During the October school half term we stayed in a lovely Cotswold cottage and visited Westonbirt, The National Arboretum. With over 17 miles of forest walks, glorious colour from 16,000 trees (2,500 different species) it is a lovely day out even on a cooler day.
Find out more about the National Arboretum.
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As the nights draw in, our thoughts have definitely turned to what we are going to do for our summer holiday next year. It’s always a challenge to find a holiday that will entertain and please all members of our family.
So far our plans have taken us right across Europe and back at least twice and yet we still can’t make a decision. We are very tempted by the thought of the Swiss mountains, all that beautiful countryside, blue lakes and clear fresh air. But then we would miss the beach, those rolling Atlantic waves have given us some of the happiest holiday memories. Or how about enjoy the wonderful diversity of Britain with a staycation. Mmmmm, decisions decisions.
Where will next summer find you and your family? Building sand castles on a sunny beach? Taking a stroll around a sparkling lake, or exploring the valley and village of the countryside?
It’s so difficult to choose which is why we started looking more closely at our wish list for the summer.
That’s our list so far, so what is on yours that we should consider?
Oh 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!
This 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.
Today’s blue skies have made me all hopeful that the October half term break could be a relatively warm and fun school holiday this year.
I have to admit that I love the October half term as it is usually the last good chance to spend a short break outside in the fresh air in the UK and Ireland before the colder weather arrives. It’s also a holiday that’s filled with happy memories of carving pumpkins outside with my children ready for Halloween fun and games.
Although this break can be chilly later in the day, there is usually plenty of sunshine that means you can make good use of the day. If you are doing pumpkin carving though, do it earlier in the day, one year I did it later in the day and my fingers had gone numb with cold by the time we had finished!
There are lots of great places to stay on a half term break but with the nights becoming cooler a cosy holiday cottage is ideal. There are plenty of good family sized self catering holiday cottages and at this time of year there is quite good availability. If you are looking for some inspiration we have put together a list of great family cottages ideal for the half term break.
Of course if you are looking for something a little cheaper or something with lots of kids activities lined up for the school half-term then it is well worth considering a holiday park. The accommodation is heated and cosy and perfect for a family sized group. You will find many of the holiday parks will have an entertainment programme for the Half Term holiday which will keep your children occupied.
Much of England is poised to be sun-soaked this weekend according to the weather forecasts so why not book a last-minute weekend break or short break in a cottage, apartment or holiday flat to make the most of the last days of summer.
It can hardly come as a surprise that the minute the school holidays are over the weather takes a turn for the better, it’s the frustrating British weather we all know and love. However, if you still have some holiday left or just want to take advantage of this exceptionally warm weekend then it is worth checking out our September holiday self catering cottages, many available at some excellent prices.
The best of the weather appears to be in the south-east of England and the Eastern side of the country particularly on Sunday. But pretty much all of England will see plenty of Sunshine this weekend.
Sadly for Scotland and parts of Wales things don’t look quite so bright but the temperatures look good (and who can trust weather forecasts anyway?).
You are in for a great holiday in England this weekend whether you head to a country cottage or a coastal get-away. If you are heading to the South West of England it is a great time to dig out the body boards and surf boards as there tends to be good waves at this time of year and, if not, there is plenty of time to lay on the golden sandy beach!
We are also pleased that the good weather will last over the last few days of the London 2012 Paralympic Games including the closing ceremony, so hopefully no need for the umbrellas!
If you aren’t able to get away this weekend the good news is that you should be able to enjoy a spot of sunshine in the garden.
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