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January 29th, 2009 admin
The one thing certain for a place like Cornwall is it boasts some of the finest beaches and countryside anywhere in the UK. If you’re not a fan of fresh, clean air then it is advised you turn around and go home! Many people confuse the Cornwall coast with the Mediterranean and although it might sound far fetched the turquoise waters and humid summers will show you otherwise.
Cornwall has it all when it comes to a British holiday location. The south coast is home to a large amount of quaint and scenic fishing villages, whilst the north has some of the finest golden sandy beaches in England.
Unsurprisingly adventure and outdoor pursuits are very popular with a huge variety of different sports to keep you busy (and the adrenaline pumping!) The obvious attractions like wind surfing, surfing and climbing are also accompanied by up and coming activities like sea kayaking, kite surfing and parachuting. The two most well known and popular area’s are Watergate Bay and Newquay so be sure to check them out if you are the adventurous type!
The idea that Cornwall and Devon are holiday locations for the “older generation” is a myth and one that couldn’t be further from the truth. Towns like Polzeath, Bude and Newquay have become very trendy with students from around the country. The local pubs and beaches in these areas are usually full with the youngsters renting local accommodation like a traditional Cornish Cottage whilst enjoying the laid back atmosphere and gorgeous scenery.
All in all Cornwall is one of the finest areas in Britain and one that the locals are very proud of. The great thing about it is that whether young or old, rich or poor there is always something for you to do on your Cornish Cottage Holiday
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January 27th, 2009 admin
If you are planning a Northumberland Cottage holiday you will probably be wondering what things there are to do in the county. Well one of the main tourist attractions is Hadrian’s wall. The wall is a stone fortification that was built along the width of Northern England by the Romans. Work started on the wall in 122 AD and the aim was to stop attacks and raids from the Pictish tribes from Scotland attacking roman Britain. There are other similar walls that were built at the time, but Hadrian’s Wall is the most famous as it is the most complete today.
The wall is said to be the most popular tourist attraction in Northern England and has been described as the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain.
Visitors can see visible parts of the wall today and also see various ancient forts and interesting museums that tell the story of the wall.
The countryside that surrounds the wall offers visitors some dramatic highlands and stunning countryside, with small villages dotted along. The area is ideal for both walkers and cyclists. Why not visit some of pubs and tea rooms in the area while checking out the wall.
So next time you book a Northumberland Cottage make sure you visit Hadrian’s wall.
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January 26th, 2009 admin
If you are a bit of a Shopaholic (and there are a lot of you out there) and planning on taking a trip to this beautiful part of Britain then you might want to know some of the best shopping destinations in the south west.
Bath - Bath is a beautiful and romantic city well known for its Roman Baths. What you may not know it for is the fantastic shopping which is on offer. Bath has many great independents shops from book stores, to fashion boutiques and fair trade goods. The city also has a great farmers market offering the best in local produce. If you are taking a short break in Bath then there a number of great hotels that offer Bath accommodation.
Bristol - Bristol has just opened Cabot Circus a massive new shopping centre with 120 stores, 25 cafes and restaurants and a luxury cinema. This is just part of the massive array of shops the city has to offer. Outside of Cabot Circus you can find over 300 high street and department stores in the Broadmead area. The area also has many banks, building societies, cafes and restaurants. Bristol has many fine hotels making for a great weekend getaway.
Exeter - Exeter has recently seen the opening of its new multi million pound shopping complex of Princeshay. Unlike most shopping centres Princesshay is not enclosed instead it has created many new shopping streets and squares. The complex has also incorporated many historical landmarks such as the ancient city walls and ruins of a picturesque chapel. There are many of the best in high street names and designer stores and plenty of cafes and restaurants to rest your feet after a busy days shopping. The city has many fine hotels and the surrounding Devon country side offers great country retreats.
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January 23rd, 2009 admin
What ever you do don’t forget February 14th, others wise you may find yourself single on the 15th. So start planning your special night now to make sure it’s as special as can be.
If you live in the South West or are planning a romantic break then there are a number of great locations across the South West where you can spend your romantic night.
Bath: Bath is a true architectural wonder with stunning Roman remains and some of the finest Georgian buildings in the world. You can have a great romantic short break in Bath thanks to some of the great restaurants, hotels and Bath bed and breakfast. You will also find so much to do in and around the city if you plan on staying the whole weekend.
Bristol: the principle city in the South West Bristol has probably the best shopping and nightlife of any city in the South West, if not the UK. There are also plenty of superb restaurants on offer to, so make sure you book up well in advance. For the rest of you romantic weekend there are plenty of great things to see and do in Bristol and the surrounding area which is why it’s increasingly becoming a popular destination for a city break.
Newquay: One of the most popular destinations in Cornwall Newquay is a great romantic getaway. From Newquay you can explore much of the beautiful Cornish countryside and coastline, what could be better than tacking a romantic stroll along the beach?
Exeter: though quieter than the likes of Bristol the city certainly has its own charm. Surrounded by some of the most picturesque countryside to be found in the UK Exeter has a lot to offer from the rolling hills to restaurants, romantic country hotels to bars and shopping and historic sights to some great music venues.
Bournemouth: Bournemouth is going all out to making sure your Valentines is a special one this year with a number of events across the city. A number of hotels, restaurants, bars and theatres are putting on special romantic events. And to finish the day why not take a moonlight walk along Bournemouth’s golden sandy beach.
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January 22nd, 2009 admin
If you are planning a family holiday in Somerset you will probably want to know what there is to do and see. The county offers a diverse range of attractions and places to visit. If you are after sandy beaches then you should visit the Berrow flats that overlook Bridgewater.
Walkers will enjoy the breathtaking walks along the cliff tops of Sandy Glade, while resorts close by, Weston super mare and Burnham on sea offer great entertainment for the whole family.
Weston super mare is a popular tourist destination that has many attractions including its long sandy beach. Younger readers will probably know the resort as the venue for channel four’s T4 on the beach party, but unfortunately this only happens once a year. As well as the beach, there are many other attractions that include a helicopter museum, the SeaQuarium aquarium, putting greens and a miniature railway.
The city of Bath is in Somerset makes a great educational day out as it is famous for its roman baths, but is also the home of King Arthur’s burial place. Over 3.8 million tourists visit the city on average per year. The city is known for its heritage and culture as there are many interesting attractions to visit. As well as the baths, you can look around bath abbey, the modern baths and many Georgian buildings. One of the best ways to see the city is on an open top bus ride that will take you to all the important spots.
The rest of Somerset provides things for everyone to enjoy on their holiday. Nature lovers will love visiting the Brean Down Bird Garden, Alstone Wildlife Park, Ferne Animal Sanctuary and the RSPB West Sedgemoor.
One of the most famous set of attractions in Somerset are Wookey Hole and Cheddar Gorge. Cheddar Gorge is the largest Gorge in the UK and features a set of caves where the oldest human skeleton was found and is believed to be 9,000 years old.
This is the first in a series of blogs where we will be looking at activities to do and places to see while on a camping holiday in Somerset.
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January 21st, 2009 admin
If you have rented a Pembrokeshire cottage for a self catering holiday in Wales then you may want to think about packing those walking boots as there are some great walks to be had all over the county and national park. Here we have complied a list of four of the most popular, though there are many more to be found.
1. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park: This is the most popular walking trail in Pembrokeshire. The trail stretches 186 miles along the still largely unspoilt and stunning coast. The path stretches from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south. Don’t worry if 186 miles seems a bit far to walk as there are many buses along the route to help you find your way back. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority provides more details on over 200 walks available in the park so make sure you check out there website before you head off.
2. Preseli Hills: If you prefer a more challenging walk the Preseli Hills may be perfect for you. The hills lie in the north east of the county but still remain in the National Park
3. Gwaun Valley: is a green and lush valley found in the north of the county. The valley offers a nice alternative to the Preseli hills and coastline
4. Guided walks: during the summer months National park Rangers offer guided walks at locations across the park and county. The knowledgeable guides will inform you on the plants, wildlife and geography along the trail leaving you far more knowledgeable over the world around you. Detail of the walks can me found on the Park Authority website.
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January 21st, 2009 admin
With the unreliable weather always haunting the British holiday there seems to be few things that you can do. Whatever the weather you can depend on the Devon weekend break to deliver a few of the things that the area is well established for. Below are three things that you must experience on your Weekend break away.
Cream Teas
How could you possibly visit Devon without having a cream tea? It’s worth the trip alone. These are not like the ‘cream teas’ outside of Devon which consist of squirting cream from a can, a tea bag dropped in a cup and some hot water splashed over it. A proper cream tea is the thing that makes the holiday. Delicious Devonshire cream (not from a can), local jam (ideally strawberry but the choice is yours), fresh scones (you can also opt to have fruit scones), and a brewing pot of tea. All that, with the added bonus of the relaxing atmosphere it will only be a matter of time before you are completely unwound.
The Devon Countryside
No matter what time of the year you visit and whatever the weather conditions you can always rely on the countryside. The countryside provides the home to a vast amount of woodland creatures and in areas like Dartmoor you are likely to come across many animals roaming around, like the wild ponies that live on Dartmoor. The summer months provide ideal weather conditions for those who want to enjoy the view and undertake a relaxing walk through the forests. The winter months then provide a more challenging walk for those who like to brave the weather conditions.
Real Ale
Another great reason to visit Devon, besides food and exercise, is the ale. There are plenty of small farmhouse pubs that specialize in the local ales that are well known in the area. Such popular drinks like, Draymans Best, Summa That, Bays Best and Dartmoor IPA are just a few of the ales available. A well timed visit could also co-inside with a Beer Festival usually on in September.
Combine all of these elements and a Devon Hotel and you have you’re ideal Devon break. Food, Drink and the stunning countryside prove to be a winning combination every time.
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January 21st, 2009 admin
When most people think of taking short breaks in Wales they perhaps don’t think of the many beautiful beaches the country has to offer. This is a terrible shame as Wales has some of the finest beaches to be found in the whole of the British Isles. The beaches come in a number of different varieties from golden sand to pebbles and rocks. They also vary in the number of activities you can find on them. Some are great for surfing and windsurfing, those especially popular are the beaches along the Bristol Channel as surfers come from all over to ride one of the highest tidal bores in the world. At other beaches you can try to catch fish and shell fish in the rock pools or explore the vast sand dunes, you can even ride on the donkeys in Rhyl. If you have children or fancy a dip in the sea then you can rest assured as many of Wales’s beaches have won awards, including the prestigious blue flag award for cleanliness.
The beaches in the Pembrokeshire National Park are a particular highlight. The park received its national park status primarily because of its stunning coastline made up of cliffs, islands, inlets, coves, caves and some great beaches. Pembrokeshire has received more beach awards than any other county in the UK so you know you are going to find plenty of clean beaches in the area. Not only are they clean but many are much quieter than more of the more traditional tourists beaches across the country. If you want to do a little more than just sun bathe and build sandcastles then don’t worry because many of the beaches throughout Pembrokeshire are great for windsurfing, kite surfing and standard surfing. The area has many places of accommodation such as Pembrokeshire cottages that are near to the beach so within a few minuets of leaving your front door you could be on the beach.
Five of the best in Pembrokeshire include:
1. Broad Haven South and Barafundle
2. Marloes:
3. Whitesands
4. Freshwater East
5. Newgale.
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January 21st, 2009 admin
The Isle of Wight has plenty of things to offer through out the year, but who wants to wait 9 months for a reason to visit the Isle of Wight? The Island offers a full range of different activities and events that will offer something for everyone. Depending on what time of year you visit you will see a whole host of events taking place that draw people back to the Isle time and time again.
This article is to have a look at just three of the up coming events in the next 6 months and bring them to your attention so you can plan your holiday to co-inside with these events that you don’t want to miss.
The first event is the Grand National. A popular choice every year and always proves to be an eventful day. Held on the 29th of March this is a great chance for riders and horses to compete for the chance to be the winner of the Isle of Wight Grand National. This always proves to be a good way to unwind and relax and is becoming more popular each year.
Isle of Wight International Jazz Festival is the next on the list. This is a three day event and is happening between the 17th and the 19th of April 2009. The Jazz festival pulls in visitors from all around the world. With many Iconic figures of jazz and plenty of people passionate about it you will be in your element listening to all the live music and absorbing the atmosphere that’s on offer at the festival. Special guests include MOBO best Jazz award winner YolanDa Brown, Tim Garland & Soweto Kinch, Guy Barker and Ian Shaw to name just a few.
The last of out three great events is the Isle of Wight Walking Festival. Held between the 9th and 24th of May 2009 this proves to be popular with those looking something of an exercise holiday. A leisurely walk is an ideal way to embrace the countryside and really absorb what the Island has to offer - you could always take your camera as well.
So there you have it, three great events not to miss on the Isle of Wight. Have you got anywhere to stay though? If you are looking for bed and breakfast on the Isle of Wight then you could try this link for luxury breaks on the Isle of Wight.
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January 20th, 2009 admin
If your family is looking to take any short breaks in Bath you might want to start thinking about some of the great family attraction in the Bath and Bristol area you might want to visit.
Bristol Zoo, Bristol
Over 450 animals from the exotic to the endangered from all around the world can be found at Bristol Zoo. Learn about wildlife conservation, the animals and the natural world through keeper talks, fun live shows, trails and activities. Some of the great animal habitats include the award winning seal and penguin coast, brand new Monkey Jungle, Asiatic Lion enclosure, pygmy hippos, Twilight World, Aquarium, Bug World and Reptile House.
Roman Baths, Bath
The Baths and temple are some of the finest Roman remains to be found in all of northern Europe. The Baths and temple date back over 2000 years and make for a memorable and unique experience. Many of the ancient parts of the building can still be seen and of course those magical waters that flowed through the baths thousands of years ago still flow through today.
Explore-At-Bristol, Bristol
Explore-At-Bristol is one best hands-on science centers in Britain. Explore has many fascinating interactive displays and special exhibitions which not only help teach kids about science but lets them have a huge amount of fun while they do it. Put yourself to the test by trying the human gyroscope or playing virtual volleyball. Visit our futuristic looking Planetarium just sit back and take a trip into outer space.
Leigh Woods, Bristol
Why not take the family for a picturesque walk through the woods. Leigh Woods has a beautiful mix of trees and open spaces. The woods have their own car park for easy access. This is also used as the starting point for some of the woodland trails. There is also a picnic area if you want to bring a bit to eat.
Pirate Walks, Bristol
Take the Pirate Walk to discover more about the Pirates and buccerners of the 17th and 18th century. Visits some of Bristol’s pirating history, such as the legendary Blackbeards home.
There is some great accommodation in Bath to stay in during your break which will make a great base to explore the whole area.
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