Articles Tagged with: Holiday cottages

For dramatic scenery, lush green countryside and places to truly get away from it all, few places on Earth can compare to the Scottish Highlands in summertime. Whether you venture up into the Grampian Mountains or continue beyond Great Glen and into the Northwest Highlands, you are guaranteed a spectacular experience every time you visit this unique area of Britain.

Highland holidays are best experienced in spring and summer, given that the climate and weather conditions can be less than hospitable during winter. During the warmer months, green travellers flock from all over the UK to holiday cottages in Scotland, nestling themselves in the countryside to enjoy the huge range of activities available to anyone who chooses a good old British summer over an expensive flight to foreign lands.

Highland cottages are the perfect place to spend the summer, offering you a home from home in even the most remote Highland destinations. You can find out for yourself what it would be like to live in one of Britain’s northern-most towns in Thurso, or you could head west to the idyllic Scottish islands of Skye and Mull. There is even a metropolitan centre in Inverness, where you can contrast the wilds of the Grampians with a visit to the capital of the Highlands.

Many visitors to the Highlands go there for an adrenaline rush. There are many ways to achieve this kind of buzz in the Highlands – and most of them are wonderfully eco-friendly!

Hill walking is perhaps the most popular outdoor pursuit amongst Highland tourists. Walks over and around hills and mountains like the Munros, the Corbetts and the Grahams are hugely popular with leisurely walkers and serious trekkers alike. Many people aim to ‘bag’ a range of mountains by climbing them all. Since the late 1980s, the Munros have been a major draw for ambitious walkers who wish to become ‘compleaters’ by summiting all 283 of them.

Those who prefer to move a little quicker can indulge in a spot of kayaking on the many rivers that run through the Highlands, or even climb the snowy peaks to plummet back down on skis!

If you’d rather keep your heart rate slow and steady, perhaps a tour of the many ancient castles and monuments dotted around the Highlands will be more your style – finished off with a soothing tipple at one of the legendary Scottish whisky distilleries!

Britain has plenty to satisfy those keen walkers of all ages and abilities looking to embark on an eco-friendly holiday with a difference this year.

The Brecon Beacons, Scottish Highlands, Peak District and Yorkshire Dales are areas of outstanding natural beauty that attract visitors annually in their tens of thousands. Yet despite the stiff competition, the Lake District in Cumbria can more than match its rivals when it comes to the challenging walking trails, quaint towns and villages and fabulous scenery that can be found in such bountiful supply in this picturesque little pocket of northern England.

Lovers of the great outdoors flock to Lake Windermere all year round, whatever the weather, and are rarely disappointed by what’s waiting for them when they arrive at England’s largest natural lake.

Whether you like to get around on two wheels, on foot or by water, the town of Windermere is a great base from which to enjoy a wide range of outdoor pursuits, with the most popular being walking. Those ambitious ramblers among you may fancy tackling parts of the Windermere Way – the 45-mile circular route around the lake; those of you who aren’t so keen on that mammoth hike, you could instead take a stroll up Adelaide Hill or venture further afield to Walla Crag fell. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll probably be returning home after your adventures to unwind with friends and family in one of the many Windermere cottages available to rent in the area, helping you and your party really get a feel for Lake District life.

Situated at the head of Lake Windermere is Ambleside, a bustling town renowned for its notable array of traditional English pubs. With most of them serving locally-brewed real ales and hearty food to weary walkers after a hard day’s endeavours, you certainly won’t go hungry. For those people who enjoy their creature comforts when they’re away from home, Ambleside cottages offer the chance to set up a home from home against the stunning backdrop of the rolling hills and tranquil waters. The stepping stones across the River Rothay and Stock Ghyll Force (a 70-ft waterfall) are both well worth a look and in close proximity to Ambleside.

Some five miles south of Ambleside after passing back through Windermere is Bowness-on-Windermere. A popular walk in this area involves hopping on a bus to the nearby village of Hawkshead and then making your way back the six miles or so back through the woodlands taking in the striking views across Lake Windermere as you go. If you’re staying in Bowness accommodation then you can also catch a ferry from Bowness to the western side of the lake, and from there you could travel on to Coniston Water, the third-largest lake in the Lake District.

These are just a selection of the various places of interest that make the Lake District such an ideal destination for your next hiking getaway.

It’s just possible that we might see a bit of sunshine in the UK this summer. After a scorching April and a rather wet May, the forecasts are showing a good chance of some warm weather across the UK in June, July and August and all you green travellers out there will be keen to soak up some of those rays that hit our humble British shores.

Of course, many people simply jump in a plane and jet off to a beach in Spain, Greece, or even the Caribbean when they fancy a bit of summer sunshine. But the impact of those flights on the environment is severe, and seems needless when you look at some of the splendid summer resorts to be found right on our doorstep here in the UK.

The Lake District
The sweeping valleys and looming fells of Cumbria are popular all year round, with cosy Lake District cottages welcoming visitors even in the chilly winter months. In spring and summer, cottages in Keswick, Grasmere, Ambleside and Windermere are even more popular as people from in the UK and abroad flock to this breathtakingly beautiful part of the UK to enjoy outdoor pursuits like hill walking, mountain climbing, cycling and water sports. Accommodation in Windermere is in particularly high demand during the warmer months, as tourists flock to the picturesque town to enjoy its vast lake and unique atmosphere. But if you book early, you’ll be guaranteed a sunny spot by the lake where you can enjoy soaking up some of Britain’s best views at their peak time of year.

Cornwall
If hill walking and country pubs are not your thing but you still crave the adrenaline rush of water sports in the summertime, you might want to join the many surfers, wind surfers, kite boarders and sailing enthusiasts who take to the seas off the coast of Cornwall each summer. Resorts like Newquay, St Ives, Falmouth and Penzance offer miles of stunning golden beaches as well as some of the liveliest holiday nightlife to be found in the UK, with revellers giving Cornwall a reputation as a great place to party and relax in the summer.

Suffolk
For a more traditionally English summer experience, the sleepy towns and villages of Suffolk are ideal. The stretch of coast that runs between Lowestoft and Felixstowe is particularly well equipped to welcome holiday makers, with its many comfortable cottages ready to accommodate everyone from romantic couples to extended families. The thatched roofs and winding country lanes of places like Southwold and Aldeburgh help to create a splendid summer atmosphere that comes complete with cream teas and tasty Suffolk ales.

The Lake District is a fantastic place to visit and as part of a new series here on Green Travel Blog we decided to take a closer look at the best tourist attractions and places to stay so you can plan your Autumn break or perhaps next years summer holiday.

Things to do

The Lake District is absolutely packed with different attractions and things to do but we have narrowed down the top attractions from a very large list. To view more, visit the official Go Lakes site which has an extensive list

Another useful website to consider is Lakestay which offers useful information on accommodation listings, the best ways to take in the natural beauty and history of the area along with Cumbrian sports and attractions. It also includes upcoming events, recent articles and news to make sure that visitors have the inside knowledge on how to make their trip one to remember.

Grizedale Forest

Grizedale Forest is perhaps the most action packed day out in the Lakes with mountain biking, a Go Ape course and dozens of other forest activities as well as trails and fantastic views.

Internationally renowned for its forest sculptures, Grizedale Forest Park offers the complete day out with an extensive range of activities and adventures to get involved in.

Extra tip – if you like Grizedale also try Whinlatter Forest visitor centre too!

If mountain biking is your thing, check out Northern Munkies for a guide on routes to take and the right mountain bike to choose.

Windermere & Ullswater Cruises

Cruising on one of the beautiful lakes in Cumbria is a must do activity for your Lake District holiday. The two most popular cruise locations are Windermere and Ullswater and both are spectacular and excellent value for money as well as being a great way to take in the scenery.

Ravenglasss & Eskdale Railway

Probably the most spectacular train ride in the North the Ravenglass & Eskdale railway takes you on a journey for seven miles from the delightful coastal village of Ravenglass through two glorious valleys to the foot of England’s highest mountains.

Each of the locos travel’s some 6,000 miles per year on average, hauling trains consisting of ‘breath of fresh air’ open carriages, practical open-sided ones and cosy covered saloons. That’s more trains, on a longer line, than any other heritage railway in the Lake District. As you might expect with Britain’s Favourite View and deepest lake in the next valley, England’s highest mountain at its head, Eskdale and indeed all the railway, is in the Lake District National Park – beyond the commercialism and hustle-bustle – simply surrounded by spectacular beauty.

Outdoor Activities

If you are young and fancy making the most of the outdoors, visit activeoutdoors which provides ideas, information and inspiration on fun outdoor activities and adventure for young people. There is an extensive list and a wealth of information about lots of outdoor activities available in The Lakes, so whether you are an adrenaline junkie or just fancy trying something different this site is for you.

Museums and Attractions for Children

If you like museums, why not go to the Pencil Museum. You can learn about the history of pencil making and see how Derwent Fine Art Pencils are made today, as well as being amazing by the worlds longest coloured pencil and seeing a World War 2 pencil designed like a James Bond gadget.
There is also Cars of the Stars Museum featuring celebrity television and film vehicles including Herbie and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Children and Adults a like will love to visit World of Beatrix Potter and Lakes Aquarium for a fun filled day out

Places to stay

Although there is a big choice of accommodation in the Lake District it’s well worth booking early, especially in peak season. Most hotels are relatively small and can get booked up months in advance.

The most popular accommodation in the Lakes is usually a self catering holiday cottage of some kind and there are lots of ways to book.

The largest provider is Cumbrian Cottages who have over 900 Lake District Cottages on their books, all with minimum 3 star VisitBritain ratings.

If you want to book direct with a holiday cottage there are literally hundreds of amazing cottages to choose from.

You could also try Holiday Lettings which offers over 250 holiday homes in the Lake District. Holiday makers can choose from spacious villas, resort apartments, sprawling gites and farmhouses, cosy romantic retreats, cottages, barn and chapel conversions. Booking a holiday home direct with the property owner or manager through Holiday Lettings will save you money and has the advantage of providing first hand knowledge of the property and location.

Brackenrigg is situated in the heart of the Lake District National Park located in the peaceful Naddle valley and just 2 miles from Keswick. Brackenrigg Barn has 3 cottages converted from a traditional stone ‘bank’ barn and retain many original features. Brackenrigg Barn and High Rigg have both achieved a Silver Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme, and piloted the new Biodiversity Award sponsored by Natural England. Whether you are looking for a cosy retreat for two, or a family holiday, this is the perfect place to escape to the countryside with lots of things to do right on your doorstep.

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.

Renting a holiday cottage has many advantages over other types of holiday accommodation such as hotels and guest houses. Here are some of the key reasons why people choose holiday cottages:

Self Catering

The fact that holiday cottages are self catering is the single biggest advantage for many holidaymakers. Self catering not only works out to be far cheaper than eating out, it’s far more flexible too. Being able to cook for yourself means you can cook what you want, when you want. And if you want to eat out at restaurants from time to time – that’s fine too! Most holiday cottages have fully equipped kitchens with all the mod cons, giving you the chance to try local produce at your own pace.

Great for Groups

Holiday cottages are ideal for groups. Staying in a hotel often means groups don’t have a central place to congregate and having separate bedrooms can be an issue for families with small children. Renting a holiday cottage means those problems disappear – family and friends can get together round the dinner table at night, relax in the garden during afternoons or play board games together in the lounge during the evenings.

Pet Friendly

Many holiday cottages admit pets, meaning there’s no need to confine Rover to kennels while the rest of the family enjoys a week or two away. Renting a self-contained holiday cottage means there’s little chance of your dog disturbing other guests and many have a garden or outside space for canine friends to enjoy.

More Space

Even if you don’t have children, the extra space that staying in a holiday cottage often affords is a life-saver for many travellers. Bikes, surf boards, luggage…they all take room – something often in short supply if you’re confined to one room in a hotel or guest house. Choosing a holiday cottage with a garden also means you have the luxury of outside space – fantastic if the sun is shining and a godsend if you have kids. Being able to spread out means you can really relax and enjoy your stay.

Freedom

Anyone who has ever stayed in a bed and breakfast will know that it’s not much fun creeping around at night trying not to disturb your host or other guests. Having to get dressed for breakfast can be a drag when staying at a hotel, especially if your idea of a break is staying in your dressing gown until noon! Choosing a holiday cottage means you have the freedom to please yourself – get up late, wear your pyjamas all day, talk loudly late at night and generally do what you feel.

Cost Effective

Holiday cottages can often work out to be a cost effective choice, especially if you’re travelling as a family or group. Many providers offer a discount of the peak holiday season – it’s always worth checking if you’re looking for a low cost deal and at the last minute cottages can be a great bargain.

Cumbria is a popular destination for the stay at home holidaymaker. With a wide range of locations and accommodation, making the choice as to where to stay can be the hardest part of planning your holiday. The following are some prime examples of holiday cottages in Cumbria.

Cleabarrow Cottage (Windermere)

A short walk from the towns of Windermere and Bowness, this detached property has superb views across the countryside to the Langdales and has mature gardens in which to sit out and enjoy the view. Beautifully furnished, this is rated as a “deluxe property” and has many personal touches to make this cottage stand out from the rest. The master bedroom even has a balcony on which to enjoy the morning sunshine. Cleabarrow sleeps eight.

Oakshead (near Crook)

This gold awarded magnificent property sits in its own thirty seven acres of farmland. A five bedroom farmhouse, it sleeps ten, has five bedrooms (two en suites) and two sitting rooms. The traditional farmhouse kitchen is a great place to plan the day, if you can bear to leave the splendor of your surroundings.

Cross Cottage (Windermere)

In the heart of Windermere village, this traditional slate cottage has a full range of modern facilities while retaining its original character and charm. Described as a “home of distinction” it attracts repeat visitors every year. The cottage sleeps four.

Fell Cottage (Staverley).

Another traditional Lakeland dwelling. Lovingly restored with stone flag floors, log burning stoves and quality fittings, this two bedroom cottage is an ideal romantic getaway, combining period charm with modern facilities.

Underfield Cottage (nr Coniston)

Protected under Grade ll listed status, this is a period home that cannot fail to impress. Exposed beams and mullioned windows take the visitor back in time, relaxing in this beautifully finished property. Set in forty acres of woodland this four bedroom home is an ideal country retreat.

Ghyllside (Seatoller)

At the foot of Honister Pass this five star property offers beautiful views across the valley. Completely refurbished this is a quality cottage that sleeps six in the heart of one of the most scenic areas of Cumbria.

Tree Tops (Kendal)

Set in the unspoiled Longsleddale Valley this riverside property offers beautiful surroundings, peace and tranquility. The property has trout and salmon fishing rights and an array of wildlife can be seen from the balcony. Sleeping eight people, the property has three bathrooms and a first floor living area.

Gutherscale Lodge (Portinscale)

At the foot of Catbells Fell this four bedroom property offers quality accommodation in a peaceful location. Offering spectacular views across Newlands Valley the cottage is ideally located for walking in the area.

Archway Cottage (Ambleside)

A special retreat for two, this cottage is a stone’s throw from the heart of the conservation area of the village. The picturesque property is full of original character and the master bedroom has been breathtakingly finished with a vaulted ceiling and high beams.

Fellmere (Ambleside)

This two bedroom cottage has views across Lake Windermere and is in walking distance of the main village. Full of character, the property dates back to 1840 and has been converted in an open plan design. Both bedrooms are en suite and look out across the valley to Wansfell Pike.

The Lake District is renowned as being one of the most beautiful areas of the British Isles, with numerous villages dotted around the region, the choice of destination is a wide one. The area is renowned for its spectacular scenery and there’s no better way to enjoy it that from the comfort of a cosy cottage in the fells.

Ambleside is a popular destination, right in the heart of the National Park on the northern shores of Lake Windermere. Surrounded by the fells, the village has a good selection of shops and restaurants. There are a wide variety of cottages available to rent here. Apple Tree Cottage is just outside the main village and sleeps two people. A single storey stone building, it offers good quality accommodation that has a rural feel but isn’t too far away from the attractions of Ambleside. For the larger party Byways is an attractive eighteenth century character cottage right on the edge of the village. A well maintained property, Byways will sleep four people.

Hawkshead is a picturesque village four miles from Ambleside. With a traffic free centre this sits in the heart of Beatrix Potter country and offers good opportunities for fishing and walking. Coniston sits on the edge of Lake Coniston and offers good sailing and canoeing on the lake. The village is close to Grizedale Forest with its miles of scenic walks.

Hannakin Barn is a five minute walk from Hawkshead. This lovely stone barn dates from 1760 and has been refurbished with great attention to detail. It is spacious and sleeps two people. Heron Cottage sleeps four people and is a short walk from the village centre. This is a modern terraced cottage in a small courtyard and is well equipped and furnished.

Rowan Cottage is in the village of Far Sawrey the one time home of Beatrix Potter. See how the legendary author became inspired to create her characters as you look out of this pretty traditional building onto the rolling green fields. Beatrix Potter’s home is a short walk from here at Hill Top, a little path opposite the cottage leads to the shores of Lake Windermere. This is a picturesque little cottage and can sleep five.

Bowness on Windermere is directly on the shores of the lake. There is a colourful holiday feel to this village and plenty of night life. This is an ideal base for those wanting to be in the hub of activity after a day walking in the hills. The quaint little Pear Tree Cottage is a lovingly refurbished property offering a real home from home for four people in the village of Staveley near Bowness. Local facilities are all within walking distance.

Keswick is a busy little market town at the foot of the mighty Skiddaw fell and is a good place to make camp for those expeditions into the fells. Cygnet Cottage is an attractive property adjacent in a group of converted properties. Set behind grassy lawns this renovated cottage sleeps four people and is in “upside down” property allowing the best views from the living area.

The Lake District cottages have plenty to offer the visitor and wherever you decide to stay, this beautiful part of the country will not disappoint.

Deciding where to spend the family holiday is always a big decision. Just as important is what type of accommodation you are going to chose to spend your hard earned break in. Holidays abroad tend to be focused on hotels but if you are staying at home or even travelling across the channel to Europe, cottage rentals are becoming an increasingly popular choice.

One of the major benefits of choosing a cottage is the cost. Everyone knows how the price of a holiday can look tempting in a brochure; but when you multiply it by all the members of the family or group, it starts to look expensive. Cottages are rented by the building, so instead of multiplying up you are dividing down per head, a far more attractive value for money proposition.

Holiday cottages also offer privacy, hotel rooms tend to have limited space and there is sometimes a feeling of being “on top” of each other. A cottage is a home from home giving everyone somewhere to get some time to themselves. Many cottages have more than one bathroom, avoiding the need to be waiting for someone to finish their shower and on the whole offer a more relaxed holiday experience.

Hotels have meals at set times, in a cottage you can eat when you chose and not have to worry about dressing and getting to the restaurant in time. If the weather is not what you had hoped for, you can settle for a night in front of a roaring fire or have a lazy meal over a bottle of wine. If you don’t feel like socialising then you don’t have to, you can simply stay at home and relax.

Many cottages have areas intended for outdoor enjoyment, so a barbecue and evening in the garden makes for a more pleasant experience with young children. Spending time in a hotel with children can be very limiting, either because they have to get to bed, meaning that you are restricted to your room; or they want to stay for the entertainment which means sitting through the children’s disco every night.

A cottage holiday can be as low key or as lively as you want to make it and there will almost always be a village Pub nearby for a change of scenery. Cottages are especially good for romantic getaways. There is no need to spend any time with anyone else unless you want to; you have a whole house to yourselves with no disruption.

Another appeal of a cottage holiday is the setting in which so many of these properties can be found; many are set in quaint little villages, often by the sea or in areas of historic interest. Many holiday cottages are listed buildings and have a charm of their own. Country retreats and old Fisherman’s cottages, the choice of properties is endless. You can have a cottage with television and DVD player or one with nothing to connect to the outside world at all.

Whichever type of cottage you chose you can be sure that you will have a holiday to remember, free from any restrictions.