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Conjure up the image of a pirate and you'll probably imagine a bloody-thirsty, rum-swinging buccaneer sailing across the high seas in search of treasure, wenches and lands to plunder. So you may be forgiven for believing Captain Morgan himself for being just such a swashbuckling marauder if popular myth is to be believed.

However history tells a slightly different story. Captain Morgan, otherwise known as Admiral Sir Henry Morgan, is believed to have been a privateer who served in a fleet authorised by the government to attack foreign ships during wartime.

Little is known of the young Henry Morgan, and there is no record of the Welshman prior to 1655, although it is believed he hails from the capital of Wales, Cardiff - a connection the city is proud to recognise.

Life on the high seas

In 1658 Morgan's existence first came to light when he was part of a British fleet involved in the invasion of Jamaica. He was authorised by English Letter of Marque to fight the Spanish on behalf of England and soon started to make a name for himself. He married his cousin, the daughter of his Uncle Edward Morgan who was Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica and whose fleet he joined to take the Spanish settlements in Vildemos, Honduras and Granada.

Morgan earned himself a firm place as leader in further battles with the Dutch and then again with the Spanish, this time over Cuba. When old privateer Edward Mansfield was captured and executed after seizing islands off the coast of Columbia, Morgan was elected to become admiral.

Once made admiral, Morgan's swashbuckling adventures truly began and he plundered Spanish cities across the Americas, taking treasure, fighting blood thirsty battles and sailing the high seas. Rumour has it Morgan was a huge fan of rum too, which is perhaps where the connection today comes from.

Whether he was a little tipsy from a bit too much grog when he lost his entire five ship fleet at sea in 1671, remains to be seen. The misfortune followed an attack on a fort near Panama City, which also saw the city looted and burned to the ground - a direct violation of the then peace treaty between the Spanish and the English. Morgan returned to London to face the music, but luckily for him, relations between the two countries quickly deteriorated and he was close friends with King Charles II who soon forgave him.

Morgan was promoted to deputy governor of Jamaica, and before his death rose to acting governor. In August 1688 Morgan succumbed to dropsie - otherwise known as oedema - although some sources believe his heavy drinking also had a part to play in his demise (drink in moderation, folks!).

While Morgan's life was over, his myth had only just begun. Morgan will undoubtedly go down in history as one of Wale's most famous pirates (or should that be, privateer) and his effigy can be seen on bottles of rum behind bars across the land.

Visit Captain Morgan's Cardiff

While the image of Captain Morgan adorning each bottle of the world's second highest selling rum may simply be a clever marketing ploy, after a dram or two you'll undoubtedly feel a little of the pirate in you emerge…even if you are staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cardiff just up the road. Luckily Cardiff has plenty on offer to make a pirate feel at home.

Embark on a walking tour around the city and take in the sights of Cardiff's old dock, where pirates once found a (relatively) safe haven, and then journey on to Llanrumney Hall, Captain Morgan's birthplace. Later you can tuck into some hearty grub at The Sir Henry Morgan Pub  and even treat yourself to a glass of the famous rum itself.

Have you visited any Captain Morgan attractions in Cardiff?

This article was written by Darren Cheapside, who is a fan of local history, pirates and rum!
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Last year nearly seventeen and a half million passengers travelled through Stansted Airport – it's the third busiest in London and the fourth most used in the whole of the UK. If you're flying into the British capital there's every chance you could be travelling through the transport hub.

Whether you're staying at Stansted, or just passing through on the way to London, you'll find the airport is well-served by transport connections. Here are the main ways that you can cover the 35 miles from the airport to London city centre:

Train

The quickest way to get from Stansted to central London is by taking the train. Stansted's railway station is situated directly below the terminal and is easy to find. The Stansted Express runs every 15 minutes and will take just 47 minutes to make the journey from Stansted to Liverpool Street Station in the heart of the city. You can book tickets online before you arrive at the airport, or pick them up at the station.

Bus/Coach

This is generally the cheapest way to get into town – although it is a bit slower. A number of coaches run the route, all starting out from the coach station opposite the airport. A regular shuttle bus leaves the airport every 30 minutes, and national operators also offer services from the airport. Local bus companies also run from the airport and offer an even cheaper, if even slower option.

Taxi

You can't beat taxis for convenience and over 500 companies service the airport so you should have little problem in finding a cab. You'll find a reservation desk in the international arrivals area but beyond that there are several complimentary phones that will put you in touch with a taxi company – and if all else fails speak to the information desk and they can sort you out a car.

Car

Rental companies are well represented at Stansted and most of the big global firms are present in the airport. For the best rates you should book ahead but there are rental desks near the arrival lounge where you can organise a rental. That leaves you facing the drive to your London destination. To make this as easy as possible, go online and work out the best route beforehand. Just remember you'll be liable to pay the congestion charge when you make the journey into the city.
 
Image by jon smith via Flickr
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London is a city of joy and relaxation. Tourists love to visit such happening cities like London which is best known for quality in every sphere. Whether it’s accommodation, attraction, sightseeing and leisure, London is widely known among travel freaks. The city is well admired for its best spas and luxury pampering treatments too. Those planning to come for a relaxing holiday to the capital city must check these options for the best of their travel experience. So, get ready to unwind with the best of London spas featuring ultimate beauty therapies, relaxing massages and everything else you need to make your senses calm down.


To add more pleasure to your holiday, book a stay at top spa London hotels. These hotels are best destinations to reduce your stress and relax in serenity of lavishness and rejuvenating aura. The city features a range of spa hotels. But, given below are top three that you must book next time you are in London.

Find out more about the cool accommodation options the city has to offer:

Jumeirah Carlton Tower

 
If you love opulence and luxury lifestyle, then Jumeirah Carlton Tower is the best bet for your vacations. In the heart of fashionable Knightsbridge, you will find luxury 5-star hotel, offering splendid views over London skyline. The Peak Health Club & Spa is one of the top health and beauty centres in London.  Here you can expect an oasis of tranquillity, as it is located high above the city on ninth floor of the hotel. This spa and health club is open seven days a week, featuring contemporary facilities. Guests at this hotel get access to an aerobics studio, steam room, gym, sauna, award-winning spa, a 20-metre indoor swimming pool, and a latest golf stimulator. The spa offers a selection of soothing massage treatments that help you to unwind and rejuvenate. Therapeutic massage, Indian head massage, remedial massage, and Japanese Kobido massage are some top treatments available here.

K West Hotel & Spa

 
Located near Westfield London, K West Hotel & Spa is best to rejuvenate with a treatment in its astonishing spa. K Spa, winner of 2011 World Luxury Spa Awards, is an ideal place to recharge your energy, reach your wellness goals, and achieve a healthier lifestyle. It is a luxury air-conditioned spa featuring a gymnasium with an environment to stay in shape. K Spa is home to a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sanarium, sauna, and a unique Snow Paradise. You can treat yourself with their therapies that enhance your inner and outer beauty. You will find personal trainers and beauty experts here to make you feel special. Indulge in their treatments like Day Spa Journey, On the Run, Vanity K nail bar treatments, and finishing touches. They also have spa breaks for couples, ranging from consultation to spa lunch.

Bentley Hotel

 
Probably one of the best kept secrets in London, Bentley Hotel welcomes travellers to Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It is within a short walk from shops of Knightsbridge, offering relaxation and indulgence on your holidays. Le Kalon Spa at The Bentley features huge marble interiors, hand painted walls, and a soothing colour scheme. Select from a variety of spa treatments, such as traditional therapy amidst their beautiful sanctuary. This spa opens through the week and offers massages to restore a balanced energy flow in your body. These massages soften your skin, ease muscular tension and disperse build up of fatty tissue. Aromatherapy massage, reflexology, manicure, pedicure, Indian head massage, hair threading, waxing, and Jetlag treatment are some common treatments available here.

Book a stay at these London spa hotels and enjoy a world full of luxury, relaxation, and rejuvenation.


About the author: I am Avantika, a travel writer. I have been a regular contributor to several travel websites and cover new stories of travel world. I have been writing travel related articles for quite some time now.
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Over the past few years, Bristol's popularity as one of the top UK cities to live in has done nothing but increase. The city has a very active job market, which attracts young professionals and families from all over the United Kingdom. Several regeneration projects have turned this historic maritime city into a cosmopolitan and vibrant destination. Bristol also enjoys excellent transport links with the rest of the United Kingdom and with other European cities, thanks to its international airport, which is conveniently located 10 miles away from the centre.


A glance at the local property market

As of January 2013, average property prices in Bristol were as follows: £172,598 for a flat; £206,266 for terraced houses; £229,957 for semi-detached properties; and £401,146 for detached homes. The property market is most active when it comes o terraced houses, as in the previous year more than 3,000 properties were sold, followed by semi-detached homes. Between 2011 and 2012, average house prices in Bristol went up by 1.7 per cent, and in January 2013 the Land Registry reported a further increase of 2.4 per cent over the figures for the same period in 2012. These figures confirm that Bristol is a very desirable place to live in, but what are the most in-demand areas within the city?

Bristol's waterfront is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after locations. Property in this area comes mostly in the form of flats, although there are some newly built terraced houses in the district too. Some luxury apartment blocks have been built on sites that were previously breweries or factories, adding a touch of originality that makes these properties very popular among buyers. The area is ideal for public transport commuters, as there are water taxis and trains within walking distance.

Clifton is considered mostly an upmarket property location, so buyers should expect to pay prices above the Bristol average for properties here, especially around the Clifton Village and Clifton Wood areas. The majority of properties for sale are Victorian houses, although there are some converted flats in the area too. Prices go down as Clifton merges into Hotwells.

Redland is near Clifton, although property prices are more affordable, particularly near Whiteladies Road, where the evening economy is thriving thanks to a large student population.

Totterdam's proximity to Temple Meads has turned this neighbourhood into a property hotspot. Nearby is Cotham, where many Georgian and Victorian terraced homes and some converted period flats are available.

Bishopston is next to Cotham, and its location on Gloucester Road has contributed to making this area one of the most up-and-coming in the city. Semi-detached period homes are the norm here, with prices higher than in Redland or Cotham.

Leisure and entertainment in Bristol

There is always something to do in Bristol. The following are some venues that come highly recommended: Bourdeaux Quay (a waterfront brasserie), Zero Degrees (part of the famous microbrewery chain), Harbourside (ideal for drinks), and Gloucester Road, which is dotted with independent clubs and pubs.

Bristol city centre has a number of gyms for fitness enthusiasts as well as plenty of open spaces where you'll find outdoor exercise clubs like Britsih Military Fitness running classes. The popular London based social sports club GoMammoth are also starting a netball league in Bristol in the coming months.

From visiting art galleries in Stokes Croft to chilling at chic cafes in Easton, not forgetting daily theatre plays, free concerts, traditional pubs, comedy clubs, weekend flea markets, and eateries to suit all budgets, Bristol is the ideal city for those looking for a great quality of life.


This post was written by John who is a freelance feature writer from the UK.
 
Image by laura*b via Flickr
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Happily for both the residents of England and the many visitors to the country it is not necessary to jump on a flight to Kenya in order to go on safari or to travel to Uganda to see gorillas. There are many fantastic places to see exotic wildlife much closer to home and a great day out does not need to cost the earth either. If you would like to see some fabulous animal exhibits here are some of the best places to spend your day with wildlife:


1. Longleat Safari & Adventure Park (Warminster, Wiltshire)

Image by xErinn via Flickr 
 
This was the UK’s very first safari park and was opened in 1966. The people of Longleat have had plenty of time to perfect their offering and perfect it they certainly have. Your visit will include an excellent safari drive with the opportunity to see giraffes, zebra, rhinos, monkeys and big cats and you can stop off along the way to feed the giraffes and deer for a small extra charge. The legendary monkey enclosure gives you the opportunity to have your vehicle stripped by the cheeky creatures but you can bypass this portion of the drive if you would rather leave with your aerial still attached to the car! There are plenty of animals on view inhabiting the picturesque grounds of Longleat House and you are given a CD for the car full of information and advice about your tour.

When your drive is finished park up adjacent to the stately home where you can experience the delights of the house itself before heading for the other attractions on offer including a bat cave, two bird shows, a giant maze, several animal exhibits, a cruise on the lake and the opportunity to meet and feed lorikeets. If that is not enough and you want to get closer to the animals you can meet a snake and hold a tarantula and get a picture to prove your bravery. There is so much to do at Longleat it is almost impossible to fit it all into one day.

2. West Midlands Safari Park (Bewdley, Worcestershire)

Image by Arkadyevna via Flickr 
 
If you think size matters then head for West Midlands Safari Park near Kidderminster for a truly epic day out. The safari drive is really long and includes a surprising number of animals, many of which you are free to feed. Rhinos, buffalo, horses, zebras and deer roam freely as do giraffes and camels and there are separate enclosures for the big cats where you will definitely want to close your windows. Your drive will take you quite some time especially if you cannot resist doing some feeding but if you do manage to complete it before you have to leave you can park up to visit several further animal attractions including a first class reptile house or take on a few rides in the amusement park for an additional charge.

3. Port Lympne Wild Animal Park (near the town of Hythe in Kent)

 
Port Lympne Wild Animal Park is ostensibly a zoo but is actually more like a country safari on foot. The park is operated by the Aspinall Foundation and offers a wonderful selection of wildlife with many of the animals living in the fields around the park. Bring your walking shoes for this one as you will have quite a distance to travel to take in everything on show but if the walk is too much you can travel between the different areas of the park by safari vehicle. The park is renowned for its great apes and seeing these animals will be an experience you will never forget. You will also encounter elephants, big cats, buffalo, giraffes and hunting dogs on your journey. The park is situated in the beautiful Kent country side and there are stunning views all the way to the coast.

Port Lympne can offer you an extra special day out if you are looking for a real treat. There are a variety of private safaris and animal encounters which can be booked in advance but which do carry significant additional charges. If you really want to get up close and personal with the animals and to learn more about their lives these special experiences could be just what you are looking for.

Great Choices

You really don’t have to travel too far to see some great wildlife in England, in fact you are a bit spoiled for choice and there is no need to merely observe the animals in cages. All three of these fine attractions have magnificent open enclosures for their inhabitants making the visitor experience an absolute joy and life fantastic for the animals. One note of caution -  if you do fancy feeding the animals wear casual clothes like jeans and t shirts as some of your new friends may dribble and drop the food all over you! 


About the author: Sally Stacey is a keen blogger and animal lover who regularly visits the attractions mentioned here. She is currently writing on behalf of Jeanstore.
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Capital cities are notoriously expensive. Tourist attractions rack up the prices for admission, and eating around tourist hot spots can be an expensive day out. However, if you know where to look and what to do, you can enjoy just as much of London as anyone else without spending a fortune.

 
Here are some top ideas for seeing the best of London on a tight budget.
 
Free museums

London has a plethora of world class museums and art galleries, many of which are free. The National Gallery, just off Trafalgar Square, holds paintings by some of the most iconic masters in the world. From Van Gogh to Monet, Picasso to da Vinci, all the greats can be seen at no cost in this incredible gallery.
 
If you are travelling with children, the Natural History Museum and nearby Science Museum in South Kensington will occupy your whole day, with displays of technology, impressive stuffed animals and, of course, one of the world’s best collections of dinosaur skeletons.
 
Cheap sightseeing

Don’t pay over the odds for an open-top bus or a guided tour around the city. Instead, take the number four bus route, which passes Waterloo, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Barbican. The number 88 also runs through some iconic parts of town, including Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben.
 
To make the most of your trip, invest in a one-day travel card which will let you travel on all the inner city tubes, buses, ferries and overground trains for free. Costing under £10 and half price for kids, these are essential for getting around without paying a fortune.
 
Eating for less

In the daytime, head over to Carnaby St close to Oxford Circus, where you can grab a bargain bite for lunch. You’ll find lots of chain restaurants that don’t charge over the odds, such as Cha Cha Moon for Chinese and Leon for sandwiches and salads.
 
In the evening, the West End is the place to be – though avoid Leicester Square and the overpriced eateries in the theatre district. Instead, head over to vibrant Chinatown, where you can find lots of inexpensive restaurants serving authentic Cantonese and Chinese cuisine.
 
Can you afford a West End show?

You would think on a budget that you wouldn’t be able to, but if you are prepared to queue and not be too fussy about which show you see, the tickets booth in Leicester Square offers admission to major West End musicals for up to 50 per cent off the face value.
 
Sleeping options

Central London hotels are very expensive, but if you do a bit of searching around you can often find a number of cheap hotels in London that aren’t on the fringes of the city. If you visit in the week, the cost of travelling on a rush hour train can often exceed the cost of a hotel room, so grabbing an overnighter in one of the bargain hotels in the city can often work out a better bet than trying to make your way home at the end of the day.
 
 
Image by fernando Garcia redondo via Flickr
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With a packed programme of events, it's no revelation to say that a trip to Manchester is always going to be a great holiday. If you're thinking of heading to the UK's third largest city this summer read on for a look at some of the big events coming up in the near future.


There are loads of great attractions in Manchester, virtually guaranteeing that whenever you go to visit the city you'll have a great time. From fascinating museums to excellent restaurants and a vibrant nightlife, there's always something worth seeing and doing in the city.

In addition to these great year-round attractions, throughout the warmer months of the year Manchester is regularly invigorated by exciting events and first class festivals. From high culture to thrilling sports, there is a great range to choose from and many of the events would make the perfect basis for a weekend break in the city.

We've picked out some of the highlights of the 2013 calendar so book your travel, take your pick of the places to stay in central Manchester and get ready for a brilliant weekend away.

1. Foodies Festival, 17-19 May

If you're a fan of delicious flavours you'll be well-catered for at this festival in Tatton Park. Displays from Michelin-starred chefs and a number of first class pop up restaurants are among the many attractions that'll be on display.

2. Great City Games/Bupa Great Manchester Run, 25/26 May

Manchester will be buzzing with sporting energy over this weekend. On the Saturday the Great City Games will bring the glitz of international athletics to Manchester's city centre in a unique and exciting outdoor event. On Sunday the sporting emphasis will be on participation as 40,000 take to the streets for the Bupa Great Manchester Run – a 10km race through the famous city streets.

3. Manchester Day Parade, 2 June

This is the day of the year when the whole of Manchester comes alive to celebrate the fantastic city.  You'll find that it's all too easy to get swept up in the procession which highlights the best of Manchester's unique character. With 2,000 participants and 50,000 spectators there is an atmosphere like none other during the event.

4. Parklife/Grillstock, 8/9 June

If you're a music lover then you'll be spoilt for choice over this weekend – and if you also like BBQs then you may just have found your own little piece of heaven! The Parklife weekender takes place at Heaton Park, featuring packed bills each day. Meanwhile in the city a celebration of good music and grilled food will take place at Grillstock – a fun festival that'll fill your ears with good tunes, and your belly with delicious food.

5. Manchester International Festival, 4 Jul - 21 Jul

The city transforms into a global hub of highbrow culture for much of July when the Manchester International Festival gets underway. In venues across the city you'll see some of the best arts in the world, including a couple of headline-grabbing performances from Alex Kingston and Kenneth Branagh in a performance of Macbeth.

6. Manchester Jazz Festival, 26 Jul - 4 Aug

One of the UK's premier jazz festivals will take over Manchester at the end of July. In a city renowned for its contribution to musical history, the cool sounds of inventive jazz will be ringing out for a full week - so if you're a fan get yourself along.

7. England vs Australia, 2013 Ashes 3rd test, 1 - 5 Aug

The famous cricket rivals meet on England's home turf this year and the vital third test will be played at Manchester's Old Trafford ground. Cricket fans won't find a more exciting atmosphere in the world during this prolonged contest.


Which event will you go to in Manchester this year?
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When it comes to British city breaks, you can’t go wrong with a long weekend in York. Steeped in mysterious history, York dates back to before the Roman conquest and has some of Europe’s best preserved historical buildings. If you love British history and stunning architecture, you’ll love spending time in York.


Here’s our tips for the perfect long weekend.

Friday

Check into your hotel in York  before heading out to do a bit of exploring. Take a stroll around the city walls before sunset. These Medieval fortifications were built on Roman foundations and offer great views of the city. The whole walk takes around an hour, but if you want to be quick about it try the 15 minute section from Bootham Bar to Monk Bar. This takes you around York Minster Cathedral and offers some of the best views. Afterwards head out for a great dinner in York’s restaurant district, which sits on Fossgate and Walmgate. You’ll find plenty of upmarket options here, serving traditional British food alongside more exotic dishes.
 
Image: Interior of York Minster by Lhongchou via Flickr
 
Saturday

After breakfast, head out for a day of museums and wandering.

Start off with a visit to the JORVIK Viking Centre, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK. The Centre recreates what York would have looked like one thousand years ago, during the time of the Vikings. Another great site which draws millions of tourists a year is the National Railway Museum, which is free to enter and has plenty of historically significant trains and other vehicles on display.

If the weather is nice, you must head out and explore the snickleways: the winding medieval streets that seep out from the town centre. The most famous snickleway is the Shambles: one of the most picturesque streets in Britain. There are plenty of restaurants and café’s here where you can pick up a tasty bite to eat.

York is considered one of Britain’s most haunted cities, so finish off your day of history with a Ghost Walk. These usually start around 6pm, but they’re well advertised and signposted. Choose one you like the look of, congregate there at the start time and prepare to be scared.

Sunday

Take some more time to appreciate the history of York on Sunday by visiting some of the city’s more famous sites.

Climb to the top of Clifford’s tower for outstanding views of York and the surrounding countryside. It’s all that’s left of York’s medieval castle, and was originally built by William The Conqueror when he wanted to quell rebellion in the North.
 
Image: Clifford's Tower by Em Jay Bee via Flickr

After your ghost tour on Saturday night, take a more light-hearted look at York’s grim history at the York Dungeons. It’s good fun and you’re bound to enjoy the irreverent look at the chequered history of the city.

Grab lunch at one of York’s famous tea rooms; Betty’s Tea Room comes highly recommended, but it can be pricy, so it may be worth going off the beaten track if you want to stick to a budget.
 

Bettys, York
 
For a real treat head to York Minster, the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, in time for evensong. This usually takes place around 4pm, and is as stunning as its surroundings.

Monday

If the weather is nice, take a bus out to Grimston Bar Park and visit York Maze, reportedly the largest in the world. Give yourself a few hours to solve it! If you’re travelling with children they’ll love the mini maze and crazy golf too.
 
What's your favourite thing to do in York?


Richard R. Etterbeek produced this content in association with Park Inn York.
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1. Steampunk Festival 

 
Part Victoriana, part science fiction, steampunk is a strange and distinctive look. Inspired by steampunk books, films, comics and videogames fans like to make their own weird and fantastical costumes. If you have always wanted to combine welder’s goggles with a top hat and perhaps a corset then Lincoln’s Steampunk festival could be for you.

The festival is 13th - 15th September at Lincoln Castle, with accommodation available at Lincoln hotels.
 
 
2. Whitby Gothic Weekender
 
Dracula came to shore here, which makes the historic seaside town of Whitby in North the ideal location for the Gothic Weekender.  This year’s headliners include Doctor and the Medics as well as Zombina and the Skeletons.

The Autumn event is 1st – 3d November.
 
 
3. Camp Bestival
 
If Bestival had a motto, it might simply read ‘dress up, have fun’.   Having run in its not-so standard guise for a number of years now, Rob Da Bank and his wife Josie have now chosen to expand the Bestival experience out to the rest of the family; thus resulting in Camp Bestival.  Expect plenty of make-up, crazy costumes, big smiles and awesome music.  Acts playing in 2013 include the magical Polyphonic Spree, as well as Richard Hawley, Toots & the Maytals and The Levellers.
 
Join in the revelry over 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th August at Lulworth Castle, Dorset.
 
 
4. Loopallu

Loopallu is the festival that on paper shouldn’t work, but in reality, certainly does.  Tucked away in the sometimes harsh north of Scotland (Ullapool, to be precise), Loopallu combines incredible live music with stunning scenery.  Seven years in, and the festival originally started by a local pub manager has evolved into quite an event, having hosted everyone from Mumford & Sons to Franz Ferdinand.  At the time of going to press, the line-up being kept under wraps, but expect big names mixed in with some bright new stars.

20 - 21 September, Ullapool, Scotland. 
 
 
5. I’ll Be Your Mirror
 
An All Tomorrow’s Parties event, I’ll Be Your Mirror will be held over two nights at London’s Alexandra Palace. ATP events gain their unique character by being curated by interesting people, in this case they are the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Grizzy Bear, with each of these headlining a night. Announced acts include Tortoise, The Walkmen, Van Dyke Parks, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, The Field and Black Lips.

I’ll Be Your Mirror is being held on 4th and 5th of May, with weekend tickets for £110.
 
 
6. Retro Trax Festival
 
All about the old school house music, this is a party with DJs spinning the tunes that defined the dance scene between 1986 and 1999. This year the lineup includes the legendary and infamous Rat Pack – true rave originals who know how to oput on a great show.  This event is 100% over 21s only, so the crowd will be ‘classics’ as well as the tunes.

Retro Trax Festival is 11th to 13th of May in the grounds of Stanford Hall, Leicestshire. Tickets are £85 including camping, with an additional £20 charge for campervans.  
 
 
7. Bearded Theory
 
This is a family friendly music festival, which is great for music lovers with kids. The music lineup for the 2013 edition of this festival includes Reverand and Makers, The Levellers and Asian Dub Foundation.  The genius of this festival though the amount of other stuff there is to do. The children’s area alone is over an acre with a climbing wall, zip lines and all kinds of activities.  

Bearded Theory is held at Kedleston Hall, Derby 17th-19th May. A family ticket is £230 for the weekend, though under-fives go free. 
 
 
8. Ultimate Street Car
 
One for the petrol heads. Ultimate Street Car bills itself as the “fastest, hottest, largest & loudest modified car festival in Europe”. Featuring a drag racing strip, music zones and all manner of shiny metal boxes on wheels, this is the place to celebrate the fast living lifestyle. 

USC runs 2nd – 4th August.
 
 
9. Waveform
 
Some UK based psytrance insanity to round off the summer. This year the festival is being held at a new location that allows for a lot more noise to be made. This festival embodies the spirit of the psytrance movement – combining non-stop partying with sustainability and being at one with nature. 

Waveform is 6th- 9th September, somewhere in Somerset. Early bookers can pick up tickets for £79, though the price will rise nearer the event.
 
 
10. Bangface Weekender 2013
 
The Bangface club nights in London have built a reputation for being lots and lots of fun, and not taking anything too seriously. Punters in fancy dress, drenched in sweat and waving glowsticks and a freely ranging music policy that sees hard house, breakcore, d&b and glitch mashed together with gleeful abandon. The Bangface Weekender is this, but more so. In a Cornish holiday park. Somebody had to go this far…

Ticket prices and lineup  for the event over 13th-15th September have yet to be announced, though expect both to be substantial.
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Having a staycation and booking a break in the UK has become increasingly popular over the last few years as people have found themselves short on cash. There's so much to do in the UK and so many wonderful places to visit in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland that you really will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a destination. The Isle of Wight down on the south coast of England near Portsmouth is a popular choice with many holiday makers. There are many reasons to pay a visit to England's largest island, but here are 10 to get you started.


Isle of Wight Festival

Image by David Jones via Flickr
 
Held annually, the Isle of Wight Festival is a music event that began in 1968, was revived after more than 30 years in 2002, and brings together some of the biggest names in the world of music. It takes place during the summer at Seaclose Park which is located on the outskirts of Newport.

Isle of Wight Hedgelaying Competition

 
If gardening is your thing then consider timing a visit to the island to coincide with the annual hedgelaying competition. The event attracts large crowds every year and sees competitors battle it out with hand tools, working against the clock to lay as many hedges as they can.

Shanklin Beach

Image by John Webber via Geograph
 
No trip to the island is complete without a visit to the beach. Consider Shanklin Beach with its clear waters and beautiful sand. Facilities and entertainment venues are situated close to the shore.

Fakemham Farm

Visit Fakemham Farm and you'll come face-to-face with a wonderful variety of animals from emus and Shetland ponies to rheas and turkeys.

Quarr Abbey

Image by puritani35 via Flickr
 
Quarr Abbey is a working monastery that is home to a group of Benedictine monks. Entry to the grounds is free and visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk in the sunshine, refreshments in the tea shop, pick up produce from the monk's farm shop or spend time in the abbey's art gallery where local artists display their work throughout the year.

Lakeside Park Spa

Keen to unwind? Head for The Lakeside Park Hotel Spa and you'll be able to enjoy a wide range of body treatments and beauty therapies.

Military Museum

Get a taste for battle at the Isle of Wight Military History Museum, situated just south of Cowes. The charitable trust that runs the site collects, preserves and displays historic military equipment and visitors will be able to find everything from armoured cars to tanks and informative displays.

The Model Village 

Image by Tom Gough via Flickr
 
Keen to experience life from a different perspective? How about a visit to Godshill Model Village where you'll find a wonderful 1/10th scale model of Godshill, Shanklin. The site also has a model railway and a collection of 3,000 varieties of trees and shrubs.

Cowes Golf Club  

For anyone that likes to swing a club in their spare time, Cowes Golf Club is a must. This nine-hole course offers wonderful views and serious golfing challenge.

Bembridge Windmill

Image by lone snapper via Flickr
 
Pay a visit to Bembridge Windmill and you'll get to see one of the island's best-known landmarks. The windmill was constructed around 1700 and still has its original machinery intact.


This guest post was contributed by Simon Belfield, an avid travel blogger who currently works for Warner Leisure Hotels