Holiday Cottages Blog

Articles and info on holidays and cottages in the UK and Ireland

Google Maps to show train travel details

Jan 23

Posted by elisa in News, Rail, Tips, Tourist Board, Transport, Tube | No Comments

Courtesy of thetrainline.com Google Maps has now launched information and timetables for mainland Britain. Now train travellers are able to search to journeys across the country here with more than 2,500 stations and 170,000 trips nationwide at their fingertips, in addition 8,000 bus stops and over 250 tube stations. The website also gives users full information on walking directions and some bus timetables for connections, as well as the opportunity to click through to thetrainline.com to book tickets.

Searching for travel information across Greater London was already possible but now internet and mobile users have access to timetables and train information for routes across the whole country.

Richard Rowson, Product Development Director at thetrainline.com said: “We’re delighted to be providing train travel information through Google Maps for the first time. We want to make sure that consumers are always able to consider rail options when making a journey and this innovation will help train travellers nationwide to do that by planning their route more easily. This is a fantastic partnership and demonstrates what two market leading brands working together can achieve.”

Ed Parsons, Google UK’s geospatial technologist, said: “Google Maps seeks to provide a wide range of relevant local information, and public transport station and schedule information is definitely a part of that. It is great to be able to partner with companies like thetrainline.com and have their schedule information available in Google Maps for the whole of Britain. This means we can reach and help a larger number of people with useful national rail train information.”

Google Maps is available in over 50 languages, so as London gets set for the 2012 Olympics and an even bigger influx of tourists, it is hoped that this technology will help them to find their way around the city and country.

Christopher Rodrigues, VisitBritain Chairman said: “We want to encourage visitors to explore the whole of Britain. With the Olympics less than 200 days away Google’s new initiative is exciting news. Millions of visitors plan their itinerary using Google maps and this additional information will act as a catalyst and inspire them to discover all that is wonderful about our great country.”

 

High speed rail gets the go ahead

Jan 10

Posted by elisa in News, Transport | No Comments

The high speed rail line between London and Birmingham has been approved to go ahead by Transport Secretary Justine Greening, despite wide spread opposite from Tory MPs, councils and countryside groups.

The 250mph line which is due to be completed in 2026 is the first stage of the project and will cost £16.3 billion. The second stage will run two more lines from Birmingham to Leeds and Manchester, and eventually it is envisaged that the lines could extend to Edinburgh and Glasgow.

There has been opposition against the cost of the project and its effect on the landscape that it travels through; such as the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where less than two miles of track will be visible. However, the route will consist of 28 miles of tunnels and 40 miles of cuttings in order to reduce noise levels to those close by.

“This is not in any way a vanity project, this is a key and vital investment in Britain’s future,” said Greening. The Government also argues the project will generate £44billion of benefits to the economy over 60 years.

The journey from London to Birmingham will take 45 minutes, a 39 minute reduction from the current time, and a trip from Birmingham to Paris will take three hours instead of the current four.

 

Self-catering holidays still popular for 2012

Jan 6

Posted by elisa in Coast, Cornwall, Cottages Search, reports | No Comments

One in three travellers are opting for self-catering holidays in order to keep control of their budgets this year.

Research from the TravelSupermarket Travel Trends Tracker has revealed that of the 5,000 people questioned, only 8% intend on taking a short city break this year, compared to 11% last year. The research indicated that this is because holidaymakers are less likely to plan for an ‘extra’ break away this year, making all short breaks on the decline.

Bob Atkinson, of TravelSupermarket said: “We have seen that in 2012 there will be a significant decrease in those taking a short break of less than seven nights.

“Perhaps thought of as an ‘extra’ break the research also shows a reduction in the number of people going away for stag and hen dos, nights away for a special occasion and for friends or family weddings.

“However, the reduced demand may well lead to an increase in the number of bargains around, in which case we may see short breaks pick up again in the second half of the year.”

The most popular holiday (37%) is by the beach. For those of you in this camp, you can find plenty of beach-based cottages on the Holiday Cottages site.

 

Merry Christmas!

Dec 23

Posted by elisa in Christmas | No Comments

Merry Christmas from the Holiday Cottages blog! We hope all our readers have a wonderful festive break. Keep visiting the site for places to stay, travel news articles and features on activities to do while on holiday. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @Holcottagescc

150mph winds hit Scotland

Dec 8

Posted by elisa in News, North West, Scotland, Weather | No Comments

Winds have been battering Scotland and part of England today. The worst of the weather has definitely been in Scotland so far with 150mph winds due to a large Atlantic storm.

The Met Office has issued a red alert, and police in Scotland have told people not to travel. There are long delays at Glasgow and Edinburgh airports as the wind speeds have made it unsafe for many aircraft to travel.

Network Rail has imposed a 50mph speed restriction on trains operating north and west of Edinburgh. The Tay Rail Bridge has also been closed. Passengers are advised not to travel north of Edinburgh for the time being as the conditions worsen.

The River Clyde has burst its banks in Glasgow, parts of buildings have fallen down as well as the city’s large Christmas decorations strewn across pavements.

The Atlantic storm is expected to cause further disruption across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North east of England tomorrow.

The strongest winds are expected to affect central, southern and north eastern Scotland, northern parts of Northern Ireland, and North East England. The risk of snow is also likely in Western Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northwest England on Friday and Saturday for which there are also weather warnings.

The Met Office have published a selection of some of the highest winds recorded around the UK today (Thursday 8th November):

Cairngorm Summit: 165 mph

Aonach Mor: 145 mph

Tiree: 90 mph

Dunstaffnage: 86 mph

Aberdaron: 81 mph

Church Fenton: 73 mph

Glasgow, Bishopton: 71 mph

Edinburgh, Gogarbank: 69 mph

St Bees Head: 74 mph

Mumbles Head: 62 mph

 

7 Fun Things to do in Norfolk

Dec 7

Posted by elisa in Advertisers, Articles, Christmas, Coast, Cottages Search, family days out, Food and Drink, Fun, Group holidays, Holiday advice, Norfolk, shopping and culture | No Comments

Below is a guest post from Kett Country Cottages in Norfolk. Let us know what you think — it’s always interesting to get a different point of view, and we’re hoping to do more of these in future. Looking for more ideas? You can read our Norfolk holiday guide on the main Holiday Cottages site.

We all enjoy the traditional Christmas feast with our family, but what else is there to do if you decide to go on holiday in Norfolk this festive season? Going on holiday to this part of England can add some extra excitement to your family Christmas, so go out and have an adventure this year!

  1. Going for a Christmas swim. In Norfolk, the glory of the North Sea is there for all to enjoy, with a number of hardy folk jumping into the sea over Christmas time. There are 3 on consecutive days, so you can go to one or all of them, depending on your tolerance for cold.
  2. Enjoy a Christmas Spectacular. In Thursford, you have the opportunity to enjoy one of the most popular Christmas shows, which features carols, dancers, beautiful costumes and wonderful music. It’s an event the whole family can enjoy. (Shows every day at 2pm and 7pm until the 23rd December)
  3. Take a trip on a heritage railway. A number of different lines throughout Norfolk, including the Poppy Line, are running festive services where you can enjoy a train journey to see Santa, travelling through the countryside while munching on mince pies.
  4. Visit a Norwich Christmas Market. There are a large number of special Christmas Markets happening throughout Norwich, which each offer a unique range of little gifts and treats for the whole family to enjoy when you return to your Christmas holiday cottage. In the Mall, you can find the Norwich Christmas Craft Fair (From 9am every day until 24th December)
  5. Attend the Pantomime. This year Sleeping Beauty is playing at the Norwich Theatre Royal until the 14th of January, so you can take the whole family to enjoy the fun and laughter of a panto featuring well-known actors, and songs that everyone can sing along to.
  6. Take a guided walk or tour. Some of the most interesting sights in Norfolk can only seen if you know where to look and a guide can help you find them. There are a number of different guided tours happening, including:
    • Victorian Ghosts, a walk hosted by the Man in Black, who will tell you the unusual stories that aren’t told on most ghost walks. You can also finish off in the festive spirit with some mulled wine (Adam & Eve Pub, Norwich, 22nd December at 7pm)
    • The Boxing Day walk at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, will allow you to get a guided tour around this beautiful garden from its head gardener, ending with mince pies and mulled wines (South Walsham, 26th December at 11am)
  7. Watch Morris Dancing. This traditional English dancing is being performed by the Kemps Men of Norwich, including their Mummers Dance. This is a fun event that the whole family can watch and enjoy. (Banningham Crown Pub, 26th December at 12 noon)


Durham Lumiere

Nov 23

Posted by elisa in Advertisers, art, Articles, Availability, Coast, Cottages Search, Durham, Events, Exhibitions, family days out, Festivals, Fun, Group holidays, Holiday advice, shopping and culture, Tips, Uncategorized, Walking | No Comments

Cedric Le Borgne 'Les Voyageurs'

Deadgood Studio 'Rainbow'

Jaques Rival 'I Love Durham'

This weekend I went to the Lumiere festival in Durham. It was a wonderful event which showed off this beautiful city to its best advantage. Light art illuminated prominent parts of this historic place, such as Kingsgate bridge transformed into a huge illuminated waterfall entitled ‘Splash’ by artist Peter Lewis and engineered by Water Sculptures. Martin Warren lit up three more of Durham’s bridges, Cedric Le Borgne suspended brightly illuminated sculptures of men above a particularly narrow cobbled street giving a magical essence to the walk. These, along with many more made for a really enjoyable experience and would also encourage me to visit again, even without the festival.

A small drive away in Northallerton are these 4 cottages which sleep 2-4. These former farm buildings have been imaginatively converted into 4 well equipped and attractive holiday cottages. Original beams have been retained and there is central heating for year round appeal. All the cottages have TV with Freeview, video and radio cassette/CD player, fully equipped kitchens with washer/dryer, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and microwave, cots and highchairs. The cottages are set in peaceful countryside and have magnificent views. They are perfect if you want to combine a visit to Durham, with great walks and even a drive over to the seaside with Whitby within easy reach.

Main Photo Main Photo Main Photo Main Photo

New Year group holiday offer

Nov 21

Posted by elisa in Advertisers, Availability, Devon, Group holidays, West Country | 1 Comment

Wondering what to do this New Year? How about a break away with friends or family? This Helpful Holidays house is a beautiful break away that sleeps up to 30. Near the pretty village of Porlock, it’s set in over 12 acres of grounds full of mature trees, huge lawns, small stream and rhododendrons. There’s a pebbly beach (great for surfers) only 250 yards away across two fields.

The property is set at the top of a curving drive, the inner hall opens up to a heavily beamed living room with snuggly leather chairs, and an open fire with impressive mantelpiece. Off the living room is a bar to one side, bathroom and two more sitting rooms, one brilliant for children as it has TV/DVD, games and half-sized snooker table. The other is French windows to the terrace with beautiful views, perfect for evening drinks. There is a dining room and large kitchen with commercial gas cooker, domestic gas cooker, two dishwashers, microwave, washer-drier, freezer, commercial fridge, and access to large terrace. There is also access to professional catering if you didn’t want to assign the cooking to just one of you!

A lovely curving staircase leads up to the first floor and eight bedrooms – four double (two with 5’ beds, one with 6’ bed), four twin, all with either en suite shower-room (suite) or bathroom (suite). More stairs to the second floor and seven more bedrooms, all with either en suite bathroom (suite) or shower-room (suite), many with terrific views – five double (four with 5’ beds), a single, and a room with twin beds (zip-linkable) and a single.

All of this can be booked for a New Year special stay with a saving of £1000 off the usual price for a 6 night stay!

photo of Holiday cottage in Porlock Vale, Exmoor with 4 stars, sleeps 30

photo of Holiday cottage in Porlock Vale, Exmoor with 4 stars, sleeps 30

photo of Holiday cottage in Porlock Vale, Exmoor with 4 stars, sleeps 30

photo of Holiday cottage in Porlock Vale, Exmoor with 4 stars, sleeps 30

photo of Holiday cottage in Porlock Vale, Exmoor with 4 stars, sleeps 30

 

Londonderry announce City of Culture development plans

Nov 8

Posted by elisa in art, Events, Exhibitions, family days out, Festivals, Food and Drink, Fun, Group holidays, Holiday advice, News, Tourist Board | No Comments

Londonderry picture by Flickr user ifyr

Londonderry picture by Flickr user ifyr

 

Londonderry is to become a City of Culture in 2013 and has announced plans to upgrade its rail services, improve cultural venues and build six new hotels in preparation.

It has unveiled a programme of events throughout the year, including a music and dance festival, contemporary visual art events, theatre productions, and a comedy festival. The famous Turner Prize and the Stirling Awards will be held in the city, and it is also set to hold WOMAD (World of Music and Dance) and FLEADH, Ireland’s biggest Irish and Celtic music festival.

Martin Bradley, chair for the City of Culture, said: “It will tell a new story and completely regenerate the city. We can celebrate the history and give young people a whole new outlook.”

Last month a bomb was left outside the City of Culture offices, however he reassured visitors about the safety level of the city: ”Unfortunately there was one small incident, but because events are so seldom here they make the headlines. It is an extremely safe city. We have a very low crime rate compared to other UK cities.”

 

Further £27 million for GREAT campaign

Nov 8

Posted by elisa in News, Tourist Board | No Comments

The Government has given VisitBritain £27 million to attract overseas visitors to the UK. This is in addition to the £100 million match-funded marketing campaign also run by VisitBritain.

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced the funding as part of the GREAT campaign, which is to capitalise on attention from the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

The UK aims to attract an extra 4.6 million visitors, spending an additional £2.3 billion across the country and supporting the creation of almost 60,000 new jobs.

Chief Executive of VisitBritain Sandie Dawe said: “This additional funding means we will be able to run the largest tourism marketing campaign in our history. “

“New Yorkers will see our ads in their papers and on the subway as they travel to work, meaning 72% of our target audience there will have a myriad of opportunities to see our campaign.

“In India and Paris we will also be on cinemas screens, while in China we will reach over 15 million potential visitors through a combination of magazines, subway and station ads, as well as using various online platforms.

“This GREAT campaign aims to reinvigorate our appeal in mature markets such as the USA where we have seen decline in recent years, and it will help raise our profile in the vital emerging markets, securing growth for the future.”

 

Tags: