Tag Archives: Spring holidays

Great ideas for making your Valentine’s Day break something special

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If you’re planning a romantic holiday cottage break this Valentine’s Day, we have a few ideas to help make it truly special. Our lovely cottages are the perfect venue for quiet time away from the world that can allow you spend quality time together. If you want to add a little more spark to your time with us, try one of these.

Re-enact your first date

Depending on how successful your first date was, why not re-enact it while you’re away? Chances are that you will both have fond memories of it, which makes it a prime candidate for a romantic Valentine’s Day treat. If you can, go back to the same venue, order the same food, drink the same drinks and relive those good times.

Do something active

Activity produces endorphins which make you feel good. Incorporating some kind of fun activity into your Valentine’s Day break could make all the difference to how it goes. You could try ice skating, hang gliding, jet skiing, cycling, a long walk somewhere scenic or whatever you like. Spending time together doing something active is a great way to spend a day.

Get pampered

While not every man’s cup of tea, a massage and spa day is also a good way to reconnect. No woman can resist being looked after and pampered for a day so is a good way to get you in the mood. Why not try a couple’s massage so you can both enjoy being looked after for a while?

Stay indoors

Staying indoors can be fun too if it’s by choice. Get lots of food and drink, take some board games, a pack or cards or bring a few movies if you like. Turn off your phones, switch those laptops off and leave the world outside for a day. There’s nothing like doing nothing for a day to make you feel good. Many of our holiday cottages have real fires or log burners to add to the mood.

Dress up for a night out

Making a reservation somewhere nice nearby and dressing up for the occasion can make a very special Valentine’s Day. Many of our cottages are close to towns and villages, many of which will have a nice restaurant. Book well in advance as you know how busy they get. Make an occasion of it and have a great time. It’s what this time of year is all about!

The UK’s best Tudor attractions

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With a renewed interest in everything Tudor thanks to the BBC’s The Tudors and Wolf Hall, we thought we would find out where in the UK you can get a real Tudor experience. We have scoured the land looking for authentic Tudor attractions that you can visit to get a real taste of life five hundred years ago. If you’re staying in one of our holiday cottages nearby, all of these are worth a trip.

This is what we found.

Hampton Court – Surrey

Hampton Court has to be one of the most famous Tudor locations in Britain. Once owned by Henry VIII and Cardinal Wolsey, this is a truly magnificent palace. Built in the 1500s, the building is made up of several generations of extension from the Great Gatehouse to the Great Hall. Each is magnificent in its own right.

Hever Castle – Kent

Hever Castle was Anne Boleyn’s family home. It’s another 16th century building that has survived remarkably well and is open to the public. The castle is set in lovely grounds with a lake and rose garden. The castle itself feature about as much history as can be squeezed into a single building and is well worth a visit.

Thornbury Castle – Gloucestershire

Thornbury Castle was once owned by the Duke of Buckingham and was built around 1511 to resemble an old-style fortress. Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn were said to have stayed there for a while as guests. The castle is now a hotel and it is possible to stay the night in the room that is thought to have been where Henry and Anne stayed.

Little Moreton Hall – Cheshire

Little Moreton Hall is about as pretty as they come. It’s an enchanting Tudor manor house built in that typical timbered style. It has been lovingly restored to its former glory and is open to the public. This moated house has everything you might imagine a Tudor manor to have, a moat, mullioned windows, a great hall and lovely gardens. Visit it if you can!

The Vyne – Hampshire

The Vyne was home to one of Henry VIII’s favourites, Lord Sandys. This mansion is made of stone and brick and is thought to have been built in the 1520s. It includes a Long Gallery, Stone Gallery and the chapel Each features Tudor decorations including the Tudor Rose, carvings by Giovanni da Maiano and three excellent portraits in oil.

Those five attractions are probably the finest examples of Tudor life we have. If Wolf Hall has reignited your interest in this period of our history, we recommend visiting any and all of these. If you want to make a weekend of it, we have dozens of holiday cottages within easy reach of each!

Great days out in Gloucestershire

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Whatever time of year you visit Gloucestershire, there is always something to do. It’s a wide open and varied county with a huge range of towns, cities and attractions to keep you occupied. If you’re visiting one of our many quality holiday cottages in the county, you won’t be short of things to do.

Here are just a few ideas of things to do in Gloucestershire while in a holiday cottage.

The International Centre for Birds of Prey

We seem to feature a lot of bird of prey centres here on holidacottages.net. That’s because they seem widely appreciated by our customers. This one is no different. Based in Newent, The International Centre for Birds of Prey is an excellent example of somewhere that mixes preservation with entertainment. The owl nights are especially good!

Royal Forest of Dean

The Royal Forest of Dean is an amazing place to visit if you like walking, amazing scenery, have a dog or children you want to wear out. It offers something new every season, with spring and autumn being particular highlights. With marked trails and plenty of opportunities to explore, it’s a must-see for anyone visiting the area. Especially if you have a nice warm holiday cottage to go home to!

Torbay Express

The Torbay Express is a step back in time that we should all enjoy at one time in our lives. It’s a steam train that travels across Gloucester, Somerset and north Devon. Options include short scenic journeys or a full five hour trip with dinner. It’s an excellent way to spend a few hours and get to see a bit of the west country at the same time.

Perrygrove Railway and Treetop Adventure

Another rail-based attraction in Gloucestershire is the Perrygrove Railway and Treetop Adventure. This attraction isn’t all about the trains, although they are a main reason for visiting. There is also a treetop adventure area where you can get a bird’s eye view of the woods, a hidden treasure area where children can explore and find real treasure!

Symonds Yat Rock

Symonds Yat Rock is a geological formation on the edge of the Forest of Dean. It’s enormous and accessible via forest trails that are fairly easy going. From the top of the rock you can see over the River Wye, the Wye Valley and the forest itself. It’s also a great place to watch birds of prey in action.

Those are just five of the hundreds of attractions in Gloucestershire. If you’re planning a holiday cottage trip to the area, each offers a great way to spend time. Enjoy them and let us know how you get on!

Five must-see Christmas markets

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If you’re enjoying a winter break in a holiday cottage somewhere in the UK, spending an afternoon and some money at a Christmas market is a good use of your time. As holidaycottages.net has holiday rentals spread across the country, we thought we would put together a quick list of five must-see Christmas markets.

You’ll have to move fast though, as some of these will be happening in a day or two!

Birmingham

Birmingham’s Frankfurt market is a regular visitor to Centenary Square. It’s a market full of German-style market chalets selling everything from food, leatherworks, gifts, crafts and more. Much of what’s on offer can be very good indeed. There is also an ice rink, separate craft market and lots more going on over Christmas.

Lincoln

Lincoln also has a German market that runs each Christmas. It starts December 4th and runs for four days. Held in Castle Square, this market has over 200 stalls selling craft, arts, gifts, artisan foods and more. A funfair runs beside the market for the entire period and live music and performances are held each evening.

Bath

The historic city of Bath is well worth a visit at any time of year, but especially Christmas. Set next to Bath Abbey and the baths themselves, this Christmas market runs for 11 days in December. The stalls sell local food, crafts, art, gifts, unusual items and all sorts of interesting things. There is also plenty of entertainment on offer throughout.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh does festivals in style and Christmas is no exception. The Edinburgh Christmas Market is definitely one to see if you’re staying in the area. There are actually three, that are full of arts, crafts, food and drink as well as German gifts, entertainments, ice rink and Highland fayre.

Gloucester

German markets are great, but a Victorian Christmas is very English. That’s what’s happening in Gloucester. Their “A Very Victorian Christmas” market features local producers selling food, drink, art, craft and more. There are also period entertainers in Dickensian costumer, life entertainers, sideshows, fairground rides, a pop-up tavern and more.

Those are just five of the many Christmas markets being held throughout the UK in December. If you’re enjoying one of our holiday cottages near any of these, we recommend them wholeheartedly!

We have sumptuous holiday cottages available close to Birmingham, Lincoln, Bath, Edinburgh and Gloucester. If you haven’t booked already, why not book today? We have some great places at some unbelievable prices!

Holiday cottage holidays in Norfolk

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Holiday cottage holidays in NorfolkIf you’re currently enjoying, or planning to enjoy a holiday cottage holiday in Norfolk, firstly, we’re jealous. Second, you might want some inspiration for a few things to do while you’re there.

Holidaycottages.net manages over a hundred holiday cottages in and around the East Anglian county of Norfolk, so we have a good idea of what’s on throughout the year. Here are just a few ideas for a great day our for all the family.

Happisburgh Owl Barn

The clue really is in the title with the Happisburgh Owl Barn. Based near Happisburgh, north of Great Yarmouth, this venue is an excellent place to see owls up close and personal. You can even handle and fly them for a small extra cost. The barn is also a smallholding, so there are other small animals to play with too.

Hippodrome Circus

The Hippodrome Circus in Great Yarmouth is an excellent, family-friendly circus near the seafront. Set back from the Promenade, this is an old fashioned circus that is still relevant, entertaining and funny. It’s also one of the few circus left with a water ring that is usually used to close the show.

East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden

East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden near Norwich is an open garden run by a couple who are clearly passionate and knowledgeable about what they are doing. They built the garden from scratch and turned it into an oasis of calm and tranquillity with surprises at every turn. If you fancy a relaxing day out while enjoying one of our Norfolk holiday cottages, this could be perfect!

RAF Air Defence Radar Museum

The RAF Air Defence Radar Museum near Horning, Norfolk, is one for the military enthusiast. Located near to a still working air defence centre, the museum celebrates the entire history of radar and air defence. It’s well laid out with lots of explanatory notes and the staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. A nice way to spend an afternoon.

Norwich Cathedral

Norwich Cathedral in the centre of Norwich is a Norman building that dates back to 1096. It’s an excellent building set in acres of grounds in the city and well worth a visit. Volunteers are always there to offer help, guidance and talk you through the history and it’s only a short walk from the shops.

Blickling Estate

The Blickling Estate near Blickling is a complete country estate with red brick mansion house, working farms, small industries, cottages and more. It was also where Anne Boleyn was born. It’s a place full of rural charm and history and makes for a great day out for all the family.

Those are just a few of the hundreds of ways to spend a day in East Anglia. If you’re staying in one of our lovely holiday cottages in Norfolk, there’s something here for everyone. We hope you enjoy your stay!

Great days out in Suffolk

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Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation MuseumSuffolk is often portrayed as a sleepy county full of rural beauty and slow paced life. For the most part, that’s accurate. However, there’s more going on that ploughing the fields!

Holidaycottages.net has hundreds of quality holiday cottages in this lovely county. Some are next to towns, some are in quaint villages. Others are deep in the countryside and away from everything. Whatever kind of break you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.

If you want something to fill your day while you’re staying in Suffolk, here are just a few things you can do.

Abbey Gardens

Abbey Gardens in Bury St. Edmunds offers a comfortable stroll in historic surroundings in the heart of the town. Located on the site of an ancient abbey, the gardens are well tended, varied and signposted with helpful information that add value to the experience. If you’re in the town and want to spend time somewhere peaceful, this is where you come.

New Wolsey Theatre

The New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich is a charitable organisation that not only puts on a great show, they also promote inclusive learning, performance art and more. Shows range from Shakespeare to Eric and Ernie and include everything in-between. There’s always something going on here.

Minsmere

Minsmere is an RSPB site located in Westleton near Saxmundham. It’s a fantastic mix of coastline, woodland, wetland and countryside that offers much more than just bird watching. There is a lot of life here and all of it is there for you to see. There are hides ranged around for the patient and paths that circle the entire reserve for those who just want a walk. It’s a calm day out for all.

Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum

The Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum in Flixton is run completely by volunteers and their passion for their subject is clear to see. With a range of aircraft, artefacts and exhibits from the world wars, as well as backstories, personal histories and knowledgeable staff, there’s a lot to see here.

Landguard Fort

Landguard Fort in Felixstowe is a relic from a bygone era that guards the north bank of the river Orwell. It dates back to 1543 and has protected the Suffolk coastline in various guises ever since. It’s an interesting place full of history, maritime significance and interesting exhibits.

Those are just five attractions in a county full of them. It’s always hard to single out individual attractions from a cast of hundreds, but these are the best we could find. We have hundreds of holiday cottages in Suffolk, so you’re never far away from a great day out here!

Hampton Court Palace

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If you’re planning to stay in one of our lovely holiday cottages spread throughout Middlesex, first off, great choice! Secondly, you’ve chosen a county rich in history, culture and commerce, offering lots of things to see, do and explore.

Here are just a few of those things.

Battle of Britain Bunker

The Battle of Britain Bunker in Uxbridge is a perfectly preserved command and control bunker that was home to Fighter Command No.11 Group from 1939 to 1958. It’s a living history attraction that seeks to show life underground during one of the most challenging times in our history. Whether you’re interested in history or not, this makes a great day out.

Capel Manor Gardens

Capel Manor Gardens in Enfield is 30 acres of 13th century property that includes a Georgian Manor House and Victorian Stables. There are also woods and a range of gardens to visit. Open from March to October, the gardens also feature a range of exhibitions and shows depending on the season.

Strawberry Hill House

Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham has to be seen to be believed. Designed by Henry Walpole in the 18th century, it’s a Georgian gothic house with gardens. Tour the inside and marvel at the mixture of gothic and opulent, look at lovely stained glass windows and then enjoy the lovely landscaped gardens. An excellent day out.

Sanatan Temple

Whatever your views of religion, Sanatan Temple in Wembley is a fantastic place to visit. Located on 2.4 acres of land, this is an oasis of peace and relaxation in the centre of the city. The architecture inside an out is impressive, as are the carvings inside. If you’re interested in Indian or Asian architecture and art, this is a must-see!

Myddelton House

Myddelton House in Enfield is another place of tranquillity in the city. Set in 8 acres of lovely gardens, the house and grounds are the legacy of one of England’s premier botanists and amateur gardeners, Edward Bowles. Having been painstakingly restored, Myddelton House is a great day out.

World Rugby Museum

Twickenham is regarded as the home of English rugby which makes it the ideal home for the World Rugby Museum. Set in the East Stand of the stadium, there are over 25,000 rugby themed objects spanning the entire life of the game. The museum offers guided tours which are well worth booking in advance to get the very best out of the venue.

Each of these attractions offers a great day out while you’re enjoying our holiday cottage in Middlesex. They offer great value, interest, entertainment and a healthy dose of wonder. All the ingredients you need for a family day out!

Watch the Ryder Cup from one of our fantastic holiday cottages

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Ryder CupIf you love your golf but don’t have the budget to stay at the amazing Gleneagles Hotel, we might have the answer. Stay in one of our lovely holiday cottages that are within a short drive of the course and have the best of both worlds. Enjoy Scotland and the golf at the same time!

Gleneagles is located in Auchterarder in Perthshire. It’s near the A9, 40 miles or so north of Edinburgh. Even when the Ryder Cup isn’t on, it’s a busy and expensive place to stay. That’s great if you can afford it, but not so much if you can’t.

However, staying at the hotel isn’t the only way you can enjoy the golf. Sure you can watch from home on TV, but there’s nothing like being there and watching the pros in action. Why not try staying nearby in a luxury holiday cottage? Despite the popularity of the Ryder Cup, we still have a few vacancies, so it’s not too late yet!

If you have the time to get to Scotland in time to watch some of the golf, we have the cottages to suit. We have a range of high quality holiday accommodation spread across the entire country of Scotland with many in Stirlingshire, Perthshire and Fife. Many within a convenient drive of the Gleneagles Hotel where the Ryder Cup is being held.

Despite the popularity of the event, there are still some cottages with space, so you could easily make a booking and get combine a relaxing weekend in Scotland with a great view of the golf. What more could you want?

Currently, we are also running a special offer on last minute holiday cottages. Find a suitable location, find a great holiday cottage and you could save up to 30% off the usual price. That’s an offer too good to miss!

If you have a family to entertain too, there is a lot to do in that part of Scotland. You have Edinburgh in one direction, Glasgow in the other, Stirling is only a few miles away and then hundreds of square miles of amazing countryside in-between.

Even without the Ryder Cup to take up your time, you’re never short of things to do in this part of the United Kingdom.

Move fast though. The Ryder Cup started Sunday, (21st September) so you don’t have long to make a reservation and get in on the action. Find yourself a great little getaway today by using the interactive map or the search function on the left. The Ryder Cup awaits!

Follow in the footsteps of the Tour of Britain Stages 5-8

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2014 Tour of BritainContinuing on from our previous post, we’re following the route of the Tour of Britain as it takes in the very best of the UK. This post continues the Tour from stage 5 to the finale at stage 8 in London.

If you’re a keen cyclist or just felt inspired by what you saw, holidaycottages.net can help. We have a huge selection of high quality holiday accommodation across the UK. It’s easy to build your very own Tour, or follow the real one. It’s entirely up to you!

Stage 5 Exmouth to Exeter

The Exmouth to Exeter stage of the Friends Life Tour of Britain lasted for 177.3km and took in the best of Devon and Dartmoor. If you like your cycling, walking or just being outside, this is the stage for you.

The riders began in Exmouth centre, rode out to Dartmoor, over Haytor, around Tavistock and back round to Exeter city centre. The stage included some of the best scenery in the West country too.

Stage 6 Bath to Hemel Hempstead

Stage 6 brought us back into the heart of England from Bath city centre to Hemel Hempstead over 205.7km. The route passed Trowbridge, Hungerford, went around High Wycombe and ended in Hemel Hempstead, north of London.

This was another scenic route that showed a completely different aspect of our country. Rolling hills, forests, across the M4 and into the outskirts of the capital. All places ideal for a weekend break in a holiday cottage as well as several hours on the bike!

Stage 7 Camberley to Brighton

The penultimate stage of the Tour of Britain saw us shift to Hampshire for the start that took us from Camberley, 226km across the south of England to Brighton to finish in the town centre.

This was another fantastic route that took in the South Downs, West Sussex, looped around Eastbourne, went through Lewes before heading into Brighton. Any of these locations offer fantastic cycling, walking and sightseeing and is well worth a visit!

Stage 8 London

The final stage of the Tour of Britain was split into two parts. The first was an individual time trial through the city streets while the second part was a circuit race. The TT part lasted for 8.8km while the circuit 88.8km.

Our capital should need no introduction. It’s full of culture, interest, attractions and things to see and do. We even have holiday cottages within the city too!

The Tour of Britain was a great way to see parts of our country we wouldn’t normally get to see. If you were inspired by any of it, use the search function on our site to find a holiday cottage near your point of interest. We have thousands of them to choose from!

Follow in the footsteps of the Tour of Britain

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2014 Tour of BritainThe Friends Life Tour of Britain is over, the trophies won and the crowds have gone home. If you were inspired by the scenery and places you may have seen while watching, this is the post for you!

The next two blog posts will highlight the eight areas of Britain visited by the tour. From Liverpool to London in eight stages. We’ll discuss the places visited, the ride and the fact that holidaycottages.net has quite a range of quality holiday accommodation near all the places you’ll visit.

If you want to see exactly where the professionals rode, or want to download the .gpx file of the route to your satnav, you’ll find them here.

So without further ado, let’s get started!

Stage 1 Liverpool

The first stage of the Tour of Britain was made up of laps of Liverpool city centre. It stretched for 104.8km and showcased the city well. The weather was good, the crowds large and good humoured and the stage was an enjoyable one. Marcel Kittel won this round after a fantastic sprint finish that saw tired legs pushed to their limit until the very end.

Liverpool is a lovely city with a lot of history, culture and appeal. Renting a holiday cottage within easy reach of the city can give you the best of both worlds. While you might not get the closed-road racing when you visit, the rest of the city is yours for the taking.

Stage 2 Knowsley to Llandudno

Stage 2 was a 201km ride from Knowsley in Liverpool to Llandudno in Wales that took in some stunning scenery. The race passed round Chester, through Wrexham, through Mold, round Conwy and into Llandudno town centre to finish.

This is a lovely area that mixes urban sprawl south of Liverpool with some lovely north Welsh coastline. It’s ideal ground for cycling or just enjoying time away from home.

Stage 3 Newtown to The Tumble

Newtown to The Tumble was a 179.7km from mid-Wales to southern Wales near Ebbw Vale. This was a challenging stage that takes in the best of Wales including the hills! This stage isn’t for the faint hearted but repays your efforts in kind with some fantastic scenery.

Mid-Wales has some fantastic surroundings, plenty of National Parks, forests and Welsh towns to take in. Whether you visit to follow the stage or take in the region, we have plenty of holiday cottages within easy reach.

Stage 4 Worcester to Bristol

Stage 4 of the Tour of Britain was from Worcester to Bristol, across 184.6km of undulating countryside. The route took in some of the best of the city of Worcester, the county of Gloucestershire and Bristol and showcased the region exceptionally well.

This is another region of the UK that is blessed with some amazing scenery, lovely countryside, National Parks and forests. It’s perfect for a weekend break whether you’re following in the footsteps of the Tour of Britain or not.

Use the search area of the site to find some excellent holiday cottages along these routes or build your very own Tour using local accommodation featured here. Join us next time for the final four stages of the of Britain!