cottages4you's Nick Rudge presents the winners and watches the celebrations unfold - image from cyclingweekly.co.uk

The 2009 Tour of Pendle, sponsored by cottages4you, took place on Sunday August 9th, starting and finishing in Nelson (Lancs).

The race was won with a lead of 40 seconds by Russell Downing.  Second place went to Chris Newton and third to Rob Partridge.  The bike race follows an undulating course through the hills and dips of Pendle and surrounding towns and villages. A key stage being the long, long climb of Blacko.  It was on the climbs that Downing believes he turned the race.

“I was confident to leave it to a sprint but you never know, anything could happen, so I wanted to hit them hard on that climb because I knew I was climbing well,” commented Downing.

“It’s quite a steep little climb with a few twists in it. It drags over the top and that’s where I got the distance. Partridge attacked first and softened it up brilliantly for me. Chris looked back and probably knew I was going to go but couldn’t do anything so I went and rode really hard.”

Nick Rudge, said of the event, “It was a privilege for cottages4you to sponsor this ‘premier league’ cycling event, and to welcome some of the country’s top riders on to our home turf. The local support on the day was fantastic….the glorious weather certainly helped.”

“Russ Downing, the winner, himself from just over the border in Yorkshire, was delighted to have won, and said it was a great run-up to the forthcoming Tour of Ireland where he will be competing against Lance Armstrong and Mark Cavendish, amongst others.”

By Gareth McKillop

The recent Champions League final between Manchester United and Barcelona has brought Rome back into sharp focus as a holiday destination. This unique historic backdrop provided a fascinating juxtaposition as the world watched modern day Colossus’ fight it out in the Eternal City.

Beautiful Piazzas

Quite simply Rome is stunningly beautiful. Built across its famous seven hills, Rome largely escaped the ravages of the Second World War leaving an architectural legacy virtually in tact. The guide books urge you to forget the guide books and meander freely from one exquisite piazza to the next. Pastel facades and roof top terraces adorn the ‘Old City’ providing a path from one unexpected jewel to the next. Punctuate your journey with an espresso here and a gelato there and it doesn’t get much better than this.

The most effective history reaches out and touches your soul. This is certainly true of Rome. A visit to the Colosseum is a must despite the queues, although a more expensive guided tour may save you time. Amongst the various treasures on display, marvel at a humble plum stone. Casually discarded some 19 centuries previously, probably by a season ticket holder in the top tier, this most modest of antiquities brings you face to face with the human side of history. Whilst the entertainment on the ‘pitch’ may have changed, we are really not too far removed from our Roman cousins.

Modern Day Champions

This truth appears all the more apparent with a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Set in the shadow of the Colosseum the scale of this archaeological site is breathtaking. It allows you to immerse yourself into the essence of ancient Rome and what strikes you is the obvious feeling of civilisation. The Forum was the focus for daily Roman life but more than that, it was the crucible for the world’s history. It is easy to forget that during the height of the Roman Empire it was possible to travel from Rome to York and not leave a paved road (whilst travelling on land!) and indeed the Romans even managed an exchange rate mechanism. It is an inescapable fact that the Romans actually did an awful lot for us!

There really is too much to do to get away with a short City break. A visit to the Vatican will probably occupy your schedule for the majority of the day. With its stunning Renaissance frescos, the Sistine Chapel is Michelangelo’s jewel. Not surprisingly the chapel is a magnet for visitors so to avoid extensive queuing, be strategic with your planning. If you want to get closer to the Pope then you can see the Pontiff himself as he greets crowds every Wednesday (you must book a ticket in advance).

With its geographically central position, Rome is a great base for a longer holiday. From here you can easily reach the delights of Tuscany to the north and Napoli with its nearby gorgeous Rivera lies within a couple of hours to the south. If you want to escape the heat of the city then do as the Romans do and head to the long beaches at Ostia and then retreat to a shady Trattoria and reflect with one of Italy’s deliciously voluptuous red wines! Needless to say you will be contemplating your next visit.

Explore the North East coast and country

The Mistal

Sleep: The Mistal, Glanton, Nr.Alnwick Ref: MNO - Located between the Cheviot Hills and the Northumberland coast, this grade II listed converted granary is perfect for walking and exploring the wonderful countryside. There are also some fabulous places to visit such as Alnwick Castle, museums, pretty harbours and fishing villages as well as activities locally available including cycling, golf, riding, gliding and fishing.

(Click here to view other cottage holiday locations near to Alnwick)

Price: £378 for three nights self catering arriving on the 19th June, sleeps six.

Walk: Embleton Bay, Northumberland. Distance: 7.5 miles Time: 3 hrs 30 mins The ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle cast a melancholic spell over one of the emptiest, most beautiful stretches of the Northumberland coast. Start at the fishing harbour of Craster, where you can steel yourself for the walk ahead with a plate of locally smoked kipper, our route winds across Embleton Bay to reach Low Newton-by-the-Sea – a tiny cluster of stone fishermen’s houses overlooked by a coast-guard’s post.

Drink: King’s Arms, Deptford, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR4 6BU CAMRA Branch and Regional Pub of the Year for the last two years, the King’s Arms is a privately owned old-fashioned pub with an unspoilt interior. Nine handpumps offer an ever-changing range of beers from microbreweries from the North East and across the country, as well as real cider.

Mountain and Moors by foot

Sleep: Longbarn Cottage, Pumsaint, Carmarthenshire Ref: OWH – Nestled in rolling countryside, this converted stone barn is set within three acres of private land. The property adjoins one other, but benefits from its own fabulous decked area where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding scenery. Activities available close by include fishing, riding, mountain biking and walking. There is also the quaint town of Llandeilo with its boutiques, restaurants and tea rooms and market towns just a drive away.

Longbarn Cottage

(Click here to view other cottage holiday locations near to Pumsaint, Camarthenshire)

Price: £378 for three nights self catering arriving on the 19th June, sleeps four.

Walk: Pembrokeshire, Newport Distance: 9 miles Time: 4-5 hours. This West Wales walk is blessedly mud-free and magical in all seasons. Spring brings moor, meadow and woodland alive – spangled with flowers and buzzing with insects and birdsong. From the centre of the lovely seaside town of Newport climb the heathery mountain, Carn Ingli. Its rocky summit hides a tiny rabbit-nibbled lawn, the perfect spot to watch buzzards riding the wind and gaze from the Preseli mountains to the sea – a landscape marked by ancient stone circles and tombs of its first inhabitants. Then it’s a glorious stroll across open moorland, descending to the woodlands of the lonely Gwaun Valley. The walk returns to Newport via a different route over the mountain, through a network of ancient trackways sunk between stone walls and gnarled oaks. The hawthorn blazes red and the Irish sea is coloured gold in the dying sun as the lights of the town shine welcomingly below.

Drink: Tafarn John y Gwas, Drefech-Felindre, West Wales, SA44 5XG Originally a series of shops, this traditional village inn was built in the early 1800s. A locals’ pub, there is always a friendly welcome for tourists- and their pets. Two real ales are on offer in winter, three in summer. Home-cooked food is available until 9pm every day, with a roast on Sunday.

Take a ramble through the Valley of the Rocks

Honeysuckle Cottage

Sleep: Honeysuckle Cottage, Winkleigh, Devon Ref: RCHR111 Set in the heart of the Devon countryside, this pretty stone cottage is ideal for sampling the best of the region, including the Dartmoor National Park and the coast. With the villages of Dolton and Winkleigh close by, you can enjoy a gentle stroll around the shops or breathe in the countryside on one of the many walking routes.

(Click here to view other cottage holiday locations near to Winkleigh, Devon)

Price: £314.77 for three nights self catering arriving on 19th June, sleeps five.

Walk: North Devon Distance: 4.25 miles Time: 1.30hrs A circular walk from the pretty coastal town of Lynton and using the spectacular coastal path to pass through the Valley of the Rocks an area marked by rock pinnacles weathered into bizarre shape and forms. A moderately easy cliff-top and hill walk but a little steep in places.

Drink: Tom Cobley Tavern, Spreyton, Devon, EX17 5AL Still riding high on the success of winning National CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2006, the pub attracts visitors from all over the country who come to witness the remarkable turnover of up to 22 ales at any one time. This 16th-century village inn always gives a warm welcome in the homely bar and spacious dining room.

Reach the peak of Pendle Hill

Stone Cottage

Sleep: Stone Cottage, Millom, Cumbria Ref: 18345 – Situated on the southwest peninsula, just five miles from Broughton-in-Furness, this terraced stone cottage is ideal for exploring the blue flag beaches with their wonderful walking opportunities. You can venture further afield to explore the wonders of Windermere, Coniston and Wastwater or enjoy bird watching, fishing or water sports locally.

(Click here to view other cottage holiday locations near to Millom, Cumbria)

Price: Was £235.77 NOW £204.72 for three nights self catering arriving on 19th June, sleeps four.

Walk: Pendle Hill, between Burnley and Clitheroe in northeast Lancashire. Distance: 6miles Time: 3hrs–3hrs 30mins Enjoy fantastic views over the Ribble Valley, Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland, extending to the Lake District and Snowdonia in clear weather. The terrain includes good tracks, eroded moorland and field paths – some stepped in places with one strenuous ascent and descent.

Drink: Manor Arms, Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA20 6HY This is a friendly, family run traditional pub overlooking the village square. Six regularly changing guest ales come from far and wide, usually from microbreweries, often from locals. The bar area is covered in numerous certificates awarded over the years, including CAMRA Regional Pub of the Year. This is another of the magnificent seven pubs of the Broughton parish taking part in the Festival of Beer in November.

North Wales and Snowdon in all its Glory

Lodge 34

Sleep: Lodge 34, Graig Park, Dyserth, Nr. Prestatyn Ref: W41807 Set in a wonderful country club close to the coastal town of Prestatyn, this wooden lodge is ideal for a long weekend. With Snowdonia and the coast on your doorstep, there are plenty of walks to enjoy, as well as pubs, castles and shops all just a short drive away. There are also on site gym facilities including a large indoor pool, steam room as well as Sky and Setanta Sports.

(Click here to view other cottage holiday locations near to Dyserth and Prestatyn)

Price: £299.77 for three nights self catering arriving on 19th June, sleeps four.

Walk: Beddgelert, Snowdonia, North Wales Distance: 10miles Time: 5-6hrs Aberglasyn Pass, Llyn Dinas lake and views of Snowdon. Enjoy the ruins of a Dark Age fortress and the Welsh Highland Railway. The rhododendrons may be a perennial pest hereabouts, but they look spectacular in early summer (May–June). There are clearly defined paths along stony riversides, through woodland and over some exposed hillsides which can get boggy and muddy in places, with sections over rock that may be slippery if wet.

Drink: Blue Bell, Halkyn, North-East Wales, CH8 8DL Situated on Halkyn Mountain with spectacular views, this pub is a focal point for community activities including organised walks, games nights and Welsh classes. The house beer brewed by Facer’s is accompanied by two guest beers usually from small independent breweries.

The Nation’s Most Loved Landmarks Revealed

We’ve just unveiled the Seven Wonders of Britain – the most popular landmarks which, according to holidaymakers, should be top of any sightseeing list. And it shows that the nation is shunning modern man-made attractions for natural and historic sights, with prehistoric monument Stonehenge, topping the list.

The New Seven Wonders of Britain are:

1. Stonehenge
2. Hadrian’s Wall
3. The White Cliffs of Dover
4. Loch Ness
5. Snowdonia
6. Edinburgh Castle
7. Cheddar Gorge

According to our survey of 1,000 holidaymakers it appears that when it comes to landmarks, country beats city nine times out of ten. What’s more, 88 per cent of respondents think there are more interesting places to see in the UK than overseas, with more people preferring to visit Blackpool Tower than the Egyptian pyramids (55 per cent v. 14 per cent)!

Apart from our famous landmarks, when asked what they most associate with a great British break nearly a third of 18-24 year olds said fish and chips on the pier, whereas for over 35 year olds, it’s our country’s spectacular scenery.

cottages4you believe this shows the value we place on our natural and historic landmarks and just how spoilt for choice we are with so many fantastic places to visit in the UK. We think the rich diversity of stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, historic monuments and grand stately homes make the UK a unique holiday destination for all ages and we’re so glad holidaymakers agree with us!

Do you agree with our survey results? Have you an idea for an alternative Seven Wonder of Britain? What do you associate with a great British break? We’d love to hear your opinions, just drop us a comment below.

With the prospect of warmer, sunnier days ahead (hopefully!), we’ve been having a chat about about what the ideal outdoor activity is for a lovely Spring day?

What do you think?

We’ve added a few ideas below, but feel free to agree or add you own ideas too…

Equally, if you have any great walks, bike routes, places to visit, why not post a comment and let us all know where to find it, and what we’re all missing!

No-one could tire of Spain and the Balearic Islands; they offer golden beaches, dramatic landscapes, fascinating heritage and 21st century amenities. In fact, everything under the sun.

Mallorca
The largest of the Balearic islands, Mallorca offers holidays of stunning contrasts. In the south and east are the main beach resorts whilst in the north and west you’ll find a dramatic wooded coastline and hilltop villages beneath the island’s highest mountains: Sierra de Tramuntana.

Villages of character
Quaint Puerto Pollenca on Mallorca’s northern coast was originally a fishing village, and is now a delightful modern resort with a marina fringed by pavement cafes. The fragrant Pine Walk beyond the marina is popular on warm evenings.

Further along the coast is Puerto de Soller, again with a picturesque marina and noted for its vintage tram service. Just beyond are the hilltop villages of Deia and Valldemossa, each boasting cultural roots. The home of the writer Robert Graves is in Deia (and open to the public) and Chopin once lived in the ancient monastery at Valldemossa. Now it houses an exhibition celebrating his life and work.

Walking country
Mallorca is famous for excellent hill walking. The Massanella mountain is highly recommended and with very little climbing will give you the island’s best view from its summit at 1,352m. Tips and routes can be found at www.therucksack.net/massanella.

For cottages4you properties in Mallorca click here

Andalucia
From Cadiz in the west to the golfing resort of Mojacar in the east, Andalucia is one of Europe’s favourite holiday destinations. Your Andalucian experience starts at www.cottages4you.co.uk, where you’ll find your ideal Spanish property and from there you’re ready to plan a wonderful holiday, bathed in sunshine.

Heritage
The world famous Costa resorts are packed with facilities (shopping, restaurants and entertainment) and many travellers like to explore the region’s Moorish heritage too. Granada is a must. The huge pink-stoned Alhambra Palace dominates the city and faces the ancient, bustling El Albaicín Moorish quarter.

Scenery
Andalucia’s dramatic scenery is everywhere you look. The rocky landscape of the Sierra Nevada is the backdrop to the Costa Almeria whereas the Costa del Sol is close to the Rock of Gibraltar. Gibraltar has a long maritime history and there’s more to see here than you might think. Visit www.gibnet.com/tourist/general to plan your day trip.

For cottages4you properties in Western Andalucia click here

For cottages4you properties in Eastern Andalucia click here

Fiestas
The vibrant fiestas of Spain capture its fun-loving character like nothing else. There’s a fiesta taking place somewhere in Spain almost every day but they tend to revolve around major religious festivals. April is a big fiesta month with colourful Easter celebrations in Cordoba, Granada and Malaga.

June is when the Spanish mark the Summer Solstice with bonfires and fireworks popular in the south. Meanwhile, the fabulous International Festival of Music and Dance in Granada takes place this year from 26th June to 14th July.

Mallorca hosts two spectacular festivals in June, each with Christian origins: the Sant Joan Pelos at Felanitx (24th) and Romeria de Sant Marçal at Santa Cabeneta (30th).

A fiesta is one of the best ways to taste the real Spain. Visit one if you get the chance.

	Cottage Life: Beach Days by “Dog Hook” Jury comments: “This shot says everything there is to say about an English holiday by the sea, Dad with his makeshift shorts and sleeves rolled up, the pier ubiquitous of an English beach resort shot and the expression of the child subject – Wonderful.” “I love this 60’s black and white photograph with dads rolled up trousers and your frilly swimsuit. I’m ready for an ice cream now!”
	Nature: King Penguins by Roger Litton Jury comments: “Call the national Geographic….A stunning shot.” “One of those moments when you know it’s the shot of a lifetime!”
	Action: Surfer at Sennen Cove by “soopercity“ Jury comments: “Great shot, great composition and a classic feeling of freedom and adventure” “A great shot, dramatic action frozen in a split second. Timed perfectly and framed well enough to forgive the ‘sloping’ horizon.”

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Again, our congratulations to the winners and the holiday vouchers are in the post to you! Enjoy!

cottages4you.

*conditions apply

A record number of consumers booked a holiday online last week to escape the New Year blues.  It looks like the great British break is the most sought after holiday for the first half of this year. We have  already seen a 30 per cent increase on bookings for Easter, with the February half term holiday also up by 5 per cent on last year.

Geoff Cowley, our managing director, said:
“The demand for UK holidays has already been exceptionally high for this year, proving the predictions that people are looking closer to home in light of the uncertain economic climate and escalating costs of foreign holidays. And I’m sure the surge in internet booking is set to continue with more companies providing user friendly web content. Our comprehensive online system makes it easy for holiday makers to find their perfect holiday cottage and book with confidence – and with fantastic discounts available online, there’s no reason for people not to be taking advantage.”

Check our site for our Special Cottage Holiday offers

Cottages4you and Cheeze receive the award

cottages4you and our digital direct agency Cheeze scooped the title of “Freshest Use of Search” at the third annual Fresh Digital Awards.

In an increasingly competitive and fragmented online market, cottages4you has re-focused its online marketing search campaigns to ensure customers using increasingly targeted search terms can find us. The re-work of the campaign saw an immediate increase in customers clicking through to our site and managing to arrange a suitable holiday cottage.

The Fresh Digital Awards 2008 took place on Thursday 20 November 2008 at the Deansgate Hilton Hotel in Manchester with a record attendance of over 300 guests to witness the best show of regional creativity and innovation in digital outside of London.

Manchester agency, The Neighbourhood scooped the Grand Prix at the third annual Fresh Digital Awards, with their “Stories from the Neighbourhood” work.

Leicester based Fuse Digital claimed the overall Digital Agency of the Year title with a variety of different work covering clients from Lucozade to The Bullring in Birmingham and Mark Freeman, also from Fuse, was crowned the Freshest Digital Young Professional of the Year.

Code Computer Love, holder of the Digital Agency of the Year award from last year, also enjoyed success on the night with their work for Huggie’s and Original Source both being Highly Commended.

Other major successes on the night were enjoyed by 3T Productions who won an award for their Magic Page entry which is an interactive reading tool for School Children in the Freshest Online Learning and Education category, and 3T were also Highly Commended for their National College for School Leadership website.

Paula Kelsey, Fresh Director said “The judges, chaired by AKQA’s James Hilton, were all extremely impressed by the caliber of the work and the increase in entries is testament to the importance of Digital work in the communications arena.”