This one had the Christmas market and the atmosphere was heading towards the party season. The racing is always decent quality and thrill of a jumps meeting adds to the excitement. With its imposing new stand and views over the heath, it’s a must see visit for all true horse racing fans. I even managed the odd winner!

There is always plenty to look at round Ascot anyway, the car parking (bar the Royal meeting) is fairly good, but be warned the High Street gets really busy on leaving so do expect delays – it’s best to hang around if that’s the case. Sample the bars – it all adds to the unique experience of Ascot.

So what a year I’ve had! Starting from London to Edinburgh, F1 or FA Cup, relaxed Guernsey to double fun on the south coast or just the odd horse racing meeting! 12 absolutely brilliant experiences, to get up and go to this year, even more that they also took in some of the best of Best Western hotels. Nearly forgot, if you want a hotel for Ascot, then check out the BEST WESTERN Reading Moat House Hotel – it’s only 5 minutes away!

So thank you Best Western, a great prize for a great year!

Gary Palmer - Year of Get Up and Go blogging panel

We wanted a dining experience, to go with the thrill of a day at the races. There are many packages, but a seat in the Voltigeur restaurant is highly recommended. Not only do you have fantastic views across the track from the restaurant or private balcony seats outside, but the service is exceptional. The minute you walk through the door, you are greeted by a glass of Pimms and Canapés, before being shown to your table. Then follows what can only be described as a gourmet buffet from fish starters, roasts, hot dishes, sweets, pastries, chocolate fountains(oh yummy), ice creams, cheese and biscuits, more sandwiches and sweets and …oh the waistline!

The service was tremendous, the waiters bring your drinks and clear tables regularly in a friendly efficient manner, the betting facilities of a bookmaker and tote points in the room save venturing down to the clamour of rails bookmakers and just to cap it all we had a perfect sunny autumn day – but if it wasn’t the outside stand is well covered, the beauty of hospitality to the highest standard. We even backed a few winners!

Staying in York, we choose the BEST WESTERN York Pavilion hotel, which offers a good level of service, nearby to the racecourse and city for sightseeing – just be aware at weekends they do sometimes have wedding parties, so it can be busy in the car park and involve a bit of disco music, though there is a reasonable curfew on this. Whilst in York why not visit the Jorvik museum, there are great restaurants and pubs, not to forget the charms of the minister and old walls – even more shopping at the designer retail park just a few miles out of town.

What a great value weekend, loads of food, fun and just a bit of a sore head!!

Gary Palmer – Year of Get Up and Go blogging panel

Want something for all ages? Then tattoo time covers that, it’s far from dull marching bands, the setting is great and the acts are full on energy, a must see throughout August. But tickets go fast. Other must sees are the city hop on and off sightseeing tours – get one with a guide as almost all of them have a few stories to tell and are really informative. One of the stop’s was to see the Royal Yacht Britannia, which is an eye opener into the life and past holidays of the Royals – and the lives of those there to serve them!

Another sightseeing stop is a walk up and down the Royal Mile between Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle; made even better if you visit at the time of Edinburgh’s fringe festival. So many acts, be it comedians, magicians, jugglers on unicycles, singers, bands, impressionists and many more from all over the world. The best street acts are taster sessions to tempt you to see full sets in larger venues. Talk about all day varied entertainment, no wonder people flock from all over the world at this time of year. In truth though, with many bars, cafes, museums, sights Edinburgh is a great place to visit any time of the year.

There are plenty of Best Western hotels in and around Edinburgh, but we chose the BEST WESTERN Braid Hills Hotel which overlooks the city and caters well for a family. The bistro attached has a good enough choice and caters for kids, the room was big enough for four, and the staff, particularly on reception, were so helpful sorting taxi’s and providing tourist information. Way above it’s 3 stars in our opinion!

Because it was a long trip to Edinburgh, we also stopped off on the way at the BEST WESTERN Glendower Hotel in Lytham St. Annes, another great hotel with superb beach front views, nice restaurant and bar area just 4 miles from Blackpool. Top tip, if you are thinking of the illuminations; give them a call, ideal venue, without all the noise of Blackpool front!

Another absolutely fantastic, action packed, 3 night short break in great hotels.

Gary Palmer – Year of Get Up and Go blogging panel

The annual Cowes yachting regatta lasts a full week, with up to 40 races a day and hundreds of boats. An untrained eye would observe a melee of boats and a chaotic muddle of yachts heading in all directions; add a steady blast of canon fire that signals err… no idea! So at times you could be forgiven for thinking all is not plain sailing! It is however a great sight, vibrant atmosphere at night and ok it’s a little “clicky”, however the Friday fireworks finale can be seen by all for miles. We loved it not just for the 2 days we spent watching the races early morning, but we set off round to the lovely sandy beaches of Sandown and Shanklin in the afternoon, just to keep the kids fully happy.

Having decided to visit just 2 days, we were based at the BEST WESTERN Royal Beach Hotel in Southsea, which if you get sea view rooms has a great lookout across to the Isle of Wight and is 10 minutes from the ferry ports(less from the Hover port). It has a nice bar area for relaxing at night, very friendly staff and breakfast had a choice wider than most hotels. What was more, being close to Portsmouth’s historic naval docks, if you take a harbour tour, visit H.M.S Victory and visit all the museums, it lasts the full day.

Next door to those, a trip up the Spinnaker tower is a must for views over the harbour, most of the surrounding south coast and Isle of Wight. For beaches Southsea is ok, but has a shingle beach, so we headed a little further down the coast to West Wittering, which is popular and has a lovely sandy stretch kids can’t but love.

So why stick with one theme, we you can mix the Isle of Wight, Cowes regatta and the south coast tourist attractions all in one!

Gary Palmer – Year of Get Up and Go blogging panel

Goodwood is glitzy in the main stand, you can spot the odd celeb’s, the strawberries have been passed on from Wimbledon, everyone dons smart dress, though it’s fair to say, it’s not as formal(or stuffy) as the likes of Ascot. The racing is equally thrilling; the setting over the South Sussex downs is equally stunning and probably more picturesque. The drive through the Goodwood estate on to the racetrack builds a special feel, many turn up with champagne summer hampers, to picnic on the parks beforehand, but if that’s not your scene, there is always the racing!

We stayed overnight at the BEST WESTERN Old Tollgate Hotel in Steyning. Now if you’re from the south it’s probably not on the doorstep at around a 40 minute trip away, but anyone north of London, it’s definitely local! A small friendly hotel, serves a great breakfast and the evening carvery is extremely popular. The rooms are comfortable and there is ample parking on site, best of all the service in the restaurant is top notch, you choose the food, they even insist on carrying your plate to your table.

So breakfast over, back to the festival and the final chance to win (or lose) in the big fields. Most races are well contested, so don’t forget your pin! If that’s not enough, the venue and hotel are so close to the south coast resorts, such as Brighton a mere taxi ride away can provide another taste of fun, of a somewhat different nightlife – well if you’re young enough for that sort of thing!

Gary Palmer – Year of Get Up and Go Blogging panel

Everytime you see the Red Arrows, you cannot fail to be impressed by their split second timing, sheer nerves of steel of the pilots and thundering noise they create flying overhead – we weren’t disappointed. Half an hour of aerial tricks, loops, different formations, red, white and blue smoke streams and precision flying leaves you in awe at the sight of the seven strong team. If that wasn’t enough the real plane buffs could watch all sorts of other displays including the old spitfire, think they send that there just to stir the pensioners!

We stayed at the nearby BEST WESTERN Webbington Hotel and Spa, which was around 8 miles away. As much as anything, knowing the British weather, we chose this hotel because of the spa, the kids loved it in the pool. Don’t be put of by the motorway being nearby, the terrace when it’s sunny has stunning views and if you’re lucky enough to get weather of plus twenty degrees centigrade, as we did, it’s perfect for an early evening outdoor meal. Couldn’t fault the service, food and overall location, there is plenty nearby.

We stayed 3 nights overall, as Weston has plenty of kids things, the log flume type ride on the front is a sure fire hit in hot weather. The beaches in these parts do see the sea disappear a long way out, as was the case at nearby Breen Sands and Berrow beach which boast a long sandy stretch ideal for all ages. We even decided to trek off to Minehead for a day and back on the 3rd day, again a nice sandy beach with plenty of fun for the kids. Don’t be put off by Butlins nearby if it’s not your sort of thing, a day visit from the Weston area is easily within reach about an hour or so each way depending on traffic, the roads are quite narrow and not the best for overtaking!

All in I’d say a good short break, the weather was an added bonus, but do check out the Red Arrows website, worth half an hours fun for all ages.

Gary Palmer – Year of Get Up and Go blogging panel

Having suffered downpours for days, spectators being turned away for practise days, we wasn’t sure what to expect setting out a 5.00a.m on a Sunday morning, arriving at the track at 6.30a.m the traffic was already building up and the mud caked sights in surrounding fields added to the trepidation; then we hit the main drag into the track and the buzz was clearly in the air.

No matter what the weather, the Brit crowd was gathering in exciting expectation, the clouds disappeared and the sun shone through. Racing started at 8.30a.m with GP 3, then GP 2 and followed by the Porsches, by which time the place is alive with people. Next up was a 20 odd minute display from the Red Arrows, followed by the drivers doing a track parade on the back of a trailer, waving to the fans; then the buzz really kicks in.

Cue the images the song “Cars” and the noise of F1 cars reving their engines up. There cannot be such an high pitched sound anywhere else in sport as 24 high powered, souped up speed machines take to the grid and scream past. We watched at Woodcote, as it had good views of the Brooklands section going into the Luffield curve, luckily we saw one of the main moves as Webber took Alonso to effectively win the Grand prix, as the teams drive past you also get the chance to watch them roar down a long straight into the international straight as the cars approach Copse at some 160 m.p.h (my guess). As for the rest well all round the track, there are big screens, so you miss very little of the main action.

Sadly the 3 Brits didn’t make the podium, but Lewis and Jenson acknowledged the fantastic support and at least the was a “home” victory of sorts, as Aussie Webber is an adopted local! Cue time to race round to the main straight and walk past the pits, see the the likes of Eddie Jordan, David Coulthard et al waxing lyrical about the days events. heading to the F1 village for the after race party the fun continues, sadly cue the great British weather and an hour later we headed for the bulging car parks.

F1 is a full days fun, with a unique atmosphere of it’s own, sure it’s not cheap but do it again? You betcha we’re hooked now and already thinking of where to watch next year.

Gary Palmer – Year of Get Up and Go blogging panel

Lying on a comfortable lounger, being pampered with delightfully scented lotions, listening to the gentle sounds of birdsong in the hotel Beauty Salon, I reflected on a wonderful weekend exploring some of these sights and making the most of the many facilities at the hotel. I’d spent a day in Bath, with its Roman Baths and Pump Room, newly renovated Spa, splendid Cathedral, many museums, art galleries and shops.

I really loved the Jane Austen Centre where I found out all about the author, enjoyed the exhibition of costumes and artefacts from her day and had an excellent lunch in the top floor Tea Rooms. Wandering around the graceful Georgian Royal Crescent you can almost imagine Jane tripping past in a muslin gown on her way to the Assembly Rooms.

As a fan of TV’s Cranford and Larkrise to Candleford, I then went on to Lacock, a village near Bath. The National Trust’s Lacock Abbey where scenes from Harry Potter films were shot, was en fete for the Diamond Jubilee and I had time for a quick look round the fascinating Fox Talbot Photography Museum.

After all this sightseeing it was back to the Blunsdon House Hotel, which offers many ways to unwind and recuperate. There’s the Health & Leisure Club with swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a 9-hole par 3 Golf Course, tennis courts, beautifully laid out gardens and 2 restaurants serving delicious meals to suit every budget. Children will have fun at the Cotswold Water Park with its beach, water sports and climbing area, or the Cotswold Wild Life Park and Longleat Safari Park.

The next day I said goodbye to the friendly staff at the hotel and went off to Cirencester, with its, Roman amphitheatre and the impressive town centre Church and the world-famous Corinium Museum. A quick coffee in the festival town of Cheltenham and then I was off up the M5 heading north, relaxed and inspired by a fascinating break in a lovely part of the UK.

Zoë Dawes – Year of Get Up and Go blogging panel

Zoë Dawes, voted ‘Britain’s Best Travel Blogger’ in 2011, is a travel writer based in NW England. Read more in her popular blog The Quirky Traveller and follow her on Twitter @quirkytraveller

Yes the chance to go to the races on Friday night in the summer (did I say summer?) and be entertained by Suggsy and the Madness boys is what I’d call a great night out. These nights are very popular and attract some good bands across a wide spectrum of tastes. Check out the course and book before as some sell out, like Madness or Jessie J if she appeals!

Having been before, we opted to stay at the BEST WESTERN Cambridge Quy Mill Hotel, mainly because it’s just off the A14, with easy access to Cambridge for shopping or sightseeing. The outside rooms are spacious, well furnished and worth the price. Whilst the hotel has a newly refurbished leisure complex and it’s less than 15 minutes to Newmarket’s July course where the events are held. So quick drive or Taxi and you’re there!

Get tickets for the Premier enclosure and it’s a nice spacious view when the act comes on. The racing is fun for many that go mainly for the entertainment. In our case and having seen them last year at the same event, we knew madness would be crowd pleasers. The Heavy Monster crew hit the stage, go one step beyond constantly entertaining and perform a wall of hits at the end, just about everybody would recognise!

What a great night out and left with the boys getting a the full encore treatment.

Back to the Quy Mill, have a few drinks, the bar is open late and wake up for a little detox in the sauna, steam room and pool before breakfast.

We only ate at breakfast and then headed off into Cambridge, but in truth once you’re over there, anywhere on the East coast is probably worth a visit – as most of the time it takes what seems forever to get anywhere on those flat fen roads!

So ideal place for a weekend break, bit of entertainment and sport all rolled into one. Time for a high octane adrenaline rush, think I’ll go visit Silverstone.

Gary Palmer – Year of Get Up and Go blogging panel

Guernsey is a peaceful island, every bit attached in outlook to the U.K, yet whether it is their natural close links to France, it’s history or the number of French and other European guides, waiters/waitresses etc in the many bars and cafes of St Peter Port, it somehow has a distinct european flavour too!

We stayed 5 nights in the 5 star experience of the BEST WESTERN Hotel De Havelet. We got exceptional service organising everything from taxi waiting at the airport, booking car hire, tourist attraction help, what to do and see and when and just such accomodating staff! This hotel actually was all round terrific, the breakfast set you up for the day, with views from the restaurant which are stunning on clear days, the food in evenings was also very good value, in a restaurant often used by locals and claimed to be one of the best in St Peter Port.

The rooms were always clean and tidy and to an high standard of facilities and cleanliness; we used the steam room, sauna, pool and jacuzzi every day and the bar seemed to be open whenever I wanted something. As for the internet, well here I am blogging on day 5! Enough of the hotel, what else is there to do?

Well we visited Herm which is so unspoilt and well worth a day trip. You’ll find sandy, secluded beaches, just need good weather and lots of sun cream as little shade. Sark is altogether different, but equally nice if you want tranqulity. On Guernsey, kids found enough to do with the German museums,but real history seekers ought to take in Castle Cornet. then there is crazy golf at oaklands, playing on the west coast beaches, we liked Cobo bay best, but it can be breezy this time of year and St Peter Port was nice with all the bars and restaurants to wander round. Plenty have offers between 6-7 p.m, ideal for kids.

Guernsey was in Jubilee mode and it’s ideal for bank holiday or weekend breaks, as flights get you there in no time. Do hire a car if you can, but bus routes and taxi’s are plenty. So yet another fantastic break to get up and go with in 2012….next up, time for some summer Madness in the Newmarket nights.

Gary Palmer – Year of Get Up and Go blogging panel