Astronomy breaks, Art Appreciation holidays, a Gardens of Ireland tour as well as cooking and walking in Spain are just a selection of the many, new ideas introduced into HF Holidays' expanded Leisure Activities Holidays programme for 2014.

For example, start making sense of the night sky on the new Astronomy break which features morning talks on galaxies, stars, the moon and planets, comets, meteors and asteroids and evenings viewing objects in the night sky that can be seen with the naked eye, through binoculars and with a small telescope.

Available on selected dates and based either on Exmoor - where the National Park was the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Europe - or on the South Downs, the cost of this four-night break is £469 per person, twin-share, inclusive of full board and a full programme of activities with a knowledgeable leader.

Art lovers can visit key galleries showing a variety of artistic styles - in the company of an expert leader - on the new Art Appreciation holidays.  Guests based in St Ives, for example, visit the St Ives Tate for modern and contemporary art, the Falmouth Art Gallery for old masters and Penlee House Gallery - home of the Newlyn artists - which specialises in the art of West Cornwall.

The cost is £485 per person for four nights or £799 for a seven-night holiday.  These twin-share prices include full board, a full programme of art appreciation with an experienced leader and transport and entrance fees.

Or combine stays in Dublin and Blarney and visit some of Ireland's best public and private gardens - such as Powerscourt gardens, Glasnevin Botanical Garden, Fota House and Gardens and the Dillon garden - on a new seven night Gardens of Ireland guided tour.  The cost is £1179 per person, twin-share, inclusive of return Heathrow flights, half-board  hotel, a full programme of garden visits with a horticultural specialist, plus all admissions and transport.

0845 470 7558, www.hfholidays.co.uk

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For further information please contact:
Joan Pearson
Tel: 01572 748800
Email: beacon@beaconpr.co.uk