Wales's Best Kept Secret – The Gower Peninsula

It has been called Wales’ best kept secret but now more and more people are coming to experience the delights of The Gower Peninsula – Britain’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

This beautiful area of varied scenery 20 miles long and about three miles wide is shielded from the world by the city of Swansea which is itself undergoing a transformation in its aim to become a vibrant European destination by 2020.

It is also the birthplace of the famous poet Dylan Thomas whose birth house is being taken back to its condition when bought as a new house in 1914 to be let as a themed holiday experience.

Quite rightly Gower residents have fought hard to protect their inheritance so that new development has been kept to a minimum. Even so there are plenty of accommodation options from the award winning Fairyhill restaurant and hotel to campsites in stunning locations with sea views such as Northill Farm and Nicholaston Farm which regularly rate in the top ten of polls organised by national newspapers.

Gower’s best known attractions are its unique south facing beaches with Three Cliffs and Rhossili fighting over the right to be the jewel in the crown.

At present Three Cliffs leads by a short head after coming second in last year’s ITV programme Britain’s Favourite View. However, they are not the only ones with many sheltered coves which are often deserted even in high summer.

In such a compact area the opportunity for all the year round activities abound – choose from walking, kite boarding, surfing, sailing, coasteering, climbing, abseiling and much, much more. Add to that the big city attractions of shops, museums, a revamped water theme park at the LC and the Liberty Stadium – home to Swansea City Football Club and the Ospreys Rugby and you are spoiled for choice.

If you are looking for somewhere that offers activities and accommodation close to both the city and Gower then Clyne Farm Centre has a lot to offer including self catering cottages, a small campsite with tipis for hire and activities including horseriding and Challenge Valley – the muddiest assault course in the world!!
Geoff Haden, Clyne Farm Centre©
Article originally published in Cottage Holidays

Devon - Teignmouth Waterside Village

Teignmouth is a delightful unspoilt holiday town nestling at the mouth of the river Teign.

It has a wonderful sandy beach with a long promenade which boasts one of the few remaining Piers in England.

There are excellent local facilities including heated swimming pool, indoor sports centre, tennis, mini-golf, children’s play park, horse riding, sea fishing/river trips, sailing etc.

Historical Exeter is a short drive away with bustling Torquay and peaceful Dartmoor all within easy reach.

Shaldon is a lovely waterside village on the River Teign with quaint houses, a village green used for bowls, a wide range of shops, hotels, restaurants and inns – some adjacent to the beach. Leisure activities here include fishing, gig racing and boating of all types.

The village boasts fun for all with two annual sailing events, the regatta and the water carnival. There is a small golf course and there are several excellent golf clubs nearby. Teignmouth is reached by passenger ferry over the river or by car or walking across the bridge.

In Teignmouth, Riverside Holidays have two wonderful west facing riverfront properties in the town centre of Teignmouth with panoramic views of the River Teign, Shaldon & Dartmoor.

Isobel Squirrell Riverside Holidays ©
Article originally in Cottage Holidays

North Cornwall - Porthtowan

Set in a winding valley flanked by granite cliffs, Porthtowan has a great beach and a wealth of mining heritage.

You will find Porthtowan ideally situated for exploring all that Cornwall has to offer.

It is 10 miles from the Cathedral City of Truro, and within easy driving distance of St Ives, whose twinkling lights can be easily seen from Porthtowan’s cliffs as the sun sets into the bay.

Other attractions such as the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, together with the many National Trust properties are all easily accessible from this Cornish gem of a village.

Porthtowan’s Blue Flag Beach is the ideal location for your family ‘bucket and spade’ holiday, with life guards patrolling between 10am and 6pm seven days a week between Easter and October, making this a safe and fun place for your youngsters to while away their holidays.

Children will have hours of fun discovering the beach pool, rock pooling and playing in the sea. For the more adventurous, Porthtowan is renowned for its world class surfing waves.

You will be able to rent boards and wetsuits as well as take advantage of the surf schools, both for beginners and those who are more experienced.

Taking advantage of the après-surf, you would do well to visit the Blue Bar situated at the top of the beach, with its chilled-out atmosphere and interesting menu, all from locally sourced produce.

The village also boasts the family friendly Unicorn Bar, which often showcases local Cornish talent and provides an extensive menu and varied entertainment.

The children will love the safe and secure play area while you relax and watch the sun setting spectacularly into the sea.

A warm welcome awaits you at Ocean Breeze; don’t forget to bring your dog who will delight in the miles of coastal footpath just on your doorstep.
Linda Kemp, Ocean Breeze© Cottage in Cornwall
From an article originally published in Cottage Holidays.

Ceredigion - The Beautiful River Clettwr Valley, Llandysul

Dewi Villa is situated in a beautiful and secluded position in the River Clettwr Valley.

The River Clettwr flows into the River Teifi which is famous for trout, salmon and sewin fishing.

The area is known for its wonderful walks, small market towns, forests, wildlife parks, historic houses and gardens and castles etc. and also supports several steam railways.

Cardigan Bay is only 11 miles away with spectacular beaches and rock formations. The coastal walks, from which the wildlife of sea birds and dolphins can be seen, are amazing.

There are boat trips from Newquay along the coast to see the Dolphins at close range.

Dewi Villa offers a self catering flatlet, for one or two people, and also B&B if guests prefer.

Sue Andrews©, Dewi Villa, Llandysul
Taken from the cottage entry in Cottage Holidays

Derbyshire - A Hidden Gem in the Heart of England

Derbyshire Dales and Peak District National Park is still a hidden gem in the Heart of England but more visitors are discovering the beauties of our lovely rural countryside every year.

Derbyshire can offer wonderful landscapes with views to die for! It offers wonderful walking countryside, caves to explore, many super cycling trails, beautiful reservoirs with sailing, and abseiling.

There are great houses to visit such as Chatsworth House, the home of the Devonshire family and medieval Haddon Hall (used as a setting for many popular films such as Jane Eyre and The Other Boleyn Girl) and Hardwick Hall this year celebrating the 400th year of the famous Elizabethan Bess of Hardwick.

Swallow Cottage is situated in a small conservation village with lovely views and is an immaculate comfortable cottage.

The cottage is situated in Elton village, a central location in the Peak National Park with walks from the doorstep and well placed to visit all the attractions of the area, or just relax.

The cottage can cater for up to 3 people; some of our visitors return year after year! You can be assured of a warm welcome.
Lois Clark© Swallow Cottage, Elton, Derbyshire
Taken from the cottage listing with Cottage Holidays

Exmoor - Dramatic Views and Wonderful Walks

Why speed west along the M5 past Taunton when the delight of the hidden gem - EXMOOR beckons nearby?

Tucked away between the North Devon Link road to Barnstaple and the Quantock Hills lies this wonderful moor with heather clad hills, tumbling streams and dramatic cliffs dropping to the sea of the Bristol Channel.

Within the rugged heart of Exmoor lies our private river valley where Westermill holiday cottages nestle in grass paddocks surrounded by trees. Dramatic views, wonderful way-marked walks onto the moor and two miles of sparkling river for paddling.

Watch the birds in the trees, explore our working farm or walk onto moorland and enjoy nature. Search out the enchanting villages dotted throughout the moor. Why not save your fuel by travelling to Exmoor, which is nearer and offers so much in natural activities.

Stay at Westermill Farm in the Scandinavian style cottages with woodburners, cosy and warm. Jackie Edwards, Westermill Cottages ©
Photo@ Whortleberry Lodge
Taken from listing with Cottage Holidays

Suffolk - Open Skies and Rolling Landscape

With its wide open skies and rolling landscape, Suffolk is the driest county in England, so the weather can be less of a problem here than elsewhere.

Gently rolling countryside beckons visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and discover the ancient woodlands and hedgerows of this beautiful part of East Anglia.

Easily accessible from London on the A12 and the Midlands on the A14, Suffolk is convenient for a week’s holiday or a short break. A County with so much history and varied landscape offers something for everyone, whether driving, cycling or walking.

The British Museum’s Sutton Hoo exhibition is outstanding and there is a selection of National Trust properties to say nothing of the lovely RHS gardens at Hyde Hall.

Nayland is one of the famous cloth towns of Suffolk, having possibly the finest collection of medieval timber-framed buildings in the Country, set in the rolling countryside typical of the Stour Valley made famous by John Constable.

The River Stour meanders through the Dedham Vale and can be explored on foot or by canoe right down to the sea at Manningtree, spotting wildlife all the way! The other ‘Heritage Villages’ of the area – Lavenham, Long Melford and Sudbury, with a thriving weekend open market, are all within a few minutes’ drive and the sandy beaches of stylish Frinton and lively Clacton are within easy driving distance.

Colchester is England’s oldest recorded Town and is famous for its destruction by Boudicea when the Romans occupied East Anglia. The Castle is a reminder of the city’s Norman ancestry. Colchester Zoo has a world-famous animal breeding programme and is well worth a visit by all the family, plus excellent shopping, theatre and indoor entertainment.

Travel a little further and you reach Southwold, home of Adnams famous ales or stylish Aldeburgh with the Benjamin Britten connection and Snape festival.

There’s a huge variety of excellent restaurants in the area, ranging from stylish French cuisine through honest pub English cooking and open-air bistros to local seafood on Mersea Island – Essex’s own tropical island in the sun!

Gladwins Farm offers a selection of cottages sleeping from 2 to 8 people, some have private hot tubs. Winners of the 2003 and 2006 Regional Self-Catering Holiday of the Year Award and 2007 Suffolk Self-Catering Holiday of the Year, their website maintains on-line availability so guests can check availability reliably from around the World.

Robert & Pauline Dossor, Gladwins Farm ©
Listed in Cottage Holidays July 2009

North Yorkshire Moors

The North Yorkshire moors is one of England's best-kept secrets; we have the choicest bits of England's scenery all here on a Lilliputian scale.

There are steep sided secret valleys with crystal clear streams running through them and heather covered moors heavy with the scent of honey. You are never more than a short drive from the sea with its steep cliffs pretty villages and sandy beaches.

We have history in profusion with medieval abbeys and castles, the largest gothic cathedral in northern Europe, ancient earthworks and the Jurassic coast with a wealth of fossils waiting to be discovered.

The North Yorkshire Moors provides the ideal base to spend your holiday with plenty to do whatever the weather. It is a walker's paradise with quiet footpaths and bridleways through spectacular scenery with virtually every village equipped with either a teashop or pub or both!

It is no surprise that over the years this area has played host to a number of television and film crews and you can visit Herriot country, Heartbeat country and the Royal not to mention Hogwarts station all in the same day.

You can ride on the North York Moors Steam railway, which winds its way from Grosmont to Pickering through historic villages and open moorland. Visit Pickering or Helmsley and mooch around the shops and market picking up bargains and local produce.

No visit to the area is complete of course without a trip to Whitby for fish and chips, you can hike up the 199 steps to the Abbey and down again to work up an appetite the views are well worth it or follow the Dracula trail round the town in the steps of author Bram Stoker.

If wildlife watching is your choice, you can sit on the terrace here at Plum Tree Cottages, Danby and watch the birds and other visitors to the orchard feeding along with our chickens. The North Yorkshire moors has large populations of curlews and lapwings and if you're lucky you may even see a red kite.

Come and give us a visit us; we have scenery, history, culture, excellent food and after a day enjoying all that, here at Plum Tree we can offer you relaxing complementary therapies to turn your moors break into a spa break
Pam Murphy, Plum Tree Cottages ©
Listed in Cottage Holidays July 2009

Mousehole Cornwall.
In October 1987 we arrived in Mousehole for a week’s holiday. It was around 6pm and too dark to see much at all. We were just looking for somewhere to escape. No telephone. No deadlines.

The next morning the children woke early and for the first time we saw this beautiful village - bathed in sunshine. We now rent cottages in the village - so others can escape as we did.

In Mousehole most things are on a small scale. Small but beautiful, beaches. Small and interesting shops and cottages. You can arrive in Mousehole and park a car and stay within the village all week - or you can visit a different place every day - The Minack Theatre, Lands End, The Lizard, St Michaels Mount.

You can follow the coastal footpath for miles - ideal for walking off all of those Cornish pasties and cream teas - or sit and hear interesting tales from locals about times gone by.

For the more adventurous, take a helicopter flight from nearby Penzance to the Isles of Scilly, venture out to sea with local fishermen - and even bring home your own freshly caught fish for a tasty and fresh Cornish supper.

Mousehole is a place where you can sit back and read that book that has been sitting at home for months, to wander the winding streets - whatever the weather there is always something to see and somewhere to photograph.

Within the village there is a selection of restaurants, tea shops and pubs - so you do not have to spend your holiday cooking - unless you really want to - Starry Gazey Pie anyone?

Mousehole is a village which caters for tourists Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. At Christmas people come from across the country to see the spectacular display of Christmas lights.

The story of the 'Mousehole Cat' is now part of primary school life - so every school holiday children from around far and wide try to find 'Mouzer'.

We feel Mousehole has something for everyone, young or old, single people, couples or families. Most like us are looking to escape - and come back to our cottages year after year to do this. We hope you will too.
Sue Spry, Mousehole Holiday Cottages ©
Mousehole Holiday Cottages listed in Cottage Holidays June 2009

Discover Northumberland

Northumberland is certainly undiscovered by so many but when visitors do discover it they often return time after time.

The contrasts of the beautiful Cheviot Hills and wonderful coastline lying close to Scottish Border hold many delights for visitors. The Cheviot Hills that stretch over the border into Scotland have spectacular and varied routes into and around them.

Cheviot is the highest in the range at 2675ft dominating the surrounding skyline. There are many wonderful walks in the hills and picturesque valleys for everyone from novice to enthusiast. Walking in the hills in Northumberland is certainly one of its best undiscovered secrets.

The Northumberland coastline includes Lindisfarne with its rich Christian heritage, the Farne Islands with large colonies of seabirds and seals and Bamburgh, with its magnificent cliff topped perched castle, golden beach and tea rooms is undoubtedly one of the regions best loved secrets.

Driving to the south, along the fabulous coastal route, will lead to Dunstanburgh and Craster, home to the world famous Craster Kippers. Craster is a truly traditional Northumbrian fishing village. Dunstanburgh Castle can be viewed from Craster, however the 1 mile walk along the flowing coastline path to the castle is most definitely worth it.

Fenton Hill Farm Cottages are in prime central location to enjoy all that this wonderful County has to offer. This Northumberland self-catering farm accommodation with wonderful views of the Cheviot Hills set in beautiful countryside are a short drive from the coast, hills and Scottish Borders.

A 35 minute drive southeast from Fenton Hill lies Alnwick, Northumberland's traditional county capital and home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. Often referred to as the " Windsor of the North", Alnwick Castle dominates the town - so impressive is its stature that many movie directors have found their way to its door, most recently Harry Potter!!

Nestling alongside the castle is the Alnwick Garden, a £12 million project kick-started by Her Grace, the Duchess of Northumberland. Comprising many unique features, including the "Poison Garden", the Pavilion and Europe's largest Tree House, the Garden is definitely a ‘must see’.

Whatever your interests, a Northumberland cottage at Fenton Hill is well located to sample all of the delights that this special County has to offer.
Margaret Logan, Fenton Hill Farm ©

Fenton Hill Farm listed in Cottage Holidays in June 2009

The Isle of Wight

Whenever I talk to people about the Isle of Wight, the response is always either “I have not been there since I was a child” or “I have always meant to visit the Isle of Wight”. Let me tell you a little about the Island, with its balmy climate.

First, it is so much easier to get there than almost anywhere else – no airport delays – no road traffic jams – just a half hour ferry journey, and you are there. As soon as you board the ferry, you feel you have started your holiday, and you relax.

The Island is a time warp. Time stopped fifty years ago – there are no motorways, and hardly any dual lane roads – they are not needed in an island that measures 23 miles across and 13 miles from North to South. The Military Road was built in Napoleon days to move troops quickly from The Needles Battery at the West to Bembridge Fort on the East, and is still in use today.

Queen Victoria loved her house at Osborne, and the Island became popular for holidays in her times. The natives are friendly and always have time for a chat.
There is something for everybody's holiday whether you like beaches, walking, cycling, fossils, scenic views, pretty villages and cottages or stately homes. Wherever you want to go on the island “it is not very far”.

We particularly love Shanklin at the South East corner of the Island, and the nearby hamlet of Luccombe, looking across the Channel. Shanklin caters for visitors and is well supplied with restaurants, shops, thatched pubs and a theatre.

For walkers, the Coast Path from Shanklin climbs to Luccombe with outstanding views across the English Channel, and continues to Bonchurch, Ventnor and 65 miles round the Island until it returns to Shanklin.

Shanklin has a large clean sandy beach which is approached from the Esplanade or via Shanklin Chine or Appley Steps, and is seldom crowded. Luccombe also has a Chine that drops to a secluded beach and at low tide you can walk to Shanklin beach.

Our beautiful Clifftop Apartment is in a fine restored landmark Victorian building perched high on the cliffs between Shanklin and Luccombe, with uninterrupted sea views and a two acre woodland garden for your use.
Oliver Parsons, Barncroft HP5 2UG©
Photo: The Apartment
Listed with Cottage Holidays May 2009

The Highlands - A ‘Monster’ Experience

The Scottish Highlands are famous for not only for the Loch Ness Monster and Bonnie Prince Charlie – but also the beautiful scenery, romantic castles, famous whisky distilleries and some of the best places in the world to enjoy the outdoors and natural wildlife of the British Isles.

Loch Ness is one of the most celebrated destinations in the UK. Wild and beautiful, the surrounding countryside isn’t just scenic; it’s teeming with wildlife and a variety of visitor attractions are within easy reach. You may be surprised to learn just how much the area can offer visitors in terms of attractions, activities and as a base for exploring further a field in the Highlands, whatever the season.

There really is something for everyone from majestic castles to the Caledonian Canal – a wonder of the industrial age that is still very much in use today. There are also plenty of heritage and wildlife trails to enjoy.

You could try your hand at canoeing or kayaking – one of the best ways to experience wild Scotland. Sea Kayaking can offer opportunities to spot seals, dolphins and otters while inland, our local area of Glenmoriston provides superb opportunities to explore lochs and quiet rivers. Visitors can regularly encounter wildlife such as herons, ospreys, deer and occasionally otters. If you're feeling even more energetic, there are plenty of adventure sports on offer.

Of course, The Highlands are well known for their more traditional past-times – ceilidhs and the Highlands Games – both of which are in abundance in this area, but you can also tour the art galleries, exhibitions, museums and craft shops - and don’t forget the fantastic distilleries and enjoy a drop of true Scotland.

Whatever your interests, Invermoriston provides a great point to explore this beautiful region. The Old Smithy provides superb self-catering accommodation. We’ve converted and extended our 200 year old former smithy to provide a fantastic holiday cottage for 4 people. The cottage is in an amazing location overlooking the spectacular falls at Invermoriston, and our own old stone Telford Bridge, which is a famous local landmark.

Our conversion maintains the character of the building yet provide first class, comfortable accommodation with a real ‘WOW’ factor.

The area boasts a great range of activities to suit all tastes. Invermoriston is the perfect base for exploring the Highlands and provides a natural link to Skye and the West Coast, Inverness, Fort William and Aviemore and the Cairngorms – all within an hour’s drive.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday where you want to sit back and take in the surrounding landscape, explore the history of the area, visit the charming towns and villages or enjoy the outdoors – there’s something for everyone. Gie’s ae spark O Nature’s fire’ Robert Burns
Photo: The Old Smithy
Listed May 2009 Cottage Holidays

The South Downs – So Peaceful in West Sussex

Our cottages are set amongst the forthcoming South Downs National Park with wonderful walking, biking, riding etc.

It is so peaceful here, even though we are only 10 minutes from the hubbub of Brighton, no traffic noise, only the sound of birdsong or the clip-clopping of the horses along the lane can be heard.

The village of Clayton has a stunning folly, a cottage over the longest tunnel on the London to Brighton railway line, that used to house the signalman and his family. (There was a TV play called The Signalman a few years ago, about a dreadful crash that occurred in the tunnel in 1861 in which 21 people were killed - it is said that the tunnel is now haunted!).

The village also has a 12th century church with the most wonderful wall paintings, uncovered when the church was being re-plastered a few years ago. When they stripped the old plaster off the walls they found these amazing paintings, hidden for centuries.

People come from all over the world to see them. Norman Hartnell, the queen's dressmaker (he designed her wedding dress), is buried in the graveyard. The third claim to fame of our little hamlet is The Jack and Jill windmills, hauled by oxen from Brighton. Jack Mill is now lived in but Jill Mill is still grinding corn and the sails are turned every weekend. (They were the setting of The Black Windmill starring Edward Woodward many years ago).

The cottages are in the perfect position for visiting many local National Trust properties, the most famous of all being Wakehurst Place with it's incredible seed bank, part of Kew Gardens, they are trying to accumulate all the seeds from every plant known to man (a large project)!!

Because of our close proximity to The South Downs Way we have many ramblers, cyclists and horse riders staying with us in our bed and breakfast and the cottages are very popular with country loving guests. They all enjoy especially the peace and quiet of our situation, so come along and see what you're missing!!
Chris and Andy Bailey, Dower Cottage©
Listed in Cottage Holidays April 2009

Pentland Hills - Scotland

West Linton is a village lying in the Pentland Hills just south west of Edinburgh City Centre, within an area of Great Landscape Beauty.

The marvelous thing about this area is its countryside, unspoiled and yet within range of Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders and Clyde Valley which has a wonderful fruit growing climate, Fife and East Lothian with its many beaches.

There is a multitude of sports available in the area from mountain biking at Glentress near Peebles, horse riding, walking, fishing and many wonderful gardens, castles and historic homes to visit also.

There is something for everybody to do, and if you just want to chill out and not travel far you can climb Mendick Hill behind Slipperfield just outside West Linton, and see for miles and miles (or you can take the drove road which is wonderfully flat, and walk towards Edinburgh or London!)

What are you waiting for? Come and see this little oasis and visit hideaway estate.

Carol Kilpatrick, Slipperfield House ©

Listed in Cottage Holidays

North Wales - the Lleyn Peninsula

Come and explore the beautiful Lleyn Peninsula and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing holiday. The Lleyn is a unique experience and full of wild life and tranquillity.

Various pastimes are catered for including walking, cycling, golf and water sports or simply relaxing in our well maintained properties.

Enjoy panoramic views and our Welsh culture and a true welcome on our farms.
Annie Owen, Lleyn Farm Holidays©

Listed in Cottage Holidays

Stunning North Cornwall Coast

Visit the stunning North Cornwall Coast and experience our superb location. Welcome to Hele Barton Farm Cottages near Bude.

Our 546 acre organic farm is set in stunning countryside of outstanding natural beauty. The secluded farm cottages offer superior self-catering holiday accommodation surrounded by meadows, woods, fishing lakes and ponds.

These unique and attractive properties are tucked away at the end of our own private lane yet only a few miles from the rugged coast, beaches, pretty harbours and coves of North Cornwall. Hele Barton Farm will particularly appeal to guests who enjoy a quiet place to stay and appreciate natural surroundings yet be within easy reach of the coast.

Wander through our pastures and woods and see an abundance of wildlife. Quietly watch the badgers at dawn or dusk and maybe glimpse the deer as they emerge from the woods at sunset. Enjoy carp fishing in our lake and ponds or simply sit back and relax in the tranquility of peaceful surroundings.

Our visitors tell us that our new barn conversions are stunning! Each cottage varies – maybe choose one with a whirlpool bath, a log fire – or maybe a luxurious 6’ bed. Most of our cottages have en suite bath / shower rooms.
We are 'dog friendly' and well behaved owners are also welcome!
Peter and Rachel Chapman, Hele Barton Farm Cottages ©

This also appeared in Cottage Holidays

Devon - The Blackdown Hills - Holiday with a twist …

We took over our self catering cottages five years ago and we’re still discovering the wealth of interesting things to do and see in this part of the South West.


We’re in the Blackdown Hills, which live up to their status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – miles of unspoilt countryside that straddle parts of East Devon and Somerset.

We’re on the Devon side of things and although the A30 is just a short drive away, and is a means of getting to and from many attractions, there really is no need to go that far.

From our cottages you can walk down quiet lanes bursting with wild flowers – spot the first primroses, marvel at the bluebells that grow so thickly and abundantly on the Devon banks that from the air they must look like ribbons weaving about the green fields.

In summer the hedges have fragrant honeysuckles and wild roses to scent the air and in autumn the blackberries are there for the picking. Jack Frost creates his magic in the winter so at every season there is something to marvel at.

The gently undulating hills around us are dotted with dairy farms and skies and hedges filled with many different birds. It is truly a haven for those who appreciate the natural life.

However ….a short car journey will take you out of the Blackdown Hills and to the Jurassic Coastline to hunt for fossils, to Sidmouth to visit the Donkey Sanctuary and to the pretty seaside villages of Beer and Budleigh Salterton. Exeter with its magnificent cathedral and history begs to be explored as do English Heritage and National Trust properties.

You can play golf, fish and ride, discover the joys of a tram ride between Colyton and Seaton, bird watch, walk, take a boat ride, have fun at Peccorama, Escot and Creeley.

There is something of everyone whatever your interests, whatever your age and whatever the time of year.Ah, yes! there’s the local, freshly produced food from the land and sea – you’ll find it at farm shops, markets, individual shops where food is the owners’ passion, in pubs and restaurants. And of course you will need a home from home to enjoy all this and we would like to welcome you to Twistgates Farm Cottages, three delightful cottages that offer quality and character, warmth and comfort.

Relax at the end of the day on your patio in the summer and in front of a roaring log burner in the winter.

Suzanne Gray - Twistgate Farm Cottages©

As listed in Cottage Holidays

The Ribble Valley - a Hidden Gem

Lancashire - Ribble Valley is the hidden gem of England, 40 minutes from Manchester and an hour from Leeds - but could be worlds away.

Currently we have a snow covered Pendle Hill and views out over Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent, just about an hour from here.

Staying in the vicinity of Clitheroe takes you back to traditional values and shops like the famous Cowmans butcher in Clitheroe who has 20 plus types of sausage.

A fantastic outdoor shop, Ken Varey's who has every type of Barbour and Musto jacket you could wish for. We are as rural as you are going to get, with fields, walks and wildlife all around us. Short eared owls, kestrel (we had two babies in our nest box this year), badgers and deer, they are all around.

The River Ribble is a beautiful place with riverside walks and is excellent for dogs, especially if they like swimming. Superb birdlife along the river, as it winds its way through the woods and quarries, with a backdrop of Pendle and the Trough of Bowland Moors. Beacon Fell and Waddington Fell are favourite outings of ours, Beacon Fell having developed excellent disabled access and Trampers to ensure everyone gets the best of the countryside.

In terms of eating out - you are spoiled for choice: Indian, Chinese, Italian, great pub food, great take aways.

We love the place, the peace, the tranquillity of an early morning sun on Pendle, or a spectacular sunset. Throstle Hall Cottage is a fantastic rural retreat. It sleeps 8 and has with every convenience you could wish for and more. Everyone who has stayed here has fallen in love with it and we have several repeat bookings already.

Karen Preece, Throstle Hall Cottage ©

Throstle Hall Cottage is listed in Cottage Holidays

Gloucestershire Life – How things have changed.

In Gloucestershire today we celebrate fantastic food and superb drinks produced right here in our county.

When we talk today about our enjoyment of dining out or eating here in the county of Gloucestershire we sometimes forget just how far we have come in such a short space of time.

It wasn’t long ago that most pubs in the Cotswolds and through the Gloucestershire county served the original ‘pub grub’ – a scotch egg, a packet of cheese and onion or scampi in the basket if you were lucky.

We know that the great and the good and the rich and the famous all come down to Gloucestershire for a break or even live full time. Why? We know that one reason is that the produce on offer from local suppliers gives everyone a choice of fantastic organic home grown food.

Pubs and restaurants alike, cooks and chefs all go for locally produced food and drink to give the discerning public the very best choice fresh from our soils. And that is not to mention the locally made award winning wines that go with every dish.

Today and almost on the doorstep of Rofield Barn there is a multitude of great pubs, superb eating places and fine dining houses with such high standards that must be the envy of every other county in the UK.

Come and enjoy what we have to offer in Gloucestershire, stay at Rofield Barn for a short break or a week long holiday and get to taste the wonderful flavours of what a real county has to give you.
Jeremy Lewis, Rofield Barn ©
Photo: Rofield Barn

Rofield Barn is listed in Cottage Holidays

Cornish Riviera - Polperro

Polperro is a historic Cornish fishing village located on the Cornish Riviera coast just 26 miles from Plymouth, virtually unspoiled by time.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the rugged coast and marine blue sea, this is the fairy tale setting for the perfect holiday.

Polperro has it all. A superb climate, quaint friendly pubs, fine restaurants serving locally caught seafood, a variety of individual shops including art galleries, antique and gift shops and a smuggling museum, model village and some fabulous historic sites.

Activities abound for the entire family - you can hire a fishing boat and try your hand at catching your evening meal, pack a picnic basket and head out along the beautiful Cornish coastal paths.

Polperro has a sandy beach for children to enjoy, rocky coves to explore and Chaipel Pool - an inviting rock pool large enough to swim in, which appears as the tide recedes each day. Or if its total relaxation you’re after, simply sit and watch time pass by as the boats gently bob up and down in the picturesque harbour.

Polperro is well placed for exploring other parts of Cornwall. The Eden Project is only 20 minutes away while Tintagel Castle (the legendary birthplace of King Arthur), Plymouth Aquarium, The Lost Gardens of Helligan and The Shipwreck and Heritage Center are also within easy reach.

Places to stay include Crumplehorn Cottages, seven delightful Cornish Cottages, individually situated in the heart of the village of Polperro.

Victoria Richardson, Crumplehorn Cottages ©

Crumplehorn Cottages listed in Cottage Holidays

The Cotswolds

The village of Birlingham is one of those secret places, tucked away on a "village only" road wending its way around an ox bow of the River Avon. The cricket ground is notably attractive and behind it stands the Church of St James with its Norman Arch.

In springtime people come from miles around to see the bulbs in the churchyard. Snowdrops were planted at the beginning of the last century and now form a thick carpet. The river with its otter reserve, weir and lock make an interesting walk. Nic our landlord of The Swan has mapped a number of walks.

Our cottage "The Pigsty" was converted twenty years ago and we are always interested in the variety of people who visit us. Many come from abroad and although we have had a number from New Zealand, five years ago we were visited by a family from The Faulkland Islands.

The drive to Broadway is only twenty minutes and many picturesque villages stretch out into the Cotswolds.

Stratford on Avon can be reached in half an hour so a trip to the theatre is practical.

But for a really relaxing holiday just to wander around the Bredon Hill villages and walk up Bredon Hill is a delight in its self.

Marian Kirkland ©

Cottage Holidays