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

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

Trudging through muddy, murky water on a mountain bike on your Wales holiday isn’t everybody’s idea of fun.

But here at cottages4you, we’re pretty sure it’d be fun to watch.

If you’re heading to Wales on July 11th, why not watch the Bog Snorkelling Triathlon at Waen Rhydd Bog, just outside Llanwrtyd Wells.

Hardy competitors wade through the bog as their bikes are weighed down with lead to avoid floating to the surface.

Organiser Sheila Tomkins from Green Events was quoted by the BBC as saying: "All the signs are that this is quickly becoming an event which people will turn up to take part in and watch."

She explains participants start with a 12 mile run then take two lengths of the bog before cycling 25 miles.

We’re getting tired just thinking about it!

If you want a truly challenging holiday in Wales, you can still enter, otherwise head along and give your support to the muddy entrants.

Green Events won the title of Top Day(s) Out in Wales from the Welsh Tourist Board back in 2005, so it sounds like they know how to put on a good show!

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you

Lovers of Dr Who planning a holiday to Wales should make time to visit the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff.

And you might like to pick up a copy of the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain to help you plan your trip.

The publication lets you explore the country, with tips on where to go for a view of venues previously featured in the BBC series.

Wales Millennium Centre is just one of the highlights and you could pretend you’re the Time Lord himself by acting out some of the scenes (as best you can!) in front of the building.

The new edition of the Rough Guide is available for free to Blue Badge holders but could be worth purchasing for those who want to check out famous sites like London’s Cabinet War Rooms and other British attractions.

Be sure to look out for any dangerous Daleks on your Wales holiday, as this was the site of their return in one of the latest episodes of Dr Who.

Alternatively, you could do your own tour of Wales and follow in the footsteps of Matt Smith and sidekick Karen Gillan, who filmed the latest series in this exciting part of the UK.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you

Families planning a Wales holiday for Father’s Day (June 20th) will find plenty to keep them busy in the Snowdonia region.

Dads who love all things locomotive could be treated to a day out on the famous Talyllyn Railway.

With two VIP packages to choose from, this will ensure your Father’s Day is one to remember.

The first offers a journey through Snowdonia, followed by a two-course lunch at King’s Licensed Cafe.

You could also stop off at Abergynolwyn for afternoon tea if you get the later train at 13:50 BST from Tywyn Wharf.

To really make his day go off with a bang, there’s a good selection of beers and wines to buy en-route.

Originally created in the 19th century to carry slate, the narrow-gauge lines are a picturesque way to enjoy the incredible Welsh scenery.

Events are held here throughout the year, so nobody needs to miss out on this historic day out.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you

A stay in a Wales holiday cottage could provide you with a relaxing break where you can enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

But if you’re looking for a more action-packed trip, we here at cottages4you have come across just the thing.

The country’s first permanent wakeboarding park is set to be built in Swansea’s SA1 development.

If you’ve never heard of the watersport before, just imagine a cross between surfing, waterskiing and skateboarding.

Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?

The GoWake park at the Prince of Wales Dock should be open in time for the summer holidays, so this may be an ideal day out for those of you with stays booked in August.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, minister for the economy and transport, said: There cannot be many places in the UK where an activity like this is on offer within a stone’s throw of a city centre."

GoWake promises once you’ve had a taste for wakeboarding, you’ll be coming back for more.

Find out about the new centre by clicking here.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you