It’s difficult to sum-up the venerable Chelsea Flower Show in a single sentence, but we’ll have a go. Edwardian gardening institution reinvented for the 21st century. Social centrepiece of London SW3. Temporary oasis in the heart of the city. Eco-friendly event that makes you stop and stare in awe. Whatever it might mean to you, this year, green fingered commentators are set to exhaust their supply of superlatives as the show marks its centenary… showing off by celebrating its 100th birthday in spectacular style from 21-25 May. And you can join them when you buy train tickets to London and head for Royal Hospital Road.

This centenarian won’t get a telegram from the Queen, of course. It’ll go one better with the now-traditional private royal visit (well away from the throng). It’s the sheer scale and complexity of the event that often impresses visitors (and, no doubt, Her Majesty) and this year is no exception.

Centenary blooms

Chelsea’s centenary is marked with its trademark line-up of show gardens, each bursting with ideas for the avid home gardener. There are 550 exhibitors in all this year (over double the number at the inaugural show 100 years ago) – and you won’t be disappointed by the creativity, inventiveness and beauty of what’s on offer, as the world’s leading nurseries set out to impress.
This year, the Great Pavilion, the magnificent centrepiece of the show, is home to an abundance of exciting new plants, along with more traditional favourites from 1913. Look out for one of our favourites, Artisan Retreats, where celebrity artists and designers show off their fabulous outdoor living ideas. You’ll also be able to see how Chelsea style has evolved through the decades, with an exhibition dedicated to marking a century of change at the show.

Getting there for less

You can buy train tickets online for services direct to London Victoria – the nearest mainline station to the Flower Show – or jump on the tube and make your way to Sloane Square, which is on the District and Circle Line. It also makes real sense to buy a Travelcard with your train tickets – it’ll save you time and expense when you get to London, and you can use it on buses as well as the tube and local trains.

Sloane Square is just a ten minute walk from the showground, and there’s a dedicated shuttle bus running from the tube station for an extra charge. You can also catch a shuttle bus from just outside the Grosvenor Hotel near Victoria Station.

RSH and the RHS

And, if as a result of your trip to Chelsea, you get the green-fingered urge to splurge, you can earn some serious redspottedhanky loyalty points by shopping with our friends at the Royal Horticultural Society or by ordering bedding plants from Jersey Plants Direct to take your gardening efforts up in the world. Then spend your points on a rail travel voucher you can use against future rail travel.

So dig in to the world’s best flower show, and say happy 100th birthday to Chelsea at the same time, with cheap train tickets to London and some last minute tickets from the RHS. Because green is the colour – and Chelsea’s just the ticket.

Chelsea’s birthday garden party redspottedhanky

If you think that blue is the colour when it comes to Chelsea, you’re wrong. Very wrong. Put all thoughts of the new Europa League winners and the return of the Special One to one side. And think green instead. Because spring brings gardens and gardening, and thoughts of lazy sunny days lubricated by Pimm’s… grass between your toes… and earth underneath your fingernails. And with the Chelsea Flower Show coming soon, there’s no better time to buy cheap train tickets to London and head down to SW3 to soak-up all the green-fingered action at the Chelsea Fringe.

‘Chelsea Fringe?’, we hear you say. Is that a haircut beloved of fashionistas on the King’s Road? No – it’s a festival of flowers, gardens and gardening, with no less than 100 different events across the whole of London (and even beyond in Kent, the legendary Garden of England) from 18 May to 9 June. And everyone’s invited.

Just like the huge informal fringes that have sprung up around artsy festivals like Edinburgh and Brighton, the Chelsea Fringe is allied to, but not formally part of the Chelsea Flower Show. Now in its second year, it takes gardening right out into the community and right in the heart of Britain’s biggest urban environment. It’s the opposite of elitist and expensive – and that’s got to be a good thing.

Green treats for 2013.

So what can you expect this year? Well, pretty much anything and everything green – and green-inspired. You’ll get to grips with guerilla gardening. Take in lush, verdant art. Chow down at pop-up eateries in amazing places. And, at the trad end of the horticultural spectrum, the BBC will be there too, with that real fixture of the airwaves, Gardener’s Question Time.

And all along you’ll get the chance to change your views about what gardens and flora are all about. So in other words, if you like to potter in the garden, or just like the idea of a greener London, book train tickets, book a cheap hotel, and get dug in. To make it even easier, you can buy a Travelcard (which gets you unlimited travel on the tube, buses and local trains) at the same time as your train ticket, saving you time and hassle when you get there.

Eat dirt, punk.

If you normally find London too dirty to swallow, try this. Among this year’s stand-out highlights are the edibles – satisfying, tasty bits of London you can actually eat – from an urban orchard to an edible high street and… wait for it… an edible bus stop. The mind boggles, not to mention the stomach.

If your constitution won’t quite stretch to digesting bits of street furniture, you’ll also get the chance to explore the fabulous garden squares of the capital – sometimes reserved for residents (or the lucky cognoscenti armed with Time Out), but now open to all to discover, and all for a limited time only.

Thank Kew

While you’re in London, you can also support Kew Gardens and earn loyalty points at the Kew Gardens Shop. And if you want to bring a hint of Chelsea back home, you can spend your points at our partner eFlorist while you’re waiting for your garden to grow.

So go green this May and welcome the long overdue return of Spring in Chelsea and beyond. Reconnect with a lusher, more organic version of you. We promise it’ll be blooming marvellous.

Chelsea’s Green Gardening Fringe redspottedhanky

Go on, name England’s biggest arts festival. We dare you. It’s not Edinburgh (that’s in Scotland). It’s not Glastonbury. And you won’t find it at Creamfields, or Reading or Leeds either. Isle of Wight perhaps? Nah. At this time of year, anyone who’s anyone books cheap train tickets to Brighton and heads for the south coast to lap up a serious dose of spring culture.

Brighton has always had the kind of reputation that other British towns and cities crave. It’s a tolerant, creative, multicultural kind of place, where anything goes. It has great markets, bars and restaurants. It’s child friendly, too. Just add a splash of sea salt and a whiff of sea air, and the image is complete.

So it’s perhaps no surprise that this year, from 4-26 May, England’s biggest fringe festival seems to take over the entire city, with a cavalcade of street artists, theatre, music, comedy, cabaret and more – giving you almost an entire month to get up to your neck in art and artists.

Growing old disgracefully

The sheer scale of it all is dazzling – with 370 performances and 154 events in 30 venues, including 28 unique commissions, premieres and exclusives, what’s not to like? Whatever your cultural taste, there’s something to whet the appetite.

In fact, this year Brighton Festival hits its 47th birthday, and like many children of the 60s, it clearly delights in growing old disgracefully – because it’s as fresh and vibrant as ever.

The Festival’s Guest Director is former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen, and his trademark stamp of sleeves-rolled-up enthusiasm is splashed all over the programme of events. He’ll be there in person, of course, along with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Bad Taste Company’s ‘Faust’, the monks from the Shaolin Temple, and ‘Cirkopolis’ from Cirque Éloize. To name just a handful, thankfully not all in the same place at the same time.

And to bust the myth that the arts is expensive and exclusive, the festival prides itself on free events, accessible events – as well as plentiful tickets for under a tenner.

Getting there and staying there

As it’s bang on the English south coast, trains to Brighton will whisk you from the main London terminus at Victoria in under an hour, as well as from Gatwick Airport which has its own mainline station at the South Terminal. Brighton station itself is just a short stroll from the beach, and you can even visit the famous Royal Pavilion on your way there.

When it comes to booking hotels in Brighton, you’re spoiled for choice – from traditional B&Bs (scary landladies went out with ‘kiss me quick’ hats, we’re glad to say) to the iconic grandeur of The Grand and uber chic modern haunts including myhotel. And of course you can earn loyalty points by booking your hotel right here with us.

Our recommendation? Book train tickets. Book event tickets. Book a Brighton hotel. Pack your red spotted hanky – and go!

Brighton Rocks redspottedhanky

Why not head out into the great outdoors this summer with a fun filled day of cycling past Brighton’s best spots?

This week, Simon Quarrell (cycling enthusiast and general manager of the Thistle Hotel in Brighton) shares his favourite routes for beginner, family and advanced cyclists, filling you in on that best of what there is to see along the way.

When the weather is nice, cycling is a great way to see the countryside and spend some time with family and friends, and Brighton’s beautiful pier and surrounding network of trails couldn’t be a better choice for an afternoon ride.

From safety tips to some of the best routes going, here is everything you need to get out there and cycle in style…

Setting out

Whether you’re an amateur or a pro, riding solo or going as a group – there are things you can do when setting out to make your cycle in Brighton easy as ever.

If you’re going to travel to cycle it’s worth considering whether you’re going to bring your own bike from home or rent one when you get there. You can hire a bicycle from outfits like Amsterdammers at Brighton Station, or, if you want to pack your own wheels you can hop one of the frequent trains to Brighton and bring your bike along.

If you’re doing some serious cycling, clubs like She Rides and Brighton Mitre are a great way to get involved with people who share your same interests.

Staying safe

While many cyclists prefer to use bike paths and pedestrian zones to get around, sharing the road is an unavoidable part of many journeys around Brighton. But with a little planning ahead you can make sure you’re safe to cycle. Be sure to:

• Wear a helmet – doing so will increase your chances of escaping an accident without a serious head injury.
• Use hand signals to let other cars and cyclists know where you’re going next.
• Remember vehicles – especially large ones – have blind spots. Be aware of this and when possible, hang back so you never get caught out where a driver can’t see you.
• Wear bright, reflective clothing and use lights at night on your bicycle so you’re easily identifiable by drivers and pedestrians.
• Carry a map and phone with you and make sure you tell someone where you’re going before you leave home – that way if you run into any trouble or get lost along the way you’ll be able to phone for help or consult your map to set you right again.

Routes

When it comes to cycling, it’s all about the journey – but that’s not to say the destination can’t be great too. You can find a great resource for maps and routes or if you need some inspiration, here are three of our favourites:

• City-wide: this will take you past the best spots in Brighton and Hove.
• Coastal cycle route: take it seaside with this coastal route from Shoreham Harbour to Rottingdean.
• Seafront to the Downs: Nature at its best on this Hove to Devil’s Dyke cycle route.

If you’re staying overnight, the Thistle Hotel in Brighton has a secure space to store your bike and is conveniently located on King’s Road, a central starting point for your cycle.

Cycling map for Brighton

Now you’re all set for your cycling trip to Brighton, why not let this handy map be your guide to the best routes worth exploring?


View Cycling in Brighton in a larger map

About the Author

Simon Quarrell is the general manager of the Thistle Hotel in Brighton. He’s been with the company for almost 25 years.

Your guide to cycling in Brighton redspottedhanky

It’s May already! With snow stretching right into April, you could be forgiven for thinking that summer is still ages away. But we’ve got some good news – it’s right on your doorstep, with the help of great value train tickets to take you there. And after the Easter chills, we’ve got plenty of ideas to perk you up now that May Day Bank Holiday is just around the corner.

Who knows – we might even get some sun!

1. Pop a sizzler on the barbie
   Ladies put your feet up – and let the men take charge of the cooking! Take the kitchen outdoors, get your friends round, and let the char-grilling rule… nothing beats a barbecue for Bank Holiday fun.
2. Check out a stately home
   From the ruins of Corfe Castle on the south coast to Inverewe Garden and Estate in northern Scotland, The National Trust has the whole country covered with some of the UK’s most amazing heritage properties and manicured gardens. Book a hotel nearby and see where the National Trust could take you.
3. Catch the cuckoo
   The picturesque village of Downton, just south of Salisbury, hosts its legendary annual Cuckoo Fair on 4 May, complete with a traditional Maypole, Morris dancing and all the rural trimmings.
4. Make it bloomin’ marvellous
   Stretch those green fingers of yours and get dug in! As your garden loses its winter coat (at last), it’s time to bring it all back to life. And don’t forget that you can earn 1 point for every £1 you spend at B&Q.
5. Give the in-laws something to smile about…
   Bank Holidays were invented for family get-togethers. And with the help of great value train tickets, you can see your relatives for less – and leave the traffic jams behind.
6. Get real
   Bust some moves. Sadler’s Wells in London is the venue for the Breakin Convention, where the world’s leading hip hop dance theatre artists deliver a weekend of live performances from 4-6 May. Respect!
7. Put on a fresh lick of paint
   With three days back to back, the early May Day Bank Holiday is the ideal time to bring tired old rooms back to life. Whether it’s a fresh lick of paint of a total renovation, you can let your creativity run riot at B&Q.
8. Breathe in some sea air
   Britain’s coastal resorts are coming out of their long winter slumber – and miles of sandy beaches are there for the taking. Dig out your bucket and spade – put a knot in your hanky – and go!
9. Bring history back to life
   Take the train to the heart of mediaeval England. Warwick Castle transforms its grounds in to a historic encampment for three days of re-enactments from 4-6 May – giving you the chance to see how horrible history really was…
10. Escape to the City
    Book a hotel in one of our dozens of historic cities – then put your feet through their paces. From Edinburgh to Exeter, some of Britain’s finest urban heritage is best reached with a cheap train ticket… then explored on foot.

Do you have any more ideas? Why not tell us your top ten on our Facebook Page, or in the comments below.

Our May Bank Holiday Top Ten redspottedhanky

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We’re all going on a summer holiday…

Choosing to have a staycation this summer offers holidaymakers countless benefits, with many of the best resorts easily accessible on Britain’s road and rail network. Avoid costly flights, the stress of airports and baggage allowances and take a UK beach holiday this year.

The best summer holidays are full of sun, sea and sand. And whilst we Brits might like to moan about the weather most of the time, during the summer months there are some great beach destinations dotted around the country where we can enjoy all three.

Britain’s beaches are often overlooked attractions but, with the economic downturn causing more and more Brits to stay in the country on holiday, they are now beginning to get the credit they deserve. So look out your bucket and spade, dust down your beach towel and head off to one of the UK’s great beaches this summer.

• South Milton Sands, Devon

Just one of the many award winning beaches in Devon, South Milton Sands is the perfect place to enjoy some summer seaside fun. The beach is ideal for divers, with excellent facilities for holidaymakers looking to enjoy some scuba diving or snorkelling. The beach is also popular with families hoping to catch a glimpse of the seals and dolphins who regularly visit this stretch of the south-westerly coast.

Get there: Holidaymakers can hop on a train to Plymouth to reach South Milton Sands or A381 towards Salcombe and follow the local sign posts.

• North Berwick, East Lothian

Located on the beautiful southern shore of the Firth of Forth, North Berwick (http://www.north-berwick.co.uk/coast.asp) is home to one of the most idyllic beaches anywhere in Scotland. The boomerang-shaped coast is famous for its towering sand dunes and crystal-blue waters. Visitors to the beach can explore the rocky coast line or unwind in the beach’s tide-filled bathing pool.

Get there: North Berwick has excellent public transport links, with tourists able to take a train to Edinburgh before continuing on to North Berwick.

• Brighton Beach, Brighton

Brighton has one of best developed beachfronts (www.visitbrighton.com/things-to-do/beach-life) in the country and blends outstanding views with modern attractions. The city’s pier is one of most iconic sights in the county, having attracted and entertained holidaymakers since 1899. Visitors to the beach can explore its pebble-strewn sands, enjoy the many waterfront amusements on offer or even take a ride on the 45 metre high Brighton Wheel.

Get there: The city is only around an hour from London and can be reached by a train to Brighton or via the M23.

• Barry Beach, Vale of Glamorgan

The town of Barry has grown hugely in recent years thanks in no small part to its renowned beach. Famous for its role in hit-comedy ‘Gavin & Stacey’, Barry Island’s (http://www.barrywales.co.uk/theisland.htm) expansive coastal stretches are ideal for long holiday walks and wildlife spotting. Thrill seekers can also enjoy the island’s pleasure park, which has 30 rollercoasters and other rides that can be enjoyed by both adults and children.

Get there: Situated just to the south of Welsh capital, holidaymakers can either reach Barry by the A4050 or a train from Cardiff.

What are your fondest memories of a beach holiday you’ve had here in the UK?

Britain’s best beach holidays redspottedhanky

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Travelling with children can be a challenging experience but there are loads of reasons why taking a trip on the train is a great idea. As well as being more environmentally friendly than flying or driving, travelling with kids is often the cheapest option as there are usually plenty of train deals available for families.

Of course, travelling with youngsters can be a bit of a daunting prospect. But with a little imagination and planning a lengthy journey can be turned into a fun experience. If you’re taking a long trip with children in tow we’ve written up some top tips on how to keep your kids entertained on the train.

1. Get them involved

Get your kids involved in the planning of your trip early to spark their interest. When you book your tickets, show them the route your train is going to take and research some of the sights that you’ll see on the journey.

One of the best things about travelling by rail is the opportunity to see the changing landscape as you travel. It gives you a real connection with the countryside and learning a bit about the landmarks you pass by can keep your children interested throughout your trip. See who is first to see the sea as you speed down the east coast of Scotland, or how many bridges you can count as you pass through Newcastle. Why not give your kids a checklist to tick off as you go? Some are easy to spot like Durham Cathedral, others like Charles Jencks’ reclining woman in Northumberland flit past and are gone.

2. Get them gaming

Recent developments in smartphones and tablets have revolutionised mobile entertainment so put some of it to good use on your trip. We asked a couple of blogging mothers what apps their kids loved and they gave us the inside track on some of their favourites.

• Emma, who runs The Mini Mes and Me, revealed that her kids love popular mobile games. She said, “My children’s favourite apps are angry birds seasons and where’s my water.”

• Top blogger Jo Beaufoix said, “Apps wise we love Talking Henry, Tocaband, Simpsons, Tree World, Aerox and Temple Run. These keep my two laughing and smiling.”

There are so many choices that you’re bound to find something to keep your youngsters occupied. And tablets can play films and videos so load them up with your kids’ favourite shows before you take off to the train station. Luckily you can plug your devices in to charge on the train so don’t worry about having enough battery life to last a long rail journey.

3. Go old school

You don’t have to rely on technology to keep your kid’s entertained. As Jo Beaufoix adds: “We also always have a pack of playing cards with us for ‘go fish’ ’21 pontoon’ and ‘snap’, and we’re now teaching the 8-yr-old rummi….or is it rummy?”

A pack of cards is a great addition to your travelling entertainment repertoire but there are loads of other things you could do as well. The key is to have lots of alternatives – if the interest in one starts to flag you’ll always have a fresh source to draw on. Here’re a few examples of the things you can do:

• Eye-spy: This old classic may seem a bit tired to you but one of the good thing about young kids is that pretty much everything is new to them!

• Colouring books: Another classic activity, although stick to a fairly low mess medium for the colouring in – crayons rather than pens.

• Puzzles – If you’ve got a book of kids puzzles then you can dip in and out of it when needed, letting your kids do crosswords and word searches when they need some extra mental stimulation.

4. Keep it all self-contained

If you’ve ever travelled anywhere with kids then you’ll recognise the need to carry everything you need with you and when you’re taking a train trip it’s no different. For example, although there are facilities on the train where you can buy snacks and food it’s often better to pack your own selections of snacks.

You know what’s best for your child, and what their preferences are, so keep everything you need close hand. Likewise, if nappy changing is going to be an issue then ensure everything you need is within easy reach. Manoeuvring around even a quiet train can be difficult so make things as stress-free as possible.

5. Take your time and enjoy the ride

Travelling by rail isn’t just about making the most of train deals; it’s about convenience and comfort. A long journey will give you the chance to spend a good chunk of quality time with your kids so make the most of it. These are moments to cherish so search out some cheap train tickets and get ready to relax with the most important people in your life.

Do you have any tips for travelling with kids?

Tantrum free trips: taking your kids on the train redspottedhanky

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What do you look forward to about the warmer months? Not having to wear five layers every time you go out? Attempting to get a tan on the beach? Cycling around with the wind in your hair?

This week, travel blogger and picnic enthusiast Suzanne Southall shares her favourite picnic spots (and tips for what to eat) with us…

Padley Gorge, Peak District

If you fancy sitting down to eat in an area that looks like it came right out of a fairytale movie then this is the right picnic spot for you! Tree roots snake all over the ground and provide excellent seating possibilities, as do the impressive boulders scattered around.

As you’re tucking into your triangle sandwiches you might even be lucky enough to spot one of the rare birds that call Padley Gorge their home. The wooded areas provide great shade in case the sun gets too much or alternatively you can sit in one of the clearings and enjoy the sun’s rays. And best of all admission is free.

Bodmin Moor, Cornwall

Explore the cool rock formations which will keep the kids busy for hours leaving you free to enjoy some peace and quiet. Sit on the grass or find a spot in the vast woodland and enjoy the view.

Delphi Bridge is a secluded spot – perfect if you want to get away from it all for a while. Dip your feet in the DeLank River as it trickles by and have a bit of a paddle to cool off. The old granite quarry provides great shelter for your picnic in case the weather isn’t playing ball. And best of all there is no admission fee so you can enjoy all of this for free.

Corfe Castle, Dorset

Did you know that Enid Blyton’s book, Kirren Castle, was inspired by this stately pile? It’s easy to see why once you discover its secret passages and medieval fortress, providing the perfect spot to picnic under. If the castle ruins aren’t enough adventure then you’ll be blown away by the fantastic views of Purbeck.

A family ticket for entrance to the castle costs £15.50.

Barafundle Beach, Pembrokeshire

This beach is ideal for families and its soft, white (and very clean) sand makes it one of the best beaches in Britain.
Get out the blanket and hope the sand stays out of the sandwiches – you can always invest in a wind break.

The sand dunes provide perfect hiding places and it’s only accessible by a footpath, which makes it feel like it’s your own secret beach. Free admission (it’s a beach after all!).

Best picnic food

Now that you’ve decided where to put your picnic blanket down, it’s time to think about what to eat. For me, picnic food has to be delicious and easy to both eat and transport from place to place. Here are some of my top hassle-free picnic foods to give you some inspiration:

Pasta salad: This is so simple to make, but so yummy at the same time. And since it’s supposed to be eaten cold, you don’t have to faff about trying to keep it warm. Just throw together some pasta, pesto and fresh herbs and voilà — you have a meal.

Luxury platter: Make an occasion of it and curate a platter full of your favourite cheeses, olives and meats from the deli counter. No plates required, just a good hunk of fresh bread. Perfect for sharing (though you’ll probably want to devour it all yourself)!

Sandwiches: You can’t have a picnic without sandwiches. Don’t go for predictable fillings, try something a bit special like brie and grape or pastrami and gherkin on rye and use fresh bread from the local bakery wherever possible. The hardest part is trying to wait for the picnic and not raiding the sandwich box on the train.

Veg sticks and dip: Just cut up a few carrots, cucumbers or celery and make some easy dips like tzatziki or homemade salsa for a healthy, summery snack.

Picnic pies: A sturdy pie can withstand the bumpiest of journeys en route to your picnic spot and are easy to scoff by hand. The filling is entirely up to you. You could make a veggie pie with egg and beans, a classic like chicken and bacon or something a bit fancier like smoked haddock and potato. Picnics have never tasted so good.

Lemonade: Don’t forget to bring something tasty to drink. If you’re staying off the Pimm’s, I love to make my own cloudy lemonade before setting off. It makes the meal so much more special, and you’ll never go back to shop-bought lemonade after trying it.

This has been a guest post by Suzanne Southall, who’s the blogger for hungryhouse — the UK’s leading online takeaway platform that features restaurants in Birmingham, Brighton, Manchester and all over the country.

Britain’s best picnic spots redspottedhanky

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Planning a jaunt to Leeds? We’ve created just what you need: a guide to where to eat and what to do if you’ve only got two days to pack it all in. We’ve even quizzed a local fashion blogger on her top haunts and inside tips. Keep reading and start planning your weekend away…

Day one: Morning and afternoon

Once you get into the Leeds train station, drop off any bags at a city centre hotel nearby like the Queens Hotel and make your way to the city centre…

Peckish after your journey? Keep your strength up by sampling yummy pastries and gourmet coffee at Anthony’s Patisserie. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, fashion blogger Em (‘just E-M’) from EM Talks has got a great insider tip for you. Tucked away in Queens Arcade, you’ll find Leeds’ ‘yummiest’ cake shop, Cupcakes by Charley.

It’s where those in the know go for freshly baked sponge topped with their special buttercream, and everything is made using ingredients sourced locally. Flavours include Tiramisu, Blueberry Cheesecake and Strawberry Dream. Yum!

Brunch taken care of, now it’s time for some retail therapy at the Victoria Arcade. This is the nucleus of Leeds’ shopping scene with boutiques housed in elegant arcades built around 1900. When they first opened, upper class ladies rejoiced as they finally had somewhere they could go to stock up on dresses without running in to the riff raff on the street. With Harvey Nichols, Whistles and Ted Baker to choose from there’s enough high end shopping here to impress even the most fashion conscious.

Once you’ve seen everything at the Victoria Arcade, Trinity Leeds on Albion Street is one of the more recent additions to Leeds’ scene (it seems Northerners like to shop) and houses everything from restaurants, street food, boutiques and even a cinema all under the same roof. Perfect rainy day entertainment.

Useless (but interesting) fact: With 17 platforms, the Leeds train station has more platforms than any other train station in Britain outside London.

Day one: evening

Once you’re all shopped out, you’ll be ready for a spot of dinner. Brasserie 44 is regarded as one of Leeds’ best restaurants and its modern British/ Mediterranean menu has won it rave reviews from The Good Food Guide and the Michelin Guide.

Suitably fortified, head to the City Varieties Music Hall and bask in the Victorian era architecture while taking in a show. This fun venue tends to show crowd-pleasers like comedy acts, live music, family shows, panto and even weird and wonderful acts featuring psychics and hypnotists.

Day one: after hours

Leeds has one of the biggest student populations in Britain and a bustling nightlife scene. Head to Call Lane for an eclectic mix of bars to explore. But pace yourself — you’ll want to be bright and breezy for more exploring tomorrow.

Our blogger Em has another recommendation for you: you’re most likely to spot her sipping a cocktail at Mook, which creates tempting concoctions which are very reasonable priced saving you cash for more treats tomorrow.

Day two: morning/afternoon

Since you went to bed at a decent time, you can get up nice and early to enjoy Leeds’ fantastic art galleries. The Leeds Art Gallery is a must for contemporary British art. Then head over to the Leeds City Museum for a whistle stop tour through Leeds’ fascinating history (including its role in the Industrial Revolution).

For a spot of lunch (or even a traditional Yorkshire cream tea) the Tiled Hall Café next to the Leeds Art Gallery does delicious soups and cheeky cakes. It’s worth going there just to check out the original 1950s features and tiles.

After lunch, record fans should make a beeline for Jumbo Records, the oldest independent record shop in Leeds which has a fantastic selection and knowledgeable staff on hand to help you track down that LP you’ve been searching for.

Day two: evening

Have a traditional pub dinner and local ale at Whitelocks, one of Leeds’s oldest pubs (it dates back to 1715). Or try the North Bar, which won the Observer Food Monthly’s Best Place to Drink in Britain award.

Later on, why not see if there’s something you fancy at the O2 Academy or the Opera House for entertainment?

Day two: after hours

If you’re feeling brave and have been inspired by watching a gig earlier, why not give it a shot yourself at student favourite – karaoke lounge Japanic?

If it’s a more laid back vibe you’re after, the achingly hip Baby Jupiter bar should be up your street. While if you’re looking for something more high-octane to round your trip off, you can’t beat a club night at the Warehouse.

Key dates: when to go

There always seems to be something on in Leeds. Here are some of the hottest events planned for the year:

03 – 05 May 2013

Rock out at live music venues across the city for Live at Leeds

24 May-09 June 2013

Stuff yourself and sample the best of Leeds’ foodie scene at the Leeds Loves Food festival

28 March-16 June 2013

Check out some of the North East’s most celebrated artists at the Northern Art Prize exhibition at the Leeds Art Gallery

02-15 November 2013

Catch your favourite players in action at the Rugby World Cup

8-24 November 2013

See an independent film at the Leeds International Film Festival

What have we missed here and what’s on your itinerary?

48 hours in Leeds redspottedhanky

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Is there a better way to spend your summer than with the best bands on the planet?

Keep reading for the best music festivals and line-ups you won’t want to miss this summer…

Surviving the campsite

Staying on-site at a music festival allows you to unleash your inner boy scout; giving you an excuse to dust off that old tent and finally find a use for your Swiss Army knife. The highlight of the experience for many, it can quickly descend into a nightmare if you don’t know what you are doing…

• Take socks, lots of them. There’s nothing worse than having wet feet, especially when you’re going to spend an entire weekend in a field.

• Buying food in the campsite can be expensive, so taking your own can save you a fortune. Cereal bars, fruit and biscuits are all safe to store in your tent and will give you a handy energy boost in between bands.

• Never underestimate the benefits of a good night’s sleep so consider taking a travel pillow with you. You’ll thank us after a full day straining to see your favourite acts.

Glastonbury

The spiritual king of the summer festival scene returns this year – and promises a legendary line-up to make up for its 2012 absence.

Located in the beautiful Somerset countryside, Glastonbury is known around the world for its iconic Pyramid stage and leftfield atmosphere. Musicians playing everything from folk to futuristic dance music will be represented at this year’s event, with a heavy emphasis also placed upon other cultural work taking place across the weekend.

In true Glastonbury style, the only act to be announced so far is Malian singer Rokia Traoré.
But the rumour mill is going into overdrive about who could be headlining this year’s event, with strong hints that The Rolling Stones could be set to end their 50-year absence and top the Worthy Farm bill. Iconic five-piece band Fleetwood Mac and rapper Jay-Z are also predicted to make an appearance this summer.

When: 26th to 30th June.

Get there: Jump on a train to Bristol and then take a local service to Castle Cary. Free shuttle buses will then take you to the site where the musical fun begins.

T in the Park

Scotland’s biggest festival is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year and has put together a fitting line-up to mark this landmark. 85,000 revellers will descend on the T in the Park arena each day to see the likes of Rihanna, Mumford & Sons and The Killers rock the main stage.

Mercury Prize winners Alt-J, indie heroes Yeah Yeah Yeahs and electronic pioneers Kraftwerk will also perform across the weekend alongside over a hundred other exciting acts.

When: 12th to 14th July

Get there: Festival goers can take the train to Edinburgh before hopping on a shuttle bus across the Forth Road Bridge to the picturesque site in Fife.

Download

Britain’s premier rock extravaganza returns to the stunning Donnington Park for the tenth year with a host of decibel heavy acts to keep crowds entertained. Iron Maiden, Ramstein and Slipknot headline Download, whilst rock titans Motorhead and metal legends Korn will be on hand to provide further musical mayhem.

Queens of the Stone Age, who are set to release their much-anticipated sixth album, will also be wowing the crowd at the main stage on Saturday.

When: 14th to 16th June

Get there: Taking the train to Leicester is the easiest way to reach Download , meaning you don’t have to brave motorway tailbacks or cancelled flights to enjoy the best rock music of the summer.

Bestival

Bestival might be the last of the summer’s music festival’s but it’s also one of the most fun. Taking place in Robin Hill Country Park on the Isle of Wight, partygoers are treated to four days of diverse music and some of the best weather of the season (hope we don’t jinx it). Elton John, Snoop Dogg and NME Godlike Genius recipient Johnny Marr are just some of the musicians playing this year.

When: 5th to 8th September

Get there: Take a train to Southampton and then jump on the ferry to the Isle of Wight.

What festival are you attending this summer? Why not let us know by leaving a comment for us below?

The best summer music festivals: your guide redspottedhanky