Tag Archives: Travel and Tourism

Mothers Day Cottage Breaks

Happy Mothers DayMother’s Day in the UK is fast approaching – on the 10th March – and so if you haven’t got a present sorted for your Mum take a look at our selection of cottage breaks

You will find some great ideas for locations across the UK to match all budgets. Select from weekend breaks and short breaks in cottages, apartments and holiday flats in the restful countryside or maybe in a lovely coastal location.

We think most Mum’s will just enjoy putting their feed up for some well deserved R&R, so how about a choice of the Cotswolds, Snowdonia, Norfolk Broads, Pembrokeshire, the Lake District or the Cairngorms?  Of course if your Mum would prefer something more active, you can choose a cottage break near Alton Towers or Chessington World of Adventures to get the blood pumping!

We think our Mum is definitely worth a special treat this year, how about you?

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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

February Half Term Cottage Breaks – head to the Cotswolds?

With the new year rapidly approaching, the next school holiday on the horizon is the February Half Term and so now is the perfect time to snap up a bargain before they are all gone!

If you are looking for some school half term inspiration we might have just what you are looking for as we have added a whole new collection of cottages in the ever popular Cotswolds to our listings. Whether you are looking to explore picturesque villages, roam the countryside or relax in a home from home, you can be sure that, whichever one of the Cotswold cottages you choose you will have a great time.

The February half term is a great time to get away in a cottage, apartment or lodge as there is still plenty of outdoor fun to be had but its great to end the day in your cosy accommodation.

It is well worth considering a lodge on a holiday park during the February half term as there is quite often family entertainment on the park during the holiday period which keeps the children of all ages entertained even if the weather is on the cold or damp side!

Enjoy a great value Christmas and New Year holiday cottage for all the family

Eeeek, Christmas is just over 5 weeks away and so time is running out if you fancy booking a family escape for the festive break.

If you are planning ot get-away but are looking for some inspiration, here are a few suggestions in the beautiful and tranquil Suffolk:

The Nutshell at AldeburghThe Nutshell, Aldeburgh 

*4 Star *Sleeps 4 *Situated in the town centre

*Save £102 off the standard brochure rate wc Friday 21st December 2012*
*Save £102 off the standard brochure rate wc Friday 28th December 2012*

Find out more about The Nutshell

Lavender Cottage

*Sleeps 6 *Swimming Pool *High Chair *Cot

15% off your Christmas break departing 27th December 2012

Find out more about Lavender Cottage

Stannard Cottage SouthwoldStannard Cottage, Southwold

*Sleeps 5 *Open fire *Dishwasher *Owner is providing a welcome pack with lots of goodies for the Christmas and New Year weeks.

Find out more about Stannard Cottage

Cherish a big family Christmas with a larger property perfect for all the family.

Poppy’s, Southwold

*Sleeps 8 * 3 bedrooms *Pets allowed *Welcome pack *Dishwasher

Find out more about Poppys

Castle KeepCastle Keep

*Sleeps 8 *4 bedrooms *Pets allowed *Coast view *Welcome pack *High chair *Cot

Find out more about Castle Keep

Rowan Cottage

*Sleeps 8 *4 bedrooms *Open fire *Dishwasher *High chair *Cot

Find out more about Rowan Cottage

35% Discount on a Southwold Cottage, Suffolk Coast November December Short Breaks

Seaford House, SouthwoldEnjoy a short break on the wonderful Suffolk coast and save a staggering 35% on the cost of a holiday cottage that sleeps 6 and is dog friendly.

It almost sounds too good to be true, but in this case it isn’t.  You can book the lovely Seaford Beach House in Southwold with an incredible 35% OFF the brochure price between the 3-19th November AND the 8-22nd December 2012 (minimum booking of 3 nights).

Seaford House is a large 3 bedroom house that sleeps 6, is family friendly (with cot and high chair available) and is also pet friendly.  It has an enclosed garden with garden furniture and gas barbecue.

Seaford Beach House is a spacious, comfortably furnished detached house situated in a stunning position on the cliff top at Easton Bavants near the pier. It offers sea views from most of its windows and is a stone’s throw away from the beach. It is an ideal retreat from the bustle of Southwold High Street but yet only a fifteen minute walk away. This is an ideal location if you require quiet accommodation with easy parking that is also close to the beach and town centre.

Find out more about Seaford House, check availability and book online

Southwold is a wonderful coastal area in Suffolk that remains largely untouched and unspoilt.  Find out more about Southwold and Suffolk

Seaford House, SouthwoldSeaford House, SouthwoldSeaford House, SouthwoldSeaford House, Southwold

What’s on your Family Summer Holiday Wish List?

Summer Wish ListAs 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.

  1. Top of our list has to be some sunshine and warm weather
  2. We love water sports and fun so a beach or lake are essential
  3. Swimming pool also essential
  4. Plenty of entertainment to keep every one amused
  5. Somewhere driveable from the UK as we want to people able to explore the area when we get there (so that covers all of the UK and Europe)
  6. Internet access – ok, so not an essential but we do like to interact while we are away!
  7. Mossi free!  Life is too short for constantly applying mosquito repellent.

That’s our list so far, so what is on yours that we should consider?

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

Luxury Cottages and Apartments in South West England, Isle of Wight and Wales with Blue Chip Holidays 0844 704 4966. Save 15% in October

Blue Chip Holidays 0844 704 4966If you are looking for a fantastic luxury break in October then you should check out our selection of holiday accommodation in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset, the Isle of Wight and Wales.

In association with travel partners Blue Chip Holidays you can choose from traditional cottages to luxury town houses, or how about converted Victorian villas and modern apartments.  Characterised by luxury fittings, sea, river or countryside views, en-suite bathrooms and excellent locations, it will come as no surprise that most of this self catering accommodation is 4 star or 5 star.

If you are not sure where to head take a look at our luxury holiday selection for some great ideas and then you can check availability and book online.  If you are looking for something last-minute simply call for the latest availability and some great last-minute deals on 0844 704 4966.

What’s even better news is that Blue Chip are currently offering 15% off selected October holidays, call to find out more.

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!