Category Archives: Autumn Breaks

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

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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.

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

Enjoy Wonderful Autumn Colour at Exbury Gardens in the New Forest

Exbury Gardens in the New ForestIf you want to enjoy the splendour and beauty of an English Autumn day then it’s time to check out Exbury Gardens in the New Forest, Hampshire on the south coast.

At this time of Exbury Gardens are full of resplendent and spectacular fiery seasonal colours from maples, dogwoods and deciduous azaleas to the stunning National Collection of Nyssa and Oxydendrum. You can also enjoy a 45 minute self-guided trail leading you to the best of the colour in Yard Wood, with descriptions of over 23 trees associated with the season, and discover arguably the country’s finest display of Nerine sarniensis (the jewel lily) in the Five Arrows Gallery displayed alongside Peter Thwaites inspiring ‘Wild Autumn Art.’

It is a great family day out with over 20 miles of pathways, three woods and parkland to explore. Even the wet cannot spoil the fun – simply put on your waterproof and see a new side to Exbury! In the Gardens children can discover plants that existed before dinosaurs roamed the earth; plants dinosaurs liked to eat; a Chinese Coffin Tree and even the Devil’s Walking Stick!

Exbury is also home to a Steam Railway that runs every day the Gardens are open and a special Halloween ghost train runs during late October.

Find out more about Exbury Gardens including website details and opening times.

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Getting Mixed Signals

It’s been a strange week so far, winter weather conditions one moment, blue skies and sun the next, but it’s clearly not just me that is confused judging by my mail  in-box.

So far I have been offered some great discounts off sunglasses, holiday discounts for October half term and in my local supermarket I was confronted by row upon row of Christmas special offers!

So which ‘urgent’ need should I be addressing first?  The up and coming school half term, our Christmas plans or our 2013 summer holiday!

I don’t know about you, but I am not quite ready to write off 2012 yet, after all it’s only the beginning of October.  And, there are still things to look forward to including Halloween, Bonfire Night (and Fireworks), a number of music festivals and events, and of course the prospect of many cosy nights in. I still see plenty of opportunities for an October short break, a November get-away and a December holiday – but then I am all about the holidays!

Author: Holiday Junkie

Save £75 on a Southwold Cottage Break in October 2012

Southwold is on the Suffolk Coast, one of the most unspoilt coastlines in the country, and a hugely popular cottage holiday destination.

Considered a genteel seaside resort without the tacky nature of so many seaside towns, it has a lovely sandy beach, open heathland and a lovely harbour.  Although sedate the town does have a pier, you can take boat rides and enjoy fish and chips.  Also in town is the popular Suffolk brewer, Adnams.

In the holiday season Southwold and the surrounding area can be very busy and so if you want to explore this beautiful area in relative peace and relaxation it is well worth heading there later in the year.

The Saltings, Southwold, SuffolkThere are some great offers and availability on self catering holiday accommodation in October, especially with the October half term approaching, and we particularly like a holiday cottage saving of £75 on a weeks stay at The Saltings in Southwold.

The Saltings, sleeps 5 and has 3 bedrooms, is ideally situated next to the beach with lovely views of the Denes and the River Blyth. It has been transformed by the addition of a conservatory and decking at the rear which make the most of the evening sun and stunning views. All on one level, the property is light and homely, has easy access to the town and is only a short walk from the beach.  Ideal for families, it also caters for young children with the provision of cots and high chairs if required.  Pets are also allowed.  Broadband Internet is also available.

The £75 off Special Offer is due to a last-minute cancellation and it’s available from 19th to 22nd October with a £75 discount. Use the link above to see more information about the cottage break and a link to check availability, confirm prices and book online.

 

Winter weather, check out some holiday cottages with Wood Fires

Cottages with Open Fires and Woodburning StovesOh my, the weather in the UK would appear to have bypassed Autumn and gone straight to Winter in the last few days.

As I look out of my window I can see horizontal rain, trees bending over in the gale and lake sized puddles… not quite the start to Autumn I was hoping for.  But never mind, I am sure it will pass soon 🙂

In the meantime, I think now is a good time to check out some holiday cottages and lodges that have open wood fires to curl up in front of or maybe a wood burning stove to keep the chill off.  We have a super selection of self catering accommodation with open fires across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland and so there’s no excuse not to get away.  Check out cottages and apartments with open fires or wood burning stoves.

Although the weather is cooler, and damper, there is still lots to do and see across the UK and Ireland – so don’t let the weather put you off, just remember to bring your wellies if you are heading in the countryside!

Official…It’s Now Autumn in Britain and Ireland

Autumn holidays in the UK and irelandThis Saturday marks the official start of Autumn in Great Britain, marking the end of the summer and the start of the slow transition to winter.

Now although the passing of the summer is a little sad, it should be remembered that the Autumn in the UK is a fairly magical time of vibrant colours in the countryside, blue skies and crisp fresh air. And although we often feel short-changed by the lack of a hot summer it has to be said that we quite often get lucky with a bright and warm Autumn to make up for it.

It’s an excellent time to holiday or take a short break in Britain because the main tourist season is over, which pretty much guarantees you a more relaxing and peaceful time to explore the villages, towns, countryside and coast.

Of course, as there are less tourists at this time of year accommodation prices and availability are also considerably more pleasant, so you can holiday for longer for less.  Perfect 🙂  Here is a list of some excellent self catering cottages, apartments and holiday flats for an Autumn break in the UK and Ireland.

And, don’t forget if you are looking for a bargain this Autumn check out our extra discount for holiday cottages in Norfolk.