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

A stay in a Peak District holiday cottage could be the perfect way to enjoy an active break this summer.

Pedal Peak District is a campaign organised by the Peak District National Park Authority to help Britons discover the joys and benefits of cycling.

Recently, Sheffield United footballers joined in the fun by pedalling around the Derwent Valley and urged others to do the same.

Club manager Kevin Blackwell said: “Anyone can go cycling. The Pedal Peak District project is encouraging people who haven’t ridden before to give it a go and they are putting on some brilliant cycling events this summer.”

So whether you’re an amateur or an expert, why not combine enjoyment of the great outdoors with keeping fit on your next holiday?

The events organised by the association include the Family Cycle Skills and Picnic Ride on August 11th, which offers free bike training for all ages and a leisurely ride to Ruby Woods.

Recently, a Peak District hill fort at Fin Cop won a British Archaeology Award, which could give budding historians another reason to visit the area.

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you

Are you amazed by archaeology and want to find out more about it on your Peak District holiday?

Well, you’re in luck!

An excavation at a site in this wonderful region has just won a British Archaeological Award and you could take a tour of one of the nearby digs.

The Iron Age hill fort site in Fin Cop, overlooking Monsal Dale, won the accolade for best community archaeology project in the awards that were held at the British Museum.

The scheme saw volunteers unearth some fascinating finds, such as prehistoric pottery and tools.

This year a five-week dig is occurring in the Peak District, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Who knows – they might unearth even more interesting treasures.

Awards chairman Dr Mike Heyworth said: "We congratulate all the winners and are hugely encouraged by the public interest in archaeology and the enthusiasm shown across the UK for our archaeological heritage."

If your Peak District holiday coincides with July 31st, you could join a guided tour of this year’s dig.

According to the Archaeological Research Services, the Peak District houses a selection of Britain’s "most imposing" prehistoric enclosures. Sounds like it’s well worth a visit!

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you

When you book your holiday in the Peak District, it’s good to have a few ideas in mind about how you’re going to occupy the kids during their stay.

Families lucky enough to be heading to the region on July 31st should write this one in their diaries – a day at Magpie Mine in Sheldon.

Activities will be going on all day at the family fun event and your little ones will even get the chance to act as a lead miner and explore the history of the attraction.

As part of the Festival of British Archaeology and National Parks Week, there will be a guided tour of Magpie Mine by John Barnatt, a senior survey archaeologist.

There’s certainly plenty to explore, as the site is 270 years old.

National Park area ranger Lynn Burrow said: "We’ll be helping families explore their local history with an interactive discovery trail … [They] can bring a picnic and make a day of it."

The area’s not far from Bakewell, so those of you wanting to sample a famous Bakewell tart on your Peak District holiday could stop off on your way.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you

Buxton is a "charming Georgian and Victorian" spa town in the Peak District, one writer explains.

In an article for the Telegraph, Rupert Christiansen explains how Buxton Festival is held at the 1,000-capacity Opera House and this year is set to host "excellent concerts".

We have to agree that those staying in Peak District holiday cottages this summer who are fans of this music genre should take a look for themselves at why Mr Christiansen rates the event so highly.

The festival started yesterday (July 7th) and runs until July 25th and visitors have plenty of local restaurants nearby should they decide to leave the comfort of their Peak District holiday cottage and have a meal out.

"Another factor is the transformation of the town itself from a genteel, shabby backwater to a rather more dashing place where you can eat well and sleep comfortably," he adds.

One act that starts today and runs until the 24th is the Barber of Baghdad, a comic opera with Stephen Barlow as conductor and Adrian Clark playing the role of Caliph.

If you want more information about the line-up you can see all the performers on the Buxton Festival website.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you

A holiday in the Peak District is a treat at any time of the year, but could be a particularly fun way to spend Father’s Day this year.

Those of you heading to the region on June 20th should find plenty to keep dad busy and allow him to relax on his special day.

But if you’re stuck for inspiration, the cottages4you team has just come across something that’s sure to put a smile on his face.

Rosliston Forestry Centre is holding a Lads and Dads Day that might just be the perfect pressie for men across the country.

Is a real boy’s day out, with activities like archery, laser combat and bushcraft on offer for fathers and their sons to enjoy.

Lasting from 10:00 to 15:00 BST, the event will give you just enough time to work up an appetite.

If the weather’s good, you could pack a Father’s Day picnic to enjoy, or head to one of the Peak District’s many country pubs to end the weekend in style.

Tickets cost £25 for adults and £15 for the kids, so make sure you book now for a day out with a difference on your Peak District holiday.

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you

After tackling steep hills and long walking trails, a pint and a home-cooked meal in a pub could be the perfect way to end a day spent in the Peak District.

If you’re staying in Peak District holiday cottages, you could head to one of the region’s many public houses, which offer local ales and spectacular views.

A recent survey by iknow-uk revealed that people are particularly concerned about where they will find a pint during their holiday, with an increase in searches for pubs this summer.

Marcus Simmons, iknow-uk’s managing director, added: "Many Brits are drawn to the ale offerings of the region, particularly within picturesque villages such as Castleton, according to searches carried out within the last month on our site."

Visit Peak District and Derbyshire’s David Thornton recently said that tourists are still flocking to the area to check out the region’s dramatic landscapes and escape city life.

Have a look at some of the landscape here.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you

At cottages4you we’ve noticed the Peak District has been increasing in popularity for some time, because it’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of urban living.

David Thornton, deputy chief executive and head of marketing at Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, seems to agree with us, after he encouraged tourists to check out the region’s dramatic landscapes.

He suggested those staying in holiday cottages in the Peak District can take in the "jawdropping" and "inspirational" scenery, which has been attracting nature lovers for centuries.

"We’ve got four-star hotels with award-winning rosette restaurants, we’ve got lots of self catering providers who do delightful cottages and farms and little farmhouses in the market towns," Mr Thornton added.

People who want to stay in Peak District holiday cottages can find out what the area has to offer here.

Visit England statistics recently revealed that the UK enjoyed an 18 per cent rise in the number of people taking holidays in places such as the Peak District in 2009, compared with 2008 figures.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you