Perfect base for a family holiday: Aberystwyth, Mid Wales

It may be Halloween, but we don’t want any rights on holiday or a short break, so today’s recommendation is the university town of Aberystwyth.

Lying on the west coast of Wales, it is a thriving metropolis of shops, restaurants, pubs and tea-rooms. This vibrant location also has museums to explore, excellent cinema and is home to the National Library of Wales.

A typically Victorian promenade lines the seafront and the cliff-top ruins of Aberystwyth castle dominate the entire town.  A wealth of attractions are designed to entertain and inspire visitors to explore further afield.

The scenic 20-mile cycle route and footpath on the Ystwyth Trail follows a wonderful woodland and river path and links Aberystwyth to Tregaron.  A trip on the Steam Railway from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge is a great way to visit the falls.

The seaside resort of Borth is seven miles away with three miles of sandy beach and the ‘Animalarium’ to keep all ages amused.

With so many attractions, the castle, Welsh craft centres and stunning countryside to explore, this is a perfect base for a family holiday.

Check out some great Aberystwyth cottage breaks

Advertisement

Countryside breaks at Ellesmere Shropshire

While so many tourists head to the south west corner of Cornwall and Devon, the west of England is full of delights.  Here is one… Ellesmere in Shropshire.

From the town of Ellesmere you can enjoy a series of gentle walks that will take you from the site of an ancient glacial mere into town and along to the Llangollen Canal, past the new marina or through the Arboretum and Cremorne Gardens.

In the immediate vicinity, you can enjoy the scenery from the comfort of a steamboat or visit the Wood Lane Nature Reserve, an 81 hectare site, which combines North Shropshire’s largest quarry with active nature conservation.

Slightly further afield, you will find attractions such as the Park Hall Countryside Experience, which is an ideal day-out for any group that have children or, if history is more your thing, you can discover the beautiful remains of a 12th century moated castle located in the heart of the village of Whittington.

Check out cottage breaks in Ellesmere

Self catering in Bridgwater Somerset

The sun is out, the skies are blue, time for another holiday thought.  So how about a self catering cottage break in the lovely Somerset town of Bridgwater?

The town of Bridgwater has plenty to interest visitors including shopping, historic buildings and an excellent selection of restaurants and pubs.  Also an annual Bridgwater Illuminated Carnival takes place in November.

Cheddar is only a few miles away as is Glastonbury, home of King Arthur and pop festivals.

The fascinating wetland areas surrounding Bridgwater are internationally renowned for wildfowl and wading birds.  Nearby Shapwick Heath has an excellent wetland nature reserve.

Check out self catering breaks in Bridgwater

Short breaks in Skipton, Yorkshire Dales

We love recommending places for you to go and stay in the UK & Ireland but today we are recommending somewhere we used to live, Skipton, in the wonderful Yorkshire Dales.

Skipton , Yorkshire DalesWell placed for visiting all that the Dales has to offer, the town of Skipton is also close to York, the Lake District and the West Coast.

This lovely market town has plenty to offer visitors and boasts an ancient castle open to the public, a beautiful old parish church and a colourful market occupying the cobbled setts on either side of the high street.

Visitors can enjoy a canal trip on a traditional barge or visit the Embsay Steam Railway, which offers regular steam train excursions throughout the weekend and is just a mile away.

Golf, swimming, squash, tennis and snooker are all available close by and the region is known for its effective public transport.

Skipton is a bustling market town and a hub for nightlife at the weekends.  If you crave city life, Skipton is jus a short car/bus/train journey to what is one of the UK’s loveliest regional cities – perfect for great shopping, eating and entertainment.

We loved it there, so why not check i out for yourself?  See self catering in Skipton

British & Irish self catering with a garden

Sunning ouselves in the garden... can't wait!We may only just be saying goodbye to the sun, and reluctantly at that, but that’s not going to stop us thinking about getting back out in to the garden next Spring. 

We are already looking forward to the freshly cut lawn and the daffodils sticking their heads up through the soil.

So with that in mind we thought we should be looking for self catering cottages that have a garden or a patio for us to enjoy on our holidays.  I am pleased to say that our listings have thousands of great cottages with gardens and we have now made it easier to search for them with a special page 🙂

Start your search for small or large self catering cottages with gardens

Short break in Cawood, North York Moors and Coast

Today’s short break recommendation is Cawood, the North York Moors and Coast region of the North East of England.

Perfect for an Autumn cottage break, tShort breaks at Wormwood Hill North Yorkshirehe small, picturesque village of Cawood on the River Ouse is situated ten miles from the historic city of York. The village offers a shop, a 12th century inn and riverside walks. York is only a short drive away and offers something for everyone, including the famous minster, Jorvik Viking Centre, National Railway Museum and the Shambles.

So where should you stay?  Well how about Wormwood Hill which sleeps up to 8…

Wormwood Farm is a character cottage in the village of Cawood, just ten miles from York. Set over three floors, this cottage sleeps eight people in four bedrooms, consisting of one king-size double with en-suite bathroom and dressing room, a twin, a second floor double and a second floor twin with seating area.

The cottage also has a second floor shower room, a kitchen, a dining room and two sitting rooms, one of which has a wood burning stove. Outside there is off-road parking for three cars and a front lawned garden with two patios, furniture and barbecue. Wormwood Farm is a wonderful family property with lots of things to see and do nearby.

Take a look at some self catering breaks in Cawood and North Yorkshire.

Perfect last-minute half term breaks – holiday lodges across the UK

Autumn holidays in the UK and irelandThe first term of school is really flying by and half term is almost here, so have you got something planned to keep the family entertained during the week off?

The Autumn half term is always a difficult one to predict the weather, changeable is most likely this late in October, so planning your half-term break with indoor and outdoor activities is a must.

We like to stay in family holiday lodges over the Autumn half term because it provides so many great solutions:

  • Whether situated on the coast or the countryside, a lodge is perfect for getting out and about quickly when the weather is clear and dry.  So you can quickly get out and about exploring and burning off some of that excess energy.
  • Of course, coming back to a lodge caked in mud or wet-through is always a bit easier…. mop-able floors and not your carpet!
  • Many lodges are on holiday parks which tend to run activities during the half term break – so you can get some time without the kids asking what’s next.
  • Of course lodges have some great facilities such as swimming pools and adventure playgrounds, so whatever the weather you can keep them entertained.

We think a holiday lodge is hard to beat for a half term holiday break and don’t worry, it’s not too late to book one for October/November.  There is still last-minute availability at some great prices.  Take a look at some half term holiday lodgesFor checking out last-minute availability you can also call 0844 847 1143.

Discounted Designer Watch for Christmas

Find Designer WatchesIf you are looking for a great Christmas present for a loved one or are just looking to treat yourself, then check out our website Find Designer Watches.

There are over 16,000 watches listed at great prices with all the major brands including Bulova, Casio, Diesel, DKNY, Fossil, Guess, Ice Watch, Michael Kors, Nixon, Police, Rotary, Seksy, Skagen and Swatch.  Plus lots, lots more of your favourite brands.

We have also got lots of great voucher codes that give you discounts from 5%-15% on hundred of watches on top of the discounted prices: Mens watch voucher codes, ladies watch voucher codes

So many to choose from… so who is your favourite brand, what’s your favourite style???

Perfect for a half term break: Combe Martin, Devon, England

With the October half term nearly upon us, we think that Combe Martin in Devon will keep the whole family happy on a short break – seaside, Exmoor, North Devon…need we say more?

Located on the border between Exmoor National Park and the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is the picturesque settlement of Combe Martin.

This little seaside resort, with a wide variety of amenities, is a great attraction for locals and visitors, and is home to a very popular beach. Lynton and Lynmouth, Woolacombe, Croyde Bay, Saunton Sands, Ilfracombe and Barnstaple are all within easy reach.

There are also numerous National Trust properties and gardens close by, offering unique insights into local history. Woolacombe beach is close by and is an excellent place for surfing, whilst the South West coastal path passes within a mile for those who love rambling.

So plenty of places to burn off energy, lots to explore and see… for a family getaway it’s just about perfect, so what’s stopping you?  Here is a few places to stay to get you started but there are plenty more for you to choose from… self catering in Combe Martin

Christmas & New Year cottage breaks

Why not do something a little different this year and getaway for a Christmas or New Year break?

Whether you fancy bracing fresh air on the coast or frost-white fields in the countryside a cosy cottage break is the ideal way to celebrate a family Christmas or to party in the New Year.  What better way to get in to the festive spirit than a bit of Christmas shopping in the pretty village stores or just hanging out at a friendly coffee shop and watch everyone else rush around buying their last-minute gifts!

Across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland there are just so many perfect places for a Christmas short break, for a couple, family or large group of friends… so take a look at some great ideas on our Christmas selection

If you are looking for a great place to bring in the New Year then head for one of the our city breaks where you are bound to find some great party celebrations.