BookCottages.com Blog June 2011

Sleepy villages and hiking terrain may lure the city-slicker seeking a slice of tranquility, yet the North West county of Lancashire serves up far more than the postcard perfect idyll for a weekend getaway. Fascinating historical ruins scatter the countrysides - all that remains of the several hundred year presence of Cistercian monks. Eccentric Preston museums showcase bizarre modernist artwork, alongside toys which have defined the 20th Century. Bizarre walking trails lead to picturesque towns such as Carnforth and Warton, which hide secret links with George Washington and the movie 'Brief Encounter'. Avid movie fan or aching for some morsel of fascinating history - the verdant county of Lancashire promises a wealth of surprises. For a holiday rentals in Lancashire.

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The booming metropolis of Manchester City is no stranger to the eyes of the world being upon it – chiefly because it is home to one of the most prolific football teams on earth. While it's sporting culture has put Britain on the map as an ambassador for world-class football, the city bears far more in the way of bountiful sights, legends and attractions that contribute to it's repute as one of Britain's foremost culturally advanced counties..

Whitworth Art Gallery (at Manchester Univ...

Buckets and spades at the ready! Beach bunnies taking their UK holidays in Wales are spoilt for choice. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie in search of action, or more at home on the beach towel, our rundown of the best beaches Wales has to offer should be part of your holiday reading. If you’re thinking of heading to Wales, cottages are a great, wallet-friendly accommodation option. All together now...oh we do like to be beside the seaside....

Rhossili Bay - The Gower P...

Before we can sit back and enjoy our holidays, we all have to go through the hassle of packing. But relax, if you're taking a UK self-catering holiday there's no need to take everything plus the kitchen sink!  To help you get to the fun part of UK holidays quicker, we've compiled a list of what to take on a self-catering holiday. Let us know if you're a pro-packer and think we've missed anything!

Kitchen aid
Before you start packing all the pots and pans, find out what is already provided at your UK holiday home. As a rule, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery will be provided. Things you might need to take are:

Our cities may be teeming with takeaways, gastro-pubs and celebrity chef endorsed boutiques, yet booking a week in advance for a table, paying “inner-city” prices, and the general hubbub you find within most restaurants of popular renown, isn't the culinary ideal of everyone.

But what makes an amazing restaurant? Is it purely impeccably presented food? Culinary creativity? Atmospheric ambience? Or is it the character and charm of it's locality; the friendliness of staff, and just simple, unfussy food cooked to perfection? Some of the best restaurants in the U.K are the one's you hear about through word of mouth and recommendation. We take a look ... Read More ->

Ahoy there sailor! Put your UK holidays to good use and discover your sea legs. There are countless opportunities for sailing lessons throughout the UK, bound to convert the most ardent of land lubbers. Whether you're a complete novice or just want to refresh your sailing skills, the locations below are all great spots for sailing holidays in the UK. So, what are you waiting for? Don your life-jacket and don't look back! All schools mentioned are approved by the RYA, the national body for all forms of boating.

Loe Beach, Cornwall
Need to burn off those cream teas? Then bed down in one of our cottages in Cornwall a... Read More ->

The administrative county of Cumbria is the youngest in England, following a Governmental reform of the metropolitan, and non-metropolitan counties in 1974. As a result, old Cumberland became reclassified as Cumbria; her boundaries re-evaluated to include partial areas of Lancashire and Westmorland.

With a predominantly mountainous topography, much...

By true definition, U.K folk festivals are the grass roots celebrations of acoustic and classically influenced native  music - often with a lick of regional influence, and a sprinkling of local legend added to the mix. With the relatively recent resurgence in popularity of artists such as The Pogues and Bob Dylan, folk was able to shrug off the barn-dance band stigma pre-1980, and prove to the world that it could be equally as energetic as the rock, indie and dance genres. With over 300 folk festivals occurring in the U.K annually, you can be guaranteed of a rompin', stompin' good time, no matter where you ... Read More ->