cottages4you blog: inspiration for your cottage or villa holiday in UK, Ireland and Europe

Holidays in Cornwall could soon see a boost in popularity after a local restaurant made The Good Food Guide’s top ten.

The Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Rock, Cornwall, was named the fifth best eatery in the country by the publication.

And although Heston Blumenthal and Gordon Ramsay nabbed the top two spots, Elizabeth Carter, consultant editor of The Good Food Guide, noted important changes have taken place in the market over the last year.

“A crop of talent has sprung up all over the country, pushing London restaurants out of the top spots with their culinary delights,” she said.

Therefore, foodies may wish to look outside the capital for top-class restaurants and Cornwall could be the perfect spot.

According to the chef’s website, Restaurant Nathan Outlaw is a small, intimate setting with a menu focused on locally-caught seafood and produce.

It is set within the St Enodoc Hotel alongside the Nathan Outlaw Seafood and Grill, which aims to create a more casual dining atmosphere for families.
 

Here at cottages4you we always knew Cornwall was a special place and our thoughts have been confirmed by a recent royal holiday there.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall recently completed a two-day tour of the region, with Marazion one of the stops along the way.

The pair managed to squeeze in museums and local shops during their holiday in Cornwall, but one of the more memorable moments could have been having casts of their shoes made in St Michael’s Mount, just as Queen Victoria previously did.

And now the footprints will be cast in brass and placed into the harbour wall for visitors to see.

Highlighting how much a holiday in Cornwall has to offer, Prince Charles also visited the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose near Heston, while the Duchess took in Truro Cathedral.

Before her holiday in Cornwall she had attended the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show where she was presented with a bouquet.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you

Cornwall has been named Britain’s most scenic country in a new poll of holidaymakers.

The research, conducted by a satellite television channel, revealed the county’s scenic landscape and range of tourist attractions ranked highly among visitors, the BBC reports.

And many of those who took part in the survey look set to book Cornwall holiday cottages in the near future, with 75 per cent saying they are considering paying the county a visit in the coming 12 months.

The area, which was said to contain the nicest towns and villages in the British Isles, saw off competition from a host of other top destinations.

Cornwall is home to beautiful beaches and great scenery, but offers much more to those of you who want to do more than relax against an idyllic backdrop.

Its range of high street and boutique stores make it ideal for shopaholics, while it is also home to Tate St Ives, one of only four Tate galleries in England.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you

Cornwall holidays makers may have heard of the interestingly named village of Mousehole.

This quaint destination is always worth a visit if you’re staying in a Cornwall holiday cottage nearby.

And those heading to the region on July 9th-11th will find plenty to do, as the port hosts its Sea Salts and Sail 2010 festival.

You’ll be able to see traditional fishing vessels and get a real insight into the area’s history and ancient trade.

It’s no secret that the cottages4you team love to eat, so we’d suggest heading straight for the cookery demonstrations to sample the delicious local cuisine.

When you’re full from all the fodder, sit back and relax as traditional music is played, accompanied by dancing.

And the crafty holidaymakers among you will love trying out regional skills like crab pot making and net mending.

If you’re planning a trip for later in the year, you should time it to coincide with the village’s Christmas lights switch-on, which is famous around Cornwall.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you

Booking a holiday to Cornwall this summer might be a good move, as there is plenty to do and the weather should stay fine.

This is according to Teresa Timms from VisitCornwall, who says: "All the evidence is that it’s going to be a good summer for 2010."

Those of you who want an active trip will find a number of events to take your fancy in this exciting part of the UK.

Newquay’s Relentless Boardmasters at Fistral Beach is perfect for surfers to wow at the work of the professionals and should prove popular, Ms Timms notes.

And music lovers will be entertained, as the likes of Newton Faulkner and Seasick Steve are set to take to the stage.

Ms Timms states 2.6 million visitors headed to Cornwall in 2008, so you might like to get on board and see what all the fuss is about.

She adds enquiry numbers for this year have already been high and it may be a good idea to get planning your Cornish getaway now.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you

Here at cottages4you we’ve noticed holidays in Britain seem to be an increasingly popular option.

Imagine spending time in places like Cornwall and Dorset when the weather is great and it’s easy to see why many of us choose not to go abroad.

But even when the UK outlook isn’t so bright, there’s still plenty to do on holiday here, VisitEngland confirms.

Chief executive officer of the body James Berresford says: "One of the great things about England is that it is an all-weather destination with world-class attractions which can be enjoyed whatever the weather."

And when the sun does get its hat on, seaside resorts across the country ensure you make the most of it.

A report from Sheffield Hallam University recently found the coastal tourist industry in England and Wales employs as many people as the whole of the telecommunications sector.

So there are plenty of people to make sure you have a great time when you head to Blighty’s best beaches.

Just to be on the safe side, why not make a list of all the fantastic museums and indoor adventure parks around the area you’re visiting and be prepared for any weather?

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you

Cornwall holidaymakers wanting to get a real taste of the region might like to head to the Cornish Guild of Smallholders ‘ annual show in August.

Previously due to be held in Penncarrow, the event has now been moved to the Royal Cornwall Showground so it can be a bigger and better day out for all the family.

Elaine Barr from the body told the Smallholder: "Our show is based upon a traditional country fair with an abundance of traditional entertainment with a sprinkling of contemporary activities."

Foodies will be pleased to hear artisan producers will be bringing local food to the event, held on August 21st.

Farmers’ markets, traditional fair games and Punch and Judy shows are all lined up to make this a real day out with a difference.

If your Cornwall holiday doesn’t coincide with the show, you could head to the guild’s Local Produce and Environment Centre in Liskeard, which is open to the public most of the week.

Posted by David Sollberger

Here at cottages4you, we’ve been fans of UK holidays for many years. And recently it seems more people than ever are joining us in our appreciation for the Great British break.

If you’re wondering where to head this year, why not try a holiday on the coast, such as a trip to Cornwall or Dorset?

According to Rebecca Leach, spokeswoman for Which?, there are many explanations why people are choosing to stay in sunny Britain.

"The reasons people gave for holidaying in the UK were that the locations were easier to get to, they preferred holidays in UK, or simply that they couldn’t afford to go abroad," she says.

In 2009, 40 per cent of people quizzed by Which? said they had been to a seaside resort in this country that year.

Ms Leach predicts the trend is going to increase this year, so why not do your research and see if it could be ideal for you too?

The Met Office has predicted many parts of the country will see sunshine this week – let’s hope this continues for the rest of the summer!

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you

Everyone at cottages4you knows one of the best ways to enjoy your Cornwall holiday is to get involved with the locals.

Getting a true taste of the area and discovering sights off the beaten track often means you return from your break with a real sense of satisfaction.

If you’re heading to Cornwall from June 20th-27th, an easy way to get to know the area is to head to the Golowan Festival.

The event is now in its 20th year, although the tradition dates back to the pagan celebration of Midsummer, so the community of Penzance have had plenty of practice and are ready to put on a great show for all the visitors.

Those who can only make it to one day during their Cornwall holiday shouldn’t miss Mazey Day on June 26th, which is the culmination of all their efforts and promises to be a treat for all involved.

You’ll also get a taste of the region’s music from Golowan Band, who will playing fiddles, accordions, whistles and flutes to celebrate Mazey Day in true Cornish style.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you

At cottages4you, we know many of you planning holidays in Cornwall will be looking forward to strolls along the shore and relaxing on the beach.

The region has some great coastal towns, such as St Ives, where you can sample great seafood and (weather permitting!) catch a few rays sunbathing on the sand.

But have you considered heading inland and taking a hike through the area’s beautiful woodland?

You might in the future, after plans to encourage more red squirrels to set up home in their native Cornish countryside got underway.

And the scheme has the royal seal of approval, with Prince Charles launching a project to introduce the rare creatures to woods around the country, such as Cornwall.

Speaking about red squirrels, the Prince of Wales said: "They are one of the most charming and irresistible of British native mammals."

The Red Squirrel Survival Trust is working hard for their conservation, so on your next Cornwall holiday, be sure to look out for the creatures on your rambles.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you