Archive for 2010

Top 10 Emerging Hotspots

Friday, October 1st, 2010

Trip Advisor announced the Top 10 Emerging European Hotspots last week. The list, which caused as much head-scratching as celebration, is based on a percentage increase in traffic between 2009 and 2010.

But as well as some surprising additions, there are also see some genuine emerging holiday hotspots on the list.

In this post we’re going to highlight some of the locations and tell you what you can expect to see on a short break there. As the list mainly comprises of locations in the UK we almost certainly feature a great value holiday cottage nearby.

1. Lacock, Wiltshire

Lacock being top of the list will probably puzzle all but its residents and visitors, but in a way that’s the reason for its charm. The village, near Chippenham, is almost wholly owned and operated by the National Trust who strive to preserve its unspoiled architecture – though occasionally allow film crews to come in and take advantage of its unspoiled rural charms. The village has recently opened its doors to Harry Potter and The Wolfman, so expect magic in the air but maybe watch where you step on the pavements!

2. Portreath, Cornwall

Already finding favour with surfers who go where the waves take them, the pretty village of Portreath has much more to offer than great surf. A small, unspoiled fishing village, Portreath is full of lovely sandy beaches, great pubs, fantastic walking opportunities and other entertainment with a low budget that defies a lot of less beautiful holiday destinations.

3. East Kilbride, Scotland

4. Tarporley, Cheshire

One of Cheshire’s smaller villages, Tarporley combines the charming heritage of a small historical hamlet with the amount of entertaining options you might associate with a larger town. In short, it’s the best of both worlds. One of the village’s many highlights is a country market that takes place on the first Saturday of every month and features a great selection of local produce.

5. Colchester, Essex

6. Ripon, North Yorkshire & 7. Lancaster, Lancashire

Some locations on the list seem to have earned their place for providing easy access to holiday areas, whereas others are great destinations in their own right. Our next two entrants offer a perfect mixture of both.

Ripon is a historic market town in North Yorkshire that not only offers incredible displays of heritage – check out the hornblower every evening at the market, for example – but also provides easy access to stunning local landmarks such as Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park. If you’re after thrills or something to exhaust your fellow holidaymakers then Lightwater Valley theme park is also situated nearby, offering a great selection of entertaining ways to exhaust your youngest holidaymakers!

The city of Lancaster also offers plenty of unspoiled heritage, and an equally impressive selection of award-winning pubs. But it’s Lancaster’s location as the gateway to the Lakes that makes it almost essential for those looking to enjoy scenic beauty of one of the UK’s most celebrated regions. And while the Lakes is a massive draw for tourists, the Trough of Bowland, an equally beautiful but less celebrated area of natural beauty, lies just outside the city and offers a range of walks, activities and even more pubs!

8. Limerick, Ireland

9. Doncaster, South Yorkshire

10. Dawlish, Devon

Do you agree with the list? Why not leave your favourite holiday destination in the comments section below. Don’t forget you can also search cheap holiday cottages in the UK on easycottages.com.

Posted in England |

Autumn events in France

Monday, September 27th, 2010

Since we recently looked at autumn events in the UK we thought we’d divert our gaze over the Channel and look at some of the events taking place in France in the next couple of months. There’s no better time to visit, with some delightful celebrations of heritage perfectly complementing the stunning autumnal scenery.

As you know, at easycottages.com we’re all about offering easily more for your money, so we’ve deliberately chosen events that won’t break the bank to perfectly complement your great value holiday cottage!

If you do fancy visiting any of these events, you can search our featured range of cheap holiday cottages on easycottages.com.

As one of the world’s chicest cities, the pavements of Paris often act as catwalks for French followers of fashion. In late September however, the city takes it up a level with Paris Fashion Week. Expect to see the biggest names in fashion descend on the city as they preview their Spring Summer 2011 collections. And as you argue the practicalities of wearing – or even affording – the latest creations from Vivienne Westwood, you can also explore the city’s equally eye-catching attractions.

If you’re after a less jarring cultural experience, or something to compliment the home from home you’ll enjoy in your holiday cottage, then the 21^st British Film Festival might be more up your rue. Taking place in Dinard, Brittany, the event is a great opportunity to enjoy the latest and greatest in British cinema. Shallow Grave, The Full Monty and Billy Elliot have all been in contention for the coveted ‘Hitchcock D’Or’ prize in recent years and perhaps 2010 will feature the debut of another home-grown classic?

Marseille is renowned for offering a wide-range of events and activities to visitors of its Mediterranean shores. At the end of September it goes one further however, allowing visitors to experience a microcosm of great things from all over the world. The Marseille International Fair features 10 days of unique events and displays from over 50 different countries, including interior design, consumer electronics, IT, fashion, leisure, food and much more. The event takes place at the Parc Chanot exhibition centre from 24 September.

International Balloon Rally in Puy-en-Velay is an out of this world celebration of aviation that paints the sky of this stunning, rural region with hot air balloons. Along with teams from all over the world taking to the skies in their magnificent flying machines there will be a number of activities for ground-based admirers of all ages. The event takes place between 11-14 November.

September is harvest time for much of France with many flocking to the wine-producing regions of Champagne and Beaujolais to handpick grapes. Late Autumn however provides a more welcome experience for oenophiles: the official opening of the Beaujolais Nouveau vintage! Celebrated with a torchlight procession at midnight awards, and more importantly, tastings! Just don’t expect to remember much about it in the morning. The event usually happens on the third Thursday in November.

Enjoying roast chestnuts in the open-air is an autumnal highlight for many of us at easycottages.com, so the celebration of chestnuts that takes place in Ardeche from mid-October is more than welcome. Along with much eating of chestnuts there are walks, shows, meals and street celebrations running until November.

France is justifiably proud of its culinary heritage, with Dijon in particular responsible for many happy dining experiences throughout the ages. As well as mustard (of course), beef bourguignon, coq au vin, gougère, escargot and burgundy wine all have their origins in the region. From 30 October to November 11 Dijon gets serious with the International Gourmet Fair. The Parc des Expositions de Dijon welcomes 200,000 visitors with local and international fare – not to mention kitchen crafts and culinary utensils of all shapes and sizes!

Posted in France |

Autumn events guide

Monday, September 13th, 2010

As the nights are starting to draw in and the leaves are changing colour we thought we might take a look at some of the best events that the UK has to offer this Autumn. There’s a packed schedule, with more than enough celebrations of heritage, culture, food and active explorations of the nation’s most beautiful regions. And don’t forget you can visit easycottages.com to search for cheap holiday cottages.

Heritage

The annual Crab Fair takes place in Egremont, Cumbria on Saturday 18 September, featuring greasy pole climbing and the famous World Gurning Championship! So even if the thought of Autumn’s cooler climate puts a frown on your face you could still turn it to your advantage. Visit the Egremont crab fair website.

Food and drink

Running from the 12-18 September the third Liverpool Food and Drink Festival promises to keep foodies in the Mersey area well fed with a wealth of delectable goodies. Alongside traders and cookery demos you’ll find a number of innovative dining experiences. Speed Dining anyone? Visit the Liverpool food and drink festival website.

Sports and activities

2010’s 8-day Tour of Britain started in Rochdale on 11 September, working its way down to London to finish on the 18th. On the way it takes in some of the most stunning, wild landscapes the country has to offer, which is great for spectators but maybe not so good for the competitors! Visit the Tour of Britain website.

It’s too late to enter but that doesn’t mean you can’t lend your support to the competitors of the BUPA Great North Run, taking place in Newcastle on 19 September. The runners will be passing some of the city’s most beautiful locations but will probably be too tired to admire them – Although it does allow spectators some great places to cheer from. Visit the BUPA great north run website.

The Ryder Cup is often the highlight of the golfing calendar with the cream of Europe’s golfers taking on their rivals from the USA. 2010’s cup takes place in Newport, Wales from 1-3 October. But even if you can’t handle 3 days of birdies and bogies, you’ll still find plenty to see and do on your stay in the city. Visit the Ryder Cup website.

Bike Blenheim Palace is a delightful cycling event in the Cotswolds combining beautiful landscapes, heritage and exercise! There are a number of routes to cycle through this stunning World Heritage Site Park but you’ll find equal satisfaction exploring it on 2 legs. The event takes place on 3 October. Visit the Bike Blenheim palace website.

Culture

If you’re in the midlands and fancy something musical then the Leicester International Music Festival takes place between16-19 September. Showcasing the music of 5 composers across the four days, the festival promises a number of world-class concerts for music aficionados. Visit the Leicester Music Festival website.

The Oxford Chamber Music Festival is this year inspired by the spirits and sounds of Scandinavia, the Baltic States and St Petersburg, which sounds like the perfect way to welcome in the cooler months to us! The festival runs from 29 September to 2 October and there are a limited amount of free tickets available for 8-22 year olds. Visit the Oxford Chamber Music Festival website.

Festivals

From the 14-19 September budding boffins can celebrate science at the British Science Festival in Birmingham. This year’s event promises heated debates, plays and films, famous faces and plenty of interactive events and activities. White coats and goggles are optional! Visit the British Science Festival website.

Bath Festival of Children’s Literature adds a feast of literary flavour to a city already steeped in culture and heritage. The festival, which takes place between 24 September and 3 October, promises plenty of literary activities for children (of all ages). There are over 80 events at locations all over Bath including quizzes, workshops and appearances by notable authors. Visit the Bath Festival of Children’s Literature website.

Got your own suggestions? Please leave a comment below.

Posted in England, Wales |

UK Bank holiday ideas

Monday, August 16th, 2010

As we’ve got a bank holiday coming up at the end of the month we thought we’d take a look at some of the great weekend events taking place up and down the UK.

The annual Cardiff Festival has already opened its doors this year, but the closing weekend promises a host of fun activities from the worlds of music, theatre and comedy. You can check out stage productions of Calendar Girls and The Wind in the Willows until the closing weekend, but if you fancy something in the open air, you might like to make your way down the inner harbour. The Cardiff Harbour Festival runs from 28-30 August and features all the tall ships, sea shanties and maritime activities you could wish for.

Literary lovers will be delighted with the Edinburgh Book Festival, which runs until Monday 30 August. If you’re an aspiring writer there are talks, and workshops designed to help you get published. If you’re a book lover there are plenty of public readings, signings and lectures from top authors. There are also plenty of family events taking place over the weekend and lots of book sales. With 700 writers taking part in 750 events over the course of the festival it really is a highlight on the literary calendar and not to be missed if you’re on a holiday in the region. Also, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo will be running until 28 August.

Music festivals often dominate the August bank holiday weekend and 2010 is no exception. Along with the big guns: Reading and Leeds, there are smaller, more niche festivals that promise a bit more personality. The Limetree Festival in North Yorkshire is one such event, promising 3 days of music and arts from Friday 28 August. As an anti-corporate event, don’t expect a commercial line-up but there are still a few recognisable names performing and definitely a wealth of talent.

The Herne Bay Festival in Kent is one of the UK’s biggest summer festivals. From Saturday 21-29 August the seafront will be awash with live music, performances and events. But don’t feel you have to just be a spectator; participation is as much a part of the festival as being a wallflower. So why not try Herne Bay’s Got Talent, the intriguing Gumboot Dance Workshop, a skipping workshop, family trail and much more.

Other seaside events include the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta. The event promises 15 boating events featuring all kinds of vessels – from dinghies to yachts. There will also be rowing races, a display from the Red Arrows and even a tennis event. What more could you ask for? The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta takes place from the 26-28 August.

Back on dry land, food lovers are advised to visit the Aberdeen Country Fair, taking place on 28 August. Taking place (and taking over!) the city centre will be a range of quality home-grown and handcrafted products, including ‘Aberdeen Angus beef, fish landed at Aberdeen and Peterhead harbours, local fruit and vegetables, baking, cheeses, confectionary, Scottish whisky, wines and handmade crafts’. Phew! Sounds like enough to keep you going. Though be warned, the fair is immensely popular, attracting up to 30,000 people!

Culture lovers are equally well served by the bank holiday weekend. Cambridge Shakespeare Festival runs until 28 August with several open-air performances taking place all month. Enjoy a picnic in idyllic surroundings before exploring the city after dark. The Bard’s very own Anthony and Cleopatra will be performed by the RSC in Stratford upon Avon until 28 August, and to help get you in the mood, from 28-30 August, there will be a Tudor fair and market taking place at Mary Arden’s Farm in the town.

We think that’s enough to keep you going over the bank holiday weekend. As always you can search cheap holiday cottages on easycottages.com and if you have your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments section below.

Posted in England, Scotland |

Pet friendly locations

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

The news that Lufthansa airlines was opening a first class airport lounge for pets raised a few eyebrows this week, even among the most dedicated of animal lovers. But as many of the easycottages.com team are keen on holidaying with their four-legged friends, we can understand the appeal of making sure their holiday is as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.

When it comes to international travel, pets have traditionally been given the kind of treatment that even certain low-cost airlines might think twice about putting their passengers through. So to offer a more comfortable option seems sensible (though even we’d have to draw the line at champagne-bars and massage chairs!)

While airlines are starting to understand the importance of keeping travelling pets happy there is already a wealth of holiday options to keep every member of a family happy and entertained. Below we list some dream destinations for you and your pooches to have a fantastic break.

We’ve also added a link to easycottages.com where we feature a range of pet friendly self-catering holiday cottages.

The New Forest is a fantastic holiday location, offering plenty of beautiful working landscape to explore and relax in. One such benefit of the varied landscape is a huge variety of walking opportunities. From rolling green hills to rivers and the forest itself, there are plenty of ways for everyone to explore and have a great time.

Search cheap pet friendly accommodation in the New Forest on easycottages.com.

Equally varied, but with a continental twist, the wild coastline of Brittany offers incredible seascapes and open beaches for dogs and humans to roam and enjoy. Further inland you’ll find delightful nature trails and waterways to explore. More practically, Brittany is one of the most accessible parts of France so your four-legged friend won’t be waiting too long to be let off the lead.

Search cheap pet friendly accommodation in Brittany on easycottages.com.

Northumberland is one of northern England’s best-kept secrets and as such is one of the few regions that can be truly called unspoiled. With miles of wild rural landscape, including beaches, lakes and fields, the ‘Land of the Far Horizons’ offers a fantastic and varied location for you and your dog to explore. Country Walking Magazine also calls it ‘the best place for walking in the country’ and who are we to argue?

Search cheap pet friendly accommodation in Northumberland on easycottages.com.

If your dog is a little more urbane you might prefer the bright lights, fine dining and high culture offered by Paris. Many bars and restaurants welcome dogs with a much-needed bowl of water. Furthermore both the Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne parks on the outskirts of the city allow dogs off the lead. If you are planning a pet trip to Paris just make sure you bring plastic bags – there’s a rather large fine for unwelcome surprises left on the pavements!

Search cheap pet friendly accommodation in Paris on easycottages.com.

Posted in England, France |