We know a lot of you are probably packing for the bank holiday and half-term, so we thought it was a good time to launch our new cottages4you packing prizedraw!
To be in with a chance of winning simply click on the picture above and tell us what your must pack item is when you go on holiday.
We’ll randomly select a winner on 3 June.
Good luck!
We took this great pic of our long service award-winning property owners at the Devon County Show last week. Most of the people in the photo have been with us for 25 years, so we’d just like to say a big thank you and congratulations!
Never ones to rest on our laurels, this week we set about finding a property that could out-do last week’s connection to a very famous Briton (Winston Churchill since you asked. Check out The Lookout here). After much frantic searching of properties with the vaguest connection to people of renown from this fair-isle, we finally remembered that a number of our featured properties are owned by perhaps the greatest, and most famous, of living Britons…
Her Majesty the Queen owns the properties at Scalby Lodge – including the large and delightful The Barn. These former farm buildings and cottages have been transformed to offer incredibly relaxing holiday accommodation whilst showcasing the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Just a short distance from your front door you have both the North York Moors National Park and the glorious Heritage Coast of Yorkshire. In fact, just walking from your front door will plant you firmly in the footsteps of royalty; her majesty paid a visit in 2010.
It should be clear from the photos that The Barn and Scalby Lodge offer a fairly regal holiday experience – even without royal ownership. Sleeping up to 10, it offers a wealth of comfort and space to ensure that every holidaymaker can relax and enjoy their break however they see fit.
A large and light living room offers a wood-burning stove. The equally generous proportioned kitchen allows you to see if ‘too many cooks’ really do spoil the broth – though it’s well equipped enough to allow the preparation of a far more sophisticated menu. It is owned by the Queen, after all!
Three double bedrooms offer 5-foot beds and a TV. One of them also offers an en-suite shower room with toilet. There’s also a twin bedroom and a bunk bedroom. For those keen to stay connected there’s Wi-Fi in the property for those all important Facebook status updates, tweets and Instagram posts.
The surrounding area offers an equal array of activities. For those looking to relax there’s an enclosed garden with seating and a BBQ. The 5 acre shared grounds also offer a children’s play area and plenty of space to explore and enjoy.
Local attractions include direct access to Scalby Pond boasting a private hide which guests are welcome to use. Scarborough is known as the first seaside resort and has been welcoming guests for more than 300 years. It boasts two beautiful beaches, with the North Bay being popular with surfers and the South Bay perfect for a fun-filled family day at the seaside.
If you fancy a regal stay in one of Yorkshire’s most scenic locales then you can find more info and make a booking on The Barn’s listing on cottages4you.
The Old Jameson Distillery
Irish ‘whiskey’ is well established as a thoroughbred in the world of fine whiskey and bourbon and Irish distilleries are now renowned throughout the globe. Perhaps not as famous as its Scottish cousin (‘whisky’) the whiskey trail in Ireland is very popular amongst enthusiasts and the curious, covering the very best whiskey making centres the Emerald Isle has to offer. This is a great opportunity to become better acquainted some of the finest malts in the world. Set against the backdrop of beautiful countryside and with the special warmth of Irish hospitality, it is not hard to see why whiskey lovers make the trek year after year to indulge in their passion and learn more about the history of their favourite drink.
Recognised as the oldest licensed distillery in the world, Bushmills lies on the Northern Irish coast just a short distance from the ‘Giant’s Causeway’. Reputed to be Jim Morrison’s whiskey of choice, Bushmills have been making whiskey since 1608 although the whiskey making tradition in the area goes back much further. The distillery was first granted a licence by James I and these days Bushmills produces high quality malts with a distinctive rounded finish. Bushmills thrived during the twentieth century, exporting thousands of barrels a year to the United States. Today the distillery is open to visitors where the process, essentially unchanged through the ages, can be experienced at first hand. Locals are proud of their whiskey making heritage and indeed the distillery was celebrated by featuring on Northern Irish bank notes in 2008. The whiskey reflects the character of a region that has a lot to offer holidaymakers. Alongside stunning coastal scenery, there are some of the best golf courses in Northern Ireland where Bushmills is a local favourite at the ‘nineteenth hole’.
Perhaps the home of the famous Irish ‘craic’ or ‘crack’, Dublin is one of the top city break destinations in Europe. The vibrant evening nightlife is complemented with a fine array of high quality restaurants and great architecture. The legendary River Liffey immortalized by James Joyce in his classic, ‘Finnegan’s Wake’, divides the city and flows just a short distance from The Old Jameson’s Distillery in Bow Street. Although now not a working distillery, this is now one of the most popular attractions in Dublin. Lying dormant for many years visitors now come to learn about the distilling process in what is a monument to the whiskey making tradition in Ireland. The tour breaks down the whole process, which involves malting, mashing and fermentation and ultimately distilling and then maturation. The whiskey tastings round off a fascinating and engaging visitor experience and with its convenient city centre location this is the essential addition to your itinerary for your next break in Dublin .
The delightful rolling countryside of the Irish Midlands has been home to the distillery at Kilbeggan for centuries. With an abundance of the essential raw materials for whiskey, this is a region that has distilling deeply engrained within the local culture. The passion for the product is exemplified by the distillery tour where visitors can get close to a process that produces some of the best quality whiskeys the country has to offer. It is the lengths that producers go to that is so impressive, a care and attention which is born out of an essential love of the craft and with many distilleries such as Kilbeggan employing the old techniques and machinery the tour is a fascinating insight into the history of not only whiskey but Westmeath as a region. The recent refurbishment of the distillery’s water wheel enhances the character of a building that has been producing whiskey since 1757. With great transport links to Dublin, Kilbeggan is an essential addition to the Irish whiskey trail.
Whiskey making at Midleton in the stunning County Cork has been a feature for over 150 years. The current distillery has been in operation since 1975 and the former building has been turned into a visitor centre attracting holidaymakers from throughout the world. The old distillery is home to the largest pot-still in the world and with kilns as well as a working water-wheel the tour is an immersive educational experience. Aficionados can discuss with local experts about the essential differences between Irish whiskey and its Scottish and American counterparts, whilst the less experienced will doubtless be delighted by the complimentary drink at the end of the tour. Midleton itself lies about 25 minutes away from Cork, the gateway to the Irish south west. Forming part of the province of Munster, County Cork is renowned for its peninsulas along its beautiful coastline. With inland mountains and exquisite rivers and lakes, this is a great holiday base for your next holiday cottage in Ireland.
We have more than a few opportunities to explore British heritage here at cottages4you, with plenty of historic properties and a number of chances to follow in the footsteps (and sleep under the same roof!) of an array of famous Britons.
With The Lookout in St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe you get to stand on the terrace where perhaps the greatest Briton of all once surveyed the seas. It’s doubtful that Winston Churchill also slept at The Lookout, but since the level of comfort afforded by the property has come on in leaps and bounds over the years, we doubt he could resist taking one of his famous daily naps if he were to visit today.
In fact, the harmony of perfectly preserved heritage and contemporary comfort is one of The Lookout’s strongest qualities. The master bedroom offers a wonderfully comfortable double bed with high quality furnishings, stylish yet homely décor and 180-degree panoramic views of the Channel’s stunning blue waters.
Perched on the edge of the White Cliffs of Dover, you don’t have far to travel to enjoy some of the UK’s finest walking routes, with a wealth of gentle terrain and breathtaking scenery to explore just a few steps from your door. If you’re seeking much-needed refreshment then by day part of the ground floor houses The Bluebird Tea Rooms, open to walkers and guests 6 days a week and Bank Holidays.
As the name suggests, one of the greatest pleasures of holidaying at The Lookout comes from sitting out on the balcony, enjoying the uninterrupted views of the English Channel. Great efforts have been made to make your stay at The Lookout as leisurely as possible. The living room offers a wood-burning stove, TV and DVD player to complement the delightful furnishings. Younger holidaymakers will love the nautical theme and bunk beds whilst adults will love the abundance of beauty and tranquility that the property, and its surrounding area, affords.
If you’d like to follow in the footsteps of Churchill, and many happy holidaymakers, whilst enjoying some of the UK’s finest views then you can make a booking and find more info on The Lookout’s listing on cottages4you.
Kayaking on Lake Bala
There is something about being near the water that seems to complete a holiday. Our lakes and lochs are some of the most beautiful in Europe and unsurprisingly attract holidaymakers like bees to honey. It is not surprising to find out why. The majority of our freshwater lakes have been carved out of glacial valleys thus invariably are surrounded by dramatic scenery. The beautiful surroundings, along with great sporting activities, fascinating historic houses/ruins and sumptuous restaurants make for the perfect setting for your next cottage break. We are going to look at a few of our favourite lakes and lochs in Britain.
“The bonny banks o’Loch Lomond” so the song goes, and with good reason, Loch Lomond is renowned for its stunning beauty. This is an exquisite fresh water loch that effectively marks the border between the Lowlands and the Highlands. The expanse of water (23 miles long and 5 miles wide) is ‘peppered’ with islands including the largest fresh water island in the country. Set within the Trossachs National Park, Loch Lomond is very accessible to Scotland’s major cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Boasting a world class golf course, possibly one of the most scenic in the country, Loch Lomond has a lot offer sports enthusiasts with canoeing, wakeboarding and of course hill walking some of the local favourites. The mesmerising rugged scenery have given rise to centuries old myths and legends, a truly inspirational and unforgettable part of Scotland at its best.
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The enigma that is Loch Ness is probably best wrapped up in the mysterious reptilian monster reputed to live within what is the deepest loch/lake in the country. First ‘spotted’ eighty years ago this year, the legend of “Nessie” is now of course famous the world over, but this huge loch (in some parts reaching a staggering depth of 755ft) certainly has the capacity to hide a whole family of loch monsters! Loch Ness is part of a series water channels, including the Caledonian Canal, that follows a natural fault line through the dramatic heart of the Scottish Highlands. The history enveloped within the surrounding glens is haunting, perhaps exemplified by the ruins of Urquhart Castle which have looked across the shores of Loch Ness for seven centuries. If your visit coincides with a day when Nessie is feeling shy, don’t worry, the surrounding glens are home to fascinating variety of wildlife include red (as well as roe) deer, osprey and pine martins. It is not surprising that visitors readily find themselves entranced by the bewitching Loch Ness.
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The history of Coniston Water is intertwined with the fascinating but ultimately tragic story of Donald Campbell and his successive attempts to break the world water speed record. The juxtaposition between the extremes of mechanical technology as was and this tranquil lake are stark but you can see why this location was chosen for the record attempt. The waters are invariably calm and the lake is quieter than its neighbour at Windemere. The natural beauty of the area entranced the philosopher and artist John Ruskin who made the eastern shore of the lake his home for the past part of three decades until his death in 1900. Today the lake remains one of the most picturesque corners of the Lake District, with many attracted by the stunning walks. The‘Old Man of Coniston’ towers majestically across the valley, offering a stunning vantage point to survey Coniston and the beautiful fells beyond.
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Perhaps the most famous of Cumbria’s many and varied lakes, Windermere is certainly the largest. Indeed it is the largest freshwater lake in England. Once a mecca for speedboat enthusiasts, the waters of Lake Windermere are much calmer these days since the enforcement of the controversial 10 knot (11.5 mph) speed limit in 2005. The enthusiasm for Windermere itself has not waned and visitors are attracted from all over the world. Regular boat trips from the bustling Bowness are a leisurely way to take in the natural surroundings, with the expansive lake flanked by mature wooded hillsides it stretches nearly 11 miles from north to south. Ambleside, just a mile from the northern shore is a fascinating stopping point with quant shops and delicious eateries. Further south the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole (famously visited by Beatrix Potter) has a lot to offer with delightful gardens and an adventure play park for children.
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Lake Bala, or Llyn Tegid as it is known in Welsh, sits proudly in the Snowdonia National Park and lies just a short distance from the town from which it takes its name. The largest natural lake in Wales, Lake Bala joins with the fast flowing River Dee making this area a premier destination for fishing with salmon, trout and grayling tempting anglers from throughout the country. The rolling countryside and numerous other lakes in the area also mean that this part of Wales is favoured by cyclists, pony trekkers and walkers. Guided walks and cycle hire are available with routes following the lake and extending beyond into some of the most scenic countryside in Britain. If you are feeling more intrepid, and looking for something a little more adventurous, then the National Whitewater Centre at Fongoch (very close to Bala) might just be for you. Located on a mountain river, the challenging white water is a test for kayakers, rafters and canoeists in search of an adrenaline fix. With such a wide variety of activities, Bala is perfect destination for your next adventure holiday.
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The trappings of modernity can often shield us from the basic beauty of nature and the tranquillity of our gorgeous country. The essential antidote to all that is wrong in our modern lives is precious time spent with those closest to us in a holiday cottage by the sea. Finally free from the daily commute, many of us instinctively migrate south west to the home of some of the most pristine coastline in Britain. Where better than the enigmatic seaside village of Sennen Cove in Cornwall and the delightful nearby cottages at Vellan Dreath.
Invigorated by that first intake of clean crisp sea air and reassured by the wistful chirp of a passing skylark, you are immediately absorbed by the stunning and inviting sea vista that greets your senses. The cottages at Vellan Dreath mould into a rolling valley that borders a huge golden sandy beach which in turn frames a beautiful azure bay. The cottages themselves have evolved into their surroundings, an almost perfect symbiosis between man and nature, to the extent that you can’t really imagine the valley without them. This is epitomised by the carefully crafted cottage gardens which are perfectly balanced with the surrounding undulations and dunes beyond. The picture perfect setting is made for relaxing and with a glass of chilled rose, the pleasant scent of rosemary in the air, there really isn’t any incentive to move anywhere fast.
The peace, punctuated only by casual bands of marauding seagulls fending off buzzards, is all pervading. Children will be delighted by glimpses of local families of rabbits resident in the adjacent fields, and in the summer months the bay is visited by pods of dolphins and lumbering basking sharks. The walk beside the dunes to Sennen Cove is entrancing and short enough not to become onerous. The reward at the end is a centuries old inn which serves some of the county’s famous ale. Bedecked with fishing images from the 19th century the walls are echoes from a different world and a village tied to a lifestyle governed by the ravages of the unrelenting Atlantic.
This sometimes cruel ocean has by the same token created a rugged coastline sublime in its raw beauty. The walk from the cove to Land’s End is stunning and teaming with wildlife. The old coastguard’s lookout overlooking the cliffs is the ideal spot to swat up on the local seabirds, into whose home we are just careful visitors. On a clear day you can see land on the horizon offering a tantalising glimpse of the Scilly Islands or maybe instead you will spot a seal fishing for mackerel in the rocks below. If all of this sounds too energetic then don’t worry, you can relax in the anticipation of falling asleep in your character cottage to the gentle sound of evening waves lapping against the Cornish shore.
