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

People considering a holiday in Wales might like to consider a trip to Aberaeron, where you can try local cuisine by the harbour.

A writer blogging on the Visit Wales website who recently visited the area praised the restaurant of the Harbourmaster Hotel, where holidaymakers may wish to eat one evening.

"To dine here is to experience a culinary tribute to some of the best local produce and meats in the country," the individual remarked.

The blogger described the harbour as "shimmering" with wine glasses and coloured lights strung between lamp posts, which could make it ideal for an evening stroll or drink.

Aberaeron has a shipping history and its Georgian houses used to be painted by captains in a colourful array of shades, the writer continued.

And food lovers heading to Wales this month may also like to try the Abergavenny Food Festival, being held from September 18th to 19th, where you can feast on local treats.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you
 

People going on a Wales holiday next month might like to take a trip to Loggerheads Country Park, which is at the heart of the Clwydian Range, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The space comprises a wooded river valley, cliffs and outcrops as well as a Discovery Trail, which could make it great for walking.

And those of you interested in the industrial history of the area may wish to try out the Discovering the Past event, where you can enter a disused mine passage with a caving expert.

Visitors can see for themselves what a miner would have experienced 200 years ago at the activity, which runs from September 4th to 26th.

Furthermore, keen ramblers might like to take in a tour of the area's Iron Age hill forts and heather moorland on the Bringing Views to Life tour held on September 9th.

The Abergavenny Food Festival – taking place from September 18th to 19th – could also be of interest to holidaymakers heading to Wales.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you
 

Those planning a holiday in Wales this September might like to head to Abergavenny, where they can sample the country's culinary delights at a food festival.

Learn how to hunt for wild food such as herbs and vegetables from professional food forager Yun Hider, who will be giving a talk on the subject, the Visit Wales blog reported.

Chefs Valentine Warner and Matt Tebbutt will also be on hand at the Abergavenny Food Festival to give visitors a masterclass on how to cook and eat wild food.

According to the blog, "Wales has some of the best game, sea and coarse fishing in the UK", so why not join the Abergavenny Game Fishing Association on a trip to source wild brown trout along the river Usk?

It was recently suggested by the Guardian a holiday in Wales could be perfect for families looking for a relaxing break, as Snowdonia is home to several low-key attractions.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you
 

A holiday in Snowdonia, Wales could suit those looking for a relaxing and peaceful break.

According to the Guardian, the area is home to some of the best family days out in Britain and is perfect for people looking to escape noisy theme parks.

Ewe-phoria and GreenWood Forest Park are both "low-key family attractions [that] combine education and entertainment in a peaceful rural setting," said journalist Louise Dale.

At Ewe-phoria, you can watch a sheepdog demonstration, learn about sheep shearing, see a ram parade and meet puppies.

Meanwhile, families can enjoy activities with an eco-friendly twist at GreenWood Forest Park – every aspect of this attraction is designed to be as green as possible.

Try out the Green Dragon, which according to the park is the world's first people-powered rollercoaster, or the BareFoot Trail.

While Wales could be the ideal spot to relax, it may also have plenty to offer those looking for adventure – last month, a spokeswoman for Visit Wales commented the country offers plenty of activities such as white water rafting and mountain biking.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you
 

Those thinking of renting a cottage in Wales might like to visit one of the country’s historic gardens.

In a £4.5 million project, a number of parklands will be enhanced and restored in a bid to attract more tourists, Horticulture Week reports.

Pembrokeshire County Council will lead the initiative in a joint venture with local authorities and trusts.

The scheme includes Margam Country Park in Bridgend, where the pleasure gardens will be restored and water features improved, as well as Scolton Manor in Pembrokeshire and Bryngarw Country Park in Bridgend.

Pembrokeshire councillor Rob Lewis said: “This opportunity will allow us to make significant enhancements to historic garden sites across south-west Wales by improving visitor facilities and expanding the historic interpretation of these important gardens.”

People planning a holiday in Wales might like to visit Margam Country Park, which is set in 1,000 acres of parklands and boasts an 18th-century orangery and a Tudor-Gothic-style Victorian mansion house.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you

Those looking for a holiday cottage in Wales might wish to consider staying in the town of Llandudno.

According to an article by Visit Wales on travelbite.co.uk, Llandudno is a great base for family holidays as it is within easy reach of natural beauty spots and attractions such as Great Orme Country Park and Conwy Castle.

“It became a popular holiday destination during Victorian times and you can see plenty of evidence of that in the beautiful buildings along the promenade that overlooks the two-mile beach,” the article continued.

The town also boasts the longest pier in Wales, which could prove a hit with children.

And it was recently reported in the Daily Post that the Llandudno ten-mile race, which has previously attracted over 2,000 runners, will be relaunched in the hope of boosting tourism.

The resorts of Rhyl and Colwyn Bay along the north coast are also recommended and are particularly popular with water sports fans.

Those who enjoy being active on holiday might wish to stay in Cardiff, Visit Wales suggests, where you will find plenty of things to do, such as sailing, snowboarding and cycling trails.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you
 

A stay at a holiday cottage in Wales could prove the perfect relaxing antidote to a busy life.

At cottages4you we think if the rolling countryside, blue waves and sandy beaches of Wales don’t lull you into a peaceful state of mind then nothing will!

Visit Wales seems to agree, revealing the uncrowded and high-quality beaches – as well as countryside trails – are ideal for those who want to get away from it all.

But don’t worry if you are an adventurer – those staying in Wales holiday cottages have a wealth of activities to try.

A spokeswoman for Visit Wales explains coasteering, white water rafting and mountain biking are all on offer.

And the whole family is catered for, with her adding: "There is no shortage of family-friendly attractions from the mine in South Wales, to Anglesey Sea Zoo in the very north."

The Welsh Assembly Government recently reported almost £16 million in funding has been granted to boost activities for tourists, meaning a stay in a holiday cottage in Wales may never prove boring.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you

A section of the Wales Coast Path has been opened up for those staying in holiday cottages in Wales.

The new boardwalk at Porthcawl was unveiled by environment minister Jane Davidson and it will help holidaymakers with pushchairs and wheelchair users to easily access the coast.

We have to agree with her that the coastline in Porthcawl is "beautiful" and should be enjoyed by everyone who stays at holiday cottages in Wales.

Funding from the European Regional Development Fund and the Assembly Government allowed the boardwalk to be created and Ms Davidson stated: "I am sure that the path will provide a real draw for visitors and tourists and will provide a welcome boost to the local economy."

People who decide to book a holiday cottage in Wales and explore Porthcawl can find sandy beaches at Rest Bay, Pink Bay and Sker Beach. Rest Bay even has a Blue Flag, which is given to beaches that have high water quality and environmental credentials.

We think you should try a spot of surfing or cycling along the coastline to really take in the scenery on offer.

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you

Surf fans who head to Anglesey to hit the waves could find Wales holiday cottages prove the perfect base for a holiday beside the sea.

Holiday cottages in Wales may be ideal for surfers who don’t want to adhere to the checking in and out and meal times hotels often have, preferring to fit their day around when the surf is at its best.

And according to iknow-uk, there has been a "record number" of Britons enquiring about visits to coastal areas.

"Boosted by the fact that we’re enjoying a great start to the summer, holidaymakers have faith in booking a UK break and are re-discovering all the great picturesque coastal gems we have," explains Marcus Simmons, managing director of the firm.

Here at cottages4you we have to agree British coastal spots are beautiful and Anglesey is a personal firm favourite.

VisitWales celebrates the tranquillity and coastline that individuals staying in Wales holiday cottages can enjoy and suggests the area is great for surfing.

The island has 125 miles of coastline for surfing fans, or simply those who want to sunbathe and relax.

See for yourself the beaches on offer here.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you