Malin Head – Wild Atlantic Way

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Malin Head - Wild Atlantic WayThe first stop on our tour of the Wild Atlantic Way is to Malin Head. Located on the Inishowen Peninsula, it’s Ireland’s most northerly point and the exposure creates some exceptional views.

Malin Head in County Donegal has one of the most dramatic coastlines of anywhere. It’s famous for the coastal landscape as well as lovely golden beaches and the Way takes in some of them from the outset.

Malin Head is the headland that features Banba’s Crown, the actual most northerly point. Banba was a mythical Queen of Ireland and features in local folklore. The Crown itself features a weather station, part of the BBC’s Shipping Forecast network.

The Crown also features The Tower. The Tower is a now abandoned building built in 1805 for the Admiralty and was later used as a signal station to communicate between Europe and the USA. It was one of the most important data links between the two continents for many years until undersea cable was laid to provide telephone connections.

This is a great spot for spending time, having a picnic, enjoying the view, taking pictures of doing whatever it is you like to do. It’s the most northerly point in Ireland, next stop north is Greenland!

Just north of Malin Head is Inistrahull Island featuring a working lighthouse that still illuminates the night sky every 30 seconds. The lighthouse is over 200 years old and is one of the last surviving working houses anywhere in the UK.

East of Malin Head is Ballyhillion beach. Ballyhillion beach is a sequence of raised beaches, a legacy of when County Donegal was compressed under a glacier during the last ice age.

Travel along the beach across some of the largest sand dunes in Europe to Five Finger Strand from Knockamany Bens and see the wreck of the Twilight at low tide. It sank on its way to Derry in 1889 and is a focal point for photographers and sightseers alike.

This first step on the Wild Atlantic Way sets the scene nicely. There is all the dramatic coastline you can handle, there are historic buildings, lovely beaches, nice places to spend time and lots to see and hear. It’s an ideal segue into seeing more of Ireland and the best way to start a tour.

If you’re planning to travel the Wild Atlantic Way or visit Malin Head, holidaycottages.net have some quality accommodation within easy reach. Check them out!

Wild Atlantic Way

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Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way is a dramatic 1500 mile coastal route on the west coast of Ireland. It stretches from County Donegal to Kinsale, County Cork and is one of the most spectacular routes anywhere in the world. It takes in the Atlantic coastline, the Irish countryside and more spectacular scenery than you can shake your camera at.

The Wild Atlantic Way includes 15 signature points. They are:

  • Malin Head
  • Fanad Head
  • Downpatrick Head
  • Skellig Viewpoint
  • Old Head of Kinsale
  • Keem Strand
  • Killary Harbour
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Loop Head
  • Mullaghmore Head
  • Radharc na mBlascaoidí – Blaskets View
  • Sliabh Liag – Slieve League
  • Sliabh Liag
  • Derrigimlagh
  • Dursey Island
  • Mizen Head

Each offers some fantastic vistas of either the Atlantic Ocean or the lovely Irish countryside. The road between them is in excellent condition and is very well signposted. A lot of effort has gone into making the Wild Atlantic Way a proper tourist destination and it shows.

Following the way, you traverse seven Irish counties, hundreds of towns and villages, some unexpected sights, heritage sights and get to experience more of that famous Irish hospitality than you will anywhere else.

Driving the Way is definitely the way to go. There isn’t a pothole in sight, the roads twist and turn, include long straights, ascents and descents and provide a driving experience to be adored. The scenery isn’t bad either!

The Wild Atlantic Way is the longest established coastal road in the world and despite it being 1500 miles long, will seem like it’s over in a flash. The Way has fifteen distinct highlights which we will mentioned in each of the following fifteen posts.

However, including the hotels, rest stops, restaurants, scenic areas and markets, there are as many places to see as there are miles to drive.

Of course, you don’t have to drive it. There’s no rush here. There’s no urge to complete. There’s just a relaxed way of life that is content to experience life as it happens. You could cycle, bus or walk it if you preferred.

Given the sheer size of the Wild Atlantic Way, we would suggest planning your route carefully, including some of our holiday cottages along the route. Do yourself a favour though, don’t rush. Don’t try and pack the entire journey into a week. Do it the Irish way. Take your time, see the sights, experience the life and get to your destination when you’re good and ready!

For the next fifteen posts we will be highlighting a signature destination along the Wild Atlantic Way. Join us next time for the first instalment, a visit to Malin Head!

Top UK attractions according to visitor reviews part 2

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In the second part of our list of the top UK attractions, we continue the good work we began in part one. This list has been compiled from the top attractions according to users of Trip Advisor.

The list is designed to give you an idea of things to do and places to see while enjoying one of our many top quality holiday cottages. Located throughout the UK, our 15,000 holiday rentals offer a bit of luxury, a holiday escape or a place from which to explore.

We have already discussed The Royal Yacht Britannia, Houses of Parliament, The Bomber Command Memorial, The Tower of London and Durham Cathedral. So let’s continue our list!

1.  Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle in Berkshire is a short distance west of London and is one of the oldest working castles in the world. Home to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family, the castle is one of the best preserved of all our historic buildings.

Much of the castle is off limits, but tours take you round as much as it’s possible to see. If you see the royal standard flying, you know the Queen is home while you’re there!

2.  Big Ben

Back to London for the next landmark in our list. Big Ben in the Elizabeth Tower in the Palace of Westminster is something every visitor to the capital should see and hear.

While you can’t do much but look at it from the outside, it forms such a part of our national identity that you simply must see if for yourself at least once.

3.  Cragside House and Gardens

Cragside House and Gardens in Morpeth, Northumberland is a National Trust site and an amazing place to visit. Originally home to Lord Armstrong, a famous landscaper and inventor, the house was the first place in the world to use hydroelectricity.

It also has some of the most beautiful grounds of anywhere in the UK. We also have lots of quality holiday cottages in Northumberland too.

4.  Liverpool Central Library

Liverpool Central Library is a surprising hit with Trip Advisor users. Ranked 9th in the top 10 list of places to see in the UK, the library is certainly impressive. Some of the rooms are curious shapes, the newly restored Picton library is amazing and the sheer number of books is simply staggering.

If you’re into history or literature, the Liverpool Central Library is definitely somewhere you need to visit.

5.  Edinburgh Castle

Last and certainly not least is Edinburgh Castle. Ranked tenth in the list, this castle overlooking the city is as impressive to look at as it is to tour round. It’s full of history, intrigue and marvellous things to see. The guided tours are well worth it if you want to get the most out of your trip.

The Royal Mile leading up to the castle is well worth a visit too!

So that’s our top ten UK attractions as voted for by Trip Advisor users. Each is fantastic in its own right and well worth a day or a few hours of your time. Let us know how you get on if you try them!

Top UK attractions according to visitor reviews part 1

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We may be a small island on the northern edge of Europe, but we do have a lot to offer. It’s an island full of character, history, quirkiness and culture which is why so many people visit here.

Here at holidaycottages.net, we have over 15,000 holiday cottages spread across the entire United Kingdom. From County Down to Cornwall, the Shetland Islands to Shepherds Bush and everywhere in-between.

If you’re considering staying in one of our fine holiday rentals, this two part blog series on top UK attractions is for you. Wherever you are staying in the UK, there is always something to do as this list proves.

What follows is the top ten attractions according to user reviews from Trip Advisor.

1.   The Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed in Edinburgh and is ranked the top visitor attraction in the UK. It’s a fantastic piece of boatbuilding, history and state extravagance. It’s also the former floating home of the Queen and has travelled over a million miles in her service.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is a living museum and a fantastic place to visit. The city of Edinburgh isn’t bad either!

2.   Houses of Parliament

We may not always like the decisions made there but the Houses of Parliament are a significant part of Britain’s identity. The Palace of Westminster as it’s correctly called is a fantastic piece of architecture and is well worth a visit if you’re in the capital.

It’s also full of history and holds regular guided tours during the week, making it a great place to spend an afternoon.

3.   Bomber Command Memorial

The Bomber Command Memorial is a relatively new attraction but has made a real impact since opening. Located in central London by the Thames, this new memorial commemorates the thousands of airmen who lost their lives during World War 2.

The memorial itself is made from Portland stone and contains a lovely statue of airmen in pose. Well worth a visit!

4.   The Tower of London

The Tower of London is another fantastic British landmark with lots of history, over 1000 years of it. The building itself is amazing, the Brown Jewels are lovely and the living history throughout gives a real sense of the depth and importance of what has gone on here since its founding.

The Yeoman Warder tours are a real highlight and full of interesting stories and anecdotes making them a must-see during your visit.

5.   Durham Cathedral

Heading out of the capital, we go north to Durham Cathedral. Even those not of a religious persuasion will enjoy the architecture and history of this great building. This World Heritage site is sited next to Durham Castle which is also worth the trip.

The cathedral has an amazing library, lots of special events and of course is a place of worship. There really is something here for everyone!

Those are the first five of our top UK attractions. Wherever you are in the country, whichever of our holiday cottages you’re staying in, there’s bound to be plenty of things to do nearby. These are just a few.

Join us next time for the remaining five. What do you think they will be?

What to do in Hampshire while you’re there

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If you’re staying in one of our Hampshire holiday cottages this year, you’re staying in one of the most historic counties in England. Not only does it have some of the oldest towns, naval bases and landmarks, it also has some of the best forest of anywhere in the country.

So if you’re planning a summer break in Hampshire, here are five great ways to spend your time.

Hawk Conservancy

The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a charity that rescues and rehabilitates birds of prey. Set in 22 acres of countryside near Andover in Hampshire, the Trust has a visitors centre, viewing area, display section, breeding programme and much more.

You have the opportunity to watch the birds fly, see them in their native habitat and even hold one on your arm. It’s a great day out for all the family.

New Forest

The New Forest is a real highlight of Hampshire and is located near Lyndhurst. It’s a huge forest with wild ponies, livestock roaming free, walking trails, cycling areas, campsites, activities and more. It’s an amazing place to visit when you’re staying in one of our Hampshire holiday cottages.

There are activities, walks, local landmarks and more, all within easy reach of the forest.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is an exceptional attraction even if you’re not into naval architecture or history. It includes the Mary Rose Museum, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, HMS Alliance and so much more. It’s a grand day out for all the family and will educate and entertain in equal measure.

Set in the heart of Portsmouth, it’s easy to access from anywhere in Hampshire.

Winchester Cathedral

Winchester Cathedral is a thousand year old landmark set in the heart of this ancient city. The current cathedral has elements that date back over a thousand years. The building is open to the public and has both guided and virtual tours. There are also local events and festivals celebrated here.

The architecture alone makes the cathedral worth a visit. Add in the city of Winchester too and you have a top day out in Hampshire!

Royal Armouries

The Royal Armouries is based in a Victorian fort called Fort Nelson. It’s open to the public and has a visitor’s centre and café as well as display. Located on Portsdown Hill near Portsmouth, the fort has been restored to its former glory and is well worth a visit.

The Royal Armouries are currently free to get in and the gallery on site is well worth a look, especially if you like military history.

Each of these attractions is easy to get to from almost anywhere in Hampshire. Each makes a great day out if you’re enjoying a summer break in one of our Hampshire holiday cottages and is well worth a few hours of your time!

Great days out from your Somerset holiday cottage

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Somerset is about as English as English can be. It’s a lush, green county full of quaint villages, twee traditions, excellent attractions and lots of things to see and do. Somerset is also a location with a healthy range of holiday cottages to choose from and is a firm favourite with our customers.

With that in mind, we thought we would put together a quick list of some great days out within easy reach of many of our Somerset holiday cottages.

West of England Falconry

West of England Falconry is an experience that you won’t forget in a hurry. Located near Bath, this day out is ideal for anyone with even a passing interest in birds. View them, get up close and even fly them.

The falconry is a charity that rescues birds and rehabilitate them. For that reason alone they are well worth a visit.

Wells Cathedral

Wells Cathedral is an ancient cathedral set in lovely grounds in the town of Wells, Somerset. Named after the natural springs set in the Bishop’s Palace garden the city was settled in the Stone Age and has been settled ever since.

The cathedral itself is a lively, beautiful building with lots going on. There are displays, walks, talks and events. It’s well worth a visit if you’re in the area.

The North Somerset Butterfly House

The North Somerset Butterfly House can be found between Weston super Mare and Bristol and is another worthy day out if you’re staying in one of our Somerset holiday cottages. It’s a tropical setting with all sorts of plants, flowers and butterflies.

Staff are always on hand to offer information, anecdotes and advice. It’s a great place to visit whether you’re into nature or not.

West Somerset Railway

West Somerset Railway is based between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard in Somerset. It’s a heritage steam railway that includes miles of track, several stations, lots of locomotives and rolling stock and plenty of enthusiastic volunteers.

If you have ever wondered what all the fuss is about with steam trains, this is where you can find out!

Roman Baths Museum

Roman Baths Museum in Bath is a Roman bath house that has been preserved and restored as authentically as possible. Set in the centre of Bath, it holds guided tours, as well as plays host to city walks and other entertainments.

The Baths Museum gets busy, as does the city, so arrive early if you can.

Those are just five of the hundreds of great days out in Somerset. Each is within a short drive of many of our holiday cottages and is worth a visit when you’re here.

Top tips for taking your dog to a holiday cottage

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It’s becoming more common to holiday with our animals. We do the same here. We don’t go anywhere without our Labradoodle as he likes to be with us all the time. If you like to take your furry friends with you wherever you go, this post is for you!

Many holiday cottage owners are aware of our desire to take our pets with us when we go away so allow them in their properties. There are usually stipulations and an extra deposit to pay if you do, but the process is easy enough. Pet-friendly cottages are now so popular, we have a section on our website to help you search them quickly!

To help keep holiday cottage owners on side, we have put together some quick tips for if you want to holiday with your dog.

Keep animals off the furniture

While you may let your dog onto the furniture at home, most holiday cottage owners don’t want them on theirs. Not only do they get dirty, claws and collars can easily catch and damage said furniture. Plus, it means more cleaning before the next guest arrives.

Bring their toys and bed

Usually, if you keep your dog tired or occupied they are no trouble. A tired dog is a happy dog after all. With that in mind, it’s always a good idea to bring lots of toys for them to play with and their bed to collapse into after a hard day playing and exploring.

Not only do they give them something to do and lie on, they are also familiar and help the dog ease into their new surroundings. Both allow your dog to enjoy your holiday as much as you.

Don’t leave animals unattended

Bored dogs create trouble. They can chew, bark, howl and destroy. They can also escape, go where they shouldn’t, try to find you or get themselves stuck in places they really shouldn’t.

While a dog should never be left somewhere they could do those things, it’s even more important that they aren’t while not somewhere familiar.

Clean up after them

What goes in must come out. All of our holiday cottage owners say cleaning up dog mess from their garden or property is their number one gripe. Followed shortly after by muddy paw prints everywhere and fur on the furniture. If you enjoyed your time in the holiday cottage, leave it in the condition you found it.

These four simple things will help ensure those holiday cottage owners who allow dogs will continue to do so. It could also help others who are on the fence about offering pet-friendly cottages to join in. Both would benefit all of us who like going on holiday with our dogs!

What Brits really want from their holiday

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A new survey has been released that tells us some interesting things about how the UK has changed and how our lifestyles, tastes and requirements are changing with them. While focused around hotel holidays, the survey is equally relevant to those who enjoy staying in holiday cottages.

The survey does reflect what we see and hear from our holiday cottage owners about the changes they have seen over the past few decades about what is expected of a holiday property and what we now expect.

The survey was run by Pixmania.com, an electronic retailer. It found that almost a third of Brits rank Wi-fi access higher than cleanliness and a good restaurant. The results were:

  1. A nice view
  2. Wi-fi access
  3. Clean room
  4. Good mattress
  5. Great hotel restaurant

It’s good to see a nice view is still top of the list, but it’s a shame to see over thirty percent of people are so connected that they can’t spend time away from the internet!

While deeper exploration of the changes in British society would be fun, it’s a little out of scope for this blog. However, we can use this list to work with our holiday cottage owners so they offer what the public wants.

All of our holiday cottages offer clean rooms, clean linen, hygienic surroundings and a good mattress. They wouldn’t be featured on the site if they didn’t. But, this survey and any others like it are a good way to tell our owners that Wi-fi is now seen as a specific requirement by almost a third of holidaymakers.

It seems our inability to switch off from the world is stronger than our desire to do just that. However, if the public wants it, holiday cottages should provide it. The same can be said for the rest of that list.

We can’t always do much about the view. A property is where the property is. However, highlighting the view if it has one is important.  Wi-fi access should then be provided if at all possible as some respondents of that survey said they only pick destinations that offer it.

A clean room and a good mattress should be the very minimum our holiday cottages have anyway, but it’s worth reiterating. As for a restaurant. Well, if you have good ones near your rental property, it’s worth highlighting those too.

While we may not agree on this list of priorities, they are what people want. As we are in the business of giving people what they want, we should listen.

Try a holiday cottage for your next fishing holiday

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If you’re trying to think of things to do this summer, why not try a fishing holiday in one of our fantastic holiday cottages? With over fifteen thousand of them on our books, you really are spoilt for choice!

There is no doubt that fishing is one of Britain’s more popular pastimes. In fact, recent lifestyle surveys by the BBC found it to be the most popular pastime in the UK. It’s calming, relaxing and a perfect excuse to spend an afternoon surrounded by beautiful countryside while pitting your wits against nature.

It isn’t just men either, a growing number of women and children are taking up fishing. Either as an activity or as an escape from daily life. Whatever the reason, it’s good to get outside, leave computers and email behind and get back to nature for a while. It can only be a good thing that our kids want to spend time outside instead of in front of the TV!

So it’s lucky that the UK is so rich in fishing spots. Freshwater or saltwater, river or lake, there really is no end to the opportunities to hit the water with rod and tackle. From Scotland to Dorset, Suffolk to Wales, there are lakes, rivers and private fishing spots to enjoy.

If you prefer sea fishing, there is plenty of opportunity there too. We’re an island, surrounded by thousands of miles of coastline. You can fish from the beach, from the rocks or pier. You can hire a boat and head out to sea or hug the coastline and see what’s out there.

Wherever you go, whatever type of fishing you have, we have a cottage for you. We have thousands of high quality, competitively priced holiday cottages across the UK. Many of them are by rivers, lakes or by the coast. Perfect for a summer fishing holiday.

If modern life is getting you down, technology becoming a drag and you just want an escape from it all, fishing is the way to go. You can leave your phone at home so you’re not contactable, can’t check emails and can’t answer work calls. It’s the perfect answer to the challenges of modern living.

It’s also something we can help you with. Check out some of our most popular holiday cottages and find something near a river or lake. Book it and go. Pack your rod, your tackle and the family if you like. Don’t hesitate, don’t overthink it, book it. Go on, you deserve it!

Top five days out in Dorset

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If you’re thinking of having a summer holiday in Dorset using one of our beautiful holiday cottages, this is the post for you. We have selected some of the top destinations in Dorset to help you make best use of your time in this county. If getting out and about is your idea of a good summer break, read on.

Dorset is a lively county on the south coast of England. It has lovely scenery, historic towns, friendly people and some of the best coastline anywhere in the world. No wonder it’s such a popular holiday destination!

Here are what we think are the top five days out in Dorset.

1.   Sculpture by the Lakes

Sculpture by the Lakes near Dorchester is something no visit to Dorset should do without. This is a fascinating place to visit even if art isn’t your thing. The sculptures are thought-provoking and are set in some fantastic landscaped gardens and lakes. Booking is essential though as visitor numbers are purposely limited.

2.   Sherborne Abbey

Sherborne Abbey is an 8th century abbey that is still in operation to this day. On its 3rd or 4th iteration, the abbey is Norman and dates to around the early 15th century. It is a lovely place to look at, wander round and marvel at the architecture, stained glass windows and grounds.

3.   The Tank Museum

The Tank Museum at Bovington is definitely something for the boys! Much of the museum has been recently built or renovated and is now much bigger and better than before. There are static displays, interactive displays, activities for older children and a gift shop. It’s an excellent day out and within driving distance of most places in Dorset.

4.   Weymouth Beach

Weymouth Beach has miles of soft golden sand and is within walking distance of the town. It gets busy during high season, but you have to see it. A visit to Weymouth and Weymouth Beach should be a must-do to any visit to Dorset. We have dozens of holiday cottages within easy reach, so there really is no excuse.

5.   Monkey World

Monkey World is a sanctuary near Wareham that featured on the TV program Monkey Life. It’s an excellent day out if you’re in the area and well worth a visit. The enclosures are large and offer great opportunities to watch the various types of primate at play. The areas are logically laid out and offer enough space to take your time and take it all in.

Those are just five of the many attractions in and around Dorset. If you’re using one of our holiday cottages this summer, each of these are well worth your time!