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Travel Inspirations

Fancy getting away but need a few ideas?


Discover inspirations for breaks in the UK and further afield, with the AA. Pack a bag, hit the road, and leave the week behind...

European Christmas Markets

If you're desperate to spice up your winter and can't wait for the festive season, book a bargain break abroad and experience one of Europe's Christmas markets.

European Christmas Markets


Christmas Fun Christmas Fun

Get into the Christmas spirit with our illuminating ideas for days out and evening endeavours to enjoy between now and the big day.

Shop 'til you drop Discount Shopping Outlets

Retail therapy without the guilt – head to an outlet shopping centre for some serious discounts.

The Statue of Liberty New York Short Breaks

From serious shopping to the Empire State Building and Broadway shows, celebrate in style with a trip to New York.

Jamie Oliver Celebrity Chef Restaurants

We explore some top British establishments with famous chefs behind them, from Jamie Oliver to Heston Blumenthal, Gordon Ramsay to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.



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UK surfing UK Surfing

Whether you're a seasoned surfer or simply keen to try a new sport, autumn provides some of the best conditions for hitting the waves in the UK.

AA members can save with Virgin experience days Golfing Breaks UK

From learning the art of swinging to finding all the best tournaments, we round up some fair ways to enjoy a little golf.

Skiing and snowboarding Best ski resorts

Save cash by skiing closer to home, or travel by car to one of Europe's hottest winter sports destinations.

Romantic hotels Romantic Weekend Breaks

With oodles of cosy countryside inns and luxury boutique hotels to choose from, we've got the perfect spot for snuggling up with your loved one.

Luxury spa breaks Luxury Spa Breaks

Take your friends, your mum, your partner, anyone. Just take some time out with our pick of the best spa hotels in the UK...

The Pepsi Max Big One at Blackpool Theme Parks

Theme parks – a great way to entertain the kids on school holidays and a must for those in search of the next adrenaline fix. We have tips on making the most of your visit, plus there's a round-up of the coolest rides around Britain.

Thomas and Diesel Ride the Rails

Many of Britain's heritage railways are enjoying a revival with events such as 'Day Out With Thomas', afternoon teas, luxury dining, murder-mystery events and real-ale train rides.

Bog Snorkelling in Wales Weird and Wonderful Pastimes

Britain is famous for its rich history and quirky traditions so we've put together a calendar of some of the most eccentric events that take place each year on these shores.

A car tows a caravan Carry on Camping

Beat the recession with a holiday under canvas.

The Needles Isle of Wight

The chalky white island has been a popular holiday destination for mainland Brits since Victorian times and offers something for everyone, from wild outdoor pursuits to lazy days on golden beaches.

Swim outdoors Swim in the sunshine

Stay cool in the pool with our summer guide to lidos.

Cuba Go Crazy in Cuba

Havana's been named one of the world's top 10 cities to visit, so why not see it for yourself?

Royal Bath & West Show 27–30 May Royal Bath & West Show (27–30 May 2009)

All the major AA businesses will be represented at this year's show. Come and say hello, enter our prize draw (prizes include a Virgin Balloon flight adventure pack for two) or join us for complimentary tea & coffee.

Kate Lawler after the 2008 London Marathon, courtesy OnEdition London Marathon 2009

Up to 50,000 runners will tackle the annual Flora London Marathon on 26 April to raise stacks of cash for worthy causes. Read our guide to watching the event and planning a weekend getaway.

Crash helmet Motorsport Magic

Speed demons will be pleased to hear that the AA has two racing teams, and they're both competing in a raft of events this year. Why not show your support and go along to a race or two




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Plan your year ahead

Get set for a year of fun – check out our round-up of events from 2008 to inspire you for next year.



Chinese New Year January-February
The UK welcomed in the Year of the Ox in January – spring clean the house, set off some firecrackers and celebrate Chinese New Year with loved ones.

Oscar-winner Tilda Swinton February
The 80th Academy Awards went ahead on 24 February 2008, giving Hollywood's finest a chance to glam up and go on parade. And the biggest event in the global film calendar heralded a flurry of film festivals here in the UK.

The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race March
The 155th Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race was on 29 March and takes place every year on the Thames in London.

A lamb and its mother March-April
The lambing season's upon us and many farms are opening their doors to give you a peek at their newborns. Lambing weekends are popular with children and many farms offer a whole host of fun stuff, ranging from tractor rides to animal displays.

EastEnders' Kellie Shirley (left) and Kara Tointon ran the 2007 London Marathon April
Up to 50,000 runners will tackle the Flora London Marathon on 13 April to raise stacks of cash for worthy causes. But if the mere thought of exercise brings you out in a cold sweat, why not show your support by shouting from the sidelines?

A St George's flag April
Buoyant Brits will be flying the flag for St George's Day on 23 April, and there are seasonal shenanigans all over the country this week to mark the occasion. Join in the fun and games with dragons, duels, jousting, fire-eating, and more.

A boy eating a hotdog May-September
If your offspring love music, sports, art or theatre, check out one of the many annual children's festivals around the UK this year. Most offer something for all ages, including puppetry, face-painting, dance and drama.

A stand at Surrey County Show May-September
This is the 'Year of Food and Farming' so, for a great day out, why not visit one of the county shows taking place between now and the autumn. Celebrate Britain's agricultural heritage and support our farmers.

Trooping the Colour June
On 14 June big crowds will flock to Buckingham Palace for the annual Trooping the Colour – to mark Queen Elizabeth's official birthday.

A woman enjoying an oyster June-July
Whether you fancy growing your own organic onions, you want to calculate the food miles incurred by last night's Balti, or you simply fancy seeing your favourite celebrity chefs in action, get to one of this summer's food festivals.

Amy Winehouse, who is due to play at the V Festival June-August
If you've been lucky enough to bag yourself a pass to any of this year's big rock festivals, read on for our invaluable guide to getting there and staying cool.

Cyclists in France July
Let the Tour de France inspire you to take a trip to the Continent. Make 2008 the year you cross the English Channel and explore France.

Henley Royal Regatta July-August
If you love messing about on the river, or simply fancy a posh tipple on the bank then dust off your straw boater and get ready for British regatta season – kicking off with the king of events at Henley.

Two men enjoy Oxford Pride July-September
You don't have to be gay, lesbian, transgender or bisexual to enjoy the summer's many 'Pride' festivals. There's plenty to appeal to party people from all walks of life. Take in the buzzing atmosphere and cheer on the colourful parades.

Jugglers entertain the Fringe Sunday crowds August
If you love comedy, art, music, opera, dance, drama, literature or just fantastic fireworks, take a trip to Edinburgh this month for festival season in the city.

August Bank Holiday events August
If you've no plans for the August Bank Holiday, we've plenty of ideas to inspire you – some of which just happen to be free

Nigella Lawson is appearing at the BBC Good Food Show September-November
Awaken your senses and grab some culinary inspiration with a trip to one of the autumn's food festivals. Celebrate the best of British home-grown produce and seize the chance to learn new cookery skills.

Stephanie (front) with a friend, who helped set up the 2007 Norwich Beer Festival September-December
No longer reserved for old men with whiskery beards, real ale and cider have made a big comeback and are growing in popularity with a younger crowd. Find out about the Autumn beer festivals.

Halloween revellers in Sheffield October
Make it a truly freaky Friday with our family-friendly Halloween guide to the half-term break.

Fireworks November
Wrap up warm, dig out the sparklers and get set for the biggest bonfire night yet.

Christmas Markets November
Book a short break abroad to experience one of the European Christmas Markets.

Festive fun for everyone December
Meet real reindeer or catch the cool, state-of-the-art light installations, with our feature on Festive Fun.





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Page updated November 2009

London Marathon images courtesy onEdition Notting Hill Carnival image courtesy Britain on View