Category Archives: Travel

Where to head for a countryside summer holiday or spring break… AONB?

If you are wondering where to head on a summer holiday or a Spring break there is nowhere better to start than checking out our list of the official Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales.

Every place designated an AONB is considered to be of significant landscape beauty ranging from rugged coastline and water meadows to gentle lowland and upland moors – each one of them is a wonderful – perfect for a short break or cottage holiday.

There are 37 AONB in England and Wales, from the Suffolk Coast and Heaths to the Malvern Hills and the Gower Peninsula. Below are the links to our full list of the areas and some super self catering accommodation close by to help you make the most of your stay.

Of course the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are in addition to the British National Parks, that are also perfect for a cottage holiday.

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Fairytale holiday in a Scottish Castle

Castle Apartment Montrose ScotlandHow about trying something new this year, with a short break or holiday in a Scottish castle?  Or may be a Scottish country estate is more your style?  Then again, there are mansions and spectacular converted churches also available for a self catering break in Scotland.

Whether you dreamt of a 16th Century castle, an uber stylish mansion or a traditional shooting lodge, our new collection of Scottish Castles and Country Homes could make it a reality for your 2014 break.

These properties are perfect for big families and large groups of friends as most have lots of bedrooms and facilities – from games rooms to hot tubs!  What’s more if you fancy really pushing the boat out, you can also arrange to have a butler, housekeeper or cook throughout your stay!

With over 100 to choose from you will find something to match your taste and your budget.

 

Cheap February half term family breaks

February half termIt’s hard to believe, as we have all only just returned to work/school, that the February half term is fast approaching! 

Don’t get caught with nothing planned, why not make the most of the February half term with a family getaway?

Have great days out together, then enjoy a relaxing meal and card/board games in front of a cosy fire.

With thousands of self catering cottages, lodges and apartments across the UK & Ireland to choose from you’re bound to find the perfect place within reach of the attractions and activities you want to see.

What’s more, it doesn’t need to cost you a fortune…. there are 3 night February half term lodge breaks from £99*, 7 night cottage breaks from £288.

Browse for some great February half term self catering using the links below:

* Prices quoted were available on selected properties at the time of publishing.  Accommodation only – including online booking fee, based on UK stays departing 15/02/14. Subject to availability, operator booking conditions will apply.

Summer holidays in South Devon: Dartmouth is highly recommended

Dartmouth self cateringIf you need something to get you through the winter months then there is nothing better than planning your summer holiday.  

With its warm and sunny summer climate it’s no surprise that the south-west of England is where people flock to each year but where is the best place to head.  Well we can highly recommend South Devon and there is no better place to for an unforgettable family holiday than the gorgeous maritime town of Dartmouth.

Long days can easily be spent out on the water, unwinding on the region’s golden beaches, walking the dramatic coastal footpaths or visiting one of the many historical houses or gardens.

Whatever your interests whilst on holiday, Find Cottage Holidays has an excellent choice of luxury self-catering holiday properties to offer, which can be perfectly matched to suit all your needs.

Take a closer look at what Dartmouth in South Devon has to offer »

Self catering cottage deals, offers, discounts and voucher codes

Find Cottage Holidays has launched a new section on its popular website featuring offers, deals, discounts and voucher codes from leading providers and independent owners in the UK and Ireland.

The offers deals and vouchers page will highlight a range of self catering including cottages, holiday parks, lodges, apartments, and boat holidays across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

Current offers include:

  • Save 20% on winter cottage breaks
  • Festive lodges and log cabins from £99
  • Cosy winter breaks from £284
  • Autumn lodge breaks from £149
  • Christmas and New Year city breaks from £55

Plus lots more.  See more deals and offers »

Pride & Prejudice voted teachers favourite – take a Jane Austen inspired cottage holiday

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice has been unveiled as the favourite book amongst teachers in a Times Educational Supplement survey. 

An online survey of 500 teachers showed that the Austen classic was the clear favourite, 200 years after it was first published.

In this 200th year lots of events are planned to celebrate the anniversary and so there is no better time to take a Jane Austen inspired short break or holiday.

We have put together a list of Jane Austen inspired destinations ranging from her birth place in Hampshire to Bath where she wrote many of her novels.  Our list also includes some special Jane Austen events in 2013.

See our Jane Austen destination guide

SAVE 15% on Short Breaks in Cornwall Devon Dorset and Somerset

Enjoy a short break in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset and save 15% on your fabulous holiday cottage or apartment in April.

Find Cottage Holidays and Blue Chip Holidays are offering you a 15% discount code on holidays of 3-6 days if booked and first day on or before the 27th April.

This super voucher code offer is available on hundreds of luxury cottages and apartments in the West Country, this popular holiday region in the UK. Choose self catering on the coast or in the country ideal for couples, families of all sizes and even properties perfect for groups of friends.

Use the link below to view the self catering accommodation available, the discount links and the voucher code to use at the checkout.

Find out more »

SAVE 20% on Cottages in Cornwall Devon Dorset and Somerset

Have a fabulous holiday cottage self catering holiday in April and save up to 20% off a super cottages and apartments in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset.

Find Cottage Holidays and Blue Chip Holidays are offering you a 20% discount code on holidays of 7 days or more if booked and first day on or before the 27th April.

This super voucher code offer is available on hundreds of luxury cottages and apartments in the West Country, this popular holiday region in the UK. Choose for self catering ideal couples, families of all sizes and even properties perfect for groups of friends.

Use the link below to view the self catering accommodation available, the discount links and the voucher code to use at the checkout.

Find out more »

200 anniversary of Pride & Prejudice – take a Jane Austen inspired cottage holiday

A classic and enduring favourite, 2013 marks the 200 year anniversary since the publishing of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

200 years may have passed but Pride and Prejudice continues to sell 100,000 copies each year and along with her other favourites – such as Emma, Sense & Sensibility and Mansfield Park – ensures Jane Austen remains as popular as ever.

In this 200th year lots of events are planned to celebrate the anniversary and so there is no better time to take a Jane Austen inspired short break or holiday.

We have put together a list of Jane Austen inspired destinations ranging from her birth place in Hampshire to Bath where she wrote many of her novels.  Our list also includes some special Jane Austen events in 2013.

See our Jane Austen destination guide

February Half Term Family Lodges

February Half Term cottage breaksWhat to do with the kids during the winter half term can be a challenge.  We all know the weather can be unpredictable, at best, so the February school half term at home can feel like a lot of time locked in at home with children with far too much unused energy… does that sound familiar?

If it does, then why not consider taking a short break in a holiday lodge this February half term? It really is a perfect family solution.

Activity Parks to Swimming Pools and Family Fun

Lots of lodges can be found on popular holiday parks across the UK.  During the School half term many of these parks will run kids entertainment programmes for everything from exploring in the great outdoors to indoor art and  creativity sessions.  In fact there will be lots to keep children of all ages entertained so that Mum and Dad can enjoy the break to, whatever the weather.

Many of the holiday parks with lodges also have swimming pools, table tennis tables, amusements and other facilities such as indoor play areas.  So there are lots of things to do to wear even the most active children out during a fun packed day.

Accommodation for Families and Pets

Lodge accommodation is perfect for families providing comfortable and affordable self catering.  Cosy even in February, lodges are available for families of all sizes and that includes your pet dog too!

Great Prices, Superb Value

Holiday lodges are excellently priced family self catering all year round, but they offer even better value in the winter half term where prices are much lower than in the summer.  In addition you can find some great deals and discounts on holiday lodges across the UK which can save you even more. Take a look at some February half term lodge deals