search
date/time
Lancashire Times
A Voice of the Free Press
frontpagebusinessartscarslifestylefamilytravelsportsscitechnaturefictionCartoons
No cookies. No tracking. No advertising.
all articlesAfricaAmericasAsiaCruisingDealsEuropeholidaysHotelsLuxuryMiddle EastShort breaksSkiSPAtravel tipsUK
Hang On A Minute Lads – I’ve Got A Great Idea!
Got a passion for speed? A love of luxury? Maybe you are a devotee of that iconic British film The Italian Job in which some of the finest millionaire resorts in the world made it to the silverscreen? Well, if driving is your thing, a glass of Beaujolais is your number one choice, or the sweeping views of the Italian Alps lights your fire then look no further than Ultimate Driving Tours (UDT).
One UK Pound is currently worth:
USD
US Dollar
1.41156
BTC
Bitcoin
0.00002849
CNH
Chinese Yen Offshore
9.0784
JPY
Japanese Yen
153.956
EUR
Euro
1.15847
AUD
Australian Dollar
1.82289
PHP
Philippine Peso
67.558
Short breaks
Trio of Train Operators Combine Forces To Promote Lakes
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
For the first time ever, all three train companies operating to and within Cumbria have joined forces on a new high-profile marketing campaign to highlight the ease of car free travel to the destination.
9:35 AM 22nd March 2025
The Best UK Locations For Astro Tourism
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
Snowdonia in Wales ranks as the best spot in the UK. Interlaken in Switzerland is the best place worldwide for astro-tourism. 28% of travellers are planning to visit dark sky reserves in 2025
1:00 AM 22nd March 2025
Top Five Famous Film Locations In Cumbria
Image by Pete from Pixabay
Cumbria is a haven of picturesque mountains and expansive lakes, making it a highly sought-after location for filming a variety of different blockbuster films.
1:00 AM 22nd March 2025
holidays
Lambing Experience at Cumbria’s Garden of Eden
Make the most of the Easter holidays with a stay at Augill Castle in Cumbria, this April, where families can not only enjoy great food and fresh air in the beautiful countryside setting of Eden Valley, but also enjoy a lambing experience.
1:00 AM 20th March 2025
Cruising
Fred Returns To Newcastle
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has returned to Newcastle, offering a selection of sailings throughout spring and summer to destinations including Norway, Portugal, Spain, Scotland, France and the Mediterranean. The arrival also marks the first time Fred.
9:12 AM 18th March 2025
The Careful Restoration Of The King’s Arms – Honouring Tradition
The King’s Arms in Hawkshead has long been a cherished part of the local community—a traditional coaching inn with centuries of stories woven into its walls. The recent renovation and restoration project is proceeding with the utmost care, ensuring that the historic charm and character of this beloved pub are not only preserved but lovingly enhanced.
1:20 PM 17th March 2025
Europe
Soccer Training Sardinia Style With Premier Stars
Chia Laguna Resort, on the picturesque south coast of Sardinia, reaffirms itself as a favoured holiday destination this year, with the launch of a series of Campioni Soccer Academies hosted by former Premier League stars. 2025 also sees the return of the Juventus Resort Experience and GZ19 Football Academy.
1:00 AM 16th March 2025
Canal & River Trust Publishes New North West Places To Visit Guide To Inspire Great Days Out By The Water This Easter
The UK’s largest canal charity the Canal & River Trust has published a new free guide to Places to Visit in the North West, with maps, information about visitor facilities and free activities, and ways to get the most out of visiting the region’s canals and rivers.
1:00 AM 15th March 2025
Africa
Groundbreaking Adventure Tours From Native Eye
Some of what’s claimed to be the most ground-breaking small group adventure tours on the planet, are being offered by Native Eye, the specialist in unusual destinations. And many of them introduce travellers to tribal cultures as they make their way to areas where tourism is either unheard of or still in its infancy.
1:00 AM 14th March 2025
Deals
Cracking Easter Breaks From LBA
The Easter break is just around the corner and, with two whole weeks off school, it’s the perfect time to book a last-minute break with the family. Here, Leeds Bradford Airport has rounded up some egg-citing deals to help you enjoy a fun-filled family break during the school hols! Beachside Bliss in Benidorm 5 nights, All Inclusive, £345 per person, departing Tuesday 8th April.
1:00 AM 12th March 2025
Europe
First Look At New Leeds Bradford Airport Terminal Expansion
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has released new visuals to showcase its transformative £100 million terminal expansion. The major redevelopment, set to be completed in time for this year’s summer holiday season, is designed to elevate the passenger experience while reinforcing the airport’s commitment to sustainability and regional economic growth.
1:00 AM 10th March 2025
Uncover Bowland's Beauty: The 2025 Discover Bowland Guide Awaits
The Forest of Bowland National Landscape team is excited to announce the launch of its 2025 ‘Discover Bowland’ Guide. This essential guide is perfect for anyone looking to make the most of their time in Bowland, whether you are a local eager to explore new areas or a visitor wanting to delve into the unique charm of this beautiful area.
1:00 AM 8th March 2025
Driving On Holiday? Here’s How To Stay On The Right Side Of The Law
As summer draws closer, many of us are finalising our holiday plans, from booking flights and reserving hotels, to securing rental cars. But while driving abroad can be a great way to see more of a country, unfamiliar road rules can lead to unexpected fines or even legal trouble if you’re not prepared.
1:00 AM 8th March 2025
travel tips
Week-Long Celebration Of England’s Tourism Industry
English Tourism Week, the annual week dedicated to celebrating England’s tourism industry, is fast approaching with businesses, destinations and visitor attractions encouraged to get involved.
7:37 AM 7th March 2025
Europe
New Trio of Camping and Motorhoming Guides
As the motorhome lifestyle continues to soar in popularity across the UK those considering this unique, convenient and adventurous means of travel may welcome the contents of Tom Lewin’s three informative and insightful guides.
7:32 AM 5th March 2025
UK
Five Beaches You Wouldn’t Believe Are In Yorkshire
You may think you need to catch a plane over the holidays to see a lovely beach. However, experts at Away Resorts share the sandy shores that await us – and they’re on our doorstep, right here in Yorkshire. A recent survey shows that 73% of respondents want to explore unique staycation options in the UK.
1:00 AM 3rd March 2025
holidays
Hiding In The Derbyshire Hills
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
“If that’s glamping,” said my pal John, “then I’m leaving our house, down-sizing and moving in with you!” It was not difficult to understand his point considering that I was, at that moment, simmering in an outside jacuzzi at the Longnor Wood Holiday Hideaway near Buxton in Derbyshire.
1:00 AM 1st March 2025
Top Five Mythical Attractions In Cumbria
Castlerigg Stone Circle Photo: Stagecoach
With its misty lakes, rugged mountains and ancient ruins, Cumbria is a treasure trove of myths and legends. The county’s rich folklore makes it the perfect place for exploring the supernatural and mystical, and with Stagecoach’s handy Journey Planner you can enjoy all the region has to offer without any fuss. Check out the top five stops along our scenic routes. 1.
1:00 AM 1st March 2025
Africa
Exotic ‘Safari’ Nosh in Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Whether it’s dining in the treetops or breakfast in the bush, Great Plains, the iconic Africa eco-tourism organisations is now offering guests the culinary adventure of a lifetime. The organisation, founded by National Geographic filmmaker-explorers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, is sharing ‘romantic dining experiences' across the company’s portfolio of camps in Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe.
1:00 AM 27th February 2025
Europe
Italian Challenge to Bradford’s City Of Culture Status!
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
If Bradford’s new draw as the UK’s 2025 City of Culture proves overly chilly this Spring, you can always jump on a plane to discover Agrigento in southern Sicily, Italy’s City of Culture for this year.
1:00 AM 25th February 2025
Europe
Dutch Pedal Power Gives Way To Sweden
Sweden´s Scenic Göta Canal Cycle Route has been named 2025 Cycle Route of the Year at one of the Netherlands’ premier trade fairs. Fiets- en Wandelbeurs, Utrecht’s annual cycling and hiking fair, carries a lot of weight.
1:00 AM 22nd February 2025
Europe
Savvy Driving In Euro Low Emissions Zones
The picturesque town of Sóller in Majorca is the latest holiday resort to implement low emissions zones in order to safeguard the area against non-resident traffic. But, it’s not the first part of Europe to do so with different countries having different rules for this aspect of the law and rules can change depending on where you go.
1:00 AM 22nd February 2025
Europe
Idyllic Slow Living Sardinia Style
Five-star eco-conscious Italian boutique hotel, Le Dune Piscinas, reopens in Sardinia for its second season on April 18th, following its successful 2024 debut.
1:00 AM 19th February 2025
Dark Sky Event For Mobility Scooter Users
People of reduced mobility are set to experience a ‘dark skies’ moment in Lancashire’s Forest of Bowland after a specialist company stepped forward to provide all-terrain mobility scooters so they can access wooded areas.
1:00 AM 17th February 2025
Hotels
Cheshire's Jacobite Jewel
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Crewe is perhaps best known as a large railway junction but, on the outskirts of this once mighty 19th century town famed for its engineering innovation and design, sits a rather splendid hall that on first viewing leaves you breathless.
1:00 AM 15th February 2025
Corendon Airlines Offers Sweet Valentine’s Day Booking Deal For Manchester Flights
Corendon Airlines is running a sweet Valentine’s Day flight deal - buy one flight, get the second with a 25% discount - for bookings made between now and 22:59 GMT on 15 February. The offer applies to selected flights across all routes, departing from Manchester between 1 March and 30 September 2025.
2:13 PM 14th February 2025
Short breaks
Roadchef’s Bright Spark Idea for Lakeland Tourists
Six more 350KW electric vehicle (EV) chargers can now be accessed by Lake District bound tourists. One of the UK’s leading motorway service operators, Roadchef, has installed the additional EV units at its Killington Lake services on the M6 in Cumbria, located between junctions 36 and 37.
1:00 AM 14th February 2025
Americas
In Love With Yourself On Valentines Day!
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Valentine’s Day, for many, is a time for cherishing and celebrating loved ones but this year, Friendship Travel is encouraging ‘solos’ to prioritise themselves and enjoy the benefits of a go-alone getaway. Taking time for yourself can be liberating with many returning from a solo-trip not only refreshed but with a newfound love for their own company!
1:00 AM 12th February 2025
National Apprenticeship Week: Jet2 Champions Apprentices
As official supporters of National Apprenticeship Week 2025 Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are celebrating the annual event with a week-long series of activities from 10th – 16th February 2025.
1:00 AM 11th February 2025
Americas
Sustainable Tourism in the Caribbean: Your Next Luxury Eco-Friendly Escape?
It’s no secret: sustainable tourism is big business. Today’s travellers are more eco-conscious than ever, with the world’s premier tourist destinations quickly adapting to support the demand for sustainably minded tourism.
1:00 AM 10th February 2025
Hotels
An Obscenely Quirky Weekend In London!
If you know what Peppa Pig, The Rocky Horror Show and an ‘obscene’ novel penned by James Joyce have in common, then you are already half way to sampling one of London’s quirkier weekend stays.
1:00 AM 8th February 2025
Hungry For Hungary In February?
Hungary’s winter season offers a unique charm, and the month of February an ideal opportunity to explore the country without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist months. From serene cultural landmarks to breathtaking natural landscapes, Hungary in winter is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by many.
12:00 AM 5th February 2025
Europe
LBA Announces Direct Route To Swiss Alps
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is heralding the launch of easyJet’s new service to Geneva, which has now taken to the skies. The new route adds another European destination to the airport’s winter offering, building on the recent success of easyJet’s latest route to Paris, its long-standing Belfast connection and Malaga and Palma launching from the end of next month.
12:00 AM 3rd February 2025
Hotels
In Love With London’s Lancaster!
Lashings of love bird luxury is on offer at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel this Valentine’s Day as Cupid prepares to release his arrow! One of the capital’s most iconic hotels, Royal Lancaster London has sweeping views of Hyde Park and exudes timeless opulence and charm, making it the perfect place to share quality moments with someone special.
1:00 AM 30th January 2025
holidays
Scottish First For Harrison Holidays
Harrison Holidays has announced the acquisition of Crofthead Holiday Park in Ayrshire, making this the family-owned business’s 10th site and its first in Scotland. The Preston based organisation has been operating since 1974, but in recent years has seen significant expansion of its portfolio with the addition of several new holiday parks across the country.
11:54 AM 28th January 2025
Short breaks
JORVIK Viking Festival: Fighting Fun In Feb!
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
All photos Charlotte Graham
Europe’s largest Viking Festival returns to York next month (Feb 17 – 23), and organisers have revealed a horde of events to excite, thrill, entertain and disgust, with the promise of an extra fiery spectacular, more weapons to train with at the Berserker Bootcamp, and another infamous Poo Day now extended to a full week!
1:00 AM 25th January 2025
LNER To Boost Bradford Services From May 2025
LNER is planning to more than triple its daily direct connections between Bradford and London King’s Cross from May 2025, operating seven services in each direction from Monday to Saturday. The timetable change sees an additional five services in each direction, linking the 2025 UK City of Culture with the capital. LNER trains currently depart from Bradford Forster Square at 06:30 and 08:43.
1:00 AM 25th January 2025
Gulf Travel Trips For Women
As an expert in Middle Eastern culture for 15+ years, Corina Goetz reckons we’re seeing it transform in real time. She’s keen to share her passion for its cuisine, history and beauty while challenging misconceptions and helping women have the best, most comfortable experience on their travels.
1:00 AM 25th January 2025
travel tips
Spot Holiday Scams Before It’s Too Late
As the New Year rolls in, many Brits are eager to shake off the winter blues by booking their next getaway. However, it’s also a prime time for fraudsters to target hopeful holidaymakers, with scams costing victims thousands of pounds each year.
1:00 AM 23rd January 2025
Ski
Ski Platform Expands Lake District Office
Online booking platform, Maison Sport, which connects ski enthusiasts with expert instructors across Europe, is expanding its Lake District office. The Staveley based team took up residence in Wordsworth country just 14 months ago but, over the last year, the company’s Lake District team has tripled in size, reflecting Maison Sport’s strong performance and strategic growth in the region.
1:00 AM 20th January 2025
Opinion
It’s 25 Weeks Until The Summer Holidays: Here’s My Simple Plan To Help Save £1,000 & Enjoy A Sunshine Break
Jane Hawkes
Consumer Expert
Image by Igor Podobriy from Pixabay
The cold days and dark nights might make it feel as if the Summer holidays are a million miles away. In fact it’s just 25 weeks until the schools break up and millions of us head off for some sun and rest and relaxation. The cost of living crisis means many will be left thinking a break-away is out of reach.
1:00 AM 18th January 2025
Americas
Jasper Skiing Bounces Back After Fires
Photo: Alessio Soggetti on www.unsplash.com
The resort of Jasper in Canada is poised to welcome skiers for as little as £294 a week for room and board, following last year’s July wildfire which tore through the park and town.
1:00 AM 18th January 2025
Africa
Radisson Blu Debuts in West African Country
Radisson Blu Hotel, Conakry, has opened in Guinea’s capital marking the hospitality group’s first foray into the West African country. Located in the bustling Kipé neighborhood, the contemporary beachfront property claims to offer modern elegance with breathtaking ocean views.
1:00 AM 17th January 2025
Cruising
‘Fred’ Savings On Newcastle Cruises
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Balmoral Cruising out of Newcastle
Travellers looking to create moments to remember from Newcastle, have until the end of February to take advantage of savings on over 20 Fred Olsen cruises. From 26th December 2024 until 28th February 2025, those looking to start their travels closer to home can enjoy savings on 23 sailings, ranging from five to 14 nights aboard Fred. Olsen’s smaller-sized ships Borealis and Balmoral.
1:00 AM 15th January 2025
UK
The Top Stargazing Locations With The Most Campervan-Friendly Campsites
A new report on the best UK stargazing destinations reveals the top locations with campervan-friendly campsites ideal for a New Year camping trip, with national parks in Yorkshire and the Lake District featuring favourably.
1:00 AM 13th January 2025
Africa
A Wicked Holiday: Experiencing Tanzania's Emerald Season
As the nation continues to buzz about dazzling “Emerald City” in the new Wicked movie, take a look at the real-life version of Hollywood's enchanting green paradise: Tanzania’s Emerald Season. From November to April, during the country’s rainy season, Tanzania transforms into a lush, verdant wonderland.
1:00 AM 11th January 2025
holidays
Switzerland’s Renewable Energy Ski Resort
When you picture the Swiss Alps in winter, skiing might be the first thing you imagine. But in Saas-Fee, Europe’s snowiest ski haven, the possibilities go far beyond the slopes.
1:00 AM 9th January 2025
Short breaks
You’ll Love Carlisle…..The Day After Valentine’s!
Carlisle’s world-leading museum and gallery, Tullie is set to unveil its transformed entrance and welcome area on Saturday 15 February 2025.
1:00 AM 4th January 2025
Premier Euro Skiing This January
If you are looking for that special ski trip in 2025 you might want to consider the premier offering from Pierre & Vacances, one of Europe’s leading providers of holiday rentals, offering a wide range of accommodation in prime locations. With 67 mountain residences, including 14 premium properties in the Alps and Andorra, Pierre & Vacances is a leading expert in winter sports holidays.
1:00 AM 3rd January 2025
more