Archive for the ‘Self Catering’ Category
Lakeland Cottage Company announces an early bird discount on booking made by 29th Feb 2012.
Reserve your Lake District cottage property by 29th Feb 2012 and benefit from the Lakeland Cottage Company Early Bird Discount on many properties.
All you have to do to find the great savings is to tap in your dates, duration and property size in the availability search box on the Lakeland Cottage Company website, where a list will be displayed of both availability and the cost.
The months of January and February are ideal times to book a holiday or short break. Booking early in the year gives time to organised annual leave if necessary and importantly, gives you something to look forward to later in the year. For families, it enables parents to select holidays and short breaks in school holidays.
Along with the Early Bird Booking discount, Lakeland Cottage Company will automatically enter you into a super iPad 2 raffle when you make a reservation for any holiday in 2012 and placed by 29th February 2012, when shortly after the draw will take place using their super random name selector – the office bin.
Now in their 20th year, Lakeland Cottage Company have the choice of some 90 of the best examples of Lake District self catering properties. With an emphasis on quality not quantity combined with extensive knowledge of each property and the area they are located in means their customers always find the perfect cottage in the Lake District.
Full terms and conditions on the Lake District cottages Early Bird Discount and ipad raffle can be found at http://www.lakeland-cottage-company.co.uk/ along with all the information you will need in order to select you perfect cottage in the Lake District.
The Cotswolds, often called the “Heart of England” and lying mainly within the counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.
There isn’t a better way in which to explore the Cotswolds than on foot. For walkers or amblers, the Cotswolds has some of the most beautiful scenery in England. The rolling hills, historical buildings including castles, manors and abbeys are interspersed with quintessentially English villages and hamlets. Having been given the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status way back in 1966, this area has been a haven for lovers of the outdoors for decades.
Its location makes an ideal getaway destination with excellent transport links due to its position north of Bath and west of Oxford. Popular with visitors from London but equally those further north, the Cotswolds are such a world away in terms of pace of life and character. Even though it is the slower pace of life visitors are after when staying in the Cotswolds, they want to be able to get there as quickly as possible!
It is a typically English so overseas visitors flock to experience a slice of this culture. This area has such a high concentration of quaint villages and architecture which is unique to the Cotswolds, even the British feel like it is a step back in time. For food lovers, the fertile landscape makes for fantastic produce such as cider, cheese, meat and honey. The Cotswolds really is at teh forefront of British regional cuisine.
With staycations on the rise and people lives overloaded, a complete getaway for a holiday or even just a short break is now more important than ever. For the ultimate in getting away from it then holiday lets in the Cotswolds are hard to beat. From thatched cottages to grade ll listed Georgian houses, the choice of high quality luxury Cotswold cottages is now better than ever. Many of these holiday cottages have a wealth of character such as wooden beams, flagstone floors, exposed walls and fireplaces but combined with all the modern conveniences expected and required by guests.
For everyone, a holiday is an extremely happy and special occasion but Cotswolds holiday cottages offer that bit more. The experience of staying in a property that many could only dream of owning and located amongst the rolling hills of the Wolds.
Decoy country cottages who offer 5 star self catering Ireland are delighted to announce the opening of a new day spa Revive. Together with their therapist Barabra, they hope to bring visitors the ultimate in treatment experience whether it is a luxury facial or body treatment or one of their routine grooming treatments. Revive use Dermalogica products for all their treatments as they believe their approach to product development is both revolutionary and visionary.
Revive is now offering Botox and Collagen treatments – why not leave Decoy Country Cottages looking totally relaxed. Phone Paula on 086 8040614 to enquire about this service.
To view the current brochure please visit http://www.decoycountrycottages.ie/uploads/file/Revive%20Day%20Spa%20Brochure.pdf
If you are staying with Decoy country please be sure book your treatment early to avoid disappointment.
To book an appointment, please call 046 9026960.
The Glenburn hotel in Windermere is a highly acclaimed hotel that offers Bed & Breakfast or half board accommodation with four poster beds, spa baths, a relaxing bar and superb restaurant.
In addition to the hotel, Glenburn also offers a choice of two Windermere self catering holiday cottages, both within a short walking distance of Windermere, Bowness and Lake Windermere.
River Cottage and Gamekeeper’s cottage both comfortably sleep up to six people. They are beautifully furnished to a high standard and have car parking facilities.
River Cottage nestles within the hotel grounds next to a bubbling stream. It’s just five minutes’ walk from the centre of Windermere village, with its selection of bars, restaurants and shops
The 18th-century Gamekeeper’s Cottage is situated in the centre of Windermere village. It is an ideal base from which to explore the English Lake District and Lake Windermere.
Please visit www.glenburn.uk.com for details.
Close to the city centre and within easy reach of the road-rail network, Hedley House Hotel is one of the best York Hotels, with modern comfortable surroundings, great food and outstanding personal service.
Built in 1845 in the heart of the Victorian city, many of our rooms still include the original fireplace features. Combined with en-suite facilities, hospitality trays and digital widescreen TVs, our rooms are a subtle blend of contemporary modern and historic.
Their intimate award-winning licensed restaurant is a great place to spend an evening or start the night. The restaurant serves a range of home cooked healthy meals, snacks and light bites, all freshly cooked using only award-winning ingredients.
Knowle House is a large Victorian terrace house situated off Bootham on the North side of the city of York. York Minster is within a six to eight minute walk. It is also next door to and under the same ownership as Hedley House Hotel. These York self catering apartments are self-contained, fully furnished and contain all necessary linen, crockery and cutlery. All have central heating, colour television, electric cooker and fridge. Wireless internet is available. All but one of the apartments have direct dial telephone.
In a city where car parking space is limited, Hedley House Hotel and Apartments have 19 allotted parking spaces. When these spaces are full there is room for 8 more vehicles in the middle of the car park, the keys to these must be left at reception in case of emergency. The car park operates on a “first come first served” basis. If this is unacceptable there is a large public car park (chargeable) 2 minutes walk from the hotel.
Nestling in the Buttermere, Loweswater, Crummock Water and Lorton Valley in the English Lake District, Scale Hill Cottages has provided accommodation for over two centuries. Situated in its own grounds with an attractive garden overlooking the valley and the River Cocker we now provide Loweswater cottages from February to December inclusively.
Just eight miles from Keswick and Cockermouth Scale Hill, once a famous coaching inn and now a family home, offers a dramatic location for a peaceful escape or a family adventure. Watch the red squirrels in the garden, wander through the woods to Crummock Water, conquer local Wainwrights, take a rowing boat out on the lake, explore the Cumbrian coast – enjoy life in a natural area of beauty.
The Buttermere, Loweswater and Lorton Valley lies in the North West corner of English Lakeland, with its western end opening out towards the coastal plain and thus gathering milder weather than most of the Lake District.
The three lakes carpet the Valley floor interspersed with the green fields of the sheep farms and the broad-leaved woods, and all are surrounded by the fells, ranging from Low Fell in the west beside Loweswater Lake and Grasmoor and Mellbreak guarding Crummock Water, to Red Pike and Haystacks over Buttermere, whilst Great Gable watches over all from the South East.
The Hadrian’s Wall National Trail at 84 miles long passes through some of the most beautiful parts of England.
The Hadrian’s Wall trail provides access to some of the best sections of the Wall whilst using a rich variety of public paths. For further information regarding walking on Hadrian’s Wall, visit the National Trail website.
Cyclists may want a long distance tour or a short ride cycle along Sustrans Hadrian’s Cycleway with well surfaced gravel cycle paths and quiet minor roads.
If you are looking for someone to help you to organise your entire walking holidays along Hadrian’s Wall, including walker-friendly bed and breakfast accommodation, walking routes, food and any transport then using a tour company might be the best option for you. There are a number of companies which offer guided walking tours along Hadrian’s Wall, through the most beautiful sections of Cumbria and Northumberland and you can find out about some of them on our guided walking tours page.
There are so many things to do in the beautiful county of Cumbria, in the North West of England, not least visiting Hadrian’s Wall, which was built as a symbol of Roman power and spans the width of the country. There are a number of stunning walks in Cumbria, including the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail, which is 84 miles in total. Tantallon House offers the perfect place to stop over, offering 4 star comfortable bed and breakfast rooms for you to relax in.
You can also cycle along the Sustrans Hadrian’s Cycleway National Route 72 when staying in a holiday cottage Hadrian’s Wall, which goes from Ravenglass to Southshields, following Hadrian’s Wall, through the town of Haltwhistle. The total route is 174 miles, and incorporates stunning scenery including coastal view, Roman Ruins, sweeping countryside and occasionally some local wildlife!
Switzerland is a landlocked alpine country in Western Europe with roughly seven and a half million people and an area of just over forty thousand kilometres square. The country is made up of twenty six states called cantons and it contains three global cities, Geneva, Basel and Zürich. Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world by per capita gross domestic product, plus Zürich and Geneva have respectively been ranked as having the first and second highest quality of life in the world.
It is bordered by Germany to the north, France to the west, Italy to the south and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. Switzerland has a long history of neutrality and it has not been at war since 1815. The country hosts many international organizations, including the Red Cross, the World Trade Organization and one of the U.N.s two European offices. However, it is not a member of the European Union. Switzerland is multilingual and has four national languages – German, French, Italian and Romansh.
When it comes to places to stay, there is a great choice of Switzerland accommodation available including serviced accommodation such as hotels and bed and breakfasts, plus Switzerland ski chalets and apartments.
Unlike many holiday destinations, Switzerland makes an ideal holiday destination during all four seasons of the year. During winter months, Switzerland offers world class conditions for both skiers and free riders alike and during summer months, the spectacular mountain scenery provides awesome paragliding, alpine mountaineering, mountain biking, rock climbing and beautiful walking trails for all levels. With plenty of shops, bars, restaurants and other year-round attractions available, Switzerland really is ideal for a holiday throughout the year.
Getting to Switzerland can be fairly inexpensive as a number of the budget airline operators including Easyjet, Bmibaby and Jet2 all fly into Geneva airport. Other major airlines including Swiss Air, British Airways, Lufthansa and KLM also offer competitive fairs from the UK. Flights to Sion airport are available every week during the winter season from London Heathrow airport. Basel, Zurich and Bern also accommodate flights from the UK.
ottage retreats just for two. Their Lakeland Guide provides essential information on the towns and villages the cottages are located with recommendations on places to eat and drink in each area.
For more information on the Lakeland Cottage Company special offers and all of their Lake District self catering cottages, visit http://www.lakeland-cottage-company.co.uk
Riverside Lodge is a property of immense charm and character comprising three adjoining Ambleside cottages in Ambleside. Illustrated in the pictures above, they are delightfully situated in a unique and idyllic riverside setting on the bank of the River Rothay just 500 yards from the centre of Ambleside and Lake Windermere. At the heart of the Lake District in Cumbria.
The three Ambleside cottages are furnished and equipped to 4 star requirement providing quality Self Catering Accommodation. “The Lodge” has two en-suite bedrooms to sleep 4 persons. “Middlebeck” and “Overbeck”, each have one spacious en-suite bedroom to sleep 2 persons only. They are all maintained to a standard which will appeal to the discerning. Ample parking is available in our private car-park. We are unable to accept children under 10 or pets.
Ambleside town centre is just a short walk upriver and a similar walk downriver leads to Lake Windermere. All cottages enjoy views over the river towards Loughrigg Fell and, are completely independent affording total privacy. A perfect location for exploring the Lake District National Park and the wider reaches of Cumbria or for pursuing Hill and Fell Walking, Cycling, Fishing, Bird Watching etc. Ideal accommodation for a romantic honeymoon.
The Peak District spans an area of over 500 square miles lying mainly in Derbyshire but also stretching into the counties of Cheshire, Staffordshire, South and West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. The Peak District was Britain’s first national park, designated in 1951 and is the fourth largest National Park in the UK.
It is a hugely popular national park due to its location with an estimated 20 million people living within a one hour drive. Being on the doorstep of Greater Manchester and Sheffield, this isn’t a huge surprise.
The region is divided into sections known as The Dark Peak, The White Peak, The Staffordshire Moorlands and the Derbyshire Dales. The highest point in the Peak District is Crowden Head on Kinder Scout at a height of 2070 feet above sea level. Kinder Scout is located in The Dark Peak area and can be accessed from Edale which is also the start of the Pennine Way. Most of the region is over 1000 metres above sea level but unlike the craggy Lake District and Snowdonia hills, the Peak District hills are more undulating being soft and rounded.
The appeal of a self catering holiday is growing. A self catering holiday can give a greater freedom and more space for families and allow multiple couples or friends to go away together, splitting costs and
creating a good value holiday. Cottages in the Peak District can be found in many villages as well as off the beaten track should a totally “get away from it all” holiday be required. Peak District cottages can be found in an abundance of styles from unique character properties to spacious, luxury holiday cottages fitted with all the latest gadgets and conveniences.
Walking is the main activity here, both in the Dark Peak and in the hills to the north. The Pennine Way starting from Edale, winds its way up the Pennine chain. The White Peak covers the limestone dales towards the market town of Bakewell. In addition to walking, climbing ‘nursery slopes’ surround the Hope Valley can also be experienced. All the equipment and tuition required can be found Cycle Hire, Horse riding & Treking can be arranged locally, as can Day Fishing in Ladybower Reservoir (seasonal).
When staying in a Peak District cottage, there is never a shortage of activities. Of course going for a walk up one of the many peaks and experiencing the views is a must but there are hundreds of other attractions. Chatsworth, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, set in 1,000 acres of parkland: a magnificent house and gardens, model farmyard, adventure playground, shops & restaurant. Haddon Hall, a romantic fortified medieval manor, home of the Rutland family, with delightful terraced gardens and restaurant. Eyam Hall preserves the domestic scene of the 17th century, where the Wright family have come and gone for 300 years. Hardwick Hall was created by one of the great characters of the Elizabethan era, Bess of Hardwick. The original tapestries & needlework are displayed. The National Trust now administer Hardwick Hall and many others in this area Calke Abbey, Kedlestone, Sudbury, Gawsworth and the moorland estates of Longshaw & The High Peak.
Cartmel is a medieval village situated on the edge of the southern Lake District. The 12th century Cartmel Priory typifies this village both in architecture and history. It is still used for worship today as it has been for over 800 years and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
The other main attraction for visitors to Cartmel is the racecourse. With the first recorded race said to have taken place on the mid 1800’s, Cartmel races continues to grow in stature and popularity year on year. The creation of a new grandstand, with the back drop of the beautiful southern Lake District coupled with catering to rival any top race event has really put Cartmel on the map.
Cartmel is very much becoming a gastronomic destination. Cartmel and its surrounding villages have some of the best examples of Lake District gastronomy in the whole of Cumbria and the Lake District. Even though many of the restaurants and public houses are located within historic buildings, the food served is right in the 21st century using the finest locally sourced produce that is found in an abundance in the south Lakeland area.
Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding is one of the most famous exports from Cartmel. The pudding is now sold all over the United Kingdom and even world with high class restaurants in London serving this still handmade in Cartmel pudding.
With its top quality food, beautiful historical buildings, race course and spectacular scenery, it’s not hard to believe that Cartmel attracts a cosmopolitan visitor. Luckily, Cartmel offers some stunning luxury Lake District self catering properties. When it comes to Cartmel self catering, what better place to stay in than a beautiful Grade II listed manor house or a beautiful double-fronted period property in Cartmel.
Nearby attractions also include Holker Hall (a stately home with lovely gardens and grounds and a cafe, Cark-in-Cartmel), the Lakeland Motor Museum (In addition to vintage and classic motors, the museum now features of faithfully recreated period shop fronts and also has a themed gift shop. It is now located at its new site in Backbarrow, on the main A590) and Brantwood (an historic house & gardens which used to be the home of John Ruskin with a shop, café and terrace on the east side of Coniston Water).
South Lakes Cottages offer a choice of two self catering cottages, which are both a relic of the bygone era of iron ore mining in South Lakeland, locally referred to as the “Treacle Mines”. Built of the same local sandstone as many imposing buildings in the area, these Barrow cottages have been tastefully converted, whilst retaining many of the original features.
The properties are situated on the owners small, working farm – conveniently located “off the tourist trail” in a pleasant hamlet between Morecambe Bay and the Duddon Estuary near to Ulverston. It is the ideal location for those seeking a peaceful retreat, with many places of interest including wildlife and nature reserves, yet still within easy reach of the traditional Lake District.
A welcome tray with homemade cakes is provided on arrival.
A beloved pet is a large part of family life, so why should it be put in a kennel when the family go on holiday?
Sending a pet to a kennel whilst you are on holiday can be inconvenient should there not be a kennel local to where you live, expensive and many owners hate the thought of having to leave their dog or pet when they go away. Taking a dog abroad has its problems with quarantining etc but if the holiday is in the UK, so why not take your pet? It is now far easier to take your pet away with you without compromising on the choice of holiday. In fact, there are now pet friendly hotels which a few years ago, was almost unheard of.
Self catering holidays are an ideal type of holiday when taking a pet away. A self catering property has the space for the dog as many are like home from homes and it enables the ease when feeding and the storing of pet and dog food for example. The Lake District is heaven for dogs with endless walking routes and for the owners, the spectacular scenery coupled with an excellent range of Lake District cottage properties to stay in. Not all Lake District self catering cottages allow dogs, so asking prior to booking is advisable but properties that do allow pets are becoming increasingly more available. Some even let pets go free which makes taking a pet with you far cheaper than kennelling. After all, it is reported that there are around 27 million pets in the UK with 43% of UK households having at least one pet.
France is renowned for allowing dogs almost everywhere which in turn, means a huge number of UK holiday makers venture over there with their dogs. That means the UK tourism industry is missing out on that market to some extent. With the Euro being so poor against the pound at present, it is the perfect opportunity for Lake District cottage owners and other self catering properties in the UK.
Directories are available that list pet friendly cottage and dog friendly tourism businesses which is very helpful. Self catering management and marketing companies always report high number of enquiries for dog friendly cottages and actively advise their clients to allow dogs and pets. As long as there is a separate pet policy document that is sent out and signed by the owners then any damage or other problems are the responsibility of the owner.
It is not always appropriate or right to take a pet on holiday should the destination, type of accommodation or the activities on the holiday not be suitable for a pet. The Lake District on the other hand is one destination with a great choice of Lake District cottages and other self catering properties to stay in that both family and Fido with enjoy equally. This kind of holiday is a real get away and brings even more enjoyment for families.
Within the Lake District there are a number of different terrains so a self catering property can be found to suit any age of both dog or owner from the flatter east side to the rugged western Lake District.
A lesser known part of Cumbria and on the fringe of the Lake District National Park, Cartmel and the Peninsulas are true hidden gems. Wherever you choose to take your Lake District cottages holiday, nowhere is far away. The Lake District National Park is quite a compact area, but with lots of variation crammed in. From gentle valleys, ancient woodland, our huge lakes which reflect the sky and landscape and of course the soaring mountains and craggy fells are all easy to explore, this along with a host of welcoming towns and villages.
The Cartmel Peninsular – The Morecambe Bay – Arnside
Whilst staying in a Lake District Cottage you will know doubt wish to explore the many lakes, mountains, forests and areas of natural beauty. Lakeland has three peninsulas, each jutting out into the Morecambe Bay. Furthest west is Millom, occupied mainly by Black Coombe, a huge outcrop of Skiddaw Slate facing the Irish Sea. Next, separated from Millom by the River Duddon, is the Furness Peninsular, the largest of the three and with its own little island of Walney. Here you will find the ship building town of Barrow, along with the quaint town of Ulverston. Lastly comes the Cartmel Peninsular, pushing its mass of rolling fells and lush meadows out into the sheltered head of the bay. For me this is a perfect location for a Lake District holiday and is becoming ever more popular, with visitors choosing its peace and tranquility, along with the fine villages; this over the more crowded towns and villages such as Ambleside and Bowness Starting roughly from the foot of Windermere, the Cartmel Peninsular is a rural landscape, a patchwork of meadows, criss crossed with quiet country lanes perfect for cycling. As you head towards the coast, you will come to a clutch of little villages. Cartmel is picture perfect, offering lots to entertain, especially noted for its excellent pubs, wine bar and restaurants. Little Cark in Cartmel is the home of Holker Hall, a fine country house which, along with its gardens, is open to the public. Grange Over Sands overlooks the bay with a fine, mile long, Edwardian promenade. West from Grange and you have Leven and Levens Hall. Famed for the topary gardens this is well worth a visit.
Walks – Cycling – The Bay
The bay is magnificent, a view to rival any of those offered by the lakes from Lake District cottages in this area. On a summers day, when the tide is in, it can flat and blue, when out its sands shimmer like a silver mirror. The sun rise is dramatic and come autumn, the harder light picks out the channels and rivers that snake there way out to the sea. One spectacular sight is when the bay fills with early morning mist. The view is a gossamer sea of white, with the dark fells of Arnside rising up in stark contrast – biblical. Now it must be said that nobody should venture out too far onto the sands. They are dangerous, with fast tides and quick sands. However, there are routes across, where from Grange to Arnside there are regular guided crossings lead by Queens Guide, Cedric Robinson. A lifetime fisherman, Cedric knows the ever changing sands and safe paths. The crossing takes up to some four hours, where you will discover the flat expanse is not quite so, where at points you will have to wade across channels, sometimes near chest high deep.
The Coastal Way & The Arnside Bay Shore
West of Grange from your Lake District holiday cottage and you can pick up parts of the coastal way which is well marked on OS maps. However, for me, one of the best walks in the Lake District is to drive – or catch the little train from Grange – around the head of the bay to the Village of Arnside. Like the villages of Cartmel and Grange, this is a little known gem. A fishing and cockling community, it has some good pubs and little shops along with a fine art gallery. From Arnside you simply follow, and keep to the shore line, walking out along the south side of the bay. You can go for miles and miles, sometimes on shimmering sand or pebbles, sometimes up on the cliff paths, with gorse and windswept woodland. With the changing tide and huge vista, this will rival any lake walk. Back at Arnside is a path – indeed you can drive – to the summit of Arnside Knott. A respectable fell, it is a glorious walk on heather and gorse covered limestone rock, with little woods to punctuate the scenery and magnificent views across the bay, with a perfect backdrop of the mountains of central lakes.
Why is Cumbria such a good destination for spending half term at?
Cumbria is an excellent half term destination. February half term is still out of season and some great bargains can be had. Once in the Lake District all activities are taken care of and children never get borde. Walking, climbing, cycling, sailing…..the list is endless.
Cumbria is home to the Lake District, also known as the Lakes or Lakeland is world renowned for the beautiful lakes and mountains (or fells). The Lake District is home to the highest mountain in England: Scafell Pike measuring 978m (3210 ft).
The National Park was founded in 1951 to offer protection to the well known beauty spots and landscape that has provided inspiration to generations of artists’ writers and musicians.
From a stroll around Buttermere to a climb to the highest peak a holiday in the English lakes provides exercise for the body and relaxation for the mind.
Market towns such as Keswick and Cockermouth give the opportunity to sample the delights of Cumbrian fare many establishments now source their ingredients from local producers.
Whilst areas like Bowness on Windermere and Ambleside are extremely popular other less commercial locations like the Solway Coast and Allonby give you space and quiet with the vast open shingle beaches the majestic beauty of the Solway.
Cottages in the lake district booked through Stay Lakeland assures you of quality and value we have a unique selection of accommodations from simple Holiday home caravans to stunning timber lodges plus a range of cottages in the Lake District in and around this beautiful part of the country.
The picturesque market town of Keswick, nestled on the shores of Derwentwater, has a wide array of shops, restaurants and galleries. Explore the five major lakes, beautiful valleys and unspoilt villages.
For visitors to Keswick and North Lakes there is a range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, whether you prefer a Keswick Guest House, hotels, caravan sites or Keswick cottages, the choice is yours.
Jamaica is situated in the centre of the Caribbean, between 17.5 degrees and 18.5 degrees north latitude and 76.5 degrees and 78.5 degrees west longitude. Cuba is 90 miles north.
Jamaica is the third largest of the Caribbean Islands. Cuba is the largest with the second place taken by Hispaniola which contains the countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Jamaica is the largest English-speaking Island in the Caribbean, measured at one hundred and forty six miles long and fifty one miles wide and occupying an area of 4,400 square miles.
The population of Jamaica is just over two and a half million with high concentrations in the cities and surroundings, especially Kingston, the capital. Most visitors fly into Montego Bay as the North Coast is home to most of the beautiful beaches and other famous visitor attractions, like Dunn’s River Falls.
It is said that Columbus described Jamaica as “a land of hills and valleys” and crumpled a piece of paper to demonstrate its topography. Almost half of Jamaica is over a thousand feet above sea level and about forty square miles are above five thousand feet.
The mountainous character of Jamaica creates a wide range of micro-climates. The northeast winds blow regularly throughout the year. During the day, the sea breeze blows onshore and at night, the land breeze blows off- shore. During the American winter season, cold fronts may affect Jamaica, producing very strong cold winds, rain, and a change in wind direction from the North.
There is little seasonal change in average daily temperatures in the lower regions of Jamaica where the majority of the population resides. Readings at St. George’s College Station, Kingston:
- July Average Low at 75.1 degrees Fahrenheit, Average High at 90.7 degrees Fahrenheit
- January Average Low at 69.1 degree Fahrenheit, Average High at 86.7 degrees Fahrenheit
Temperatures are ten to twenty degrees Fahrenheit cooler in the highlands, but the summits of the Blue Mountains have seen light frosts on winter nights.
Higher than average rainfall occurs during September to October and May to June. The major dry period is from January to March. The average annual rainfall of 77.1 inches is strongly influenced by the terrain. The northeast of the island receives the most rain. Areas of the Western end also receive high rainfall.
Daily winds develop along the coasts with great regularity and have greater climatic influence than seasonal variations. Typically, the sea breeze commences in the morning, reaches its maximum velocity of about 20 knots at midday, and then gradually subsides in the afternoon, when they often produce afternoon showers in the interior.
Visitors will not be disappointed by the variety on this luscious island, from sun-kissed white sand beaches to rivers and waterfalls, to mountains and valleys in the interior. There are lots of different types of accommodation to choose from including hotels, Jamaica Villas, and Jamaica apartments. There is so much to see and do in Jamaica including visiting the Island’s best beaches at Silver Sands where you will find fantastic places to stay including Silver Sands Villas and cottages. Silver Sands is located on Jamaica’s famous North Coast, midway between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
Grove Cottages is a self catering holiday cottage accommodation business based near Ambleside, and has been selected as one of three finalists in the category for Self Catering Holiday of the Year in the 2010 Cumbria Tourism Awards.
The awards ceremony will take place at the Rheged Centre, Penrith, on Tuesday 11th May 2010 and will be hosted by sometime professional northerner Stuart Maconie – journalist, Radio 2 DJ, TV presenter and champion of all things Cumbrian. 260 guests will be present to hear the winners of 15 categories announced.
The Cumbria Tourism Awards celebrate the best of Cumbria’s tourism businesses and the talented individuals behind them. Their hard work and dedication drive an economy worth over £1 billion. The size of business is not a factor, whether small or large it is about offering something special or outstanding and really supporting Cumbria and the Lake District.
Grove Cottages owners Andrew, Max and Ross Howard are delighted to have been chosen as finalists but know it is going to be a tough race to beat the other two contenders in the self catering category.
Grove’s luxury Lake District cottages lie in the beautiful Stock Valley. The five cottages comfortably accommodate between 2 and 8 guests, and are rated 4 & 5 star. They are sited on Grove farm, and occupy a unique position in the Lake District, with amazing views all round. Each property is unique in character. Cozy Little Grove with its log burning stove is perfect for a romantic break for two, whereas the fabulously spacious farmhouse makes for a characterful home for larger groups & family gatherings.
There are spectacular walks to be had in all directions from the doorstep, and Guests are encouraged to explore the farm and its myriad wildlife. For the less adventurous the beautiful Stockghyll falls are within easy reach at the bottom of the farm lane. The cottages are in a very peaceful and tranquil location, yet only 1.4 miles from all the entertainment in Ambleside’s bustling village centre.
For more information visit http://www.grovecottages.com
There is no better location that Keswick on Derwentwater when it comes to walking in the Lake District. There are a plethora of mountains within easy reach of Keswick including some of the highest mountains in England such as Scafell Pike, Skiddaw, Helvellyn, Great Gable and Pillar, which are all over 2,900 feet tall.
For anyone feeling less adventurous there lots of other enjoyable walks in the area including a choice of lakeside paths around Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite and Thirlmere, you can explore neighbouring valleys and secluded places, plus to the West of Keswick you will find the wonderful Whinlatter forest which offers a number of different forest trails.
Of course walking is not the only outdoor pursuit available in Keswick on Derwentwater there are opportunities for mountain climbing, mountain biking, sailing and kayaking to name a few.
Keswick on Derwentwater and the Northern Lakes covers one half of the Lake District National Park. This is the perfect area to choose for gentle relaxation or for an action packed family adventure holiday with lots of activities and attractions.
The picturesque market town of Keswick, nestled on the shores of Derwentwater, has a wide array of shops, restaurants and galleries. Explore the five major lakes, beautiful valleys and unspoilt villages.
For visitors to Keswick and North Lakes there is a range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, whether you prefer a Keswick B&B, hotels, caravan sites or Keswick cottages, the choice is yours.
When it comes to places to visit and things to do during your stay you will find Keswick has plenty to offer including Derwentwater lake cruises, Cumberland Pencil Museum, Castlerigg Stone Circle, Trotters World of Animals, Cars of the Stars Motor Museum, Mirehouse Historic House & Gardens and the Keswick Brewing Company.
When it comes to eating out in Keswick visitors will find an excellent choice of quality restaurants, pubs and hotels. Many different cuisines are catered for including traditional English bar meals with many places specialising in local ingredients. You will also find Italian restaurants, Indian restaurants and even a Mexican restaurant. Fine dining is available at some of the top hotels in the area including Armathwaite Hall, Lodore Falls Hotel and Swinside Lodge in Borrowdale.
Purchasing holiday property is on the up in the UK with a wider choice of property including caravans and lodges. Devon is an excellent location for buying a holiday property. The choice of the different property types and locations are varied and it is a destination that never gets boring. The North Devon coast especially is beautiful, most is an area of outstanding natural beauty and the amount of activities on offer can entertain even the fussiest of children.
Of course, surfing is a large draw to this area. The beaches of Woolacombe, Saunton and Croyde are always full of surfers in the summer months but even out of season. The mild climate in the south of the UK means Devon can be visited out of the normal holiday’s seasons with very pleasant weather conditions. In surfing terms, it is often the slightly wilder and duller days that produce the best surf.
The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or AONB, was given this designation in 1959. The North Devon AONB is an area totalling 171 square kilometres, from Marsland Mouth on the Cornish border to Combe Martin. The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status means the area is nationally protected for the beauty of its landscape. The coastal landscape around Combe Martin is some of the best in the UK. From Combe Martin, the Hangman Cliffs can be seen made up of two cliffs Little Hangman and Great Hangman. Great Hangman is the highest cliff in southern Britain at a height of 328 meters above sea level.
The countryside is splendid with plenty of walks for the less adventurous walking along the miles of beaches is really quite a spectacle. Then just a short drive away in the large town of Barnstaple. It is in Barnstaple that many self catering holiday makers will visit to stock up on food and other supplies being the largest town in the area. It is now far easier to access both from north Devon and the M5 by the new bypass which opened in 2007. Previous to the bypass being constructed, congestion was a large problem, especially is the height of summer. The market in Barnstaple is found on a Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and has stalls selling all the fantastic local produce available in this highly fertile area.
When purchasing a static caravan or Devon holiday homes from an established caravan site you get peace of mind that the security of your home as the resort will provide a range of security and maintenance services including a private access controlled entrance to ensure your investment is protected all year round. In keeping with such a luxury investment, you will not be responsible for chores such as grass cutting and ground care around your lodge. These tasks will all be taken care of for you so that you are free to relax and make the best of your holiday time.
Modern touring caravans for sale and holiday lodges come with better specifications than a lot of houses with broadband, sky TV, spacious plots, large decked areas, paved courtyards and all year round holiday use. Better still on some of the top Devon resorts you will also be able to make use of the onsite facilities such as heated indoor swimming pools, golf courses and equestrian centres.
The Eden Valley together with the western lakes has the most picturesque and dramatic scenery in the whole of the region. The Eden Valley has the magnificent Ullswater a stretch of water 14.5 kilometres long and which is surrounded by such famous mountains as High Street, Fairfield and Helvellyn and Eden Valley self catering properties are plentiful.
Alston, Newby and Kirkby Stephen are lesser know areas in the Eden Valley. Kirkby Stephen is a market town with cobbled streets and rural scenery leading to wild uplands. Kirkby Stephen has a great atmosphere and community making it a great place for a drink or a bite to eat. It has three public houses and individually owned shops.The distinctive local stone used is very different to the slate used in structures in south Cumbria.
Alston is the highest market town in the UK at 1000 metres above sea level. The road leading to Alston is a motor biker’s paradise, the A686 up Hartside Fell. The road climbs steeply and bends almost at right angles and has been voted by The AA as one of their “Ten Great Drives”. The views down into the Eden Valley are views to savour with the craggy Lake District fells to one side and the pennies to the other. Passing right through the Eden Valley is the Coast to Coast route which runs from St Bees on the West Cumbrian coast across to Whitley Bay so this area is very popular with cyclists.
The Eden Valley will surprise with its wide range of activities – strenuous mountain walks to gentle riverside strolls, watersports, golf and even activity centres where paintball shooting, archery and quad biking can be experienced. For such an activity packed holiday, Eden Valley cottages and Cumbrian cottages are a good choice of accommodation type. They give greater room for equipment, for cyclists especially, and are located in settings where a hotel or bed and breakfast would never be.
Self catering holidays are an ideal type of holiday when taking a pet away. A self catering property has the space for the dog as many are like home from homes and it enables the ease when feeding and the storing of pet and dog food for example. The Lake District is heaven for dogs with endless walking routes and for the owners, the spectacular scenery coupled with an excellent range of Lake District cottages to stay in. Not all Lake District self catering cottages allow dogs, so asking prior to booking is advisable but properties that do allow pets are becoming increasingly more available. Some even let pets go free which makes taking a pet with you far cheaper than kennelling. After all, it is reported that there are around 27 million pets in the UK with 43% of UK households having at least one pet
Goosemire Cottages, the family owned Lake District cottages company are pleased to announce a 46th property added to their portfolio. Based in Kendal in the South Lakes, this new property enables Goosemire Cottages to now offer a choice of 46 different self catering cottages ranging from 1 to 10 bedroom properties. Last year the largest cottage on offer was 7 bedrooms but with the rise in the popularity of larger guest groups, the 8, 9 and 10 bedrooms cottages have all been added. It has been a busy year for Goosemire with the addition of the 10 properties along with the launch of the new website. The website has been essential for the management of such a high number of properties.