East Midlands Food & Drink Festival 4th October 2008 to 5th October 2008

September 22, 2008

Location: Brooksby Hall, Melton Mowbray

Discover the culinary delights of the East Midlands as the UK’s largest regional food festival, boasting over 200 exhibitors and features a host of family activities arrives in the area.

East Midlands Food and Drink Festival Website

East Midlands Food and Drink Festival Website .

According to
www.eastmidlandsfoodfestival.co.uk
“The theme for this year’s food and drink event is ‘Diversity: Food and Cultures of the East Midlands’. Besides traditional delicacies such as Melton Mowbray Pork Pies, Bakewell Pudding and Stilton Cheese, the East Midlands has a wealth of foods from communities who have settled in our region since the second world war. Leicester won the coveted accolade last year as the ‘Curry Capital’ of the UK and Melton Mowbray itself has a large Polish community since the war. The festival will celebrate this diversity in food with demonstrations and tastings from a range of different cultures many of whom will also display their art, dance, music and crafts at the festival.”

Remember, cottages4you can help you find ideal holiday cottages in the East Midlands – perfect for a visit to this event.

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Nottingham Goose Fair – 1st Oct 2008 to the 4 Oct 2008

September 20, 2008

Forest Recreation Ground, Nottingham

With more than 700 years of history, Nottingham Goose Fair is one of Europe’s most famous travelling fairs, and is still a fantastic event to delight all ages.

Over 500 attractions await fair-goers, from the latest white knuckle experiences, family rides and favourites including waltzers, carousels and Hook-a-Duck.

Pay a visit and experience the dazzling array of sights and sounds, and tuck into the local speciality of mushy peas and mint sauce or food from around the world.

For more information visit www.nottinghamgoosefair.co.uk

Remember, cottages4you can help you find ideal holiday cottages in Nottinghamshire – perfect for a visit to this event.

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Manchester Food & Drink Festival – 3 Oct 2008 to 13 Oct 2008

September 19, 2008
www.foodanddrinkfestival.com

source: www.foodanddrinkfestival.com

A variety of events taking place in bars, restaurants and cafes across Manchester.

The Manchester Food and Drink Festival is looking forward to entering it’s second decade as the 11th Manchester Food and Drink Festival takes over the region from 3rd – 13th October 2008

The event now covers all 10 boroughs of the Greater Manchester area and they are planning lots of exciting events and offers over the 11 days of the 11th anniversary Festival for 2008.

Visit www.foodanddrinkfestival.com for more information, and in the meantime you can also take a look at what went on last year, by clicking here

Remember, cottages4you can help you find ideal holiday cottages in and around Manchester – which are well situated for a visit to this event.

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Geocaching; Modern treasure hunt for the whole family

September 16, 2008

Are you:

  • looking for a fun thing to do around your cottage with the whole family
  • ready to discover unexpected and beautiful places
  • in need of for a reason to go on a short or longer walk
  • a bit adventurous
  • a bit of a ‘geek’….. ?

Try the modern days treasure hunt called ‘geocaching’

“Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.”

There are 647,562 active geocaches around the world and there is a big chance that there is one hidden near you or your holiday cottage. All caches are published on geocaching.com where they also offer a google map search. There are for example more than 400 geocaches hidden around Windermere in the Lake District.

Find out how to get started and then we hope to find you out there.

Let us know if you have any questions about or experiences with geocaching! We have some fanatical players here at cottages4you who would be happy to answer your questions!

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Autumn Air Show – 5th October 2008

September 15, 2008
duxford.iwm.org.uk

source: duxford.iwm.org.uk

Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire

Tickets are now available for Imperial War Museum Duxford’s Autumn Air Show on Sunday 5 October. It’s the last Air Show of the season and will feature displays of classic, modern day and famous aircrafts, which have featured in films like Memphis Belle and Pearl Harbor.

Remember, cottages4you can help you find ideal holiday cottages in and near Cambridgeshire – perfect for a visit to this event.

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Autumn is here. What are your holiday plans?

September 12, 2008

“No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face”

Autumn quote by John Donne

For some a reason to become melancholic, for others the ideal moment to get out and enjoy natures colours, smells and the rare but beautiful autumn sunny days. The kids are back to school, towns and resorts can breath again and good holiday deals can be made.

We’d like to know what are your plans for this Autumn? Staying at home? Grabbing some last minute to go abroad or spot some holiday cottage special offers and discounts and head for a cottage near the forest?

We’d like to hear from you so leave your comments !

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Blackpool Illuminations 29 August – 2 November 2008

September 12, 2008
www.visitblackpool.com

source: www.visitblackpool.com

Enjoy Blackpool by night with Blackpool Illuminations!

“As the summer season draws to a close, Blackpool looks forward to long autumn nights bathed in light and colour.

Blackpool Illuminations are considered to be the greatest free light show on earth, which entertains millions of visitors each year and brings glowing warmth to even the coldest October evening.”

More info on visitblackpool.com

Remember that a holiday cottage in Blackpool is the ideal accommodation to visit this event.

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2009 brochure coming to you!

September 9, 2008

We are proud to announce that the brand new 2009 brochure is ready to be sent out!
This brochure will highlight the great reasons to book a cottages4you holiday.

First of all, a cottages4you holiday places the very best of the UK and beyond right on your doorstep. And we’ve an unrivalled selection of wonderful properties in some of the most beautiful settings throughout Britain and the continent. And if you book before the 31st October you can secure the cottage of your dreams, in your chosen location for an initial low deposit of only £25.†

Prices Held for 3 years running!
 To ensure you get the best value from your holiday, we’ve held the prices of many of our 2009 holidays for the past 3 years! What’s more if you’re travelling in off-peak periods, you can save 20% with our 2 and 4 person discounts. *

Unrivalled experience and range
 We’ve drawn on every bit of our 30 years’ experience and knowledge to assemble an impressive portfolio of properties that really does have something for everyone. So if you’re looking for holidays as a couple, a family or even a group of friends, we’ve the very highest standard of cottages in the most beautiful corners of Britain.

Cottages for UK and Overseas breaks
 So whether it’s a 200 year-old stone cottage in a quiet Cornish fishing village, a chic apartment in the heart of vibrant Edinburgh or even a sun-drenched villa on the Portuguese Coast, you’ll find your perfect cottage holiday with us.

Here’s to holidays in 2009 – now you really have got something to look forward to!

We hope you’ll enjoy the brochure but make sure you’ll also check our website with even more holiday cottages and villas on offer.

† conditions apply.
* on selected properties and dates when booked online.

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Cork Delight

September 8, 2008

by Alex Levine for Escape Magazine

We head to Cork to find out how the best things in life are food!

“Cork offers couples and families the very best in life panoramic landscapes, crystal blue waters, endless beaches, dramatic cliffs and some of the finest dining in the world.
Here we give you all the insider knowledge you need to pick a gem of a restaurant in Cork, and best of all, some are within walking distance of your cottage!

Please visit our site to browse our wide range of holiday cottages in Cork and a huge selection of holiday cottages in Ireland.

A resurgence in Irish cuisine has meant there are some surprising and delicious creations now being served up across the country. Nowhere is this change more apparent than in Cork in the south west corner of Ireland, where a plethora of restaurants serving adventurous cuisine now spoils visitors and locals alike.

The artisan influence of European cuisine, fused with Irish innovation has been gathering pace for over a decade.
In part the gastronomic revolution has been fuelled by economic prosperity, but also by the welcome return of many of Irelands top chefs from Europe.
As the Irish dining scene evolved, so chefs who had been practicing their art abroad for many years also returned, and with them came an exciting range of new skills and ideas that helped to fuel the fire of creativity. Its not hard to see how returning chefs have been so inspired by Cork.
The lush grass nourishes all manner of flesh and fowl, seafood is richly abundant and fresh vegetables and fruit are readily available straight from the fertile land.
Deliciously fresh ingredients picked, prepared and on the plate within hours tastes fabulous, but with the ideas and the sheer skill and vision of the chefs, it becomes less a meal and more a mini revolution!

One thing is for sure, Irish dining may be changing, but the Irish love for food remains unchanged.

So all the following restaurants offer a winning combination of delicious tastes, generous portions and great value for money. Bon appetit. Read the rest of this entry »

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Photo competition; August winners !

September 3, 2008

Sorry for the slight delay but here they are… the August winners of our blog photo competition!
Unfortunately we received fewer entries this month. Keep them coming for September !!
The quality was very high again and our jury had a tough time selecting the winners.

The jury responsible for selecting the winners:

  • Andrew Hill: Manager Online Services
  • Nigel Flory: Holiday Cottages Group Image Management
  • Wayne Dentith: Professional Photographer

The jury scored all entries on “Holiday Feel”, “Composition”, “Subject”, “Impact” and “Originality” with “Holiday Feel” and “Originality” being the main criteria.

So, here they are; the winners of the cottages4you iPod and the pictures that have a chance to win the grand prize (GBP 300 discount voucher) in December:

Nature: Yorkshire Fog by ‘Flossypops’

Andrew: A great ‘layered’ effect moving from the logs in the foreground to the tree line and eventually the sun. Superb composition and a great photo.

Wayne: Yorkshire Fog….. Absolutely agree that you can enjoy your holiday whatever the weather. I love the shapes,this photograph creates a mystical atmosphere.

Nigel:The Morning mist has yet to disappear as the sun is just about making an appearance here, the cut logs reach up and the faint trees complete this composition.
Great Image.

Action: Norm reaches the top; just… by Cecilia Bones

Andrew: This photo sums up a great holiday of fun and exploration. The sun’s out, the weather’s good – time to get out and explore on the bike. This snapshot captures the ‘rosy-glow’ and happiness that a day’s biking can give.

Wayne: A good action shot, I like the shadow of the bike and Norm’s beaming smile at the top of the hill.

Nigel: Outdoor pursuits like mountain biking bring lasting memories to holiday experiences, especially when you are the first to the top. Congrats.

Cottage Life: Room with a view by ‘FAL2008′

Andrew: A great photo – made even more impactful through the use of black and white and the framing effect of the window. Your eye cannot help but peer into the distance and wonder what else lies outside. And who could a resist waking up to a beautiful landscape everyday…

Wayne: Excellent composition with great depth,especially like the tonal range and textures in the “frame”

Nigel: Classic glorious wilderness shot framed by the derelict window. A photographers favourite trick but always effective. Well Done.

Congratulations you all ! We’ll get in touch with you today.

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