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

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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

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Cottage Break, England, Hampshire, Holiday Cottages, Holidays, News, Summer Holidays, Travel

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

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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

Autumn Breaks, Days Out, England, Family Days Out, Half Term Holidays, Holiday Attractions, Kids Days Out, New Forest, November Breaks, October Breaks, October Half-Term Breaks, Walking Holidays, Weekend Breaks

Enjoy Wonderful Autumn Colour at Exbury Gardens in the New Forest

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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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Apartments, Coastal Holidays, Cottage Break, Country Cottages, Family Cottages, Half Term Holidays, Holiday Cottages, Holidays, New Forest, October Breaks, October Half-Term Breaks, School Holidays, Self Catering, Short Break, Travel

First Day of School, Must be Time to Plan the October Half-Term Break

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The summer holidays have barely ended, it’s the first day at school for many, and yet our thoughts are already turning towards the October half term.

It’s not as mad as you may think as with most half-terms being 6 weeks long that means the October half term is rapidly approaching.  It’s also one of those tricky half terms because the weather can be highly unpredictable which is never a good thing if you are confined to the house with the family for a long period.

A self catering cottage or apartment are ideal during the October school half-term as they guarantee warmth and comfort at the end of a day exploring, playing and having fun. The availability and prices are also better for a family at this time of year, once the high season has passed, so you can get some great deals whatever the size of your family.  Although October can be chilly its quite often fairly dry so you are able to get out and about during the day and with lots of self catering in the country, near the coast or close to some of the UK wonderful towns and cities you will not be short of things to do and see.

A great alternative to a cottage or apartment, and a little bit cheaper still, is a holiday lodge, log cabin, chalet or static caravan.  You will find that they do have heating for those chilly nights and are a perfect base for exploring the great outdoors. You will often find these lodges and caravans on holiday parks which is perfect during the half term as most tend to run activities to keep children entertained whatever the weather – nothing better than letting someone else wear them out a bit!

So where to head?  Well there are great locations across the UK and Ireland to choose from but favourites at this time of year for us have been the New Forest (Hampshire), Oxfordshire, Brecon Beacons and the Yorkshire Dales.  Although it has to be said we are tempted by the Scottish Borders as well this year.

Wherever you intend to go there is just 6 weeks left to book so click here if you are looking for some ideas for the October school half-term

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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