A 35-metre high indoor waterfall is the focal point of Britain's largest casino, opening in Coventry in the Heart of England on July 6. Twice the size of London's new Empire Casino which opened in late May, the 100,000 square-foot Isle Casino Coventry includes five bars, a live performance stage and three restaurants in an “exotic tropical themed environment”.

East Midlands Tourism welcomed yesterday’s announcement that the 2012 Olympics will be heading to London. Based on the Sydney Olympics it is estimated that the 2012 Olympics could contribute over £2 billion to Britain’s visitor economy.

Sandie Dawe, strategy and communications Director at VisitBritain, the organisation responsible for promoting Britain abroad and England to the British, has won the first SHINE award for Public Sector Woman of the Year.

There’s plenty to tempt sport fans to Britain before the 2012 Olympics – London is one of the candidate cities – and there are few countries that can match it for famous sporting venues.

Towns and cities, villages, stately homes, attractions and open spaces all over the country are holding festivals and events with a watery theme this year.

A farm shop, café and chocolate shop are new additions to the 18th century Stable Courtyard at one of England’s finest stately homes. Castle Howard in Yorkshire has been home to the Howard family for 300 years and is set in a 10,000 acre country estate.

Walkers can discover the countryside of some of Britain’s literary heroes and historical legends on a self guided walking holiday with Sherpa Expeditions. From the gently rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the wild and rugged landscape of the Scottish highlands, there are graded walks to suit all levels.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of William Wordsworth’s great autobiographical poem “The Prelude”. The manuscript is on display in the Wordsworth Museum, adjacent to his picturesque home Dove Cottage at Grasmere in the English Lake District.