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

For those seeking to book a last-minute break for this bank holiday weekend, a stay in a cottage in Norfolk could make an excellent choice.

History enthusiasts might like to head to the Medieval Spectacular at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve and Gardens near Fakenham, where you can join in a whole host of activities based on the period 1066-1538.

Visitors can barter with merchants for souvenirs in the medieval marketplace, sip ale at the tavern and watch minstrels dancing to hornpipes and fiddles.

The event will also feature a new attraction this year – holidaymakers can watch a knight in armour practising a traditional training routine of charging and jousting.

Deb Jordan, owner of Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, said: "The Mediaeval Spectacular is a great day out for the whole family. Visitors can experience this fascinating period first hand, with so many activities for children and entertainment for adults too."

The centre arranges a number of other events throughout the year, such as guided walks, quilting and nature photography sessions.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you
 

Those planning on a Norfolk holiday might want to visit Holkham beach after David Cameron declared he loves the coastal spot.

In a recent speech on tourism, the prime minister said he adores going on holiday in Britain and we should be proud of what our country has to offer.

Holkham beach is one of his favourite haunts, he continued, where he went swimming one April.

Mr Cameron expressed his affection for the seaside towns, historic monuments, castles and country houses around the country.

In addition to Norfolk, he has also holidayed in Snowdonia, South Devon, the Lake District and the Highlands of Scotland, the prime minister added.

And those heading to Norfolk this year might wish to visit Holkham, which won a Coast Magazine Award for the Best British Beach 2010 for the second year in a row.

Clare Gogerty, editor of Coast, said: "Holkham really is a one-off. The feeling of solitude you get on those endless sands and in the surrounding pinewoods makes for a truly uplifting seaside experience."

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you
 

Renting a holiday cottage in Norfolk would make a "quintessential English experience", it has been suggested.

A tourism chief has described the Norfolk Broads as a great destination and those looking for the perfect spot to spend their UK holiday might want to heed his advice.

James Berresford, chief executive of Visit England, toured the Broads this month, taking in the woodland attraction Bewilderwood, How Hill nature reserve and a boat trip from Horning to Ranworth.

"The Broads is a quintessential English experience – an undiscovered gem – and can play a much bigger role on the world stage in my view," he said.

Mr Berresford continued the area offers a genuine holiday experience that can compete with any foreign destination.

And those currently planning a break to Norfolk might want to visit some of the attractions frequented by the tourism boss.

For instance, Bewilderwood is an outdoor adventure forest designed to entertain the whole family with tree houses, zip wires, marsh walks and boat trips.

Posted by Andrew Hill
 

Next month could be a wonderful time to go on a Norfolk holiday, as the town of Thetford will host a festival highlighting the art, culture and history which makes it so special.

Taking place between August 27th and September 5th, the event is a great opportunity for families to book a stay in Norfolk holiday cottages and learn more about the place and the people.

You may wish to book your Norfolk holiday cottage as soon as possible, as more than 10,000 people are expected to descend upon the town over the eight days that the festival is on.

David Brooks, secretary of the Thetford Tourism and Heritage Partnership, told the Eastern Daily Press that the event is an opportunity for local groups to demonstrate the attractive features of the town.

"A lot of good organisations put on a lot of events and this was a good way of bringing them all together and to try and promote a mixture of events over the week," he added.

Among the highlights those on holidays in Norfolk can look forward to are performances by the Cambridge City Brass Band, the John Cherry Jazz Trio and a lecture by Digby Smith.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you

Are you looking forward to a Norfolk holiday at the end of the July?

One way to make your stay extra special would be to head to the launch of National Parks Week on July 25th.

Families on holiday in Norfolk are invited to pack a picnic and go to Cary’s Meadow Local Nature Reserve in Thorpe, where you can learn about all sorts of wildlife.

The Broads Authority and Norwich Fringe Project are hosting the day as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad scheme, Discovering Places.

Mainly funded by the National Lottery, the event is an open-air party that comes complete with a delicious chocolate birthday cake.

Matt Davies, Norwich Fringe Project manager, said: “The Picnic in the Park is an opportunity to explore the countryside on your doorstep and learn about nature.”

Many of you will be familiar with the famous Norfolk Broads, but there’s loads more to this region just waiting to be discovered.

And similar events are running all over the UK until August 1st, so it’s well worth making the most of the great outdoors during this exciting week.

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you

One of the first things that springs to mind when considering a Norfolk holiday are the beautiful Broads.

The Norfolk Broads present visitors with some spectacular scenery and may offer even more in the future, following the launch of a new campaign.

Britain’s magical waterland is the new brand-name for the area, thanks to an initiative from the Broads Tourism Forum and the Broads Authority.

Part of the campaign involves tourism bodies working together to attract a different audience to the east of England.

Here you will find "a magical place where land and water, people and nature meet", the organisers reveal.

Wildlife lovers will be able to spot some of the country’s rarest birds and creatures, as well as it providing a great place for anglers to enjoy their hobby.

Chairman of the Broads Tourism Forum Ian Russell said the new perception should be that the area is "a unique destination".

A website has been set up to inform visitors about the area, where you can marvel at incredible architecture such as windmills and churches, as well as the "magical" waterways.

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you

Fans of the swinging ’60s heading on holidays to Norfolk this summer should groove on down to Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery.

An exhibition showcasing the best names in pop from this era will be held to recreate the atmosphere of this popular period.

Beatles to Bowie: The ’60s Exposed has collected more than 150 photographs and masses of memorabilia to help you go back in time on your Norfolk holiday.

If you’re heading on a family break with a few generations in tow, it could be a great way to teach the little ones about their groovy grandparents.

The National Portrait Gallery has organised the exhibition, which runs until September 5th.

While you’re at Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery, you might like to check out some of the other displays being held in this interesting building.

A blaze in my heart … The letters and watercolours of John Sell Cotman, could offer a more laidback way to spend the day.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you

Do you have a Norfolk holiday planned between June 26th and July 11th?

If the answer’s yes, you’ll be able to catch some superb live music, as the Wymondham Music Festival is held in the vibrant county throughout the fortnight.

It’s been going since 1996, so the locals have had plenty of time to practice and ensure they put on a great show for anyone heading to the area.

Whatever your preferred musical genre, there’s sure to be something for you at some point during the annual festival.

Here at cottages4you, one of the events we’re most excited about is Jane Austen’s Musical England, set in the surroundings of the beautiful 18th century Kimberley Hall on June 27th.

It sounds just perfect for anyone who enjoys nosing through novels with a penchant for baroque and classical music.

Speaking of Ms Austen, you might also like to take a look at our range of Magical Literary Tours and explore the settings of some of England’s best-loved tomes.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you

We’re all hoping for a scorching summer this year – and if you’ve booked a Norfolk holiday, you’re also probably hoping for some sun.

Imagine spending your trip relaxing by the Norfolk Broads, catching some rays and enjoying an ice cream.

You might like to support the locals and pay a visit to Parravani’s ice cream van in Norwich, which sadly has struggled in recent years.

Owner Paul Parravani was quoted by the Norwich Evening News explaining times have been hard.

This might have been down to the bad weather, he stated.

"The difference when the sun shines is phenomenal. If we have a nice summer then that’s certainly going to help," Mr Parravani said.

But luckily a forecaster has predicted Britain will see one of the warmest summers in a long time.

Jonathan Powell from Positive Weather Solutions predicted: "There will be some high temperatures and top temperature records may well fall in August."

After one of the coldest winters most of us have ever seen, this really is welcome news.

We’ll have a 99 please Paul!

Posted by Andrew Hill

Eco warriors who enjoy Norfolk holidays will be pleased to hear green tourism in the region is to be promoted.

Some €500,000 (£428,278) has been made available to the Norfolk Broads through a programme run by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Bruce Hanson, Broads Authority head of tourism said: "This funding gives us a tremendous opportunity to do many things that we have wanted to do for a long time but have not had the resources for."

And chairman of the Broads Tourism Forum Ian Russell agreed there are a number of opportunities for the money.

It is good news for those planning a stay in a Norfolk holiday cottage, as visitors’ experiences should be enhanced by the fund, according to Mr Russell.

Launched on May 11th, the Sustainable Tourism in Estuary Parks project will look at ways for visitors to play a role in enhancing the area.

Communities and Local Government explains more than £5 billion has been invested in England through ERDF money since the year 2000.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you