Tag Archives: summer holidays

Top 10 dog friendly beaches in the UK

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This week’s posts are going to feature ten of the best beaches in the UK to take your dog. With the weather slowly warming up, the beach is returning as one of the most alluring destinations either for a day out or an explore with our four legged friends. So this post and the post on Thursday will feature what are considered excellent beaches for both you and your dog.

If your dog is anything like mine, they will smell the sea a mile away and begin running towards it before they can even see it. Whenever we take him with us to a holiday cottage, we have to be near the sea. We love it, but he loves it more. So with that in mind, here are what we think are some of the best dog friendly beaches in the country.

  1.        Perranporth, Cornwall

Perranporth is in north Cornwall and offers miles of golden sand and is dog friendly all year round. There’s plenty for humans here too, with plenty of space, lots of sea and sand and some facilities dotted along the coast. Much of Cornwall is dog friendly, but this is one of the best.

  2.        Seaton, Cornwall

Staying in Cornwall, Seaton beach is another dog friendly beach with a lot to offer. It has miles of coastline where you can walk to Looe in one direction and Downderry in another. Dog walkers also meet up on weekend mornings to let their dogs run and play together in the sand and the sea. There’s also a café, parking and fresh water for the dogs.

  3.        Hengistbury West Beach, Bournemouth

Hengistbury West Beach is another dog friendly beach that allows year-round access off lead. There’s miles of sand for humans and dogs, there are usually other dogs to play with and it’s a great spot for all the family. Being near Bournemouth, we have a few holiday cottages within easy reach too.

  4.        Lepe Country Park, Hampshire

Lepe Country Park is a dogs paradise. Miles of beach, acres of woodland, cliffs and all sorts of new smells. The park also has a café, play area and some fantastic views of the Isle of Wight. Dogs can play all year round but are restricted to a large section of the beach during summer.

  5.        Snettisham Beach, Kings Lynn

Heading away from the south coast up to Norfolk to Snettisham Beach. This is uniquely a west facing beach on the East coast. It’s miles of lovely beach, the sea goes out a long way and dogs have unrestricted access at all times of the year. Spring and summer runs along Snettisham Beach are a real highlight of the year!

So that’s the first five dog friendly beaches. Join us Thursday for the other five!

Get on your bike this spring!

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We have had quite a few clients asking about local cycle routes around their holiday cottage when making bookings since the New Year. We thought we would help by providing a quick overview of what you need to get on your bike. If you’re planning on getting fit, getting out on two wheels or exploring Great Britain or Ireland on a bike, this post is for you!

Spring is traditionally a time when the weather warms and people begin going outside for pleasure once again. We would encourage everyone to cycle as it’s relatively cheap, easy to learn and has far-reaching health benefits. Many of our clients take their bikes away with them to their holiday cottage as it’s a great way to explore the area around you.

If you’re planning to rediscover cycling, or want to enjoy the area around your holiday cottage on two wheels, bear these things in mind.

Rent before you buy

There are probably hundreds of thousands of bikes slowly decaying in garages across the country. Don’t let yours be one of them. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and buy a bike and only ever use it a few times. If you’re unsure whether cycling is for you, rent one first.

There are plenty of places around the UK that will hire a bike by the hour or day. It’s a simple way to enjoy cycling while on holiday and trying before you buy.

Get the right bike for the terrain

Bikes come in all shapes and sizes and not all are equally suitable for every type of riding. Planning to spend most of your time off road? Get a mountain bike. Planning to use country lanes to get around? A road bike would be fine for this. Planning on mixing it up? A hybrid would probably be best here.

If you’re renting, talk to the people managing the rental. They will know the area and what bike would best suit.

Size is everything

Having the right size bike, right size helmet, jacket, rucksack gloves or whatever becomes even more important when you’re on a bike. To be truly comfortable, your kit needs to fit. It doesn’t matter how expensive or how cheap it is, if it doesn’t fit it isn’t going to work properly.

Be safe

Helmets aren’t compulsory but they are a very good idea. Get one that fits you well and you will soon forget you’re even wearing one. The benefits of wearing one far outweigh the negatives. If you’re planning on cycling with the children, you also have to set an example, so put that lid on!

Exploring the countryside by bike is a simple way to enhance your holiday cottage experience. Do it right and you could have the time of your life.

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!

Fantastic days out in Bedfordshire

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Bedfordshire is a county with a lot going on. Often overlooked by its higher profile neighbours, it is well worth a visit. Holidaycottages.net has a wide selection of holiday rentals throughout the area, making it a great place for a family break.

If you’re staying, or planning to stay in one of our Bedfordshire holiday cottages, here are a few things to keep the family amused while you’re here.

Whipsnade Zoo

Whipsnade Zoo is owned and run by the Zoological Society of London. The zoo is well maintained, the animals well cared for and a lot of investment goes into welfare and the enclosures. It’s not a cheap day out by any means, but it’s clear to see that money goes back into the zoo. Overall, there is a lot to see and do here, making it a great day out for all the family.

The Shuttleworth Collection

The Shuttleworth Collection is one of the finest collections of vintage aircraft in the world. It also includes the Swiss Garden with acres of landscaped grounds, 13 listed buildings and woodlands. Both together make for a very good day out, even if you’re only mildly interested in aviation history.

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Stockwood Discovery Centre in Luton is a museum covering many ages of history and gardens. Unusually, it’s also free to enter, making it a great day out for the family. The museum has everything from old coins to carriages while the gardens are a haven for flora and fauna, insects and more.

Birds of Prey Centre

The Birds of Prey Centre in Wistead is an excellent opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent birds. The centre is well run, the animals look well cared for and the people here seem to take welfare very seriously indeed. They offer experience days, exhibitions, special events and a whole lot more.

Wrest Park

Wrest Park in Silsoe is an English Heritage property that really is gardeners heaven. It’s 90 acres of park, garden, lake and buildings spread around woodland and grounds. The park also includes a bath house and manor house and has audio tours, picnics and more on offer.

Dunstable Downs

The little known Dunstable Downs near Whipsnade is a lovely part of the country. The downs of course are open country, but much of it is managed by the National Trust. They provide car parking, café, visitor centre, structured walks and more. There are quite a few trails going for miles in all directions, ideal for working up an appetite!

Those are just a few days out you could enjoy while staying in one of our Bedfordshire holiday cottages. Each offers something a little different while also providing a great day out for all the family. Just what holidays are all about!

Great days out in Cambridgeshire

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Given the sheer number of holiday cottages in Cambridgeshire, we thought it only right that it should be next on our county by county where to go list. We have dozens of luxury holiday homes within the county and around Cambridge itself, If you’re staying in one over the next few months, here are a few things you can do while you’re there.

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge has to be up there at the top of this list as it’s not only a centre of excellent for learning, it’s also beautiful, tranquil and visitors are free to wander around most of it. Walking around this Medieval area is like walking back in time, in a good way.

The River Cam

The River Cam runs through the centre of the city and is another big draw for anyone in the area. You can sit by the river and watch the world go by, enjoy a picnic in the sunshine, a punt in the river or watch rowers practicing in the northern part of the college area.

Imperial War Museum Duxford

The Imperial War Museum Duxford is one of the best museums of its kind anywhere in the world. It’s our premier aviation museum with both indoor and outdoor displays, exhibitions, events, special occasions, helpful staff and more exhibits than you could do justice to in a single day!

Linton Zoo

Linton Zoo in Linton, is more breeding centre than zoo. That means you don’t always get to see the animals, as they might be hiding, breeding or sleeping. But when you do they are much more relaxed and happy. The enclosure can seem a little wild and overgrown, but that’s the intent. To provide as natural a habitat as humanly possible to keep them happy. You still get to see a lot of endangered species whatever time of day you go though!

Anglesey Abbey

Anglesey Abbey in Lode, near Cambridge is a National Trust location with a country house, gardens and watermill. It’s a calm, tranquil place to visit and looks completely different with every changing season. A lot of work goes into keeping the property in excellent condition, making it a great day out for all the family.

The Raptor Foundation

The Raptor Foundation in Woodhurst is a bird of prey sanctuary and hospital. It’s an excellent place to watch birds of prey work, play and relax in 30 acres of land specially designed for them. There are over 300 birds on site at any one time and you can enjoy experience days, twilight flying, photography days and more.

Those are just six of the many great days out in Cambridgeshire. If you’re planning a short break in one of our many holiday cottages in the area, you’re not going to be short of things to do!

Would you like a holiday cottage in one of the top ten cities in the world?

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Would you like a holiday cottage in one of the top ten cities in the worldEagle-eyed readers would have noticed last week that Salisbury was voted one of the top ten best cities in the world to visit by Lonely Planet. It was the only British city to be entered into the list and was nominated because it is "quintessentially English."

Holidaycottages.net has a selection of cottages around Salisbury and throughout Hampshire, so if you want to see what all the fuss is about, we can help.

Salisbury beat the likes of Toronto and Vienna to take seventh place in the list. A surprising entry there is no doubt, but a worthy one. The city itself is lovely, the cathedral is impressive and the fact that 2015 is the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta doesn’t hurt either!

The top ten best cities in the world to visit list includes:

1.    Washington, D.C. USA

2.    El Chaltén, Argentina

3.    Milan, Italy

4.    Zermatt, Switzerland

5.    Valletta, Malta

6.    Plovdiv, Bulgaria

7.    Salisbury, United Kingdom

8.    Vienna, Austria

9.    Chennai, India

10. Toronto, Canada

Lonely Planet have this to say about the city.

“For too long travellers have considered Salisbury a short stop on the way to Stonehenge. But 2015 is set to be the year visitors linger in this quintessentially English city, as Salisbury uncorks the champagne for the 800th anniversary of its greatest treasure, the Magna Carta.

As home to the best-preserved original copy, Salisbury Cathedral is the lightning rod for the celebrations. Expect a brand new exhibition alongside an array of talks, evensongs, a flower festival and plenty more.”

A lot is planned for next year’s anniversary, with the cathedral having been granted over £415,000 to put together displays and exhibitions to showcase the Magna Carta.

It isn’t all about that document though. Salisbury has a lot more going for it than just a lovely cathedral and one of the most important documents in British history. It’s also a city in its own right with restaurants, shops, attractions, history, culture, interest and so much more.

It’s also friendly, relaxed, easy to get around and to find parking. Something most other cities struggle with.

If you would like to sample the delights of Salisbury without staying in a boring chain hotel, holidaycottages.net can help. Our selection of quality accommodation set around the city are ideal for exploring Salisbury and Hampshire. Each is fully furnished, ideally located and ready to move in. Perfect for a short city break!

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!