Northumberland is the northernmost county and district in the North East of England, bordering Scotland. It was once part of the Roman Empire and has more castles than any other county in England. It is also home to over a hundred attractions, so you will never be short of sights to see.
Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most historic sites in the UK and has been inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The wall was built under the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, stretching 73 miles from Wallsend to Bowness on Solway. Northumberland houses the majority of the remaining sections of the wall and five excavation sites, which include the fort of Housesteads and Vindolanda. There also many paths leading along parts of the wall that are unbroken, this makes for a great day out if you enjoy long walks and historic sights.
Bamburgh Castle is one of Northumberland’s most iconic buildings, it was once home to the ancient kings of Northumbria. Bamburgh Castle was originally host to royal guests and English Kings, including Edward IV who destroyed it during the battle of the roses. The site was built in the late Victorian era by Lord Armstrong. In 1900 the castle was completely restored and is still home to the Armstrong family to this date. There are 14 public rooms within the castle with over 2,000 artefacts available for viewing which include arms, armour, porcelain, furniture and artwork. This is the perfect family day out for everyone to enjoy.
Another creation and family home of Lord Armstrong is Cragside House, Gardens and Estate. In 1880 it was described as 'a palace of the modern magician' and to this day is a truly unique attraction of Northumberland. It is historically the first building to be powered by hydroelectricity. You will also be able to find inventive gadgets such as fire alarm buttons, telephones, a lift, and Turkish Bath within the property. There are many activities that you can do across the estate including a play area, a rhododendron maze, a waterfall, a Trim Trail and a foot path spanning 30 miles. An excellent day out for family and friends.
At Cottages.co.uk we have a range of stunning cottages to choose from within Northumberland, ensuring your stay “up North” is just perfect!
Plantone Cottage, Alnmouth
This beautiful cottage is tucked away in the village of Alnmouth. The cottage can cater for two double bedrooms or a double bedroom with upstairs living room depending on requirements. The cottage is within easy reach of the beach, river estuary, selection of pubs, restaurants and cafes. Just around the corner you can find the local post office and gift shop. The cottage is a great place to relax and enjoy, over dinner or reading a good book.
Laurel Cottage, Beadnell
This bungalow is situated in the beautiful coastal village of Beadnell. It is home to quite beautiful beaches and scenic countryside, where the nearest beach is only a short walk away. This cottage sleeps two and is perfect for a romantic short break. Shorts break are available in this bungalow in both peak and off peak seasons. There are modern facilities in both the living area and kitchen, and there is a shed outside to store your wetsuits or fishing equipment. This is a great place to stay if you are looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Old Brewery Coach House, Melkridge
This beautiful detached grade II listed former coach house is located in Melkridge, just two miles from Haltwhistle. It is situated on an estate within a rural hamlet next to the busy town of Melkridge. The cottage sleeps up to two people with a double bedroom, beautiful open plan living area and conservatory. This cottage is in the land of Hadrian’s Wall and offers an excellent area to walk, including cycle routes on the doorstep. This is the perfect base for a holiday at any time of year.
For more information about activities or cottages within Northumberland please do not hesitate to contact us via our website at http://www.cottages.co.uk/
Everyone likes to help the environment, whether its by recycling or using economical products. When going on holiday you don’t have to stop being environmentally friendly. In the UK there are various holiday cottages available that are environmentally friendly. They include Little Marshfoot in East Sussex, Newt Cottage in Northumberland and Organig Parc in North Wales. Each individual one of these accommodation promotes environmentally friendly policies.
Little Marshfoot, East Sussex
Little Marshfoot is located in farmland on the edge of the Pevensey Levels near the town of Hailsham in East Sussex. It is within easy reach of Eastbourne, Lewes, Brighton, Hastings, and Royal Tunbridge Wells. The property itself is newly built within the gardens of a former farmhouse. The building of the property has also led to the recovery of a waste area within the gardens. Native plants have been planted in the gardens surrounding the property which were chosen to attract birds and wildlife. The property is rife in environmental architecture including:
- Made out of wood sourced from certified sustainable woodland within the UK
- The building is south-east facing to capture morning light
- The double glazing captures and retains 'passive solar heat'
- Natural ventilation is provided by wide opening doors and windows
- The properties insulation is made of recycled telephone directories and newspapers
Newt Cottage
Newt Cottages is situated on a small family farm in Northern Northumberland. The Victorian stone cottage is located next to a grass meadow and a small stream. The cottage has been restored with due consideration for the environment. When staying in this cottage you can be sure that you are helping to look after the environment. The cottage has several components that are environmentally friendly including energy, no harmful chemicals, water, recycling and products for the cottage. Environmental components include:
- An energy efficient electric air-source heat pump provides the heat for our central heating system
- The cottage is insulated with sheeps wool which you can see through a viewing panel in the living room
- The power is supplied through a grid which is connected to wind turbines
- All the paints and wood oils used in the cottage are free of harmful solvents
- To save water we’ve installed a shower above the bath and a dual flush toilet
- There is a three part kitchen in which you can separate recycling and a compost bin
- Products are bought with the consideration of the environment, e.g. food and drink, bathroom toiletries and cleaning products
Organig Parc
Organig Parc is located in the Llyn Peninsula, North Wales. The cottages are surrounded by 300 acres of organic and natural farmland. Organig Parc has its own heather-clad mountain, private trout lake, river valley, ancient church and mill. The cottages are South facing and sleep between 4-6 people. The cottages within Organig Parc are a prime example of accomodation that has been built with the environment in mind. They have also incorporated environmental factors inside the cottages. These include:
- The fridges, dishwashers and washing machines in the kitchens have low-energy ratings
- The Aga-Rayburns are not only stylish cookers but provide hot water too
- All sheets and towels are 100% organic cotton in the bedrooms and bathrooms
- Environmentally friendly washing and cleaning products and hand soaps are provided for guests
- Recycling facilities are provided for the collection of tins, paper, glass and appropriate food waste
So if you are looking for an environmentally friendly holiday in the UK these are all great accommodation to stay in. For more information about eco-friendly holidays please visit our website http://www.cottages.co.uk/
It is that time of year again, filled with festive cheer and celebration. Christmas is just around the corner and nowhere near started, however, have you thought about your New Years plans yet? Celebrations to ring in the New Year of 2013 are going to be happening all over the UK, be it small or large. Excellent locations to stay and celebrate the New Year include Devon, Cornwall and Scotland.
Devon is a great escape for New Years celebrations. If you are looking to splash out, The Elephant, Torquay is the place to go. This Michelin star restaurant is ideal for a romantic New Years retreat. It is probably best to book in advance to save being disappointed. The New Years Eve menu at The Elephant is an extravagant 7 course meal which includes a champagne cocktail on arrival. This is the perfect New Years Eve event to treat your partner to.
In Cornwall, why not celebrate New Years with a superhero themed 4 course dinner at Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen. The restaurant opens at 8pm and closes at 1am, giving you enough time to party the night away. The menu ranges from Potted Cornish crab to a cheeseboard of English and Cornish cheeses. This is a great place to celebrate the festive season whilst watching the waves roll in.
Looking for a spectacular fireworks display? Scotland’s Hogmanay Fireworks Display, Edinburgh is the event for you. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival is a three day event which climaxes with an amazing fireworks display above Edinburgh Castle. The Street Party, Concert In The Gardens and The Keilidh are ticket only events but make for an unforgettable New Years. The stages at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival have also been host to some amazing artists such as Mark Ronson.
Christmas is just around the corner with only 50 days to go! It is a time of festive cheer when all the family get together and celebrate. There are many activities available to do for the build up towards Christmas in the UK. Many great locations to visit in the festive season include Devon, Cornwall, the Lake District and Scotland. These are areas of beauty all year round but especially when they are dusted with snow. These locations provide you with exquisite Christmas markets and fairs, festive balls, ice skating and of course Santa’s grotto.
In Winter, Devon is transformed into a mystical landscape with frosted trees and snowy hillsides. There are excellent activities that devon holds over the Christmas period which include the Mistletoe Ball at the Grand Hotel, Torquay, Santa’s Christmas Grotto in the Fleetwalk Shopping Centre, the Polar Express South at Dartmoor Railway, and the Christmas Starlight at Babbacombe Theatre. These activities are great for families and couples to enjoy.
Cornwall’s coast and countryside is transformed in the Winter with their woods and creeks turning into icy wonderlands. Festive activities are a great experience for anyone in Cornwall as they are host to a variety of events and activities from Ice Skating at the Eden Project, Krowji Christmas 2012 Open Studios, Trereife House Christmas Gifts Fair and St Austell’s Christmas Festival. You will be able to find some excellent gifts and have fun skating at the Eden Project.
If you are looking for a location that is big on Christmas fairs in the Winter then the Lake District is the perfect place to go. They have an abundance of fairs including the Spirit of Christmas Gift Fair, Hawkshead Christmas Fair, Traditional Christmas Fayre in Keswick, and Cartmel Christmas Food Market. Each fair has a variety of products from unique gifts to spectacular Christmas food.
Scotland’s highlands are beautiful in the Winter covered in snow. It is a great location for the whole family to visit. Various festive events include the Christmas Shopping Fayre at Stirling Castle, The Traditional German Christmas Market in Edinburgh, The Real Scottish Christmas Fair and the Ice Rink in East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh. These events are sure to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Meadowside Barn, Devon
This romantic hideaway surrounded by beautiful meadows and grazing animals. This barn has been lovingly restored to highest standard but still retains its charm and character. If you like walking this is a great choice as their is a footpath from the doorstep to the surrounding countryside. This is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Little Marsland, Cornwall
Approached by a woodland lane which also leads to the South West Coastal Path, you will find this beautiful cottage. The area has a lot to offer including breathtaking scenery and rugged coastline. This area is so diverse and consists largely of woodland area as well as coastal heath. A great property to stay in to get away and relax with your family.
Garden Cottage, Lake District National Park
The perfect cottage for family and friends to stay in sleeping up to ten people. It is located in the outstanding scenery of the Lake District National Park. It has fantastic gardens and a large open landscape to explore. These accommodation has been beautifully renovated providing a luxurious feel.
The Steading Apartment, Scotland
This property in Scotland is a stylish holiday home that makes for the perfect base for a couple to relax and enjoy Scotland. The bedroom is charming and features a super king size double bed and the living space is open plan. It is in the perfect location for walking and climbing. This is a perfect couples hideaway for you and your partner to escape into Scotland.
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:CornwallIf 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. DevonIn 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 DistrictThe 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.
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!!
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/
