Edinburgh - Best UK City!

Edinburgh- Scotland

Utterly captivating, it’s no surprise that 3 times Edinburgh has been voted best UK city by Conde Nast travellers. And for six years running this magnificent capital of Scotland received the same accolades from Guardian and Observer readers.

Geared up for all year round visitors, whatever the weather, this city famous for its dramatic skylines has so much to offer for every age and every interest. Many of the museums are free. With a lively arts and culture scene and exciting nightlife, stylish and cosmopolitan restaurants, this is also a city bursting with history and heritage.

Think Edinburgh and festivals spring to mind, the most famous of which are the International and Festival Fringe Festivals in August. But visit in December and the streets are equally lively, even at night when you can join an organised ghost-walk. The shopping is world-class. Sundays are little different to any other day of the week, the choice of activities endless.

But if bustle is not your choice, there are lots of parks and green spaces to marvel at and relax in , and a stiff climb up Arthur’s Seat, site of an extinct volcano, will reward you with splendid views over the city and Firth of Forth.

Looped around Edinburgh are the Lothians, Mid, East and West Lothian, all within a half-hour drive. Expand your horizons: enjoy a day at the seaside, a visit to a distillery or check out the controls of Concorde. Play a round of golf on one of the many golf-courses, enjoy the hills on horseback or travel back in history at Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.

Maybe even stay on a farm. Award-winning Crosswoodhill Farm Holiday Cottages, just half an hour from the heart of Edinburgh offer 3, 4 and 5 Star self-catering accommodation with built-in customer care; click here for more details.

Geraldine Hamilton, Crosswoodhill Farm Holiday Cottages ©

Cottage Holidays

Northern Ireland is Flourishing!

Northern Ireland

Having come out of 35 years of strife and war, Northern Ireland is flourishing like never before. New bars and restaurants are opening up all the time; shopping centers are to be found not only in the cities, and Lonely Planet readers have just voted its wonderful coast line the second most beautiful coastal route in the world! (No. 1 being the Great Ocean Route in Australia).

With only 1.7 million inhabitants and a capital city of just under 300 000, it is amazing what change has been achieved in just a few years. Whilst tourism now is a growth industry, the country is still relatively unspoiled, and most attractions can be visited without having to pay an entrance fee.

In Belfast alone, this includes the wonderful City Hall; Queen’s university; the Botanic Garden, Palm house and tropical ravine; the Ulster museum; Titanic Quarter and the then largest dry dock in the world, the Thompson dock.

Likewise you can visit the main cathedrals free of charge or walk along the roads learning about history and politics from the political wall murals, or follow the river walk along the Lagan and marvel at the great variety of public art; the choice is yours.

Out of the capital the coastal route is well worth a visit – and a stay if you have the time! See the romantic Glens of Antrim with the raised beach that is now coastal road. Visit the Carrick-A-Reed rope bridge where the salmon fishers bring in their catch. Visit Rathlin Island and the largest puffin colony on the British Isles.

See how whiskey is produced in Bushmills, the oldest licensed distillery in the world. Walk the Giant’s Causeway and listen to the mythology surrounding these famous octagonal stones. Visit Derry, the walled city or Enniskillen, the island town. Walk the Sperrins, the Mourne Mountains, or the Ulster Way – the choice is yours.

For professional tourist guiding services, see www.privateguidesineurope.com/ireland or http://www.bluebadgeireland.com/.

For high class self-catering accommodation with great sea views only half an hour north of Belfast click here or Cottage Holidays.

For further information see http://www.visitnorthernireland.com/ or http://www.gotobelfast.com/

Anna Eggert, Seabreeze©

Welcombe North Devon/Cornwall

Don’t tell a soul!

Welcombe is a little known jewel in Devon, a county renowned for its treasures. The village is a truly rural retreat on the North Coast sitting right on the Devon/ Cornwall border.

It is set in the heart of an area of outstanding natural beauty and the Marsland Valley is an SSSI (site of special scientific interest). When you visit this unspoiled village you will understand why it has achieved these accolades as the scenery and wildlife are exceptional. Over 70 different species of birds have been recorded in a 3km radius of Berry Park, which is the accommodation most people chose when staying in Welcombe.

There is a wealth of footpaths through the wooded valleys and along the cliff tops so there is plenty of opportunity to appreciate the wild flowers which are in such profusion especially in the springtime. The rugged beach has recently been acquired by the National Trust and is a favourite spot for surfing, rock pooling and building sandcastles at low tide.

Despite its rural setting the village has a thatched real ale pub which serves excellent food so there is a choice of places to eat out as Berry Park also has a small restaurant for residents.

There is a well stocked community village shop run by volunteers. Welcombe’s location makes it ideal for exploring both counties and local attractions include the picturesque village of Clovelly, RHS gardens at Rosemoor, the sandy North Cornwall beaches, “The Big Sheep” and “The Milky Way”.

The Eden Project is only an hour and a quarter’s drive away. Trips to the island of Lundy on the Jessica Hettie can also arranged by Mike & Val, your hosts at Berry Park.
Val Jenner, Berry Park©
Listed in Cottage Holidays

Merrydale Valley, Yorkshire

Pennine Yorkshire.

This is where the industrial revolution began. Tucked away within its hills are little valleys that contain old stone mills with their millponds and waterfalls. Merrydale is one such valley.

The first water powered mill within the Colne Valley was built here in the 17th century, and there are also remains from an even earlier age. An ancient pack horse route passes through Merrydale and within 150 metres of Tyas Cottage.

Tyas House was where the mill owner lived. Five stars graded Tyas Cottage has been converted from its former barn and adjoining gardener’s cottage.

This region is jam-packed with rural beauty, delights and surprises. It is an area of great contrasts. Fascinating ice age geology and vast expanses of heather at Buckstones Moor can be enjoyed (from hang gliders for the intrepid); nearby fields of cattle and sheep have a softer character. Ancient woodlands clothe the steeper valley sides.

Vicky Berryman, Tyas House©

Stay on a Deer Farm in County Roscommon, Ireland

County Roscommon, Ireland

An Culláin is situated on a deer farm in beautiful rugged countryside of County Roscommon. Here you can mingle with the local people while out walking or in the local pub. The area is rich in history with numerous ring forts and historical monuments.

In the village of Loughglynn just 2 miles from 'An Culláin' there is Loughglynn lake. The lake was constructed in the early 19th century and is of ornithological interest and especially important to wildfowl in dry periods of winter.

Loughglynn Castle, the remains of a Normal Castle, can be seen on the south side of the lake. One tower still stands.

Loughglynn holds a music and dance festival during the first week-end of August. For those who love dancing this is not to be missed.

Outside Ballaghaderreen you have Lough Gara. Crannoga, or lake dwellings, were constructed here during the Stone Age and Bronze Age and these date from 500 BC to 1000 BC.

On each Friday the local town of Ballaghaderreen has a street market with lots of street traders and bargains to be had.

The River Shannon flows through Roscommon so lots to do for anyone interested in water sports or cruising. Every small town in Roscommon has a golf course with green fees at a very reasonable price.

Roscommon is excellent for shopping, with one of the largest shopping centres in the country in Athlone. We also have fine restaurants, pubs and night clubs.

Come and visit us in Roscommon and you will not be disappointed.
Rita Lynch, An Culláin©

Cottage in Dorset, Abbotsbury

Dorset's World Heritage Coast

The historic village of Abbotsbury, situated approximately midway between Weymouth and Bridport on Dorset's World Heritage Coast, provides a unique visitor experience. Above: Poppy's Cottage.

The first documented historical record for Abbotsbury, 'Orc's Charter', goes back to 1023 when King Canute gave Abbotsbury to his steward, Orc. In 1044 Orc built an abbey and after he died his wife, Tola, ceded Abbotsbury to the Benedictine abbey. In the 14thC the Abbey built the Great Tithe Barn (the largest surviving in Britain), St. Catherine's chapel on the hill above the village and the church of St. Nicholas.

On the dissolution of the monasteries in the 1540's, Henry V111's commissioner, Sir Giles Strangways, was offered the purchase of Abbotsbury from the Crown, provided he demolished the abbey! Sir Giles built a manor house using abbey stone and settled down to enjoy the fruits of his labours. Sir Giles' descendants still own Abbotsbury to this day!Abbotsbury is now a picturesque village of predominantly 17thC cottages.

The visitor may browse the many arts and crafts shops, visit the Great Tithe Barn Children's Farm, the ancient Swannery, the magnificent Sub-tropical Gardens and the church (with bullet holes in the pulpit made during the Civil War).Visit St. Catherine's chapel which provides stunning panoramic views along the Jurassic coastline - after which why not enjoy a cream tea, home made cakes or a speciality lunch in one of Abbotsbury's pretty cafes.

The geological phenomenon of the Chesil Beach at Abbotsbury is renowned for excellent fishing as well as a quite literally breathtaking seascape. The village is also surrounded by a network of footpaths, not least of which is the Dorset Coast Path from where you may experience wonderful views and enjoy the flora and fauna of this unique coastline.

For those wishing a less energetic holiday, there is always the X53 Jurassic coast bus that runs along the coastline transporting visitors from Swanage to Exeter, naturally via Abbotsbury! Elworth Farmhouse cottages, VB 4-5 Stars, situated in a rural hamlet within Abbotsbury parish, provide the perfect retreat from where to visit all of the attractions.

For further information on the cottages and locality visit our web site or our entry in Cottage Holidays. We hope to welcome you to this truly beautiful part of Dorset.
Chris Wade Elworth Farm House©

Worcestershire and Yorkshire Coast

Discover the excellent food and stunning setting of Worcestershire.

Known as The Fruit Bowl of England , Worcestershire has a huge selection of excellent produce. Enjoy the fruit and vegetables from the famous Vale of Evesham , taste the local beers and ciders made from apples and hops grown within the county, visit the award winning vineyards, sample the local meats from farms across the county, or simply enjoy some of Worcestershire's finest food served in the local pubs and restaurants.

Worcestershire is home to some of the most stunning scenery within England. It is a county that can often be overlooked for walking/wildlife breaks which makes it a quieter location for a rural escape. With the Malvern Hills, The Wychavon Way, North Cotswold Villages, Bredon Hill and the gentle landscape on the Teme Valley, Worcestershire provides you with plenty to discover.

At Phepson Farm we provide details of our local walks and a list of all our nearest farmers markets and farm shops with information on the produce they may be selling. We also provide information and sample menus on our excellent local pubs and restaurants serving local produce, including our own Mutton from wildlife rich grasslands within the county. We have a wildlife walk through our farm where guests can see some of our conservation work in progress. For more information visit Phepson Farm

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Nestling on the Yorkshire Coast

Filey is a real gem on the Yorkshire coast. It nestles between Flamborough Head with Bemptons magnificent 400 foot vertical chalk cliffs, a home to millions of sea birds, and Filey Brigg a rocky promontory that protects the bay from the effects of Northerly winds.

The sandy beach is brilliant for building sandcastles and paddling. The sea can allegedly get quite warm when the tide comes over the sun warmed beach. The town is much more gentile than neighbouring Scarborough and Bridlington with only one seafront amusement arcade and a much quieter ambience.

Filey is perfect for the traditional seaside holiday.There are many walks and Filey lies at the junction between the Wolds Way and the Cleveland Way. Shorter walks along the beach and onto Filey Brigg are very popular.Filey coble landing is where the lifeboats are housed, a large all weather lifeboat and a smaller D class inflatable.

There is still a small commercial fishing fleet which mainly catches crabs, lobsters and salmon as well as many smaller private angling boats. Filey Brigg still produces some excellent catches of North Sea cod and the mackerel fishing from the shore on the Brigg can be very good at times. The coble landing also has seafood stalls, take-aways, cafes and one amusement arcade.

The town provides an extensive range of shops in a compact area including some specialist shops you might not expect to find in such a small town. The town only has two small supermarkets and none of the big chains. It is probably this which means there is an excellent choice of independent butchers, green grocers, bakers and newsagents as well as a specialist outdoor shop and luxury chocolate shop and, of course, lots of excellent fish and chip shops. It really makes shopping a pleasure.

The perfect place to stay is Hope Cottages (see photo above), luxury cottages on the seafront with easy access to the town centre as well as the beach. The living rooms have full sea views.

North Devon - a Hidden Gem!

My husband is a Devon boy, but from the south and little did I know about the great north south Devon differences. North Devon is a hidden gem, it has absolutely stunning coastal walks and the views & sunsets are out of this world.

Our cottages are set in a wooded valley and surrounded by lovely Devon countryside. The wildlife in our gardens is enough to keep you relaxed, just look out for our Jay family, the Sparrow Hawk, Woodpeckers, Goldfinches, Nuthatches, Blue Tits, friendly Robins, Jackdaws, Blackbirds and our resident squirrels and foxes. Buzzards often soar over the cottages and Egrets have recently visited the Castle pond near the cottages.

Watermouth Cove is a rural seaside idyll, our cottages are beside Watermouth Castle and just a 200 yard walk will take you to the sea and the south west coastal path. The sunsets are magnificent so there is no need to spend loads on entertainment.

The cottages are within a mile of beautiful Berrynarbor village and a short drive of Combe Martin & Ilfracombe with their beaches, pubs and restaurants. Our cottages are ideally situated for a wide range of local attractions and activities to suit all ages.

These include Watermouth Castle, Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park, Exmoor Zoo, Exmoor National Park, Valley of the Rocks, Lynton & Barnstaple (Woody Bay) railway, Arlington Court, Chambercombe Manor, RHS Rosemoor, Marwood and Broomhill gardens. Local activities include sea and course fishing, North Devon coastal path walks, Horse riding, Golf, Boating and Wild Life Cruises, Surfing, Diving and Beach activities, Quad bikes or simply just chilling out.

Nearby are the magnificent sandy surfing beaches of Woolacombe, Saunton Sands and Croyde bay. You are on the doorstep of the Exmoor national park and Lorna Doone country with its unique wild beauty and variety of flora and fauna.

Exmoor is also famous for its wild ponies, Red Deer and birds of prey Lundy Island is just off the North Devon coast and can reached on a boat trip on the MS Oldenburg from historic Ilfracombe harbour. Lund-ey which is Norse for Puffin Island is a place of outstanding natural beauty and a nature reserve for seals, seabird and all types of marine life. Spectacular wildlife, coastal cruises and fishing boats trips depart daily from Ilfracombe.

From the North Devon coast it is just over an hour's drive to resorts such as Bude, Minehead, Dunster and Torquay and less than two hours drive to Cornwall's Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan. North Devon is for Singles, couples, families, groups, and it’s such a dog friendly beautiful destination.

What are you waiting for…………………?

Authors: Clare & Steve Mountain
Watermouth Cove Cottages