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

A holiday in the Peak District could be made even more enjoyable with a trip to nearby Manchester.

The city is hosting its annual comedy festival from October 18th to 31st, which will offer over 200 shows in 30 venues.

According to Visit Manchester, the occasion can easily compete with the Edinburgh Fringe and is "one of the city's pillar events".

"Various venues across the city centre and beyond, from traditional pubs to swanky bars and opulent theatres, showcase local comics alongside household names," the tourism authority said.

Visitors can see well-known comics such as Jimmy Carr and Frankie Boyle, as well as this year's winner of the Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Award Russell Kane.

The acts will be performing in spots like the Manchester Apollo, the Comedy Store and new festival venue the Engine House.

And those of you heading to the Peak District before the Manchester Comedy Festival begins might enjoy the city's food and drink festival, which runs from October 1st to 11th.

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you
 

Those of you who have booked a holiday in the Peak District may wish to spend a day in close-by Manchester.

From October 1st to 11th, the Manchester Food and Drink Festival is set to take over the city with a range of activities and cuisine on offer.

Visitors can peruse every dish from freshly-cooked paella to kangaroo and ostrich burgers at the Local Producers' Market, or join in an outdoor street dinner party at the Festival Hub in Albert Square.

Families are likely to enjoy the Forever Manchester Village Fete, while fans of spicy food are sure to head to the Chilli Lovers' Fair, where a chilli-eating contest will be taking place.

The festival also coincides with the Manchester Weekender from October 1st to 3rd, so if you're feeling a bit full, you can take a break from the food-related fun with street dancing, boat parties, film screenings, performance art and bicycle tours.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you
 

People planning on taking a holiday in the Peak District this autumn have the chance to discover Derby and its surrounding countryside through a programme of guided rambles.

The Derby Walking Festival, which kicked off on September 12th and continues until October 17th, offers a range of leisurely strolls, many of which are suitable for children.

On September 19th, visitors can take part in a four-mile walk along the River Derwent to Darley Abbey, a village that forms part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Other highlights include a tour of the city's churches and cathedral, as well as the Nature's Harvest stroll, where holidaymakers can find out about plants in the area and sample some produce along the way.

There will also be a Derby Feste Walk on September 25th to introduce the city's annual festival.

The event is set to feature dance and music performances from local and international artists based on the theme of Colour and Light.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you
 

Those of you looking forward to a Peak District holiday this month could find yourselves with plenty to do while you're away.

The annual Derby Feste is coming to the city from September 24th to 26th and it could make a great day out for those staying in the nearby National Park.

International and local artists are set to perform live at the festival, which will focus on the theme of Colour and Light this year.

The first day of the event will see Bollywood dance and music, as well as an outdoor disco, while the second day's programme of activities includes a children's film workshop, where youngsters can have a go at making their own movie.

And according to the festival's official website, the highlight of the occasion will be the percussion and pyrotechnics act Les Commandos Percu.

Alternatively, holidaymakers heading to the Peak District next month might like to visit Peak Cavern instead, where candle-lit ghost tours are being held throughout October.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you
 

People planning a holiday in the Peak District might like to add Peak Cavern to their list of places to visit, as its Halloween events could be perfect for kids.

On Friday and Saturday evenings throughout October, candle-lit ghost tours will be held, with special nights taking place on October 30th and 31st, where you can listen to spooky ghost stories as you find your way through the chambers.

The cave is located within the village of Castleton and, according to the Peak Cavern website, has the largest natural entrance chamber in Britain.

Visitors can see the remains of an ancient village, listen to the acoustics of the Orchestra Gallery and hear the font of the river Styx in the Devil's Cellar.

Another possible weekend activity for those planning a break in the Peak District is the Matlock Bath Illuminations, which are held at the River Derwent every Saturday and Sunday from September 4th to October 30th.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you
 

Those of you heading to the Peak District this autumn might wish to go along to the Matlock Bath Illuminations held at the River Derwent.

Taking place every weekend from September 4th to October 30th, the event involves a parade of illuminated and decorated boats.

Each vessel is mounted with models comprising thousands of pea lights, which appear to be floating along the water when the boats themselves disappear into the night.

In addition, visitors might like to take a stroll around the Derwent Gardens where trees and rocks will be lit up.

Certain illumination nights will also feature a fireworks display, which could be an added bonus for the kids.

While you're in the area, why not make day of it and explore Matlock Bath itself, which offers boating, play areas and skateboarding at the parks along the River Derwent.

Holidaymakers might like to visit the Riber Castle overlooking the town, which was built by John Smedley.

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you
 

A holiday in the Peak District could prove a great way to get out and about during the final weeks of summer.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the Upper Don Valley is home to one of Britain's most enjoyable water-side bike rides.

The newspaper recommended taking the route from the foothills of the South Yorkshire Pennines to Dunford Bridge, a hamlet on the outskirts of the Peak District National Park.

This trail is easy going the whole way as it follows the old Woodhead railway line, it commented, so it may be suitable for families.

Furthermore, the Peak District National Park Authority stated the area offers 58 miles of off-road cycling trails and plenty more quiet country routes, which might make it the perfect holiday choice for those wanting to enjoy the great outdoors.

Earlier this month, the body launched a Pedal Peak District campaign to encourage people to discover the joys and benefits of cycling.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you
 

People taking a holiday in the Peak District might want to try out the region's latest family attraction – the Bollington Tree Trail.

This community project, financed by the Peak District's Sustainable Development Fund, is set to be launched on September 5th.

Ann Mayer, coordinator at the Bridgend Community Centre, which developed the project with the help of over 100 schoolchildren, said: "The tree trail will help us promote healthy exercise in the fresh air and get people enthused about the countryside."

Visitors can learn about woodlands, wildlife and climate change as they explore the track, which will cover 12 miles when the final section is opened in June 2011.

And those lucky enough to be visiting the region on September 5th can join in a guided walk along the trail, complete with a picnic and children's activities.

It was recently suggested by David James, chief executive of Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, that the region is ideal for those who wish to see the real England.

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you
 

Those considering a holiday in the Peak District might like to visit Bradfield, which is part of the nationwide Walkers are Welcome scheme.

The village is one of 47 locations in the UK with this status, denoting it has something special to offer walkers.

And the Peak District Sustainable Development Fund recently awarded Bradfield £5,300 towards the initiative.

The money will fund local walking guides and information to encourage more visitors to come to the area.

According to the Bradfield Walkers are Welcome website, the village is within "close proximity to long-distance trails and a superb variety of shorter walks around local villages and spectacular reservoirs".

The project also runs a programme of guided walks, such as the Ewden Valley Round Walk to be held on August 22nd and the Coumes and Onesacre Round Walk on September 19th.

So for those planning a trip to the Peak District, Bradfield could offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you

A break at a cottage in the Peak District could be the perfect way to explore the traditional English countryside.

David James, chief executive of Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, predicted the region will experience a boost in popularity during the 2012 Olympic Games, according to the Ilkeston Advertiser.

The area is perfect for those who want to see the real England, he said, due to “its wealth of superb landscapes, historic houses, picturesque villages, a World Heritage site and quality places to stay”.

Mr James added the Peak District will also make a great holiday destination for Britons living in the south-east who want to escape the commotion of the Games.

And according to the Visit Peak District website, the region is rich in historic mansions and “stunning” landscapes, which could make it the ideal holiday break for those seeking tranquillity.

It recommends visiting the stately homes of Chatsworth House, Hardwick Hall and the medieval Haddon Hall.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you