Exciting Summer 2009 awaits Gulf-based travellers to Britain

From art galleries and clubs to newly-opened restaurants and extreme sports, Britain is red-hot this summer, and with much of the activity slated to take place outdoors to capitalize on the stunning weather.

"Travellers from the Middle East region visiting Britain have an amazing time in store for them. Gulf-based holiday makers want their holidays to include unique, superb experiences, and this is precisely what this 'hot' summer promises to deliver from Manchester to London,"

said Carol Maddison, VisitBritain's Marketing Manager, UAE.

The club scene is on fire, art galleries are boiling over with hot exhibits, extreme outdoor activities are planned and an interesting new masterclass trend is making food a hands-on experience this season.

Among the 'What's Hot' list of the spectacular British surprises reserved for Gulf-based holiday makers are:

- Masterclasses: Masterclasses are excellent fun any time of the year with learning before/during/after eating seeming to be the latest trend. You can learn to Salsa before or after dinner at aptly named 'Salsa' on Charing Cross Road. If you've always wanted to learn to make Sushi, then Cocoon's Sushi Masterclasses might interest you more; these are complete with hands-on competitions, tastings and a reduction on your dinner bill if you sit down for dinner afterwards.

- Funky accommodation: The Lace Market, one of Nottingham's premiere boutique hotels, has a very hot history with former guests have included Ronan Keating, Matt Lucas, Oasis, Will Young, and most recently Girls Aloud. Windermere Suites in the Lake District was voted the AA Funkiest B&B of the Year 2009.

- British Club scene: The Queen of Hoxton, is a super trendy hot spot, on Curtain Road near Liverpool Street. This second floor club with drinking, dancing, DJs, live music, theatre, cabaret, art, photo exhibits, pinball, arcade games and a roof garden makes for a unique night out like nothing else in London.

- Restaurants/Pub so hot they are hidden: Horton Jupiter's Secret Ingredient in Hackney is booming, with reservations taken on Facebook or by email. Directions are given once you've booked.

- Venues with views: London's highest cocktail bar, the exclusive Attic bar, on the 48th floor of a new Docklands skyscraper, boasts stunning Canary Wharf views and staggering attention to detail.