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

A holiday in Scotland could be just the thing to get you in the festive mood this autumn, with a Christmas market taking place in Lanark.

This town in the Clyde Valley is hosting a continental-style event on November 20th, where holidaymakers can take their pick from almost 100 stalls offering local and international goods.

People will have the chance to peruse specialist foods, drinks, crafts and gifts, as well as have fun on the fairground rides.

Kids will love being entertained by street performers and meeting Santa, too.

And while you're in the area, why not explore the Clyde Valley?

According to Visit Scotland, the area is "steeped in history" and one of the country's best-kept secrets.

The tourism authority recommends people take a trip to New Lanark, a restored 18th-century cotton mill village and a World Heritage Site with an award-winning visitor centre that features interactive displays and rides that "really [bring] history to life".

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you
 

Holidays in Scotland could be made all the more idyllic with a relaxing break in one of the country's tea shops.

According to Jim Mather, tourism minister for Scotland, visitors will find a range of "fantastic" cafes.

"Some are hidden gems, some are focal points for their community and many are a welcoming and relaxing place for tourists taking time out from their hectic holiday schedules," he continued.

People heading to Glasgow might like to stop off at Fifi and Ally's, the Willow Tea Rooms or the Burrell Collection cafe, all of which have recently been nominated for Visit Scotland's national Cafe Days campaign.

Liz Buchanan, regional director at the tourism authority, stated a day out in Glasgow can be made even more enjoyable with the discovery of a lovely little tea shop.

People taking a holiday in Scotland might also like to spend some time on the Islands of Orkney, which have a lot to offer tourists during autumn, according to islands manager at Visit Orkney Barbara Foulkes.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you
 

Those of you looking for things to do while on holiday in Scotland could find yourselves spoilt for choice.

The Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival offers a four-day programme of events centred on adventure and outdoor activities.

Holidaymakers can settle down to watch an independent movie, listen to talks from experts or peruse exhibitions.

Young thrill seekers might love the adventure taster sessions, where they will have the chance to try out activities such as kayaking and rock climbing.

Visitors could be inspired by lectures from Mark Beaumont – who will speak about his cycling voyage from the US to South America – and Mick Fowler, an extreme mountaineer.

The festival is set to take place from October 21st to 24th at the George Square Lecture Theatre at Edinburgh University.

People may also enjoy exploring the city during their trip, as according to Edinburgh.org, the capital offers picture postcard views and the perfect balance between the traditional and the contemporary.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you
 

Those of you who have booked a holiday in Scotland could be in for a treat, if recent comments are anything to go by.

The Islands of Orkney are particularly entertaining for holidaymakers, tourism chiefs have suggested, which could make them the perfect place to visit during your break.

Orkney is set to feature in Visit Scotland's latest advertising campaign Autumn Moments, which focuses on the region's local delicacies and what to see and do in the area.

Barbara Foulkes, islands manager at Visit Orkney, said the destination "has so much to offer the visitor this autumn, including some great events [and] fantastic visitor attractions".

Furthermore Ian Johnstone, chair of the Orkney Council's Development and Regeneration Committee, highlighted the "spectacular scenery", wildlife and rich heritage of the islands, which are also home to "world-class food and drink producers".

According to Visit Orkney, it is easy to take a day trip to the islands from Inverness, while there are daily flight connections from all major Scottish cities too.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you
 

Britons staying in a cottage in Scotland this autumn may find the Drovers' Tryst Walking Festival is a great way to admire the country's scenery and find out about its history and wildlife.

Based in Crieff, Perthshire, the event aims to combine walking with enjoyment of the area's animals and plants.

Holidaymakers can see deer in their natural habitat on an evening walk with local expert Ali Gowans, or visit sites of murder and mystery on 'A Walk Through Crieff's Past'.

The walks are classified as easy, medium, hard and extra hard, with each day offering three to four routes.

Children are welcome on the easy routes but must meet a minimum age requirement of 12 for medium treks and 16 for hard and extra hard walks.

The festival, which takes place from October 9th to 17th, also offers a range of social activities, including a ceilidh, film showing and a quiz.

And those of you wanting to take part in some cultural events during your stay in Scotland might enjoy Celebrate Linlithgow, an arts festival held from October 9th to 31st.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you
 

A holiday in Scotland could make an ideal break for book lovers as well-known authors and performers are set to attend a literary event in the country.

The Wigtown Book Festival is due to take place from September 24th to October 3rd and is described by Visit Scotland as a literature lover's haven.

According to Adrian Turpin, festival director, visitors to the event can expect to discover everything from how to be happy to why love hurts.

"But, just as importantly, you will find good company, fine food, wonderful bookshops and some of the most beautiful countryside in Scotland," he said.

Holidaymakers can choose from over a quarter of a million new and old books, as well as take part in short courses and activities.

The event could make a fun day out for the kids too, as there is a programme tailored especially to youngsters, including storytelling and circus-skills workshops, as well as puppet performances.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you
 

People looking forward to a holiday in Scotland may wish to visit the town of Linlithgow to experience a range of cultural activities.

Celebrate Linlithgow aims to provide entertainment for adults and children, which could make it an ideal trip for families interested in the arts.

The festival, which is being held from October 9th to 31st, offers activities based on music, literature, the visual arts, theatre, film and local produce.

You can attend a book launch, go on a guided walk or a Victorian ghost tour, watch plays, listen to jazz bands or peruse a farmers' market.

Those interested in the region's past might like to attend a tour of architectural and historic locations around the town, organised in celebration of the publication of a new book on the subject.

Holidaymakers heading to Scotland this autumn might also like to try the Fest 'n' Furious Music Festival, which is taking place in Dundee from October 1st to 2nd.

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you
 

For those of you planning a holiday in Scotland, the Horseshoe Inn at Eddleston, near Edinburgh, could be well worth a visit.

The establishment has been invited to join the exclusive club of the Great Inns of Britain and is only the second Scottish and 24th British property to do so.

With a seasonal menu that combines local Scottish produce with European flavours and influence, the inn's restaurant offers both a fine dining and informal bistro option.

Sir Thomas Ingilby, chair and co-founder of the Great Inns of Britain, said: "Each new member brings its own unique offer and characteristics, but all share the essential qualities of the Great Inns – historical charm, first class food and hospitality, coupled with excellent wines and real ales."

And with an AA Restaurant of the Year Award and an EatScotland Gold Award already under its belt, the Horseshoe Inn's Bardoulet's restaurant could make the perfect holiday meal.

Moreover, those heading to Scotland over the next few weeks can take their pick of the cultural events on offer, as the Edinburgh International Festival is taking place until September 5th.

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you
 

For those looking to rent a cottage in Scotland next month, the Braemer Gathering could make the perfect day out.

According to Visit Scotland, this is one of the biggest and most famous Highland Games, a mixture of sporting, cultural and social events that take place across the country from spring to autumn.

"Staged against the backdrop of heather-clad hills around the Royal Deeside town of Braemar, every gathering is a memorable occasion and that of 2010 will be no exception," the website said.

You might even get the opportunity to mingle with royalty, as the Queen is patron of the Braemer games and a royal guest is always present.

Visitors can watch international athletes compete in track events, see a tug of war championship and admire piping and dance performances.

And holidaymakers staying near the Scottish capital can look forward to the Edinburgh International Festival, which is taking place until September 5th.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you

Those staying in holiday cottages in Scotland this summer could have an extra reason to look forward to their trip – the Edinburgh International Festival is almost upon us.

Holidaymakers can take their pick from a three-week long programme of opera, music, drama and dance.

This vibrant array of entertainment brings Edinburgh to life each year and could be the best time to visit the city, whether you choose to base your summer holiday there or visit the Scottish capital for a day or two.

The festival’s performances will be held in Edinburgh’s six major theatres and concert halls and aim to reflect international culture.

Here at cottages4you, we’re particularly looking forward to Grupo Corpo’s sensual rendition of Brazilian and contemporary dance, taking place from Friday August 20th to Monday August 23rd, as well as the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, which is playing on the Thursday.

The Daily Telegraph recently described the festival as “a visceral rollercoaster ride that can take a whole 11 months to recover from”, so you might need another holiday to recuperate afterwards!

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you