Great places to eat in Chelsea

Posted on August 31, 2009 by Dave

Chelsea is a well established place and offers the people who reside there a great range of culture, experiences and lifestyle opportunities. If you find yourself lucky enough to be Property letting in Chelsea or have chosen to Rent property in Chelsea and are new to the area you might be looking for things to do and see in this wonderful area.

This article will look at some great places to dine out in the area of Chelsea. Places that you might not be aware of or might not have considered going to.

Gordon Ramsey Resturants First on out list is Gordon Ramsey. One of the popular restaurants owed by the celebrity TV chef of the same name. Set up in 1998 by Gordon at the age of 31 and in 2001 the restaurant won its third Michelin star. The restaurant has undergone refurbishment since its opening over ten years ago and strives to bring outstanding food to the plate of each customer that graces it’s doors. The stunning restaurant seats 45 guests in a stunning environment and interior that you would associate with a top end, high quality restaurant.

Restaurant number two is Tom Aikens. Another Chelsea based superstar that delivers on their promise of proving great food. Provided in a atmosphere and surroundings that make you feel at ease and at welcome. The restaurant offers a broad range of dishes each as wonderful and appealing as the last, you’ll be hard pushed not to find something that you like. On offer is a great range of wines to compliment whatever dish you choose to order. This is a great place for a wonderful evening and a stunning night out, a hidden gem that you must visit.

There we have it, two great places for a night out and a wonderful meal that will keep your taste buds singing and you in your partner’s good books.

The Best Holiday Homes in Britain

Posted on August 30, 2009 by Dave

Most of us dream of being able to buy a holiday home of our own whether it’s one of the fantastic holiday homes below or a more modest lodge holiday home. The chance to get away from it all yet still be in a home environment is immensely appealing, especially when the properties are like the ones in our list

Riverside House, Devon

Riverside House in the pretty Devon village of Tuckenhay has been described as the best holiday home in the country. The chocolate boxed thatch cottage sits on the banks of the Bow Creek River which winds its way through South Devon. The house is just a short walk to a number of pretty villages and a quick drive to the popular town of Totnes.

Martello Tower, Suffolk

Martello Tower is not your average holiday home, it wasn’t even built as a house, it is in fact a fort from the Napoleonic wars. The interiors, though much improved form its original living conditions, are still at basic yet the views and the uniqueness of the building certainly make up for it.

The Gothic Temple, Buckinghamshire

The Gothic Temple is a follie built in 1741 in the grounds of Stowe School. Through the thoughts of living in the grounds may not seem appealing Stowe is no ordinary school. The grounds here are beautiful, plus during the holidays you can use the schools leisure facilities including a swimming pool and tennis courts.

Fisherman’s Cottages, Inverness

The Fisherman’s Cottages are found in 60,000 acres of beautiful Scottish countryside on the Cawdor estate. The cottages where designed by former Vogue writer Isabella Cawdor and mix classic Scottish hunting lodge which chic London boutique. A delicious hamper will great you on arrival as will a video message on your TV and if you are feeling tired after your journey to Scotland fear not because a home cooked meal will be waiting for you.

These beautiful properties may well be out of the reach of most of us but there are a number of more affordable alternatives available.

Family Cycle Trails of Pembrokeshire

Posted on August 29, 2009 by Dave

Family Cycle Trails

If you are heading for a short break in Pembrokeshire and are a keen cyclist then you are in luck as there are a number of great family friendly cycle trails throughout the region.

The Tramway

2 miles one way

The Tramway cycle route is an easy and relaxing route to follow and is accessible to cyclist, walkers and wheelchair users. The scenic route starts at Pleasant Valley and goes down to Saundersfoot Harbour. The trail starts at the heritage centre and follows the old railway line through a wooded valley with the path meandering along with the river to Wisemans Bridge. Here you will join route 4 the Celtic Trail which takes in fantastic sea views and head to Coppet Hall and the disused railway tunnels. It’s important to note that you must dismount before entering the tunnels. Once through the tunnels you come to Cross Coppet Hall Car Park, you can take a short cut across the car park and make your way down to the harbour and your journeys end.

Brunel Trail

9 miles one way

The Brunel cycle trail is a traffic free route which runs between Haverfordwest and Neyland and is accessible to cyclists and walkers. This purpose built path boast some great views of the open countryside. The cycle path is 9 miles long and will take an hour and a quarter one way. The track starts at county hall car park and will take you through water meadows, a nature reserve and along the Great Western Railway built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The trail ends at Brunel Qual in Neyland where refreshments can be found before the ride back.

Cardi Bach

3 miles one way

The Cardi Bach cycle trail starts at Cardigan Bridge and runs along the river bank and is traffic free. The route then follows the disused railway line which winds its way through the Welsh Wildlife Reserve. The Welsh Wildlife center provides a great stopping point for refreshments and even a picnic. At this stage you can either cycle back or continue onto Cilgerran though this section of the trail does have traffic.

Llys Y Fran

Family trail – 1.5 miles

Mountain Bike Trail – 6.5 miles

The family trail at Llys Y Fran begins at the visitor’s centre of this 350 acre country park and follows the eastern edge of the reservoir. The advantages of being set in a country park mean that the more adventurous could try a little bit of off road cycling. If all your off roading get too tiring there are plenty of great places to stop and enjoy the views.

The Mountain Bike Trail also begins at the visitors centre and follows the 1.5 miles of the family trail before joining there own route. The trail then heads south through wooded slopes with a steep descent and then a great climb back to the visitors centre.

5 of the Best Castles in Pembrokeshire

Posted on August 28, 2009 by Dave

Pembrokeshire is a beautiful and magical part of Wales which is steeped in myth and legend. With some 51 forts and castles in the area its no wonder many stories have sprung up around these magnificent buildings. Here we have listed 5 of our favourite castles which are well worth a visit during a Short Cottage Break in Wales.

Pembroke Castle

The huge oval shaped castle of Pembroke is surrounded on 3 sides by a pretty mill pond. The castle underwent a restoration during the Victorian times meaning that much of the castle still stand today. The castle is dominated by the complex gatehouse which looks out towards the town and the circular keep within its walls. The walled town of Pembroke grew up around the domineering castle and contains many fine ancient building in its own rite.

Llawhaden Castle

Llawhaden Castle is rather more of a fortified palace than a traditional castle. The castle was the home of a number of bishops and featured an opulent interior, which was in contrast to its more castle like outward appearance. The Llawhaden Castle is impressively located on high ground which overlooks the Vale of the Eastern Cleddau.

Cilgerran Castle

Cilgerran Castle is a small and almost triangular shape in design. It is situated on a craggy point on the River Teifi which gave it a strong and commanding position. The outer wall is unfortunately missing though most of the circular towers along with the inner walls remain intact.

Carew Castle

Carew Castle & Tidal Mill

The large stone built castle of Carew occupies a beautiful location next to a mill pond which was once used to power a tidal mill. For many centuries the castle provided a stronghold as well as being an Elizabethan mansion. Some of the castle still stands today including its outer walls and the keep which can be explored.

St Davids Bishops Palace

The Bishops Palace at St Davids lies right next door to the beautiful cathedral in the valley of Alun. During the medieval period these two building would have formed the most magnificent group of buildings to be seen anywhere in Wales. Much of the palace still stands today including the outer defensive walls and the inner buildings.

Areas of Derbyshire

Posted on August 26, 2009 by Dave

Derbyshire is an increasingly popular destination for taking holidays in the UK. The area is full of great destination and attractions with a Peak District Holiday a particular favorite amongst those who visit Derbyshire. There are a number of distinct areas in Derbyshire all with there own attractions and charms. Here is our guide to some of those beautiful and distinct areas.

Bakewell

The Northern Peaks

The Peak District north of Bakewell is a beautiful area with its river valleys and green rolling hills that gently rise up to Kinder Plateau’s high moorland. There are a number of pretty picture post card villages in the area such as Gt. Longstone, Ashford-in-the-Water and Taddington. Popular towns in the area include Castleton famed for its ancient Norman Castle and show caves such as Devil’s Arse and Blue John and the town of Tisdeswell which is centered around its church which is often referred to as the ‘Cathedral of the Peak’.

derwent

The Derwent Valley

The Derwent Valley is one of the most popular areas in the whole of Derbyshire thanks to its beauty, attractions and villages like Youlgreave, Monyash and Winster. The town of Bakewell, home of the Bakewell Tart, is a popular destination amongst tourist as is the famous Chatsworth House, one of the most popular stately homes in England.

buxton

The Western Dales

The Western Dales feature popular tourist towns such as Buxton and Ashbourne and villages like Alstonefield, Hartington and Crowecote. There are a number of walking routes throughout the area which will take you too many of these pretty towns and villages and through the beautiful countryside along the way.

alton towers

The Peak District Fringes

The Peak District Fringes are one of the regions best kept secrets. The area is usually much quieter than other parts of Derbyshire and the Peak District as it is off the tourist trail, yet it offers stunning countryside and a number of great tourist attractions. Some of the most popular towns in the fringes include Chesterfield with its market square and Bolsover with its fascinating castle. There are a number of great things to see and do in the area from sailing to cycling and great theme parks including Alton Towers regarded as the best theme park in the country.

Isle of Wight Attractions

Posted on August 23, 2009 by Dave

The Isle of Wight is without doubt a great place to be for family fun and entertainment. Offering so much choice for people of all ages and expectations but you might find that you become overwhelmed with choice when you start looking for things to do. It becomes clear that the Isle of Wight thrives on it’s travel industry as they is such a broad range of choice for everyone. Activities include such things as 4×4 driving, paintball, shooting, shopping, museums, galleries, theme parks, beaches and a whole host of other great days out.

This blog post will have a look at a range of great places to go that will really let you get a feel for the Isle of Wight.

Firstly we’ll look at the adventure parks to see what the Isle of Wight has to offer. Option one is Amazon World Zoo which offers a wide range of Tropical birds as well as animals and insects and a few reptiles that live in the Amazon rainforest environment. A warm attraction (ideal for a cold day) and a great place to see a whole host of animals as well as a good falconry display. The park also offers a Jurassic themed adventure themed park and for those of us who are a little less energetic a café to have a rest. 2004 saw the opening of the bat enclosure great for those who want a dimly lit experience.

Second on the list is Fort Victoria. This is a great place to see a range of small exhibitions (one of which is an aquarium) which provide an interesting time in this old Fort. A great way to explore is a walk around the top of the Fort which is completely safe and a great place to see the sights and really take in the local air. There is also a small picnic area for those wanting to have a sit down and a rest. Near the Fort there is a nice walk and could prove to be a great place to go looking for the red squirrels.

Attraction number three is ‘Brading the Experience’ which is a wax works. The wax work is inside an old rectory mansion that has a thatched roof and 1,000 year old timbers. The attraction itself is host to a large collection of wax models to amuse both adults and children. A chamber of horrors awaits you if you dare venture in there.

There we have some great attractions and if you are looking for a great Isle of Wight Hotel or Sandown Hotel then make sure you do your research.

Upcoming events in Northumbria

Posted on August 23, 2009 by Dave

For anyone who is thinking of staying in Northumberland Cottages in the near future will be wondering what are the latest and greatest upcoming events in the region, well here at the Travel blog we will look at three of them.

Family WalkFest

This event started on Sat the 25^th of July but is continuing through to the 28^th of August and is a range of activities that is aimed to get families into the countryside. To celebrate 60 years of our British national parks and the freedom the countryside provides us.

The first area that was set for the Family Walkfest at Hadrian’s Wall, but there are more set at Ingram, Wooler and Rothbury during the children’s school holidays.

The activities range from traditional walks where families learn to use compasses and maps to exciting treasure hunts where you use GPS systems to find your way around.

family walking

For more information visit here

Working Forest Demonstration

If you have ever wondered how a large scale forest is managed then this is your chance. This working forest demonstration will let you get a behind the scenes to look at how Kielder forest is looked after. You will be able to see some of the fascinating harvesting machines, horse logging, tree planting and the wildlife that lives in the woods.

Glendale show

Over 15,000 visitors make their way to Glendale agricultural show, that has been stage for over a hundred years. The Show is a way for the local community to celebrate the aspects of rural life everything that makes it what it is.

The Glendale show makes a great family day out if you are on a Northumberland Cottage Holiday as there are fun activities for everyone. During the day you can see various performances is the main ring and activities in the showground including a Fun Fair.

Some of the highlights at the 2009 Glendale show are set to be the chariots of fire display team, the sheep show and the city of Newcastle Pipe Band.

For more info visit here

See the Plants of Cornwall

Posted on August 22, 2009 by Dave

Cornwall is famous for many different things. Yet one thing that the area has to offer which is mostly unknown to many people is the areas broad choice to places to go and see plants. A lot of people enjoy nature and the local environment and Cornwall is no exception. The Cornish landscape is home to some stunning views and wildlife and these treasures have now been integrated into their tourist attractions. It is becoming apparent to many people who visit Cornwall that these attractions that offer the chance to see some of this wildlife is fast becoming popular. So what are a few of these plant attractions?

The Bonsai Nursery

This delightful attraction focuses on the skill and art form of the Bonsai. The nursery addresses the importance of what to include in your garden and how to create that Zen like feeling in your own back garden. This is a great one not to miss when looking for a little inspiration. There are also a great range of tools available to buy which is ideal for the budding gardener and a range of books so you can take a little inspiration away with you. A great way to spend some time and gather some ideas and how knows what you might find when you look a little closer?

The Eden Project
By far the most famous of all Cornish plant attractions and its not just about the plants. The Eden project offers a range of Biomes each designed to replicate the atmosphere and conditions of various climates. The Rainforest biome is a replication of the steamy rainforests of Malaysia, West Africa and South America which will really allow you to explore the humid tropical regions of the world. The Mediterranean Biome will allow you to feel the environment of South Africa and the Californian landscape and see some of the delights on offer. Alongside these is the Core which is a great chance to earn more about the plants and the environment in which they thrive.

With these great two opportunities to see some of the best nature in the UK and experience the climates of foreign lands than you are going to have a wonderful time whatever location you decide to do. What ever you do if you are in need of Holiday Cottages in Cornwall the have a look at The Olde House and see what they can offer you in the way of Cornwall Farm Holidays.

Walking the Torbay Coastline

Posted on August 19, 2009 by Dave

Torbay Coastline

If you are staying in a Holiday Park in Torbay or Brixham and feeling active why not take the chance to explore this coastline in more detail. South Devon has one of the finest stretches of coast line in the country. The coast is south facing and sheltered from the prevailing winds by Dartmoor. This means it often has great weather and is the reason the area has been dubbed the ‘English Riviera’.

Following the coast path leads you through quaint villages and resort towns, with amble opportunity for refreshment. And with award winning beaches, the views are never less than stunning. This walk takes you through both sides of the area’s character. The first half is rural in nature, with some sections of the path feeling quite remote. The second half takes you through the big resort of Torquay and has a more built-up ‘bucket & spade’ style of scenery.

Start by taking the bus to Maidencombe via Torquay. You are now 14 miles from the end of the walk and a well deserved drink! Follow the coast path to Torquay. This will take you above and around the small coves, notorious for their use by smugglers to land their contraband. As you head through Babbacombe you will pass by the world famous model village, which is well worth a visit.

From here head around Hope’s Nose, a popular Victorian bathing spot and continue onto Anstey’s Cove. Here a system of tunnels and caves are open for visiting. Visitors before you include sabre-tooth tigers and woolly mammoths who made this area their home in prehistoric times. Follow on to Meadfoot beach then join Rock End walk to descend into Torquay for lunch.

Torquay is the half-way point and is a grand resort town to visit when on a Devon Holiday that retains much of it’s elegance. As you walk along the beach promenade there is amble opportunity to enjoy the splendour of the stucco-houses and mature palm-trees. At the end of the promenade follow the sea front road to Paignton and onto Goodrington, well known for it’s extensive gardens. Follow the path next to the Paignton to Dartmouth railway and follow it’s course to Torbay’s southern cliffs. A short climb over the cliffs takes you down into Brixham, a historic fishing town with a lovely marina.

For more Devon Walks visit devon-walks.co.uk

The New Forest and Bournemouth Take to the Skies

Posted on August 19, 2009 by Dave

If you are heading out in the New Forest over the next couple of days it’s a good idea to look to the skies as the More Bus Bournemouth Air Festival kicks of on Thursday 20^th and last until Sunday 23^rd. The largest free festival of its kind anywhere in Britain will take place along the 7 mile stretch of beaches in Bournemouth.

The 2009 festival is promising to be bigger and better than ever before with more aircraft, more ground attractions and more entertainment its going to be an action packed 4 days. This year is also extra special as it marks the centenary of the Royal Navy Fly Naval with plenty of special celebrations to mark this event including hands on action and amazing displays.

Keep an eye out for a fantastic array of civilian aircraft including the world’s only wing walking formation team as well as displays from Yakovlevs Aerobatic Team, The Blades Aerobatic Display Team, spitfire, Mustang, The Matadors, Sally-B Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Eurofighter Typhoon and not one, not two but three displays by the Red Arrows.

It won’t be just the air craft to look out for though, on Thursday night the Royal Marines will be look to break a world record in aid of the Help for Heroes appeal. The Marines will attempt to launch 110,000 fireworks in just 60 seconds and will light the night sky with a truly spectacular sight. Other evening highlights include a hot air balloon glow, a laser display and another fireworks display.

If you are staying in a New Forest Hotel or any type of New Forest Accommodation Bournemouth will just be a short drive from your location and certainly promises to be worth the trip.

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