Top Tips for Choosing a Holiday Cottage

By Richard A Bowen

1. Value for money. Don't flock to the traditional holiday destinations - beat the crowds and save money simply by choosing somewhere less obvious. e.g. a five star luxury farm cottage in Wales for 4 costs under £10 per person per night off-peak to around £20 per person per night in peak season. With an entire farm to enjoy in with the price, it is astonishingly cheap. When friends boasted how they rented a tiny Thai beach hut for £12 a night, I thought it was a rip off!

2. Food. Usually cottages are self catering, so check with the owner where the nearest shops are so that you can stock up on arrival. Your rural holiday cottage may be only a couple of minutes from a 24 hour supermarket! The super-organised could even order an online delivery to arrive when you do! Some cottage owners provide a small welcome pack including a few essentials like milk and bread.Treat the food shopping trip as the holiday's first adventure - listen to the local accents and discover the local specialities. Again, the owners should know where you can source free range eggs and prize winning butcher's sausages as well as being able to point you in the direction of good restaurants. Otherwise, if you really don't fancy venturing out - stock up before you leave home and remember to ask the owner if the cottage has a freezer.

3. Heating. Check out the heating situation. Make sure the owner turns it on before you arrive in the winter. Is there a real fire or wood burner, can you buy extra fuel, and what is the cost?

4. Sneaky Extra Charges. Always be sure to ask the cottage owner if there are any extra charges upon arrival. Always make sure that electricity, linen, heating, use of the washing machine and internet is included in the price.

5. Washing Machine. Is this in the kitchen and free of charge or is it coin operated and outside in a shed?

6. WIFI. Does your accommodation offer wireless internet? A quality holiday cottage operator should offer this free of charge.

7. Tourist Information. When you arrive in a new area, it can take quite a while to get your bearings. Is the tourist information provided in an easy to read folder or has the owner just dumped a few hundred leaflets into a box on the windowsill? Remember to take your Sat Nav with you on holiday. Much easier to find those attractions.

8. Weather. In the UK, it has been known to rain from time to time. This needn't spoil a cottage holiday. Pack your waterproofs and ask the owner if there are any good attractions nearby that are suited to inclement weather - there may be caves, museums, waterfalls or theme pools nearby which are all great for a rainy day. Maybe the cottage has a collection of DVDs if you fancy a cosy afternoon in?

9. Bathroom. Is there a bath or shower or both? When on holiday it can be nice to have a bath.

10. Activities. Are there plenty of activities in the area? Are they easily accessible from the cottage?

11. Cleanliness. Arguably the most important thing of all! All cottage owners will claim their cottages are clean, but the best way to check this out is to look at their website's testimonial page or visitor book. The comments of previous holiday makers are as good an indicator as any.

12. Accessibility. Make sure there is adequate parking and where it is - is there a car parking spot outside the cottage or is parking restricted? It can also be helpful to know the cottage is easy to find, especially when you arrive in the dark, late at night.

13. Green Credentials. If you are concerned about the environment, it is always worth checking out the green credentials of the cottage you are interested in e.g. do they use eco-friendly cleaning products, is there any carbon-offsetting scheme, and is recycling encouraged? Example of eco-friendly holiday cottages in Wales.

14. Accreditation. Accreditation by the national tourist board (e.g. in Wales, Visit Wales) is a sign of quality. Star ratings are not easy to get and they are assessed on a yearly basis.

15. Awards. If an establishment has a history of winning industry awards, that is a very good indication of quality. The holiday cottage industry is very competitive and awards are very difficult to win.

16. Pet Friendly or not. If you intend taking pets, make sure you book them in to a pet-friendly establishment. If you have allergies, you may wish to double check with the cottage owner that their pet-free cottage has always been pet-free.

17. Size of cottage. If there are only 2 of you in your party, it is worth asking for a discount as most cottages will sleep 4 people. Small cottages are hard to come by. If you have a large party, why not look for a complex of cottages on a farm rather than one huge cottage? This can give you more options.

18. Short Breaks in Peak Season. Many cottage operators will not allow short breaks during peak season (or if they do allow them, you must pay for the whole week). It's always worth asking the owner if they would get in touch if any short periods come up in their booking schedule (e.g. someone may book two and a half weeks, leaving a few days spare which may be available as a short break).

19. Emergency number. Do you have a contact number to call if there are any problems with the cottage or simply to ask for local advice? e.g. where is the nearest garage.

20. If you have found a cottage that ticks all these boxes then go ahead and book it!

Richard Bowen has worked for over 15 years in the holiday cottage industry and runs a website for cottages in Wales. He has published travel guides in his native country of Wales in the United Kingdom.

What Goes on in Sheerness

By Simon Haughtone

Sheerness is found in Kent on the Isle of Sheppey. It was originally founded in the 16th century when a fort was built to protect the nearby river from any naval invasions. A Royal Navy Dockyard was created in 1669 where the Navy ships could be repaired and stock up on provisions. This dockyard was in use until 1960.

Sheerness eventually gained a reputation as a popular seaside resort as a promenade and pier was built in the 19th century. The town experienced little rain and a lot of sun and it was easily reached by train or steamboat. Since the dockyard closed the m ain industry has changed to being the largest port for motor imports in the UK.

Sheerness has several different windmills that have been important throughout the town's history. The smock mill was built in 1813 though it later burned to the ground in 1862. There was a small tower mill called the Hundred Acre Mill of which the base can still be seen today though it was demolished in 1878.

Another smock mill, the Great Mill, was demolished in 1924 but a replica of the mill body has since been rebuilt and houses flats. The fourth mill was supposedly a vertical axle windmill.

The Port at Sheerness contributes as a significant part of the town's economy. Besides importing foreign cars it also brings in tons of meat and fruit products form around the globe. The rail network makes it easy to transport the goods throughout the UK and it also attaches the port to other nearby industries such as sausages, pharmaceuticals, garden gnomes and steel.

The one beach at Sheerness has been aware a European Blue Flag for safety and cleanliness. There are flower gardens up and down the seafront and the Leisure Complex is close to the beach and contains tennis courts, a swimming pool, squash courts and badminton.

Find your next Sheerness hotel: here.

The Perfect Autumnal Break for Couples

By Colin McDonald

Come discover what the United Kingdom has to offer for you and your beloved during your autumn holiday. The UK offers some of the most entertaining events and festivals, as well as must-see attractions that you would be foolish to miss out on. Whether you are a local or you are coming from afar, there is always something for couples to do during the autumn season in the United Kingdom. Below are some ideas that you can add to your trip in the UK.

The Covent Garden Autumn Fair in London
In November, Covent Gardens has a fair with over 100 booths that feature Christmas items and gifts for Christmas. There are many handmade crafts and eccentric gifts to choose from. The festival also features food tastings and cooking demonstrations in the Piazza.

Autumn In Malvern Festival
At the end of September until late October, the Malvern Festival takes place in the Malvern Hills and features performances of well-known artists, poets, writers, musicians, and film makers. Musical entertainers such as Aldwyn Voices and Severn Meadows will perform on October 22nd, and the Razumovsky Ensemble will perform on October 29th. There will be historic walks, historic talks, literary talks, and much more.

The London Gorilla Run
This fun event usually happens in the third week of September. Thousands of people dress up in gorilla costumes and run 7 kilometerrs through London, starting at Minster Court and passing through Tate Modern and Tower Bridge. Participants help raise money for the preservation of gorillas in the wild. This race has grown larger every year since its first run in 2003.

The Highland Perthshire Autumn Festival
This festival spans 1,000 miles across Kenmore to Kinlock Rannock, and Birnam to Blair Atholl. It features many festivals throughout the area during the autumn season. This year, the award-winning sound and light show called The Enchanted Forest will take place in Pitlochry in The Woodland Garden during the nights of October 7th - 29th. This show will surely delight the senses of its visitors with spectacular imagery and sound. Visitors will walk through the Enchanted Forest to take in all that it has to offer.

Another festival is the Wild Connections, which takes place in Perthshite Big Tree Country from October 8th - 16th. Here you can learn about wildlife, take wildlife photography lessons, go on Safaris, view wildlife in their natural habitats, climb the Schiehallion, and listen to talks about wildlife protection.

Beautiful Places to Take in Autumn's Colors
For those of you who are nature lovers, the UK has some of the most breathtaking landscapes featuring a multitude of autumn colors. Watching the sunset with your lover without a single person nearby is one of the most romantic things that you can do during autumn. The reddish orange blaze of the sun as it sets and basks the area in its light is awe-inspiring and may very well set the mood for romance. Check out some of the following places for some ideas on where you can take your loved one.

• Ashdown Forest in East Sussex
• Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire
• Bardney Lime Woods in Lincolnshire
• Grizedale Forest Park in Cumbria
• Cragside in Northumberland
• Elan Valley in Mid Wales

Colin McDonald writes on behalf of and oneagency.co. Colin McDonald writes on behalf of Potters Holidays - weekend breaks

Rent a Castle for a Unique Holiday in Perth

By Dipika Patel

Choosing to rent a castle in Scotland can provide you with the perfect luxury base from which to explore a little more of this historic country - and there is no better place to start than Perth.

If you are a history enthusiast then you will find so much to see and do here, including exploring one of the many castles to see how your own accommodation fares against it.

One of the most famous is Scone Palace. Once the place where the King of Scotland - including Bonnie Prince Charlie and Robert the Bruce - was crowned, today you can find out more about its past while browsing a host of interesting artefacts.

If this has sparked your interest then next on the agenda should be a trip to the centre of town, where you will find St John's Kirk. This is the oldest building in the market town and dates back to 1159, making it significantly older than the nearby St Ninian's Cathedral.

Elcho Castle or Huntingtower Castle are nearby heritage centres you may wish to check out, while art enthusiasts can see a collection of paintings by the celebrated colourist John Duncan Fergusson at the Fergusson Gallery, or head to Perth Museum and Art Gallery for a more varied affair.

Meanwhile, shopaholics will not be disappointed - many of the streets are lined with boutiques and stores where you can get stuck into a spot of retail therapy, before relaxing with a coffee at the cafe corner of St John's Place.

And if you are looking to sample some traditional Scottish fare during your stay, you're in luck. The sights and sounds of the weekend Perth Farmers Market are likely to whet your appetite and in the evening you can choose from a range of modern bistros or luxury restaurants, before relaxing with a moonlit walk down the banks of the River Tay.

One of the best things about choosing Perth when you rent castles in Scotland is that you are also ideally situated to enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside, or play a few rounds of golf.

When your holiday does draw to an end, do not be surprised if you soon find yourself planning your next castle break.

Scotts Castle Holidays specialises in large properties, mansions and castles for rent in Scotland. If you want to rent a castle, then we can find the best castles in Scotland for you that will perfectly suit your holiday.

A Tour Around Sydney Gardens in Bath

Are you planning a trip to Sydney Gardens in Bath and what to know what to expect?

Take a look at this video tour of Sydney Gardens, taking in narrow boats on the Kennet and Avon canal and the trains whizzing along the railway lines. Notice how close you get to the train lines.

Sydney Gardens also has tennis courts and a play area for kids.

If you would like more information about Sydney Gardens, visithttp://www.narrowboatholidays-kennet.co.uk/sydney-pleasure-gardens-bath.php

Great Yarmouth - Traditional Seaside Holiday Resort

By Gary Smithe

Great Yarmouth in the UK is a buzzing seaside resort on the splendid Norfolk coast and has all the perfect ingredients for an enjoyable seaside holiday.

The long stretches of golden beach, indoor and outdoor attractions for people of all ages and the various places to eat with the traditional seaside fish and chips with locally caught fish available too, making Great Yarmouth the ideal holiday destination for all.

The primary element of a holiday at the seaside must be the beach. The long stretch of sandy beach on Yarmouth seafront is about 15 miles, the beautiful coastline between Winterton-on-Sea to Hopton and the famous sand dunes make Great Yarmouth more attractive. You can build sand castles, have a swim in the coastline or just walk near the sea to experience some magical moments at the great British resort at the seaside.

The theme parks at the sea front by Yarmouths piers are sure to offer children an adventure that they would never forget. Great Yarmouth caters to the whole family with everything available you could want from a seaside resort. There are also mini golf courses and facilities to hire a rowing boat or a pedalo boat for a tour of the lake at Fritton Park situated nearby.

There are terrific indoor attractions too. Discover the creatures living in our oceans at Sea World or reptiles at Amazonia. Locally various swimming pools beckon visitors to take a dip and enjoy a swim. Also Great Yarmouth provides an opportunity to go back in time at its latest attraction Yesterdays World museum. Enjoy first class entertainment in a conventional theatre showing comedy acts on the pier at Yarmouth. For those preferring to stay active all the time, there is a bowling alley and ample amusement centres by the sea front. Enjoy some excitement and thrills at the local dog racing stadium or major horse racing events at Yarmouth Race Track.

Great Yarmouth is a holiday destination apt for all months of the year. When the sun sets, Great Yarmouth comes alive as the night time entertainment beckons with casinos, restaurants and nightclubs for you to enjoy a night out.

Be sure to include Greater Yarmouth in your holiday itinerary and get ready for a rekindling of memories of childhood holidays and for a rich experience of British tradition.

Visit Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, East Anglia to experience an amazing British holiday destination that offers many holiday activities. As well as the piers and seafront at Great Yarmouth the surrounding area of Norfolk offers boating opportunities on the famous Norfolk Broads as well as having some of the best coarse fishing in East Anglia. Along the coast from Yarmouth you will find Scratby Caravans Hemsby holiday parks and chalet hire centres all catering for visitors to the Norfolk area. The popular resort of California Cliffs offers close proximity to the sandy beach and many holiday camps including full daytime and nightime entertainment programs for visitors to stay and enjoy the various activities within the Yarmouth Norfolk area.

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