BookCottages.com Blog May 2011

Carpeted by patchwork fields, criss-crossed by time-scarred estuaries and narrow vales, the rural character of Devon is its most defining allure. That, and the legacies of a few iconic celebrity types whom famously hail from England's fourth largest county.

If Cumbria is to be known as Wordsworth country, then its only fitting that Devon be attributed to Agatha Christie, award-winning mystery writer and self-confessed cream tea fanatic. Her legacy remains one of Torquay's most prominent touristic attractions, lending to the establishment of umpteen museums, tearooms and monuments, create...

What is a music festival without a little political and cultural rebellion? From the hippie Glasto' summers of the 60's, to the glam-rock of Live Aid in 1985, the UK's music festivals have been a platform for social expression for the best part of sixty years. True, the sound systems may have come on leaps and bounds since the Rolling Stones first kicked amplifiers around an outdoor stage, but the freedom, rain dancing and mud-slinging are still as much a part of the festival experienc... Read More ->

Fancy seeing how the other half live? The UK has oodles of stately homes dotted all over the place - use your UK holidays to have a proper nosey round them. All the historic piles listed below are still privately owned and are great examples of the UK's heritage. So, what are you waiting for - grab your own Lord or Lady of the manor and get exploring.

Scone Palace, Perthshire, Scotland
The jewel in Scotland's crown, Scone Palace is perched above the River Tay and well worth a visit if you are taking your holidays in Scotland. The site of the Stone of Scone (also known as the Stone of Destiny),  Sc... Read More ->

It's borders may have become realigned during the county reshuffle of 1974, however the grass roots of Lancashire cuisine are still present among the traditional dishes of the newly formed Cheshire and Greater Manchester counties. Hotpots tend to be regarded as a generalised Northern specialty, since the mining counties of both Yorkshire and Lancashire were primarily working and lower class. Parkin is still a popular commodity, although is now regarded a staple for the middle class 'high tea'. For a county that has undergone extensive changes to both it's character and physiology, it still pips even Cumbria to the post, for t...

London's kooky collective of museums and galleries offers visitors a plethora of opportunities to explore history, science, nature and archaeology within a relatively short distance between each attraction. English history however, isn't confined to her capital alone, and there are a wealth of museums littered throughout the country,  throwing wide the doors to the pockets of history that are often overlooked. From prolific names that have shaped history, to permanent exhibitions celebrating the years of film and multimedia; England bears an exciting variety of museums just waiting to be uncovered!

Beaulieu and The National Motor Museu... Read More ->

Whether you are looking for a new location for your next fishing holiday or are planning your very first fishing trip, here are our recommendations for some of the best places to go fishing in the UK.

Rutland Water, Leicestershire
Rutland Water is a reservoir and nature reserve managed jointly by Anglian Water and the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust. It has been designated as a 'site of special scientific interest' and many different wildlife species can be spotted here, including ospreys - who like us, love Rutland Water for its fish.

You can fish from the bank, or take a boat out t...

Love is in the air! Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, searching for some well-deserved R&R or desperately need to earn some brownie points, the UK is packed to the rafters with romance.  Read through our recommendations for romantic UK breaks and whisk your loved one away. Who says UK holidays can't be romantic?!

The Lake District
Widely considered as one of the most naturally beautiful UK spots, the Lake District screams romance. Rent one of the Lake District cottages on our site and you and your beloved will be in seventh heaven. Hire a rowing boat and take it out on Coniston, Windermere, Derwentwater or Ullswater...