodation in a Standard room, full English breakfast and 20% off all spa treatments. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

8. Stapleford Park: Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
From £149 / per room per night (saving £62 / per room per night)

It’s easy to imagine the Granthams entertaining at Stapleford Park, one of the finest stately houses in the country. Few hotels could match the aristocratic grandeur of this sprawling Leicestershire pile, with its maze-like gardens, a resident falconer and even a few sheep, making this landmark property the perfect English escape. In addition to its high-ceilinged rooms, open fires and antique furnishings, Stapleford Park boasts a genteel restaurant, a championship 18-hole golf course and a luxurious Clarins Gold Spa, with a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

Offer includes accommodation in a manor room, full English breakfast, unlimited access to the spa and leisure facilities, 25% off any spa treatments booked directly with hotel and late checkout. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

9. Ston Easton Park: Ston Easton, Somerset
From £119 / per room per night (saving £107 / per room per night)

A Grade I listed building dating back to the 18th Century, Ston Easton sits quietly on a 36-acre estate in the Mendip Hills, in sleepy Somerset. Classical landscaped gardens feature a crumbling grotto fountain, a historic ice house, romantic Palladian bridges, an original Saloon and a scattering of ancient wells. This is a place designed around indulgence, with spacious, elegant bedrooms, in-room spa treatments and the celebrated Sorrel Restaurant which uses fresh ingredients straight from the Victorian kitchen garden and fine vintage wines.

Offer includes accommodation in a Superior room and full English breakfast. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

10. De Vere Oulton Hall Hotel: Leeds, West Yorkshire
From £100 / per room per night (saving £79 / per room per night)

De Vere Oulton Hall sits within its own 300-hectare estate, featuring sweeping entrance, high ceilings lit by glass chandeliers, marble floors and landscaped gardens. The dining is AA Rosette awarded and presents a range of dignified spaces, from the gourmet restaurant’s dining room to the champagne bar and the swanky drawing room. Guests may hide away for the day at the spa and indulge in an Espa spa treatment or take a round on the 27-hole golf complex with its own Nike Golf Academy, a practice range and a spectacular setting.

Offer includes two-night stay in a Standard room, breakfast, three-course meal from the set menu in the Claret Jug restaurant on the first night of the stay, full use of leisure facilities, 25% off spa treatments (subject to availability and must be booked at the time of reservation) and 20% off spa retail products (minimum spend of £20). Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

Things To See: The Eiffel Tower | Travel

Posted on May 15, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

I have to start this piece by saying that the Eiffel Tower has a special place in my heart, as just over a year ago my fiancé whisked me away to Paris and proposed to me. After his proposal we went to the Eiffel Tower. Before I saw the Eiffel Tower for the first time I always thought it would be long and thin. In fact, the Eiffel Tower is huge, both in height and girth. It is so vast and impressive that it is impossible to not feel just a little insignificant in it’s shadow. It is easy to see why the Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous attractions in the world, and is seen in countless movies and television shows.

Even more shocking and surprising is that this genius of architecture and human ability is now 125 years old. How they had the technology and ability to do this 125 years ago always makes me wondrously impressed. It took 300 workers, 18,038 pieces of wrought iron, 2.5 million rivets, 10,000 tons, 984.25 feet high and two years, two months, and five days of construction to complete. Not bad at all.

Photo credit: Catherine Balavage

The Eiffel Tower is a must see, especially if you live in Europe as it is so easy to get to Paris. Especially on the Eurostar. And there are many amazing and reasonable priced hotels near the Eiffel Tower which can be found through Hotel Direct After getting over my general awe of just how huge both the base of the tower, and the height was, we went all of the way to the top. I even went out into the balcony at the very top. It was a little scary but I did not want to pass up the opportunity. The view of Paris from the top is absolutely amazing and it is quite an adrenaline rush.

In it’s 125-year history more than 250 million people have visited the Eiffel Tower, making it the most-visited paid monument in the world. Here are some more facts:

The view from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Photo credit: Catherine Balavage

The Eiffel Tower is more than one colour. It is darker at the top and lighter at the bottom to counteract atmospheric perspective. It is also painted every seven years to protect the tower from rust. Fifty to sixty tons of paint is needed to paint the entire tower.

The Eiffel Tower was meant to be taken down after twenty years. In the end the French military and the French government used it for radio, and later tele, communications. When the towers permit expired in 1909, the City of Paris renewed it indefinitely.

The people of Paris originally hated the Eiffel Tower. Parisians thought it was an eyesore and newspapers received angry letters saying it didn’t fit into the feel of the city. Apparently, novelist Guy de Maupassant hated the tower but ate at its restaurant everyday. When people asked him why he said it was because it was the only place in Paris where he couldn’t see it.

The Eiffel Tower changes height. Because it is made with wrought iron the metal expands when exposed to heat. This increases the towers height by 6.75 inches.

The Eiffel Tower was the tallest building in the world until 1930 when New York City’s Chrysler Building rose up to 1,046 feet

Apparently, the Eiffel Tower wasn’t the brainchild of Gustav Eiffel. It was his senior engineers Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier who designed the tower. Gustav Eiffel sent the engineers to the head of the company’s architectural department, Stephen Sauvestre. After Sauvestre’s edits, Eiffel finally got behind the plans and he also bought the right to the patent.

The Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France

Read our Paris In Instagram Pictures pieces for more great things to do in Paris.

A Day In Bloomsbury | Travel & London Gems

Posted on April 7, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Out of all of the boroughs in London, Bloomsbury is one that holds a special place in my heart. It is a classy, beautiful borough with a very special touch, an air of sophistication and lots of great independent shops. It also has culture at The British Museum.

We headed to Store Street to eat, drink and be merry.

Our first stop was The Life Goddess for lunch.

The Life Goddess is an amazing Greek deli which also sells lots of amazing Greek produce. We started with an amazing platter which had lots of great dips, cheese, olives and vegetables. (a tomato is actually a fruit but you get my point), and then for mains we had Roasted Vegetables in a light tomato sauce and a pork belly with potatoes in an amazing sauce. We didn’t have time for dessert as we had to head to The British Museum. The food was good and reasonably priced.

We also had some really good white wine and a rosé. We really liked The Life Goddess. It has great food and a relaxed atmosphere. I would also recommend the Life Goddess for vegetarians. The platters are great and the roasted vegetables dish I had was amazing. And that is coming from a carnivore.

29 Store St, London WC1E 7BS
020 7637 2401, @TheLifeGoddess

Beyond El Dorado exhibition at the British Museum.

I love the British Museum and was very excited to go to the Beyond El Dorado exhibition. With 200 artifacts from Bogota’s ‘Museum of Gold’, it was more bling than Jay-Z, Beyonce, Elizabeth Taylor and J-Lo combined. El Dorado means– literally “the golden one” and the magpie in me was in heaven. The exhibition was brilliant, if a little busy. People were queuing round the block. (which isn’t a complaint as art should be seen by as many people as possible)

The exhibition is full of wonderful models and masks made of gold and wonderful literature to read on the walls. This is an eye-opening exhibition not just because of the objects on display, but also because of all of the facts, videos and information. The connection of gold and cocaine (mixed with lime!) in Colombia was also interesting. It would seem decadence was the order of the day in ancient Colombia and we were rather shocked but glad to have had a glimpse of it.

We also managed to catch a glimpse of the Rosetta Stone. Something no one should go to London without seeing at least once.

Next up was dinner at Busaba Eathai.

It is quite shameful that we had never eaten at Busaba Eathai before, and, jeez, had we missed out. The food is amazing, the drinks are amazing and the entire place is first-rate. The manager was knowledgeable, friendly, generous, funny and was known and liked by a large amount of the diners. There was a lot of regulars.

We started off with the selection below. Yes, started. One of Busaba Eathai‘s most popular dishes is the Thai Calamari with ginger and peppercorn. It’s the one at the top of the picture. It’s amazing. One of the best calamari dishes I have ever had. We also had fishcakes (yummy and with a great sauce), pandan leaf chicken which falls apart when you open the leaf and a great yellow bean dish which had a good kick to it.

Our mains were equally amazing, I had a curry that was specifically made milder for me. For drinks we also had one of the best prosecco’s I have ever had, an good beer and excellent non-alcoholic cocktails. I had an amazing Grapefruit mojito with vanilla, mint, lime and chilli.

Busaba Eathai is a brilliant restaurant and I will join their large following of regular customers. It is also possible to have a great meal without blowing your budget here. There are many branches in London so check out their website below.

We finished with tea and biscuits.

@busabaeathai

http://busaba.com/

Address: 22 Store St, London WC1E 7DF

Phone:020 7299 7900

We were incredibly impressed with how beautiful Store Street was. You can spend an entire day there, eating well and taking in the atmosphere, along with some boutique shopping. A real London gem.

Other places to check out on Store Street are One Alfred Place, Frost’s first ever restaurant review (oh, the nostalgia) and the Store Street Gallery.

@storestreetwc1

What do you think?

Fresh Therapies Natural Nail Polish Remover Review

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

I absolutely love natural products. When it comes to nail polish remover I wasn’t expecting anyone to come up with a natural solution, but I am very happy they did. Nail polish remover in particular smells pretty awful. I always cannot help wondering what the hell is in it and whether it is damaging me.

So does this natural nail polish from Fresh Therapies actually work? Thankfully yes, as I was really rooting for it. Even better is that you can buy sachet wipes that do all 10 nails. They really work and are perfect for traveling. Frankly the idea is so genius I have no idea why no one has thought of it before. I will be stocking up.

This is the UK’s first natural nail polish remover and it has a milder natural formula and the smell has a slight hint of lime. I think this will be my nail polish remover of choice from now on. It works, smells great and is much better for my nails and the environment. The travel wipes are one of my favourite beauty buys of 2014. Great stuff.

A great way to remove your nail polish naturally. It has no harsh chemicals or toxins and is so much safer for the health of your nails as well as the environment

Great for people like me who have sensitive skin or allergies. It does not strip some of the natural oils away from your nails or cuticles as some conventional removers do, which in turn can lead to your nails becoming dry, dehydrated, weak and brittle.

It is not tested on animals and is also suitable for vegans, winning Best Beauty Vegan Product 2013. Beating the likes of Lush Cosmetics to the prize!

The 50ml Glass bottle can be purchased for £8.99 and the Box of 10 individual sachet wipes retail

£7.99. Both can be purchased from www.freshtherapies.com

A mini sample can be obtained from the website too. UK residents only

Everything You Need to Know About Retiring Abroad

Posted on February 3, 2014 by Ella Mason

So, you’re thinking of leaving the UK to retire? A new life at a new pace. Sounds great. But consider all the issues. The friends and family you’ll leave behind. The fact that no climate is ideal, no place perfect. The upheaval involved. The home comforts you’ll miss.

Still set on it? Well, this quick guide will help make sure you’ve got everything covered.

Choosing a place to live

If you’ve set your heart on a place to settle down, go and visit several times, at different times of the year. Get a feel for the place. And make sure you view the properties in person, not just over the internet.

Buying property overseas

Foreign exchanges companies, such as World First, can help you make the most of your money if you’re buying property abroad to retire, or want an overseas investment property.

They transfer money from your home bank account to your overseas account, and if you’re selling, they can send money in the other direction. It’s worth considering forward contracts where you can fix a rate for a point in the future or explore currency options that enable you to benefits from rate changes in your favour.

Your pension

If you qualify for a UK state pension, you can claim it wherever you live. The money can be paid into a UK bank or directly into an overseas account in the local currency. Private pensions can be transferred from a home account to a foreign bank, and by using a broker you’ll tend to get a better rate, and save on fees.

Paying tax

If you move abroad for good, your income tax liability moves with you. But you may still have UK tax to pay on investment or rental income in the UK. Pension income is normally taxed in your country of residence. They are not taxed twice, but may push your other income into a higher overseas tax band. Income from savings is generally taxable in your country of residence. Once you’re resident overseas, you’ll need to check whether you’re liable for capital gains tax.

Healthcare

This is an important consideration. You may get NHS-style free healthcare depending on where you retire, but in the United States, for example, medical insurance is essential. South Africa is another place where you’ll take to take out cover. Healthcare payments may also be required in France, Spain and Italy.

For more information about retiring in a new country, visit Retirement UK

Pitchup.com Launches Interactive Tour de France Map

Posted on January 14, 2014 by Frostie

Follow the Tour de France route and stay in holiday parks and campsites along the way using Pitchup.com’s new interactive route planner
Outdoor accommodation specialist Pitchup.com is gearing up for this year’s Tour de France with a new interactive Tour route planner on its website. The planner details the 2,000-mile route the Tour de France will take, as well as a comprehensive list of bookable campsites, holiday parks and lodges for every stage of the race.

The route planner covers all 20 stages of the Tour, beginning with the Grand Départ in North Yorkshire, on Saturday July 5, right through to the finish at Périgueux, on Saturday, July 26.

The interactive planner is in the form of a map, with the Tour route stages clearly marked. Users can click the map anywhere along the route to find details of each stage, the dates they take place, the nearby towns and the route itself. Clicking on the map will also give details of up to 10 nearby holiday parks and campsites along the way, which can be booked on Pitchup.com.
Users simply need to click the name to go to its listing page, add in the dates they want to stay, pick their accommodation and book – all done!
The map also has a ‘Find out more’ section for a lowdown of other attractions in the vicinity.
Stage No 1: Leeds/Harrogate. Saturday July 5

Campsite directly on the route – £12 per person per night

Spen House is a family-run site in the village of Minskip, two miles from Boroughbridge, near Harrogate, North Yorkshire and is directly on the Tour de France route. Bookings are coming in quick, but there is still plenty of space on the farm’s second field, for caravans, motorhomes and tents not requiring electricity. The owners will charge batteries at no cost. Dogs are welcome and there’s an off-lead exercise area. There is a combined shower/toilet block with hairdryer and shaver sockets, ladies-only shower, separate washing-up area with hot water and a fridge/freezer for campers’ use.

Price: £72 per pitch for three nights (July 4-7), based on two adults, which works out at £12 per person per night.

Stage No 20: Périgueux. Saturday July 26

Holiday lodge with swimming pool and breakfast delivery – from £19 per person per night.

Camping L’Hermitage des 4 Saisons is set in four acres of countryside, surrounded by the forest and farmlands of Périgord Vert in the Dordogne, 13 miles from the Tour de France’s finish town, Périgueux. Accommodation is in two-bedroom holiday lodges, which sleep up to six. There’s a swimming pool, jacuzzi, pétanque court, table tennis, archery and pony rides on site. During high season the owners organise Perigoudin meals, barbecues and local produce tasting sessions. As an added bonus, breakfast is delivered to your door.

Price: Two weeks in a two-bedroom lodge for four people costs £1,069 (£133.75 per person per week/£19 per person per night).

Frost Magazine

Books and Lifestyle

Tag Archives: travel

Belfast City Guide

Langshott Manor Review | Travel

We like

Top Ten Downtonesque Destinations

Things To See: The Eiffel Tower | Travel

A Day In Bloomsbury | Travel & London Gems

Fresh Therapies Natural Nail Polish Remover Review

Everything You Need to Know About Retiring Abroad

Pitchup.com Launches Interactive Tour de France Map

Share this:

We like

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: