Cornwall, Torquay and Yorkshire are set to see a surge in visitors this Bank Holiday weekend, as Brits prove it takes more than a downpour of rain to keep them indoors.

Leading tourism and accommodation website iknow-uk has seen a rise in visitor numbers for last minute deals to the three locations and is putting the increase down to a real drop in consumer confidence caused by collapsing overseas tour operators, ash clouds and threatened airport strikes.

Enquiries for late deals in Cornwall are up 46.85 per cent, visits for last minute holiday ideas for Torquay have risen by 19.23 per cent, and searches for bank holiday caravan holidays in Yorkshire are up by 43.57 per cent, all compared with the same time last year.

Marcus Simmons, managing director from iknow-uk, said:  “It takes a lot more than grey, wet weather to keep Brits indoors, especially over the Bank Holiday when most want to get out and about with their families.

“These latest figures highlight that British people are still looking closer to home when it comes to summer breaks, and we’re seen a steady increase in people looking for caravan breaks this year – a trend we’re expecting to continue into 2011.

“It seems people are realising that a UK holiday is a cost effective way of spending quality time together, and while Cornwall and Torquay remain top summer hotspots, it’s refreshing to see people planning traditional caravanning holidays in Yorkshire too.

“There’s so much to discover in the UK and it’s no surprise that after the recent uncertainty with potential airport strikes, ash clouds and the terrible closure of large overseas travel companies, people want to be sure that their precious time is well spent.”

Founded by Marcus in 2003, iknow-uk now operates 15 regional websites for accommodation providers including hotels, guest houses, holiday cottages and B&Bs.  The sites are visited by almost a million users each month.

Holiday home owners looking to list on one of iknow’s websites, should visit www.iknow-uk.com.

 Following news that more of us than ever are holidaying in Britain, leading UK travel and tourism specialist iknow-uk is reporting a huge surge in visitors throughout July. 

The Lancashire-based company, which operates 15 regional accommodation and hospitality websites covering the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, saw a 25 per cent increase in visitors for the month of July with 1.25 million users. 

The websites also saw a record number of UK-based site visitors with the 15 websites averaging 92.3 per cent of visitors from the UK – far above what iknow-uk would usually expect to see.

These figures follow recent information released by the Office for National Statistics that showed the number of Brits heading abroad for their holidays fell by 15 per cent in 2009 compared with 2008 – the largest drop since the 1970s. 

Marcus Simmons, iknow-uk managing director, said: “It seems that many people have chosen to leave booking a holiday to the very last minute this year, with more people than ever from the UK using our websites in July to book their holidays. 

“Our website statistics, and the news from the Office for National Statistics, is certainly good news for the UK tourism industry. 

“Such a significant increase in people choosing to stay at home this summer represents a real opportunity for UK-based accommodation, tourism and hospitality business owners and retailers, as British people look for an alternative to the overseas vacation.”

The most popular of iknow-uk’s websites for domestic travellers in July were iknow-peakdistrict.co.uk and iknow-northeast.co.uk, with 95 per cent of site visitors coming from the UK. 

The most popular regions for overseas visitors were London (13 per cent of visitors from outside UK) and Kent (12 per cent of visitors from outside UK). 

iknow-uk lists more than 15,000 UK B&Bs, hotels, holiday cottages and guesthouses as well as things to do, places to see and places to eat. Its websites generate around £15million worth of enquiries each month for its customers. 

For more information visit http://www.iknow-uk.com/

 Fun Festivals, Fun Food 

While we may not have the culinary reputation of the French or Italian we Brits certainly enjoy good food and this summer there is no end of food festivals showcasing the best of British produce. 

iknow-uk, the UK’s leading online accommodation and tourism specialist, has put together a list of its favourite festivals and nearby places to stay for a truly gastronomic break. 

Marcus Simmons, iknow-uk managing director, said: “If there’s one thing we know for certain it’s that Brits enjoy their food and love to seek out delicious and unusual seasonal foods.

“Although we’re only a small island our regions make a great variety of different foods and drinks and food festivals provide a great opportunity to see and try all the fantastic produce.”

Below is just a sample of the fantastic events going on all over Britain this summer: 

Pontefract Liquorice Festival

July 11; Pontefract Town Centre, Yorkshire WF8 1PG

English capital of all things liquorice, Pontefract is making the black root in its many guises available to sample – as well as family friendly events and a town centre parade. 

Nantwich International Cheese Show

July 27-28; Dorfold Hall Park, Nantwich CW5 8LD

Running for more than a century, the Nantwich International Cheese Show is now one of the biggest cheese shows in the world – with exhibitors from all over the globe. Make sure to visit on the correct day; the first day is for traders and the second is open to the public. 

Great British Beer Festival

August 3-7; Earls Court, London

If beer isn’t a staple British food, it probably should be. Showcasing well known brands and offering a chance for small brewers to put forward their beer, the festival will also be hosting the Champion Beer of Britain competition. 

Foodies at the Festival

August 13-15; The Sheraton Hotel and Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SR

An opportunity for out-of-towers to appreciate the foodie side of the Edinburgh Festival, this event showcases the best of Scottish Food and Drink. 

Chilli Fest

August 14-15; Levens Hall, Kendal, Cumbria LA8 0PD

Perhaps the hottest event of the Summer, chilli-lovers will get the chance to try the very best of eye-watering jams, jellies, chocolates, sauces and powders in the heart of Cumbria. There will also be cookery demonstrations and salsa dancing.

Enjoy a Cowboy Adventure in the UK 

Toy Story is back after 10 years for yet another adventure and now families can enjoy a cowboy themed holiday here in the UK that even Woody would approve of.

Pinewood Holiday Park in Scarborough has just opened its four new Cowboy Camping Cabins, just in time for the summer holidays. The four new cabins are the first of their kind in the UK and compliment the holiday park’s Cowboys and Indians theme which already includes authentic Native American tipis, modern tipis and cowboy tents as well as a 15-foot tall totem pole and 12-foot tall Native American chief. 

Built in a traditional style the new cabins will be open all year round and are double glazed, insulated and furnished with a double and two single beds, a barrel for a table, a cowboy hat and a large covered veranda complete with rocking chair for a true cowboy adventure.    

Kerry Woodhead owner of Pinewood Holiday Park, said: “We were one of the first holiday parks in the UK to offer the chance to stay in real tipis so we are thrilled to have added the new Cowboy Camping Cabins to the park to add to the theme. 

“All kids love to play cowboys and Indians and with the launch of Toy Story 3 we’re expecting lots of little Woody-look-a-likes to stay throughout the summer.” 

Pinewood Holiday Park is listed on iknow-yorkshire.co.uk which provides information on all types of holiday accommodation from across the region including holiday parks, hotels, B&Bs and holiday cottages as well as days out, things to do, places to eat and shopping destinations. 

Marcus Simmons, managing director of iknow-yorkshire.co.uk, said: “Every child in the UK has Toy Story fever at the moment and these new Cowboy Camping Cabins would provide a great adventure, just like one Woody would have enjoyed. 

“Pinewood Holiday Park has paid great attention to detail and the extra features that they have added such as the rocking chair on the veranda and totem pole looking out over the park make for a truly authentic experience. 

“We know that camping holidays have continued to be popular with families who don’t want to go abroad so I can see the cabins being very much in demand this summer.” 

For more information visit http://www.iknow-yorkshire.co.uk/

The UK gets a taste for vampires again when the third movie in the Twilight series hits the big screen. The next instalment of the modern day, action packed love story between 18 year-old Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) is set for release on 9th July 2010. To celebrate, we’ve put together a feast of fantastically spooky UK getaways to get your teeth into, all available to book through tourism and hospitality website www.iknow-yorkshire.co.uk and their other regional sites.

Marcus Simmons, managing director at iknow-uk, explained: “We are increasingly finding that people are looking to book breaks that are a little bit out of the ordinary… a simple holiday isn’t always enough for everyone! With that in mind, many of our properties are going that bit further to give visitors an extra special break.”

We hope these ideas will have you running to book one!

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Bats and Broomsticks gothic guesthouse, Whitby

www.iknow-yorkshire.co.uk

Tel. 01947 605659

Whitby has a long association with vampires, as the town where Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula came to England in search of British blood. It even holds a bi-annual Gothic Weekend festival. Bats and Broomsticks is the only fully vampire-themed property in the UK. It’s decorated in a gothic style with four poster beds, decorative coffins and breakfast served by candlelight. A true home from home for those in search of myths and legend. It has to be seen to be believed!

Bats & Broomsticks Guest House in Whitby

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Raven Hall Hotel Country House, Ravenscar

www.iknow-yorkshire.co.uk

Tel. 0843 208 9124 or 01723 870353

Sticking with the Dracula theme, this claims to be the actual spot where Bram Stoker was inspired to write his most famous book. With dramatic panoramic views over Robin Hood’s Bay, the historic Raven Hall has both the coast and the North Yorkshire Moors National Park on the doorstep. The hotel offers a range of facilities including a golf course, conference and banqueting facilities, a range of leisure facilities and superior fine dining. We are now taking bookings for our new, high-spec lodges for more private gatherings!

Raven Hall Hotel Country House

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Old Chapel House, Masham, North Yorkshire

www.iknow-yorkshire.co.uk

Tel 0844 372 9000 or 01244356879

This grand stone built converted chapel and former Post House is full of character and located in the market town of Masham. It’s now a self catering property sleeping up to 10. It has an unusual upside down layout – but the modern interior won’t turn your stomach!

The Old Chapel Post House

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The Ship Inn and Duddon Sands Hostel,  Kirkby-in-Furness

www.iknow-lakedistrict.co.uk

Tel. 0844 372 5203 or 01229 889454.

If you’re looking for budget accommodation with a twist – this could be for you! Situated at the foot of Kirkby Fell, this purpose-built hostel overlooks the Duddon Estuary. If you’re feeling thirsty, there’s an unusual en suite – a 17th century friendly village pub, believed to be haunted by a teenager called Elizabeth who lived there in the 1800s.

The Ship In and Duddon Sands Hotel

The Lake District may seem like a traditional holiday destination, but one landlady is providing breaks that are truly out of the ordinary – by running courses on how to contact fairies and angels!

Come experience our Fairy & Angel Courses! We are ideal for a unique getaway.

The Fairy and Angel courses – at Onechurch St  on Ambleside – range from beginners to experienced level and are made up of 10 sessions to focus on contacting and messaging with the magical creatures.

In the beginner sessions you can design and paint your own teapot, coffee or tea cup and saucer, before learning the art of tea leaf and coffee grain reading.

There’s no need to feel guilty about your carbon footprint, either. Guests stay in organic accommodation and get a full organic breakfast too.

Course organiser Dianne Derrick says: “The fairies run the course so we can never say exactly what each session will entail. It’s out of our control. But people who’ve done the courses say they’ve found them amazing and inspiring.”

The courses are listed on tourism and accommodation website www.iknow-lakedistrict.co.uk, offering UK holidaymakers a wide choice of accommodation options across this popular tourist region.

Marcus Simmons, managing director at www.iknow-lakedistrict.co.uk, says the Fairy and Angel courses are one of the site’s most unusual listings.

He said: “The Lakes is a magical destination anyway, but this course is like nothing else.

“With busy work schedules, most people want to escape real life on their holiday, and what better way to do it than on a Fairy and Angel course?

“If fairies aren’t for you, though, we have many other very special properties all over the country on the iknow-uk websites.

“Staying in the UK is getting more popular, and this is a fully organic holiday too, at little or no cost to the environment.”

For more information, visit www.iknow-uk.com.

Founded by Marcus in 2003 with the iknow-yorkshire website, iknow-uk now operates 14 regional websites for accommodation and hospitality providers including hotels, guest houses, holiday cottages and B&Bs.

iknow-uk’s websites cover the UK’s most popular tourist regions and are visited by almost a million users each month.

Holiday home owners looking to list on one of iknow’s regional websites, should visit www.iknow-uk.com.

With more and more of us seeking out holidays that fit with our environmental beliefs, one bed and breakfast in Wales is leading the way by demonstrating how a comfortable holiday can also be eco-friendly.

Bryn Bella, a six-bedroom B&B in the heart of Snowdonia, has been named as one of the UK’s most eco- friendly properties and was last year named as the most sustainable B&B in Snowdonia.

Bryn Bella Chickens

However, as owner and manager Mark Edwards explains, an environmentally friendly holiday does not mean missing out on creature comforts.

He said: “Being based in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park it is important to me that we operate in a way that has the least impact on the local environment but without compromising on comfort and giving guests a great place to stay.

“In the six years we have been running the eco-friendly B&B in Wales we have introduced a number of green measures and continually assess how we operate to see if we could do anything better.

“However, until we tell them just what lengths we go to ensure we’re as green as possible, many of our guests don’t realise that we do anything differently – and that’s also important, proving that everybody can introduce these measures into their lives.”

Bryn Bella’s eco-friendly policies include solar heating and solar lighting in the outdoor areas, growing their own fruit and vegetables, sourcing all food locally and harvesting rainwater for use in the garden. The property is also home to a number of ex-battery chickens which Mark and his wife Joan have nursed back to health and which provide eggs for breakfast.

Chickens at Bryn Bella

Having previously held a job in financial I.T., which saw him regularly fly all over the world, Mark saw the opportunity of opening a B&B in Snowdonia as a great way to lead a more relaxed lifestyle.

He continued: “In my previous career I could be flying all over the world every few days, including one trip that saw me fly out to Australia for less than two days before flying all the way back again.

“I knew that all those trips were incredibly damaging for the environment, so when I decided to open Bryn Bella it was an easy decision to try to incorporate as many eco-friendly measures as possible.

“We do receive some guests, especially from overseas, who come specifically because we are an eco-friendly property but it’s great to be able to explain to all our guests what we do and how they can incorporate some of those things into their lifestyles.”

Bryn Bella is listed on iknow-wales.co.uk, an online accommodation directory which lists hundreds of B&Bs, holiday cottages, guest houses and hotels in Wales. The website allows users to search for properties not only by type and location but also by the services they offer, including eco-friendly options.

Marcus Simmons, managing director of iknow-wales.co.uk, said: “In the last few years it has certainly become evident that more of us are considering our impact on the environment and are looking for properties that do try to be eco-friendly.

“The good news is that we are definitely seeing a trend towards more of our customers operating in an environmentally friendly way and as Mark is proving at Bryn Bella that doesn’t have to mean any impact on comfort for guests.

“There is now a huge amount of choice right across the UK for anybody who wants to enjoy an eco-friendly holiday.”

To enable holidaymakers to enjoy a truly eco-friendly break Mark has teamed up with three further local eco-attractions, which are all listed on iknow-wales.co.uk.

Go Below Underground Adventures offers fascinating tours of the old mines deep under Snowdonia to enable visitors to learn about the abandoned gold, coal, slate and lead mines. For the truly adventurous trips encounter deep blue lakes and caverns where the only light is provided by the lamp on your helmet!

Go Below Underground Adventures

Visitors keen to learn more about the Snowdonia National Park can incorporate one of Nature’s Work’s tours into their visit which incorporate environmental tours, navigational skills or guided walks through the stunning countryside.

Nature's Work

Finally, those looking for a fun adventure can have a go at Tree Top Adventure, an exciting journey of obstacles using high ropes deep in the forest of Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia National Park.

Tree Top Adventure

For more information about Bryn Bella, Go Below, Nature’s Work or Tree Top Adventure visit www.iknow-wales.co.uk

Holidaymakers are flocking to stay at the house that inspired one of the classic children’s books of all time – Swallows and Amazons.

It’s almost eighty years since Arthur Ransome’s book Swallows and Amazons was first published, and it’s still a firm favourite with children and adults alike in homes around the world.

Bank Ground Farm where Swallows and Amazons was inspired

The adventure story, set on, in and around Bank Ground Farm on Coniston Lake has become well-loved the world over, and fans of the book are still paying a visit to the site that was the inspiration for the story.

Bank Ground Farm is perhaps better known as ‘Holly Howe’, the name given to it by Arthur Ransome when it acted as part inspiration for Swallows and Amazons, in which the house and its lakeside setting become the fictional home of the Walker children.

Lucy Batty, who has run the family Lake District Bed and Breakfast at Bank Ground Farm for over 50 years taking over from her mother in law, explained: “We’re really proud of our connection with such a classic book.  Arthur Ransome used to visit Bank Ground, and he would watch the children from the house next door playing by the lake. Their fun inspired him to write Swallows and Amazons, and he actually wrote parts of the story at in the sunroom at our farmhouse.

“We get lots of interest in the property from fans of the book from all over the world – it’s especially popular with Japanese tourists, and it’s a real best seller in their country. We love showing people around and telling them the story of Arthur Ransome’s visits.”

The Grade II listed property, which has uninterrupted views across Coniston water, has original low ceilings, exposed oak beams and open log fires, plus a working cattle and sheep farm covering more than 60 acres and half a mile of private lake frontage for guests to enjoy.

In addition to the seven individually furnished guest rooms in the farm house, Bank Ground also has self catering accommodation (sleeping 2- 19) available for guests in stylishly converted stables, barns and other traditional farm buildings – all have been sympathetically restored to a magnificent standard and come with stunning views of the lake and fells.

Bank Ground Farm was the setting for the 1974 film version of Swallows and Amazons starring Virginia McKenna and Ronald Fraser.

Lucy remembers: “It was great fun when the film crew settled in to the farm to make the movie. I remember them using lots of our things in the actual film – our crockery and cutlery, and even our sheets to make a tent.  We’ve had lots of TV interest in the property over the years too, most recently with Ben Fogle and on Country Tracks and it’s really touching for me to hear people talking fondly about our home. It means a lot to me that Bank Ground is such a special place to come and stay for so many people.”

The beautiful surroundings of Bank Ground Farm

Marcus Simmons, managing director at iknow-uk, said: “Bank Ground Farm is a great property, and one which proves you don’t need to go overseas to take advantage of high quality holiday accommodation in the Lake District.

“We have lots of website visitors looking for properties with famous links, and fans of the Swallows and Amazons book love to visit Bank Ground to discover for themselves the magic that inspired such a classic story.

“We have such fabulous countryside in the UK, and with the rise in ‘Britpacking’ set to continue throughout the summer of 2010, we’re hopeful that more and more Brits will decide to enjoy the wonderful natural beauty the UK has to offer.”

If you are looking to follow in the footsteps of the Walker family or for more information about staying at Bank Ground Farm please visit the iknow-lakedistrict website.

Founded by Marcus in 2003 with the iknow-yorkshire website, iknow-uk now operates 14 regional websites for accommodation and hospitality providers including restaurants in the North West, Yorkshire hotels, guest houses in Wales, holiday cottages in Cornwall and Devon B&Bs.

iknow-uk’s websites cover the UK’s most popular tourist regions and are visited by almost a million users each month.

Holiday home or restaurant owners looking to list on one of iknow’s regional websites, should visit www.iknow-uk.com.

A leading tourism website has seen a 271 per cent increase in enquiries for Easter breaks to the Lake District, as confidence in the Cumbrian tourist industry following the floods last year starts to return.

iknow-uk, the UK’s leading tourism and accommodation directory, has seen a huge surge in enquiries from holidaymakers looking to spend Easter in the Lakes, compared with the same time last year – and is predicting this growth in interest will continue into the summer as consumer confidence continues to return.

Marcus Simmons, managing director of iknow-uk, said: “It’s reassuring to know that holidaymakers are starting to regain confidence in Cumbria as a holiday destination following the terrible flooding last year.

“Many businesses were devastated by the floods, and at the end of last year we’d seen a real drop in the number of travellers searching for breaks in the region.  But, these new figures show that confidence is starting to return, which is a real positive for the hundreds of local people running tourism and hospitality businesses in the area.

“There were so many small business owners from the region who weren’t directly impacted by the floods in terms of water damage, but have experienced a knock on effect as people presume that the whole of Cumbria was affected.”

One such business is the Lingmoor Guest House in Windermere.  Owners Paula and Graham Smith have owned the holiday accommodation for just over a year, after purchasing it following an appearance on the TV programme ‘A Place in the Sun – Home or Away’.

Paula explained: “We wrote to the programme as we were undecided as to whether we should purchase a property in the Lake District or in Italy.  We decided to settle down in Windermere as it’s such a beautiful location, with amazing views and a great local community spirit.

“When the floods happened last year it was devastating for the region, and some of our close friends were directly affected.  Businesses such as ours, that weren’t directly affected by the flood waters, have rallied round to support others in the region.  There has been a real sense of community spirit as people try to support each other.

“Despite not being flooded ourselves, we still noticed a big drop in enquiries from holidaymakers at the end of last year, and into the beginning of this year.  Thankfully, things are picking up for us now, and we’re pleased that we now have a steady stream of bookings right through until the summer.

“There are many people still rebuilding their lives after the terrible floods, and it’s reassuring to see that the local economy is starting to be rebuilt.  We’re looking forward to welcoming people at Easter, and hope that the region continues to receive lots of visitors throughout the year.”

Founded by Marcus in 2003, iknow-uk now operates 14 regional websites for accommodation providers including hotels, guest houses, holiday cottages and B&Bs.  The sites are visited by almost a million users each month.

Holiday home owners looking to list on one of iknow’s websites, should visit www.iknow-uk.com.

Ends

Mad Hatter’s tea parties, the Queen of Hearts, and White Rabbits with stop watches…

UK tourism and accommodation expert iknow-uk is inviting holidaymakers to experience a piece of Alice’s wonderland for themselves with a break to some of the UK’s most magical properties.

Wizard's Thatch in Alderley Edge, Cheshire

Marcus Simmons, managing director at iknow-uk, explained: “The new Tim Burton movie is set to be the film event of the year when it’s launched on 5 March, and is guaranteed to bring about a renewed interest in the classic Lewis Carroll tales.

“With busy work schedules and hectic home lives, most people want to really switch off and get away from it all on their holiday, and on the iknow-uk websites we really do have some of the most magical properties in Britain.  They certainly offer an opportunity to get away from it all, and bring a little bit of wonderland to any trip away.”

The Enchanted Manor Retreat

Niton, Isle of Wight (Telephone: 0844 372 9211)

www.iknow-hampshire.co.uk

This multi-award winning boutique accommodation is luxurious and unique.  Owners Maggie and Ric Hilton bought the property in a run-down state over four years ago, after acquiring it at an auction profiled on the TV programme ‘Homes Under The Hammer’.  They developed it to the five star standard it is now – with eight luxurious suites all incorporating pieces from world-renowned artist Josephine Wall.

The Enchanted Manor on the Isle of Wight

With its on-site enchanted woodland and folly, plus unrivalled views of the Isle of Wight coastline, The Enchanted Manor Retreat is the perfect place for an Alice in Wonderland themed wedding.

The hosts already run Fairy Grand High Teas for locals and guests, and are set to launch a series of Mad Hatter Champagne Tea Parties in their brand new restaurant area.  These will include croquet in the gardens, and a special tea including diamond and heart-shaped sandwiches, Queen of Hearts tarts, Cheshire Cat’s goats cheese, tomato and basil bites, and lots of other sumptuous treats to accompany a glass of fine Champagne.

Maggie Hilton, co-owner of The Enchanted Manor Retreat, said: “When we opened the guest house we were adamant that it would be the ultimate place for people to escape from their day-to-day lives and indulge.

“We work extremely hard to provide a unique and personal service to every guest, and the Alice in Wonderland themed events have already led to a lot of enquiries.  They’re a bit of fun, but fit in perfectly with the enchanted, magical sanctuary we have here.  Couples looking to escape from it all can join us, and experience their own piece of wonderland on the Isle of Wight!”

Wizards Thatch Luxury B&B

Alderley Edge, Cheshire (Telephone: 0843 208 3152)

www.iknow-northwest.co.uk

Described as ‘living in a fairytale for the night’, Wizards Thatch is situated less than a minute from Alderley Edge’s famous street of restaurants and bars.  But thanks to its tea cosy of roses and ivy which completely camouflages the house in the summer, even many of the village locals haven’t heard of it.

The property is steeped with magical stories and legend – its name comes from a local legend about the Wizard Merlin, who offered a local farmer gold in exchange for his horse, which was required by King Arthur and his men for a dangerous mission.  Merlin invited the farmer into a local cave, gave the farmer treasure in payment for his horse, and then magically disappeared without a trace.

The Wizards Thatch boutique Cheshire accommodation is located on the very road where this magical encounter is said to have taken place, and with its five star suites (Merlin, Camelot or The Wizardry), is the perfect magical retreat for a romantic weekend away.

The self contained Merlin, Camelot, and The Wizardry suites all have four poster beds, draped in red and gold tapestries – with Camelot and The Wizardry boasting seven footers.  Travellers from all over the world have visited to experience a taste of Olde England and they are not disappointed judging by the quality of reviews received.

Wizard's Thatch Camelot Suite

Ian Lambert, owner of Wizard’s Thatch, explained: “I’m really proud of the magical heritage surrounding the property.  Films such as the new Alice in Wonderland movie, or Avatar really appeal to Brit’s imaginations and we get a lot of guests coming along who want a break from reality and to truly escape from it all.

“People are always saying it’s like living in a scene from The Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter – but probably the greatest attraction is the candleabra which hangs from an old rose over the pond.  Guests can light it and sip their Champagne – magic and romance is definitely in the air as the centuries old aura casts its spell on you! ”

eButler Apartments

Stockton Heath, Near Daresbury, Cheshire (Telephone: 0844 372 7243)

www.iknow-northwest.co.uk

The eButler apartments are based just a few miles from Daresbury, the birthplace of Alice in Wonderland author Lewis Carroll, and offer the perfect location from which to explore the locations that inspired the classic stories.

Lewis Carroll was born in Daresbury in 1832 and spent the first ten years of his life in the quiet corner of rural Cheshire.  The fully serviced eButler apartments and luxury Penthouses provide a great base for fans of the books to really get under the skin of the region that inspired such imaginative tales – from the beautiful country villages and peaceful forests, to historical architecture such as the Parish Church of All Saints in Daresbury which features a fine stained glass window showing many of the characters from ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’.

Geoff Crawford, owner of the eButler apartments, said: “This really is a great region for tourists to explore, and our serviced apartments aim to provide a cost-effective solution that offers complete flexibility and freedom without losing any of the service or comforts a hotel might offer.

“They’re the perfect base for people wanting to explore Cheshire, and the magic the region has to offer.”

Founded by Marcus in 2003 with the iknow-yorkshire website, iknow-uk now operates 14 regional websites for accommodation and hospitality providers including hotels, guest houses, holiday cottages and B&Bs.

iknow-uk’s websites cover the UK’s most popular tourist regions and are visited by almost a million users each month.

Holiday home owners looking to list on one of iknow’s regional websites, should visit www.iknow-uk.com.