Have an Open Top Bus Tour through the New Forest

Following the successful trial of a new open top bus route in the north and west of the National Park last year, this Saturday - 30th June 2012 - sees the launch of both this new ‘red’ route and the well-established ‘green’ route through the New Forest.

The two New Forest Tour will both run for 79 days during this summer until Sunday 16th September 2012 and will ensure spectacular views of the landscape in the National Park.

This new 'red' route takes in Sandy Balls Holiday Centre at Godshill, Ashurst, Lyndhurst, Burley, Ringwood, and for the first time through the centre of Fordingbridge - whilst the 'green' route goes through Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, Beaulieu, Exbury and Lymington- now stopping at the MacDonald Elmers Court Hotel and Resort.

As well as being a unique way to discover the National Park and find out about the culture and history of the area through a new GPS activated audio commentary, the Tour is an important contributor to the local economy. It also reduces traffic by encouraging people out of their cars and on to the hop-on hop-off bus routes.


David Harrison, Lead Member for Transport at the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘Feedback from last year was fantastic so we’re delighted to be expanding the operation and running both routes for the whole of the summer season.’

‘Recent research identified that over 147,000 private car miles were saved by the New Forest Tour in 2011 and that its customers generated a contribution of nearly £500,000 to the local economy.

‘It has been a continuing success, growing from 9,000 passenger journeys in 2006 to nearly 34,000 last year.’

Hilary Marshall, Manager of the New Forest Centre in Lyndhurst, said ‘The New Forest Centre is ideally located where both New Forest Tour routes intersect in Lyndhurst village centre car park. The New Forest Tour provides a great way for visitors to access Lyndhurst and see the wider Forest in a sustainable way. We are looking forward to welcoming many New Forest Tour customers to the New Forest Centre during the summer.’

New Forest Tour customers will also receive a New Forest Tour Official Guide, which includes a Brand New Forest card with offers available at businesses along the route, including places to eat and drink, shops, and attractions.

A range of flexible ticket options is available including a two-day ticket valid on both routes (adults £14), and group tickets for up to five people of £28 a day.

The New Forest Tour is a partnership between Bluestar, Wilts and Dorset, and the New Forest National Park Authority.

Tickets for the tours can be booked online, as well as more information can be found at www.thenewforesttour.info.

2 for 1 entry at National Trust properties with this Saturday's Telegraph

With 61 pubs and inns, 59 villages, Four World Heritage Sites, Britain’s oldest nature reserve, 49 churches, 9 monasteries and over 300 historic homes, the National Trust is the largest voluntary conservation organisation in Europe - looking after one in 10 of all the museums in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

And with The Telegraph this Saturday - 23rd June - there's a special 2 for the price of 1 offer to coincide with the launch of the National Trust's ‘Summer of Celebration’, which is running right through the summer to the end of the Paralympics in September.

For a relaxing day out, find the perfect spot to lay out your picnic rug, seek out a quiet corner or an inspiring view, or find a tea room and watch the world go by. Fantastic events taking place this summer include exciting outdoor music and theatre in stunning settings, friendly outdoor picnics and fascinating guided tours.


If getting out and about and being active is more your thing, there’s plenty going on too, from kite flying and cycling to guided walks and nature trails. Why not take a walk and see what you can discover in gardens, parks and landscapes across England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

However you want to spend your day out, there’s something for all the family with the National Trust this summer.

The voucher in Saturday 23rd June's Telegraph gives 2 for 1 entry at participating sites until July 8, 2012.  For more details, visit http://www.telegraph.co.uk/promotions/9332218/2-for-1-entry-national-trust.html

May we recommend the excellent Cragside http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside/ - at £13.20 per adult, getting 2 for 1 is a great way to see a fantastic house and gardens!


And you can follow Cragside on Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/ntcragside

Bear Grylls makes zip wire dash with Olympic flame

In case you haven't seen this, outdoor adventurer and Chief Scout Bear Grylls with the Olympic Flame...

Picture copyright BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18425540

The Walking Diet with Joanna Hall

The Telegraph is on a bit of a walking fix at the moment.  Well, this wekend - the 16th and 17th of June - sees a free booklet and DVD from the Diet and Fitness Expert Joanna Hall.


The plan aims to transform your body in 28 days with an exclusive booklet and DVD.

The Walking Diet will help you get the best from your body by teaching it to use the right muscles in the right way; improving your posture, shaping your middle and aiding flexibility.

The four-week programme includes daily exercise and nutrition tasks to help you see results, fast.

For more information visit: www.telegraph.co.uk/joannahall