10 Great UK Hotel Breaks this Autumn

The start of Autumn can be a pretty depressing time of year. The evenings begin to draw in, there is a definite chill in the air, and that two week break in the sun is soon just a distant memory as you settle back into the daily grind of work.

Sound familiar? If so, a short hotel break in the UK may be just what you need to beat the end of Summer blues, while providing a fantastic opportunity to see Britain's Autumnal beauty in all its glory.

Crucially it's becoming easier and cheaper to explore the UK, especially outside the peak Summer season. Hotel chains have become increasingly aware of the need to fill their rooms all year round, and many are now working with external companies offering promotions and discounts to ensure maximum occupancy.

Companies like Show & Stay, for example, offer packages that combine hotel accommodation with entry to theatre shows and sightseeing tours at discounted prices. Membership programmes like the 241 Hotel Club meanwhile, offer guests 2 nights for the price of 1 at over 300 hotels across the UK and Ireland. Membership is £29.99 for 12 months, and considering hotel prices in London can easily exceed £200 per night, it should more than pay for itself over the course of a year.

241 Hotel Club member Sandra Burke says the discounts available can be huge, especially as the membership can be used to book multiple rooms. She said:

'We stayed in a 4* hotel in Mayfair and booked three double rooms. It saved us £330, as they cost £110 each, and we got the next night free.'

So, with hotel stays in the UK becoming increasingly affordable, here are 10 great cheap hotel breaks to put the smile back on your face this Autumn.

1. Holiday Inn, Edinburgh

The beautiful and historic city of Edinburgh is a fantastic place to take a short break. Steeped in history, but with a thriving and modern cultural scene, the city offers a fantastic mix of the traditional and the contemporary. Whether you're looking to take in the majesty of Edinburgh Castle, explore the medieval Old Town, take an exhilarating walk over the Pentland Hills or enjoy the many bars, shops and shows on offer in the city centre, there's plenty to keep you occupied. As with any capital city, staying in Edinburgh can be pricey, but the hotels such as Edinburgh's Holiday Inn will help cut down the cost of accommodation and allow you to save your money for enjoying the city.

2. Cedars Inn, Barnstaple

Cedars Inn began life as a Victorian country house, and is set within three acres of beautifully landscaped gardens on the outskirts of Barnstaple, with easy access to the North Devon coast. North Devon offers some of the most varied and beautiful landscapes in the UK. From the golden beaches, secluded coves and spectacular cliff-tops on the coast, to the lush rolling hills of Exmoor, nature lovers will be in their element. Plus, you'll also find a great range of restaurants, as well as the famous Devonshire cream teas!

3. Beverley Arms, York

The medieval village of Beverley is a picturesque and historic location that makes a great starting point for exploring the Yorkshire Dales. The Beverley Arms Hotel sits opposite the beautiful St Mary's Church, and there's plenty to do nearby including the historic Beverley Minister, Fort Paull, the Hornsea Museum, and Cruckley Farm. The main attraction however, is the 680 square miles of breathtaking English countryside known as the Yorkshire Dales. With flower-filled meadows, fells, heather moors, woodland, stone barns, dry-stone walls and an abundance of waterfalls, visitors gain an amazing insight into the English countryside of old.

4. Mollington Banastre Hotel, Cheshire

The Mollington Banastre Hotel is a delightful 4 Star country hotel situated just 2 miles away from Chester in the village of Mollington. The village provides a great base from which to explore the countryside and Chester itself, with the Grosvenor Museum close by, along with the Blue Planet Aquarium, Chester Racecourse, Tatton Park, Chester Zoo and Chester Cathedral. The hotel began life in 1853 as a beautifully crafted Manor House, and boasts picturesque grounds along with a great range of facilities including an indoor swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, well equipped gym and spa.

5. Crowne Plaza, Dublin Northwood

Dublin is a fantastic place to take a short break or enjoy a long weekend. Whether you're looking to enjoy the excitement of the city centre or to explore the beautiful countryside, there is a hotel to suit your needs. For those who'd prefer to stay outside the hustle and bustle of the city centre, the award-winning Northwood Hotel, set in 85 acres of woodland is the place to stay. Despite its peaceful atmosphere, the hotel is just 3.5 miles away from the city centre, allowing guests easy access to Dublin's many sights and attractions.

6. Riverside Hotel, Burton-Upon-Trent

Situated in the village of Branston on the banks of the River Trent, The Riverside Hotel has its own private island, coarse fishing rights and moorings. Surrounded by the huge National Forest, the hotel is a great starting point to explore an area of extraordinary natural beauty. Plus, with Alton Towers just 25 miles away, and Twycross Zoo nearby, there's plenty to keep the kids entertained.

7. Holiday Inn, Mayfair, London

London remains a fascinating and vibrant destination for a long weekend or short stay, with a huge range of cultural attractions on offer. Staying in London can be very expensive however, so finding somewhere that is both central and affordable is key in choosing a hotel. The Holiday Inn chain can prove to be a great option in city centres for those on a budget, and their hotel in the heart of Mayfair is no exception. Located on the corner of Piccadilly and Berkeley Street, it provides a perfect starting point for exploring the city, with the famous shopping districts of Bond Street and Regent Street nearby. The many clubs, shows and night spots of the West End are also close by, and the area is well served by transport links, making it easy to explore further a-field.

8. Crown Plaza, Marlow

A charming, historic town set on the banks of the River Thames, surrounded by beautiful countryside and within easy reach of Oxford, Windsor and Henley-on-Thames. There are enjoyable walks to be found around the town, with the All Saints parish church being a particular highlight, and with London only 20 miles away, there's plenty to keep the whole family occupied. The hotel itself is very modern, with wi-fi accessand an indoor swimming pool, and its lakeside location allows guests to try a range of water sports.

9. Old Ferryboat, St. Ives

The Old Ferryboat Hotel in St. Ives has a claim to being the oldest inn in the UK, with documents showing that alcohol has been served there since 560 AD. Nearby Ely is full of areas of historical significance - the tourist information centre used to be Oliver Cromwell's house - and houses one of Britain's most beautiful cathedrals. There's also plenty for walkers to enjoy, with the East Cambridge Fens and Jubilee Gardens close by.

10. Redwood Hotel, Bristol

Sometimes it's nice to be able to get away for a weekend without feeling obliged to visit nearby attractions, where you can spend your time relaxing by the pool or I the sauna. The Redwood Hotel and Country Club near Bristol is set within 16 acres of woodland countryside and offers an extensive range of leisure facilities including 3 swimming pools, 6 steam rooms & saunas, 5 tennis courts, a cinema and a state of the art gym - perfect for a weekend of pampering and relaxation. The hotel building itself dates from 1890, and is known for its relaxed atmosphere and picturesque location. Bristol city centre is just a ten minute drive away, and the beautiful and historic city of Bath is also within reach.

A Break (From Spending) In London

A trip to London no longer needs to be expensive. In fact it won’t be money that you’ll be short of, but time. So why don’t you turn a day trip into a weekend break and make the most of The Entertainment Club offers? Check out a few of our favourite ways to use the exclusive discounts and have fun in London.

London is one of those places where there’s something for everyone. A short holiday doesn’t need to mean travelling abroad because our range of savings are sure to keep everyone happy, whether you’re sightseeing with a family of five, partying with a group of friends or planning a romantic trip for your loved one. There are just so many opportunities to have a great time, so we thought we’d help you decide what attractions to go to, by letting you know what we like to do when we visit the capital.

Our favourite place to start when on a weekend break in London is always The London Eye, It’s an attraction that never fails to impress. You can enjoy spectacular views of the whole city and take in the sights from a unique perspective. Alternatively you could end the day here as sunset is a popular time for a trip on the big wheel if you want a bit of added romance.

Another fantastic way to take in the sights of London is on board a Thames River Boat Cruise. It’s exciting, interesting and makes a change from sightseeing on the busy London streets. Let the tour guide keep your children, partner or friends entertained while you sit back and relax.

When you eventually get your feet back on dry land you’ll be on a roll and ready to make some more great savings. Madame Tussauds has long been a favourite attraction with tourists and its ever changing array of lifelike models make this venue the closest most people will ever get to meeting any of the world’s most famous stars. But if your party prefers to meet a monkey or penguin, London Zoo is the place to visit. Or maybe they’d like to meet some gruesome characters from London’s past, in which case you should visit The London Dungeon. All of these and many more London attractions are available to Entertainment Club members with an exclusive discount of 15% off the price of a London Sightseeing Pass.

But when you’ve finished sightseeing for the day you’ll be looking for an evening that lives up to the day’s experiences. And because this is when the famous West End really shines, it will be time to make the most of your exclusive discounts once again. After all, your weekend break wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a top London theatre. With The Entertainment Club you’ll receive 10 % extra free when you purchase Theatre Tokens.

We’re sure that you’ve got your own ideas about the type of attractions your family and friends would like to visit on a London weekend break. But we know that there are plenty of exclusive discounts offered through The Entertainment Club, which will help you with your plans. You can even get your favourite photo from the weekend break put on to a canvas, so that you can keep the memories for longer. Wow-Photo offers a massive 25% discount from the usual retail price for every order. So start planning an amazing holiday in London today and make the most of your Entertainment Club privileges.

Top Ten: Adrenaline Sports

After your first taste of an extreme sport adrenaline rush, the chances are you’ll be hooked. The Entertainment Club offers members many thrilling and exclusive discounts on lots of exciting experience days. So if you’re thinking about giving it a go and need some ideas about where to start, take a look at our top ten adrenaline sports.

Skydiving

The first activity that comes to mind when you think of adrenaline sports is sky diving. The subject of many films and documentaries this is a classic example of a high adrenaline extreme sport. If you dare to jump out of a plane, the sky is the limit when it comes to your next adventure.

Bungee Jumping

Ever felt like throwing yourself off an extremely high ledge with only a bungee to save you? It’s not for everyone but it’s got to be good for an instant buzz. If you like the sound of it, take a jump into the unknown today.

Coasteering

This is an activity that you can truly throw yourself into. In spectacular surroundings you could be doing anything from swimming into sea caves and climbing up rocks, to Jumping off vertical rock faces.

Bouldering

Experience the freedom of rock climbing without ropes and just a chalk bag to cushion any falls. With this activity you can enjoy the thrill and true freedom of the outdoors.

Powerboating

Forget nature, real exhilaration comes from travelling at unnatural speeds over the water. Whether you’re taking the controls or just along for the ride, this is an experience you’ll want to hang on to.

Sphereing

Ever wondered what a hamster feels like? Well Sphereing or Zorbing as it is sometimes known involves rolling down a steep hill inside a giant inflatable ball. Sphering is a disorientating activity that can only be described as bundles of fun.

High Ropes Adventure

With the High Ropes Adventure you tackle an aerial assault course up to 14 meters above the ground. It’s an outdoor adventure that almost anyone can take part in.

Paintballing

If you want a more social experience then try paintballing with your friends. They won’t need an excuse to join the battle, other than combating boredom. So take aim for a day of serious fun.

White Water Rafting

This is a wet and wild sport in which you just have to go with the flow. Steering yourself through the rushing white water you’ll almost certainly get splashed, but it should wet your appetite for more outdoor adventures.

Stock Car Racing

You’ll be heading full throttle for an adrenaline rush with this experience. Lapping a track in a single-seat formula 2 stock car is certainly one way to get your heart rate racing.

Whichever of these activities makes your top ten you can take advantage of your Entertainment Club exclusive discounts with Virgin Experience Days and RedRush Vouchers. So now is the time to start making some thrilling savings by working your way through our list of top ten adrenaline sports.

Which Film Wins Your Vote?

With the Oscars finally decided, the red carpet outfits analysed and awards given out you now have a reliable list of the year’s best films. Read on to view the Oscar winners and cast your own opinion on the winning films.

There have been so many good films made recently with plenty to celebrate from a British point of view. Kate Winslet won the Best Actress Oscar, for her role in The Reader. And the beautifully uplifting Slumdog Millionaire won a massive total of eight awards on Oscar night. We recommend that you watch these fantastic films to show your support and decide for yourself whether or not they’d be your winners? Along with Slumdog Millionaire and The Reader there were also many other great films recognised at this year’s awards so here’s a full list of the Oscar categories and the 2009 winners.

• Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire.
• Best Director: Danny Boyle – Slumdog Millionaire.
• Best Actor: Sean Penn – Milk.
• Best Actress: Kate Winslet – The Reader.
• Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger – The Dark Knight.
• Best Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz – Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
• Best Original Screenplay: Milk.
• Best Adapted Screenplay: Slumdog Millionaire.
• Best Animated Feature Film: Wall-E.
• Best Animated Short Film: La Maison en Petits Cubes.
• Best Foreign Language Film: Departures.
• Best Documentary Feature: Man on Wire.
• Best Documentary Short Subject: Smile Pinki.
• Achievement in Art Direction: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
• Achievement in Costume Design: The Duchess.
• Achievement in Make-up: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
• Achievement in Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire.
• Best Live Action Short Film: Spielzeugland (Toyland).
• Achievement in Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
• Achievement in Sound Editing: The Dark Knight.
• Achievement in Sound Mixing: Slumdog Millionaire.
• Achievement in Film Editing: Slumdog Millionaire.
• Best Original Score: Slumdog Millionaire.
• Best Original Song: Jai Ho – Slumdog Millionaire.

Some of the Oscar winning films are in cinemas now and with an exclusive discount of 25% off at Cineworld and Odeon cinemas when you’re a member of The Entertainment Club, the savings are great. So there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a winning night out.

The rest of the films can be found at LOVEFILM.com, Blockbuster.co.uk, CD WOW! or HMV, all offering fantastic and exclusive discounts to Entertainment Club members. With free unlimited film rentals for one month you could probably get through quite a few of the winning films this spring, but be careful, if you don’t invite your friends to join in with the film fun they may start to wonder if you’ve left the country without telling them. You might prefer to buy the films so that you can watch them whenever and as many times as you like. You’d be making savings that last and have a film collection to be proud of. Either way there are hours of fun to be had, made even more enjoyable by the amazing and exclusive discounts that you’ll receive as an Entertainment Club member.