cottages4you blog: inspiration for your cottage or villa holiday in UK, Ireland and Europe

Holidaymakers will travel from across the country to visit the UK’s coastal areas, one expert has observed.

The coastline is an important and “pleasurable” thing for many Britons, campaigns officer at the Ramblers” Association Richard Granville said.

He called for steps to be taken to improve paths and increase access, something that could benefit families visiting holiday cottages in Cornwall.

“People all over the country have a real affinity with the coast and want to be there, enjoy walking along the coast and enjoy spending time there,” Mr Granville remarked.

The expert added that an increase in visitors will boost rural businesses as well as the people living in coastal areas.

He was commenting after Natural England found that 34 per cent of the English coast does not have legally secure or satisfactory access.

The organisation suggested that the marine and coastal access bill could help to improve the situation by ensuring footpath networks are adapted to offset the effects of erosion.

Those planning visits to holiday cottages in Cornwall could find that they are encouraged to take up surfing.

According to the National Trust, five of the UK”s top professionals in the sport are promoting conservation work being carried out in the area.

They are aiming to raise awareness of the charity”s efforts and will be holding surf sessions to persuade people of all ages to enter the water.

Known as ”surf ambassadors”, the professionals include British number one Alan Stokes and will be sporting the National Trust”s oak leaf symbol on their boards.

Surf project coordinator at the organisation Robyn Davies remarked: "Protecting the environment is important to most surfers and these guys jumped at the chance to say it more publicly."

The National Trust manages 370 miles of coastline in Devon and Cornwall, but families heading for holidays in the region may find that more areas are made accessible if the marine and coastal access bill is passed.

Britons intending to go on holidays to the Dordogne have been advised to prepare for all possibilities.

Saga Travel Insurance warned that appropriate levels of cover need to be taken out in order to allow for problems such as lost luggage.

Research by the firm indicated that nearly one in ten Brits travelling overseas will not take out travel insurance.

Of these, the majority mistakenly believe that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will cover all their needs.

However, those taking trips to holiday cottages in the Dordogne will find that although it allows for medical treatment, lost luggage and cancellations are not included.

Earlier this week, head of Post Office Travel Insurance Rachel Croft warned that belongings need to be protected, as the typical holidaymakers” suitcase is worth over £1,100.

Recent European Commission findings indicated that one piece of luggage went missing per 64 airline passengers last year.

Local food is one of the main reasons for people to consider holidaying in England this year, it has been suggested.

Figures from the United Kingdom Tourism Survey, released by VisitEngland, indicated that the first four months of 2009 saw holidays taken by Britons in England increase by 13 per cent.

Chief executive of VisitEngland James Berresford explained that local produce and the "beauty and uniqueness" of the English countryside and coastal areas are some of the main factors.

Holiday cottages in the Lake District could prove to be particularly popular, as the organisation observed a trend of consumers looking for breaks closer to home.

"These early indications that people are rediscovering holidays in England is welcome news," said Mr Berresford.

Earlier this week, Richard Granville of the Ramblers” Association noted that people all over the UK enjoy travelling to the coast, as they have a "real affinity" with such areas.

Britons planning visits to holiday cottages in Dorset and elsewhere in the UK have been advised to consider hiring a car to get there.

Europcar highlighted the option as an ideal alternative to rail, as getting children and suitcases to and from stations can prove to be difficult.

Noting that some rail fares are going up by six per cent this year, the firm also suggested that car rental can be a good way to save money.

"Hiring a vehicle for some journeys not only offers substantial savings but the comfort, convenience and flexibility that rail travel struggles to offer," said marketing director Catriona Lougher, adding that the solution can help holidaymakers "avoid the stress".

Earlier this week, VisitEngland suggested that local foods and the "beauty and uniqueness" of the countryside are among the reasons for many people to be considering a holiday in England this year, rather than heading abroad.

Families with an interest in Beatrix Potter may wish to take holidays in the Lake District, as a number of attractions are devoted to her.

The Guardian highlighted the author”s love of the area, which she protected from development by buying up large amounts of land and leaving it to the National Trust.

Visitors to the area can head to Hill Top – the 17th century farmhouse Potter bought in the village of Sawrey.

It is now owned by the National Trust and has been well preserved since her death in 1943, offering those staying in holiday cottages in the Lake District an opportunity to see how the rooms and furnishings were when she was there.

The publication also highlighted the former offices of the author”s husband, William Heelis, which have been turned into a gallery of her original drawings.

A spokesperson for VisitBritain recently suggested that the literary connection to Potter is one of the key reasons many people enjoy holidays in the Lake District.