September 2, 2010
People looking forward to staying in a holiday home in France might like to consider visiting Paris for the day – even if they are on a budget.
According to Veronique Potelet Anty of the Paris Office du Tourisme et des Congres, the image of the French capital as an expensive place of luxury and refinement is incomplete.
The city offers plenty of options for those on a tighter budget, she continued, including transport and things to do.
"The Parisian metro and bus system is affordable and enables people to visit the whole city easily," Ms Anty said.
Furthermore, there is a range of affordable cultural activities on offer, such as the national museums, which are free every first Sunday of the month, she explained.
Holidaymakers can also enter the Victor Hugo, Petit Palais and Modern Art Museum at no cost seven days a week, Ms Anty added, while most places are free for children.
And those of you heading to France might like to try the local yellow wine vin jaune, which was recently described by press relations and promotion executive at Comite Regional du Tourisme de France-Comte Cecile Ambacher as similar in taste to a Spanish sherry.
Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you
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September 2, 2010
People considering a holiday in Wales might like to consider a trip to Aberaeron, where you can try local cuisine by the harbour.
A writer blogging on the Visit Wales website who recently visited the area praised the restaurant of the Harbourmaster Hotel, where holidaymakers may wish to eat one evening.
"To dine here is to experience a culinary tribute to some of the best local produce and meats in the country," the individual remarked.
The blogger described the harbour as "shimmering" with wine glasses and coloured lights strung between lamp posts, which could make it ideal for an evening stroll or drink.
Aberaeron has a shipping history and its Georgian houses used to be painted by captains in a colourful array of shades, the writer continued.
And food lovers heading to Wales this month may also like to try the Abergavenny Food Festival, being held from September 18th to 19th, where you can feast on local treats.
Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you
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September 2, 2010
People planning a holiday in the Peak District might like to add Peak Cavern to their list of places to visit, as its Halloween events could be perfect for kids.
On Friday and Saturday evenings throughout October, candle-lit ghost tours will be held, with special nights taking place on October 30th and 31st, where you can listen to spooky ghost stories as you find your way through the chambers.
The cave is located within the village of Castleton and, according to the Peak Cavern website, has the largest natural entrance chamber in Britain.
Visitors can see the remains of an ancient village, listen to the acoustics of the Orchestra Gallery and hear the font of the river Styx in the Devil's Cellar.
Another possible weekend activity for those planning a break in the Peak District is the Matlock Bath Illuminations, which are held at the River Derwent every Saturday and Sunday from September 4th to October 30th.
Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you
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September 2, 2010
People going on a Wales holiday next month might like to take a trip to Loggerheads Country Park, which is at the heart of the Clwydian Range, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The space comprises a wooded river valley, cliffs and outcrops as well as a Discovery Trail, which could make it great for walking.
And those of you interested in the industrial history of the area may wish to try out the Discovering the Past event, where you can enter a disused mine passage with a caving expert.
Visitors can see for themselves what a miner would have experienced 200 years ago at the activity, which runs from September 4th to 26th.
Furthermore, keen ramblers might like to take in a tour of the area's Iron Age hill forts and heather moorland on the Bringing Views to Life tour held on September 9th.
The Abergavenny Food Festival – taking place from September 18th to 19th – could also be of interest to holidaymakers heading to Wales.
Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you
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September 1, 2010
The Stables at Pitt Farm Cottages in Somerset is a textbook example of how to convert a utility building into stunning holiday accommodation. But quality accommodation is only part of the equation, for a truly incredible holiday you’re going to want to stay in a beautiful location with a wealth of nearby attractions. Thankfully, The Stables is no less of a welcome proposition in this regard.
Somerset offers a beautiful landscape that is a pleasure to explore. If you fancy some heritage to accompany the stunning vistas then the caves at Cheddar Gorge are only a short distance away and well worth a visit. Lyme Bay on the incredible Jurassic Coast is equally accessible from the property and makes for a great walking location.
Somerset is equally rich in man-made heritage with Montacute House, Forde Abbey and Gardens, Stourhead House, Bath and Wells Cathedral City all a short distance away and offering a myriad of historic charms. Older still, Glastonbury’s majestic Tor not only allows you to learn about ancient life in Somerset, but also gives you a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
With so much activity on offer you’ll probably be grateful for the comfort allowed by The Stables. Light, airy and sympathetically restored (think exposed beams and paved floors), the property is designed to help you relax and unwind. You’ll find a number of items to help you accomplish this task including DVD and CD players and flat-screen TV. There’s also an award-wining pub and restaurant only half a mile away.
The Stables at Pitt Farm Cottages sleeps 4 with one double en-suite bedroom and one twin. If you wish to enjoy the BBQ and 3 acres of shared grounds with additional friends there is another property (Ref. ESK) at this location.
You can find more info and make a booking at The Stables at Pitt Farm Cottages on our website.
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September 1, 2010
A holiday in the Cotswolds could be just the thing for book lovers, as the Jane Austen Festival is due to celebrate the life and works of the author.
Held in Bath, which is within easy reach of the Cotswolds, the event will take place from September 17th to 25th.
Visitors can admire period costumes at the Grand Regency Promenade held on the first Saturday of the festival, which, according to the Jane Austen Centre, is the most spectacular day of the celebration.
There will also be a programme of concerts, small soirees, walking tours and theatre performances for people to attend.
You can even learn the basics of Regency dancing at a workshop and dress in 18th-century costume!
And those heading to the Cotswolds might also like to visit its Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is the largest in the country and has recently opened a new discovery centre.
This could make a great day out for families, as the centre has been designed with kids in mind and aims to inform visitors about the area's history and wildlife.
Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you
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September 1, 2010
Those of you looking forward to a holiday in a Herefordshire cottage might like to consider visiting the Kington Show, a traditional agricultural event.
It will take place on September 11th at Ovals Farm, where visitors can watch cattle, sheep, dog and horticultural classes, while animal lovers may also enjoy the young farmers and shearing competitions.
Dick Allford, chairman of the event, said: "This year we have in place something for everyone [and] for all ages, from a rodeo bull and children's rides to demonstrations, competitions [and] even an after show-dance."
The event is a social gathering, he added, but more importantly it offers a good-value day out for the whole family.
There will also be almost 200 trade stands at the show, selling everything from arts and crafts to tractors, with many items from local producers.
Furthermore, art fans might enjoy Herefordshire Art Week, which runs a programme of demonstrations from September 11th to 19th.
Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you
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August 31, 2010
Those of you looking forward to a break at a Lake District cottage might like to visit the Sir John Barrow monument on Hoad Hill, Ulverston.
Following a £1.2 million restoration, the 100ft-high building was reopened to visitors on August 22nd amid public celebrations.
Colin Hodgson of Ulverston Town Council said: "The re-opening celebrations … demonstrate the affection with which the Sir John Barrow monument is held in Ulverston and other parts of the south Lakes."
Enhancements carried out on the Grade II-listed building include structural improvements and the installation of webcams and information panels to make it more accessible to tourists.
The monument is named after the naval historian Sir John Barrow and dates back to 1850, but it was closed in 2003 due to safety concerns.
And holidaymakers heading to the Lake District can also join in a family day on September 2nd to help dig for Roman ruins along the River Darwent at Papcastle.
Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you
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August 29, 2010
Those of you heading to the Peak District this autumn might wish to go along to the Matlock Bath Illuminations held at the River Derwent.
Taking place every weekend from September 4th to October 30th, the event involves a parade of illuminated and decorated boats.
Each vessel is mounted with models comprising thousands of pea lights, which appear to be floating along the water when the boats themselves disappear into the night.
In addition, visitors might like to take a stroll around the Derwent Gardens where trees and rocks will be lit up.
Certain illumination nights will also feature a fireworks display, which could be an added bonus for the kids.
While you're in the area, why not make day of it and explore Matlock Bath itself, which offers boating, play areas and skateboarding at the parks along the River Derwent.
Holidaymakers might like to visit the Riber Castle overlooking the town, which was built by John Smedley.
Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you
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August 29, 2010
A holiday in Yorkshire could make the ideal break, after it was suggested the region has a lot to offer visitors.
Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said the filming of new fly-on-the-wall series The Dales – which will be aired on ITV early next year – inspired people in the county.
"When we announced plans to support The Dales, we were met with an overwhelming response from local people who are truly proud of what Yorkshire has to offer," he remarked.
The programme represents a great opportunity to showcase the Yorkshire Dales, which is the "jewel" of the region, he continued.
Mr Verity added he is certain viewers of the show will be impressed by Yorkshire and hopefully choose to visit the area.
Earlier this month, minister for tourism and heritage John Penrose commented the county has much to teach the rest of Britain during a visit to the region.
Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you
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