Archive for April, 2010

Top 5 UK attractions for May

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

With 2 bank holidays and a half term, May is going to be a popular month for UK breaks, so we thought we’d list our top 5 UK tourist attractions. There should be something for everyone in the list below, including amusement parks, cultural heritage and no mentions of the General Election (except that one!)

Alton Towers

When it comes to amusement parks, the UK has more than its fair share, but none quite as large, impressive and popular as Alton Towers in Staffordshire. As well as classic rides such as Nemesis, Oblivion and Air, for 2010 they’ve proudly announced Thirteen, which promises willing participants the chance to venture “deep into the seemingly living and breathing Dark Forest” to “face an unknown horror that has been unleashed from an ancient crypt.” Sounds delightful! As is usual there will be cameras ready to capture your terrified expressions and allow you to hold on to your memories (even if you lose something else!)

Click here to visit the Alton Towers website.

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Chester Zoo

As with Alton Towers, Chester Zoo is continually developing and expanding to offer new attractions and experiences to visitors. Thankfully animal welfare is at the forefront of the zoo’s development, so as you wander its 110 acres you’ll see a whole range of incredible creatures enjoying life on the other side of the moats that keep you seperated (no bars here!) The only downside is the sheer scale of the zoo makes it a daunting prospect if you want to see everything, so make sure you have a clear plan of the animals you want to see, or at least a comfy pair of shoes!

Click here to visit the Chester Zoo website.

Search great value holiday cottages in Cheshire on easycottages.com.

The Eden Project

The Eden Project could be called ‘just a greenhouse’ in the same way that you could describe Stonehenge as ‘just a collection of rocks’. The Rainforest Biome contains a tropical climate that is decidedly un-Cornwall. Likewise with olives and exotic fruits grown in the Mediterranean Biome you may feel you’ve walked into a slightly healthier remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The exterior gardens are less unique, but no less inviting, especially now spring has sprung. And if you fancy engaging your brain, you can visit The Core, the Eden Project’s nerve centre and one of the most sustainable buildings in the world.

Click here to visit the Eden Project website.

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Edinburgh Castle

One of the great things about the UK, and therefore holidays in the UK is the amount of incredible history and historic attractions. Arguably one of the most impressive (and definitely one of the most popular) is Edinburgh Castle. Sat on top of a dormant volcano, 120 metres above sea level, you can see how the castle would once have been immediately intimidating to visitors. Today, however, the inhabitants are far friendlier, offering tours of the castle and its jewels, cafés, gift shops and children’s activities. Plus when you’ve finished exploring the castle itself, you have the whole city of Edinburgh to play around in.

Click here to visit the Edinburgh Castle website.

Search great value holiday cottages in Edinburgh on easycottages.com.

Westonbirt Arboretum

Nowhere is the on-set of spring more evident than on the inhabitants of Westonbirt Arboretum, probably the UK’s most well-known collection of trees. With 18,000 trees spread across 600 unspoiled acres, you’re probably not going to see them all in one day, but what you will see are a number of fantastic wild flowers with spectacular magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons dotted throughout the tranquil trails. If the acres of space to explore isn’t enough of an incentive then there are also fun trails, a natural children’s play area, bird room and education centre. It has to be said that despite the admirable protection offered by the tree canopies, the success of your visit may depend on the weather. So fingers crossed for a glorious May!

Click here to visit the Westonbirt Arboretum website.

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Posted in England, Scotland |

On location – Scotland

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

UK cinema has had a love affair with Scotland going back decades. The lochs, glens and beautiful expanses of the countryside have provided filmmakers with a stunning canvas on which to tell their tales. And it’s not just stirring historical dramas like Braveheart and Rob Roy that have made great use of the locations; action filled spy adventures, out of this world sci-fi, terrifying horror and romantic comedies have all captured some of the country’s stunning locations.

So let us recommend a few places that are well worth visiting on a holiday cottage break in Scotland.

Eilean Donan Castle is possibly the most iconic castle in Scotland and we guarantee that if you haven’t visited it, you’ll recognise it from a number of film and TV programmes, including Highlander and The World is Not Enough. The castle’s incredible architecture and its unique location on a small island in on Loch Duich makes it a great choice for filmmakers, and holidaymakers, looking for something different.

View more info on the Eilean Donan by clicking here.

Click here to search great value cottage accommodation on easycottagescom.

Further south, at Loch Craignish in Argyll, you’ll find the setting for James Bond’s famous speedboat chase in From Russia With Love. Of course the setting doesn’t look much like Southeastern Europe in real life, but the views on the display more than make up for it. Likewise accuracy wasn’t exactly top of the agenda for the Monty Python team when they filmed Monty Python and The Holy Grail in Scotland. Visit Castle Stalker on Loch Laich in Argyll to see the site of Castle Aaaaarrrrrrggghhh from the end of the film. Limited tours of which are available all year round.

View more info on Castle Stalker by clicking here.

Click here to search great value cottage accommodation on easycottagescom.

The reception you’ll receive in Galloway is far more welcoming than the one offered to Edward Woodward in the classic British chiller The Wicker Man. The beautiful fishing town of Kirkcudbright features prominently in the film and offers a busy schedule of activities over the summer months (thankfully, none of which bear any relation to those seen in the film). The Castle Kennedy Gardens in Stranraer also featured as Lord Summerisle’s beautiful estate and are well worth a visit.

View more info on Kircudbright by clicking here.

View more info on Castle Kennedy Gardens by clicking here.

Click here to search great value cottage accommodation on easycottagescom.

No feature on Scottish filming locations would be complete without mentinning Braveheart. Although much of it was filmed in Ireland, the stunning wilds of Glencoe and Glen Nevis were presumably too unique to be recreated elsewhere. Both locations really highlight the wild beauty available in Scotland and make a fantastic destination for those after a more active outdoor break.

For more information on Braveheart filming locations visit Scotland the Movie Location Guide by clicking here.

Click here to search great value cottage accommodation on easycottagescom.

Got a favourite filming location in Scotland? Why not share it with us by leaving a comment.

Posted in Scotland |

Spring and Summer events in France

Friday, April 16th, 2010

According to reports in the travel press the new trend for 2010 is ‘awaycationing’, as ‘staycationing’ seems to be so last year. In case you haven’t gathered awaycationing means going abroad for a holiday. Although how this is different from what we’ve previously called ‘going abroad for a holiday’ we’re not quite sure.

But if this trend indicates a significant interest in overseas breaks then you’re probably already wondering where to go and what to see. So why not let us make a few suggestions for unique overseas events that are taking place in France in the next few months that are well worth booking a cheap holiday cottage or villa for.

Cannes Film Festival

A short drive along the windy roads of the Côte d’Azur is easily enough to suggest that the region deserves its status as a playground for the rich and famous. However in May it goes one better by attracting film stars and directors from all over the globe for the Cannes Film Festival.

Over a two-week period there’ll be more screenings, interviews and PR stunts than you can shake an expensive shoe at. But if that all sounds a bit too intense then the Côte d’Azur is also filled with enough incredible beaches to ensure that you’ll be able to find yourself some time away from the crowds. Of course you could always book a villa with a pool to guarantee peace, privacy and a taste of luxury.

The French Open

Like Wimbledon, but with less chance of rain and Cliff Richard sing-songs, the French Open is one of the annual major tennis Grand Slam tournaments. Taking place in Paris from 24 May, the event will see the world’s greatest players converging at the Stade Roland-Garros for 2 weeks of intense competition.

Tickets will of course be in great demand, but even if you can’t get in to a match there should be enough TV screens in the city dedicated to coverage. And even if you’re not really swayed by the tennis then Paris is undeniably appealing in the Spring.

Chocolate Days

The French town of Bayonne in the South West / Pyrenees region of France has been producing incredible chocolates for over 500 years. Chocolate Days is a two day celebration that and sees local chocolatiers, and a guest chocolate producing country, display their wares in the town centre. This also allows visitors to test their willpower by attempting to walk down the cobbled streets of Bayonne without feeling heavier at the other end.

The event takes place on the 14 and 15 May. And if chocolate isn’t enough to sway you, then in Bayonne visitors will find a beautiful, bustling town filled with incredible architecture and diverse heritage.

Tour De France

Possibly as far away from a weekend dedicated to chocolate as you can get, the Tour is a national institution that has grown from an idea dreamt up by two gentlemen in a brasserie into a hugely popular event on the European sporting calendar.

2010’s event is more mountainous than previous years, which should promise some spectacular scenery, if not a welcome journey for the riders. It ends on the 25 July in Paris and spends the three previous weeks snaking through Morzine-Avoriaz, Luchon and Col du Tourmalet – the highest road in the Pyrenees. Find more info about the Tour on our blog by clicking here.

If you’d like to search availability of cheap holiday cottages and villas in France on easycottages.com then please click here. We also have great value cottages in Wales, Scotland and England.

Posted in France |

Money saving travel tips

Friday, April 9th, 2010

At easycottages.com we’re proud of the fact that we offer great value self-catering holiday accommodation in the UK and France. But saving money on accommodation is only one way of making the most of your cash when you go away for a short break or longer holiday. And since having enough money to do the things you want helps you to have a great holiday, we’ve thought of a few ways to help you save the pennies.

Getting There

Pre-book travel

If you’re getting a taxi to the airport or taking a train to your destination then pre-booking is a must to ensure you don’t pay more than you have to. thetrainline claims that the average passenger saves approximately 43% by pre-booking. Likewise booking a taxi in advance could not only ensure you pay less but also means you don’t have to stand outside your house waving your arms at passing traffic on the first day of your break!

Obey the speed limit

This one may seem obvious but aside from ensuring that you don’t receive costly speeding tickets, you’ll also be maximising your car’s fuel consumption. Remember, the faster you drive, the more fuel you consume. Drive slower and you’ll not only be driving safer, you’ll be saving more money.

Food and drink

Eating out

One of the obvious benefits of self-catering accommodation is that you don’t have to eat out. But when you go away you’re not going to want to limit yourself to eating in all the time, you’re obviously going to want to go out for day trips and when you do you’re going to need to feed your troops. Bringing pre-packed lunches is one the best ways to save money on food but don’t forget many cafes and restaurants offer deals where kids eat free.

Tourist traps

No one knows the benefits of tourist hotspots better than local businesses. You’re obviously going to want to visit popular landmarks and attractions on your breaks, but you don’t have to do is pay an arm and a leg for refreshment when you do. Often a short walk past the nearest cafes, shops and restaurants can mean cheaper prices – and you’ll have earned your refreshment! To help keep your costs down, make sure you’re also carrying a refillable water bottle.

General tips

Attractions

Some destinations offer multibuy tickets that allow you to experience several of their attractions at a discounted rate. Also, you can avoid the queues at the most popular attractions by purchasing your tickets at the quieter ones.

Using the phone

Make sure you buy a phone card if you want to call home – mobile phone usage abroad is often very expensive. Likewise mobile data charges cost even more. So if you need to use send emails or surf the web, make sure you use an internet café and keep the mobile switched off!

Hopefully you’ve found a few tips or reminders to help you save money on your break. Of course choosing self-catering accommodation is arguably the best way to keep your holiday costs down, so by visiting easycottages.com you may have already taken the most important step!

Click here to search for great value holiday cottages in the UK and France on easycottages.com.

Posted in England, France, Scotland, Wales |

For an active Easter

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

As it’s the Easter holidays we thought we’d feature an article on some of the best places for active breaks in the UK. And when we say ‘active’ we’re not just talking about a gentle stroll through the park, we mean swinging through trees, climbing mountains, snowboarding and er, zorbing.

Obviously safety is the most important factor in active breaks so we’re only recommending fully supervised activities, which should hopefully allow you to concentrate on having fun!

Go Ape is described as a ‘high-wire forest adventure’ and allows you (and your little monkeys) to climb trees, cross walkways, crawl through tunnels and fly down zip lines in forests all over the country. There’s a half an hour safety briefing before you’re let loose in the trees. Each course also lasts approximately 2-3 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to monkey around.

View Go Ape locations and find more info on the website by clicking here.

The National Mountain Centre offers all kinds of activities but hill walking, mountaineering and rock climbing are arguably the best way to take advantage of the beautiful surroundings of Conwy in Wales. With professional instruction and a qualified guide you’ll be scaling the stunning peaks of Snowdonia in no time!

Click here to visit the National Mountain Centre website.

Zorbing involves climbing into a giant inflatable ball and rolling down a hill. It has us sold already! Zorbing South in Dorset allows up to 2 people to share the fun of Harness Zorbing, or 3 can attempt Hydro Zorbing. It’s probably best if we let the experts explain the ins and outs but suffice to say that Zorbing is definitely one of the more unique activities to take part in this Easter.

Click here to visit the Zorbing South website.

If you fancy a slightly faster downhill journey (without the soft landing!) then a visit to Chill Factore in Manchester should be more up your street. As the country’s largest indoor snow slope, Chill Factore ticks all the boxes for ski and snowboarding enthusiasts with lessons available for beginners of all ages. But don’t worry about being upstaged there is also a tubing course which basically allows you to go descend a special track in a large rubber ring (no added skill required).

Click here to visit the Chill Factore website.

We’ve got a great selection of cheap holiday cottages all over the UK this Easter – not to mention fantastic self-catering accommodation in France. Please click here to check availability and make a booking.

Have a great Easter!

Posted in England, Wales |