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Discover the UK
With the weak pound and a strong euro making you think twice about venturing across The Channel for a well deserved break, there’s never been a better time to explore the UK with some great offers on top-class hotels. Rediscover the charms of our great nation's cities and there's no need to pack your passport.
Travel mid-week to some of the UK’s best locations, and you’ll bag the lowest hotel room rates. For further savings, take advantage of the offers and discounts with PROSPERO - valid all year round!
We’ve picked out some events and activities you might like to experience in our chosen cities, ranging from spa treats to a ‘Doctor Who’ adventure!
CARDIFF
Cardiff is now amongst Europe's most sophisticated and exciting capitals. Discover Caerphilly Castle, the newly-developed Cardiff Bay, the impressive Millennium Stadium, and Cardiff's Museum and Gallery - which boasts the largest collection of Impressionist paintings outside Paris.What’s on?
For all you 'Doctor Who' fans, Cardiff’s ‘Doctor Who Up Close Exhibition’ is not to be missed. Cybermen & Daleks, monsters, costumes & props will all be on show from the recent series of Doctor Who, much of which was filmed in Cardiff. For tickets prices and further information, visit www.doctorwhoexhibition.com. Open all year round.
Visitor information can be found at www.visitcardiff.com.
Where to stay?
Cardiff Marriott Hotel (4 Star) from £86.24 (before savings) per night, per room, based on two sharing. Set in the heart of the city in the colorful Cafe Quarter, it boasts deluxe accommodation with a heated indoor pool and fully equipped fitness club. Book online at www.marriott.com and use your CashBack Card for a 5% saving.
CAMBRIDGE
Home to King's College, King's College Chapel, one of the world's most iconic buildings and the chance to enjoy punting on the River Cam. The beauty of its ancient centre is preserved with its walkable medieval streets, college courts, gardens and bridges. Relax in its many pubs, restaurants and cafes, whilst exploring the independent shops around the historic market place. What’s on?
Take a Punting Tour
See the city as it is meant to be seen – from the river! There is nothing more relaxing than being punted along the backs in a chauffeur punt with your own amusing and knowledgeable guide. Prices start from £9 per person.
Pre-book your tour with a recommended tour guides:
www.cambridgepunters.com
Visitor Information can be found at www.visitcambridge.org.
Where to stay?
The Crowne Plaza Cambridge (4 Star) enjoys a prime location in the heart of the city centre, within walking distance of King's College and the universities. Prices start from £57.50 (before discount) per night per room, based on two sharing. To book, visit www.ichotelsgroup.com or call 0871 423 4896.
PROSPERO Members enjoy 25% off weekend leisure breaks and up to 35% on Friday and Sunday nights with the InterContinental Hotel Group (including Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Express by Holiday Inn hotels). Visit PROSPEROstore to get your voucher code.
BATH
Bath, set in rolling Somerset countryside, is one of England's most beautiful cities, with hot springs, Roman Baths, a splendid Abbey and Georgian stone crescents.
What’s on?
Thermae Bath Spa
Using the warm, mineral-rich waters which the Celts and Romans enjoyed over 2000 years ago, Thermae Bath Spa is Britain's original and only natural thermal Spa. Thermae is a remarkable combination of 'old and new' where historic spa buildings blend with the contemporary design of the New Royal Bath. Choose a 2-hour or 4-hour spa session which includes full access to the warm waters and flowing curves of the Minerva Bath, a series of aromatic steam rooms and the open-air rooftop pool with spectacular views across the skyline of Bath. Prices from £22 per person.
The spa is open till 10pm most days. www.thermaebathspa.com
Visitor information can be found at www.visitbath.co.uk .
Where to stay?
The Royal Crescent Hotel and The Bath House (4 star) - If you’re looking for a luxury treat then you must stay at the Royal Crescent Hotel, one of the most familiar and finest buildings in Bath, where you can live and breath history itself. The hotel’s spa, The Bath House, will be just what you need to blow away those winter blues! Room rates from £235 per night, per room, based on two sharing. To book, visit www.vonessenhotels.co.uk.
When booking a luxury break at von Essen hotels, PROSPERO Members receive a complimentary bottle of chilled Champagne in their room on arrival and a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability). Visit PROSPEROstore to get your voucher code.
BRIGHTON
A place where you can shop all day, visit the sights such as Brighton Palace or Victorian Pier, or simply walk along the miles of beach. Brighton has so much to offer day or night with numerous restaurants, theatres, bars and world famous night clubs. What’s on?
Brighton Carnival 2009, Sunday 12 July.
The Parade starts at Middle Street and dances down to the ‘Brighton Carnival Village’ on Madeira Drive. The idea of the parade is to gather together on the streets and have one big, loud and exciting day in celebration of everyone who makes up Brighton & Hove. The costumes are colourful and spectacular and the air is filled with the summery sounds of samba, steel pan and soca. The day is suitable for all ages and the Brighton Carnival Village features a Family Activity Area, Caribbean food and drink, a live music stage and plenty more dancing on the streets.
www.brightoncarnival.co.uk
www.visitbrighton.com to access Brighton’s vast online ‘What’s on’ Guide.
Where to stay?
Thistle Brighton (4 star) - this hotel has an unbeatable location. Standing only a stone’s-throw from the beach and a short stroll from the Pier, it’s the ideal base for a weekend break.
Book with www.hotelstayuk.com - total stay price is £283.15 for two nights, per couple, based on two sharing, but when you use your PROSPERO discount this is reduced to £231.30. This is an exclusive ‘password only’ discount hotel website. Go to PROSPEROstore to get your exclusive access code for up to 60% off hotels and short breaks worldwide.
EDINBURGH
With streets steeped in history and a thriving cultural scene, the City of Edinburgh offers something for everyone. Edinburgh Castle dominates the urban skyline, perched atop the crags of an ancient volcano right in the centre of the city. Voted as one of the most desirable places to live in the world, Edinburgh is bustling with arts, culture, sports and attractions.What’s on?
Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh Castle, 07 Aug '09 - 29 Aug '09
The 2009 Edinburgh Military Tattoo celebrates its 60th season. A cast of top-class talent will present a musical extravaganza, including highlights such as the world-famous Massed Pipes & Drums, the Massed Bands of The Royal Air Force, Switzerland's Top Secret Drum Corps, along with highland dancing against the backdrop of a floodlit Edinburgh Castle. Ticket prices start from £14, order your tickets in advance.
www.edintattoo.co.uk
www.edintattoo.co.uk
Visit www.edinburgh.org to access the online ’What’s on’ Guide.
Where to stay?
The Barcelo Edinburgh Carlton Hotel (4 star) is ideally located just a few minutes walk from Princes Street, the Royal Mile for Holyrood Palace, Waverley Station and Edinburgh Castle. The hotel is a landmark modern hotel encased in a Victorian facade and offers comfort, quality and superb service. Total stay price, per person, for two nights £189.00 (before discount) with full breakfast, based on two sharing. Book with Superbreaks, www.superbreaks.com.PROSPERO Members save 13% off their room rate with any Superbreaks' booking, saving over £49 per couple on this hotel alone. Visit PROSPEROstore for details on how to access your discount.
Don’t forget…
Start your UK break in comfort - hire a car and enjoy the drive. Book your hire car with Europcar (www.europcar.com) for an exclusive offer for PROSPERO Members. Save 15% discount on UK rentals and 10% discount on international hires. Visit PROSPEROstore to get your discount code.PROSPERO have selected the best hotels in the chosen cities based on location, value and comfort, but you might like to research your own. PROSPEROstore has many discounts and offers on hotels here and abroad, so be sure to visit PROSPEROstore before you book your next UK break. Room rates quoted in this feature were based on a two night weekend stay in March 2009.
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By Joanne Keep