News on the app.

With all the rush of Tuesday, it was impossible to update the profile but I'm pleased to say that everything went perfect and that the app (which has a few minor changes from the Android and iPhone version) looks great and works even better. We're planning a launch in the next few weeks which is very exciting.  We're all looking forward and hope that the Windows version follows the same path as the other versions in becoming a successful app.

Enough about what will be happening, let's talk more about what's to be done today and next week.  With the Summer holidays coming to a close, why not treat you children to one last day out to bring an end to the 6 weeks of 'Summer' they've enjoyed.  Even with the weather not looking great, you can still find loads to do around Wales.  Why not venture down to Corris and enjoy King Arthur's Labyrinth?  Whatever interests your child might have, TopSpots will have the attraction to match.  We hope for all attractions that the weather improves for the last week of holidays and that families make the most of the app's attractions.  

We will be posting next week with more exciting news on the Windows version of the app and work will commence on choosing our next Attraction of the Month.

Attraction of the Month - August.

Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips (operated by New Quay Boat Trips)

Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips, operated by New Quay Boat Trips navigates the waters of the Ceredigion Marine Heritage Coast, recognized for its unspoilt coastline and wildlife, including dolphins, Atlantic grey seals and many more.  Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips offers a unique look at the coastline and the numerous species of birds and fish that inhabit its boundaries. The family business is the longest running boat
trip company in New-Quay and Ceredigion started by the current owner Winston's father, Arden Evans.  Winston started crewing for his father on their first dedicated passenger vessel in the 1950s and is a former Lifeboat Coxwain.  Following thirty years service to the Royal National Lifeboat institution, Winston is held in high esteem by the boating community.  His vast knowledge of the sea and selfless commitment makes Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips a unique operator, far surpassing the quality of its rivals.

New Quay Boat Trips are the only boat operator in the New Quay area to be licensed by the Maritime and Coastguard agency to carry more than twelve people on its purpose built boats, which are large and stable which is often reassuring for first timers.  Fitted with a canopy, customers need not worry about getting wet as it keeps you dry in the wet weather and also acts as a shade in hot weather.  Cushioned seats and a W/C make the two hour trip even more enjoyable and convenient to parents and children alike.  The attraction offers the biggest boats and therefore the most reasonable prices for the magical experience.

The attraction offers all kind of service, including a one hour cruise to Cwmtudu where you will see such sights as bird colonies and a sight of the many bottle nosed dolphins and porpoises. Also offered is a two hour cruise which offers all of the above and lots more.  On this cruise you will venture further down the coast to the little bay of Ynys Lochtyn which boasts the tallest cliff in Ceredigion and is one the main feeding areas for dolphins.  The cruise gives customers the chance to catch a glimpse of the very rare chough as well as gannets, seals, dolphins, rare  sunfish or even a rare sea turtle.  The cruise also has an experienced guide who is out on deck to highlight interesting sights and the experienced skipper and crew are more than ready to answer any questions you might have regarding the coastline, including the local history and legends surrounding the area.

The company works closely with Sea Watch, a UK-based aquatic monitoring unit and charity organisation who charter the boats to undertake research work on dolphins and seals. Representatives of Sea Watch will normally be on board one or more of the trips on most days, gathering data on sightings and behaviour.  Working closely with the company has enhanced the reputation of Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips by adding to the conservation of the wildlife and knowledge of these much loved creatures.

Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips is an ideal day out for families looking for something to do on an otherwise boring day.  Perfect for children on their Summer holidays to learn about the area's Wildlife. Take advantage of the beautiful surrounds of the Ceredigion coastline and catch a glimpse of a rare dolphin.

    

Windows Phone app.

We've just received the first images of the Windows version of the app.  These are only early screenshots so aren't the final images but they will give users an idea of what to expect from the app.  The hope is to make the app available to Windows Phone users within the next month.  Just as the iPhone and Android versions, the Windows version will be free to download.

Below are first images of the Windows app.  Please take a look and comment on any queries you might have regarding the app. 

We would also love to hear any feedback you might have on the app (how it's functioning, are there any problems?).  We will then use this feedback to imrpove the app and enhance the experience of using the app.

Llangollen Canal

News from TopSpots

Following a successful fortnight in London with the Olympics, it's not business as usual with nothing on TV and very little to do to keep occupied.  The Summer holidays are well and truly under way and for parents trying to keep their children entertained, the long holiday can be tiresome at times,  With the weather finally giving us the feeling of Summer, it's up to you to make the most of the next few weeks, or at least until the weather returns to normal.  To coincide with the beautiful weather, there are many things to do to keep you, and other occupied.

Why not make the most of the Summer sales by visiting McArthur Glen or Trefiw Woollen Mill.  The improved weather makes his a perfect opportunity to visit such attractions as Brecon Cathedral.  The weather can also act as a perfect excuse to catch up with a friend you haven't seen in a while over a bite to eat or a coffee at Y Talbot or why not make the most of the long nights with a visit to Theatr Brycheiniog, where Charlotte Church will be performing on the 31st of this month.

In other news, we will be busy working on August's Attraction of the Month.  The blog post will be live and available to read next Monday (20th of August).  Following the success of last month's attraction will hope this month's attraction will enjoy similar success.  To help parents, this month's Attraction will be something that will entertain children as well as being a nice deserved break for parents.

Attraction of the Month - July

Llangollen Wharf

Situated in the North Wales market town of Llangollen, the Llangollen Wharf is a major attraction in Wales and is now part of a World Heritage Site.  The Wharf offers different ways to take in the beautiful surroundings of the beautiful Llangollen Canal, either a horse drawn boat trip along feeder for the main canal or a motorised aqueduct cruise which takes you across the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.  For larger groups, longer horse drawn trips can be arranged. 

The Wharf has more ot offer to visitors than just canal rides.  At the Wharf you can browse in the gist shop or enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake, with views of the canal and town.  The Wharf is truly a sight to behold, especially when the sun is shinning.

Contact:

Website: http://www.horsedrawnboats.co.uk/

Address: Llangollen Wharf, Wharf Hill, Llangollen, Denbighshire LL20 8TA

Phone Number: 01978 860702

TopSpots FAQs

1. Why Android as well as iPhone?
At the moment Android (non iPhone) phones have a 70% share of the smartphone market and are selling at a significantly faster rate than the iPhone.  The latter is certainly 'cooler' but forms a much smaller part of the market.  We have started with the Android, but the iPhone version of TopSpots will follow within a few weeks.

When use of the new Windows platform is more widespread TopSpots will also be available for that.

2. Why does TopSpots not include accommodation?
Our research had shown that the vast majority of people book their accommodation - or at least the first couple of nights' accommodation - before they leave home.  This means that putting accommodation onto TopSpots will not be nearly so effective as including all the other parts of the tourism product - attractions, food and drink, events and so on.

TopSpots is designed for people who are already here or who know where they are coming to, and for day visitors.  It therefore includes what those people need: plenty to see and do, divided into categories to make it all easier to find, and places to eat and drink - tea and coffee, pub lunched and posh nosh.  If visitors know that they want to come to see a specific attraction or event they can use TopSpots to find other places to visit on the same trip as well as outlets for lunch and dinner - a cup of coffee and an ice cream too.

3. What does TopSpots do?
TopSpots enables a smartphone user to find plenty to do and plenty of places to eat and drink while they are in Wales or the Borders.  They can choose 12 different categories and from a list of attractions/events/outlets within each category.  When the relevant page loads they can touch the name to go to that attraction/event's website or the picture to go to a map which will show them how to get there.  There is also information already on the app.  Phone numbers are there in many cases so that they can contact the place they have chosen should they wish to do so.

4. How much does TopSpots cost?To the end user TopSpots is free.  Our research has shown quite clearly that people do not wish to pay for apps - they expect the information to be available free.

5. How is TopSpots kept up to date?Once a visitor has downloaded TopSpots the system will update itself automatically at the beginning of every month - assuming it is turned on, of course.

6. How much internet usage will be involved with using the app?
Depends how often the user links to a website.  This is not compulsory - there is info on the app about every advertiser without linking to a specific website.

7.  Wales has such poor mobile phone coverage - will this effect the app?
Current mobiles have very much better ability to connect than phone did even a few months ago.

TopSpots advertisers' information is contained in the listings and will be available even when there is no mobile coverage.  The end user won't be able to downloads a map or link to the website - but they will already have everything else on TopSpots itself.