Monday 29 October 2012

Guy Fawkes Fun:

Remember, remember the 5th of November? At Cottages.co.uk we find that many UK holiday makers love to escape in early November before the countdown for Christmas commences. The peak event in November is of course Guy Fawkes night, an annual tradition we now associate with hot dogs, marshmallows and fireworks! The milder hotspots of Cornwall, Devon and the Lake District are perfect for UK holidays this time of year.. and we have done our research to provide you with top firework displays within these areas:

The various events in Cornwall include:


The various events in Devon include:

  • Paignton Rugby Club’s bonfire celebration on Saturday, November 3rd 6.30pm
  • Sidbury Manor, Sidmouth, November 3rd 6.30pm
  • Plymouth Hoe, Plymouth, November 5th, 7.30pm
  • Woolacombe Meadows, Woolacombe, November 5th 6pm
  • Running of the Tar-Barrels, Ottery St. Mary

The various events in the Lake District include:


For those visiting Cornwall, Devon or the Lake District this November, there are also plenty of other activities to experience for all ages groups whether you go as a family or group of friends. Outlined below are some great attractions to visit whilst in these locations:

Cornwall

If you are staying in Cornwall there are many attractions in which you can visit. These include the Oasis Fun Pools, Cornish Birds of Prey Centre, and Newquay Zoo. The Oasis Fun Pools in Newquay is a great attraction for the whole family with both an indoor and outdoor pool (only open from the Spring bank holiday to the August bank holiday). The indoor pool has two flume slides, a river rapid ride, a geyser, a giant tap, fountains and a waterfall which both children and adults can enjoy.

The Cornish Birds of Prey Centre in St Columb Major is located in the beautiful countryside, they have over 50 birds of prey and waterfowl including swans, ducks and an emu. They even have animals which include ponies, deer and a zebu. This a great day out and is very educational and informative about the importance of birds and animals needs as pets. Newquay Zoo is located in Trenance Avenue, Newquay and houses over 130 species of animals including penguins, lions and antelope.

Devon

In Devon, activities include Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, Kents Cavern, and Woodlands Family Theme Park. Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway is a unique tourist attraction in Devon with a Victorian Water Powered Lift which takes you up to a beautiful cliff top with breathtaking views.

Kents Cavern, Torquay is one of the oldest known settlements in Britain and one of Europe’s top neanderthal ice age caves. A brilliant attraction for all ages and is open all year round.

Woodlands Family Theme Park, Totnes is the largest family theme park in the South West and can be enjoyed whether it is wet or dry by all age groups.


The Lake District

The Lake District is an area of beauty located in the North of England, it also accommodates many activities including Via Ferrata, Muncaster Castle & Gardens and the Lakeland Climbing Centre. Via Ferrata, Honister is a cliff-edge assault course on the 2,126ft Fleetwith Pike and gives people the opportunity to experience the high dramas of mountaineers. It also shows the hardships of the original Victorian miners by using the same route in which they took to and from work.

Muncaster is a beautiful attraction with outstanding gardens and a historic haunted castle. With its stunning views of England’s highest mountain and the Lake District, it offers a great scenic day out. It is also home to The World Owl Centre which houses 200 of these amazing birds, an excellent choice for animal lovers.

Lakeland Climbing Centre, Kendal is a nationally renowned climbing facility and houses one of Britain's finest indoor walls. It offers you a great opportunity to experience climbing on their indoor and outdoor climbing walls. Its an excellent opportunity for both those who have never climbed and those who are experienced climbers.

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Dog Friendly Holidays!

As we move deeper in to Autumn the UK holiday market witnesses a peak of traffic, as holidaymakers steal that last break away before the festive countdown begins. From our years of experience within the UK tourism industry we find that a lot of families and couples would love an Autumn UK holiday that is also suitable for Fido the family dog. To help Britain's dog lovers we have included some examples below of holiday cottages in Cornwall where your dog will be more than welcome. Why Cornwall you say? Not only is it an area of the UK that is rather mild in Autumn, but it also an area of the country that has stretches of picturesque beaches which welcome dogs in off peak seasons! 

Rudh N Dunain:


This character cottage once belonged to the National Trust on the Lanhydrock Estate. Its nestles on the edge of the Redmoor Nature Reserve at the foot of Helman Tor.

It is in fine walking and cycle country including The Saints Way and The Cornish Way cycle routes, along with the Camel Trail which is just 4 miles away. Within easy reach of north and south coasts with popular tourist attractions just a short drive away. Visit one of the many pretty fishing villages and hidden coves in the south, such as 

Polperro, Looe or Mevagissey.


Wheal Call:


Occupying one of the outstanding views in the British Isles would not be an exaggeration. A former granite count house over one hundred and fifty years old, Wheal Call stands alone above Porthledden Bay. It has spectacular and unrestricted views of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cornwall and the surrounding cliffs.

A haven for anyone seeking peace and tranquility combined with the opportunity to enjoy an ever changing canvas of breathtaking sunsets. Abounding with marine life including seals, porpoises and basking sharks and a wide range of flora and fauna.

To the North of the property, the coastal path leads down past old mine workings to the Kenidjack Valley and Porthledden Bay where a crystal clear rock pool appears at low tide. To the South lies Cape Cornwall only one of two capes in the UK - and Priest's Cove which is still used by local fisherman. The cottage is approached via an unmade track of approx 350 yards which is not suitable for vehicles with low suspension and rather uneven steep steps leading down to the property.

Island House:


The stunning location of this lovely house is hard to beat, it is surrounded by the River Fowey on three sides. Built out from the waterfront into the inner harbour at Golant, the aptly-named Island House has water views from every window. From the first floor the river’s tidal moorings can be seen to the small Victorian railway embankment which occasionally transports china clay to Fowey.

The enclosed courtyard leads into the oak furnished kitchen/dining-room. A staircase leads to the master en suite bedroom, with river views from the balcony. The sitting-room has limestone flags with under-floor heating, complemented by cosy rugs, comfortable sofas, and a wood-burner. A second staircase leads to the twin and double bedrooms which share the family bathroom.

The busy sailing town of Fowey and several sandy beaches are nearby, the Eden Project and Heligan are easily reached, and the Bodinnick ferry gives access along the coast to Polperro and Looe.

To find out which beaches are dog friendly across Cornwall check out the following website: The Cornish Coast

For any further information on our pet friendly holiday cottages across the UK please do not hesitate to get in touch using our contact form: http://www.cottages.co.uk/contact.php We will be happy to help!!



Tuesday 16 October 2012

Hot Tubs: That all important holiday extra...

Sitting amongst steaming bubbles as the sun sets represents a moment of sheer tranquillity most people can only dream of. Hot Tubs are a luxury item that the majority of society cannot afford for their back gardens, and for most, remain an elusive perception.

However, due to the growing phenomena of
Hot Tub Holidays, holiday makers within the UK are able to grasp moments of bubbling perfection by choosing self-catering accommodation that has been equipped with hot tub spas. Owners of self-catering holiday cottages, apartments and log cabins have come to realise that people are looking for the perfect package: excellent accommodation, useful locations and amazing extras. 


These amazing extras have to compete with one another, and what could be more appealing than that weightless feeling of sitting amongst soothing bubbles and steam, after a long day exploring the local cycle trails or stretches of glorious beaches. More and More log cabin and cottage owners are beginning to implement this enticing “extra” as a tool to guarantee guests, and let’s be honest, there is nothing more enjoyable than winding down at the end of the day in a hot tub! 


Over recent years it has become clear that holidays are not so much a home from home experience, but are a chance to enjoy what you wouldn't do at home, a break from tradition that allows you to bask in luxury.


As we are great supporters of the Hot Tub Holiday trend we have compiled a list of our top three accommodation listings which offer the hot tub experience:


Avon Wood: Hot Tubs near Lake Windermere 


 Situated in the woods surrounding beautiful Lake Windermere this is the perfect location for total relaxation with some of the lodges coming with outdooor hot tubs. Perfect if you like the idea of relaxing after a days walking or cycling in the Lakes.
A nice quiet little park only 5 miles from busy Bowness, and very close to the water's edge



Griffon Forest Lodges: Luxury Oak Cabins near York


Only 8 miles from York! Luxury log cabins with decks, outdoor hot tubs and widescreen TVs - no roughing it here. One, two and three-bedroomed units available. Golf and cycle hire available, while badger sightings are a regular feature for guests.
York800 celebrates 8 centuries of York's royal charter with lots of special events in 2012



Bluewood Park: Hot Tubs and Log Cabins in the Cotswolds


In the heart of the Cotswolds, near the traditional village of Kingham, relax on the deck of your own luxury lodge, featuring stylish, contemporary interiors and spacious external decking, and complete with sunken outdoor hot tub. Cycle hire and fishing available, plus the antique shops and lovely pubs of the Cotswolds. "Lovely and peaceful location, perfect for a long weekend to just chill out and get away ....."



To find out more about the Hot Tub Holidays we offer please use the following link: http://www.cottages.co.uk/places_with_hot_tubs.htm

Cottage World and Log Cabins Map are both leading websites that also specialise in promoting Hot Tub holidays. Please use the following links to peruse the cottages and log cabins throughout the UK which have this added luxury:

http://www.cottageworld.com/search.php?q=hot+tub

http://www.logcabinsmap.com/with/hot-tub/