New Continental Hotel, Millbay Road, Plymouth, PL1 3LD

Tel: 01752 276798

All The Seasons – All The Savings!

In a week where it feels that we have enjoyed all the seasons (!) we thought we would talk about ALL the seasons too – with an offer for every single one!

Summer In The City…

We are told it’s coming – and we CAN NOT wait!  Plymouth is truly spectacular in the Sun. So many cobbles to explore and vistas to enjoy! Beautiful alfresco dining and drinking to hand; chips for your laps whilst you soak in the rays and of course, a glorious boat trip or two is always a must!

This June we have some great last minute deals; you can save 15% on your stay or look out for our Single Day Summer Promotions. These are single nights for two people in either a double or twin room, with Breakfast, scattered throughout June, July and August for just £60!

Plymouth’s Autumn Air…

There is such a bustling atmosphere during Autumn in Plymouth. Whether it’s a weekend city break or a mid-week stay, you’ll be in awe as you explore our beauty. From our iconic architecture, rich culture and unique (and sometimes hidden) charms.  You will also love our rich and diverse cultural offer, our high street shopping and lively events.

Our ‘Monday’s Are Not For Moderation’ offer is a fantastic  way to feel the Autumn Air on your skin, for just £60 per person you can enjoy DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST – with full access to our leisure complex!

Winter is a great time to enjoy Plymouth…

There is always so much going on in the winter. The Christmas Markets being one of them!   There really is something special about a Festive Market; it gets you in the mood for Christmas and is a pass to indulge in all the hearty comfort foods – without guilt!

Cinnamon in the air, carol singers in the background and mulled wine in hand – you can roam around aimlessly and find heavenly home-made gifts and treats with your pathway sparkling with fairy lights.

There is nothing like booking a break in advance. That way you have something to look forward to AND being an early bird will normally save you money.

Our winter offer; get three nights for the price of two!

Spring This Way…

So, we have heard that Plymouth is lovely at any time of year, but many say Plymouth  is at its prettiest in spring. Daffodils and crocuses cover The Hoe – the sea shining and cherry blossom filling the parks.  March-April offer some of the very best deals when it comes to accommodation in Plymouth; released the summer before you can always find great value, amazing promotions and heavily discounted rates. So not only can you fill your Spring with beauty – you can save pounds whilst you do!

Terms and conditions apply, all offers are subject to availability and change. 

Sir Mathew Bourne OBE…

Imagine a time when love is forbidden…

Tuesday 4th – 8th June 2019 – The Lyric at the Theatre Royal Plymouth

Sir Matthew Bourne OBE is widely hailed as the UK’s most popular and successful choreographer and director. Soon he will be in Plymouth again soon…

For over 30 years he has been creating and directing dance for musicals, theatre and film. He also has his own highly successful, award-winning companies.

This June you can see Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. A passionate and contemporary re-imagining of Shakespeare’s classic love story.

Bursting with youth, vitality and Matthew Bourne’s trademark storytelling, the South West’s brightest young dance talent join the New Adventures Company. This amazing show portrays two young lovers, in a society that seeks to divide them, fighting against the odds to follow their hearts as they risk everything to be together.

This new production of Romeo and Juliet joins the popular New Adventures repertoire which includes Swan LakeCinderella, and The Red Shoes.

Tickets are selling quickly; to check availability and book now follow this link to the Theatre Royal Plymouths website.

For an extra treat before you take your seat, don’t forget that Steve’s Brasserie has a great Early Evening Menu. It will leave you fully sated and safely in your seat for show time!

Hold On To The 80’s..!

 

Martin Kemp – Plymouth Guildhall

Friday June 7th 2019

He’s a silver fox that knows the 80’s…could a Friday evening in Plymouth get much better!

Spandau Ballet star ‘Martin Kemp’ will be in Plymouth and taking to the decks on Friday June 7th!

Spinning all the best of the hits from the 80’s. Presenting one the biggest 80’s nights to hit Plymouth this summer!

Are you ready to party?

This 80s night is selling out across the UK! Dust of those dancing shoes, spread the word far and wide that we’ll be turning the clock back to the 1980s for a very special night at Plymouth Guildhall.

Spandau Ballet sold millions of records worldwide. Martin is a huge TV personality starring in the likes of The Krays & Eastenders alongside his famous role in Spandau Ballet. Martin also starred on the West End in the hit musical ‘Chicago’ whilst still finding time to appear in Channel 4s “Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls”

Book
NOW – while you can!

See you at the party!

It’s The Weather!

Don’t Blame It On The Weatherman!

The sun is shining, the sky is blue and there is a smile on everyone’s lips because we have another long weekend ahead of us!

BUT just how important is the sun when it comes to enjoying and exploring Britain’s Ocean City..?

There is no two ways about it. There is something magical that happens in Plymouth when the sun comes out. Alfresco Dining.  Socialising with a drink in hand as we catch up with friends. The sea a shining rug of elegance and beauty gently soothing the soul.

When the sun comes out in Plymouth, there is no place better to be.

We are at the point where Winter feels like it’s almost beat us! Our skin looks anaemic and our souls are tiered of the dark mornings and nights and the dreary wetness! Then, a hint of Spring hits the air. Flowers start to bloom in gardens and road sides and our skin feels the breeze for what feels like the first time in a decade!

We barely believe it. We delay the Winter/Summer wardrobe swap in fear it’s just a fluke! It becomes a conversation starter in queues, on buses at the hairdressers … or just about anywhere where anyone will listen!

“Lovely isn’t it”. “I can’t believe how nice it is”. “Do you think it will last”. “Be terrible again when the Kids go back!”…

Endless sound bites that have been generated, stored and whipped out at every opportunity!

What’s more. We desperately want to be outside ALL OF THE TIME! Our gardens look pristine but our kitchens become overgrown with dishes!

But boy does it feel good!

Just like saying ‘sorry’ when someone steps on your toe; we are programmed to blame, or to thank the weather for EVERYTHING!

The roads are busy today: It’s the weather. The restaurants busy today: It’s the weather. You look tired today. It’s the weather. I don’t feel great today. It’s probably the weather..!

As well as put blame on the weathers head, we also use it a gauge as to how good a holiday will be.

 

When you say where you are going on a vacation, peoples almost first response is usually:  “What will the weather be like?”

Now, you have one of three responses to that:

1) The weathers going to be really warm. The response) Oh, you’ll have a GREAT time.

2) Ahh, it’s ok, not great not awful.  The response) Never mind, it does you good just to get away sometimes.

3) Raining and cold. The response) Oh no that’s such a shame.

The one thing that we can not argue about is yes, when the sun is shining, Plymouth is truly beautiful…HOWEVER, when the sun isn’t shining  – Plymouth is truly beautiful too!

You see, the sun shining is a bonus yes, but it certainly isn’t the be all and end all of a good time in our city by the sea!

Here are some great treats; treats for the grey and cloudy, the damp and drab AND the sunny and bright  – because let’s face it, we could have all three of these weather types in any given week – so we better make the most of every second, every element and every memory whilst enjoying ALL that Plymouth has to offer!

When you have a good time in Plymouth, it won’t be the weather you thank; it will be the unique and the startling that has been embedded in our cobbles DNA! When you talk about your holiday to Plymouth – you will have a smile on your face no matter what the weather and  the sun will always be shining on the memories you make.

 

 

Cheese Fest Plymouth!

Who doesn’t love a cheesy event?

We say, let there be Cheese – and plenty of it!!

Cheese Fest lands in Plymouth for the very first time EVER! Put the date in your diary now: 11th May 2019 …  we are super excited!!

CheeseFest UK is an amazing festival, touring the entire width and breadth of the UK. It’s unlike many other festivals you have ever witnessed before! Bringing with it so much cheesy fun! With sensational live music; Wallace and Gromit will be mingling; model making with Aardman Animation; Wallace and Gromit life size vehicles; cooking demos; activity areas;  street food and so much more!

What a day!

cheese fest

An action packed day is on the cards; celebrating 30 cracking years of Wallace & Gromit.

Experience some of the cheesiest cheeses in the world!  With Melted Raclette, Cheese Wheels, Gooey Mozzarella Sticks and a whole host of cheesetastic tastes from the UK’s best cheese traders!

There are 15 live dates throughout the UK, celebrating all that’s great in the world of cheese. Expect the most incredible melted delights and delicious cheese-based cuisine presented for your culinary pleasure by the finest fromagers from across the land. What’s more; there will be so much for the entire family that you will feel a day just isn’t long enough!

CheeseFest UK promises to be a grand day out for all the family with a jam packed programme of feasting and entertainment hosted by the world’s most famous cheese ambassadors Wallace & Gromit. Kids can enjoy model making, life-size vehicles, film screenings of popular Wallace & Gromit movies, and a meet & greet with Wallace and Gromit themselves. Young and old, all are welcome, so don’t be sheepish! – get involved!

For more details check our website www.cheesefestuk.com

Stay and Play!

Why not extend your stay?  We have great promotions and offers that mean you can stay for as little as £50 per night! For more information check out our offers page!

We Are ‘Jolly Roger’ Ready!

Pirates Weekend!

It’s almost time…and we can not wait! 

There is just less than a month to go for the award-winning Pirates Weekend Plymouth! A weekend that offers a swashbuckling weekend of free fun for all the family to enjoy. What’s more; the sun always shines on Pirates!

This amazing weekend is organised by the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership Business Improvement District. It is one of THE most amazing weekends in Plymouth and this year takes place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May. Britain’s Ocean City becomes alive with merry activities as the weekend unfolds across the Barbican, Sutton Harbour and West Hoe.

Meaning you wont miss a thing!

What’s It All About?

Well! What you can be sure of is two amazing days packed full of entertainment and activities. Including a pirate trail, storytellers, puppet shows, arts and crafts activities, street entertainment, amazing food and much more!

Sarah Gibson, Waterfront Manager and Chief Executive of the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, said:

“Pirates Weekend Plymouth won Silver at the 2018 Devon Tourism Awards for Tourism Event and Festival of the Year as the best family Pirates Weekend in the South West. Designed and funded by Waterfront businesses, Pirates Weekend Plymouth has activities linking the Barbican, Sutton Harbour and West Hoe Park, whilst Mount Batten Pirates powerboat experiences and PDSSA pirate sailing lessons will give visitors a treat to get out onto the water too.”

“In its eighth year, Pirates Weekend Plymouth is unmissable – so get yourselves dressed up as pirates and come along for two days of brilliant fun!”

What To Wear..!

What’s not to wear! We say go crazy with those head scarfs and eye patches; fancy dress is encouraged throughout the weekend; and new for this year is a Pirate Parade, sponsored by Lazy Jacks. Led by the The Drake Corps of Drums and the infamous Jonty Depp, all of Plymouth’s pirates will march through the streets of the Barbican together.

WHAT’S MORE…

Every young participant dressed as a pirate will be given a special gift!

Children can also follow a Pirate Trail around the Barbican and Sutton Harbour, this is amazing fun for them and you get to see the sights whilst they are totally entertained! This event is sponsored by Sutton Harbour Group.

You can find maps from the Tourist Information Centre for just £2, every participant will receive a prize for completing the trail and also be entered into a draw to win a Lego Creator set.

A full programme of shanty bands will entertain the crowds between 10.30am and 3pm each day. The area will be full of action in a number of locations: along Southside Street, outside Capn’ Jaspers and on board the Grayhound tall ship.

For more information about all the activities at this year’s Pirates Weekend Plymouth, head to visitplymouth.co.uk.

What we know for sure – you will have an amazing time!

 

The History Of Holidaying..!

It’s really no big surprise to us that the UK receives more than 30 million tourists a year!

Which ranks us in the top 10 most visited countries in the whole world! 

When you work in Tourism, you see first-hand how truly blessed we are here in Plymouth; with our hugely diverse landscape, sandy beaches just a short drive away, hidden coves, moorland and more!

With all this on the New Continental Hotels doorstep; we love hearing our guests’ talk of their explorations and their ‘Devon Discoveries’!

With 2020 now in sight, and the big celebration of the Mayflower voyage 400 years ago; we take a look back at holidays gone by. We make our own predictions when we ask:

“What might the future look like for travel?”

Jetting off to foreign lands will always hold a certain sense of adventure. Like for those that we will commemorate on the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower, who sailed from Plymouth to America; carrying the pilgrims who founded the modern United States.

They were off to foreign lands for an ‘adventure’ – but how we choose to ‘holiday’ has changed so much throughout time.

Travel…

The travel industry is a sector that will always undergo dramatic transformations; be that due to digital revolutions, fashionable trends, politics or the social and economic climate.

What has never changed though, is why we holiday; it’s to make wonderful memories.

That’s what we love to be part of, and that is why no matter what transformations take place; our passion for holidaying here at the New Continental Hotel and in Plymouth will never fade.

Holidays Gone By…

It was in 1841,  Thomas Cook started the holiday industry rolling with their ground-breaking offer of a shilling-a-head rail excursion from Leicester to Loughborough! Then followed swiftly in the 1870s, with the Lancashire cotton workers, who really helped develop UK holidaying. They saved all year to convert the traditional (unpaid) one-week holiday into seaside breaks. A chance for the whole family to come together and enjoy each other’s company; without the stresses of everyday life!

Then, 80 years ago in 1939, we saw holiday leave became a legal right for employees!  And by 1975 most people had at least two weeks’ paid holiday a year!

For the rich jet setters 1976 saw the supersonic aircraft Concorde enter commercial services; people could now cross the Atlantic in a record 2 hours 52 minutes!!

Fast forward to 1979; a year when for the first time in history we spent more on overseas holidays than on holidays at home!

Why was this?

Well, for £50 you could spend a week in the glamorous Majorca – with the sun on your back and hotel bedrooms that had balconies and ensuite bathrooms!

And, when we talk about an industry that can be transformed overnight by factors such as social media and digital revolutions; could it also be perhaps transformed by TV?!?

In 1975, a new comedy aired on BBC2; Faulty Towers! A hilarious comedy that neatly exaggerated bad hospitality in the UK..! Could that have helped galvanise holiday’s abroad Vs staycations?!

Perhaps – but the way we book holidays today would certainly look like science fiction to the holidaymaker of the 70’s;  actually, probably to those in the early 90s too!

Package holidays were sold mainly from high street agencies, the only reviews in the 90’s were from friends at dinner tables. Travellers had little real clue what to expect before they arrived. Internet access was limited and the Smartphone still in development, holidaying in the 90’s was a very different kettle of fish!

Now, in 2019, we can see another big shift!  The Staycation!

Our favourite for obvious reasons! Travellers searching for better value breaks, with a growing demand for interesting destinations closer to home. Destinations like Plymouth, that have a plethora of history, heritage and beautiful vistas!

Interestingly, here at the New Continental Hotel, we have also noticed a connection that we like to call:  the ‘nostalgic staycation’!

If we look back to the early 80’s, when the UK entered a recession – with falling output, rising unemployment and a fall in the inflation rate; if holidays were taken, they were taken in the UK and just a short drive away from home – due to fuel prices.

We have had many conversations with adults holidaying with us, those in their 40’s, who are bringing their family back to Plymouth to relive their childhood memories.

The time was tough for families – but the holiday memories were so magical they want their children to experience them.

2018 proved to be a really successful year for the staycation market; we have also noticed that this year  looks like more and more families, friends and couples are also choosing to holiday in Plymouth. And that makes us immensely proud.

We ask our guests what the ingredients are for a perfect holiday at home. Top is obviously a great location; but also an extra eye for the details that matter, whether it’s parking, or high speed Wi-Fi, or a warm family welcome. It’s these thoughtful touches that make our family owned hotel a winner for many holidayers; those from both home and away!

Throughout the years; tourism has been the lifeblood of many communities up and down the UK and many travellers are realising the fun to be had by discovering what’s on offer just beyond their doorstep.

Looking forward…

What can we expect in the year 2039 – 20 years from now? Perhaps we will be sitting on-board a pilotless plane; with a chip in our wrist that tells the robot with the trolley our dietary requirements, and the exact temperature we like our Gin? Maybe we will all have a programme that aids us when speaking languages. Or no luggage as hotels will know what we want and our disposal holiday wares will be waiting for us. Or electronic implants that pay as we check-in..?

Who knows what our holidaying will look like 20 years from now; but one thing I am sure we can all be certain of; holidaying will always be that moment in time that we make magical memories … together. Like those on the Mayflower setting off on their adventures. Regardless of where we go, or why we go, or how we get there, or what we experience along the way; holidaying will always be about togetherness.

Whatever the future has in store; the wonderful world of holidays will always be exciting, because we will be with the people we love.

So, here’s to the next two decades of Devon adventures; of Plymouth exploring; and a hotel that hopes to help you create wonderful memories in Britain’s Ocean City.

 

Family Car Journey | The Survival Guide!

Create The Perfect, Fun Family Car Journey…

As the great Easter getaways are being planned, the roads will soon be full of families making their Easter road-trips!

Q) Are your toes already tingling at the thought?!?

Many of us here at the hotel are parents. Parents of babies, toddlers, teens and proud Grandparents too.  Most of us have had (or have) regular challenges when it comes to car journeys – both long and short!

Finding your own way to make it is essential – we all have different needs and varying tolerance levels – especially when driving! 

We want you to arrive in Plymouth full of beans – not full of fury! So, we asked some of our amazing parents and grandparents who are staff here at the New Continental Hotel, if they would share some of their tips, on how to keep both children and parents happy on their car journeys!

These tips are great for either nipping down the road to swimming lessons (which can be just a gruelling sometimes!) or making the four hour motorway trip to visit family!!

We welcome many families during the Easter Holidays and sometimes, as they walk through the foyer, after their family road trip, we can feel their pain!

Parents who are wearing the signs of being road warriors; and children eager to get out of the ‘tin can’ and stretch those legs!

 

We all have our own techniques; for some it’s taking  favourite toys; making regular ‘adventure stops’ or travelling at night!

Here are some of the methods staff at the New Continental Use…

Charlie | Head Of Housekeeping | Grandchild

Charlie is a super proud Nana! And although her Grandson is now almost old enough to drive her around; Charlie is a big fan of her IPad and so we asked her to search for something that could offer some ‘techy’ aid for the travelling family!

Her tips for surviving a car journey – load your IPad with these FREE APPS!

Talking Tom Cat

Talking Tom Cat is a virtual pet cat that’ll keep children engrossed for long periods of time, making him purr when they stroke him and drink when they pour him a glass of milk. He’ll distract them, make them laugh and I am sure offer hours of entertainment! You may want to turn the volume down a little – he repeats what they say in a rather high pitch voice! They will love it – but the adults in the car not so much (especially after the first few times!)

Pineapple Studio Jigsaw Puzzles

This is a great traditional style game; I really liked it because it cleverly fused old with digital! The electronic jigsaw – no need to hunt the car for pieces at every pit-stop with this one! This app features Toy Story, Twilight, Cars, The Simpsons and other options. I think it will be a winner – if only for 20 minutes or so!

Nursery Jam

Music is a winner and this is a really great, fun, creative app.   It lets you compose your own music by tapping objects. I really liked it!! It might be a bit noisy though! So, although it will keep them happy  – I might consider the option of headphones!

Claire | Events Coordinator | 6 Year Old Daughter

Claire is one of our super organised Mums. The Mum we all aspire to be like. The Mum that stays up late to bake for the PTFA and who knows her way around great Tupperware!

Being both super organised and a regular road trip maker; her tip for surviving a family road trip – plenty of snacks (and wet-wipes!)!

“We travel a great deal to visit family and friends – by both car and ferry.   So we have learnt lots of tricks to keep our little one happy!  The tried and tested favourite for us is making sure we pack lots of healthy snacks (and some treats of course!)  Some might say I pack enough to feed an army – but you can never be too prepared!”

Here are some great ideas – many that are favourites in our four wheels!

Boots also do some great Tupperware, with lids that really keep things in!

Katie | Events Coordinator | 18 Month Old Son

Katie is what we call ‘the cool Mum’ – she is fun and always busy doing fun and creative things with her little man.

Her tip is to prepare your spotify for the journey!

‘I have quickly learnt that: a) I may never listen to my own music in the car again and b) to get over the embarrassment of bobbing along to ‘The Wheels On The Bus’ for a happy car journey! No more shame at traffic lights when my son and I are rocking along and laughing at each other for taking the tunes a little too seriously! Nor do we mind when we make it to the shops and we still have the soundtrack playing – just without the music as we dance down the cereal aisle!

For us, a silent car journey just doesn’t cut it! We need tunes and laughter! There are some great pre-made soundtracks – or create your own – which is fun in itself!”

Simon | Operations Manager | 7 Year Old & Baby

Simon is one of the best Dads; you know the ones, the one we all wish we had had!

He is hands on, cool and always wants only the best for his little brood!

Empowering his little ones and making sure they enjoy being educated. That’s what matters so much to him; hence his journey tips being educational but FUN!

Learning Games!

“My 7 year old loves nothing more than to be armed with her special clipboard and selection of pencils and rubbers and her fun car games. Games we can all play along with – if she lets us!”

Simon has let us in to his secrets and so we have created some templates so you too can let your little ones get bossy – we mean busy (!) – in the car!

Alphabet Hunt

Scavenger Hunt

Paul | Executive Chef | 12 & 8 years old

Paul, like Simon, is one of those amazing Dads. Amazing, but also one who might be considered a little ‘Competitive’! Often sharing his stories with us in the staff room of Monopoly battles at Christmas and Nerf Gun fights on Sunday’s!

Proving that being a great Dad is all about having fun…with a little healthy competition!

So…little surprise to any of us; his survival tricks for car journey is a game of Guess Who!

“Having fun and play times are perhaps the greatest setting for making memories, learning social skills and integration but also having fun!  With two children we all know that the back seat can be a frenzy of squabbling and ‘Dad he did this’ and ‘Dad she did that’s’!

So, I like to add a little fun for distraction,  with a dollop of healthy, family competition to the mix things up a bit!!  Guess Who is perfect!

It’s a great alternative to the ‘I Spy’ game – which has to be said, can be a bit distracting as the driver!

Guess Who! The player thinks of a person; it can be a famous fictional person, like Andy from Toy Story or Carl Fredricksen from UP! It can be a singer, like Ariana Grande or Bob Marley! Or perhaps an actor, sports person or even a member of the family!

The person who thinks of the ‘who’ then has to honestly answer up to 10 questions from the other players. With the answers they then have to try and ‘Guess Who’ that person is!

If the person is guessed, the passenger that guessed it gets one point, they then start another round. If the famous person is not guessed, the passenger can then think of another person … AND get the one point!

No cheating though!”

A BIG thanks to all our staff for taking the time to share their tried and tested trip survival tactics!

Long trips with children are always a little daunting – but they are worth it once you arrive in Plymouth. And hopefully our staff have given you some great tips to make it survivable!

All you need to do now is plan your next trip to Plymouth and thank us in person!!!

We would love to welcome you and share our city – as well as our tips – with you soon!

Safe Travels. Happy Journeys.  Family Fun Holidays.

Things To Do | This Weekend…

Mum2mum Market | Baby & Children’s Nearly New Sale…

Where: Harewood House, The Ridgeway

When: January 26th 2019 – 10am-12pm

Contact: Michelle on Michele@mum2mummarket.co.uk

Venue & Details

Join them on Facebook for the latest updates

Upcoming dates

Overview…

There will be over 20 stalls packed with nearly new bargains for your bump, baby and children up to six years old.

With top brands in great condition, you can stock up on all you need for your little ones;  from nursery equipment, pushchairs, clothes, toys, and books – all at a fraction of their high-street prices.

Plus…there’s tea, coffee and cakes available for a pit stop, with free car park and regular bus services it’s so easy!

What’s more –  if you’d like to bring a friend, you can even download a two-for-one voucher.

Please note: Admission is £2.00 on the door and free in the last half an hour. Children enter for FREE! You will need to take cash to make your purchases.

 

 

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