Northumberland holidays to explore the great outdoors?

August 23, 2010

A holiday cottage in Northumberland could make the perfect break for activity lovers this autumn.

The first Outdoors Northumberland Festival will be hitting the county from September 25th to October 17th, bringing with it a range of outdoor events, according to Visit Northumberland's blog.

A mass-participation cycle challenge named the H100 will kick off the festival fun, taking riders over 100 hills around Haltwhistle.

And for those of you who are a bit out of practice or with young children, there will be a less demanding cycle ride taking place at the same time.

Other activities on offer include walking, horse riding, water sports and wildlife watching, so there should be something to please everyone!

It was recently suggested by the Guardian a holiday in Northumberland is ideal for families, with plenty of options for great days out.

For instance, you could visit Alnwick Castle, which is best-known as the setting for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, or take a boat trip to the Farne islands.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you
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Discover moorland on a Yorkshire holiday

August 23, 2010

Those staying in a Yorkshire cottage this weekend can find out all about the heather moorland of the North York Moors.

Visitors are invited to join the National Park Authority for talks, displays and walking events to celebrate the rare habitat.

On August 20th, nature lovers can see birds of prey and learn about bee keeping, mountain rescue and some of the rare species that live on the moors.

There will also be plenty of events to keep the children entertained, such as a birds of prey trail and a craft session, while guided walks will be held over the weekend.

Sally Ann Smith, events and exhibitions coordinator at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: "At this time of year, the moorland in the North York Moors can literally stop people in their tracks as they cast their eye over this seemingly never-ending sea of purple heather."

And those yet to book their holiday in Yorkshire might like to coincide their visit with the York Food and Drink Festival taking place on September 17th-26th.
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Peak District holidays to explore Bollington Tree Trail?

August 23, 2010

People taking a holiday in the Peak District might want to try out the region's latest family attraction – the Bollington Tree Trail.

This community project, financed by the Peak District's Sustainable Development Fund, is set to be launched on September 5th.

Ann Mayer, coordinator at the Bridgend Community Centre, which developed the project with the help of over 100 schoolchildren, said: "The tree trail will help us promote healthy exercise in the fresh air and get people enthused about the countryside."

Visitors can learn about woodlands, wildlife and climate change as they explore the track, which will cover 12 miles when the final section is opened in June 2011.

And those lucky enough to be visiting the region on September 5th can join in a guided walk along the trail, complete with a picnic and children's activities.

It was recently suggested by David James, chief executive of Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, that the region is ideal for those who wish to see the real England.

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Enjoy the Electric Picnic festival on an Ireland holiday

August 20, 2010

Those of you planning on taking a holiday in Ireland next month could be in for a treat – the Electric Picnic Music and Arts Festival is coming to Stradbally, Laois.

According to Tourism Ireland, the event re defined the idea of a music festival thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and emphasis on quality services.

The festival "attracts families with young children in their droves", said the website, which could have something to do with its hot showers and good food.

Tourism Ireland continues: "Electric Picnic prides itself on its eclectic range of bands playing – with mainstream international stars playing next to niche acts."

And this year's line-up includes Massive Attack, Leftfield, Roxy Music and The Frames.

Moreover, the events offers visitors additional entertainment such as Showeroake – where you can compete for the title of best shower singer – and Picnic Power, which will involve 30 cyclists powering an environmentally-friendly carousel.

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Experience Scottish culture at Braemer Gathering

August 20, 2010

For those looking to rent a cottage in Scotland next month, the Braemer Gathering could make the perfect day out.

According to Visit Scotland, this is one of the biggest and most famous Highland Games, a mixture of sporting, cultural and social events that take place across the country from spring to autumn.

"Staged against the backdrop of heather-clad hills around the Royal Deeside town of Braemar, every gathering is a memorable occasion and that of 2010 will be no exception," the website said.

You might even get the opportunity to mingle with royalty, as the Queen is patron of the Braemer games and a royal guest is always present.

Visitors can watch international athletes compete in track events, see a tug of war championship and admire piping and dance performances.

And holidaymakers staying near the Scottish capital can look forward to the Edinburgh International Festival, which is taking place until September 5th.

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5 strangest beach finds

August 19, 2010

As we’ve launched the new Beachcombing section on the cottages4you blog we thought we’d take a moment to look at some of the more unlikely items that have been discovered on beaches across the world in recent years.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever found on a beach? Why not post it in the comments section below. We’ll send a prize to anyone who can top any of the examples below. Happy hunting!

1. A LEGO man.

Finding an abandoned LEGO man on the beach might not be too out of the ordinary, but we’re talking about a 6ft tall LEGO man, believed to have floated from the Netherlands. The plastic man mysteriously washed up on Brighton beach and his origins remain a mystery to this very day. Perhaps he found out the hard way that LEGO boats don’t actually float?

2. Driftwood.

We’re sure that driftwood is found on beaches all the time, but not to the levels that one Sussex beach received in 2008. Due to a shipwreck, 2,000 tonnes of timber washed up along 10 miles of shoreline. And while that sounds like the perfect opportunity for the world’s biggest beach hut, the wood was ruined from its spell in the sea, much to the disappointment of eager beachcombers.

3. Motorbikes and face cream.

When the stricken MSC Napoli offloaded 40 containers off the coast of Devon in 2007, we’re sure many beachcombers couldn’t believe their luck. Instead of crabs or messages in bottles, opportunists made off with over 50 BMW motorbikes, along with steering wheels and beauty cream. The authorities managed to reclaim most of the stolen bounty, so we can’t confirm if Devon is still known for its youthful looking bikers.

4. Meteorites.

Not all strange things found on beaches come from the sea. Earlier this year a meteorite was alleged to have landed on a beach in Tel-Aviv. Video of the incident shows a smoking object lying in the sand. But what could it be, signs of life on other planets or perhaps a novel way of reserving sun-loungers? We’re stocking up on beach-towels just in case!

5. Mermaids.

Equally strange, in 2006 photos of an incredibly scary mermaid, reportedly washed up on a Malaysian beach, spread across the web like wildfire. Unfortunately (or fortunately!) it was soon revealed to be a hoax by its creator who apparently couldn’t sell terrifying models made of plastic and fish parts (?!) without creating an elaborate back-story. We’re sure most people could have told him that. But perhaps strangest of all, the artist claims people are now buying his pieces!

Posted by Ben Webster, cottages4you.

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Eat, drink and be merry on a Yorkshire holiday

August 18, 2010

Those staying in a holiday cottage in Yorkshire next month might have an extra reason to look forward to their break – the York Food and Drink Festival is being held on September 17th-26th.

Each year, Yorkshire food and drink are showcased in a programme of events across the city.

The theme for 2010 is Meet Yorkshire Food Heroes and organisers have added extra activities for the early evening, such as extended demonstrations and markets in Parliament Street that will kick off from 17:00 BST.

Wine enthusiasts might be especially keen to join in the festivities as there is a host of events for both beginners and experts.

The Festival Wine Fair will be held on September 25th, where visitors can taste over 80 different wines, while at the Introduction to Food and Wine Matching on the 18th, critic Charles Metcalfe will talk you through pairings of sherry and tapas.

Holidaymakers heading to Yorkshire may also be interested to know the Scarborough Jazz Festival is taking place on September 24th-26th.

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Discover local food on a Wales holiday

August 18, 2010

Those planning a holiday in Wales this September might like to head to Abergavenny, where they can sample the country's culinary delights at a food festival.

Learn how to hunt for wild food such as herbs and vegetables from professional food forager Yun Hider, who will be giving a talk on the subject, the Visit Wales blog reported.

Chefs Valentine Warner and Matt Tebbutt will also be on hand at the Abergavenny Food Festival to give visitors a masterclass on how to cook and eat wild food.

According to the blog, "Wales has some of the best game, sea and coarse fishing in the UK", so why not join the Abergavenny Game Fishing Association on a trip to source wild brown trout along the river Usk?

It was recently suggested by the Guardian a holiday in Wales could be perfect for families looking for a relaxing break, as Snowdonia is home to several low-key attractions.

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Cottage of the week – Doward Farm

August 18, 2010

When enjoying a break at a holiday cottage it’s important to find a balance between activities and relaxation. If you were to stay in substandard accommodation you’d probably choose to spend most of your time out and about exploring the local area. Likewise if you have great property in an uninspiring area, you’d probably spend most of your relaxing on the sofa.

Doward Farm in Whitchurch, our new cottage of the week, offers incredible accommodation (for up to 16 happy holidaymakers) in an equally stunning area in Herefordshire. And with so many options, the choice of how you enjoy your holiday cottage break is entirely yours to make.

If walking takes your fancy – and with such incredible views on offer we’re not sure whose fancy it wouldn’t take – you’ll find a stunning array of landscapes to explore. The Offa’s Dyke, Three Castles Walk and Wye Valley Walk are all located within 5 miles and offer beautiful historic trails. The Biblins Bridge is only a mile away and approximately 20 minutes of walking beyond that, you’ll find the wooded expanse of the Forest of Dean.

The popular village of Symonds Yat lies nearby and offers a selection of activities for the more intrepid holidaymaker. Take a boat out on the river for a truly relaxing exploration of the area. Alternatively you could try white water rafting if you fancy a little more excitement in your aquatic sightseeing. After that, why not try something more relaxing, like fishing, golf or a spot of bird-watching?

It’s only fitting that in a region steeped in history, Doward Farm should also offer stunning period attractions to its guests. Ever happy to oblige, the property is a large Georgian farmhouse, lovingly restored to offer complete comfort while still displaying the hallmarks of its past (think open fire and exposed beams throughout). But you’ll also find more modern attractions to ensure all your creature comforts are catered for. There’s a TV, CD player, microwave, gas range and various white goods to help you cook up a storm (and clean up afterwards!) Outside of the property you’ll find a good-sized garden with patio furniture and a BBQ.

There’s far more to discover about Doward Farm and its surrounding area but we think it’s far more fun to find out yourself. To book a break and find out more please visit the property’s listing on cottages4you.

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Peak District walkers are welcome in Bradfield

August 17, 2010

Those considering a holiday in the Peak District might like to visit Bradfield, which is part of the nationwide Walkers are Welcome scheme.

The village is one of 47 locations in the UK with this status, denoting it has something special to offer walkers.

And the Peak District Sustainable Development Fund recently awarded Bradfield £5,300 towards the initiative.

The money will fund local walking guides and information to encourage more visitors to come to the area.

According to the Bradfield Walkers are Welcome website, the village is within "close proximity to long-distance trails and a superb variety of shorter walks around local villages and spectacular reservoirs".

The project also runs a programme of guided walks, such as the Ewden Valley Round Walk to be held on August 22nd and the Coumes and Onesacre Round Walk on September 19th.

So for those planning a trip to the Peak District, Bradfield could offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.

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