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Easter Holidays, Holidays, Lodge breaks, School Holidays, Self Catering, Short Break, Spring break, UK, Weekend Breaks

Easter holiday lodges from £200

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Easter holidaysWith Spring and Easter just around the corner it finally feels like the time to book  our first UK holiday of the year, but what should be do?

As we want to save a lot of holiday fund for the summer, we are planning to head away in a holiday lodge or log cabin. Perfect for families of all ages and sizes, a lodge offers comfortable accommodation with the countryside right outside your window/door.

What’s more our dog loves it too, being able to wander in and out as they want, a joy after the winter months of being locked down to keep the cold out!

While we quite like getting away from it all in a lodge deep in countryside, we also quite like heading to established holiday parks with lodges as many of them run kids activities throughout the Easter holidays whatever the weather…. perfect!

The good news is that there are some great deals around for this Easter and we have found a whole selection with prices starting from less than £200.  Search for Easter lodges »

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Cottage Break, Family Cottages, Family Days Out, Holiday Cottages, Lodge breaks, Self Catering, Short Break

Family holiday accommodation with Oscar the Owl

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Oscar the OwlWhy not make your summer family holiday with younger children even more special this year and head to one of our selected cottages and lodges where Oscar the Owl is in residence.

Oscar is a busy and friendly owl who will be in touch with your children before, during and after the holiday… creating a sense of fun and excitement to your holiday.  With free gifts, free audio stories for the journey,emails, postcards, family games and family friendly places to go…. Oscar is a very useful owl to have around!

Oscar the Owl is loved by the children he meets, for example our visitor comments include:

“The children were delighted to be welcomed by ‘Oscar the Owl’ and amazed that he knew what hobbies they have!  The weather has been bright and sunny and we have enjoyed the beautiful countryside.  ‘Oscar’ accompanied us on lots of trips.”

“The audio stories kept the children entranced on the long journey, a great idea, they listened to them several times”

Unfortunately Oscar is only available at selected family friendly properties, click the link  to find out more and see where he is.

Christmas Breaks, Cottage Break, December Breaks, East of England, Family Cottages, Group Accommodation, Holiday Cottages, School Holidays, Self Catering, Short Break, Southwold, Suffolk, Travel, Weekend Breaks

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

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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

Autumn Breaks, Christmas Breaks, December Breaks, Half Term Holidays, Holiday Junkie, News, November Breaks, October Breaks, October Half-Term Breaks, September Breaks, Summer Holidays, Travel

Getting Mixed Signals

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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

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Events, Family Days Out, Festivals, Holiday Attractions, Kids Days Out, News, November Breaks

Guy Fawkes Night in England. Celebrate Bonfire Night and Enjoy Firework Displays in the UK this November

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Bonfire and Firework DisplaysWe love a good bonfire and spectacular fireworks displays which is why we love the British tradition of Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, each November.

Traditionally held on the 5th November each year, Bonfire Night is an annual commemoration of way back in 1605 when Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was arrested while guarding the explosives that the Plotters had put beneath the British Government’s House of Lords. The failure of the Plot to kill the King James I was initially celebrated with the lighting of bonfires each year and even became an enforced day of thanksgiving!  In these early years the day had many religious overtones but towards the end of the 18th Century Guy Fawkes Day had become an established date in the diary, as had the customer of children collecting (begging) for money for the Guy – an effigy of Guy that was usually put on top of the bonfire.

In recent times, Bonfire and Guy Fawkes Night are less about its history and more about a Winter’s night of celebration. It remains a hugely popular night across the UK and you will find many well organised family focussed bonfire and extravagant firework displays taking place across the UK.

Bonfire and Firework Displays 2012

If you would like to add your display to our list, please let us know.

Apartments, Cornwall, Cottage Break, Country Cottages, Devon, Dorset, East Devon, Family Cottages, Holiday Cottages, Holidays, News, October Breaks, Self Catering, Short Break, South Devon, South East England, South of England, South West England, Special Offers, Travel, Wales, Weekend Breaks

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

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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.

Autumn Breaks, Coastal Holidays, Discount Codes, East of England, England, Family Cottages, Group Accommodation, Half Term Holidays, Holiday Cottages, Holidays, Internet Access, News, October Breaks, October Half-Term Breaks, Self Catering, Short Break, Southwold, Special Offers, Suffolk

Save £75 on a Southwold Cottage Break in October 2012

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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.

 

Apartments, Autumn Breaks, Cottage Break, Family Cottages, Half Term Holidays, Holiday Cottages, Holidays, News, November Breaks, October Breaks, Scotland, September Breaks, Short Break, Travel, Wales, Weekend Breaks

Winter weather, check out some holiday cottages with Wood Fires

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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!

Cotswolds Breaks, Cottage Break, England, Family Cottages, Gloucestershire, Holiday Cottages, News, November Breaks, October Breaks, Oxfordshire, Self Catering, September Breaks, Short Break, Walking Holidays, Weekend Breaks

Perfect time for a Short Break in the Cotswolds, Cotswolds Holiday Cottages

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Short Breaks in the CotswoldsThe Cotswolds are one of the UK’s premier holiday locations, attracting some 38 million day visits each year.

The problem with being so popular however is that during the summer all that is wonderful about the Cotswolds, including the pretty villages and beautiful countryside, become a little over-run with tourists and traffic.

So if you are wanting to see the Cotswolds at its best, it’s well worth heading there now, as the tourists have headed back to their working lives. Suddenly you can enjoy the winding lanes, meandering rivers and honey coloured villages in relative peace and quiet.

The Cotswolds are situated in south-west and western England, with a range of hills mainly in the counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, although they do extend to include parts of Wiltshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Somerset.  It is the biggest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales (790 square miles of it).

Much of its appeal is that a visit to many of the Cotswolds villages is like a step back in time to what England was like before the Industrial Revolution impacted the rest of the country…. postcard pretty village dot the gentle rolling countryside.

The best way to see this beautiful area is on foot, walking the Cotswold Way is a delight, or by bike on those adorable country lanes.

It is perfect for a weekend break, short break or a holiday and particularly through the rest of September and October when the tourism is quiet but the weather is still bright and pleasant.  If you are planning to visit the Cotswolds, what could be better than your own stone cottage with a roaring log fire at the end of the day?  We have put together a list of some super Cotswold Cottages which are perfect for a self catering break.

By the time we had put the list together, we were so won over by the idea, that we booked one for ourselves… can’t wait 🙂

Apartments, Autumn Breaks, Cottage Break, Holiday Cottages, News, Norfolk, Self Catering, Short Break, Weekend Breaks

Official…It’s Now Autumn in Britain and Ireland

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Autumn holidays in the UK and irelandThis 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.