Holiday centre gets ”green” heating system

November 2, 2009

Work has begun on a new heating system that may be utilised by those staying in Lake District holiday cottages over the winter months.

The £100,000 scheme will see the Bassenfell Manor Christian Centre, which is often used as an outdoor holiday centre, heated by woodchips.

Partially funded by community landscape programme Bassenthwaite Reflections, the technology will help reduce the cost of heating the facility by over 40 per cent.

Project leader Amanda Hancock said that numerous people will benefit from the initiative, which also has environmental benefits.

The heat is generated using woodchips provided by a local sawmill and Ms Hancock noted that it is an example of the woodlands in the Lakes being "properly managed".

It is expected that the new heating system will be working early in the New Year.

Bassenthwaite Reflections also conducts a number of environmental initiatives in the Lake District and recently called for volunteers to help plant oak saplings at Masmill Forest in Whinlatter.

Posted by Ben WebsterADNFCR-2558-ID-19434215-ADNFCR

Leave a Comment » | News | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by cottages4you

Identity cards ”could make French trips cheaper”

November 2, 2009

The introduction of identity cards would make it easier for Britons to head abroad to enjoy breaks in accommodation France holiday cottages and, it has been argued.

According to Abta – The Travel Association, implementing the form of identification would reduce the cost of leaving the UK and heading to European destinations such as France.

Spokesman for the travel industry body Sean Tipton stated that while the cards are in use in some parts of the European Union (EU), they have not yet been "rolled out for everybody".

"It would be a cheap way to go abroad and avoid having a passport for travel in the EU," he remarked, adding that there is "a potential to save money in the future".

Mr Tipton was commenting after the Identity and Passport Service and Foreign and Commonwealth Office opted to introduce a £5.50 increase to the price of a ten-year adult passport, information that those considering booking holiday cottages in France may wish to bear in mind.

Posted by Daniel LerayADNFCR-2558-ID-19434234-ADNFCR

Leave a Comment » | News | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by cottages4you

Smallpox ”pioneer” recognised at Dorset museum

November 2, 2009

A portrait of a Dorset farmer who was a pioneer in developing the smallpox vaccination has gone on display in the county.

According to the Dorset Echo, the picture of Benjamin Jesty – who carried out the first vaccinations against the disease – is to be on show to visitors at the Dorset County Museum until February 2010.

This is the first time the painting has been made available to the public for over 200 years, meaning it could be a popular attraction for those that are touring the museum as part of their Dorset holidays.

It is being unveiled to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the World Health Organisation”s announcement that smallpox has been globally eradicated.

Curator of the museum John Murden said it was "extraordinary" to think that the fight against smallpox began in the county around 220 years ago.

Those wanting to pay a visit to the Dorset County Museum may be interested to note that the entrance fees are £6.50 for adults and £4.50 for concessions.

Posted by David SollbergerADNFCR-2558-ID-19436389-ADNFCR

Leave a Comment » | News | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by cottages4you

Norfolk attraction wins tourism award

November 2, 2009

Children”s adventure park Bewilderwood has been named as one of Norfolk”s best tourist attractions.

According to the Norwich Evening News, the site was among the winners at the 2009 Enjoy England for Excellence Awards.

The accolades were presented by Gavin Esler of the BBC”s Newsnight programme and Derek Langslow, chairman of East of England Tourism, stated that the event is held to "recognise the excellent standards being achieved within the tourism industry throughout the region".

Bewilderwood was selected as the Best Large Visitor Attraction, ahead of the Imperial War Museum in Duxford and Woburn Safari Park.

Mr Langlsow added that the accolades serve to "highlight the high quality and excellent customer service within the [tourism] industry".

Factors such as use of local produce, environmental impact and accessibility for disabled visitors are all taken into consideration, he remarked.

Those wanting to visit Bewilderwood during a stay in Norfolk holiday cottages will have to pay an entry fee of £10.00, while those under 1.05m in height can get in for £6.

Written by Toby LawrenceADNFCR-2558-ID-19436864-ADNFCR

Leave a Comment » | News | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by cottages4you

First band announced for Dorset festival

November 2, 2009

The first band has been confirmed for the 2010 Endorse It In Dorset festival, which is set to take place next August.

According to efestivals.co.uk The Damned will be playing at the weekend-long event, with many more acts set to be announced over the coming months.

These will range from local bands to international stars, so those who choose to go while staying in holiday cottages in Dorset will have a variety of music to take in.

Ticket prices for Endorse It In Dorset have also been lowered for 2010, with a weekend adult pass set to cost £70 and family tickets available for £210.

Features of the festival, which is to take place on a working farm close to the village of Sixpenny Handley, will include local beer and cider, side shows, entertainers and a ladies day.

Organised by the band Pronghorn, Endorse It In Dorset originated from a birthday party in a barn and used local businesses rather than corporate sponsorship in order to put money back into the community.

Posted by Matt SmithADNFCR-2558-ID-19436868-ADNFCR

Leave a Comment » | News | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by cottages4you

French love letter discovered on Cornwall beach

November 2, 2009

A French love letter has been discovered inside a bottle on a beach in Cornwall.

The item was discovered by coastguard Martin Leslie, who was clearing debris from the shore at Praa Sands.

It was written by an unidentified lady and touched on the subject of an affair she had with a man, who had left her to return to his wife.

Mr Leslie said that he was initially concerned it may have been a suicide note, but his worries were eased when it was translated by his counterparts in France.

"It was found to be a love letter. She [the writer] explained they had a good time together," the BBC quoted him as saying.

The missive, which was accompanied by a lock of hair, was unsigned and included no contact details.

Praa Sands, in Penzance, may be one area that those staying in Cornwall holiday cottages will want to visit, as its beach is popular with both surfers and families.

Posted by Ben WebsterADNFCR-2558-ID-19436912-ADNFCR

Leave a Comment » | News | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by cottages4you

Carlisle Airport ”to begin accepting passenger services”

November 2, 2009

An increasing number of people could soon be enjoying Lake District holiday cottages after it was announced that Carlisle Airport is to be revamped.

The site is to be expanded as part of a £25 million project and passenger flights could begin as soon as next year.

Owner of the site Stobart Air has the backing of Carlisle City Council and director of the airport said he is optimistic operators will want to fly to the site.

"We hope passenger flights will begin in late 2010 or early 2011," Englandsnorthwest.com quoted him as saying.

He confirmed that talks will be ongoing with airlines while construction work is taking place, adding that the move "could potentially bring people to the Lake District from places like India and further afield".

Billed as the "gateway to the Lakes", the airport is currently only available for use to operators of light aircraft.

Posted by David SollbergerADNFCR-2558-ID-19436923-ADNFCR

Leave a Comment » | News | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by cottages4you

Cornwall ”great for escaping city life”

November 2, 2009

Cornwall is an ideal place to escape the "noise and excitement" of city life, one visitor has claimed.

In an article on Essential Writers, Judy Darley explained that she opted to visit the county with a friend this autumn in order to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and found the experience relaxing.

She recommended visiting the Blue Tomato cafe in Rock, which she described as being "the ultimate in seaside chic", serving a full cocktail menu, breakfasts and buttered teacakes.

Another attraction Ms Darley was keen to highlight to those considering holidays in Cornwall was Padstow, which is accessible by ferry and is a popular spot with painters, surfers and those just wanting to sit on the beach.

Cornwall is also one of the best locations for those wanting to enjoy so-called ”tree tourism”, with the Daily Telegraph recently noting that a growing number of people are heading to the county to visit woodland and enjoy high-adrenaline offerings.

Posted by Andrew HillADNFCR-2558-ID-19436950-ADNFCR

Leave a Comment » | News | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by cottages4you

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.