Stonehenge Tops Seven Wonders of the UK

May 29, 2009

Stonehenge

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.

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The Lake District. Englands home for activity and adventure.

September 1, 2008

By: Steve Finch for cottages4you Escape Magazine

“If you’re an experienced fell walker or mountain biker you may already know that there’s nothing better than staying in your own cottage in the Lakes, from which to have the freedom to explore.
It’s little wonder that the area was home to Alfred Wainwright the famous fell walker, whose books are still the definitive guides to the fells, and it’s where one of our most accomplished mountaineers, Chris Bonnington, chooses to live.

The scope of activities available within the Lake District’s diverse landscape is unparalleled; just the sight of the Lakeland fells and lakes reminds us of the opportunities to stretch our personal boundaries that bit further and experience the essence of adventure.


Cumbria Tourism has been working hard in partnership with adventure providers in the Lakes, to deliver activities which can offer something to everyone – whatever your own level of experience or ability. Their new web site lakedistrictoutdoors.co.uk provides a one-stop-shop for outdoor activity in the Lakes, while their accreditation scheme ‘ROAM’ provides you with the confidence to ‘get out there and do it’ with the best of them, in safety.

Lakes, Goats and Boats – it really has to be the Lake District.
The Lakes would not be the same without the Lake Steamers regularly criss-crossing the water, which are now linked up to the famous ‘Mountain Goat’ bus service to give you total freedom from the car for a few hours.
Linking Bowness with Hawkeshead, Coniston or Grizedale Forest Park; is a large range of cycle routes for all abilities. You can also join up the bits by foot, boat or let the Goat take more of the strain.
Hire a bike and experience the full downhill rush, or take it easy on a family friendly track.

From Glenridding on Ullswater the steamer can be taken up the lake to Howtown, and a walk back along the eastern shore offers an easy but spectacular return.

Diving the English lakes isn’t for the faint hearted and experience is required to explore the dark cold depths of these mountain lakes. But, for those who are attracted, Capenwray Diving at Jackdaw quarry near Carnforth offers one of the countries best dive sites and schools. Capenwray offer a comprehensive one day introduction to diving, while watersports centres on Windermere, Coniston and Bassenthwaite offer a wide range of activities on the lakes.

If you’re looking for a walk to remember and already have a strong pair of boots, I’d recommend the Crinkle Crags Traverse at the top of Langdale. I recently revisited this walk and the views are every bit as spectacular as I remembered them… just a word of warning; make sure your navigation skills are sharp if the weather conditions are poor.

Why not find a guide on lakedistrictoutdoors.co.uk, so you can tackle some of the higher fells in

confidence, or add a ‘Gill Scramble’ to the day?

A visit to one of Lakeland’s market towns, such as Ambleside or the mountain town of Keswick will provide the best selection of outdoor gear found anywhere in the world.”

The Lake District offers something for everyones taste and one of our holiday cottages in the lake district can offer you the perfect base from which to undertake your activities.

For more information and a list of our holiday cottages in the Lake District also visit our Lake District Destination Guide.

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Staff Blog; Relaxing and Peaceful holiday in Northumberland

August 11, 2008

by Corinne Moore, Owner Services

“Northumberland, wild and untamed with so much to offer from Old Roman Forts, Castles, Walking and Wildlife to long sandy beaches.

I love Northumberland because of all the variety of attractions it has, for all ages.

I have stayed many times at a property called Oak Cottage ( ref:16498 ) on Whitelee Farm.
There are 3 holiday cottages on the farm, which enjoy panoramic views over Whitelee Fell, which has been designated a National Nature Reserve.

This is a truly unique place and the owner’s Mr & Mrs Wilson have done much to protect the local wildlife, and to make the farm a “Green” place to be, energy for the cottages is provided by a small wind turbine and solar panels. The farm has been awarded the Silver award from the “Green Tourism Scheme”.

Being keen on nature and walking, I love the many fabulous walks that are available from the front door. There are so many birds to watch from the surrounding farmland and in the cottage garden.

My favourite has to be the “Wildlife cameras” which feed live images into the cottages onto the TV. I have spent many a happy evening sipping my wine watching Badgers, Foxes, Owls, as well as a plethora of smaller birds and mammals on “Owl and Fox cam”

For all those who love to explore, the cottages is only 5 minutes from the Scottish border, Hadrian’s Wall, Edinburgh, the Northumberland Coast, all approx 1 hour away and half an hour away is Alnwick Castle and Gardens, where some of the Harry Potter scenes have been filmed, a must for all children and grown up Potter fans alike, followed by dinner in the Treehouse Restaurant is a must.

I would really recommend this area for people of all ages, families and couples and pets alike, especially for those who just want to relax and have some well deserved quiet time.”

Feel free to look at our wide range of holiday cottages in the UK in the Northumbria region.

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Exploring the UK… Top-10 Picture Perfect Destinations

June 1, 2008

lake district

Looking for artistic inspiration for your next holiday? A picturesque backdrop to test your photography skills, or to brush up on your painting and sketching? Here are ten great suggestions to get your creative juices flowing…

  1. The Lake District. Generations of romantics have found their muse amid the majestic mountains and sparkling waters of the Lakes. For tranquillity head to Wasdale – its remote and truly beautiful landscape is home to the deepest lake in England.
  2. Cornwall. Any artist will tell you that there’s something special about Cornish light. St Ives is famous for its local vistas, but the lesser-known and enchantingly sleepy harbour at Mousehole wins our vote.
  3. The Scottish Highlands. For sheer rugged beauty, the wilderness of the Highlands wins hands down. In the Northern Highlands, you’ll find Loch Maree with deer, eagles, and otters to be found among its breathtaking scenery. Nearby there’s Victoria Falls and Rua Reidh Lighthouse to aim your eye at.
  4. The North Yorkshire Coast. From the gothic Abbey at Whitby, to the steep cobbled streets and quaint cottages at Robin Hoods Bay, this rough-hewn coast makes a breathtaking backdrop. Get up early to enjoy the magical light of an East Coast sunrise.
  5. The New Forest. To capture wildlife in your lens, the New Forest is an obvious choice. Under its dappled canopy of mighty oak and beech, you’ll find natural scenes unchanged by the modern world – free roaming deer and ponies, plus an unexpected abundance of frogs, toads and lizards!
  6. Somerset. For misty panoramas and mysterious ancient sites, Somerset’s a firm favourite. Visit the medieval town of Dunster for sepia-toned images of times gone by. It’s hard not to be inspired at Exmoor, Cheddar Gorge or Glastonbury Tor.cornwall beach
  7. Northumbria. For seabird photography, the North East Coast takes the biscuit, and no-where is more enchanting than the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. The cliffs around the ancient priory are home to puffins, terns, guillemots, eider ducks, and seals.
  8. The Pembrokeshire Coast. For panoramic bliss, the expansive coastline of Pembrokeshire offers rolling beaches, wooded estuaries and grassy cliff tops, rich in flowers and wildlife. Barafundle Beach is perfect, while nearby Portmeirion is one of the most photographed villages in the UK.
  9. Wiltshire. Head to Laycock, near Chippenham for a snapshot of chocolate box England and wonder at the 750 year old abbey. Or visit the nearby medieval village of Castle Combe, with a 15th Century pack-bridge and market cross.
  10. The Yorkshire Dales. The fine scenery of the Yorkshire Dales is home to some of the UK’s most spectacular waterfall and woodland scenery. Take the Ingleton Waterfall Trail, through wooded gorges and over limestone scars and soak up the magic.

Do you agree? Tell us about your family’s favourite locations by leaving your comments below…

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