Brodick Castle - A Place to Explore During a Scotland Holiday Stay

By Dipika Patel

If you are planning a getaway to the Isle of Arran in Scotland, you won't want to miss a trip to historic Brodick Castle. Dating back to the late 16th century, this red sandstone structure is currently owned by the National Trust for Scotland and has been the site of a stronghold in this area since the fifth century AD.

Located at the foot of Goatfell Mountain, Brodick Castle is open to the public on select days from April until October. Inside, you'll find a collection of artwork formerly owned by 18th century author William Beckford, as well as numerous paintings, porcelain and furniture owned by the castle's previous residents. You can also pay a visit to the picturesque surrounding gardens, which are open year-round from 09:30 GMT to sunset, as well as the castle's unique walled garden, the Bavarian Summer House - which dates back to 1845 - and the ice house, where ice would be packed underground during the winter months to be used in the summertime.

During your stay in Scottish holiday homes, you'll want to take some time to explore the Isle of Arran. The island has something to offer everyone, whether you're keen to hike the diverse landscape, cycle the coastline, play a round of golf, explore its centuries-old history or simply relax with friends over a delicious meal in one of the many fine local establishments.

Despite its small size - measuring ten miles by 19 miles - the Isle of Arran boasts a unique terrain, including stunning coastline, a mountainous interior and lush green forests and rolling hills. Situated in the Firth of Clyde between Ayrshire and Kintyre, it is one of Scotland's most southerly islands and is the perfect place to take a weekend break. You may want to pay a visit to one of the island's pretty coastal towns or get back to nature in its remarkable terrain - the choice is yours!

However you plan to spend your time on the Isle of Arran, you're sure to have an enjoyable and relaxing getaway when you stay in holiday homes in Scotland.

If you are looking to rent holiday homes in Scotland, Scotts Castles can help. We specialise in helping you find large holiday homes in Scotland.

Guide to Seaside Breaks in Suffolk

By Sarah Quinlan

Everyone loves a day at the seaside, packed to the brim with fresh air, the sound of the waves lapping at the shore, sea-views as far as the eye can see and traditional, home-made food such as the classic fish 'n' chips - so why not opt for a Seaside Break in Suffolk where the whole family can enjoy these benefits every single day of the holiday?

Please read on to discover some hotels that are perfect for your Seaside Break in Suffolk.

The Brudenell Hotel, Aldeburgh is a lovely, sea-facing coastal hotel complete with views across the sea, of the River Alde and the surrounding marshlands. The hotel's decor consists of cool sea-blues and sunshine-yellows, and the restaurant serves fresh, local produce - sampling the seafood is a must!

For more excellent sea-views, The Ship, Dunwich is a great base for your coastal break. Once frequented by smugglers, this inn is just moments from the beach and has a large garden, comfortable and traditional furnishing complete with log fire, bedrooms for hire both at the inn and in the nearby barns, a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and - of course, a great selection home-made food and real ales.

Seaside Breaks in Suffolk

One great value-for-money option comes from the Best Western chain of hotels in the form of The White Lion Hotel, Aldeburgh. Overlooking Aldeburgh's famous shingle beach, there are 38 cosy bedrooms to choose from, a well-stocked bar and the choice of dining in the informal beach-facing bar or the traditional oak-panelled restaurant. The White Lion is cost-effective, ideally located and oozing with seaside charm, making it the perfect choice for group or family bookings.

For adults who perhaps want to reminisce about the family seaside holidays they took as children, or are looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern, city-living into complete peace and relaxation, Warner Corton Coastal Resort, Lowestoft offers half-board, chalet accommodation for adults only and provide a full programme of entertainment and leisure facilities in the lovely town of Lowestoft.

Two great hotels in the charming seaside town of Southwold - home of Southwold Pier - are The Swan Hotel, Southwold and the Crown Hotel, Southwold.

The Swan is peaceful retreat with a timeless style, yet comes complete with every luxury and facilities of the modern world, and the Crown has a lively yet informal atmosphere and was awarded 'Suffolk Dining Pub of the Year 2009' by The Good Food Guide.

For more Seaside Hotels in Suffolk please visit us at the Suffolk Hotels Guide - the best place to find hotels and accommodation in Suffolk.

The Three Magpies Pub On The Kennet And Avon Canal

The Three Magpies pub is a beautiful oldie worldie pub just a short walk from the Kennet canal towpath. If you stop at the Foxhunter Wharf at bridge 149 there is a short quiet road to walk down. Or you can stop at bridge 148, but this is a far busier road, not ideal for families with young children. Both ways are about the same distance for walking, about 4 minutes from the bridge.

The Three Magpies pub is brilliantly situated for the boater, because it is close to the Cean Hill Locks, so you can either have a hearty meal the night before you go through the locks, or you can enjoy a relaxing meal at the end of a long day after completing the course of 29 locks. J.M. Pearson & sons Ltd says “Five to six hours being considered a good performance for clearance of the flight” and that deserves a well cooked meal in anybody’s book.

The Three Magpies does indeed cook a very good meal, serving food at both lunchtimes and evenings. The menu is nothing out of the ordinary, but the food is cooked well and there’s plenty of it. They pride themselves on quality of their food and value for money and they do deliver on this claim.

The pub has a very friendly atmosphere and the décor is an interesting style of displays of collections. The eclectic appearance reminded me of an antique shop in Lechlade-on-Thames. With so many interesting nick-knacks on every surface with space, it does give you something to look and chat about whilst you are waiting for your meal to arrive.

See if you spot the fish tank in the rafters in the dinning area. It does spark off conversations of the practicalities of having a fish tank so high up. It’s also great for pulling the leg’s of the fishermen in the crew who still have yet to catch a fish bigger than one swimming in the tank.

The service at the Three Magpies is very good, we were very quickly seated and given menus, and we didn’t have to wait long for food to arrive. A speedy meal is important for a hungry boat crew.

The beer too was very good, serving Wadworth beers and ales, which of course is locally brewed.

The Three Magpies has a camp site adjacent to it, so the pub can get busy during the evenings, but you can ring ahead to reserve a table to avoid disappointment. It is always advisable where possible to book a table when you are on a narrow boat holiday, because pubs can be a good hour apart and in a slow moving narrow boat, you can’t nip to the next pub in five minutes like you can in a car.

The Three Magpies has beautifully kept gardens both at the font of the pub and in the beer garden. And on warm sunny days it is lovely to sit in the garden and watch nature going about its business whilst you enjoy a pint. There is also an old fashioned public telephone box close to the pub if there are any calls that you need to make. Mobile phone signals are not always great along the Kennet canal.

The Three Magpies is a pub on our recommended list on the Kennet and Avon waterway, and well worth visiting; if not for dinner then just for a drink and a rest. The pub is warm and friendly, and it’s a family friendly pub, which offers great value for money with great quality food.

A boaters guide to the Kennet and Avon Canal

Discover Medieval England and More on Holiday in Nottinghamshire

By Peter Hunt

Nottinghamshire is synonymous with Sherwood Forest and its most legendary inhabitant Robin Hood. In medieval times Sherwood Forest covered most of Nottinghamshire above the River Trent. It is home to England's most famous tree, The Major Oak, thought to be nearly a thousand years old. Legend has it that Robin Hood hid from his enemies inside it. There is an annual Robin Hood Festival each summer which recreates an English medieval atmosphere and features the main characters from the Robin Hood legend. The week's entertainment includes jousters and strolling players, dressed in medieval attire, and a medieval encampment complete with jesters, musicians, rat-catchers, alchemists and fire eaters.

Nottinghamshire is also well known for the village of Laxton, the last 'Open Field Village' in Europe. It is still farmed by a medieval system with each farmer allotted separate 'strips' in the open or common fields by a manor court. A local visitor centre provides a fascinating glimpse into this unique village.

'Hidden Gem' is often overused but is an apt description for Southwell, however it is probably the least known cathedral in the country. Situated in the heart of rural Nottinghamshire in a delightfully unspoiled small market town with some very fine Georgian houses, Southwell is the smallest cathedral city in England - since any town with a cathedral is automatically a city. The cathedral itself has superb examples of both Norman and Gothic architecture in a building that has suffered little damage over the years.

Close to Sherwood Forest is the National Trust owned Clumber Park. The largest park in Europe, it hosts many events throughout the year, from Easter Egg Trails and Family Fun Days to guided walks and open-air concerts and theatre performances, as well as being an excellent location for walking or cycling. The centrepiece was once a fine country house, now demolished. However almost everything else remains amongst the extensive parklands - the stables, church, 18th century Italianate bridge, follies and entrance. The estate has a large lake, a double avenue of lime trees and a walled garden with unusual and old vegetables grown alongside modern varieties.

Peter has worked in senior positions within the travel industry for nearly 30 years and lives in the Yorkshire Dales. To see a selection of Nottinghamshire holiday cottages go to Holiday cottages Nottinghamshire. Or, for cottages in some of the other wonderful areas of Britain go to UK Holiday cottages.

Have a Brilliant Seaside Break in a Bude Holiday Cottage

By Dipika Patel

The seaside resort town of Bude is a brilliant place to spend a break by the water - and you're sure to have a fabulous time no matter when you choose to travel.

With a spectacular coastline, friendly locals and plenty of things to see and do, you'll find that Bude is the perfect place to take a relaxing UK break.

If you're looking for a great holiday on the water, Bude has plenty to offer visitors. There are two lovely beaches with wide stretches of sand located right in the town itself - Summerleaze and Crooklets - and you'll be able to explore the surrounding areas from your base in north Cornwall cottages.

The National Trust-run Sandymouth beach boasts a striking coastline with dramatic cliffs, while the nearby Widemouth Bay is home to a fine surfing school.

In fact, if you are planning to take to the water during your time in Bude, Widemouth Bay is a brilliant place to base yourself. When conditions are right, the west-facing seafront is an ideal spot to go surfing - and if you are looking for lessons, you'll find that the local leisure facilities specialise in beginner and intermediate tuition.

All the gear is provided - including full-length winter and summer wetsuits, warm boots, hats and gloves in the colder months and the latest state-of-the-art equipment from California - all you need to bring to your two-hour lesson is a sense of adventure!

Elsewhere on the coastline, you may wish to head out on a relaxing seaside stroll, go for a summer swim or build a sandcastle with the kids - there's nothing more enjoyable than spending a holiday relaxing by the water.

In the town of Bude itself, there are plenty of character-filled streets to explore, as well as numerous fine restaurants and welcoming pubs. Tourism is Bude's primary industry and you will find you are welcomed warmly everywhere you visit.

The town's rich history is evident everywhere - some of its buildings date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. You'll find the town is small enough to explore on foot and there are numerous local shops to discover.

While there are a handful of high street names in Bude, the best shops are the family-run establishments and you'll love getting to know the friendly locals as you make your way through the town.

No matter what time of year you choose to visit, you're sure to have a brilliant time by the seaside in Bude. Start planning your north Cornwall cottage stay today.

If you're looking for cottages to rent in Cornwall, Corncott can help you find the perfect accommodation. North Cornwall cottages are great places to stay year-round - whether you're looking for a romantic holiday cottages in Bude for two or a place for a large group to stay, Corncott is sure to find something to suit your needs.

The Tea Emporium at Ironbridge - A Proper Cup of Tea

By S. Roberts

Do you find it difficult to find a cafe that makes a good cup of tea? I like a fully flavoured cup of tea and I always find most cafes produce rather weak wishy-washy tea. Either they don't use a good quality tea bag or they don't allow the tea to infuse or they make it in your tea cup - which never tastes as nice as a cup of tea that has been brewed in the teapot.

We recently had a trip to Ironbridge, Telford, visiting all of the museums in the local area. There are ten award-winning Museums spread along the valley beside the wild River Severn - still spanned by the world's first Iron Bridge. At lunchtime we found a small cafe in the heart of Ironbridge called 'The Tea Emporium'. The cafe is in The Square, a stone's throw from the actual iron bridge itself. The cafe was small with an oldie world charm befitting to the setting of this historic town. The cafe had a limited number of tables inside but also had a few tables outside, ideal on hot summer days.

I was pleasantly surprised when I read the menu to find that they offered a selections of teas which they not only served in the cafe, but which they also sold for you to take home. Incidentally, they also take orders for their tealeaves over the phone. The teas were listed with their brewing time and a description of their flavour. I instantly knew that I was going to be served a very good cup of tea that I would enjoy.

I selected the Grandma's Household Tea that was described as being suitable for drinking at any time of the day, the brewing time of which was 4 minutes.

The tea was served in a small individual glass tea pot which has a small fix basket like compartment wherein the tea leaves were. Because the teapot was glass you could see the tea inside and I could see the dark richness of the colour as I waited patiently for four minutes.

This cup of tea was really fantastic. Both my grandmother's enjoyed a quite strong cup of tea, fairy dark in colour with a distinct taste, and Grandma's household tea really did capture how I remember a cup of tea at Grandmas to taste. It made my visit to the cafe rather nostalgic.

It seems fitting that in such a historic place where the Victorians were blasting Iron in huge furnaces, and mining coal, producing fine pottery and wall tiles to embellish buildings that I should find a good old fashioned cup of tea, after all it was the Victorians that made tea drinking so popular in Britain.

I have an interest in Good tea because I myself hand knit tea cosy to sell, to keep everybody's teapot piping hot.

S. Roberts writes for http://www.teacosyfolk.co.uk where each tea cosy is designed uniquely for the tea cosy folk range. Vist http://www.teacosyfolk.co.uk to view the tea cosies.

Thomas the Tank Engine - Tips on Attending A Day Out With Thomas Live Event

By Jay Eichler

For parents with young children who love Thomas the Tank Engine, attending a "Day Out with Thomas" event is a must. Day Out with Thomas events in the United States and Canada are held at various tourist railroads and railroad museums around the country and are held on certain weekends. The organization that licenses Thomas & Friends in the United States, HIT Entertainment, has created full-scale replica Thomas the Tank Engines, which are brought to the location for the weekend. You and your family can then ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine as the train travels through the countryside. This is the 16th year of Day Out with Thomas events, and Thomas is scheduled to visit 45 cities throughout the United States and Canada.

Each year, a new theme to the event is created. For 2011, the theme is Leader of the Track Tour 2011. There are also other child-themed activities at the event site which are held throughout the weekend, each event being a little different. Some other activities include face painting, pony rides, amusement park rides, picture taking with Thomas and Sir Topham Hatt, petting zoos, bounce houses and magic shows.

Getting Ready for the Event

The Day Out with Thomas Events have become wildly successful, and as such are well attended. Many times, the train ride tickets are sold in advance online, so it is strongly recommended that you go to their website and purchase tickets many days before the event to ensure that you are not shut out. Depending upon the location, Thomas may run hourly or half-hourly. If for some reason you are shut out, at some locations the host railroad may be running their regular excursion schedule with their own locomotives, and you may be able to ride on that train. (Be advised though that your child may not like this option!)

Another thing to consider is to purchase the "Thomas gear" for your child to wear and/or bring to the event. Most kids love to go to the event wearing a Thomas T-Shirt, engineer cap or sweatshirt.

These items can easily be purchased online in advance of the event, so your child may wear or bring these with them while they attend. There is also good reason to do so, as explained below.

A word of warning - these items and many other Thomas items are usually available for sale during the event. Depending upon the location, there will either be a special tent set up as a gift shop, or they will have a special "Thomas section" inside the gift shop. Generally, the items available there will be marked up considerably for the event. A T-Shirt that might normally sell elsewhere for $12.00 may be listed for sale at the event for $25.00. Your best bet is generally to order merchandise beforehand, and maybe just purchase a small souvenir at the tent for your child.

Overall, A Day Out with Thomas is a great event that your child or children will always remember. For more information on Thomas & Friends products for your child, please be sure to visit us at http://www.ultimatethomas.com