Monthly Archives: May 2009

Local Woolacombe Attractions

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Woolacombe is a great place to take a holiday. If you haven’t been there it’s time that you went and explored what it has to offer. If you haven’t been there in a while, it’s worth going back to see what has changed and to enjoy the things that have stayed the same. The beach is the best of the attractions at Woolacombe. There are miles of it, and it’s beautiful. If you want to be close to other people you can, or if you want to be by yourself and enjoy a more secluded area, you can do that, as well. No matter what, you’ll have options for the kind of beach experience you really want to have. If the beach isn’t your thing or you don’t want to spend all of your time there, it’s not the only thing you can go in Woolacombe. Located in Devon, the town is full of rich history and culture, and the surrounding areas are full of natural beauty that rivals anywhere else. Walking is popular there because there’s so much to see during a short stroll, a longer hike, or something in between. Not everyone likes to walk, but it’s a common activity in and near Woolacombe.

You can also stay at some great places in Woolacombe, because many of the hotels and cottages are from many years ago. They’ve been taken care of and outfitted with all of the modern conveniences, but they also retain the look and the charm of days gone by. That’s part of what makes them so popular and keeps people coming back again and again. The history and culture of Woolacombe are difficult to beat, so if you’re looking for a holiday that isn’t all just glitz and glamour, it’s an area that you’ll want to consider. You can walk on the beach or in many of the other inland areas, and you can enjoy the natural beauty that it has to offer. It’s not for everyone, but most people find that they get a lot from it. It brings them closer to nature and to their friends and family members, and it gives them a look at some of the most breathtaking landscapes that are to be found anywhere.

If you are looking for accommodation whilst visiting the area the try The Royal Woolacombe Hotel who are a Hotel in North Devon and provide a great place to stay.

Camping Tips and Advice: Basics

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Planning a camping holiday? If you are, there are many different things that you need to know. First, where you’re camping and what the weather is like during that time of year is vital to being safe and having a good time. You’ll have to pay close attention to these things in order to be prepared for any event. You don’t want to camp out in winter if all you have is a lightweight sleeping bag and a lightweight tent. You need heavier gear during that time of year – but you’ll want that lighter gear, too, if you’re going to spend time camping when it’s warmer outside. Tents and sleeping bags aren’t the only things that you need, though, because there’s a lot more to camping than that. There are backpacks and cook tops and water purifying devices and all sorts of other things, and how much of that you’ll need depends on where and how you camp. To some people, camping means alone in the woods, relying only on themselves for survival. To other people, camping means a campsite where there is an electrical outlet and clean, running water. It can also be somewhere in between those things.

No matter which option you choose you’ll be camping, but how much you have to rely on your own prowess and gear is something you’ll need to consider. Naturally, you don’t want to buy all kinds of things for your holiday that you won’t really need. It’s just a waste of money. Still, though, you want to have what you need and be prepared, so don’t buy just the bare minimum, cheapest things that you can. It’s not usually a very safe way to handle things, especially if you’re camping in a more remote location where there aren’t a lot of other people who could come to your aid if you suddenly encountered a problem. The more alone and the farther away from society you are, the more that you’ll need in order to ensure that you’re as safe as possible and can enjoy your camping holiday. It’s better to be safe than to be sorry.

If you are looking to try camping and want to try Camping in Wales or Camping in Devon then why not try the www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk.

Places to see in Cornwall

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If you’re headed to Cornwall, there are many places that you should see. Here are three that you don’t want to miss:

1. The beaches – Cornwall has many miles of beaches that are there to be enjoyed by friends and family members who get together on holiday. There are also there for people who want solitude and for people who want to walk with their loved one. No matter what you’re looking for – a romantic rendezvous or a fun play day with your children – you can get it on the beaches of Cornwall. There are so many of them and they are all the same but yet just a little bit different. It ensures that you can get what you want and need from a beach experience while you’re on holiday.

2. The coast – the coastline and the beaches aren’t the same thing, although a lot of people seem to think that’s the case. Beaches are for frolicking and sunbathing. They are for swimming and for letting children make sandcastles. The coast, though, is more rugged. It can be rocky; there are cliffs. The coast is for watching the waves crash on a chilly, windy day. They are for admiring nature’s beauty when there’s a storm coming in. They are for letting the sun shine on you and looking out across the water to see how far you can see. It’s something that you don’t want to miss out on, especially if you enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty that nature can have.

3. Cornwall Gardens – when you’re exploring the beauty of nature, one of the best ways to do it is through gardens and plants. Visiting Cornwall Gardens is a way that you can do this in a little bit of a controlled environment. You don’t have to go all over Cornwall and the surrounding areas to see nature’s bounty but you still get to see a wide variety of plants. It’s something that both young and old can really enjoy looking at for hours, and there are many different garden areas within Cornwall Gardens, so there is something for everyone.

Why not make the most of a visit to Cornwall and stay somewhere nice? Try West Cornwall who offer great Cottage Holidays that will make your trip even more special.

Handy Welsh Phrases & Meanings

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Wales Holiday Cottage

If you are staying in a Wales Holiday Cottage or any accommodation in Wales this summer then it might be useful to learn a few choice Welsh phrases as well as the meaning of those seemingly unpronounceable road signs.

Wales is officially a bi-lingual country and therefore has signs written in Welsh and English. Often the Welsh name will appear above the English so it’s sometimes easier to spot these Welsh phrases, which is why it might useful to learn exactly what they mean just in case you miss the English translation written below it.

Araf – Slow (Pronounced: arav)

Dim mynediad – No entry (dim munned-yad)

Dim … – No … (dim …)

Lôn – lane (lonn)

Ffordd – road (forth)

Llwybr Cyhoeddus – Public Footpath (thlooy-beer kahoy-this)

Cymru – Wales (kumm-ri)

Gwesty – Hotel (gwesty)

Siôp – Shop (shop)

Swyddfa’r Post – Post Office (sooeethva post)

Gorsaf – Station (gorsav)

Heddlu – Police (hethlee)

Ysbyty – Hospital (uss-butty)

Traeth – Beach (trye-th)

Toiledau – Toilets (toy-led-eye)

Merched – Ladies (mair-kedd)

Dynion – Gentlemen (dunny-onn)

Here are a few everyday Welsh phrases which you may encounter during your Short Break Wales

Welcome to Wales – Croeso i Gymru (Croesoh ee Gum-reeh)

Good morning – Bore da (Pronounced: Boh-reh dah)

Good afternoon – Prynhawn da (Prin-houn dah)

Good night – Nos da (nohs dah)

OK – Iawn (Yown (rhymes with gown))

Cheers! – Iechyd da! (Yeh-chid dah)

Thanks – Diolch (Dee-olch)

Thanks very much – Diolch Yn Fawr (Dee-olck unn vowr)

Very good – Da iawn (Dah ee-aw-n)

Pub – Tafarn (Tav-arn)

Don’t worry if you find these phrases to difficult to learn as the vast majority of Welsh people speak English, in fact more speak English than they do Welsh! Learning some Welsh phrases may just help enhance your holiday and get the most out of this beautiful country.

What to do on a Lake District Summer Holiday

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Lake District

The Lake District is rightly regarded as one of the most beautiful areas in the whole of Great Britain so it’s no wonder that many people are choosing to take their summer holidays there this year. There is one problem with taking a break in the Lake District however, there is just so much to see and do that you will never be able to fit it all into just one holiday.

The biggest draw of all to the Lake District is the natural environment; The National Park is home to high peaks reflected into picturesque lakes, lush forests in dramatic valleys and centuries old towns and villages. Which ever part of the Lakes you visit you are sure to come across a ‘Kodak moment’, in fact it’s a good idea to make sure you have plenty of space on your memory card or bring plenty of film as its quite likely you will be taking plenty of pictures.  One of the most beautiful valleys of the Lake District is Borrowdale with its ancient woodlands, green pastures and old packhorse tracks cutting through the landscape. There are plenty more beautiful valleys just waiting to be explored.

Walking is a hugely popular past time in the Lake District. There are many great walking tracks throughout the area taking you through a variety of different landscapes such as trekking up mountains to strolling alongside tranquil lakes. Walking is also a great way to see more of the countryside as roads and cars will only take you so far, to be truly among the landscape you will need to be on foot.

There are plenty of pretty old towns and villages to explore offering great food and drink and a warm welcome. Stop in to the many old pubs for a quick drink or pop into an old English tea room for a lite snack. The towns and villages also provide great accommodation ranging from a Lake District hotel to B&B’s, guest houses, holiday cottages and camping sites.

Doc Martin in Cornwall

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cornwallAfter two very successful series of the popular television series ‘Doc Martin’ which is set in the stunning location of Cornwall, the star of the show Martin Clunes reflects on working in the Cornish location and the role that he plays in this Cornish hit.

Martin Clunes is returning to the small screen to play the popular Doc Martin who lacks a pleasant bedside manner that has been relocated to the small Cornish village because of his fear of blood. Martin explains that he was looking forward to returning to Cornwall to start the filming of the third series, especially after the success of the first two series. Martin said “It would have been a battle to keep me away from making another series”, as it seems that Cornwall has found a special place in the actors heart. The actor and his wife (whom he met whilst filming together) have been staying in a house along the coast from Port Isaac and really enjoys the surrounding area that offers stunning sea views that Cornwall is known for.

It seems that the area has made such an impact upon the actor that he has been looking to buy in the area. “We are still looking, and if we found the right property we would buy. It would be a perfect holiday retreat. The trouble is we loved the place we rented during filming, but it is not for sale.” So the search goes on.

Clunes went on to explain that playing a doctor on the small screen does have some draw backs though. It’s not the location, or the area of Cornwall that has caused any a few problems but some people have trouble understanding that he is just acting as a doctor. “One day an extra came to me complaining of tightness in his chest. I told him I wasn’t qualified to suggest what might be the problem, and then proceeded to try to diagnose his symptoms. It is infectious stuff this medicine business. But I think it is best left to the professionals.” explains Martin. This should be looked upon as a credit to Martins ability to bring the character to life and make him believable.

Doc Martin was set up by Martins own Production Company called Buffalo Pictures. Setting the company up over ten years ago he intended to adapt a J.P.Dunleavy novel for the small screen.

Who knows what this series has in store in form of comedy and romance all we do know that if the other two successful series are anything to go by then we have another hit coming to our screens.

If you would like to experience the stunning area of Cornwall on a North Cornwall Holiday or are looking for a Family Holiday in Cornwall then try The Olde House to really see what Cornwall has to offer.

The Peak District – a recession busting holiday

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Peak District Holiday

Every news report and every newspaper seems to carry more and more dome and glom regarding the recession yet, things aren’t so bad everywhere. British tourism is looking for 2009 to one its most successful years ever. As many Brits are cutting back on spending, many luxury items are no longer being bought, yet some luxuries people cant do with out. The summer holiday is one such luxuries that people still refuse to go with out, and who can blame them as people are having to work harder than ever in there jobs. This is why the British holiday is once again in vogue as our top destinations are looking much more coast affective.

More and more people are going on a Peak District holiday as it not only does it leave you with a few more pond coins in your pocket but is also a great holiday offering a variety of different activities. Whether you are looking for a relaxing holiday or something a bit more go getting then the Peak District won’t disappoint you.

There are numerous activities throughout the park from walking to paragliding. There are a number of walking trails right across the area and of course the added bonus is that walking is a very cheap activity and also a great way to view some of the best scenery in the country. For little money you can also take part in a number of exciting activities such as climbing, caving or ballooning which will make for a really memorable holiday. For the cheapest option of all just simple relaxing and enjoy the scenery and leave all your troubles behind.

The Peak District has a wide range of accommodation available from luxury country houses to reasonable hotels and b&b’s and some pretty Peak District cottages.

The “8” Wonders of the Isle of Wight

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While researching topics on Isle of Wight Holidays I came across some articles and websites that mention the 8 wonders of the Isle of Wight which intrigued me. Upon reading these resources I found out that these supposed wonders of the Island were in fact a play on words about places on the island, and this was a humorous subject to put on tourist souvenirs such as tea towels, post cards and even t-shirts.

The idea of the 8 wonders of the Isle of Wight was thought up 100 years ago by someone called W.J Nigh who was a post card maker. The earliest example of these post cards has been dated from 1908, but it originally started out as the five novelties and the later changed to wonders to presumably tie in with the 7 wonders of the world.

So you are probably wondering what these wonders are so here they are in all their glory:

1. Cowes you cannot milk

2. Newport you cannot bottle

3. Needles you cannot thread

4. Freshwater you cannot drink

5. Lake you can walk through and stay dry

6. Ryde where you walk

7. Newtown which is old

8. Winkle Street where they are no winkles

Next time you are staying in an Isle of Wight Hotel, why not try and visit the 8 wonders of the Isle of Wight, or if you are short on time you could just buy a tea towel.

Places to Visit: Kielder Forest + Water Park

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kielder forest

When staying in some Northumberland Accommodation you will obviously want to see the best that the county has to offer. One of the most stunning places you can visit while renting your Northumbria Cottage is Kielder Forest, named the country’s most tranquil spot by the campaign to protect rural England.

This breathtaking natural wonder covers 250 square miles and is officially England’s largest forest. Not only does the park have a pine forest and moorland, but also a man made lake which has 27 miles of shoreline. This body of water has the accolade of being Europe’s largest man made lake.

Visitors can stroll through the dense forest, cycle along miles of cycle trails or even ride a horse along the tracks. Mountain bikers will be pleased to know that the forest is home to many mountain bike trails including 13 technical loops.

Whatever form of transport you chose to get around the forest, you are sure to appreciate the beauty of the area.

Once you make your way to the man made lake you have a variety of activities to choose from courtesy of the Leaplish Waterside Park. You can have a tour of the lake on a Kielder water cruise or try navigating the waters yourself by hiring a boat and sailing. Windsurfing, Waterskiing and kite surfing are all other activities that can be done at the lake.

Not only do you have the stunning woodland to take in while wandering the forest, there are also contemporary art installations for you to enjoy adding a new twist to the traditional forest walk that many have come to enjoy.

Animal lovers will enjoy seeing the red squirrel around the Kielder forest which is one of the most important squirrel reserves in the country. It is estimated that 50% of England’s red squirrel population live in the forest. Other animals that live in the forest include deers and rare bird species.

When it comes to food, you can choose to have a picnic at one of the many spots that are situated around the park or pay a visit to the Boat Inn or Tower Knowe’s Water’s Edge Restaurant.

So whatever you chose to do on your day out to Kielder Forest and Water Park, im sure you and your family will have a great day out at one of England’s great natural wonders.

For more information, visit here

Tips for a UK Beach Holiday

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As we have stated before on this blog many more people are looking for Holidays in the UK, whether they are UK beach holidays in Devon or UK beach holidays in Cornwall people want to try and recreate what they would have on a holiday abroad. One of the biggest draws on a family holiday is the beach. In this blog post we are going to look at some tips and essentials for the best experience. Some of these may seem obvious, but is surprising what people over look.

Sun cream

One of the most important things you need to remember when visiting a beach is to take appropriate suncream/sunscreen. Many people make mistakes by thinking the sun isn’t as strong in Britain as abroad, but you burn just as easily. Choosing the right cream to match your skin type is essential and make sure you apply plenty of protection to small children.

Activities

If you are visiting the beach with children it is probably a good idea to prepare for some activities to maximise their enjoyment of the trip. There are plenty of things you can bring to use on the day, kites, balls, buckets and spades are all tried and tested items for the beach.

Windbreak

Some British beaches can get windy and one of the best ways to protect yourself especially if you are easting is with a windbreak.

Loose change for parking and ice cream

Two of the most important parts of visiting the beach is finding somewhere to park as the most popular beaches can get very busy. For this, you will need some loose change to pay. The second important reason to carry loose change is to buy an ice cream, no visit to the beach is complete without an ice cream.

Get surfing lessons

One mistake people make is to hire a surfboard and just go out in the water and try and surf. Surfing is quite a skilled sport and requires at least some tuition so you can get the basics. So to avoid being laughed at by the locals, we recommend you book some surfing lessons.

Check tide times

When visiting the beach, check the tide times before entering the water, if you are not sure go and ask one of the lifeguards.

Safety

To be as safe as possible, try and only visit life guarded beaches. You should always read and obey safety signs that will tell you safe areas to swim in and potential hazards. On life guarded  beaches, there will be red and yellow flags that you should swim between as this is the area being patrolled.