Driving in Cornwall – dump the SatNav!

Date: 2011.03.04 | Category: Cornwall, Family Man, holidays, South West England | Response: 0

Is it just me or does the car Sat Nav system deliberately set out to add to my stress when driving with a full car (family and luggage) and towing our caravan? And, what is it with Cornwall in the South West of England that makes the use of a Sat Nav so completely and utterly pointless?

I was pondering these questions on last year’s summer holiday.  On our way to Newquay the SatNav spent a great part of the journey telling me I was actually driving through fields.  Now I may be a bit of a townie but I can assure you that I can tell the difference between tarmac and pasture!

The SatNav could be slightly excused because maybe I should have paid out for newer maps (although it is only a couple of years old and why should we be conned in to constantly paying out for something it should update for free) but there is no such excuse for it when it took us the fastest route to Newquay airport via 4 different routes even though we left from the same place.  However, that was nothing to the route it took us next – when the road got smaller and smaller until it was better described as a path.

By this point we had lost confidence completely in its ability to get us anywhere.  Which is a problem when you are on a caravan touring holiday.  After all you rely on the SatNav a great deal with your caravan on the back to help the journey go smoothly, but when you are suddenly thrust back into pre SatNav days how do you cope??

Er, well not well actually.  It is amazing how quick you can fall back in to those map reading arguments -driver demands for instant direction decisions and navigator panic followed by refusal to work under such streesful conditions!

Our learning from last year’s trip to the South West:

• Update the satNav maps
• Plan your route using an internet route planner and write down the basic route
• Make sure you have an up to date map book in the car for those all else fails situations

2 weeks for the price of 1 in Ireland

Date: 2011.03.03 | Category: Cottages, Easter, holidays, Places to go, Special offers - time limited | Response: 0

Imagine Ireland are offering an amazing 2 weeks for the price of 1 on many of their cottages through Spring and Summer making it a great destination for the Easter holidays.
Ireland is choc-full of great things to see and do, making it the perfect Easter holiday destination. Whether you are looking for a property which is close to a beach, in walking country or to make it your touring base, Imagine Ireland’s specially selected range of holiday cottages are ideal for a memorable Easter holiday or short break.
Each one of Imagine Ireland’s cottages has been individually selected and inspected so you have the best choice – from Donegal to Dublin, Kerry to Kinsale and from coastal cottages to country retreats, we’ve something for everyone. The majority of their cottages include bed linen and towels, and most include fuel and power, so there are no extras.
Take the car or hire when you get there: either way, there are great deals on ferry inclusive holidays and car rental, plus personal and vehicle breakdown insurance for that extra peace of mind. Their holidays are ideal for dogs too – they stay free and no pet passport is needed.

Have a look at Ardcath, Bettystown Coast in County Meath>

Find more places to stay in Ireland>

Swanage Blues festival this weekend

Date: 2011.03.02 | Category: Cottages, Dorset, Festivals, Holiday Parks, Latest News, Places to go, Self catering, South West England | Response: 0

For hardcore Blues fans, the Swanage Blues Festival hosts over 40 bands in 15 venues over three days.

An acoustic room will play host to the stripped down sounds while workshops and jam sessions will allow for some entertaining audience participation. There will be open mic sessions and free admission to all venues.
The line up includes Assorted Buskers; Kevin Brown; Johnny Sharp and more. The festival runs from Friday 4 March till Sunday 6 March.

• For more information on the festival see their web site.

Looking for a place to stay for the festival check out Find Family Holidays for cottages; lodges and holiday parks.

Stay at this spacious and well presented barn conversion, Higher Ash Barn, Dartmouth, South Devon, South West England

Date: 2011.03.02 | Category: Cottages, Devon, South West England | Response: 0

This spacious and well presented barn conversion has lovely views across the neighbouring gardens, orchard and rolling fields and was recently awarded Four Star Gold by VisitBritain. The barn retains many character features including original cross beams and a delightful stone fireplace, and is ideally suited to families with younger children or perhaps couples looking for a quieter location within easy reach of Dartmouth and the surrounding area.

The barn is one of a pair in the grounds of Higher Ash Farm just 2 miles from the famous naval town of Dartmouth. The barns sit within 50 acres of delightful grounds including extensive areas of lawned garden, well-stocked orchard and farmland all of which are available for holiday guests to explore. The village of Stoke Fleming (with pub and shop/Post office) is 20-30 minutes walk away, and the Blue Flag awarded Blackpool Sands beach is just a 10 minute drive along the coast road.

Find out more about Higher Ash Farm>

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300 acres organic dairy, arable, fishing and small games barn – Honeysuckle Cottage Bideford Devon

Date: 2011.03.02 | Category: Cottages, Devon, South West England | Response: 0

Nestling in the peace and tranquillity of the countryside, this delightful former granary, arranged on three floors, is ideal for those who wish to see the farm in action, enjoy beautiful woodland walks or join the Tarka Trail. Visitors are welcome to take landrover trips around the farm (when the owners are available!) to meet the resident animals and you may even be lucky enough to see a cow calving or be able to collect eggs from the chickens. Guests are also welcome to coarse fish in the owner’s pond or enjoy a game of snooker in the games barn. The cottage has its own garden area with garden furniture and BBQ where you can sit and relax. For those wishing to explore the area, you are close to many of the tourist attractions including The Big Sheep, The Milky Way, Dartington Crystal and RHS Rosemoor Gardens and it is only a 15 minute drive to the nearest sandy beach.

The immaculate accommodation offers THREE bedrooms: on the ground floor there is 1 double with en-suite shower room and WC and 1 twin room. Bathroom with bath and shower over and WC. Upstairs lounge with electric woodburner and TV. Impressive kitchen/diner with dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer and many useful extras. Oak staircase to a gallery bedroom with bunk beds. Ideal for children with a TV with freeview, hi-fi, DVD and a selection of books provided. Adjacent utility room with washer/dryer. Enjoy a game of snooker or darts in the games room. Lawned area with BBQ, Unspoilt riverside walks, and lots of wildlife. Ample parking. Bed linen included. First £6 of electric free, then by meter. Central heating £3 daily. Towels for hire. Regret no pets. Advance grocery service available. Beach 7 miles, pub 1 mile, shop 2 miles.

Find out more about Honeysuckle Cottage, Bideford, Devon >

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Happy St David’s Day

Date: 2011.03.01 | Category: Cottages, holidays, Latest News, Self catering | Response: 0

It’s St David’s day so what better time to book a holiday in Wales. Whether you are looking for an Easter break or a summer holiday then Wales is the perfect choice.

Why not try a cottage holiday in the Brecon Beacons; South Wales or Isle of Anglesey in North Wales.

There are many wonderful cottages in Wales including Primrose Cottage, Amroth in Pembrokeshire>

Find more cottages in Wales>

Stunning luxury apartment on the River Dart, Dartmouth, South Devon, £100 off

Date: 2011.02.28 | Category: Apartments, holidays, Self catering | Response: 0

This stunning luxury property is situated in an extremely desirable spot, on the edge of the River Dart, in the famous maritime town of Dartmouth. Sleeping up to four people, this apartment provides accommodation of the highest standard, recently receiving the top accolade from VisitBritain – a coveted Five Star Gold award.

Relax in the beautiful open plan living space, complete with a sumptuous designer sofa. The stunning views up the river can be enjoyed from the fully opening windows, which can open back on a sunny day to create an internal ‘Juilet’ style balcony! Whether you are looking for a romantic break for two or a luxurious holiday with the family, this property offers exceptionally contemporary and lavish accommodation.

What’s more, you can enjoy this apartment with £100 OFF – for the weeks commencing 5th, 19th & 26th August (if booked before 31st March 2011).

Find out more about this apartment and special offer>

Find more cottages and apartments > South West England > Devon > Dartmouth >

Family fun Ice skating at Worthing, West Sussex, South East England

Date: 2011.02.28 | Category: Apartments, Cottages, Holiday Parks, holidays, Places to go, Self catering | Response: 0

Steyne Gardens Worthing, West Sussex hosts an outdoor ice skating rink; this year it is open from 5 February till 6 March 2011. Sessions last an hour with approximately 45 minutes spent on the ice. Each session begins on the hour and the first session of the day is 11am, 10am at weekends and the last session time is 8pm.

Prices are from a low as £2.50 ‘credit crunch’ up to £7 for peak time adult and include skate hire. The minimum age is 4 and the smallest shoe size is child size 8. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone or in person at the rink.

If you need a place to stay try Find Family Holidays for cottages, apartments, lodges and holiday parks>

Family fun at the National Stud, Newmarket, Suffolk, East Anglia

Date: 2011.02.26 | Category: Been there, Cottages, Family Man, Holiday Parks, holidays, Latest News, Review 5 star | Response: 0

Whilst holidaying in East Anglia we were looking for something to do on a family day out and we came across the National Stud at Newmarket… what a great find it was for all the family!

The National Stud is, not surprisingly, to be found just outside the town of Newmarket in Suffolk – the home of horse racing in the UK. It is easily reached by car with plenty of parking but don’t be fooled by the automatic electronic gates which are closed until you approach by car – we almost turned away thinking it was closed.  And, according to several of our tourist leaflets, the tours weren’t available until mid March when we arrived in February, so we were pleased to find that they were very much open.

Set in acres upon acres of land (over 500 acres), the National Stud is big business with some of the resident stallions being worth over £10 million and owners paying anything from £10,000 to £60,000 to bring their mares for a visit.  On the tour, which is about 75 minuntes, you get to see the Stallion Unit which included Bahamian Bounty and Cockney Rebel, seen from a respectful distance as they are not keen on people. You also see the Foaling Unit and get to see lots of mares and foals up close in the Nursery Yards and paddocks. And, it’s not often your children can say they have stroked a Grand National winner… the 2004 winner Amberleigh House is a very friendly horse that the family will love meeting.

The tour is one of the most informative and interesting we have been on, giving you a fascinating insight in to the world of racing and breeding and was thoroughly enjoyed by all the family. The price was £20 for a family ticket which was excellent value. It was a relatively sunny February day when we were there and, as much of it is outside, we would recommend going on a day when it is not raining.  Find out more about the Tour>

Staying in self catering in East England > Suffolk > Newmarket

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Up to £100 off Easter Cottage Holidays with Coast and Country

Date: 2011.02.19 | Category: Cottages, Easter, Special offers - time limited | Response: 0

With unspoilt sandy coves for sandcastles and swimming, miles of stunning coastal paths to explore and traditional past times such as crabbing, rock-pooling, sailing and surfing hugely popular, South Devon is a great choice for an Easter Break.

If you book your holiday with Coast and Country today you can save up to £100 OFF* and enjoy a fabulous break away with family or a loved one this Easter.

Check out one of the offers…. enjoy an Easter break from Monday 11th to 15th April £1118 or for 4 or less occupancy £950 at Vantage Point, Hillside Cottages.

Hillfield Cottages & Country House is a stunning development of individually designed, renovated and styled holiday properties situated in an idyllic setting in the South Devon countryside, yet within a short drive of the historic maritime town of Dartmouth.

With 28 properties in total sleeping between 2 and 12 people, acres of beautiful gardens, an all-weather tennis court, outdoor swimming pool and children’s play area, Hillfield is the perfect destination for a relaxing family holiday or a short break for couples throughout the year.

Hillfield has 6 properties sleeping 8 or more, plus several smaller properties conveniently located to each other and is the ideal location for those looking for accommodation for larger groups and special occasions.

Click here to find out more about these great offers>

Look for other superb cottage holidays and apartment breaks in Devon>

*Heres the offer small print… offers apply to selected weeks and properties, subject to availability. Not in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. For full terms and conditions see the Coast and Country website.