VisitEngland, the national tourist board, and leading hotel and travel specialist, lastminute.com, have launched a joint marketing campaign.

The programme is designed to encourage consumers to embrace the spontaneity of a last minute getaway by visiting a newly created and booking a short break in England.

Tube Card Panels and outdoor advertising at key rail hubs will target commuters in London and Birmingham, promoting eleven easily-reachable destinations across England, from Bristol to York.

A 24-hour ‘England sale’ on March 7th will highlight special hotel deals of up to 50 per cent off around the country, supported by press, radio, digital escalator panels and digital display advertising.

The entire two-week campaign will also include a programme of PR and social media activity.

Tim Holt, head of marketing, VisitEngland, said: “Whether it’s a shopping trip, a weekend of culture, or a relaxing break on the coast, this country really does have something for everyone!

“We want to inspire people to discover just how much England’s fantastic cities have to offer by booking a short break, and lastminute.com is the ideal partner for this campaign.”