creation podcasts: bmwtouring

Its called recreational snowboarding. And you can learn how to do it at the Snow Dome in Birmingham. Its a thrilling sport and those who already ski should find very easy to do. Organisers of the indoor Snow Dome claim to be able to teach you how to snowboard in just one day. The main slope is 170 metres in length with real snow, two junior slopes and an ice rink. The venue also boasts the only indoor snow mobile slope in the world. We sent our reporter Kylie Olsson off to Birmingham to test the learn to snowboard in one day claim.

Its our final BMW touring experience so were going back to our roots. Apparently, most people in the UK can trace their ancestry back to the Mendip Hills in Somerset and, more specifically, Cheddar Gorge. Underground, once youve passed the remains of Cheddar Man in the enchanting surroundings of Goughs Cave, its time to go off-piste and explore the intricate and exhilarating system of underground tunnels and caverns. Cheddar Caves and Gorge is the only place in the UK where you can literally turn up and try your hand at potholing, so we sent our reporter Kylie Norman to take a step into the darkness and back in time. For more information, go to the Times Your World website

The days of giving up your old life and running away to join the circus are over - because the previously secretive circus is now running workshops! So you can keep you old job and still learn a trick or two from the experts, with a set of circus skills that as a kid you may only have dreamed of doing. At the Circus Space in London - based inside a disused power station - they run a practical degree course. And theyve now opened their doors to the public for weekend workshops. For more information, go to the Times Your World website.

Its often the case that we dont appreciate places and events that are on our own doorstep. We might fly off to, say, Barcelona for the weekend for a spot of arts tourism ... but here in the UK theres a place thats just as good - if not better. The Scottish capital Edinburgh is awash with a fascinating cultural and musical heritage. And its so easy to get to with good transport links from all parts of the country. For more information, go to the Times Your World website.

The World Heritage city of Bath is known for its architecture and expensive shops. But what is not so well known is that its also the home to the UKs only natural thermal spring. After all, following a long, cold winter we all deserve a little pampering! The Thermae Bath Spa prides itself on offering total relaxation - with every type of water massage imaginable, including a rare treatment known as Watsu. It all leads up to the ultimate chill out experience! Charlotte Hanna from the Thermae Bath Spa has been telling us more about the relaxing properties of natural thermal spring water.

For more information on this and many other touring experiences, go to the Times Your World website.

This week we experience the pleasure of Swing Dancing! Our reporter Kylie Norman has been off to meet the folks who go to the London Swing Dance Society - a regular event where you can learn to dance ion 1930s and 1940s style.We also get tips and advice on how to dress properly and make the most of your unique night out from a man who organises monthly themed nights all across the UK For more information, go to the Times Your World website.

Its that time of year again ... yes the month when big softies all round the country turn their attention to romance! With Valentines Day just round the corner, weve been off to Europes most romantic city - Paris - to check out places to take your loved one. One such venue visited by reporter Kylie Olsson is The Rosebud Bar - a place where you could imagine Orson Wells sitting in the corner, watching the world go by. It hasn't changed in over 40 years and many of the waiting staff have been there since it opened. For more information, go to the Times Your World website

The issue of wildlife and conservation is one dear to most peoples hearts. Certainly most of us would like to think wed do all we can when it comes to preserving the wild animals all around us.

Most zoos take their responsibility for wildlife and conservation very seriously. Kylie Olsson chats to Nick Lynsey about this issue, head of international zoo programmes for Whipsnade Wild Animal Park in Bedfordshire. For more information, go to the Times Your World website.

Six months from now and one of the worlds most famous - and arduous - sporting events will come to London. Were talking here about the Tour dFrance cycling race. And of course theres always the annual London to Brighton bike ride in June that has 27,000 taking part. But there is another side to cycling - a much easier day out on an adventure trail. One centre that runs days out is the Aston Hill Mountain Bike area in Bedfordshire. We sent reporter Kylie Olsson off to experience the thrill of two wheels. For more information, go to the Touring Festivals website.

Ever wanted to get away from city life for a long weekend but you just dont want to stay in yet another hotel? Well you could always spend your weekend as a Wwoofer - which stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. In other words, its a chance for you to get down and dirty on a British farm! It works by offering you free accommodation and food in exchange for working the land. We sent reporter Kylie Olsson down to Wwoof-registered Maria Martens Cottage near Colchester to meet the team. For more information, go to the Touring Festivals website.