Cotswolds walk features “the most beautiful village in England”

January 20, 2010

A six-mile route in the Cotswolds has been identified by one person as his favourite walk in the UK.

Writing for the Financial Times, Alex Wade said that the trip, which begins and ends in Coln St Aldwyns, gives people the chance to enjoy the "chocolate-box villages and exquisite vistas" that can be seen in this area of the country.

He explained that the walk takes those willing to try it out through Bibury – which was once described by William Morris as "the most beautiful village in England" – and also gives them the opportunity to see "splendid views of meadows and woodland" while following a path that runs alongside the River Coln.

In addition, walkers can also sample some local food and drink before heading back to their Cotswolds holiday cottage by stopping off at the New Inn in Coln St Aldwyns after finishing their journey.

Visitors heading to the area may want to consider picking up the 2010 Visit Cotswolds Visitor Guide, which was published earlier this month.

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New arrivals bound for Weymouth Sea Life park

January 20, 2010

Dorset holiday cottages could be the perfect choice for those thinking of visiting the county this year, as Weymouth Sea Life park has adopted five new turtles.

Situated in the south of Dorset, the popular nature and conservation sanctuary received the aquatic animals from the Turtle Hospital in Florida after sustaining injuries in bad weather, which has left them disabled.

Fiona Smith, display supervisor at the park, told the Dorset Echo: "These turtles needed a new home to free up space for new casualties at the Florida facility and our turtle sanctuary makes for a perfect retirement home."

According to the newspaper, the turtles will not be able to return to the wild because of their injuries and will remain at the centre.

Weymouth Sea Life park has already housed and released two other turtles in the last few years, but now Dorset visitors will be able to see the creatures for the first time.

The Adventure Park & Marine Sanctuary at the attraction also houses seals and Humboldt penguins, as well as containing four children”s rides.

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Lake District community projects set to continue

January 19, 2010

Visitors to the Lake District will see community projects in the area continue for the next 12 months after it was announced that the Bassenthwaite Reflections initiative has been extended.

The programme, which is backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, has already completed a number of programmes that have helped to improve the Lakes.

These include the creation of a new wetlands nature reserve at Dubwath Silver Meadows and the launch of new routes on Latrigg and Lingholme – a move that may have been especially well-received by those who like to go on hikes and walks while staying in Lake District holiday cottages.

Head of Bassenthwaite Reflections Martin Varley said that the project has also overseen "dozens of events" educating people about the "culture and heritage of the area".

"We”ve far exceeded what we originally set out to do," he added.

Last month, Bassenthwaite Reflections organised an event in the Lake District that was part of an attempt to break the record for the number of new trees planted in an hour.

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Funding to help protect Northumberland red squirrels

January 15, 2010

Visitors heading out for a walk in the country during their stay in a Northumberland holiday cottage may soon see more native red squirrels in their natural habitat.

According to the Journal, over £24,000 in funding has been given to environmental groups in order to support seven grey squirrel culling projects that are taking place in the area.

The move will help to protect the red squirrels in the area and encourage their numbers to grow, as there will be less competition with their grey counterparts.

Regional coordinator for Northern Red Squirrels Sally Hardy said that the cash boost is "great news".

Project manager of Save our Squirrels Carri Nicholson added that she is "delighted", with the news source quoting her as saying: "This funding is very much a first step towards making these parts of the county grey squirrel-free."

The red squirrel is the only one of the two that is native to the UK, but efforts to save it have been stepped up as it is vastly outnumbered by its grey counterpart.

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Warning issued to Wales walkers

January 15, 2010

If you”re currently staying in a Wales holiday cottage, chances are you”ll be taking in some spectacular scenery created by the heavy snowfall seen across much of the UK over the past few days.

However, those who are planning on heading out for a hike or climb in the snow need to take care.

According to Grough.co.uk, ice climbs that were previously passable on the Nant Peris side of Y Garn are now becoming unusable as the temperature rises, making the ice unstable.

Chris Lloyd of the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation urged caution, stating that Aber Falls – an area that is popular with walkers – recently saw an avalanche.

Around 500 tonnes of ice are estimated to have slid down the hill, as the thaw made the snowfall of the last week unstable.

The good news is there”s no shortage of things to do if it is too risky to climb the peaks of Snowdonia, as Wales offers a range of windsurfing, mountain biking, horse riding and diving activities.

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”Good time” to visit Derwent Water in Lake District

January 14, 2010

People staying in Lake District holiday cottages may be among those visiting Derwent Water in Keswick.

According to Ordnance Survey, now is a good time to see the tourist attraction because of the icy conditions affecting the UK.

It pointed out that the lake is currently frozen over as a result of the sub-zero temperatures affecting the area.

The news source said the conditions are giving those walking or on holiday nearby the chance to "capture a snap of a rare sight".

Meanwhile, Paul Delaney, a footpaths supervisor for the National Trust, added: "To be honest, it”s a pretty spectacular view from there anyway, but with the amount of ice on the lake and snow on the mountains, even more so."

Recently, John Atkinson, project manager for Fix the Fells, revealed that the majority of upland footpaths in the Lake District are still usable in spite of the floods that hit the area in November.

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Cotswolds guide offers tips to visitors

January 14, 2010

Those looking to stay in Cotswolds holiday cottages this year could pick up a handy new guide which explains some of the history behind the scenic region.

The 2010 Visit Cotswolds Visitor Guide is a 72-page glossy publication that offers info on all of the towns and villages to see, cultural attractions to call at and restaurants to finish the day with an evening meal.

It also explains the meaning behind the name of Chipping, where Henry II”s mistress was born and lived and which Cotswolds town is home to the longest village green in England.

For ease, the helpful guide is available on the Cotswold, Stroud and Tewkesbury council websites.

Sally Graff, spokesperson for the Cotswold District Council, said: "I am really thrilled with this great new brochure. It”s full of very interesting snippets about the Cotswold area and contains essential information about the wonderful range of events, activities, accommodation and fine food that we have to offer."

It was recently announced that rock legends Status Quo are to play a gig on one of the Cotswolds” best-known attractions, Westonbirt Arboretum, on July 17th as part of the Forestry Commission”s Live Music programme.ADNFCR-2558-ID-19555443-ADNFCR

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Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall to make Royal Cornwall Show appearance?

January 13, 2010

This year”s Royal Cornwall Show may be an ideal place for those staying in Cornwall Holiday Cottages to catch a glimpse of Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

According to thisisthewestcountry.co.uk, the 2009 event is to be the first in its history where presidency is a joint responsibility.

It is expected that a meeting of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association in March will see the duchess appointed alongside the Prince of Wales as president of the show.

Jonathan Coode, chairman of the association, said that he is "delighted" that she has agreed to the move.

And he noted that Prince Charles sees the show as an opportunity to highlight the local produce that is made by farms in the county.

"He has been an enormous encourager of adding value to farm products and has been a prime mover in that direction," Mr Coode remarked.

Over 125,000 people attended last year”s show and the 2010 event is set to take place on June 10th – 12th.

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“Resurgence” seen in France holiday popularity

January 12, 2010

A "resurgence" in the trend for families to take holidays in France is underway, it has been suggested.

Editor of France magazine Carolyn Boyd said that, judging from feedback from tour operators, the number of people wanting to stay in France holiday cottages is on the increase.

She noted that may families "did not want to risk the poor weather" in the UK last summer and so instead opted to take a break across the Channel.

And a similar trend is likely to occur this year providing the exchange rate does not change, Ms Boyd observed.

Visitors will "eat better for the same price" that they would pay in the UK, she commented, adding that some firms supplying France gites offer "great deals".

Last week, a poll conducted by Simonseeks.com showed that more than half of the people who opted for a staycation last year intend to travel further afield in 2010.

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Something a little different

January 12, 2010

Sunday Times readers may have seen a fantastic cottages4you listed property in one of their travel features this weekend. For those that didn’t the article: ‘The 100 best summer holidays for 2010’ by Stephen Bleach promoted summer holidays that were a little different. The property in featured in the article is a former shepherd’s cottage and includes a beautiful array of features – including a flat screen TV that offers a live feed of the surrounding wildlife outside.

We’ve already had a lot of interest in the property, so if you want to book you’ll have to get in quick. You can find details and the property reference by clicking here. You can also find inspiration for other summer breaks by reading the article here.

Our late availability section has also drawn attention to this fantastic property in the Peak District. Lea Hall in Matlock, Derbyshire is a Grade II listed manor house that sleeps 20 guests. The property was also the rumoured home of Florence Nightingale – though we’re fairly convinced the 12 LCD TVs and 10 iPod docks were added more recently. If you’d like a look at this stunning property you can find the details by clicking here.

We love offering our customers something a little bit different and with the weather we’ve been having of late, there seems no better time to start thinking about your holidays!

If you’ve stayed somewhere a bit different on a holiday then why not leave a comment below and share it with our readers?

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