November 30, 2009
It’s that time of year again, when everyone starts to get excited and begins to look forward to the biggest event in December. No, not the X-Factor final, we’re talking about Christmas! And we’re writing our own list of fantastic activities to get you in the mood. We may also throw in a few non-festive activities for those who fancy taking a bit of time off before the festive onslaught begins!
As always, if you fancy checking availability on some of our fantastic holiday cottages, you can do so by clicking this link.
Cheshire’s Tatton Park makes for a fantastic day out any time of year but they really know how to get into the Christmas spirit. From Wednesday the 2nd, you’ll be able to visit the park’s 18th century mansion, which not only has been decorated with garlands and decorations from inside the park, but also has the staterooms illuminated by candlelight and filled with live music from choirs and musicians. And if that doesn’t get you into the festive spirit, entry to the mansion also give you access to the fantastic Christmas gift fair in the Tenant’s Hall. Visitors at the weekend will also get the chance to meet Santa, who is in residence at the park’s Christmas Farm.
For more info and to book tickets visit Tatton Park’s website.
If you fancy something a little sporty then the European Curling Championships start on the 4th at the Linx Arena in Aberdeen (we did say ‘a little sporty’). If you’re a curling fan then you’ll be aware that it’s the last major international event before the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. However, if you just fancy investigating the winter sport that seems to be getting more and more popular, then it runs until the 12th, with day tickets are available. For what it’s worth, we’re backing local lad David Murdoch’s Scottish Team to hold onto the title. Why not go and lend your support? Alternatively, the arena is also set beside Aberdeen’s beach if you fancy a bracing walk and a beautiful view.
For tickets and tournament info please visit the event’s website.
Visit Hampton Palace in Richmond upon Thames and you’ll get the opportunity to take to the ice yourself. The annual Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is now open and offers visitors the fantastic opportunity to skate under the spectacular backdrop of the palace’s majestic western front. There are also a series of events and exhibitions running within the palace so if it gets too cold (or your bumps get too sore!) you could always explore Henry VIII’s favourite lodgings!
For info and tickets please visit the Ice at the Palace website.
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Posted by cottages4you
November 30, 2009
The Eden Project has been recognised for its role in attracting tourists to the south-west of England.
It was given the Winner of Winners Award at this year”s South West Tourism Excellence Awards 2009-2010, which took place earlier in the week.
The attraction, which is likely to be popular with those staying in Cornwall holiday cottages, was praised for being an inspiration to others and creating a "superlative visitor experience".
In addition, a total of 15 Gold Awards were handed out and these firms will go on to represent the south-west at the forthcoming National Enjoy England Awards for Excellence in 2010.
"Many congratulations to all of this year”s winners, who have exceeded our expectations once again," stated chairman of South West Tourism Alistair Handyside.
He added that the businesses involved "continually strive for excellence" in their field.
Ice skating is currently on offer at the Eden Project during the winter months, with the rink staying open until February 21st.
Posted by Ben Webster
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Posted by cottages4you
November 30, 2009
Keswick”s Theatre by the Lake is to announce its plans for the summer of 2010 at a special event early next month.
The theatre, which is currently running a production of Grimm Tales for the Christmas season, will reveal its progamme for next year on December 7th in the Main House of the building.
It is free to attend and those staying in Lake District holiday cottages at the time may wish to go along and see what is lined up, as they could find themselves booking another break next year to see one of their favourite plays.
Artistic director Ian Forrest said that the summer season seems to "build from strength to strength" each year.
"We were particularly delighted by the enthusiastic response to A Midsummer Night’s Dream this summer," he said, adding that those involved with the theatre will be again looking to provide "something for everyone" in 2010.
Stones in his Pockets has already been announced as one production that will be held in Keswick next year, with the play set to run at the theatre between March and April.
Posted by Ben Webster
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Posted by cottages4you
November 26, 2009
Welsh producers of local foods have been recognised at the Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards 2009-10.
Held by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG), the aim of the accolades is to praise the country”s food and drink industry, which is seeing consumer demand for locally-sourced products increase.
Around 860 entries were submitted for this year”s event and a number of companies ended up securing more than one title, including Penrhiw Farm Organic Meat, Hafod Welsh Organic Cheddar and South Caernarfon Creameries, all of which produce food that those staying in Wales holiday cottages may wish to try during their time in the country.
Elin Jones, rural affairs minister, said that the accolades "are a tremendous showcase for the Welsh food and drink industry".
He added that the WAG also has a Food Tourism Action Plan in place, which aims to improve the experience of those visiting Wales through the quality of food they eat.
Welsh produce is being exhibited at the BBC Good Food Show in Birmingham, which began yesterday (November 25th) and runs until the 29th.
Posted by David Sollberger
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November 26, 2009
The fact that many people are opting to stay in the UK for their holidays made 2009 a "great year" for tourism in Norfolk.
This is according to editor of the EDP Peter Waters, who was speaking at the newspaper”s Tourism in Norfolk Awards.
He noted that the area is home to a "fantastic array of visitor attractions", as well as "beautiful countryside" and a coastline, all of which may tempt people to book Norfolk holiday cottages.
Chair of Norfolk Tourism Michael Timewell also praised the firms that operate in the area, stating that the county has a "diverse range" of high-quality tourism businesses.
Accolades were given out for 15 categories, which included Best Visitor Information Centre and an award honouring sustainable tourism.
Earlier this month, Norfolk Tourism team manager Lydia Smith told the Norwich Eastern Daily Press that the 2012 Olympic Games will help bring more tourists to the county.
Posted by Matt Smith
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Posted by cottages4you
November 26, 2009
A tin of chocolate taken from a German aircraft when it was shot down during the Second World War is to go on display at a museum in Dorset.
The Priest”s House Museum in Wimborne will be exhibiting the item when it reopens after Christmas, the Daily Echo reports.
Those wanting to see the wartime relic while staying in Dorset holiday cottages may be pleased to hear that admission to the museum will be free for the two weeks that the item is being shown off.
It was retrieved when the plane was shot down in Sturminster Marshall on August 12th 1940 and came to light when historian Bill Coomer put out an appeal for items from the war when writing a book about the village in the 1990s.
"We have had it all those years," his wife Rita told the news source, adding offers to buy it have been refused as Mr Coomer "wanted it go somewhere anyone could see it".
House Museum is located inside an historic townhouse and also includes a working Victorian kitchen, as well as a Georgian parlour and 17th century hall.
Posted by David Sollberger
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Posted by cottages4you
November 25, 2009
The Lake District has been chosen as one of three locations that will take part in a new visitor scheme launched by the Forestry Commission.
Whinlatter and Grizedale woods are one of a trio of areas that are included in the new Discovery Pass, which may be of interest to those planning to book Lake District holiday cottages who will want to go and explore the natural beauty of the area.
It costs £38 per year and gives free parking and other incentives – such as cycle hire discounts – to holders.
The initiative was launched at Hamsterley Forest in County Durham by Botanist David Bellamy, who stated: "Anything that makes it easier for people to discover the forest and learn more about Mother Nature has to be a good thing."
Earlier this month, the Lake District National Park Authority was awarded an environmental award by the Energy Saving Trust for its efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of the area.
Posted by Matt Smith
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Posted by cottages4you
November 25, 2009
Those planning a stay in in Dorset holiday cottages over the coming months may wish to keep their eyes peeled after a number of endangered butterflies were spotted by a farmer in the area.
According to agriculture portal Stackyard, dairy farmer Richard Foot identified five different species living on his land during the summer months while taking part in a scheme run by Waitrose.
He is one of a number of suppliers of dairy products to the supermarket chain and participates in the Waitrose WildCare wildlife habitat scheme, which urges farmers to help promote the development of wildlife on their farms.
Mr Foot saw 40 per cent of the country”s 67 butterfly species – making him the most successful participant – and said that the competition gave him an incentive to look at his land more closely.
"I suspect these butterflies may have been here for a while," the news source quoted him as saying.
According to UK Butterflies, the heath fritillary and marsh fritillary are two of the rarest species in the country, while the nationwide population of the silver-spotted skipper is on the increase.
Posted by Andrew Hill 
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Posted by cottages4you
November 24, 2009
UK residents do not necessarily have to go abroad to experience a holiday with a variety of attractions.
This is according to director at the British Resorts & Destinations Association Peter Hampson, who was commenting after figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that in the year to September, the number of people from the UK travelling overseas for a holiday fell by 14 per cent.
Noting that the finding "reinforces" an opinion held by the tourism industry that fewer Britons are wanting to go overseas, Mr Hampson stated that one of the advantages of the UK is that it is "infinitely variable".
"Most people live within a couple of hours of a number of very different [places]," he remarked, something people can explore by booking holidays in Cornwall, Dorset or elsewhere.
Mr Hampson added that another benefit of the UK is its relatively small size, which means it is comparatively easy to travel to a domestic holiday location.
Posted by Toby Lawrence
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Posted by cottages4you
November 24, 2009
Cornwall has been selected by one actress and television presenter as her favourite place to go on holiday in the UK.
In an interview with the Independent, Angela Griffin described the time she took her children on a trip to the county as "just ace".
Ms Griffin, who has starred in Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Waterloo Road, said that she booked to go again as soon as they returned from the break, noting that being able to go on holiday without having to get on a plane was a definite attraction.
"It was the first time we had been to Cornwall and it was one of the most beautiful places I”ve seen in Britain," she told the news source, a comment that may persuade more people to go ahead and book Cornwall holiday cottages.
Ms Griffin added that the beaches and countryside in the area were "absolutely stunning".
Earlier this month, visitor to Cornwall Judy Darley said in an article on Essential Writers that Cornwall is an ideal place for escaping city life.
Posted by David Sollberger
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