watersideEngland campaign

The watersideEngland campaign, launched in association with Waterscape.com, Tourism South East and Bristol City, promotes thousands of options for water babies across the nine regions of England that can be enjoyed whatever the weather. The accompanying brochure encompasses leisure time opportunities for consumers across the topics of inland waterways, watersports, maritime attractions and seafood & drink.Whether it’s an extreme aquatic adventure or a sedate seaside stroll you’re seeking, there’s sure to be something on your doorstep to whet your appetite for water. From cycling the towpaths to canal boating through the spectacular countryside, be inspired by Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart’s recent ride and join the celebrity crew! If that doesn’t float your boat, maybe sailing or scuba diving, kayaking or kite surfing will do the trick – whatever your passion there’s an abundance of appealing attractions out there just waiting to hook you in. The watersideEngland campaign complements another impending marketing initiative from VisitBritain. Due to launch later this year, SeaBritain 2005 will celebrate Britain’s rich maritime history and has been inspired by the bicentenary of The Battle of Trafalgar.Walk on water with Waterscape.comFrom tranquil waterside walks to boat trips, holiday cottages by the water and visits to impressive historical sites, British Waterways’ comprehensive online guide to the UK’s waterways - Waterscape.com, offers hundreds of ideas to help make the most of England’s beautiful rivers, lakes and canals, including a comprehensive listing of over 700 pubs and bars to be enjoyed by the water! Providing the largest online selection of boating holidays and waterside holiday accommodation, including cottages and hotels, waterscape.com also details trip planners, guides and helpful maps as well as information on the best routes for enjoying each area on a bicycle or on foot.Go with the flow - for waves and waterways, relax in South East EnglandThroughout the South East’s rich history, the sea has provided pleasure and protection and for the perfect choice to get away from it all, there’s no better place than by the water. If you want to feel exhilarated, the South East has a variety of dramatic coasts and watersports. If you need something soothing, the South East has golden sands and peaceful rivers. Enjoy the new look Portsmouth, centuries of maritime heritage, the resort of Southsea a world class waterfront and as part of SeaBritain 2005, Portsmouth will be host to a series of spectacular events. Alternatively discover the River Thames – take time out to walk the Thames Path, visit one of the many attractions, hire a boat or simply relax by the riverside.Drop in to the city of BristolIn the last decade, Bristol has renewed its links with the sea in a way that has revitalised the entire city,through the redevelopment of Bristol’s harbourside. This area now boasts an unrivalled array of year-round attractions to suit all tastes, including excellent restaurants and At Bristol. Dip into a one-day tour and catch a ferry to see historic ships in the docks, such as Brunel’s ss Great Britain and explore the waterfront. For the more active, sailing, water ski-ing, windsurfing or even power boating in the Bristol Docks are all possibilities. The biggest harbourside event not to be missed is the Bristol Harbour Festival running from 31 July to 1 August, which is Bristol’s most spectacular waterside event. VisitBritain has produced a lavish 60 page free guide, saturated with information on waterside pursuits to be enjoyed in England, including listings of key events taking place in each region. It also includes a 16 page supplement on SeaBritain 2005 activities. For a free copy of the watersideEngland brochure call 0845 408 1805 or visit www.visitengland.com/waterside For further information on SeaBritain visit www.seabritain2005.com - ends -For further press information on watersideEngland please contact:Rae White/Trish GonzalezVisit Britain Press OfficeTel: 020 8563 3378/3351Email: rae.white@visitbritain.org/trish.gonzalez@visitbritain.org For more information about Waterscape.com please contact:Sharon AtkinsonBritish WaterwaysTel: 01923 201292Email: sharon.atkinson@waterscape.comFor more information about Tourism South East please contact:Karen RoebuckTourism South EastTel: 023 8062 5500Email: kroebuck@tourismse.comFor more information about Bristol City please contact:Sarah BennettBristol City Tel: 0117 946 2207Email: sarah_bennett@bristol-city.gov.ukFor more information on SeaBritain 2005 pleasecontact:Deirdre LivingstoneSeaBritain 2005Tel: 020 8312 8610Email: dlivingstone@nmm.ac.uk