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

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

It’s no secret that we here at cottages4you are great fans of local food and drink.

We think the best way to sample some of the tastiest produce is to do so during your stay in a holiday cottage – which you may use to cook up some flavoursome treats with fresh goods from the area.

If this appeals to you too, you should certainly head to the St Ives Food and Drink Festival from June 14th-20th.

There are some delicious delights on offer throughout the week, so even if you just catch one day of the event, your tastebuds will thank you.

And it might prove to save you a penny or two on your holiday, as some of the area’s best-known restaurants are offering special set menus for the occasion.

Alba will be serving up an appetising £10 menu where you can enjoy a main course and glass of lager or wine.

On Wednesday, the renowned Porthminster Beach Cafe is hosting a barbecue, allowing you to soak up the views of Godrevy Lighthouse with the mouth-watering food.

To book places for this event and a host of others, click here.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you

Holiday cottages in Cornwall could be booked through cottages4you by people wanting to hit the best beaches in the UK.

The Times has reported the county is home to some of the most desirable coastlines for those holidaying in Britain and it has chosen the best ones for tourists hoping to do a spot of sunbathing or surfing this summer.

It suggested the Mill Bay and Nanjizal Beach, near Land’s End, could allow adventurous holidaymakers to see the Song of the Sea arch at low tide, which features an emerald plunge pool.

Crackington Haven also makes a wonderful family swimming destination, according to the publication, and we have to say we agree!

"At low tide the sandy beach is perfect for body boarding, or you can explore the Mermaid Pools. In the evening, people make pebble towers, transforming the cove into a megalithic site," the newspaper said.

The Marine Conservation Society recently revealed its Good Beach Guide, found here, which proves the UK has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, with an improvement in water quality recorded in the last 12 months.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you

English wine is something that Cornwall holidaymakers should all sample, particularly during a week of events dedicated to the tipple.

Held between May 29th and June 6th, English Wine Week will see a host of activities held around the UK.

One of our favourite suggestions from the organisers is at the Camel Valley vineyard in Bodmin, Cornwall.

They suggest you grab a picnic from Rick Stein’s Deli and hire a bike at Padstow, then head to the vineyard to enjoy your wine with the delicious food.

It seems we’re not the only ones who like the sound of this Cornish vineyard, with Susy Atkins from the Daily Telegraph recommending it as one of England’s best.

"Clean and fresh with grapefruit zest, green apples, white blossom and meadow grass may sound like a shampoo ad, but these are my notes from a recent tasting of English wines," she tells any sceptics of our country’s efforts.

Click here to find out more about English Wine Week.

Posted by David Sollberger

Families looking for the best way to enjoy the sun during the May bank holiday should head to St Ives in Cornwall.

There are some fantastic beaches on offer here, says Jenny McGee, head of strategy and engagement for VisitEngland, which is great news for areas where the sun is set to shine.

"England is, of course, an all-weather destination, but there’s nothing like sunshine to inspire people to get out and make the most of all that’s on offer," she continues.

And if you’re planning a stay in a Cornwall holiday cottage at other times of the year, you will always find something to do in this exciting area, which is home to many galleries, such as the Tate St Ives.

It seems the UK is becoming an increasingly popular place to spend a break, with VisitEngland’s domestic tourism trend tracker showing 19 per cent of Britons plan an overnight trip in the country.

Ms McGee reminds us of all the national parks there are to explore in England too. For more information about the sites, click here.

Posted by Ben Webster

Sailing the seas to catch fish is not a task many of us at the age of 80 would relish.

But Bill Hocking – who doesn’t like seafood and can’t swim – is Britain’s oldest fisherman after he joined the trade aged ten in 1940, the Daily Mail reports.

Those staying in holiday cottages in Cornwall may not see him set off to sea from Looe, because he leaves at 05:00 BST every morning to catch lobsters and crab to sell at Looe Fish Market

The great-grandfather and father of two tells the newspaper he does not plan to stop working in the near future.

"I just enjoy being out there as long as I can physically do it I have no intention of giving up," he explains.

Mr Hocking explains he prefers steak over seafood though, something he has never really liked.

Looe Fish Market was rebuilt in 1987 and its seafood has a reputation for being of a high quality, something individuals staying in Cornwall holiday cottages may be keen to sample.

The Daphne du Maurier Festival is said to be bigger than ever before and could be just the thing to bring some culture to your Cornwall holiday.

According to Visit Cornwall, the event should have something for everybody to enjoy, with the addition of some new performances introduced this year.

If your stay in a Cornwall holiday cottage coincides with the festival, running from May 13th-22nd, you should go and check it out.

As the name suggests, the occasion celebrates the life of Dame Daphne du Maurier, who wrote in the area.

So expect to see a number of literary activities to try your hand at.

There will also be guided walks, drama and live music for those who are after a more active time on their Cornwall holiday.

On the festival’s website, Shiela Vanloo explains: "I can’t think of another annual event that inspires so many people to visit our glorious county."

If you think it could inspire you, click here for more information.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you

People going on Cornwall holidays this summer could tie in their break with a trip to a surfing and music event.

Relentless Boardmasters 2010 is held between August 4th and 8th and could prove ideal for those looking to stay in Cornwall during the summer.

Headlining the musical aspect of the event are Newton Faulkner, dance legends Leftfield and Seasick Steve.

Those wishing to attend the festival could also take in some of the surfing and skating action, which has welcome the biggest names from around the world to the south coast for 29 years.

Surfing fans might also wish to purchase some new gear onsite and then relax with some food on the beach, before returning to their Cornwall holiday cottage for the evening.

Seasick Steve has received a great deal of critical acclaim in recent months and in his earlier years spent time living rough and travelling around the US.

To find out more about the festival click here.

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you