UK Ferry Tickets

Have you holidayed in England recently? If so, did you have an enjoyable time and receive value for money?

If the environmental lobby is successful, we’ll all be abandoning flights and taking more holidays on these shores in the future. But can our coastal towns take this increase in demand?

Not according to a report, by the communities and local government select committee, that says coastal towns need greater investment.

Many people point to our poor climate as a reason why holidaymakers prefer foreign climes. But that’s too much of a generalisation. There are plenty of towns and cities in northern Europe that have a similar climate but are far more attractive to visit.

The truth is that standards are simply not high enough in many English coastal towns. The whole country has, as broadcaster Jeremy Paxman recently pointed out, become an untidy mess where thugs of all ages happily throw their litter on the floor, even though dustbins are readily available.

Another big issue is that our star rating system for accommodation is virtually incomprehensible – please email me if you can understand it – which does nothing to help visitors. Furthermore, virtually anyone can open up as a bed and breakfast house without having any qualifications or health and safety licences.

We do, however, have one of the best cities in the world in London. I can say that without being accused of favouritism, because I’m not from the city.

And I like VisitBritain’s website, www.england-rocks.co.uk which tells you all the great venues that rock and pop legends such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Oasis have played. Unfortunately, the Woking Men’s Club – the starting point for the best group of all time, The Jam – is not up there.

Guest Article by Jeremy Skidmore

Friday, March 30th, 2007