Tag Archives: attractions

Enjoy Champions Day from a luxury holiday cottage

Posted on by

Champions DayIf you’re into your horse racing, October 18th is one date you’re going to have booked long in advance. Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse is the richest date in the flat racing calendar and the final big race of the QIPCO British Champions Series.

If you’re planning to spend the day watching some of the finest racing in the world, why not stay for the weekend in one of our fine holiday cottages? We have a selection of high quality cottages around Berkshire and Windsor. Treat yourself and your family to a great weekend away to enjoy a day of racing and a day of leisure.

The QIPCO British Champions Series is one of the highlights of British racing. It begins in May at Newmarket and continues through the summer until this final race. It includes races at Epsom, Newbury, Royal Ascot, York, Goodwood and Haydock park, some of the most famous racecourses in the country.

Fixtures include The Investec Coronation Cup, The Queen Anne Stakes, The Prince of Wales's Stakes, The Gold Cup and many more. All culminating in The QIPCO British Champions Series.

Even if you’re not into horse racing, a day at Ascot is as much as spectacle to experience as it is a race to bet on and watch. A place to see and be seen, to people watch, to look for celebrities and even see the Queen. Add fine dining or a picnic on the grass when permitted and you have all the makings of a fine day out!

Holidaycottages.net has a selection of high quality holiday rentals within easy reach of Ascot. We have many in Berkshire and Hampshire which provide convenient access to the racecourse as well as all the other things each county has to offer. It would be easy to spend a day at Ascot, have dinner in Windsor and then spend Sunday in the New Forest, or shopping in Reading or Woking.

Both Berkshire and Hampshire have a lot to offer the discerning traveller as well as a horse-mad family. There is a lot to see and do in either and both have fast routes into Ascot which is near Bracknell in Berkshire.

Use the interactive map or select Berkshire to see exactly which holiday cottages are available this weekend. Then it’s just a case of booking, confirming and packing!

If you’re going to the races this weekend, we hope you enjoy it, wherever you’re staying.

Top UK attractions according to visitor reviews part 2

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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?