Starr y nights are real fun
THE REAM HILLS CARAVAN PARK, set in the Lancashire countryside but within reach of family-friendly y Blackpool, has an extraordinary form of accommodation available bl d during i Twixmas T i – a converted 1977 Westland Lynx XZ262 helicopter,which has been transformed to sleep two adults and two children.
The interior includes a kitchen sink, mini fridge, microwave, flat screen TV, wi-fi and heater. Guests should bring their own bedding and an open mind.
And if you take off to Blackpool, the illuminations, Tower, Golden Mile and Pleasure Beach, as well as Blackpool Zoo, Madame Tussauds STARGAZERS are in for a treat next year with the expanded Dark Skies Festival from February 9-25, dur during the school holidays. The 17-day festival takes p place in Northumberland, North N York Moors, the S South Downs ns and and an the Sea Life Centre are just a short drive away. y GO: G Prices for the helicopter (sleeps four) start from £ £125 per night. See reamhills.co.uk. THE TH KENWICK T PARK ESTATE AND SPA near Louth, in Lincolnshire, is one of the best-value spas in the land. la Set in a country house hotel with 320 acres of woodlands, parks and manicured grounds, there’s a go golf course and wooden lodges among mong the t trees. The thermal spa has a pool, gym and treatment rooms, and is offering ng a one night Twixmas package that makes good use of the facilities.
The hotel is on the edge of the relatively unexplored rolling Lincolnshire wolds, with Skegness a half-hour drive away. GO: The spa day starts with brunch on arrival and includes a 55-minute e Yorkshire Dales. Night-time activities will include zip wires, walks, running, gravel biking, and stargazing from historical landmarks led by experts. Lots of family-friendly stuff too. See www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk. treatment plus dinner and B&B. B&B £119pp, £119pp from December 27. See kenwick-park.co.uk. THE STANNEYLANDS is a quirkily decorated, boutiquey manor house hotel in the Cheshire countryside, not far from Manchester airport and some 20 minutes from Manchester city centre. Alderley Edge, home to celebrity footballers and their wives, is just down the road – and that proximity, proximity plus the bottomless blunch (that’s Sunday Sunda lunch accompanied by as many Bloody Bloo Marys, glasses of Prosecco, and all the red, white or rosé wine you want) wa can create a lively atmosphere at weekends. If you want to be quiet, best be come midweek. GO: GO The Twixmas deal of £105 per roo room, B&B, is available December 27-3 27-30. See stanneylands.co.uk. A GANG of us are thinking about a narrow boat holiday for the first time next year but we are not sure if it is for us. Advice? YOU are not alone. Many people have been inspired by TV programmes such as Great Canal Journeys with Timothy West and Prunella Scales, and Celebrity Carry On Barging. Controlling the boat is easy. You will get training, you can typically take up to 12 people, and pets are often welcome. You will have all the home comforts such as central heating, a TV/DVD player, wi-fi, and a full kitchen can be found on many boats. Waterways Holidays has trips from £355 for a three-night weekend. Call 01252 339 023 or waterwaysholidays.com to find out more.