Avoid city living on the activity break with a difference!

A working farm in Northallerton, near Leeds, has launched the ultimate antidote to the stresses of modern city living – helping farmers deliver this year’s lambs.

Lovesome Hill Farm in West Yorkshire has launched the Farm Activity Break as the ideal way for the city slicker to enjoy a true countryside experience.

A working farm with sheep, cattle, free range hens and more than 160 acres of land, the farm offers B&B accommodation in Yorkshire throughout the year but this year guests will be invited to help out during the lambing season from 20th March to 1st April.

The Lambs at Lovesome Farm B and B

Guests will be invited to spend a two night break at the farm working alongside farm owner John Pearson to help feed the Masham and Mule sheep, collect eggs from the free range hens and hopefully observe the birth of a spring lamb or two.

All meals are provided by John’s wife Mary including a hearty breakfast, warming soup and sandwiches and home-made casseroles.

John hopes that the breaks will provide a complete break from modern life and leave guests feeling completely revitalised.

He says: “Modern living with constant emails, texts and phone calls can be stressful so we’ve launched the Farm Activity Breaks to provide a completely different change of pace.

“Many of our guests have told us in the past that they’d like to leave their busy lives behind and stay on the farm forever so we thought why not give them the opportunity to have the full experience.

“Guests during lambing season will get to completely recharge their batteries by trying everything from collecting eggs to feeding the sheep and cattle and perhaps even helping to deliver the lambs

“This is no relaxation retreat though and guests will be expected to muck in and get their hands dirty for the full taste of farm life!”

Lovesome Hill Farm is listed on iknow-yorkshire.co.uk which provides information on a wide range of holiday accommodation in Yorkshire including Yorkshire hotels, Yorkshire B&Bs and Yorkshire guesthouses as well as local attractions and things to do in Yorkshire.

Marcus Simmons, managing director of iknow-yorkshire.co.uk, says: “We all have times where we’d like to trade in our lives for one in the country and these farm breaks are the ideal opportunity to do just that.

“We list many working farms across all of our websites and they always prove to be some of our most popular properties.

“It seems that we just can’t get enough of the countryside!”

The Farm Activity breaks cost from £100 per adult for two nights, based on two adults sharing, including all meals. Pregnant women should avoid all contact, either direct or indirect, with lambing ewes.

iknow-uk operates 14 regional websites listing holiday accommodation and leisure activities in the UK’s most popular tourism destinations.

It has put together a list of it’s top working farms and animal friendly accommodation.

Launceston Farm, Blandford Forum, Dorset

Launceston Farm

Stylish B&B set in the beautiful Dorset countryside. Guests are encouraged to make the most of the surroundings by going on walks through the countryside, joining farm tours and even getting involved in seasonal goings on such as cider making.

For more information visit www.iknow-dorset.co.uk

Crockshard Farmhouse, Wingham, Kent

Elvis the Pig at Crockshard Farmhouse

Crockshard Farmhouse B&B is a charming grade II listed property in the beautiful Kent countryside. Animals include Elvis, the retired boar, Billy the goat, Pumpkin the racing pony and a herd of kune kune pigs that live entirely outdoors in grass paddocks and woodland and can be fed by guests. Guests can even bring their own pets with stabling and paddocks available for horses and ponies.

For more information visit www.iknow-kent.co.uk

Millmoor Farm Cottages, Malpas, Cheshire

Millmoor Farm Cottages

These award winning self catering holiday cottages are on a working dairy and sheep farm in beautiful South Cheshire. As Millmoor is a working dairy and beef farm, guests may watch the milking, help feed the calves, collect hen’s eggs for breakfast or visit the sheep and the rare breeds of pigs. Coarse fishing is also available.

For more information visit www.iknow-northwest.co.uk

Humble Bee Cottages, Filey, Yorkshire

Humble Bee Cottages

Humble Bee farm offers three beautiful holiday cottages, wigwams and camping facilities in an idyllic rural haven. Families can get back to nature by meeting all of the farmyard animals, collecting fresh eggs for breakfast and feeding the ducks.

For more information visit www.iknow-yorkshire.co.uk

Smeaton Organic Farm B&B, Saltash, Cornwall

Smeaton Organic Farm B&B

This four star fully organic farm is set on 450 acres in the Duchy of Cornwall. It offers a great place from which to explore Cornwall as well as plenty to do on the farm including meeting the rare breed sheep, cattle and pigs and getting lost in the Maize Maze which opens each summer.

For more information visit www.iknow-cornwall.co.uk

Sandown Manor Guesthouse, Isle of Wight

Lambs at Sandown Manor

Sandown Manor is a three-star B&B occupying a fantastic position overlooking Sandown Bay on the Isle of Wight. Younger visitors enjoy the Pets Corner’ which currently includes a Shetland pony, donkey foal, orphaned lambs, guinea pigs, rabbits, ducks and a chinchilla!

For more information visit www.iknow-hampshire.co.uk

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

-

The trend for British holidays is set to continue this year, with recession hit Briton’s favouring the domestic holiday over its sun burnt rival.

iknow-uk, which runs 13 regional accommodation and hospitality websites covering the UK’s most popular tourist destinations, has pulled together a list of its favourite most unusual places to eat and stay to prove that there’s nothing boring about a British holiday.

The Treehouse Restaurant – Alnwick, Northumberland

The Treehouse is one of the most unique and magical restaurants to be found anywhere in the world, set high up in the treetop’s of the beautiful Alnwick gardens. With the delicious locally inspired food, roaring log fire and trees growing through the floors this restaurant is a must for any adventurous food connoisseur with a wide choice in food and wines.

The Treehouse Restaurant

Barcaldine Castle – Benderloch, West Highlands

Set in the foreground of Loch Creran backed by the notoriously forbidding mountains above Glencoe, Barcaldine Castle offers a truly unique experience. Holidaymakers will find luxurious, opulent and romantic accommodation, offered nowhere else on the West Coast of Scotland. Its not often your holiday accommodation has its own bartizans, gun loops, shot holes, secret stairs, dungeon and 9 foot thick walls!

Barcaldine Castle

Lakeland Campers – Kendal, Cumbria

Instead of staying in one place for your holiday Lakeland Campers offers the chance to  ‘Britpack’ around the countryside in its 1969 Volkswagen camper van. Sleeping up to four people, ‘Dolly’ offers the opportunity to tour the Lake District, Yorkshire or Scotland. She is fully equipped for 21st Century camping with a leisure battery for laptops, hairdryers and straighteners.

Lakeland Campers

Pinewood Holiday Park – Scarborough

Pinewood Holiday Park offers the chance to get back to nature by camping in one of 16 authentic tipis sleeping up to six people. Each is equipped with a wood burning stove and futons to sleep on. However, if that’s a little bit too close to nature the holiday park also offers 12 caravan pitches.

Pinewood Holiday Park

Wizards Thatch Luxury Suites – Alderley Edge, Cheshire

Wizards Thatch is part of the historic 400 year old Summerhill Cottages which lie at the foot of the Edge, a mystical sandstone outcrop which stands guard over the Cheshire Plain. The property takes its name from a local legend involving a wizard, King Arthur and his knights and a farmer on his way to market. Enjoy a stay in one of this mystical property’s three five star suites by choosing from the Merlin, Camelot or Wizardry suites with their sumptuous furnishings and four poster beds.

Wizards Thatch

Craig y Nos Castle Hotel – Penycae, Wrexham

Situated in the breathtaking Brecon beacons Craig y Nos Castle’s main focus is on offering guests quality: quality accommodation, quality service and quality amenities including a beautiful spa. The castle played host to one of the most celebrated women of the 20^th century, Adelina Patti an Edwardian Mariah Carey whose entourage used to regularly party at the castle.

Craig Y Nos Castle

Langland Bay Manor – Mumbles, Swansea

Langland Manor is a stunning grade II listed building situated in picturesque grounds on the magnificent Gower Penisula. The manor overlooks an award winning beach that has become somewhat of a mecca for surfers.

Langland Bay Manor

Fishlake Mill – Doncaster

Fishlake Mill is a newly restored 18th century corn mill situated in the ancient village of Fishlake. The windmill is a newly resorted 18^th century corn mill and retains much of its original character blended with modern style and comforts. Set in the idyllic rural countryside with the ornamental pond just on the doorstep this is the ultimate in relaxation accommodation.

Fishlake Mill

Old Tavistock Railway Self Catering – Tavistock, Devon

Old Tavistock Railway Station cottages offer a truly unique 5 star holiday experience in a historic location overlooking the town of Tavistock. Tavistock is one of the most delightful little towns in the UK and birthplace of Elizabethan explorer Sir Francis Drake and home to the famous Pannier market 5 days a week. The accommodation offers luxurious and traditional home comforts mixed with modern and stylish appliances.

Old Tavistock Railway

Classrooms at the Old School – Carrbridge, Cairngorms

A traditional old school house, lovingly converted into three luxury apartments is perfectly positioned in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. This local area offers a range of activities for the adrenaline junkies and offers canoeing, windsurfing, skiing, golf, quad biking and horse riding or if you have a relaxing break in mind there are castles, gardens and beaches to explore. With a diverse mix of opportunities this holiday is ideal for families or couples.

Classrooms at the Old School

St Mary’s Hall B&B – Alton

As recommended in The Times newspaper, St Marys is a beautifully converted church based in the leafy market town of Alton in Hampshire. With local attractions including Watercress Steam Railway, Jane Austins house, Gilbert Whites house and many more.

The Windmill Bed & Breakfast – Scarborough

The Windmill Bed and Breakfast is the second converted mill on the list and is the last Windmill remaining in the popular UK holiday hotspot of Scarborough. It is less than 5 minutes walk to the town centre and offers magnificent 360 degree views of the surrounding area. The windmill is a unique and unusual place to stay with a personal touch thanks to careful owners Angela and Roland who have taken care of the windmill for the last 10 years.

]]> http://www.iknow-uk.com/wordpress/2010/01/28/1549/feed/ 0 treehouse The Treehouse Restaurant barcaldine Barcaldine Castle lakeland campers Lakeland Campers tipi tent Pinewood Holiday Park wizard Wizard Thatch craig y nos Craig Y Nos Castle langland Langland Castle Fishlake Mill Fishlake Mill old tavistock Old Tavistock Railway classrooms Classrooms at the Old School st marys St Marys windmill The Windmill http://www.iknow-uk.com/wordpress/2010/01/18/newcastle-%e2%80%93-how-well-do-you-know-the-uk/ http://www.iknow-uk.com/wordpress/2010/01/18/newcastle-%e2%80%93-how-well-do-you-know-the-uk/#comments Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:55:15 +0000 marketing http://www.iknow-uk.com/wordpress/?p=1536 Newcastle – how well do you know the UK?

The team from UK tourism and accommodation website www.iknow-northeast.co.uk will hit the streets of Newcastle tomorrow (14th January) to test local people on their knowledge of UK geography and the nation’s most famous landmarks.

Angel of the North, North East

A huge map of the UK will be placed in Eldon Square Shopping Centre and members of the public will be asked to position famous tourist destinations such as Stonehenge, the Blackpool Tower and the Giant’s Causeway.

This follows the results of a survey stating that around half of Brits didn’t know in which county to find the Angel of the North and 60 per cent could not identify Windsor Castle.

Of more than 4,000 people questioned, 49 per cent didn’t know where to find Stonehenge and one in four couldn’t place the Blackpool Tower in the county of Lancashire.

Of those questioned within the North East a third struggled to place Loch Ness in its rightful county of Invernesshire and 45 per cent could not recognise the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Marcus Simmons, iknow-uk.com managing director, said: “After our research showed that Brits know the whereabouts of foreign tourism attractions like The Coliseum or Anne Frank’s Museum better than those in their own countries, we wanted to hit the streets and see if people in the North East could fare any better.

“We know that many people are booking their summer holidays this month so there is no better time to put people to the test with our map to encourage them to get outdoors and rediscover all the fantastic attractions the UK has to offer.”

With around 60 per cent of Brits having enjoyed a UK holiday in the last year iknow-uk.com has launched www.iknow-northeast.co.uk to encourage even more holidaymakers to get to know the North East.

The new website features a number of accommodation options from holiday cottages to boutique hotels and B&Bs from across the region.

Founded by Marcus in 2003 with the iknow-yorkshire website, iknow-uk now operates 13 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.

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

]]> http://www.iknow-uk.com/wordpress/2010/01/18/newcastle-%e2%80%93-how-well-do-you-know-the-uk/feed/ 0 angel of the north Angel of the North, Nort East http://www.iknow-uk.com/wordpress/2009/12/15/accommodation-owners-stick-with-uk/ http://www.iknow-uk.com/wordpress/2009/12/15/accommodation-owners-stick-with-uk/#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:17:12 +0000 marketing http://www.iknow-uk.com/wordpress/?p=1483 BRITISH BUSINESS OWNERS STICK WITH UK – DESPITE RAIN AND RECESSION

Sun, sea and sangria are no longer as appealing to British hospitality business owners as they once were, according to the UK’s leading tourism and accommodation directory, iknow-uk.

iknow-uk, has found that despite having the opportunity to invest in the holiday industry abroad, the majority of its customers have opted to stay in the UK and develop businesses on home soil instead.

Marcus Simmons, managing director at www.iknow-yorkshire.co.uk, explained:  “In recent years business owners in the hospitality industry have been looking abroad for investment opportunities, so we were really surprised when we talked to customers who own holiday parks, hotels and bed and breakfasts and they said they were favouring Britain again.  Many of them have had the opportunity to move abroad and invest in holiday homes in other parts of the world, but the majority have opted to stay in the UK instead.

Kerry Woodhead, and her husband Dave own the Pinewood Holiday Park near Scarborough. In 2004 they had a change in personal circumstances, which meant they were thrown into making some difficult decisions about their future.

Pinewood holiday park in Scarborough

Kerry explained: “After being in the retail business for more than 16 years, we suddenly found ourselves unemployed.  We had recently been to Grand Caymen on holiday and decided that it might be a good place to live and work.  We put a plan in place to move there, and to run a holiday accommodation business, and started to look for suitable properties.

“Driving home one evening we passed a caravan park a couple of miles from our home in Scarborough.  We’d passed it hundreds of times before, but noticed it was up for sale, so decided to pop in and take a look.  It was perfect, with amazing countryside all around, and a great view of the north east coast.

“We decided that as exotic as Grand Caymen seemed it couldn’t compare with the amazing location of the holiday park.

“The UK is such a great place to own a holiday business.  We have such lovely visitors, and in my opinion the location is unrivalled – even by the beaches of Grand Caymen!”

Jeana Shippey, owner of Direct Whitby, a group of holiday properties in the Yorkshire seaside town, also chose a UK investment over a business abroad.

Direct Whitby in Yorkshire

She said: “I have had an extensive career in the travel and tourism industry and actually worked for a leading tour operator overseas for more than 13 years.  When I decided to take voluntary redundancy from my job and invest in my own holiday accommodation business, I looked seriously at buying a property in Cyprus, but opted for a cottage in my home town of Whitby instead.

“For me, there’s nothing quite like a UK seaside holiday.  We have such a stunning coastline in this country – there’s absolutely no need to head abroad for a beach holiday.

“We have amazing countryside, loads for families to do, and I believe that here in the UK we invest much more time into giving a personal service to customers than people do abroad.

“I also focus heavily on pet friendly accommodation, and have won awards for my provisions for people wanting to take their pets on holiday.  I’ve done lots of research, and there aren’t as many opportunities for this kind of holiday overseas. I’m so pleased I chose Whitby over Cyprus – I’ve never looked back.”

Marcus Simmons, from iknow-yorkshire.co.uk, said: “Kerry and Jeana’s stories are not untypical.  We have spoken to hundreds of customers who have had the opportunity to move abroad, but have decided to stay in the UK and build a holiday business here instead.

“As we all know, the economic situation is not great here at the moment, but there are still brilliant little places that people can spend a long weekend away – and they don’t need to jet off abroad to do so.

“We’ve found that there are still masses of people who would rather holiday in their home country than go abroad – the staycation is still as popular as ever.

“The recession has meant that holidaymakers are increasingly looking for ways to have a cost effective break away, and looking nearer to home means that they can discover the hidden gems of the UK without breaking the bank.”

Marcus added: “We’re hoping that the domestic tourism boom will continue as Brits rediscover the fantastic holiday options that are right on their doorstep.”

Tourism and accommodation website www.iknow-yorkshire.co.uk, is part of the iknow-uk group of websites, which offer UK holidaymakers information on a wide choice of accommodation options and breaks away across the UK.

Founded by Marcus in 2003, iknow-uk now operates 12 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.

and it’s not just the dog

Pet owners are all too aware of the problems encountered with finding care for their pets when they are away on holiday.

Derf the Skunk who stayed at the Arches Guest House

However, thanks to the resurgence in popularity of the staycation many UK based B&B’s, hotels and holiday cottages now accept pets – and as one property owner has found it’s not always just dogs and cats that come to stay.

The owners of The Arches Guesthouse in Whitby, which have always welcomed pets without extra charge, were recently presented with the unusual request of having a pet skunk to stay.

Ruth Brew, who owns The Arches with her husband Dick, said: “We advertise ourselves as being pet friendly and most people assume that just means dogs so we were very surprised when we received the request for the skunk to stay.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on being flexible to the needs of our guests and we were thrilled to meet Derf the skunk when he stayed with us in October.

“I didn’t even know that it was possible to have a skunk as a pet but Derf was lovely and incredibly well-behaved for the four nights he stayed.  Luckily for us he no longer had his scent glands so there were no unpleasant smells!

“We welcome most animals provided that they are house trained, don’t bite and are well-groomed and Derf joins a long list of unusual pets that have stayed including rabbits, ferrets and a swearing African grey parrot.”

Taking pets away with you can also significantly reduce the cost of an annual holiday. Boarding kennels for one dog for a week can cost upwards of £100 making a seemingly cheap holiday on the continent suddenly seem far more expensive.

The Arches, a Whitby Guest House,  lists its property through iknow-uk, which operates 12 regional accommodation websites across the UK and provides a number of options for people looking to holiday in the UK.

The company has seen the trend for taking pets on holiday grow significantly in the past year to the extent where it now has a pet-friendly section on each of its websites including pet-friendly accommodation in Yorkshire.

Marcus Simmons, managing director of iknow-uk, said: “When pet owners go on holiday abroad they usually have to either find friends or family to look after their pet or rely on expensive boarding kennels which adds extra costs to the holiday.

“With more and more of us now holidaying in the UK, people are now looking to take their pets away with them and a significant proportion of our customers now advertise themselves as being pet friendly accommodation.

“As Ruth and Dick have found being pet friendly doesn’t always just mean welcoming the family dog and our customers have helped look after everything from hamsters and rabbits up to horses.

“Many properties are also members of the Welcome Pets scheme which means they provide advice on local pet-friendly pubs and activities as well as adding extra value by providing leads, treats, toys, pet beds, blankets and exercise areas.

“The trend has grown to such an extent that we now provide a link on the home page of each of our regional websites so that it is easy to find all pet-friendly holiday options.”

To help pet owners find their ideal get away iknow-uk has put together a list of its top pet friendly accommodation options:

Chark Country Cottages, pet friendly accommodation in Bodmin, Cornwall – Best for Horse Owners

Four-star self catering cottages set in a picturesque setting on a dairy farm in Cornwall. Guests are able to bring their horses, free of charge, and the property offers advice on scenic rides through the countryside. Stabling and grazing are provided on site. Those without their own horses can enjoy cart rides provided by Chark’s friendly ponies.

Trevosper Barn Holiday Cottages, pet friendly accommodation in Launceston, Cornwall – Best for Added Extras

Trevosper Barn is comprised of three beautiful pet-friendly cottages in Cornwall which have been carefully converted from a former 18th Century building, yet are fully modernised inside. The property is a member of the Families Welcome and Welcome Pets scheme which means that it gives plenty of advice on pet-friendly days out and places to eat and drink, as well as providing everything your dog might need including, leads, treats, toys, ordering food  on request and a dog towel for muddy paws. It also has a ‘doggy business’ wormery which does not smell and is a very eco-friendly way of getting rid of the messy stuff by converting it into fertiliser for use on the garden!

Crockshard Farm House, pet friendly accommodation in Wingham, Kent – Best for Meeting Other Animals

Crockshard Farm House offers six beautifully presented rooms with beautiful views and a very warm welcome. However, what makes this property special is its menagerie of animals which includes Pumpkin, the Shetland Pony, Billy, the goat, Elvis, the pig, and a herd of pigs, raised for meat. Dogs are welcome,  as are horses and stables and paddocks are available.

Wringworthy Cottages, pet friendly accommodation in Looe, Cornwall – Best for Families with Dogs

Wringworthy’s eight self-catering cottages offer the perfect spot to chill out in the Cornwall countryside, just a few minutes from the sea. The cottages are extremely family friendly and provide toddler and baby equipment free of charge as well as a play barn packed with toys. Kids can also scatter corn for chickens and give carrots to the friendly donkeys. Dog owners are well cared for with advice on the best walks, a seven acre exercise field, dog crates, and a local day kennel which will collect your dog so that you can enjoy a dog free day out.

Sunny the rabbit at Wringworthy Cottages

The difficulties facing this year’s graduates have been well documented but one online company has seen the potential in growing a young team.

With nearly one in ten recent graduates out of work, the highest rate in 14 years according to statistics released this week from the Higher Education Careers Services Unit, online accommodation specialist iknow-uk is bucking the trend with its commitment to employing university leavers.

iknow-uk champions graduate recruitment

Almost 40 per cent of the iknow team are currently graduates following a recent recruitment drive which has seen 21 graduates secure employment with the company in the last 12 months.

The company, which operates 12 regional websites for leisure and accommodation providers, has pledged an ongoing commitment to graduate recruitment to support the future development of the business.

Marcus Simmons, managing director of iknow-uk believes that the enthusiasm and motivation of its young team has been a significant contributing factor to the company’s rapid growth.

He explained: “It’s disappointing that so many businesses have cut back on their entry level positions in recent years to the point where the number of graduate level jobs has fallen to that of 2005 levels.

“We recruit graduates for departments across the iknow-uk team, with the majority working in our sales team.

“In our experience graduates have exactly the right skill set that we need in our business including a strong teamwork ethic and real drive to succeed.

“We rely on these skills to such an extent that we now only employ graduates in the sales team and thanks to the whole team’s hard work we have been able to maintain a customer renewal rate of 90 per cent for five years, allowing the company to expand into new regions.”

Marcus credits his young team with much of the past year’s success which has seen the company double its turnover in the face of the recession allowing it to expand from a team of 20 to 55 employees.

He continued: “The past year has seen huge growth for iknow-uk in an economic climate which has seen many other businesses struggle.

“Many of our graduates are recruited locally as I feel its essential to support young people in the North West who have a lot to offer businesses like ours.”

Adam, a recent graduate in the sales team, said: “I was lucky enough to begin my career with iknow-uk, just a week after I’d handed in my dissertation for my master’s degree, after attending a graduate opening day.

“I got the job of telemarketer, calling accommodation owners that would potentially be interested in listing their properties on one of iknow-uk’s regional websites.

“Although I’d never considered a career in sales I found that my skill set really suited the role and I was soon given the opportunity to become an account manager before being put in charge of a team of account managers.

“Working at iknow-uk has been a fantastic move for me both career-wise and personally. With the team all being of a similar age we are all really sociable and I’ve met some fantastic people in my time here.

“The pace at which the company has grown in the last year has been tremendous and with ambitious growth plans for next year I can see already that there will be plenty of room for further progression.

“It’s great that there are companies such as iknow-uk out there that are dedicated to recruiting and nurturing the careers of graduates.

“I know from the experience of my peers that getting a job after university can be incredibly hard and I feel lucky to have found a job with such great prospects.”

Matt, another recent graduate, agrees that students are feeling under pressure with fewer jobs available. He said: “I completed my degree in June 2009, when the recession was in full swing.

“ I was constantly being reminded about the number of jobs being cut, which put an unsavoury end to my degree at a time when I should have been celebrating.

“I’ve always had a strong focus on marketing and to know that so many companies were cutting jobs in this area was worrying and I left university feeling apprehensive about the future.

“To my delight I’ve been lucky enough to start my career with iknow-uk as a marketing assistant. I’ve been here a little over a month now and I already feel like an integrated part of the team.

“It’s been a fantastic experience so far and I’m glad to be part of such a refreshing and forward thinking organisation.”

Those looking for a truly sparkling Bonfire Night could do no better than a stay in the very property where Guy Fawkes was born.

Now one of York’s best regarded places to eat, drink and stay, the Guy Fawkes Inn, in the shadow of York Minster, is where the famed plotter was born in 1570 and lived for several years whilst attending the local St Peters’ School, still just a short walk from the inn.

Celebrate the 5th November with spectacular fireworks!

It is now managed by leisure & hospitality specialist company, Topaz Consulting who regularly welcome visitors from all over the world who are all keen to know more about the man famously associated with the gunpowder plot.

Andrew Hammond of Topaz said: “We know that Guy Fawkes was born in his grand-father’s cottage which forms the back section of the current building and that he was baptised in the St Michael-le-Belfrey church opposite, which is next door to the famous York Minster.

“We receive visitors from all over the UK and beyond who are all fascinated by the tale of the gunpowder plot but even more who are just keen to stay in such a well-preserved historical property.

“Having been developed over centuries the building has a number of quirky features which make it an interesting place to stay and we now even have a romantic suite in the belfry with its own mini-library and jacuzzi bath.

“As a result tourists from as far away as Japan and America regularly come to stay or just to enjoy a few pints of real ale.

“In the last 30 days alone we have received over 470 enquiries through iknow-yorkshire from people looking to stay and visit the place where Guy Fawkes was born.”

As well as its 13 rooms, each with en-suite, the Inn in York also offers timber floors, roaring log fires, up to nine real ales at any time and a delicious menu which includes Yorkshire favourites as well as Fawkes’ Fiery Sausages.

Enjoy a drink and a bite to eat at the Guy Fawkes Inn

The Guy Fawkes Inn is listed on Yorkshire accommodation and tourism website iknow-yorkshire which offers those looking to holiday in the UK with a wide range of accommodation and attractions across the region.

Marcus Simmons, managing director of www.iknow-yorkshire.co.uk, said: “Thanks to the unusual nature of the property The Guy Fawkes Inn is always popular with our website users but no more so than at this time of year.

“With its range of accommodation options, period features and even a Guy Fawkes Ghost Walk each evening the inn makes a great place to stay for history buffs and people of all ages.”

Rooms at The Guy Fawkes Inn cost from £70. For more information visit www.iknow-yorkshire.co.uk

iknow-uk took to the streets of Plymouth in Devon to test local people on their knowledge of the UK.

iknow the UK - do you?

Watch iknow-uk on the BBC

A huge map was placed in Sundial Sqaure and members of the public were asked to position famous tourist destinations such as Stonehenge, the Angel of the North and the Giant’s Causeway.

iknow-uk currently have 12 regional websites for accommodation and hospitality providers including Devon hotels, B&B’s in Devon and self-catering cottages in Devon.

iknow the UK - do you?

Watch iknow-uk on ITV West Country

The team from UK tourism and accommodation website www.iknow-uk.com have hit the streets of Plymouth today (Tuesday 27th October), to test local people on their knowledge of UK geography and the nation’s most famous landmarks.

Passers by were asked how well they knew the UK

A huge map of the UK was placed in Sundial Square from 10am and members of the public were asked to position famous tourist destinations such as Stonehenge, the Angel of the North and the Giant’s Causeway.

This follows the results of a survey stating that around half of Brits couldn’t identify famous landmarks such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge and a quarter didn’t even know in which county to find Land’s End.

Of more than 4,000 people questioned, 49 per cent didn’t know where to find Stonehenge and one in four couldn’t place the Blackpool Tower in the county of Lancashire.

Of those questioned within the South West a third struggled to place Loch Ness in its rightful county of Invernesshire and two thirds could not recognise Windsor Castle.

Marcus Simmons, iknow-uk.com’s managing director, said: “After our research showed that Brits know the whereabouts of foreign tourism attractions like The Coliseum or Anne Franks museum better than those in their own countries, we wanted to hit the streets and see if people in the South West could fare any better.

“We put people to the test with our iknow map and encouraging people to get outdoors and rediscover all the fantastic attractions the UK has to offer.”

With more than 60 per cent of people in the South West having holidayed in the UK this year, iknow-uk.com is introducing leisure and hospitality to its regional websites to sit alongside thousands of accommodation options across the UK.

www.iknow-devon.co.uk and www.iknow-cornwall.co.uk are the latest websites to feature leisure attractions so users will now be able to book activities to enjoy on their UK break as well as their accommodation – making iknow’s websites one stop shops for planning a UK getaway.

Founded by Marcus in 2003 with the iknow-yorkshire website, iknow-uk now operates 12 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.

]]> http://www.iknow-uk.com/wordpress/2009/10/27/iknow-the-uk-do-you/feed/ 0 iknow the UK do you? Passers by were asked how well they knew the UK