Category Archives: South East England

Cottage Break, Events, Family Cottages, Goodwood, Holiday Attractions, News, Short Break, South East England, Weekend Breaks, West Sussex

Goodwood Festival of Speed 28th June to 1st July 2012

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Wow, I have just looked at the line up for this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.  One word AWESOME.

Now I am definitely not a Petrol Head, I enjoy the Formula One Grand Prix season but that’s as far as my motor racing knowledge goes, so when I started looking at the programme I assumed it wouldn’t be my thing.  But, I was very wrong.

Starting next Thursday (28th June 2012) through to Sunday (1st July) it is packed full of attractions, events and family fun.  The 2012 theme is ‘Young Gun – Born to Win’ which will be celebrating the drivers, riders, designers and engineers.

At the Festival you get to see world champions try to set the fastest time of the day on the famous hill climb that runs up the Goodwood Estate. Or why not see the World Rally Championship teams compete through the Forest on the demanding circuit.

Of course there are lots of fast cars, both modern and vintage, to see including supercars, dragster and rally cars. See 4×4’s performing at their limits on the off-road centre and check out the future of motoring in the FOS-Tech Pavilion.  Add to all of that dramatic air displays, family fun at the Junior Festival of Speed, exhibitions and interviews with stars all against the backdrop of the wonderful Goodwood House and Estate and you get some idea of what’s on offer.

There is so much to do it is well worth making a weekend of it!  Find out more about the Goodwood Festival of Speed Cottage Breaks.

If you go along, tell us about it below or upload some pictures to our Facebook pages.

Source: Find Cottage Holidays

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County Show, England, Hampshire, Holiday Attractions, New Forest, South East England, Special Offers, Summer Holidays

20% Off The New Forest and Hampshire Country Show

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The New Forest and Hampshire County Show, held near Brockenhurst on the 24th to 26 th July 2012, is a super family day out and well worth making the effort to see.

The 2012 Show promises to be better than ever with all the Show favourites including Show Ring displays, Show Gardens (Flowers, Vegetables), Forestry Fun, Countryside and Tradition demonstrations, local produce and Animals galore. If that’s not enough to keep you entertained how about the Shetland Pony Grand National, the brand new attraction ‘One Man and His Dog’ – sheep dog displays, The Heavy Horse Musical Drive and the Solent Dog Display Team.

There is a Fun Factory for children that will keep them entertained all day with face painting, circus workshop, games and dance.  of course children will also love all the animals including pigs, sheep, cows, rabbits, birds, donkeys, horses & ponies, heavy horses, miniature horses, parade of hunting hounds, Heavy Horse Musical Drive & The Amazing Sheep Show.

The Countryside Area of the Show has some things that sound great fun…. Ferret and Terrier racing – need we say more!

Such a fun packed day – we can’t wait.  And the good news is that if you buy tickets in advance you can save up to 20% off your ticket.

Find out more about The New Forest and Hampshire County Show or buy tickets online

 

Source: Find Cottage Holidays

Cottage Break, England, Family Cottages, School Holidays, Self Catering, Short Break, South East England, Summer Holidays, Weekend Breaks

Summer Breaks and Holidays

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Wow, the sun is out, it’s even starting to feel like a pleasant summers day  down here in Sussex! Dare we even go as far to say that may be now, while we are feeling super positive, would be a good time to book our Summer Holiday?

If like us, you have been waiting for the signs that we are going to have a summer in 2012 before booking your holiday, then time is beginning to run out.  So we are taking today’s bright start as a good sign and getting down to the job of deciding exactly where we are going to go this year.

With so many great places to explore across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland it’s difficult to know where to start.  So we have put together a list of family friendly self catering cottages, apartments, holiday flats and lodges that are all perfect for the school summer holidays. We have even sorted it randomly so you get some great ideas of places that you may be had not even have thought of going to this year. Take a look at our Summer Holidays suggestions

Our search is, unusually for us, around the Kent area this year.  We are normally South West of England addicts, having already stayed in East Devon earlier this year and regular visitors to Cornwall, but with the Olympics in mind we are keen to stay closer to the action.  Kent is handily placed for day trips to London, but the ‘Garden of England’ has a lot more to offer than that, including wonderful rural villages, Blue Flag beaches, rolling patchwork countryside and Kent attractions such as Leeds Castle, Kent County Show and Gardens to Visit.  We have checked out our Kent cottage reviews and have seen some great places but if you have any recommendations then let us know.

If you are booking your holiday today, happy searching.

 

Berkshire, Cottage Break, Royal Ascot, Self Catering, Short Break, South East England, South of England, Surrey, Weekend Breaks

Royal Ascot Starts Today – take a last minute short break

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It’s great to see that the sun is out for the first day of Royal Ascot.  With big, resplendently dressed, crowds expected and some excellent racing to look forward Royal Ascot is a wonderful social and sporting event.

The first race of the day is the Queen Anne’s Stakes with the unbeaten Frankel among the favourites.  We have to admit that we don’t know much about horse racing form so our betting is largely restricted to looks and the name, anyone got any tips for Royal Ascot?

Are you going to Royal Ascot this year?  If you are, have a brilliant day.  We would love to see some of your pictures of the day, please post them here or on our Facebook page.  As you can see we struggle with finding good pictures to use on our website for Ascot so we really do need your help!

You will find  Ascot in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.  If you are looking for a short break or weekend break in the area, Berkshire and Surrey offers some excellent self catering, ranging from apartments to cottages, accommodation for couples, families or groups. More about Royal Ascot and Accommodation

Apartments, England, London, Olympics, Short Break, South East England, Wimbledon

Wimbledon Championship Tennis Breaks

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With the grass court tennis now in full swing at Queens Club, we are on the final countdown to Wimbledon. With the roof over Centre Court at the ready, not even the British weather can intervene but here’s hoping for some sunny weather so we can enjoy those strawberries.

This year’s Wimbledon Championship is being held from the 25th June to the 8th July with British hopes largely resting on Andy Murray and some of our younger players in the junior events. Whatever the British success, or otherwise, Wimbledon is a fantastic experience and a wonderful way to spend a short break.  Unlike most UK major sporting events it is even possible to get tickets on the day – a limited number at the turnstiles each morning and late entry tickets after 5pm – but you will need to queue.

What’s more there is a second chance this year to see the best tennis players in the World, as the Olympic Tennis will also be held at Wimbledon from the 28th July to the 5th August.

If you can’t make either tournament then why not visit Wimbledon at a different time and go to the Museum and the Tour.  The museum has unrivalled memorabilia stretching back to 1555 and of course the sparkling trophies.  And, what could be better than seeing first hand around the Grounds that you have only ever been able to see on TV. A fantastic day out you are sure not to forget.

Find out more Wimbledon Tennis Breaks including apartments, B&B,s and Hotels in London or within easy reach by train.

Dorset, England, Portland, Self Catering, South East England, Summer Holidays, Weymouth

Olympic Sailing Cottage Breaks – Weymouth, Portland, Dorset

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It’s only 6 weeks to go until the Olympic Sailing regatta starts in Weymouth and Portland in Dorset.  The first events begin on the 29th July and with the British boats expected to perform well in all classes the excitement is starting to build.  What’s more the Olympic sailing is followed shortly after by the Paralympic sailing event in the first week of September.

So this is the perfect time to plan a weekend break, short break or holiday in Dorset to soak up the Olympic excitement and to be able to see first hand a wonderful sporting occasion. You may not have tickets to the Olympic stands but there will be views of the racing from various coastal spots on the Dorset coast and there are sure to be lots of Olympics events running throughout the regattas.

Find out more about the Olympic and Paralympic Sailing and find some great cottages, apartments and lodges perfect for a Dorset Cottage break.  Olympic and Paralympic Sailing

If you are heading to Dorset here are some other useful links:

County Show, South East England, South of England

Last Day of South of England Show 2012

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Today is your last chance to visit the South of England Show in 2012 and by the looks of the weather it will also be the best day to go along!

We went along to the Show yesterday and despite it being a bit blustery it was a brilliant day out for the whole family.  There was lots to see and do and you can certainly spend all day visiting the many tents, stands and getting up close with animals big and small.

Highlights of the day included the horses in the main arena, the superb Young Craftsman of the Year exhibits, the flower show, the craft stalls and (don’t tell anyone we said so) but the WI Tent for tea/cake and the competition winners. We also spent time with the goats, sheep and pigs!

Not surprisingly we spent quite a lot of time at the Food stalls.  We did end up having lunch at the Show to but beware that eating at the South of England Show is not cheap – most things start at £3-£4 so it can be expensive if with a family.  We suggest you take a picnic and some snacks with you and then enjoy some of the Shows cake and doughnut stands!!

We highly recommend the South of England Show – we are already planning to return next year!

Finally, if you are going today, don’t forget your wellies! There are plenty of decent paths but the car park and some of the food village are a little more challenging mud wise, so some wellies or sensible outdoor shoes are a must.

Holiday Attractions, South East England, South of England, Sussex, West Sussex

Family Fun in Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex

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If you are looking for some family fun this afternoon (2nd June) in the West Sussex area, then head to Beach Green on Shoreham Beach where there is a Family Fun Day.

Highlights will include performances by Herbie Flowers and Michael Hinton, a Scruffs dog show and displays by the Zumbatonics.  The programme also includes refreshments from the Church Café and a Real Ale Bar, a bouncy castle, face-painting, games and stories. There will also be a fire engine, skill testing with Adur Outdoor Activities Centre, PASS soccer coach testing and challenges for young and old, set by Shoreham gym Beach Fit.

If you are looking for more things to do in the Sussex area or looking to stay near by check out some useful links below:

County Show, Holiday Attractions, South East England, South of England, Sussex

Book your Ticket for the South of England Show

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It’s only a few weeks until the South of England Show, the premier Agricultural and Family Show in the heart of rural Sussex.  The Show is on from the 6th – 9th June 2012 and we have just bought our ticket, with advanced booking saving us £5 on a family ticket.

This year’s South of England Show promises lots of fun including exciting arena displays, entertainment and music, childrens activities, prize winning British livestock, World Class Show Jumping and Equestrian Events, Food and Farming.

And of course, there will be lots of competition for horticultural, gardening and arts & crafts.

Some of the Arena Displays lined up includes:

  • The Bolddog Lings Freestyle Motorcycle team
  • Royal British Legion Youth Band (Saturday)
  • Mid Downs Dog Agility (Thursday)
  • Inter Hunt Relay, Heavy Horse Turnouts, Hound Parades

And how about this for a selection of entertainment and music

  • Titan the Robot
  • Casablanca Steps
  • The Sheep Show
  • Countryside Displays
  • Vic Ellis One Man Band
  • Village Green

In fact there is so much to do and see, all of the family will find something to enjoy.

Brighton, East Sussex, News, South East England, Sussex

Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe in May

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The Brighton Festival takes place in May each year and so this is the perfect time to get a short break or holiday in Brighton booked for May.

If you have not been before the Brighton Festival is an unrivalled arts celebration.  With a wide ranging arts programme that includes music, theatre, dance, film, literature and lots more.  What’s more the Brighton Fringe that runs alongside the Festival and is the world’s third largest open access festival has some 675 events at 193 venues planned for 2012.  There is lots to do what ever your age with children loving the opening parade and the closing night Ceilidgh!

Find out more about the Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe as well as some great places to stay.