4 Heated Outdoor Pools for Cool Spring Days

Lehon swimming pool France

There's nothing better than finding an nice outdoor pool on a cycle ride or walk. Even better if its heated and its one of those cool spring days or even a cold winter day.

So here's our list of 4 wonderful heated pools, all open throughout the winter and all on biking or walking  tours we offer year round. 3 are in Britain and one in France.

• .Hampton Pool close to Hampton Court Palace and on the perimeter of Bushy Park. Accessed from any of our Lower Thames cycling and walking tours
• Chesham Moor in the Chiltern Hills. On our Chiltern Challenge Tour
• Bath Spa Thermae  The original and only natural spring in Britain first discovered in 863 BC. Heated by high temperature rocks 2km below the earth's surface, the waters rise through a city centre spring which until recently ran very wastefully into the River Avon. Since 2006 you can swim at roof top level in the waters which are 33C. On any of our tours going to Bath
• Lehon Pool, France. Minutes fromDinan this charming village and its pool are adjacent to the Rance river. On our Emerald Coast Tour

Where in the World?

It was only last week and it was sunny and warm as we explored routes for a another new tour.. Seems like a dream as its barely above freezing here this week.

War Horse Walks and Rides

War Horse bowled me over a while back when I saw the first stage production at The National Theatre. The puppet horses were the stars then.  Now with the film, glorious England is the star - notably Dartmoor and Castle Combe. I know them well as I've pedalled through both locations with our tours in  Devon and the Cotswolds. We're planning a guided tour of all the War Horse fim locations for those who want to be driven through the stunning landscapes, villages and historic houses used in the film. But if you have just a half day and are in the Dartmoor vicinity then go to www.moorlandguides.co.uk for a guided walk by a Dartmoor Ranger or to Shilstone Rocks Stud for a ride on 4 legs.

London Hotel Of The Year

Congratulations to The Royal Horseguards Hotel which has won the AA London Hotel of The Year Award for 2010-2011.
We feature this wonderful 5 star riverside hotel in all our Luxury holidays that visit London. Designed 120 years ago by the architect Alfred Waterhouse who also designed The Natural History Museum, the building began as the headquarters of The National Liberal Club providing its members with a haven of quiet from bustling Westminster just around the corner.
Now it offers charming elegance and superb views of the Thames and the London Eye from its restaurant and bedrooms. I love the cosy verdant garden where you can enjoy a laid back breakfast. It also has one of the best views ever of the New Year's Eve London Fireworks extravaganza.