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

Here at cottages4you we know there are heaps of benefits to holidaying in England and we’re lucky to have so many sights to see and so much history to discover right on our doorstep.

If you’ve never considered a holiday in Dorset or other parts of Blighty, it might be time to change your mind.

James Berresford, chief executive of VisitEngland, explains this could be the year when more of us realise just how great this country is.

"We have certainly seen a growing trend in last-minute bookings in England this year … It seems an expectation that this will continue is keeping confidence levels high for a good summer," he adds.

What’s more, you may well find your finances benefit from staying in the UK, as there are bargains to be had, Mr Berresford reveals.

Recent research from TripAdvisor found we all went a little holiday crazy when England’s Word Cup dream ended early.

In fact, the 24 hours after the team’s defeat to Germany saw a 41 per cent rise in holiday searches.

With the tournament ending on July 11th, football fans could keep themselves occupied for the rest of the summer by planning their stay in a UK holiday cottage.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you

Wimbledon may be over and the World Cup is drawing to a close, but those of you heading on holiday in Dorset are in for a sporting delight.

On July 9th and 10th, the British Beach Polo Championships get underway in Poole and promise to be a real treat for the whole family to enjoy.

Held at Sandbanks, the contest will see six polo teams take on their rivals and offers a showcase of some of the world’s best players.

England and South America will battle it out in the finale on each day, in a bid to win the Gaucho Cup.

And those of you looking for exciting nightlife on your Dorset holiday might like to head to Sandbanks Rocks! on the Friday evening, where the polo players will celebrate the first day of the tournament and mingle with celebs.

If you’re heading to the region throughout the year, Sandbanks beach is definitely worth a visit, as it is regarded as one of the country’s best shorelines.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you

If you ever wondered what kinds of species live on the British coast then one monument could be worth seeing while taking a Dorset holiday.

Dorset County Council’s cabinet has agreed a £30,000 grant for a project on the island of Portland which will commemorate the thousands of species that can be found in the area.

The initiative has backing from bodies including the WWF UK, the Royal Society and individuals including co-founder of the Eden Project Tim Smit, who said it could become "Europe’s finest".

Project director Sebastian Brooke thinks more than 100,000 visitors will be drawn to the attraction – some of whom may have found an ideal base at a Dorset holiday cottage – and here at cottages4you we love anything that brings a little education to a trip!

If you plan to take a Dorset holiday before the monument is set to open in 2012, then we think the Eden Project – which strives to promote the damage caused to the natural world because of an over-reliance on resources – could be perfect for those of you who want to learn more about the UK’s nature.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you

Holidays in Britain seem to be getting increasingly popular and it’s not hard to see why.

With holiday destinations like Dorset, Northumberland and the Lake District on your doorstep, there’s little need to go elsewhere this summer.

According to Ian Dulson, marketing and communications manager at UKinbound, we should be making the most of what this country has to offer.

"In effect, [our appeal] is our quirkiness. I know people like to say otherwise, but we are a very friendly nation," he continues.

And it is also easy for those of you who are trying to plan British holidays on a budget, because there’s so much to do.

The UK’s history and heritage set it apart from other countries and provide plenty of activities, Mr Dulson adds.

Sheffield Hallam University recently revealed a report that found the seaside tourist industry in England and Wales is becoming an increasingly large employer.

Why not show your support and discover just how great Britain really is by staying in Blighty this summer?

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you

If you’ve ever been on holiday to Dorset, you’ll be well aware of the area’s heritage when it comes to incredible wildlife.

But did you know there are dolphins and whales swimming just off the Dorset coastline that you can see right in front of you?

Sea Watch has revealed there are plenty of the creatures around and the charity – which aims to protect and conserve whale and dolphin populations – needs your help in spotting them.

If you and your family are heading to the beach on your Dorset holiday you might be able to spare a minute or two to observe the waters and help the National Whale and Dophin Watch.

Gemma Veneruso, sightings officer for Sea Watch, told the BBC: "Any time that volunteers can spare would be appreciated. We have some observers who do watches all day, every day and others who do one two-hour watch and it is all beneficial."

It sounds like a great idea to us and your family could make a day of it – just be sure to take your camera along and record any sightings for your scrapbook.

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you

Families heading on a Dorset holiday this summer have the chance to check out some of the season’s top events on the big screen, as part of Bournemouth Summer Live.

The open air cinema is up and running and you could catch something to keep the whole family entertained.

Tennis enthusiasts will be pleased to hear one of the world’s best tournaments will be on show, so you could be watching Wimbledon while enjoying the great outdoors.

Jon Weaver, Bournemouth Tourism’s marketing and events manager, told the BBC: "Last year’s big screening of Wimbledon proved to be really successful, with an electric atmosphere created in the Lower Gardens."

He’s now hoping this year will follow on from the success of 2009, with the tournament’s final being shown on the cinema screen.

Organisers say you’re welcome to take a picnic and the cottages4you team think this is a great idea.

You could scout around for local produce and pick the best strawberries and cream to take on your tennis-themed day out.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you

Families heading off to Dorset for their holidays will find plenty to keep them occupied.

At cottages4you, we understand entertaining the kids can be costly, but we’ve come across something that may just help.

The Daily Echo has teamed up with Bournemouth and Poole Tourism to create a Super Summer Savings initiative.

If you pick up the paper between June 18th-21st, you’ll find a whole host of offers and money-off vouchers to use on your Dorset holiday from June 19th-27th.

The half-price entry voucher for Brownsea Island – where you can spot some of the region’s wonderful wildlife and wetlands – would be ideal for nature lovers.

And foodies should discover something to their taste with discounts on some of the area’s most popular restaurants.

If your Dorset holiday is planned for later in the year, you’ll still find plenty of affordable activities to enjoy, such as exploring the famous Jurassic Coast, which you can do for free!

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you

Dorset holidays offer you the perfect opportunity for a stroll along some of the UK’s most interesting shores.

A trip to the Jurassic Coast lets your mind wonder at what kinds of bizarre beings might have roamed there in the past.

But you could also catch a glimpse of a rather curious creature said to be creeping around the coastline today.

According to the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), leatherback turtles are heading to the Dorset shores and the organisation needs your help in spotting them.

Sometimes weighing as much as a small car and with the appearance of a black leather sofa, they’ve certainly captured our interest.

Peter Richardon, MCS biodiversity programme manager, says they are fascinating creatures that have sadly become critically endangered.

"What makes them really special and unlike any other reptile is the fact that they can maintain their own body heat, even in our chilly seas," he explains.

If you see one of these incredible animals, report your sighting to the organisation and help to protect this wonderful species.

A holiday is the perfect time to try some of the local produce you might not be able to get back home.

Foodies planning a stay in a Dorset holiday cottage will no doubt be aware of the fine goods you can buy in the region.

But have you considered the region’s wines?

It may not be the first place you think of when people mention a tipple of the grape variety, but we’re informed this could be about to change.

Patrick O’Reilly, manager of The Calf’s Head in Worston, told the Lancashire Evening Post Dorset wines are some of the best on offer.

Of all the drinks on sale at the pub, which serves a variety of English options, Tyrannosaurus Red is Mr O’Reilly’s favourite. And it’s produced by Furleigh Estate on Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast.

According to artisan&vine, the site is "a fabulously romantic venue" where more than 22,000 vines are grown to make the tasty drink.

Why not take a look at the estate on your Dorset holiday and show your support for the locals?

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you

Taking a walk through Thorncombe Woods could provide a great day out for keen explorers on their Dorset holidays.

For anyone visiting the area on May 26th, there will be a special guided route to explore an uncovered stretch of Roman road.

Conservation works have been going on in the countryside, with drainage and other systems put in place to make pathways through the trees more accessible.

You’ll have the expertise of site ranger Lawrence Weston to guide you through the Roman road, which is said to have been well-preserved.

But don’t worry if you miss this one. On June 2nd there will be a series of walks from the Dorset countryside inland team (West) , aimed at celebrating 170 years since the birth of local author Thomas Hardy.

The Geoff Jones Art Walks help you look at how Hardy might have interacted with nature.

Why not take one of his novels, like Far from the Madding Crowd, for a read during your Dorset holiday?

Posted by Toby Lawrence