Holidaying in National Parks

Some of Britain’s breathtaking scenery have been awarded National Park status, so staying in a holiday cottage here comes with the guarantee of stunning views. Parks are often busy with visitors, so Cottages.co.uk have tried to find some hideaway cottages for you to enjoy. Some great accommodation includes Ullacombe Cottage in Bovey Tracey, Strone Cottage in Glen Fruin, Loch Lomond, and Priory Gate in Dunster.

Ullacombe Cottage, Bovey Tracey

Built in the early 1800’s, this semi-detached cottage enjoys a stunning location surrounded by farmland. The owners, who live next door, have provided every comfort making this cottage a true home from home property. The 2 acres of grounds in which the cottage is situated includes a wildlife pond (please take care with children). Guests have their own garden with patio and access to an orchard beyond, where can safely play.

Strone Cottage, Glen Fruin, Loch Lomond

This detached cottage has its own hot tub and is located at the head of Glen Fruin, in Scotland’s first national park. This welcoming beamed holiday cottage sits in an acre of natural gardens, just ten minutes from the shores of Loch Lomond. It is situated near the owner’s 16th century farmhouse with the excellent walking and cycling, 18 hole golf course, Balloch Castle and Hill house all close by. The coast at Helensburgh is 6 miles away, and Glasgow is only 30 miles.

Priory Gate, Dunster

This charming holiday cottage is situated in the heart of the medieval village of Dunster. This property enjoys wonderful views towards Dunster Castle and the Exmoor hills beyond. The property is just half a mile away from the sandy beach at Dunster. It has a delightful, sunny cottage garden with a backdrop of open fields and rich woodland. It has been lovingly refurbished to a high standard, providing attractive and comfortable accommodation.

For more information about any of these cottages please feel free to contact Cottages.co.uk at:

http://cottages.co.uk/

South Westerly Wonders

The South West of England is one of nine official regions of England. It is the largest region in area, covering 9,200 square miles containing Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly. The South West has a population of 5 million people. There is a variety of holiday accommodation available in this part of England which includes Wheel Farm in Combe Martin, Devon, Treworgie Barton in Bude, Cornwall, and Southview Lodges in Exeter, Devon.

Wheel Farm, Combe Martin, Devon

Wheel farm is situated a few miles away from Exmoor National Park and within a 20 minute  drive away from the sandy beaches of Woolacombe. The beauty spots of Lynton, Lynmouth, Watersmeet and the Valley of the Rocks are all 15 minutes away. Wheel Farm is located at the end of a private drive within its own 7 acre grounds, perfect for picnics. There is also plenty of off-road parking available.

Treworgie Barton, Bude, Cornwall

The cottages are situated 2 miles from the coast at Crackington Haven and 3 miles from the glorious sandy beach at Widemouth Bay. Treworgie Barton sits in 36 acres of pasture and woodland. From its prominent hilltop position you can see stunning views over rolling countryside to Bude on the horizon. The accommodation has been lovingly restored and includes the farmhouse and traditional barns placed around a landscaped courtyard.

Southview Lodges, Exeter, Devon

The holiday lodges are 2 years old and offer lakeside views on the outside and are beautifully furnished and comfortable on the inside, featuring contemporary interiors with superb soft furnishings, luxury fitted kitchens and log burning stoves to ensure every comfort whatever the season. Both lodges have their own private hot tubs from which you can enjoy their stunning and tranquil location with breathtaking lakeside views.

For more information please feel free to contact Michael Paul Holidays at:

http://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk

Britain's Best Waterfalls

When you think of Britain, waterfalls might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but did you know that the island is full of them? Here are some of the beautiful waterfalls that definitely deserve a visit. Why not pack a picnic and head out to one of them at the weekend? There's no time like the present!

Gaping Gill, Yorkshire

This is Britain's highest unbroken waterfall and plummets an impressive 100m into Gaping Gill, which is one of Britain's largest cave structures. Normally only experienced cavers are allowed to enter, but several days each summer the Bradford Pothole Club allows members of the public to enter if they wish to do so.

Aira Force, Cumbria

You might be familiar with this waterfall as it has featured in three of Wordsworth's poems. It's situated less than a mile from Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District. Visitors can cross the falls by means of a small bridge and then view the breathtaking water crashing onto the rocks below.

Aysgarth Falls, Yorkshire

This waterfall is a movie star after appearing in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. It's situated on the River Ure in the pretty Yorkshire Dales. The waterfall is split into three levels and visitors are able to visit the whole site if they follow the riverside route.

Falls of Glomach, Scotland

This waterfall reaches an impressive 115m and is therefore one of Britain's highest waterfalls. The waterfall is 2.5 miles from the village of Dorusduain and is also known as 'The Forbidding Falls' and 'The Gloomy Falls'.

Pistyll Rhaeadr, Wales

Pistyll Rhaeadr is often described as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. It falls in three stages and is 70m high. The bottom of the waterfall is only a four mile walk from Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant and you can easily get to the top of the falls by using the public footpath.

Kisdon Force, Yorkshire

What's cool about this area is that there are several waterfalls to choose from! The River Swale in the Yorkshire Dales is home to many waterfalls such as Catrake Force, Wain Wath Force and East Gill Force. A riverside path links visitors to Kisdon Force from the quaint village of Keld.

Sgwd Yr Eira, Wales

This waterfall's name actually means 'fall of snow' and it happens to not be the only fall in the Mellte Valley in the Brecon Beacons. The waterfall can be reached from many points with one track giving visitors access to all five waterfalls.

Eas a' Chual Aluinn, Scotland

This fall holds the title of Britain's highest single-drop waterfall due to its astonishing height of 200m! It's even three times higher than Niagara Falls, but the downside is that it's difficult to access. There's a walk along the south side of Loch Glencoul which takes about 1.5 hours to reach the base of the falls.

Bio:

This has been a guest post by Rachel, writer of many blogs including the hungryhouse magazine from one of the UK's leading online takeaway platforms that features restaurants across the country including Bristol, Nottingham, Leeds and many, many more.

Photo source: Nigel Wilson http://www.flickr.com/photos/cocca/3538606879/sizes/m/in/photostream/

South Easterly Escapes

The South East of England is one of the nine official regions of England. The regions consists of  Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey and West Sussex. It is the third largest region of England with an area of 19,096km², and is also the most populated with a total population of of over 8 and a half million in 2011. As well as statistics they have some excellent accommodation including Paines Oast Cottage in Brighton, The Buttery in Maidstone, and Badger's Drift in Hastings.

Paines Oast Cottage, Brighton

If you are looking for an ideal base for touring the coast and further inland, this property is the perfect choice. It is wonderfully situated for exploring the many attractions of the Sussex Weald. This charming and comfortable cottage is set close to the owners’ delightful oast house home. It is a short walk away from the village shop, tea room, and pubs. The medieval town of Lewes, Battle Abbey, Bodiam Castle, Glyndebourne and the seaside resort of Eastbourne are just a couple of places of interest within easy reach.

The Buttery, Maidstone

This unique grade II listed 15th century cottage is a particularly important building of more than special interest and one of a very small number in the UK. It was once half of a Wealden hall house, later serving as a buttery before being divided to form two adjoining properties. The building features a steep wooden staircase, an open fire containing a bread oven, and a private enclosed garden with secure electric gates, it sits within 3 miles of Leeds Castle and within a minute’s walk of a discreet side entrance to historic Mote Park.

Badger’s Drift, Hastings

This cottage is situated just 200 yards from the coast in the village of Fairlight positioned in an area of outstanding natural beauty in East Sussex. This huge American style single storey property makes a wonderful base for relaxing breaks and family holidays. Oak floors feature throughout this spacious, stylish, and luxuriously appointed property, there is a plenty to entertain children, and its large garden also contains a blissful hot tub. Fairlight itself boasts a stunning coastline and country parks providing more than 500 acres of cliff walks, woodland and countryside to wander in and around.

For more information please feel free to contact Cottages.co.uk at:

http://cottages.co.uk

English Getaways with Travelling Suitcase

It comes to that point in the year when people are looking to go on holiday and what better way to enjoy a holiday than in the form of an English getaway. There are an excellent array of accommodation to choose from including cottages. A selection of holiday cottages in England include Rock Lobster in Camber Sands, Wreckers, Higher Rosevine Farm in Truro, and Huel Tristram in St. Austell.

Rock Lobster, Camber Sands

This coastal-chic seaside retreat is family friendly and welcomes dogs. The cottage has an enclosed garden and private off road parking for two cars. Both bedrooms have zip and link beds and can be made as kingsize or twin beds. The lounge has comfortable leather sofa, just made for relaxing and the large glass doors opening onto the deck and the enclosed garden really let the light in. If you are looking for a coastal bolt-hole where you can truly relax, then this is the cottage for you.

Wreckers, Higher Rosevine Farm, Truro

This luxury self catering accommodation is located in the heart of the Roseland Cornwall just 10 minutes walk to Porthcurnick beach, 20 minutes across the beach and along the coastal path to Portscatho is the perfect location for a beach holiday, short break, walking holiday, or rural holiday.

Huel Tristram, St. Austell

Huel Tristram is a Four Star graded, traditional Cornish country cottage. It is elegantly decorated furnished to the highest standard and very well equipped throughout. Situated just on the outskirts of St. Austell, the heart of the Cornish Riviera on the south coast of Cornwall, in the peaceful village of Tregrehan. The property is perfectly situated close to The Eden Project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Historic Charlestown and Mevagissey just to mention a few.

For more information on any of these properties please feel free to contact Travelling Suitcase at:

http://www.travellingsuitcase.co.uk/

Luxury Holidays with Michael Paul Holidays

Log cabins and lodges are an excellent choice of accommodation whether you are looking for a relaxing family holiday or a romantic retreat. There are some great accommodation including Log Cabins in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Yorkshire Dales Eco Lodges in Richmond, Yorkshire, and St Austell Luxury Villas near St Austell, Cornwall.

Log Cabins, Edinburgh, East Lothian

The Scottish Tourist Board has awarded these log cabins with hot tubs a 5 star rating. If you are looking to have a unique countryside holiday in Scotland, staying in these lovely holiday cabins, yet you have almost immediate access to Edinburgh, this is the perfect accommodation for you. Some of the holiday cabins also come with hot tubs, making them great for a relaxing holiday or short break.

Yorkshire Dales Eco Lodges in Richmond, Yorkshire

You can take a luxurious self-catering holiday or break in one of the 18 beautifully designed timber framed lodges located right in the Yorkshire Dales National Park at Aislabeck. The lodges are located within walking distance of the the famous walking and biking ‘Coast to Coast’ path from the historic town of Richmond. The timber used for the lodges comes from sustainable woodlands and they also have evergreen sedum roofs, biomass heating and use natural spring water for drinking and showers, helping towards their zero carbon status.

St Austell Luxury Villas near St Austell, Cornwall

These properties are perfect if you are looking for a Cornwall Holiday Lodge style break. The 23 luxury self catering villas take the shape of timber clad ‘New England’ style residences in South Cornwall, nestled in a valley of farmland St. Austell golf course and the beach at Pentewan sands. The location is ideal for exploring the whole Cornish peninsula, famous for its dramatic coastline and beautiful beaches and, with the help of the concierge team, you can try all sorts of watersports from kayaking to fishing, surfing and windsurfing.

For more information about Michael Paul Holidays please feel free to visit their website at:

http://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk

Luxurious Log Cabins

A log cabin is defined as a box-like house made from small logs. The log cabins of the founders of America were simple constructions as trees were the only thing they could use as building materials and the only tools available were a axe, adz, and auger. The log cabin then went on to become a symbol of frontier life. Across the UK there are various log cabin properties to enjoy for both short or long breaks including Golden Oak 4 in Coleford, Menai Lodge in Anglesey, and Otter Falls Lodge in Honiton.

Golden Oak 4, Coleford

From abundant wildlife and beautiful countryside, to relaxing activities and historic attractions, you will find them all when staying at this stunning log cabin in Gloucestershire. There are many breathtaking landscapes, with the log cabin situated close to the Royal Forest of Dean. Varying from lush rolling farmland and black and white villages around the charming town of Newent. There are extensive tracts of ancient woodlands, the perfect location for an array of outdoor activities and attractions including the old iron mines at Clearwell Caves, sculpture trails and steam train trips.

Menai Lodge, Anglesey

You can enjoy an authentically breathtaking location surrounded by the beautiful countryside and peaceful rolling hills of Anglesey. The property is situated around a vast 9 acres of gorgeous landscaped lakes, this exclusive luxurious contemporary lodge provides spectacular views over the picturesque landscape making it the idyllic rural retreat far from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The lodge has been designed to the highest standards whilst still retaining individual character and style, seamlessly combining rustic with modern luxury.

Otter Falls Lodge, Honiton

Otter Valley is a rural paradise of sparkling lakes, leafy woodland and breathtaking hillsides, full of wildlife. Situated deep in the beautiful Devon countryside Otter Falls is set in 120 acres of unspoilt land. For those of you looking for high quality accommodation with excellent facilities in a tranquil location, Otter Falls is the perfect destination. Why not explore the South Hams beautiful countryside, dotted with thatched cottages, tradition Devon longhouses and delightful old estuary town, all of which are just an easy drive away from the property in South Devon.

For more information please feel free to visit the Cottages.co.uk website at:

http://cottages.co.uk