search
date/time
Lancashire Times
Voice of the North
frontpagebusinessartscarslifestylefamilytravelsportsscitechnaturewhatson
all articlesAfricaAmericasAsiaCruisingDealsEuropeholidaysHotelsLuxuryMiddle Eastshort breaksSkitravel tipsUK
Derry Girls Tour But First Armchair Watching!
To carry us through this wartime of solitude, here’s a novel way to experience all the joys of travel from your own home. The secret? Armchair travel – experiences brought especially to your home to give you that flavour of being abroad. Many benefits of being on the road, that we…
One UK Pound is currently worth:
USD
US Dollar
1.2394031
BTC
Bitcoin
0.00017066
CNH
Chinese Yen Offshore
8.7437
JPY
Japanese Yen
134.977
EUR
Euro
1.13691
AUD
Australian Dollar
1.99765
PHP
Philippine Peso
62.531
Travel-Themed Activities For The Home
Phil Hopkins
Arts & Travel Editor
Whilst your holiday plans are on hold, it doesn’t mean you can’t still indulge your love of exploring the world. Villa Plus, a leading villa holiday provider, shares these five travel-related activities that you and the family can enjoy at home during the Coronavirus lockdown period: 1. Sort and print your…
9:00 AM 6th April 2020
4 x 4 Adventure In Greece
Phil Hopkins
Arts & Travel Editor
Safari Jeep
Off road safaris are being launched across a Greek island by the Elivi Skiathos Hotel. Their start is planned to coincide with the hotel’s seasonal opening this summer, hopefully when the Covid-19 scare has burnt itself out. Guests will then be able to explore the pine-covered island of Skiathos in a 4x4…
9:00 AM 5th April 2020
Singapore Raises The Cleanliness Game
In light of the on-going Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have rolled out the SG Clean quality mark to the tourism and lifestyle sectors. Among the first to be certified are those along the popular Orchard Road shopping belt, which include food and retail…
9:00 AM 7th April 2020
A Message From Jet2.com To NHS Staff
The graphic says it all !…
9:00 AM 4th April 2020
Bag An Overseas Bargain Post Covid-19
As the reality of ‘solitary confinement’ hits home, thousands of people have been left dreaming about their next overseas trip. But for those with a keen eye there are some bargains to be had because ‘lockdown’ won’t be for ever! Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso in Athens is offering travellers 15% off…
6:22 AM 3rd April 2020
See The World From Your Sofa - Idea No 1
While the pause button may have been pressed on globe-trotting for the moment, there are still a multitude of ways to experience the world and all its wonders from the comfort of home. From literature and music, to the latest ingenious technologies facilitating virtual and live remote experiences, the joy of…
9:00 AM 2nd April 2020
‘SealSpotter Challenge’ Reaches Out To Citizen Scientists
Victoria’s Phillip Island Nature Parks has launched its popular annual global SealSpotter Challenge early to provide much-needed entertainment for people at home, as well as to contribute to vital seal research. The island, located just 90 minutes south of Melbourne, in Australia, is home to thousands of fur seals who…
9:00 AM 1st April 2020
Plan For Middle East ‘Riviera’ Revealed
Award-winning French-Belgian architect, Jean-Michel Gathy, has been named as the Master Planner for Saudi Arabia’s new ‘Riviera of the Middle East’ on Amaala Island Representing one of AMAALA’s trio of communities, The Island will be the tranquil home of an exclusive art community, and an Arabic botanical garden filled with sculptural…
7:06 PM 31st March 2020
Internet Cookery South African Style
Renowned as South Africa's legacy wine estate, working farm and lifestyle venue, Boschendal, is operating a staged closure over the coming days in response to the COVID-19 crisis. This includes the estate's award-winning farm-to-fork restaurants and deli. However, to ensure guests don't miss out on the chance to experience their vibrant…
9:00 AM 30th March 2020
The Ultimate In ‘Social Distancing’ Getaways!
Whether you are looking for a secluded stay-cation or a luxurious isolated retreat, we have rounded up a selection of remote destinations. From luxurious villas off the beaten tourist tracks in Greece and Ibiza to a tree house jungle villa in Brazil, a hotel on a private island in the…
9:00 AM 29th March 2020
Marriott Raises Coastal Conservation Bar
Marriott has announced a new programme for 2020 aimed at saving some of the most diverse ecosystems on our planet, coral reefs. Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has collaborated with environmental consultancy, Reefscapers, to develop a tailored marine biology programme that offers guest orientated activities aimed at saving the…
9:00 AM 28th March 2020
Tips For Practising Good Hygiene Whilst Travelling
Phil Hopkins
Arts & Travel Editor
Are you practising the best possible hygiene when you are out and about or travelling? Keeping yourself clean and healthy whilst on the go is essential. Here experts from Vaxxy Travel give seven tips to keep you safe: 1.Wash your hands This is obviously a given, but ensuring you wash your hands…
9:00 AM 27th March 2020
Beddgelert, Brooklyn & Beating Covid-19!
If every cloud has a silver lining then being married to a woman who does not possess a Euro passport comes with its perks: you get shoehorned into discovering the beauty of Wales! And, even better, towards the end of your 72-hour trip, you get to sample the joys of Brooklyn,…
12:36 PM 26th March 2020
Oman! Once Covid-19 Is Done…Time For Middle East Adventure
Looking for a bit of adventure? Somewhere to blow off that pent up energy after months of Corona news overload? Then start preparing for the good times with, perhaps, an adventurous jaunt to the Middle East. But where to stay? Kempinski Hotel Muscat is located between the Gulf of Oman and the…
9:00 AM 26th March 2020
Irish Ferries Adopts ‘Lanyard’ Scheme To Assist Disabled
Irish Ferries has introduced a new scheme across its fleet offering more inclusive travel for passengers with disabilities. The Sunflower Lanyard Scheme, which helps some passengers to travel more independently and with greater ease, also enables crew to readily identify those on-board who may require some extra help, time or…
9:00 AM 23rd March 2020
16 Worldwide Virtual Visits For The Weekend
As 'self-isolation' sweeps the world, institutions across the planet are seeking innovative ways in which to bring culture to your couch. Galleries, museums, zoos and national parks are encouraging virtual visits through tours, interactive art classes and animal cams. See below our top picks of how to get your online…
9:00 AM 22nd March 2020
Princess Cruises - #WEWILLBEBACK
Sky Princess, one of the 18 ships in Princess Cruises' fleet, sends a WeWillBeBack message via its balcony cabins. Last week, Princess stated it was voluntarily pausing its global operations for 60 days in response to the unpredictable circumstances evolving from the global spread of COVID-19. Sky Princess will return to…
1:32 PM 21st March 2020
Desperate Plea From North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Photo: Keith Harris
North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) has launched a crisis appeal to secure its future, just days after announcing a delay in the opening of its 2020 season. The popular tourist attraction, first formed in 1967, is struggling to cope with the effects of COVID-19, currently sweeping the country. Now the line,…
9:00 AM 21st March 2020
Five Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do In Croatia!
Phil Hopkins
Arts & Travel Editor
Think Croatia is just sun, sea and scenery? Think again. Villa Plus, the leading provider of villa holidays, has put together some of the best, lesser-known activities and sites to experience an ‘undiscovered’ Croatia, in its most popular region, Istria. Whizz through a canyon on a zip wire Head to the…
9:00 AM 20th March 2020
Manchester Airport Moves To ‘Single Terminal’ Operation
Terminal One
Manchester Airport has issued the following statement: “Like all airports across the world, Manchester Airport has experienced a significant fall in passenger volumes as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Given this reduction in departing and arriving flights, and the likelihood traffic will decline further, we have taken the decision…
4:00 AM 20th March 2020
Underwater Photography Courses St Lucia
Soufrière sister resorts Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet in St Lucia will host a series of week-long underwater photography courses for budding marine photographers late this year. Running from 25th April – 1st May and 29th August – 5th September 2020 at the resorts’ PADI Five Star dive centre Scuba…
9:00 AM 19th March 2020
Rotana Reassurance – COVID-19
The President and CEO of Rotana Hotels in Abu Dhabi has been quick to reassure holidaymakers that they are doing everything in their power to safeguard the well-being of tourists in the wake of Coronovirus. Guy Hutchinson said: “Given the current concerns regarding the global spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), I felt…
9:00 AM 18th March 2020
Statement from Charlie Cornish, Chief Executive Officer, Manchester Airports Group
“The COVID-19 outbreak has led to a rapid and unprecedented reduction in demand for air travel in and out of the UK, and MAG airports are seeing much lower passenger numbers as a result. “We expect demand to return as the COVID-19 peak passes, but this temporary and dramatic downturn…
9:18 AM 17th March 2020
Daish’s Holidays Makes East Coast Hotel Acquisition
Family owned company, Daish’s Holidays, has acquired Scarborough’s Victorian Esplanade Hotel. Acquiring a property in the area has been one of the company’s key targets for a number of years, after seeing strong demand for a Daish’s facility in the area. The Esplanade Hotel, which overlooks the South Bay, is Daish’s…
9:00 AM 17th March 2020
New Bradford District Visitor Guide Launched
Phil Hopkins
Arts & Travel Editor
A brand new Visitor Guide has been launched to inspire Bradford bound tourists as well as those living, working and studying in the district, to explore the area and make the most of their visits. Twenty thousand of the guides, backed by the Council’s tourism service, Visit Bradford, are being…
9:00 AM 16th March 2020
Top Five New Experiences In Canada's Manitoba
Located within the heart of Canada, bordered by Saskatchewan and Ontario; North Dakota and Minnesota, Manitoba is a multi-cultural hub of exploration and adventure, spanning over 250 square miles. Home to a spectacular variety of wildlife and natural wonders including the northern lights, Churchill is named the polar bear and beluga…
9:00 AM 15th March 2020
Spain On Coronavirus Lockdown. Insights From Our Correspondent
Sharon Cain
Time for Life Correspondent
Clouds of uncertainty hang over residential areas. Images by Steve Hare
Following 193 deaths and over 6000 coronavirus infections, Spain - the second worst-hit country in Europe after Italy - is in lockdown for an initial 15 days. In a televised announcement to the public, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has said the population of over 47 million people must not leave their…
3:57 AM 15th March 2020
Manchester - Exeter Flights To Continue
Channel Islands-based Blue Islands has announced that it will operate multiple daily flights between Manchester and Exeter as the regional airline continues to maintain essential regional connectivity. Rob Veron, CEO Blue Islands said, “We understand the importance of regional connectivity, with 120,000 passengers flying between Manchester and Exeter in 2019 we…
9:00 AM 14th March 2020
Scenic Group Suspends River Cruises
The Scenic Group (Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises) has today announced it will temporarily suspend all river cruise operations until 30 April 2020, as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Glen Moroney, Scenic Group owner said:“With the news of increasing virus cases in countries around…
3:00 PM 13th March 2020
Thames Tourists Get COVID-19 Promise From City Cruises
City Cruises, the leading operator of passenger services on the River Thames, has announced a new degree of flexibility with regards to booking tickets. Whilst the outbreak of COVID-19 is affecting the UK, all customers who have booked any experience with City Cruises including ThamesJet – the 50 minute…
11:25 AM 13th March 2020
Hotel Opens Shepherd’s Hut & Launches Star Gazing Telescopes!
Grasmere’s newest overnight stay, The Victorian House Hotel, has opened its doors offering discerning guests the opportunity to star gaze or stay in its riverside Shepherd’s Hut complete with patio doors, bath and heated towel rail! The team behind London’s Georgian House Hotel in Pimlico, is also behind this ‘country cousin’…
9:00 AM 13th March 2020
Saga Stands Cruises Down Until May
Saga has suspended operations of its cruises until 1st May following updated travel advice from the Government advising people over 70 and those with pre-existing health conditions against cruise ship travel at this time. The company statement says: “The health and safety of customers and colleagues is our number one priority.…
2:00 AM 13th March 2020
OMMA God! Bespoke Vacations In Santorini
Phil Hopkins
Arts & Travel Editor
Boutique hotel, OMMA Santorini – perched high in the Greek village of Imerovigli and overlooking the Aegean Sea – enters its second season this summer with a bespoke offering that is guaranteed to satisfy the needs of the most demanding of travellers! What’s New? This year you can choose the type of…
4:33 AM 12th March 2020
La Manga Club: Sporting And Leisure Excellence With Sunshine Twist
Sharon Cain
Time for Life Correspondent
La Manga Club
An oasis of palm trees, manicured gardens basking in streaming sunshine and verdant green pitches with tranquil water features bowled us over as soon as we stepped foot in the world-renowned La Manga Club. A haven from Britain’s howling gales - we instantly knew why the resort, which marks its…
10:08 AM 11th March 2020
Balearics - In The Palma Of Your Hand This Spring
Phil Hopkins
Arts & Travel Editor
Spring is the perfect time to visit Palma, the capital of the Balearics. Much like the almond trees that dot the surrounding countryside, Palma blooms and comes to life between April and May. There is glorious weather and a plethora of festivals celebrating the changing of the seasons and the…
9:00 AM 11th March 2020
Handel, Hendrix & James Bond Martinis!
Phil Hopkins
Arts & Travel Editor
Dukes London
If it wasn’t for the fact that Dukes London in Mayfair is probably one of the most luxurious hotels of its type in the capital, with a pedigree dating back to 1532, you might be forgiven for thinking that a slightly tipsy tradesman had been over indulging on the Martinis…
10:09 AM 10th March 2020
Two Day Saga ‘Moor’ Than Enough
Saga’s new ship Spirit of Discovery features four immersive overnight calls during the once-in-a-lifetime South America: A Grand Voyage sailing on January 6, 2021. Sailing from Southampton, the cruise offers guests the chance to explore the contrasting destinations of Manaus and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil; Stanley in the Falkland…
9:00 AM 10th March 2020
The Saga Of The Two Stans!
Explore the ‘Stans’ on Saga’s new Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan tour of Central Asian cities, mountains, canyons and historic sites – including a mausoleum dedicated to a tragic lover. Guests on the 10-night tour will learn about the culture and customs of the region while visiting a village offering a taste of…
9:00 AM 9th March 2020
Buenos Aires’ Emerging Neighbourhoods
Part of Buenos Aires’ enormous appeal is the incredible diversity of its neighbourhoods, or ‘barrios’, each of which offer a unique flavour. As a vibrant city where the only constant is change, new arrivals mix with rich history and tradition, and latest must-visit areas emerge. To help visitors stay ahead of…
9:00 AM 8th March 2020
Three River Cruises For History Buffs
From temples and museums to gorgeous castles and UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, explore some of the world's most interesting places via the rivers Rhine, Danube and Nile. With a new historically rich destination to explore almost every day along with knowledgeable tour guides, these Emerald Waterways cruises are perfect for those…
9:00 AM 7th March 2020
Save And Rescue Flybe Says Pilots Association
The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA), which represents the pilots of Flybe, has made contact with the company’s administrators to explore which parts of the airline can be rescued. Flybe performed an important function connecting the nations and regions of the UK, providing employment and an economic stimulus in many…
3:00 PM 6th March 2020
Airport Jobs Fair – March 12th
More than 1,000 roles at Manchester Airport will be available to jobseekers at the Northern hub’s annual Jobs Fair this month. Around 25 employers will be represented at the event, which will be hosted at the Emirates Old Trafford cricket stadium on Thursday 12 March from 10am – 3pm. In…
9:00 AM 6th March 2020
BA ‘Confidence’ Boost For LBA & Manchester Passengers
Phil Hopkins
Arts & Travel Editor
British Airways is leading the way as the first UK airline to waive its change fee, giving customers the flexibility to delay travel that is booked during the next two weeks. The new approach also applies to BA passengers flying out of Leeds Bradford and Manchester Airports either directly to their…
9:00 AM 5th March 2020
Fred Olsen - COVID-19 Booking Reassurance Guarantee
"We understand and appreciate that some of our guests might be worried about booking a cruise or travelling right now. "That’s why, when you book a cruise for 2020 or a cruise included in our new Worldwide brochure for 2021 and 2022, your booking will be covered with our 'Booking Reassurance…
10:00 AM 4th March 2020
Viva New Build Ship Launches June 2021
River cruise specialist, VIVA Cruises, is currently building its first ship to join the company’s 10-strong fleet in June 2021. Featuring hybrid technology, 95 cabins and suites, three different restaurants and numerous amenities, Viva One will journey along the Danube during its maiden voyage, travelling from Frankfurt to the picturesque…
12:00 AM 4th March 2020
Princess Cruises Launches £1 Deposit Day This Week
Princess Cruises is giving holidaymakers the chance to secure a cruise for just a £1 deposit per person - for one day only - on March 5, 2020. The offer applies to all destinations and all ships with cruises departing on or after June 1, 2020. Princess sails to over 380…
9:00 AM 3rd March 2020
Captivating Croatia On The North's Doorstep!
Croatia is one of the rising stars this summer and tour operator, Jet2holidays, has a range of fantastic deals out of Leeds Bradford and Manchester Airports. Here’s a taste: Dubrovnik: Best known as a key filming location for Game of Thrones, this medieval city lies at the southernmost tip of Croatia and…
9:00 AM 2nd March 2020
Delhi Delight -Manchester Airport’s Direct Route To Indian Capital
The North’s ties with one of the world’s most important economies have been significantly strengthened by news that Manchester Airport has secured a direct service to Delhi, the capital of India. Virgin Atlantic will fly from the UK’s Northern gateway to Delhi three times a week, starting on 26th October…
9:00 AM 1st March 2020
Eco Hotel Promotes Rwanda’s Ongoing Revival
More than a quarter of a century on from its infamous genocide, Rwanda is well down the path of reconciliation and, these days, as much focussed on preserving its natural beauty as it is re-uniting its people. Wilderness Safaris’ Magashi Camp, situated in north-eastern Akagera National Park, is strongly rooted in…
9:00 AM 28th February 2020
Culinary & Taster Cruises From Scenic
Phil Hopkins
Arts & Travel Editor
As the interest in culinary travel grows, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours has launched two new culinary cruises sailing in France from April 2021. In addition, for those ‘new-to-cruising’, the brand has introduced a five-day mini-cruise along the Danube. Sailing between Vienna and Budapest, the new itinerary will allow guests to…
9:00 AM 26th February 2020
more