Cornwall home to “unforgettable” food

September 29, 2009

The range of food available in Cornwall has been described as "unforgettable" by one visitor.

Speaking to Emirates Business 24/7, Alice Haine said that the restaurants located in the county produce "wonderful flavours".

"It’’s as if they”ve clubbed together to use and promote locally sourced produce," she remarked, adding: "You can pretty much guarantee that what you are eating comes from down the road."

Such comments may be welcomed by those that are planning a stay in Cornwall holiday cottages and are intending to sample the range of local foods available during their stay.

Ms Haine spoke favourably of the jams, chutney’’s, ice creams, biscuits and beverages available in the stores in the area and described the traditional Cornish fudge as being "melt-in-the-mouth".

Cornwall is also home to one of the country’’s healthiest apples, with the Daily Telegraph reporting earlier this month that researchers at Eden Healthcare Technologies found the Pendragon variety to contain high levels of beneficial plant chemicals.

Written by Ben WebsterADNFCR-2558-ID-19382280-ADNFCR


Campaign launched to promote Northumberland tourism

September 29, 2009

A new campaign has been launched in order to encourage people to take holidays in Northumberland over the coming months.

Titled Autumn Warmth, the initiative focuses on promoting the area’’s landscape, arts and walks, the Journal reports.

A number of outdoor events are due to take place in Northumberland in the near future, including the Haltwhistle Walking Festival on October 10th and Wooler Walk Weekend, which is to be held in November.

And Jude Leitch, marketing manager for Northumberland Tourism, explained that the aim is to show what the area has to offer for those planning a visit during the autumn months, stating: "Autumn in Northumberland is well-known for its brilliant colours and rich wildlife, but there is so much more on offer for people planning a break or a day out."

One area holidaymakers may wish to visit is Blyth, which was recently described as having "a lot going on" by one estate agent.

Written by Toby LawrenceADNFCR-2558-ID-19382429-ADNFCR


Dorset has “great seafood”

September 29, 2009

A chef has spoken fondly of the family holidays he spent in areas of Dorset while he was younger.

In an interview with the Times, Paul Merrett said that the time he spent in the area as a child has helped to influence the food he creates.

He told the news source that he would fish in rock pools and explore the area for field mushrooms, wild nettles or blackberries while in the county.

Mr Merrett said he still holidays in the area with his own children and likes to cook with local produce during his stay, an example that those planning on staying in holiday cottages in Dorset may wish to follow.

"I”ll always go to a local market and pick up a couple of crabs or a kilo or two of mussels," he stated, adding that Dorset is home to some "great seafood".

Mr Merrett currently runs The Victoria in London and recently appeared on the BBC2 series Economy Gastronomy.

Written by David SollbergerADNFCR-2558-ID-19382262-ADNFCR


Quality of Welsh rivers improving, says Environment Agency

September 29, 2009

New figures from the Environment Agency have revealed the water quality in Welsh rivers has improved for the 19th consecutive year.

According to the annual General Quality Assessment, nine out of ten achieved a ”good” or ”very good” status in 2008.

The agency also announced it is working on improving the quality of around 4,500 miles of rivers in the country by 2015 in order to meet new European standards.

Director at the Environment Agency Wales Chris Mills noted that rivers in the country "are at their healthiest for over a century", resulting in an increase in the populations of "prized" fish such as salmon and sea trout.

He said that the body’’s strategy to further improve standards will help encourage wildlife to return to areas where development has previously been limited.

The performance is better than that of English rivers, seven out of ten of which were rated as being ”good” or ”very good” in 2008.

Written by David SollbergerADNFCR-2558-ID-19382435-ADNFCR


Wiveton described as Norfolk’’s “secret pearl”

September 29, 2009

The port of Wiveton is one of the best-kept secrets of the north Norfolk coast, it has been suggested.

Speaking to the Times, the Rev Neil Batcock, rector of Blakeney, described the location as being the area’’s "secret pearl".

The newspaper advised those staying in Norfolk holiday cottages to visit the 15th-century church that can be found there, as well as the Shell Museum located in Glandford.

This is open until the end of October but closes on Sundays and Mondays.

Entrance to the museum is £2 for adults, £1.50 for senior citizens and 50p for children.

Those visiting in November of December may wish to consider spending some time at Blakeney Point, which is said to be a "popular loafing and breeding spot" for both grey and common seals.

Nature-lovers wanting to see the animals up close may wish to take advantage of the boat trips that operate from the area.

Written by Andrew HillADNFCR-2558-ID-19382322-ADNFCR


Cornwall Food and Drink Festival ”a great success”

September 29, 2009

Participants at the Cornwall Food and Drink Festival have praised the event for showcasing the local produce that is available in the county.

Speaking to This is Cornwall, visitor Rachel Edwards said a wide range of products are available from companies based in the area.

"There’’s something for everyone," she told the news source, adding: "It’’s been really nice talking to all these producers who really know their stuff and seem so enthusiastic."

Those planning on visiting holiday cottages in Cornwall over the coming weeks may wish spend some of their time in the county visiting independent stores to try the products – such as apple juice and fudge – that are on offer.

Amanda Lashbrook of the Kenewek Herb Kitchen at Goonwallow added that the recession means people are opting to eat at home much more frequently.

"I think they appreciate traditionally made products," she was quoted as saying.

Last month, Michelin-starred chef Nathan Outlaw recommended the local produce available in Cornwall, telling Caterersearch that meat reared in the county has a "great taste".

Written by Matt SmithADNFCR-2558-ID-19382271-ADNFCR


Cornwall offers a “slice of English paradise”

September 28, 2009

A British nirvana awaits those heading off for holidays in Cornwall over the coming years, according to one publication.

Emirates Business 24/7 called the county "a little slice of English paradise" and claimed it offers a wide variety of things to do for families, with the Eden Project among the top attractions.

The popular site, which consists of Mediterranean and tropical biodomes, large-scale gardens and an education centre known as The Core, was dubbed a "must-see" by the news provider, which suggested it is successful in its aims.

It stated: "The project’’s bid to make all things green a little sexier works and you leave thinking a little more about the natural world around you and your impact on it."

Earlier this week, Kirsty Allsopp of Location, Location, Location revealed that she enjoyed visiting Cornwall with her family over the summer and indicated that it went over particularly well with her kids.

Written by Ben WebsterADNFCR-2558-ID-19380146-ADNFCR


Lake District theatre to host archaeology conference

September 28, 2009

History lovers staying in Lake District holiday cottages this autumn will need to book soon if they wish to attend the upcoming archaeology conference at the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick.

According to Eleanor Kingston, archaeology and heritage adviser at Lake District National Park, these events are traditional favourites and the next installment on November 14th will likely be no different.

"Our past conferences have been very popular and we are expecting a capacity audience this year," she remarked. "I would advise anyone interested to book early."

A variety of presentations from experts will cover topics such as axe working, minerals, metals and how the Romans who were garrisoned in the area supplied themselves with food, while visitors can also get to know the theatre that is proving a big attraction in the region.

Earlier this month, the Guardian revealed that 135,000 people have witness performances at the venue so far in 2009.

Written by Matt SmithADNFCR-2558-ID-19380036-ADNFCR


Lake District National Park issues volunteer call

September 24, 2009

Those who have booked holidays in the Lake District that want to get their hands dirty during their time in the area may wish to consider helping rid parts of the national park of harmful rhododendrons.

Volunteers are being encouraged to pitch in on October 10th, when teams will be helping to remove the trees and shrubs from Lowther Forestry land around Askham Bridge, close to Penrith.

Tim Duckmanton, volunteer coordinator for the national park, said that all help is welcome to limit the spread of the "invasive species".

"We like to give people the opportunity to look after this special place, find out about volunteering with us, have fun and do a great job," he stated.

Those wishing to attend have been advised to wear old clothes and bring a packed lunch and Mr Duckmanton noted that not experience is needed in order to help out.

The area near Penrith includes several family attractions for tourists, such as Lowther Park and Rheged.

Written by Matt SmithADNFCR-2558-ID-19377833-ADNFCR


Economic climate ”increasing popularity of UK holidays”

September 24, 2009

People are opting to stay in the UK for their holidays due to the difficult economic climate, it has been suggested.

According to editor of thetravelmagazine.net Sharron Livingston, a growing number of holidaymakers have "taken a closer look at the many opportunities that Britain offers for short breaks" during 2009.

As a result, there may have been an increase in demand for holiday cottages in Cornwall.

Ms Livingston said that many people are deciding to "take shorter breaks" and search for bargains in order to save money.

This trend "highlights the change in traveller behaviour attributed to the credit crunch", she concluded.

Recent research from management consultancy Accenture revealed that just over half (55 per cent) of Britons are intending to take a holiday over the coming year.

Of these, 21 per cent are intending to remain closer to home when going on a break, with 26 per cent citing value for money as being the most important factor when choosing a holiday.

Written by David SollbergerADNFCR-2558-ID-19377787-ADNFCR