The historical town on the coast of the English Channel with the castle being slowly taken away by the North Sea.

For many years Hastings has been a number one destination for Britons bored with hustle and bustle of the city life. Every week the charming corners of the old town, as well as picturesque beaches at the bottom of the cliffs, were buzzing with tourists craving the sea breeze and sun.

Present Hastings is, however, very different. No sign of mega crowds, but the scenic bay, the old castle and the town are still here. The change happened because more and more often Britons spend weekends abroad, with the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. But the residents of Hastings are unfazed.

Hastings, there is no doubt about that, is the right place for the fans of traditional English countryside, picturesque cliffs and small, winding streets.

The town’s biggest attraction are indisputably the ruins of the oldest British castle, built by William the Conqueror. It dates back to 1066, when the king has also decided to built castles in Dover and Pevensey. The castle in Hastings is being slowly washed away by the waters of the North Sea. Exceptionally powerful storms lasting over six months brought erosion of sandy cliffs and collapse of a part of the castle into the sea as early as in 1287. This proccess still continues today, so don’t hesitate and visit the ruins now, as it could be a one of a kind opportunity.

For the lovers of English traditional architecture, Hastings has its pretty old town with narrow, winding streets, traditional English timber framing buildings and romantic alleyways, called ‘twittens’ by the locals. It is here where the beautiful Norman Road is located, also known as Portobello Road of the South.

Hastings is one of the oldest places in the UK with fishing tradition. There are two museums devoted to it: Fishermen’s Museum and Shipwreck Heritage Centre. To see them, you need to prearrange your visit. Not far from the museum you will find a traditional fish market. Here you can try freshly caught fish and see the biggest fishing net in Great Britain, spread out on the beach.

Hastings has also something to offer for the fans of nature. The town is located in a bay, surrounded by scenic cliffs, which you can admire from long, sandy beaches stretching along the coast. Hastings Country Park, which covers the cliffs, offers a network of beautiful footpaths and picnic areas.

For more information on Hastings visit the town’s official website: www.hastings.gov.uk

Law Change: Smoke Free UK: [Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England] What does it mean?

How does it deal with smokers?
Ireland became the first country in the world to ban smoking in public places [2004] followed by Scotland [2006], Wales April 2007 and in July 2007 Law on Smoking in Public Places in UK . The law [all UK countries are similar in wording] allows owners of accommodation to decide whether the accommodation has provision for smokers. Guest rooms can be allocated for smokers where they may smoke. The room’s ventilation system must not allow smoke to enter the building in any way, not into hallways or public areas, but instead, be vented out into the open air. Accommodation providers may state that no rooms are allocated for smokers but will allow smokers to sleep in the rooms and going outside the building to designated smoking areas. The details are similar in all other UK countries.
Accommodation providers can however designate the whole building and grounds just for non-smokers.

What is ‘Exclusively Non-Smokers’? and how can we get across that accommodation including, hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, etc. are for non-smokers only?

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Brighton is a popular coastal resort in the county of East Sussex. Granted city status in 2000 it attracts millions of people every year and is a perfect base for both business and pleasure. Brighton has many bed and breakfasts, guest houses, inns and hotels to choose from.

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• Do you think you have a great B&B?

• Would you like to show the nation why they should book in?

• Do you think your business knowledge would make you a good judge of other peoples B&Bs?

We would like to talk to passionate and out-going Bed and Breakfast owners for a potential new series of Channel Four’s much anticipated Three in a Bed.

We are looking for B&B owners who feel they have something special to offer their customers – and are willing to put their businesses to the test. We’re looking for a wide range of B&Bs, but they’ll all be run by proud B&B owners.

For more information please contact Emily Hudson at Studio Lambert ASAP on threeinabed@studiolambert.com or 0207 534 2030.

Please state the name of the B&B that you run, your contact details and tell us why you are so proud of your business.

Skegness not only has Blue Flag Sandy beaches but is an ideal base for a family holiday or short break. The Skegness Beeston Lodge Hotel is a great place to stay and you will be greeted with a warm welcome.

Beeston Lodge is a clean, comfortable establishment offering 7 bedrooms, 3 of which are en-suite. Tea and Coffee making facilities are also available in all rooms along with Colour TV’s, Shaver Points and Hot and Cold water. All rooms at Beeston Lodge Hotel are serviced on a daily basis to add to your comfort during your stay and the ground floor rooms have been improved to allow wheelchair access. Wi-Fi Internet access is available and a high chair and cot can be provided upon request.

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