Jurassic Coast picture by Flickr user Kevinzim

A new poll by popular publishers Lonley Planet has revealed that UK holidaymakers’ travel wish lists while at home are better value accommodation and cheaper train travel. More than 3,500 people voted in the first Lonely Planet Awards, created in association with adventure operator Explore.

Walking on Scotland’s wild beaches was considered the most under-rated British day out, closely followed by exploring the UK’s cities and Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.

Lonely Planet’s travel editor Tom Hall said, “Days out in Britain don’t have to be traditional seaside jaunts or tours of stately homes.

“Brits are fast discovering some of the country’s lesser-known attractions and Scotland’s stunning beaches are, quite rightly, recognised as one of the best.”

Until 30th August the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2010 will be spreading art, comedy, performance and dining experiences across the city.

One thing that particularly caught my eye if any readers are lucky enough to try it out is a unique dining experience whereby guests eat at a height of 100ft above the city, hanging from a crane in special seats at a large table! Skyscanner.net at running the Festival in the Skyin the beautiful Princess Street Gardens.

Other events throughout the festival are:

The Demise of Christopher Marlowe theatre production at the C Central.

Creatures Comedy Show for some dark comedy sketch show at the Jury’s Inn.

UK beatbox champion, Beardymanfrom 16th-17th August at the Udderbelly Tent.

For a free children’s event, go to the music, story-telling and puppetry of the Hamwehads from the 11th – 19th August at The Three Sisters.

Flow-pattern- John Reiach photography exhibition from 13th August at the Faculty of the Advocates.

Flybe aircraft picture by Flickr User Ingy the Wingy

Flybe is to operate the only scheduled service from Kent to Edinburgh in May. The 80-minute daily service will be operated by Flybe’s 78-seat Bomberdier Q-400 turboprop aircraft.

Flybe’s chief commercial officer Mike Rutter said: “We’re delighted to be adding this new service to the South-East from Edinburgh and also to being the first carrier to offer Kent travellers a scheduled service out of Kent International. It also reflects our commitment to continued growth from our Edinburgh base and also to our development into new regions.”

Chief executive of Kent International Airport Matt Clarke added: “I’m sure this route will be hugely popular with people in Kent because Edinburgh is such a great place to visit. Flying to Kent International is a hassle-free way to arrive in south-east England. Our airport is easy to get to, easy to find your way around and allows passengers to enjoy flying the way it’s meant to be – boarding an aircraft merely metres from where you have parked your car.”

Kent International Airport is in East Kent close to the seaside towns of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate with easy access to Canterbury and Dover.

They include stone cottages with log fires and mountainous backdrops; remote loch-side lodges with panoramic views, and an apartment in the handsome town of Crieff, Perthshire.

The Crieff flat is, perhaps, the most romantic of all. St Ninians Church Tower apartment is, as you might expect, part of a converted church. Beautifully presented, it has retained some unique features while offering great views from its balcony: watch the sun set over the hills surrounding Crieff.

Croftweit Crieff, is another luxurious apartment. It’s part of a Grade II listed mansion, in Perthshire. The rooms have high ceilings and stained glass windows and there is a private garden area ideal for romantic alfresco dining (though it will be chilly in February).

A bottle of ‘Famous Grouse’ whisky from the nearby distillery awaits you as well as complimentary champagne and flowers for all Valentine bookings.

Another romantic cottage still available to rent is Pier Cottage in Applecross, Ross-shire. As the name suggests, this cottage is at the old pier in the hamlet of Camusterrach on the scenic Applecross peninsula. Stylish while at the same time retaining its traditional feel, the property features a smart claw-foot bath for two with sea views. There’s also a romantic open fire.

To find out more go to the Cottages and Castles advert on this website. Click  here  www.holidaycottages.cc/cottage-2032.html