With the festive season drawing close it’s time to think about all things Christmas and that means getting started on the Christmas Shopping. This year to take the stress out of the hustle and bustle I’m planning on doing it in style and taking a break in one of the many cities entertaining a Christmas market.

From the traditional German Markets to the fabulous sights of London’s winter wonderland there is so much going on both in the UK and across Europe. The trouble is deciding where to experience that magical feeling. Should I go across to Belgium and sample the delicious chocolates, or visit the snow capped mountains of Austria. Perhaps I’ll stay closer to home and enjoy the atmosphere right here. Most of the big cities will be brimming with Christmas cheer; the Christmas songs and the mulled wine, the shopping and the hot chocolates all pull together for that cosy feeling inside.

With markets taking place from mid November right through December there are plenty of opportunities to get out and about and enjoy the festivities.

Have you visited one of the many Christmas markets? Share your thoughts on the best and the worst, the unique and the magical.

In the midst of a whirlwind couple of weeks for both Prince William and Kate Middleton, they have finally announced the date that the nation has been waiting for. It was tipped that bookies had suspended betting for April yesterday as rumours flew for a wedding on the 28^th or 29^th of April.

The date for the wedding of the century is finally set for the 29^th of April 2011 and will take place in Westminster Abbey. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to flock to the capital to line the streets in celebration for this momentous occasion. But despite this huge announcement only just being made, demand for hotels in London is incredible!

It was confirmed that the royal wedding will be a public holiday (yey!) allowing as many people as possible to be able to join in the celebrations. Directly following the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, the wedding will create another 4 day weekend for the British public and a 3 day working week (double yey!). Many pubs and clubs are already confirming celebration events to be held throughout the city on this double bank holiday weekend.

So as the date draws closer and the collectable crockery and tea towels go on sale outside Buckingham Palace, expect to see the wheels in motion for plenty of good old fashioned street parties.

What have you got planned for this double bank holiday weekend?

Source: Daily Mail

Whether it’s the thought of food – glorious food! – or an orphan finding friends and a family to love beyond the grey walls of the Victorian workhouse, there’s no doubt that Oliver! – the record-breaking musical based on Charles Dickens’s much-loved novel – is full of Christmas cheer.

Putting those thoughts of cold jelly and custard to one side, there’s plenty to delight both adults and children, who are set to get that festive feeling while watching sweet-mannered Oliver ask for more before pairing with the artful dodger, picking a pocket or two under the instruction of master-criminal Fagin, being mothered a little by the well-meaning Nancy, dodging the dangerous Bill Sykes and finding a new home and some lovely, well-to-do long-lost relatives.

And with an all-star cast, enduringly popular story line and a sweeping musical score by Lionel Bart , Oliver’s added Oom Pah Pah is sure to wow even those who consider themselves experienced theatre-goers. Especially as the director himself has promised ‘never before has a show given more!’

I’d do anything to be at London’s Palladium this winter – especially as Oliver! will shy from the limelight on January 8, 2011.

Since you’ve got to pick a pocket or two, don’t forget to check our hotel and ticket packages before you steal away to London this Christmas!

As soon as you hear the faint sound of the bells and see the big red trucks carrying a whole load of Coca Cola you know it’s almost Christmas! With less than 5 weeks remaining until the most exciting time of the year there is still so much I want to cram into 2010, especially before the New Years Resolutions kick in. So if escaping for a few days before the run up to Christmas sounds like a good plan then you might want to hunt out some winter warmers!

From October to January Norway is an ideal place to catch up with some extreme nature. Pods of killer whales make their way to Tysfjord to hunt down the migrating herrings. Even though this is slightly out of the way surely it’s worth the travel for an opportunity of a life time.

But if being able to swim or kayak with the whales leaves you reaching out for a hot chocolate how about soaking up some of the summer sunshine in Sydney, Australia? Escape the after Christmas blues and top up your tan while taking part in the Sydney Harbour New Year’s Eve party. Sip a chilled beer in the warm summer nights with the locals and enjoy fireworks over the Opera House.

If neither of those make the long winter season seem a little bit more exciting how about hand delivering your letter to Santa? Heading to Finland before making the trip to Lapland and presenting your letter surely will win you some brownie points in the good Vs bad category?

I know what’s going in my letter to Santa, what about you?

And whether you’re bored with Courchevel of Klosters, prefer the après-ski to the snowy slopes or are left feeling a little cold by the idea of heading for chillier climes, don’t worry – I’ve an unusual alternative or two up my woolly winter sleeves that’ll have you taking-off quicker than a ski-lift.

Skate:

If (like me!) you struggle to stay up-right on a set of skis, ice skating could be your best baby-step forward this ski season. And with open-air skating rinks appearing by London’s iconic landmarks, there’s never been a better time to get your skates on!

Whether you’d like to speed across the rink or tentatively find your way across the ice, you’ll be able to choose from rinks by canary wharf, the London Eye, the Natural History museum, the Tower of London and Somerset House.

And remember to check our London hotel offers before taking to the ice this winter!

Board:

If you’re bored of ski-ing, why not try snowboarding? And where better to get a taste of the après-ski night-life than Glasgow!

Hit the real indoor snow slopes at Glasgow’s Xscape centre before heading into the city centre for some winter warming drinks and Christmas shopping (in the best city shopping district outside of London!). Or, if you’re with the family, take the little ones to play in the snow and see Santa in his snow-side hut.

Don’t forget to check our Glasgow hotel offers if you’re planning a city break to ease your winter boredom.

Ski:

Even if you can’t tear yourself from the ski slopes, you could make the most of your ski holiday choosing somewhere sunny for a change.

Visit the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East -at Ski Dubai you can ski, board and toboggan before sunning yourself among the golden city’s glittering skyscrapers and golden beaches.

Why not look through our Dubai hotel offers before skiing off into the sun this winter.

While I joke that I only need to look at my bank balance if I need a quick sarcastic chuckle, I’d much rather laugh off the cold and beat my winter blues by booking tickets to see funny-man Lee Evans.

Known for his energetic stage performances and quick wit, it’s no wonder the comedian has dubbed his new arena tour ‘Roadrunner’.

And even though his Roadrunner tour won’t see Lee take to the stage until September 2011, I’ll definitely be buying a few tickets with my next payday pennies – especially as his Big Tour in 2008 was one of the biggest (and funniest!) comedy tours of all time.

Lee once joked that he was as nervous as a nun awaiting the results of her pregnancy test before giving one of his trademark slapstick performances. But with over 500,000 people laughing along during his last tour – and 50 live shows scheduled throughout the UK for Roadrunner! – it looks as though the very popular comedian has got nothing to worry about.

Though we fans might have more reason to fret as tickets are likely to sell out, especially as they’ll make such good Christmas presents!

If you’d like to be laughing your way to see Lee Evans at London’s O2 arena next September, don’t forget to book with Superbreak.

Since the first release of the Harry Potter books in 1997 these stories have enthralled audiences both young and old. Though not loved by everyone the Harry Potter phenomenon is known across the globe. Everyone in my family has read at least one of the books and I know when I first picked up the Philosophers Stone it was finished in no time at all.

Now with the last books finally making it onto the screen millions of fans will be flocking to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Previewed in London on 11th November the film is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year. However, with the second instalment not due until the middle of next year what is there left for a Harry Potter fan to do.

Do not fear though as many of the films iconic buildings and astounding scenery can be found right here in the UK. Home to Platform 9 ¾ and the Leaky Cauldron there are plenty of Harry Potter tours to entertain in the Capital. While the colleges of Oxford and Durham Cathedral both contributed to the hidden workings of Hogwarts magical school. Perhaps I’ll head north and revel in the beautiful countryside of Glencoe.

What other magical films do you love and have you been to their locations? With the next film in the Narnia series due out in December perhaps a trip to New Zealand and Australia is called for.

Though, with Christmas just around the corner, jetting off for sun-soaked climes is a little out of my budget (sob!).

But with discounted rail breaks, it’s easy to steam away from the hum-drum this winter and divert your train of thought elsewhere – even if your purse strings are as tightly wound as mine.

And whether you’re a fan of Thomas the tank engine or fancy yourself as a red-lipped heroine, of the silver screen, waving a loved-one off from the platform, you’re sure to find fun rail trips will help you to speed through the winter gloom.

All aboard? Simply check my pick of low price rail breaks and get set to go full steam ahead!

East Coast Offers

Whether you’re day-dreaming of cosying up in the Scottish highlands, shopping for some tartan knits in cosmopolitan Edinburgh or visiting historic Newcastle or York, it’s easy to indulge with reduced price winter rail breaks to some East Coast hot-spots.

Get on the right track and head to Edinburgh, Newcastle, York and more with our East Coast rail offers

East Anglia Offers:

If you hope to escape to quaint towns and historic cities where you can sightsee by day and enjoy a quick dram of an evening while you warm yourself by a pub’s crackling log fire, look no further than charming East Anglia.

Hop aboard and visit historic Cambridge, Colchester, Ipswich and more for less with our East Anglia rail offers

East Midlands Offers:

One of England’s oldest cities, Leicester and surrounding towns in East Midlands offer the perfect retreat for travellers looking to mix archaeological and historical interests with a little Christmas shopping.

Steam ahead and enjoy a break to Leicester, Chesterfield, Derby, Nottingham and more with our East Midland rail offers.

As the days get shorter and the nights drag on it’s easy to feel like summer was a million years ago. The fast approaching winter season makes you want to grab for the hot water bottle and curl up next to the fire, but it doesn’t have to be like this! Winter is a perfect time for wrapping up warm and exploring the slightly chilly outdoors and with so many weird and wonderful events happening there are a few reasons why staying inside should not be an option this winter.

On the 26^th and 27^th of November, Samnaun in Switzerland is transformed for the Santa Claus World Championships. Teams of Santa’s will hit the snow and battle it out in a series of Santa inspired events. The 100 wanna be Father Christmases will shimmy up chimneys and decorate gingerbread men all in the hope of winning €5000-worth of prizes.

However if watching grown men dressed as Santa sledging down a hill isn’t your thing the 27^th of November is Prague’s FMX Gladiator Games. The unusual event which combines freestyle motorcross with theatre and choreography is bound to have you on the edge of your seat. With Prague hotels filling up to catch this event you will have to act quickly!

The War of the Worlds has enjoyed sell out tours in recent years and this years new production at the O2 Arena on the 12^th of December, shouldn’t disappoint. If a star cast, including Atomic Kittens Liz McClarnon, Moody Blues’ Justin Hayward and Jason Donovan isn’t enough to get you on the edge of your seat, then surely a 35-foot Martian Fighting Machine that shoots Heat Rays into the audience will?!

What do you think are there any other unusual events are going on near you?

In the early 1990’s Take That were a huge phenomenon, the five lads from Manchester were a great hit with teenage girls of the time. Everyone had a sister who loved them or were a true Take Thatther themselves. I even went to see them back in 1991 during their Take That and Party Tour. With cheeky smiles and energetic dance moves they are a distant memory from what Take That has now become.

Causing a huge stir with the announcement that Robbie would be on the new album and tour, Take That mania is back. With the opportunity to see all the boys together again Take That fans have flocked to venues, run up massive phone bills and crashed computers fighting for the chance to get a ticket. Within a day of the tickets being on sale 1 million had been sold but many fans missed out.

Even if you didn’t get a ticket during the initial sale, I’d say don’t be tempted to buy one from a ticket tout or unreliable source. Check out the packages for Take That at both London’s Wembley Stadium and Manchester’s City Stadium where you can enjoy the sounds of Take That live.

Let us know where you’ll be seeing the boys and share your Take That experiences with other Thatters out there.

From the bonfires and fireworks of Guy Fawkes Night to the twinkling Blackpool illuminations, there’s plenty to help shake off the winter gloom.

And you can rely on me to help shed some light on how to best trip the lights fantastic this November, below.

Fireworks…

“Remember, remember the fifth of November” goes the rhyme, and where better to enjoy the bonfires and fireworks that commemorate the gunpowder plot of 1605 – that would have seen Guy Fawkes blow up parliament and the king –  than London. 

With displays across the city from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th November, there’s sure to be an event that will have your eyes lighting up with glee – whether it’s indulging in a little Blitz spirit as thirties tunes are played during a free firework display at London’s Victoria park or heading to the Royal Horseguards for an explosive afternoon tea.

Get November started with a bang with our sparkling London hotel offers.  

Blackpool illuminations…

The world famous Blackpool illuminations, fondly called the ‘Northern Lights’, light up over 10km of the city’s sea front and promenade. But those hoping to grab a look at Blackpool’s sparkling pleasure beach, best get their skates on as the lights are set to turn off on November 7th.

Remember to check our hotel offers before heading for the bright lights of Blackpool.

Aurora Borealis…

Fabled to be the light reflected from the armour of the Vikings’ heavenly Valkyrie warriors, the Aurora Borealis or ‘Northern Lights’ see the northern skies of Sweden and Iceland magically swathed in colour.

Whether sledding across Scandinavian snow, pulled by huskies, or watching the lights from the comforts of a hotel carved from ice, viewing the Northern Lights is no-doubt a magical experience that will help to cast off the shadows of a winter gloom.

Don’t forget to search our hotel offers in Iceland and Sweden before searching the skies for the northern lights.

November brings with it the opening of the Egyptian Book of the Dead Exhibition at the British Museum, so now is the perfect time to find your inner explorer and discover a wealth of Egyptian history. I have always loved the Indiana Jones films and any opportunity to find out more about the archaeology and artefacts of bygone eras brings me out in goose bumps, and it seems I’m not the only one.

Across the country countless museums and exhibits are dedicated to displaying the rich heritage of the Egyptians. From the Department of Ancient Egypt and Sudan at the British Museum to the immense gallery collections at the renowned Ashmolean in Oxford, our fascination with this ancient culture is only too apparent.

Now an exhibition I’m really looking forward to is coming to Manchester, the Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures displays over a 1,000 replica objects from the magnanimous boy king. While in the area I might pop across to the Ancient Egypt gallery at Liverpool’s World Museum.

Or if you’re feeling adventurous why not head out to the place where it all started and spend a week or so discovering the rich heritage Egypt has to offer.

If you are as big a Simon Pegg fan as I am, you will be more than well aware that this week marks the release of new film Burke and Hare. I think it’s safe to say, this comedy based on the true story of the Edinburgh body-snatchers is sure to be a massive hit with Pegg fans all over.

The main premier of Burke and Hare took place in London earlier this week. But sadly this is not the anticipated third instalment of the “Blood and Ice Cream” trilogy from Pegg and director Edgar Wright. It looks like we will be waiting a bit longer before we see the film that will complete the Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz series. 

The all star British cast is led by director John Landis, whose famous films include An American Werewolf in London, The Blues Brothers as well as the Michael Jackson Thriller video. Even though some reviewers have said a few accents are a big dodgy it isn’t going to put me off.

With the film opening everywhere on Friday I know what I will be up to this Halloween, what about you?

The only wonder of the ancient world still in existence today, the Great Pyramid of Giza has inspired visitors to Egypt for millennia.

It’s no co-incidence that the monument best associated with the golden age of Egypt’s great pharaohs is the pyramid – the final resting place of Egypt’s royalty – as the ancient Egyptians highly revered the journey between this world and the next and wanted to make sure everyone knew it.

But don’t worry if you don’t have the time or cash to book a trip to Egypt right now, you could enjoy some of the reflected glory much closer to home.

A collection of illustrated spells, the Book of the Dead is one of the greatest treasures to be preserved from the days of towering pyramids, jewel-strewn palaces and golden pharaohs that have long swept by and from November 4 2010 – March 6 2011, visitors to the British Museum will be able to enjoy their own ancient journey.

Explore the legend and find out why the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead was thought to guide the deceased, safely through the underworld, to eternal life.

With ancient spells, amulets, jewellery, statues and coffins also on display, visitors will be able to learn more about life and death in ancient Egypt – in the first exhibition to focus upon the Book of the Dead in this way.

Whether you know your canopic jars from your Cleopatra or not, you’re sure to find something compelling at this exclusive exhibit. After all those ancient Egyptians were an interesting and superstitious lot – with cats thought to ward off evil, makeup said to prevent illness and beautiful queens opting to bathe in milk.

And with our hotel and ticket offers it’s even easier to be spell-bound by the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead exhibit at the British museum.

Never forgotten Take That?

Prayed that Robbie, Gary, Jason, Howie and Mark would make up?

Felt a flood of emotion on hearing the boys’ new single?

Thought that watching a reunited Take That perform might be just be the greatest day?

Then ladies, it’s the news you’ve been waiting for…

Not only has Robbie returned to Take That, but the boys have just announced that they will be taking to stages across the nation during a 14-date UK tour in 2011! *scream!*

The tour will see Robbie, Gary, Mark, Jason and Howie perform together, on stage, for the very first time since their fateful spilt (sob!) in 1995.

With concerts planned in the UK and Europe, Gary and Robbie have both promised that the show will be spectacular.

“It’s going to be a big production stage show,” Gary told a packed press conference – with Robbie adding that individual members will sing a few of their own solo hits! Meaning that Robbie and Mark fans will be in for an added treat too! I do love a bit of Angels (sorry Gary!).

Tickets for Take That’s UK dates are set to go on sale at 9am on Friday 29th October, with European tickets on sale from the 5th November. And tickets are expected to sell out in record speed!

So remember to check our hotel and ticket packages and let’s hope that, this time, the boys are back for good!

Halloween has always seemed more of a yearly treat than a trick, to me.

With a nip in the air and the nights getting ever longer, I’m sure children and grownups alike will be looking forward to the devilishly good dressing up, pumpkin carving, apple bobbing and chocolate-eating Halloween delights soon to be had.

As Halloween celebrations took root from ancient British and Celtic culture, I think that we Brits should make sure that All Hallows’ Eve is nothing short of spooktacular.

And with my ghoulishly good suggestions below, it’s easy to find something that’s goose-bump inducing-ly good this Halloween.

London Dungeon’s Spooktacular Halloween

With a host of spine-tingling attractions, a trip to the London Dungeon is set to scare your socks off this Halloween.

Wander the Dungeon’s haunted halls and hear the ‘sounds of hell’ echo around the spooky specially-built labyrinth. And watch out for Jack O’Lantern who will be prowling the premises until the 31st October.

And remember to check for London hotels or theatre breaks, before you spirit off towards the capital this Halloween.

‘Fright Night’ at Thorpe Park

Promising that it’s a ‘whole different park after dark,’ Thorpe Park has unveiled a brand new Terror Zone – featuring new, scary rides and horror mazes – that’s sure to leave you spooked.

From the Hellgate Mansion to a haunted crime scene or grisly asylum – there’s definitely something to put everyone in a cold sweat at Thorpe Park this Halloween.

And remember to check for hotel and ticket packages before you’re sent running scared.

‘Hocus Pocus’ at Chessington World of Adventures

Those looking for a little hubble, bubble, toil and trouble should head to Chessington World of Adventures this Halloween – as brave park visitors will find cackling witches waiting behind Chessington’s creaking gates.

Choose to brew up your own potions and banish the witches or get personal with the zoo’s creepy crawlies.

And remember to check our ticket packages before reaching for your broomstick.

‘Haunted Hollow Trials’ at Warwick Castle

With haunted tours, pumpkin strewn grounds and a spooky dungeon – you’ll be in for a fright at Warwick Castle this Halloween.

Spot headless spirits roaming the Great Hall and witch finders prowling the grounds as you take a haunted after dark tour or try a dungeons after dark dining experience.

But don’t lose your head this Halloween – remember to check our hotel and ticket packages.

Frightening Fireworks at Legoland Windsor

Have a wiz of a time at Legoland Windsor’s Wizards Fireworks and Grand Tournament of Spells. Running up until the 6th of November, the show promises to be spell binding as many wizards gather to search for a new Great Elder.

Watch the wizards conjure up magical potions until the Elder is revealed – with fireworks set off to celebrate.

And don’t forget to magic up our best hotel and ticket packages before you go.

I’ve always loved Roald Dahl’s stories.

While I often day dream of finding a golden ticket in a Wonka bar (especially now I can imagine it would be Johnny Depp waiting for me at the chocolate factory!) or mixing up my own batch of George’s marvellous medicine, I have to confess that Matilda was always my favourite of Mr. Dahl’s fictional heroes.

Using her extraordinary imagination to outwit her dodgy car sales-man father, pea brained mother and television obsessed brother, Dahl’s pint-sized heroine uncovers some special powers when beginning school puts her toe-to-toe with the formidable, javelin throwing, child hating headmistress Miss Trunchbull.

And now everyone has the chance to watch the story come to life as the Royal Shakespeare Company bring Matilda, A Musical to Stratford Upon Avon’s Courtyard Theatre on the 9th November.

With Dennis Kelly adapting Dahl’s hilarious novel for the stage, and comedian Tim Minchin composing wickedly funny songs for the production, Matilda, A Musical is bound to be a treat for children and fun-loving grownups alike. I’m sure most people will be giggling along as Matilda gets to grips with a family more interested in TV than their darling daughter and a monstrous headmistress known to lock little girls and boys in a nail studded prison known as “the chokey.”

Even if you don’t know your giant peaches from your square-toed-witches or revolting rhymes, you’re bound to find yourself rooting for Matilda and her friends Miss Honey, Lavender, Nigel, chocolate-cake eating Bruce and many more as they take on the grownups while singing and dancing their way across the Courtyard’s stage.

Now the days are colder, darker and shorter *sigh* – it can only mean one thing. That’s right – those sleigh bells will soon be ring-a-ringing and jing-a-jing-jingling.

As it’s never too early to drop a Christmas hint or two *eyelash flutters*, now is the perfect time to get writing those seasonal wishlists, especially if you’d rather see theatre tickets popping out of your Christmas stocking instead of itchy, ill-designed knitwear!

And with Christmas shopping breaks to be organised (shopping? *squeal!*) or Christmas and New Year breaks to be planned, you can rely on me – your very own Christmas angel – to have put together a very ‘nice’ list for the festive season.

Perfect Presents:

Christmas isn’t all about the presents. It’s true. But for those of us who’ve worked hard to be on the nice list, a good present can make Christmas… well, magical.

I know I’d rather have theatre tickets (hint, hint – loved ones!), concert tickets or holiday gift vouchers than patterned socks or a selection box.

Christmas Shopping:

Now it’s not all about the presents, but there’s nothing like a bit of Christmas shopping to get you in the festive mood. And, even if shopping isn’t up your street – there’s plenty to get excited when planning a Christmas shopping break.

Try a Christmas shopping break in London, Glasgow or Liverpool and get a change of scene as well as those all-important pressies.

If the high street normally isn’t your thing, why not get into the Christmas spirit by searching Christmas markets in the UK’s biggest cities for festive treats? With wooden stalls and huts transforming city centres all over the UK into winter wonderland markets selling sweets, crafts and gifts – it’s easy to grab a bargain.

Or, why not head to Europe’s historic Christmas markets and pick up Christmas treats while enjoying sightseeing in the historic surrounds. From chocolate shopping in Belgium to a fairy tale carriage ride through the Swiss snow – you’re bound to find the Christmas magic (and some stocking fillers!) in Europe.

Christmas Breaks:

As lovely as Christmas is, don’t you just wish that you didn’t have to baste and cook a turkey, put some Brussels sprouts on the boil, dress your Christmas tree or trudge from one distant relative’s house to the other?

With a Christmas Break you can side-step the usual stresses of planning a family Christmas by escaping to hotels where the Christmas tree has been decorated, Christmas dinner has been organised and festive entertainment has been laid on.

And there’s a Christmas break to suit everyone, whether you’d like to escape to rural retreats in Scotland, Yorkshire and the Lake District, or to the cosmopolitan surrounds of London.

If you’d like to stay at home, but would like to indulge in a little early festive fun why not try a winter Murder Mystery break or a Fawlty Towers tribute break?

New Year Breaks:

Get planning now – and start 2011 in style!

Whisk yourself off for a night or two – and see in the New Year with a New Year break in Scotland’s party cities or rural highlands, the scenic lake district, in historic South West England, lovely Yorkshire or in the bright lights of Blackpool and the North West.

And remember ladies, booking now will give you more time to plan your outfit!

You don’t have to be the brightest block in the Lego-filled toy box to realise there’s something for everyone at Legoland Windsor.

Providing family fun-filled attractions suitable for kiddies aged 3-12, it’s easier to have fun at Legoland Windsor than it is to click two Lego bricks together – there are even friendly robots that can do your queuing for you!

With water rides, live shows, building workshops, driving schools and interactive rides set across pirate-infested waters, Viking-filled lands, castles with knights and kings, and Pharaoh-ruled empires – it’s easy to find adventure at Legoland.

Set in one of Her Majesty’s very favourite towns – the ancient town of Windsor – it’s almost safe to say that one will be amused by the attractions that await.

Children big and small can get one last chance for a final adventure in 2010 by heading to Legoland Windsor on 13 and 14th November – just before the park closes for the winter season ahead.

Remember to check our hotel and ticket packages for the best deals.

And in the spirit of “Lego” – which in Latin means “I assemble” (aren’t I clever!) – I’ve also put together some top picks below to help you get planning your Legoland adventure.

London

Almost as good as a trip to London itself, you’ll find a miniature version of St. Paul’s Cathedral – complete with a rotating model of the London Eye – made completely from Lego pieces!

Just as impressive are the models of London’s very own Trafalgar Square and the iconic Tower Bridge.

The Lego Crown Jewels

With one of Her Maj’s favourite castles set in historic Windsor, it’s only right that the Lego brick crown jewels sit proudly on display.

Now if only I could get my hands on the real gems…just for a moment…Rah Rah Rah!

Legoland Ahoy!

Refine your Captain Jack Sparrow-style swagger at Legoland Windsor’s pirate training camp.

Yo-ho-ho! A pirate’s life is the life for me indeed!

That’s right – it’s October. Which can only mean…Oktoberfest. Can’t it?

Undoubtedly the beer lover’s favourite time of year, Oktoberfest runs from mid-September until early October, a fact that can catch many beer fans unaware.

But don’t worry beer buddies, there’s no reason to get all sore-headed about having missed Oktoberfest! And with that autumn/winter nip chilling the air, there’s even more reason to hole up in a cosy pub and drink a toast to your own smart self.

For those who simply missed out on the festivities in Munich – or for those undergoing ale withdrawal – there are plenty of breweries, pubs and places closer to home worth raising a glass to.

And as I’m the generous sort, I’ve put my beer goggles on and have found some top brew-based picks, north and south of the border, that are well worth a visit.

Glasgow:

Set in one of Glasgow’s old Templeton Carpet factory – modelled after the famous Doge’s Palace in Venice – WEST bar, restaurant and brewery is a real find for beer and food fans.

Whether you want to tour the on-site brewery, take home a keg or two, sample special home brews or eat beer-battered fish and chips, this Glasgow gem is the place for you.

The first UK brewery to produce all of its beers in accordance with German Purity Laws – including its very own Oktoberfest brew! – heading to Glasgow with our hotel packages and to WEST brewery could be the closest you’ll get to Munich-quality beers this side of Oktoberfest.

London:

Hang on to your pint glass as Oktoberfest hits the capital throughout October and November. The Bavarian Beerhouses on Old Street and Towerhill will be bringing the famed beer festival to London – with guest performers adding an authentic German flair to the beer celebrations.

So break out those lederhosen and head to London in search of beer festival frolics with our capital hotel packages.

UK Beer Festivals

Ok, so we might not be Munich but Blighty loves its beer – and there are plenty of beer festivals running throughout the year to prove it!

The Campaign for Real Ale lists 11 beer festivals occurring across the UK in November and December – some in stately homes, others in small villages – so it’s not too late to pick your favourite. And no matter where you plan to go, remember to check our hotel packages for the best deals.

Which means we can break out the scarves and mitts, dole out the hot chocolate and happily begin the countdown to Halloween (which means sweets) and Christmas (which, of course, means presents)!

But before we get carried away, let’s not forget October is also half term time.

While “we don’t need no education” and we’re “not another brick in the wall” (you tell ‘em, Pink Floyd!), we do need a little ‘me’ time. And half term is the perfect time to indulge in a quick get-a-way.

So, whether you’re looking to keep the kids entertained or simply want to escape the boisterous young things now they’ve been let loose from school, be sure to check our Half Term packages for some inspiration.

Or simply look over my top picks below…

London

There’s plenty in the capital to keep children and adults alike entertained. From museums, exhibits, waxworks and dungeons for the kids, to West End theatre breaks for the grown-ups – you’re bound to have a capital time in London during half term.

Europe

With Paris, Bruges, Malta and more just a short flight away, it’s easy to breeze over to the continent and enjoy a half term break with our Euro hotel break packages.

As the air turns a little crisper this October, where better to enjoy a warm crepe, sip coffee and walk hand-in-hand with a partner than Paris? And families can equally enjoy a trip to the French capital too by treating the kids to a visit to Disneyland Paris. Ooh la la!

Adventure

School may be out, but theme parks are the playground of choice this half term – for kids and grown ups alike. Indulge you children, or your own inner child, and head to Alton Towers for Scarefest, LEGOLAND for fireworks or Thorpe Park for Fright Nights during the school break and prepare for adventure.

Full Steam Ahead!

Wherever you’d like to go, get there by train with our rail offers to the East Coast, East Anglia, East Midlands or London. And as kids travel free or half-price, you’re sure to have spending money to spare too.

It’s the movie that makes me (and many others, I’m sure) want to take up pottery in a very, very haunted house. But now Ghost – the early 90′s Academy Award winning film favourite made famous by Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg – has been transformed into a musical.

Based on one of the funniest, most romantic and successful films of all time – Ghost The Musical will follow the story of lovers Sam and Molly who are mugged one night as they walk home, having spent the night before in a romantic clinch by their home pottery wheel to the sound of the Righteous Brother’s Unchained Melody (which was also a chart topper for the lovely Gareth Gates too!) *sigh*.

Sam, tragically murdered in the attack, becomes a ghost who cannot leave Molly’s side after learning that she may be in life-threatening danger *gulp*. After enlisting the help of a phony psychic, Oda Mae Brown, Sam tries desperately to communicate with and protect Molly, eventually uttering the very romantic line “The love. You take it with you” *swoon*.

With music written by the legendary Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics and Glen Ballard who wrote Michael Jackson’s ‘Man in the Mirror’, and special stage effects from the team behind Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – Ghost The Musical promises to send the spirits of music lovers, theatre-goers, hopeless romantics and cinema fans alike soaring.

Watching that iconic pottery scene has always been a bit of a spiritual experience for me, so I can’t wait to worship from the stalls as Ghost The Musical comes to Manchester in March and London in June 2011.

Check out our hotel and ticket offers and join me at Ghost The Musical. And ladies, don’t forget to check out images of that pottery scene (and some famous parodies!) below …

Source: The Daily Mail

Loose woman Coleen Nolan takes the wheel (Source: The Daily Mail)

Funnyman Alan Carr gets mucky with the Hoff (Source: The Sun)

Matt Horne and James Corden show Barry Island how it's done (Source: The Sun)

It’s time to slip on those ruby slippers and get those heels a-clicking, as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of The Wizard of Oz is set to whirlwind its way to the London Palladium in February 2011.

Fans of Over the Rainbow – the reality TV show where Mr. Webber himself searched for a new Dorothy – will be thrilled to see winner Danielle Hope take to the stage as the star, joined by the much loved Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion and Toto. Whilst Theatre fans everywhere may need to be doused with a pail of water following the news that the multi Tony and Olivier award winning performer, Michael Crawford, is set to star as the Wizard himself.

Known to theatre-loving audiences as the original Phantom of the Opera, Michael has also starred as Frank Spencer in the much loved British sitcom classic Some Mother’s Do ‘Ave ‘Em. Sir Andrew himself has said “I am delighted that Michael Crawford, a legend of musical theatre, will take on the role of the Wizard and can’t wait to work with him once more”. Well, if Andrew’s singing his praises…

And as the Palladium celebrates its 100th birthday, work is underway to transform the interior into an Emerald City spectacular that will wow crowds well past the theatre’s centenary celebrations.

With dance sequences choreographed by So You Think You Can Dance? and former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips, a revolving stage with magical special effects, and a few brand new songs masterminded by Sir Andrew and musical legend Tim Rice – in their first collaboration on a new project in over 30 years – lions, tigers and bears (oh my!), even a fleet of winged monkeys just couldn’t keep me away!

Join me and march your very own munchkins (or grown up buddies!) down the yellow brick road towards the London Palladium this February, and remember to check out our hotel and ticket packages before you set off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz.

Or, if you can’t keep those heels from a-clicking until February check out our very own theatre diary below or online on YouTube that features an exclusive interview with ‘Dorothy’ herself.

Our theatre diaries are set to be quite a regular thing too – with our very own Superbreak superstar, David Thomas, promising to make lots more video theatre postcards full of insider information and top holidaymaking tips.

No – not a tribute to Abba’s music men Bjorn and Benny, but a great big thank you to the folks at the O2 arena who have scheduled a stellar performance schedule that will see 2010 end with a bang.

With acts including JLS *scream!!*, Kings of Leon, Faithless, Shakira, Gorrliaz, Peter Andre and the Scissor Sisters scheduled to perform in December – not to forget Kylie, Westlife, Barry Manilow, Boyzone and the X-factor Live Tour in early 2011 – there’s truly something for everyone this winter, at London’s O2.

And with tickets just about to go on sale – just in time for an early Christmas present too *hint hint, mother dearest* – now is the best time to check out our hotel and ticket packages and pick your favourites before they sell out.
Get booking now, and join me (hopefully!) in the front row (fingers crossed!) at my favourites:

JLS

My tummy is already back-flipping at the thought of gorgeous frontman (and backflip ninja!) Aston Merrygold. As a fan of the boys since their X Factor days I’ve been thrilled to see them going from strength-to-strength with chart topping singles including “Beat Again”, “Everybody in Love” and “The Club Is Alive (with the sound of music)”. And I for one will be screaming and swooning with the best of them in a bid to catch the boys’ attention when they headline the O2 throughout December and January 2010.

Peter Andre

Having spent much of the 90′s wishing I was (the then, very muscular) Peter Andre’s mysterious girl, even I have to admit that the former Mr. Katie Price is my favourite guilty pleasure. I shall be taking my mum (his second biggest fan!) to see Peter sing his new material and old favourites that will hopefully include “Mysterious Girl” at the O2 in December 2010.

Kings of Leon

Bound to have the crowd fired up with anthems including “Sex is on fire “, American rockers the Kings of Leon will set the O2 stage alight in December 2010, where I will be doing my very best Jamie “Afro” Archer impression in honour of my very favourite reality TV show audition (excepting Gareth’s, obviously. I /do/ love Mr. Gates…) and singing my heart out to the chorus line.

Westlife

I will be perfecting Westlife’s trademark stool-sit-key change-stand routine over cereal at my breakfast bar, each morning, to make sure that I’m power ballad ready by the time <a href=” http://www.superbreak.com/events/event-22.htm”Westlife take to the O2 stage in March 2011. Mark! Nicky!! Kian!!! Shane!!!! *swoons!*

Kylie

Since winning our hearts as one half of soap golden couple “Scott and Charlene” the pint-sized phenomenon has sold a whopping 68 million records to secure her title as the princess of pop. Overdraft permitting (I should be so lucky!), I will be among the very first to do the locomotion, whip out a pair of gold ‘spinning around’ hot-pants and readily admit that I just can’t get Kylie out of my head as Kylie returns to the O2 in April 2011.

The British mainland isn’t the only place you can enjoy a fantastic music festival this summer. Those on the south coast may already be gearing up for the trip over to the Isle of Wight for Bestival next month, but this week offers something special for those on a significantly bigger island – as Belsonic returns to Belfast for its third phenomenal year!

You’ll find Northern Ireland‘s most exciting music festival right in the heart of the capital, in Belfast’s Custom House Square. That means you won’t have to make excursions out to a muddy field or spend the night in a soggy tent, as we’ve got plenty of Belfast hotels nearby if you’re visiting this week or next.

The extended festival is a great chance to see some of the top acts in modern music. It all kicks off tomorrow, Tuesday 17th August, with Kasabian supported by Ash, before coming to a close next Sunday 29th with a sold-out performance by David Guetta and guests.

You can still snap up tickets for some of the shows, but with the festival nearly upon us, they’re bound to sell out fast. So whether you’re more a fan of Stereophonics (playing Friday 20 August) or Paul Weller (Friday 27 August), don’t leave it too late!

Electro giants Soulwax will also be playing a special show alongside their alter-egos 2manydjs on Thursday 26th, supported by Two Door Cinema Club and Major Lazer. You can even grab some VIP tickets for this event if you want the full experience!

I’m a big fan of long festivals like this one, which give fans plenty of time to see their favourite bands and the freedom to pick and choose what they do and don’t want to see – it can also work out a lot cheaper! Maybe I’ll have to add a trip to Belfast to my busy August itinerary, after I’ve made my annual pilgrimage up to Edinburgh to see that other great festival