101 places to go – Whitby

May 16, 2012

Summer may not seem like a natural time for vampires. After all, anything with an unnatural fear of sunlight would do well to avoid the one time of the year when vitamin D’s all but inescapable.

But here we are approaching the warmest time of year (apparently!) and not only do we have Johnny Depp entertaining cinema audiences as 200 year old undead head of household Barnabas Collins in Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows, but we also have the unique proposition of Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter and the last chapter of the Twilight saga to look forward to.

That summer and vampires go well together shouldn’t really come as a surprise. After all, Dracula chose one of the UK’s most popular Victorian seaside resorts as the first stop on his holiday from Transylvania (during a Jubilee year too!). And since vampires appear to be the flavour of the month, we’ve chosen this very location as our new ‘101 places to go in the UK, Ireland and France’.

It may be a well-worn description but Whitby really is a place of contrasts. Stroll around the harbour and not only can you enjoy a traditional bright and cheery seaside setting with waves lapping the shore, ice cream stands and ‘Kiss Me Quick’ hats, but you can also glance uphill and marvel at the somber beauty of Whitby Abbey. You really can’t imagine Dracula spending his holidays anywhere else!

Whitby caters to all kinds of holidaymakers with a wonderfully diverse array of attractions. We’re going to list a few of our favourites below but we’d love to hear your suggestions too.

•  He may have gone on to explore the uncharted waters of the Pacific, and in doing so became one of history’s most celebrated Britons, but it was in Whitby’s harbour that Captain Cook’s naval training began. You can learn more about the life before the legend at the Captain Cook Museum.

•  Often overlooked in favour of the harbour and abbey, Pannett Park is one of Whitby’s most enjoyably tranquil locations. Thanks to its ‘best-kept secret’ status you’ll find plenty of peace and quiet – not to mention fantastic views of the town. The Whitby Museum is also located within the park and is well worth a visit.

•  As lovers of food we think that local dining is as much a part of the holiday experience as exploring the landscape. Whether you agree or not, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to enjoy fish and chips at The Magpie Café. One of the finest fish restaurants in Yorkshire, its lunchtime queues are almost at famous as its signature dishes. We’d recommend getting there early.

If you fancy joining the happy families, history lovers, culture vultures, fine diners and vampires by enjoying a holiday in Whitby take a look at our featured holiday cottages in the region today.


A short walk in the woods

May 15, 2012

I recently spent a week at The Hideaway cottage in Bolney, Sussex. Having two young children the property was perfectly suited to their needs: it was self-contained, offered plenty of room for them to play and was situated close to some of Sussex’s most popular attractions. Both my girls also loved the chickens in the garden (the eggs helped!) while my wife and I were more taken by the peace, quiet and welcoming bottle of wine left by the owners. But one thing we all ended up loving about the property was its close proximity to Ashdown Forest…

Set atop the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ashdown offers nearly 10 square miles of common land; in fact it’s supoosedly the largest public-access area in southeast England. We were all very keen to get out and explore the area, but having the girls with us we  were also mindful of the fact that we’d need somewhere they’d be able to stretch their legs and, when sufficiently tired, somewhere we’d be comfortable carrying them round.

We soon decided on the Pooh Walk at Gills Lap. Author AA Milne was a regular visitor and his tales of Winnie the Pooh owe a special debt to the beauty of the surrounding landscape.  Gills Lap itself offers two walks: an adventurous 3 mile trek past Eeyore’s Sad and Gloomy Place and a half mile walk past the Enchanted Place, Heffalump Trap, Roo’s Sandy Pit and more. We set intended to do the longer walk but, having spent too long trying to trap a Heffalump at the Heffalump Trap (someone really needs to think about that name!) we had to settle for the shorter walk. Not that we minded, despite the weather not being in our favour the short walk takes in some beautiful locations with breathtaking views and stunning colours.

From the Gills Lap car park a short 200 metre walk (which can seem a little longer with easily distracted youngsters and plenty of puddles!) leads you to the Enchanted Place on the right.

From there a left turn takes you a few metres down to the Heffalump Trap – notable for its lack of actual Heffalumps. The reality of a lovely little hollow where a lone pine grows more than makes up for this, at least for the grown-ups!

Walk back up the path and turn left, after about 10 metres and you arrive at the tribute to Milne and EH Shepard, the illustrator of Pooh’s adventures. The views here are stunning, so it’s no surprise to find the author was so keen on dreaming up Pooh’s idyllic escapades there.

Turn right from the memorial and you soon arrive at the site of Roo’s Sandy Pit. Now a disused quarry it could just as easily be called ‘Roo’s Big Puddle of Water’. Undeterred, my girls decided they had to go down for a closer look. The bank here was a little slippy, so be careful if you try to walk down it.

Follow the path round from the ‘Sandy Pit’ and you arrive back at the car park. It’s a short and sweet stroll through some of Sussex’s finest scenery. If you fancy rounding up your adventure with a little refreshment you might also want to pay a visit to the nearby village of Hartfield. There you’ll find ‘Pooh Corner’, a lovely little tearoom that contains plenty of refreshment and lots of Winnie the Pooh souvenirs.

You can find more info on The Hideaway on cottages4you.

Posted by Ben Webster.


Glasgow’s summer cultural highlights

May 11, 2012

Amy Riddell, spokeswoman for Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, has kindly provided us with her cultural highlights for the months ahead.

The Essence of Beauty: 500 Years of Italian Art at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (until August 12th)

Dubbed one of the finest public art collections ever held in the UK, this is a remarkable exhibition, showcasing pieces that have been locked up for decades to preserve their integrity.

However, experts have been busy undergoing conservation work to the art to prepare them for this breathtaking show.

“Several works in the collection are undisputed masterpieces painted by some of the great names of Italian Renaissance and Baroque painting – Signorelli, Bellini, Titian, Domenichino, Rosa, Guardi,” says Ms Riddell.

West End Festival (June)

You know a festival means serious business when it is comprised of over 600 events that cater for all music sensibilities, from folk to jazz and rock n roll.

Now celebrating its 17th year, Glasgow’s West End Festival has become a staple part of the cultural calendar, with over a million people visiting since it began in 1996.

Check out Michael Redmond’s Sunday Service; Refugee Week exhibition; and Improv Wars, which takes improvised comedy to another level.

Glasgow International Jazz Festival (June)

For those holidaymakers looking to enjoy the cool, chilled out and groovy vibes of jazz, the Glasgow International Jazz Festival will satisfy your every need.

This year’s event continues to dazzle with a busy programme of music and good times. Some of the artists performing include the mesmerising saxophonist Soweto Kinch, who is performing as part of a trio; the funky Yolanda Brown; the exceptional jazz guitarist George Benson; and Niki King and the Elements.

Merchant City Festival (July)
“If you’ve never experienced the fun of the Merchant City Festival before, now is the time to start,” says Ms Riddell.

“With street art, music, dance, theatre, literature, film and comedy in Glasgow’s cultural quarter you will be in for a real treat. The festival has grown as the Merchant City has developed in recent years into Glasgow and Scotland’s principal cultural quarter.”

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you
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Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival

May 11, 2012

Tap away into your touchscreen smartphone or scribble away into your personal planner this year’s Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival – it’s happening in September.

Now in its seventh year, the festival, which celebrates the area’s brilliant food and drink culture, will be hosting up to 30 stalls, offering visitors plenty of delectable delights to savour.

The fun takes place in the brilliantly evocative Old Town, which is the hub of the region’s fishing and cultural quarter.

“Enjoy a Jazz Breakfast with a relaxed coffee and a croissant on the Sunday morning, musical entertainment from the cream of the local music scene throughout the day and walks and talks on the 1,000 year history of the Hastings’ fishing fleet – with local fishermen doing netmaking demonstrations,” suggests Jane Ellis from Hastings Borough Council.

“There really is something for everyone at this festival, which has fast become and established and eagerly anticipated event in the Hastings’ calendar.

We’ll be posting some more information on the festival closer to the date.

Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival is on from September 18th until 19th.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4youADNFCR-2558-ID-801360950-ADNFCR


Punch and Judy: looking good at 350

May 10, 2012

Punch and Judy, the shambolic comedic puppet duo, have celebrated their 350th birthday.

The iconic seaside entertainers have become as much a part of the UK seaside culture as deck chairs, vinegar-soaked chips and candy floss, and continue to amuse holidaymakers.

Their first officially recorded performance was in Covent Garden, as recorded by the great diarist Samuel Pepys.

Speaking to the Independent, James Arnott, who has been delivering Punch and Judy shows for over 12 years, said: “People are performing more Punch and Judy shows than ever, but they’ve moved.

“It used to be that most shows were in beaches or squares, but now more and more people are asking for shows at children’s parties and in theatres.”

The duo, who are renowned for their cheeky and decidedly un-PC way of looking at things, originate from Italy.

Pulcinella (and thus Punch) was a stock character from Neapolitan puppetry, known for his chaotic disposition.


101 places to go – Antibes

May 9, 2012

Nestled snugly against the golden shores and electric blue waters of the French Riviera, Antibes offers enough to satisfy the needs of the most world-weary and well-travelled holidaymaker. If old-world charms and the ever-enticing Mediterranean climate were not enough to draw you in then there’s also the much-celebrated culture and – considering the region’s popularity – surprisingly unspoiled heritage.

So for this installment of our ’101 places to go’ feature we’re going to focus on beautiful Antibes. There’s plenty to recommend, so if we miss something vital, be sure to correct us in the comments section!

• While Antibes is no stranger to visitors (it was founded as a Greek colony before the Romans claimed it years later) its most famous former resident is undoubtedly one of the most renowned: a certain Pablo Picasso. The Château Grimaldi is not only one of the region’s finest historical attractions but, since the artist was in residence for several months, it’s also one of the French Riviera’s most popular cultural attractions. Now housing a fantastic Picasso collection, visitors will also be able to feast their eyes on fantastic views of the town while admiring the majestic Alps in the background.

• The spectacular scenery and climate of Antibes has obviously played some part in inspiring artists over the years, but we’re also sure our next suggestion played its own unique part. Absinthe is renowned as the drink of choice for inspiring artists and writers over the years and Antibes Absinthe Museum is one of the best places to learn about its history, whilst tasting a variety of samples. More of a bar than a traditional museum it’s recommended for grown-ups and fans of silly hats (you’ll see!). You’ll find it on 25 Cours Masséna.

• Any self-catering holiday to France worth its salt (no pun intended) will feature food in no small part and, thankfully, Antibes is no exception. Along with typical French cuisine there are a wealth of fantastic seafood restaurants and eateries, offering spectacular seafront views to complement their gastronomic goodness. There’s also a regular market if you fancy stocking up on local supplies!

Fancy a break in Antibes? Take a look at our featured holiday properties in the region.


Cottage of the week – Gatsby House

May 2, 2012

The theme of Gatsby House in Ardara, County Donegal could easily be ‘old world charm’, so effortlessly does it showcase the stylish elegance of yesteryear. If you require further evidence of its aesthetic devotion to the Golden Age of style then check out the names of the bedrooms: Yes, you too could wake up to Grace Kelly, Ava Gardner, Cary Grant, Lauren Bacall or Audrey Hepburn – or at least their most celebrated quotes. Even the property’s name tips a stylish brim to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic tale of the Roaring Twenties.

Then again, with five spacious bedrooms, a library, super soft furnishings, open fires, chandeliers, five satellite TVs and more the theme could just as easily be ‘unbridled comfort’, ‘complete relaxation’ or ‘unrivalled enjoyment’. Like all good properties, the theme of your holiday at Gatsby House is whatever you choose to make it.

You could venture out into Ardara town, a lovely little place filled with traditional music, great pubs, restaurants and shops. Each year the town hosts the Cup of Tae live music festival, which you may be fortunate enough to enjoy from the comfort of your seat in the enclosed courtyard.

The surrounding area hosts plenty of opportunities for a delightful amble. In fact a walking festival takes place in the region each year, with people visiting from all over the world. If you fancy taking a drive then the Glengesh Pass is a notable local highlight, offering expansive views over the surrounding countryside. The coast is equally accessible, with Portnoo and Narin’s Blue Flag beaches only six miles away. Finally, there’s the Ardara Heritage Centre, where you can brush up on your local knowledge.

With so much on offer you’ll be glad of Gatsby House’s effort to go that extra mile to ensure complete comfort and relaxation. But not only does it offer the luxuries, it also has the basics covered. You’ll find fuel & power included and linen and towels provided. There’s also Wi-Fi, all the kitchen appliances you could wish for and a BBQ for al fresco cooking in the summertime.

So, Cary, Lauren or Audrey? Even the problems are welcome at Gatsby House! If you’d like to find out more or make a booking, take a look at the property’s listing on cottages4you.


101 places to go – The Cotswolds

April 30, 2012

The name Cotswolds is often said to originate from ‘sheep enclosure in rolling hillsides’, which is a pretty accurate summation of the sleepy charms and gentle beauty of the region. Since that description is as applicable today as it was when the name was coined, you also get an idea of how little of the Cotswolds has changed over the years.

There’s more to the Cotswolds than just a pretty face and an amiable personality, however. There are so many attractions encompassing food and drink, history, heritage and popular culture that it could just have easily been called “Beautiful fun place with England and Wales’ largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and lots of things to do”. Admittedly, some of that might get lost in translation, so we’re going to present you with a few of our favourite things to see and do in the region!

If you’ve enjoyed a break there why not share your recommendations in the comments section below. Never been? Take a look at our featured holiday cottages in the Cotswolds today.

•  The Cotswolds offers a new perspective on some of Britain’s most beloved historical figures. For example, you may know Shakespeare was a bit handy with a quill but did you ever hear about the time he allegedly attempted to poach deer? Visit the NT owned Charlecote Park estate to find out more.

• Likewise, we all know that Churchill’s war effort made him one of the history’s greatest leaders but visit Blenheim Palace and you can see where he was born. If that’s not enough then you can also explore 2,000 acres of ’Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland, a great lake, gardens and more.

• If all that history sounds a bit stuffy then you could always visit Gloucester Cathedral. OK, so it may be yet another historic location but it also appeared as the corridors of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, which is bound to impress your muggles!

•  Arlington Row is the perfect example of how it’s possible to develop a location whilst preserving the surrounding beauty. This lovely row of cottages in Bibury are possibly the most desirable homes in the UK have been featured in numerous films, including Bridget Jones and Stardust.


Chef gives holiday tips

April 25, 2012

“Don’t be foolish, but don’t be too timid,” Valentine Warner, a chef who has appeared on the BBC, told the Independent. “My father taught me to investigate everything and be inquisitive. Follow your nose and you’ll find great food. Get off the beaten track and a little road will lead somewhere interesting. Talk to the locals and you’ll find out lots more than you would if you stayed by the pool.”

Wise words indeed – be explorers, be nosey, and, to a degree, be adventurous. We would still be hunting wild animals if our primeval ancestors decided to chill all day, blasé about what was on the other side of the mountain or river.

And talk to locals, bravo, what great advice! Of course, sometimes the language barrier can make things really awkward, but hey, 80 to 90 per cent of communication is through body language, so surely some banter, whether it’s for directions or advice on what attractions are worth checking out, can be achieved through hand signals and expressions? Yes we say!

Mr Warner, who has just created two new pizzas for the spring menu at Pizza Hut, also delivered some advice on what are essential travel luxuries: a razor and a toothbrush.

When you don’t have them, you feel unkempt after a few days of travelling,” he told the newspaper. “If you have got them, you feel like David Niven instantly.”

Sound guidance really, one that applies to both men and women, although we’re not advocating women go for the Niven look: refined pencil-thin moustaches are not really that cool on women.

As a slight aside, Mr Warner has been described as the Russel Brand of the kitchen, a comparison that has flummoxed him completely.

“I have no idea at all where that started,” he told Digital Spy back in 2008.
“All I can say is he’s written a ‘booky wook’ and I’ve written a ‘cooky booky wook’. My hair is reasonably wild, but not nearly as wild as his, and you’d certainly never catch me in skin-tight trousers.”

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4youADNFCR-2558-ID-801345618-ADNFCR


Cottage of the week – Rose Cottage

April 25, 2012

Happy 448th, William! We’re sure the Bard could put into words far more eloquently than ours what makes our new Cottage of the Week so special. But, along with a historic Grade II listed façade and an equally enticing interior, the reason for choosing Rose Cottage in Stratford on Avon is due to its close proximity to the world renowned cottage of Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s Muse and lover. So, if you visited in the 16th century, not only might you have seen a young Shakespeare on his way to visit the Hathaway family home but you could also have popped over to borrow a cup of sugar!

It’s testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare’s words that he’s arguably more of a presence now then he was when he called Stratford home.  You only have to take a look at the ambitious World Shakespeare Festival to measure the hold he still has on the world stage. During the festival’s run, 37 of Shakespeare’s works are set to be performed in 37 different countries, so it seems like the great man will be all but inescapable in 2012, which is just how we like it.

If your interest in Shakespeare expired around the same time as your school uniform then, don’t worry, the surrounding area boasts plenty of non-Bard related activities. The gentle hills of the Cotswolds are just a short distance away, offering a variety of attractions and activities. Warwick is equally accessible, offering a slightly more vibrant experience, filled with fascinating heritage, beautiful architecture and a wealth of options for enjoying your leisure time.

Rose Cottage itself may offer an equally unspoilt taste of historical architecture but it also offers a few more modern day features to ensure your time there is as enjoyable as possible. There’s a widescreen TV with Freeview, a DVD player and a selection of films. There’s also the usual array of white electrical goods to aid your convenience and, for that timeless enhancement to your evenings, there’s also a woodburning stove with initial fuel included.

As the name suggests, the garden at Rose Cottage is equally impressive. The property itself is owned by gardening expert Stefan Buczacki, so the fact that it can essentially act as an extra room in the warmer months should come as no surprise. For those reluctant to step back inside after a day’s lazing amongst the flora and fauna there’s also a BBQ in the garden.

If you’d like to find out more or make a booking take a look at Rose Cottage’s listing on cottages4you.


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