Each October, communities around Britain get together to celebrate the humble apple. A host of events take place in villages and towns across the UK, offering a great day out or even the basis for a short weekend break.

This year there’s a lot for apple growers to celebrate, with 21 new English apples varieties being successfully grown in the West Country and the government over-turning the planned introduction of duty on sales of craft cider. All of which means this year’s apple day events should be jovial, fun-filled affairs!

We’ve picked out the cream of the crop for October 2010:

1. Fenton House Open Day, Hampstead – London: October 3rd

Visit Fenton House on Sunday October 3rd for a celebration of apples! Activities planned include a venison roast barbecue, childrens craft activities, bee keeping demonstrations and of course – apple tasting.

Sunday 3rd October 11am – 4.15pm. Fenton House (NT), Windmill Hill, Hampstead NW3 6RT.

2. Apple Tasting Day at Blackmore Estate: October 10th

Blackmore Estate’s hugely popular Apple Tasting Day is back for its 41st year this year. As well as being able to sample a variety of apples grown on the estate, visitors will be treated to rural craft demonstrations, horse and cart rides, Morris dancing and live music.

Sunday 10th October: 10.00am – 4.30pm. Blackmore Nurseries, Blackmoor, Nr Liss GU23 6BS

3. Middle Farm Apple Festival, near Lewes – East Sussex: October 16th and 17th

Middle Farm’s Apple Festival has a reputation as one of the best apple day events in all of England and it’s a reputation well deserved. The two-day event is brilliant fun for all the family, with an old-fashioned fun fair, cider bar, two music stages and lots of lovely food.

Saturday 16th – Sunday 17th October, 10am – 5pm. The National Collection of Cider & Perry, Middle Farm Firle, Lewes BN8 6AJ.

4. Aldeburgh Food Festival, Metfield: October 10th

Apple-related activites happening at the Aldeburgh Food Festival fringe events include apple pressing, apple identification, apple tours and lots of apple pie and toffee ice cream eating!

Sunday 10 October, 10-2pm. Metfield Stores, Metfield IP20 0LB

5. The Big Apple, Hellens – Herefodshire: October 9th and 10th

Another hugely popular event in the heart of cider-producing Herefordshire. Visitors over the two days can expect cider tastings and demonstrations, talks, bike rides, barbecues and lots of other cider-related fun.

Hawaii is a beautiful place to visit if you’re looking for a subtropical environment to spend time in the sun and by the waves. But there is nothing worse than being in that environment, and having your view blocked by trash. Some of the most natural and beautiful places in the world are being covered up by litter. In Hawaii, paths leading to waterfalls are landmarked by man-made debris. This makes the prospect of green traveling even more attractive, as we continue to recognize our impact on the natural world around us. Here are a few tips for the eco-friendly traveler, if your destination is the Hawaiian Islands.

If the idea of community showers doesn’t bother you, then consider camping. Camping is a great option for people who want to cut down their use of energy resources and spend their time connecting with a natural environment. Who needs a lamp when you’re roasting marshmallows by a fire? Remember to pack wisely (stainless steel bottles, microfiber towels, etc.) and check your airline’s rules and regulations for bringing certain camping equipment onboard. Another upside to camping is that it’s cheap, at only about 25.00 a night; this includes both the state park fee and the cost of the permit. You can check the amenities and price for every state park (and even apply for a permit) online at Hawaii’s State Park website.

Each island has a myriad of natural attractions; you can see volcanoes on Maui, or Akaka Falls on the Big Island, or hike the Na Pali coast on Kauai, just to name a few. One of the best activities for a green traveler may be a bike ride down a volcano. You will pay a fee for the initial ride up (at sunrise), but then the day is spent coasting down steep declines and stopping at black sand beaches along the way back.  It’s an awesome way to experience the Hawaiian landscape.

Even the city-dweller will want to check out the small Hawaiian markets. Here you can find fresh organic food, straight from locals who grow it. By purchasing your groceries here as opposed to the larger chain grocery stores, you’re supporting the community business owners, eating organic healthy food and also entrenching yourself in local culture. Don’t be afraid to try something new!

If you’ve never flown to Hawaii before, be aware that you will need to declare certain personal items (this depends on what you pack or buy) to Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture. This prevents harmful plant pests and diseases from getting to the islands. Particularly, this means fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and the like will need to be inspected by Department of Agriculture personnel. Honestly, just avoid this altogether by packing light and shopping for food once you arrive.

Hawaii is the perfect state to spend an eco-friendly vacation. The very heart of Hawaii’s tourism is the appeal of a green tropical environment with countless outdoor activities such as surfing, snorkeling and hiking. It’s not too much to ask that we do our part in preserving its beauty. For more in formation on travelling in Hawaii visit My Hawaii Honey moon.

Nottingham has been crowned the least car-dependent city in England, according to new research out this week. The study, by the Campaign for Better Transport, shows that people in Nottingham have the best choice of green travel alternatives of anywhere in England – putting the city just ahead of London, which came in second place.

The Campaign for Better Transport’s (CBT) Car Dependency Scorecard investigated how dependant residents of all of England’s 19 cities are on cars. Nottingham scored highest and was closely followed by London, then Brighton and Hove.

Passengers in Nottingham have a good range of public transport options, including a comprehensive tram, bus and train network. Significant investment in 30 miles of cycle tracks has also helped convince more people to leave the car at home.

Speaking about Nottingham, the CBT told the Guardian: “”It ranked highly for factors such as bus patronage, satisfaction with bus services and low car use for the school run. As well as having an efficient bus service, the new expanding tram system is now used by 10 million passengers a year,”

As well as revealing the best green travel city in England, the research revealed the worst. Despite being one of England’s much-lauded new towns, Milton Keynes topped the list of most car-dependant places to live. Peterborough came in second place and nearby Luton ranked third.

Stephen Joseph, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said:

“Our report shows that for many people, car use is not a matter of choice but is due to other options just not being available. Factors such as lack of local facilities, poor public transport or bad conditions for cyclists and pedestrians, can mean that people are reliant on a car, with congestion and pollution the result.”

The report has been published ahead of the Government’s spending review, which threatens to cut funding into green travel initiatives. The Campaign for Better Transport has warned that cuts could make Britons even more dependent on cars, which would have a knock-on effect on quality of life, as well as the environment and economy.

“There have been improvements in many cities, but cuts in government spending, for instance, support for local bus services, could harm these. City authorities must also make sure that they prioritise their remaining funding on sustainable forms of transport and ensure that planning policies protect local shops and services.”

Much is made of what individual travellers should do to cut their carbon footprint (fly less often, for shorter distances, stay longer at your destination….), but its not often we hear about what the companies involved in aviation are doing to green-up their act.

Faced with a new government which appears significantly more anti-aviation than the last, airports are making great pains to stress their environmental credentials.

Gatwick airport recently announced plans to reduce carbon emisissions by 50 per cent by 2020 and become a ‘sustainable’ airport. Other goals in the new ‘Decade for Change’ sustainability plan include reducing operational noise, recycling 70 per cent of all waste, protecting local habitats and improving public transport access to the airport.

The aiport is also considering reducing its energy consumption by using renewable energy sources and introducing an electric car recharge network. Gatwich Airport CEO, Stewart Wingate, said: “Behaving in a responsible and sustainable way is at the heart of our business. As new owners we’ve grasped the opportunity to introduce new, challenging targets and initiatives to improve our environmental credentials.”

Meanwhile Birmingham airport has reportedly saved over 13,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide in the last 12 months by introducing a new technique called Continuous Descent Approach (CDA). The new landing technique allows planes to make a smooth approach to the airport, which uses less fuel and causes less noise than the usual step-by-step descent.

A spit in the water when it comes to the environmental impact of aviation? Quite possibly. One company which can be relied on for its upfront and honest approach to saving the planet is Ryanair. Boss Michael O’Leary recently said he doesn’t believe global warming exists and that scientists have made up the concept to attract money for research.

In an outspoken interview with The Independent, O’Leary blamed the environmentalists for giving aviation a “hard time” and said he refuses to believe that humans are responsible for carbon emissions:

“Well, hang on, we’ve had an ice age. We’ve also had a couple of very hot spells during the Middle Ages, so nobody can deny climate change. But there’s absolutely no link between man-made carbon, which contributes less than 2 per cent of total carbon emissions [and climate change].”

Our advice? If you do decide to take the plane, go from Gatwick or Birmingham, but don’t fly Ryanair!

Tree houses have had something of a revival of late. Once considered a place for little boys to play at the bottom of the garden, tree houses have become the focus of a new green travel trend. Several newspapers have featured tree house holidays over the past few weeks, including the Guardian, Telegraph and even the Daily Mail. So what’s the appeal?

Staying in a tree house means exactly that – sleeping in a tree. So you’re getting back to nature, up close to the birds and the bees. And if you’re thinking you could do that by staying in a tent, don’t forget about the view.

Some of the latest tree houses are five star affairs to rival any luxury hotel, with inspiring eco-credentials that put other accommodation options to shame. If you like the idea of sleeping on stilts, here are our top three:

Treehotel: Sweden

Situated high above a pine forest in Swedish lapland, the newly opened Treehotel in Swedish lapland is the cream of the crop. Each of the hotel’s seven futuristic rooms or “pods” have been designed by some of Sweden’s most famous architects and have a completely unique, ultra-modern feel.

How green is it? Treehotel say: “We are working to make the construction and daily running of the Tree Houses as green as possible, which is consistent with our values and, we hope, yours too.”

The Treehouse: Somerset

Dubbed “Britain’s first five-star self-catering treehouse,” the Treehouse near Taunton would be perfect for a memorable UK family break. The ultra-stylish house sleeps five people and has stunning features including a hot tub and wood-burning stove.

How green is it? The owners say: “We are very aware of our carbon footprint and have tried to make this as minimal as possible. Indeed, for every booking made we will plant a native hardwood tree!”

Perché dans le Perche: Brittany

For a more rustic feel, head to treetop retreat Perché dans le Perche in Brittany, France. With views to the nearby Perche National Park, the house is built around a 200 year old chesnut tree. The light and spacious house sleeps five and breakfast is delivered every morning to your terrace.

How green is it? The tree house is sited on a nature reserve, which the owners are managing as a community-focused eco-project.

From the picture-postcard villages of the Northumberland National Park to the crags of Hadrian’s wall, visitors to Northumberland are rewarded with fascinating history and outstanding views.

There are a great choice of holiday cottages in Northumberland – we’ve picked out the cream of the crop.

1. Comb Cottage, Greenhaugh – near Kielder

For a truly rural retreat, book a stay at Comb Cottage near Kielder. Anyone hankering after a slice of the wild and rugged Northumberland countryside won’t be disappointed – the cottage sits within 68 acres of private woodland and is situated at the end of a seven mile, single lane road.

Features include a wood burning stove and beautiful open fireplace – just remember to stock-up on food and drink before you arrive as the nearest pub is a seven mile walk! Comb Cottage sleeps a maximum of five people over two bedrooms and welcomes one, well-behaved pet.

2. The Square – Gardener’s Cottage – near Wooler

Situated at the gateway to the Northumberland National Park, this cluster of Grade II listed cottages make the ideal location for a holiday exploring the Cheviot Hills. Other attractions close by include Chillingham Castle and Bamburgh with its golden, sandy beach.

With accommodation for four spread over two rooms, guests at Gardener’s Cottage have luxury facilities at their disposal including a solid wood burning stove and flat screen TV.

3. Prior Manor Coach House, Corbridge – near Hexham

A stay at the Prior Manor Coach House near Hexham offers couples the best of both worlds. The historical attractions of Hadrian’s Wall are on your doorstep, as well as mile upon mile of open countryside for you to explore. The attractive market town of Hexham is just three miles away, while the vibrant city of Newcastle is twenty miles or so further along.

The four star rated cottage has been recently renovated to an exceptionally high standard and sleeps two.

4. Bradley Bear House, Berwick Upon Tweed

Right in the heart of historic Berwick Upon Tweed, this Grade II listed property is just moments away from the beach. Set on three floors, this impressive house has three bedrooms, two of which have views towards the sea.

All the attractions of Berwick Upon Tweed are on your doorstep here, including a great choice of shops, restaurants and tea rooms. Bradley Bear House also makes a great base for exploring the wilds of Northumberland and the Scottish borders beyond.

Bradley Bear House sleeps five, or can be booked together with Lily House to accommodate up to eleven guests.

5. Oakville Garden Cottage, Cotehill – near Carlisle

This small but perfectly-formed cottage could have come straight out of the pages of a glossy magazine. Recently refurbished to a very high standard, the owners have succeeded in creating a thoroughly contemporary property while retaining original features including the solid wood beams.

In a rural location one mile from the village of Cotehill, Oakville Garden Cottage sleeps two and is five miles from the city of Carslisle.

When it comes to finding special places to stay, visitors to Yorkshire are spoilt for choice. From bustling market towns to rural idylls. There are an outstanding selection of holiday cottages in Yorkshire, for everything from family holidays to short weekend breaks.

We’ve picked out some of our five favourites for you to peruse:

1. Wynd Cottage, Richmond

This luxury cottage is situated just a stone’s throw from the marketplace in the historic town of Richmond, known as the “Gateway to the Dales”. Boasting spectacular views of Richmond Castle, this newly converted cottage is packed with high end features including a traditional wood burning stove, flat screen LCD TV, sumptuous leather sofas and an outstanding balcony.

With two large en-suite bedrooms, Wynd Cottage sleeps four and is just moments away from the shops and restaurants of this popular market town.

2. The Cottage, Dunsley – near Whitby

Stay at this cosy cottage and you’ll wake up every morning of your holiday to breathtaking sea views. Just a short drive away from the popular resort of Whitby, The Cottage stands in the grounds of Dunsley Hall Hotel, just above the charming seaside village of Sandsend.

Guests are welcome to use the hotel facilities which include a tennis court, bowling green, restaurant and bar. With accommodation for five spread over three bedrooms, The Cottage is a great choice for anyone planning to explore the Yorkshire coast and North York Moors.

3. Manor House Farm, Brearton – near Harrogate

If you’re looking for rural tranquility within reach of a cosmopolitan town, add Manor House Farm in Brearton to your list. The village of Brearton is just minutes from the spa town of Harrogate, home to Betty’s Tea Rooms and countless designer shops.

Manor House Farm is packed with period features, including Victorian cast baths and a traditional open fire. This luxury accommodation has been lovingly refurbished to a high standard and sleeps up to seven people over three rooms.

4. Sycamore Barn, Tollerton – near York

This brand new barn conversion is perfect for a romantic get-away or short family break. Situated just ten miles away from the historic city of York, guests at Sycamore Barn in Tollerton are within easy reach of indoor attractions including the Jorvik Viking centre as well as the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.

Key features include a private garden and attractive wet room on the ground floor. Sycamore Barn sleeps 4 people over two rooms, one of which has bunk beds suitable for children.

5. Handel’s Muse at Oldfields Farm – near Ashbourne

If you’re looking for somewhere special to celebrate an anniversary or just to have a romantic break, this stunning cottage is hard to beat. Nestling in 12 acres of grounds on the owners’ impressive 19th century farm, romantic features include a designer Italian bathroom and canopied double bed.

Situated a short drive away from attractions including Chatsworth House and the spa town of Buxton, guests can also enjoy several walks and bike rides in the immediate area. As well as the double bedroom, the cottage has a sofa bed in the living area and a cot is available on request.

A stay in the Scottish Highlands is one of the most varied and rewarding holidays you can ever have – the fantastic views and scenery are among the best in the world. But if you’re looking for a more active holiday, the Highlands certainly won’t disappoint. The mountains, crags, rivers and lochs of the Highlands offer a fantastic choice of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break or thrilling outdoor adventure, here are some ideas for holidays in the Highlands.

Walk the West Highlands Way

Scotland’s first official long distance footpath travels a distance of 154km (96 miles) and takes travellers through some of the most stunning scenery you’re ever likely to see.

The path winds through Mugdock Country Park, along the banks of Loch Lomond, passes through Ben Lomond, crosses Rannoch Moor and continues past Buachaille Etive Mor to the head of Glencoe, climbs the Devil’s Staircase and descends to cross the River Leven at the head of Loch Leven before entering Lairigmor and Glen Nevis.

Of course you don’t have to walk the entire path. Many holidaymakers choose to walk sections and staying in a holiday cottage near to the route means you can soak up the views at your own pace. Several holiday operators offer packages which include accommodation, a guide and transport for your bags – an attractive option if you’re not good at packing light!

Ski the Cairngorms

With its high mountains, pine forests and dramatic river valley setting, Aviemore and the Cairngorms area is a distinctive Highland setting. The Cairngorms National Park is the biggest in Britain, covering a massive 3800 sq km.

Cairngorm Mountain near Aviemore is the most popular of the ski and snowboard resorts in the National Park – and the highest too. Skiers and snowboarders are usually rewarded with good snow throughout the season, making this resort a draw for some of Britain’s best snowboarders.

Choosing a cottage in the Aviemore area means you’ll be spoilt for choice for activities off the slopes – other popular activities include walking, hiking and even visiting a herd of free range reindeer!

Cruise the Caledonian Canal

Built by the famous Scot Thomas Telford and opened in 1822, the Caledonian Canal is one of the most fascinating waterways in Europe. Running for some 100km (60 miles), cruising the canal from east to west takes around 3 days, making it an excellent way in which to spend a week soaking up the views.

Cruising the Caledonian Canal is one of the most relaxing means by which to enjoy the sights of the Highlands. Among the sights you will see while afloat are Ben Nevis, Dochfour House and the picturesque Aldourie Castle on the banks of Loch Ness.

Several operators and holiday companies offer cruise holidays on the Caledonian Canal – why not combine a trip with a stay in a cosy holiday cottage in Scotland for a really relaxing Highlands holiday?

If you’re looking for an adrenalin-fuelled holiday, you can’t go far wrong with Wales. From survival camps in the Brecon Beacons to climbing and canoeing in the Snowdonia National Park, Wales is full of adventure for the thrill-seeking holidaymaker.

Here are some ideas for activities for you to try out:

Surfing the Gower Peninsula

The beautiful and unspoilt Gower Peninsula has some of the best waves in Britain. Situated in the South West of Wales and within easy reach of Swansea, the area has become a mecca for surfers over the past 40 years.

Llangennith, Langland and Caswell beaches are some of the most popular with surfers and each have a wonderful selection of holiday cottages nearby. So if you fancy rolling out of bed and onto the beach, the Gower Peninsula is the place to go at any time of year.

Mountaineering in the Snowdonia National Park

To get really wild in Wales, head to the National Mountain Centre at Plas y Brenin in North Wales. This multi-activity centre in the Snowdonia National Park offers everything from climbing to canoeing, with plenty more in between.

Taster sessions offer visitors the chance to try new activities without committing to a full course, while adventure days are great for families and small groups. With a reputation as the outdoor capital of North Wales, the area around Betws y Coed makes an ideal base and is packed with outdoor shops if you need to stock-up for your trip.

Survival in the Brecon Beacons

The Black Mountains of the Brecon Beacons not only offer some of the best walking in Wales – they’re also the best place in Wales to try your hand at survival. Fans of Ray Mears will enjoy building shelters, gathering food and making fires on a survival course run by SAS experts.

Several companies in and around Brecon organise survival weekends – combine one with a stay in a cosy Welsh cottage to get the best of both worlds! The bustling market town of Abergavenny makes a fantastic base for a holiday in this part of Wales, while holiday cottages in Wales and in particular, in the picturesque Llanthony Valley are another popular choice.

Mountain Biking in Coed y Brenin

If you like to get your kick on two wheels, head to Coed y Brenin (Gwydyr Forest) in North Wales for some of the best mountain bike trails in the UK. A range of trails means Coed y Brenin is suitable for everyone from families and novices, right through to expert riders.

Mountain biking at Coed y Brenin promises breathtaking views of the Snowdonia National park, including the magnificent Cadair Idris peak. A state-of-the-art visitor centre offers hot drinks, main meals and snacks – plus bike hire and an equipment shop.

Several villages in the area make a great base for a mountain biking holiday – popular villages include Betws y Coed, Capel Curig and Penmachno.

Think you know everything there is to know about the Peak District? Think again! We’ve uncovered some amazing facts about the Peak District – read on to learn more.

1. The Peak District is NOT ACTUALLY (see comments, thanks Barbara!) the world’s second most visited National Park, second only to Mount Fuji National Park in Japan. The Peak District National Park management team estimate that between 17 and 21 million people visit the park each year, most coming from cities within the park itself or the surrounding counties.

2. The park itself covers 555 square miles – about the same size as Greater London. The Peak District National Park encompasses Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and South and West Yorkshire and is the fifth largest National Park in England and Wales.

3. The Peak District National Park became Britain’s first-ever National Park when it was first designated in April 1951. Twelve per cent of the National Park is owned by the National Trust and the rest by an assortment of private land owners.

4. Formed almost entirely from sedimentary rocks, what is now known as the Peak District was once a tropical lagoon. Fossilised sea creatures and shells can still be spotted today in the limestone rocks and dry stone walls of the peaks.

5. The peat bogs of the Peak District are not only some of the most important wildlife habitats in the world, they’re also some of the most endangered. Thousands of endangered insects and plants live in and around the peat bogs, as well as rare birds including sky larks and dunlin.

6. The classic war film The Dambusters was filmed at Derwent Dam in the Upper Derwent Valley Reservoirs in 1955. The Royal Air Force also used the site to practice for the historic Dambusters raids, which the 617 Squadron famously carried out during World War II.

7. The Pennine Way in the Peak District National Park was the first long-distance footpath ever to open in Britain. The National Park now has over 1,600 miles of footpaths and public rights of way, plus 58 miles of special off-road cycle tracks.

8. The Peak District inspired the English novelist Jane Austen, who set many scenes for her 1813 novel Pride and Predujice in the Derbyshire Peak District. The 2005 film adaptation of the same novel was itself filmed in the Peak District, with Chatsworth House representing Pemberley, Mr Darcy’s home.

9. Britain’s most popular mineral water brand – Buxton Mineral Water – is sourced from the spa town of Buxton in the Derbyshire Peak District. The town has been a popular resort since Roman times and remains so today. Visitors can help themselves to some free Buxton mineral water by drinking from St Ann’s Well in the town.

10. The Peak District National Park played an important role in the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th Century, by providing water to England’s first cotton mills and factories. The cotton mill at Cromford in the Derwent Valley has now been designated a World Heritage site and is a popular visitor attraction in the Derbyshire Dales.

If you are looking for Peak District cottages then check out Derbyshire cottages for more tourist information and holiday ideas.