Holiday cottage news and editorial provided by Holiday Villas & Cottages magazine
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||
|
|
|
Online Magazine
|
GEM OF A GUIDE A new free guide to Birmingham's jeweller quarter is available. It includes a "3-D" map of the area, where a large number of jewellers and silversmith operate. The surroundings date back more than 250 years. There's a museum, where you can learn all about the quarter, which has been designated a conservation area. You can also see the work of current designers at the Royal Birmingham society of artists. The guide includes two original Pavement Trails, walks which reveal some of the area's little-known facts. Did you know electroplating was invented there? and celluloid? It's also where the FA cup was made. The guide is available from Birmingham Tourist Information centres, or by calling 0121 202 5050.
Search
for holiday cottages in Birmingham & the Heart of England LOST WAYS TO BE FOUND The Archive Research Unit (ARU) will search for "lost ways" by conducting a systematic search of historic documents in over 100 local and national records offices. Nearly 10 percent of England's rights of way do not appear on official maps. The worry is that these will be forgotten forever if they are not recorded now. The launch of the ARU was announced by Rural Affairs minister Alun Michael. "Historic routes are a priceless and fascinating part of our heritage," he said. "Government is committed to recording as man of them as possible before the cut-off date." Pam Warhurst of the Countryside Agency added "They are important to everyone for myriad reasons. The countrside is a place where people work and where one in five of us lives. It is also a health centre, art galler and museum... Rights of way link all these together, which is why this project is so important UK TOURISM BOUNCES BACK British tourism has recorded its best ever first-half year results. It's a clear sign that things are on the up. Visitor numbers hit 12.5 million, with a steady growth in the traditional American and Western European markets. Figures for April to June were up 20 percent and 11 percent respectively on the same period last year. The continuing rises in oil prices seem to have less impact than initially feared. "Despite changes in global travel trends and the challenges of the past few years, visitors continue to be drawn by Britain's unique appeal" said an upbeat Kenn Bole of VisitBritain. CATCH A NO-FRILLS BUS The first easyBus is running, courtesy of easyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou. It travels between London and Milton Kenes. True to no-frills form, prices are low. They go from £1 to £5, but you might have to buy an extra seat for luggage. Pick-up points are Midsummer Boulevard in Milton Keynes and Hendon Central, near the tube station (North Line, zone 3). |
|
|
|
ARTICLES A gem of a cityThink of Cheshire and you might picture lush green pastures and footballers’ bling. Yet it’s the county’s Roman-walled capital city, packed with history and atmosphere, that’s the real sparkler, says Alexandra Pratt Scotland for softiesBeaches, rockpools, swimming, cycling... Paul Kirkwood found there’s no end to the delights of the bit of Scotland that’s easiest to reach from most of England All roads lead to... HarrogateThe elegant spa town of Harrogate is an unbeatable base for an active short break. Gillian Thornton enjoyed a girlie weekend of chic shops, spectacular countryside and the ultimate in self-catering apartments Moor magicThe Exmoor coast between Minehead and Combe Martin has some of the best scenic views in the West Country. Gillian Thornton enjoyed the North Devon countryside and its four-legged residents The walking cureIt looked as if Charlie the dog needed a break. So, naturally, Eve Kerswill and her husband took him on a cottage holiday Devon delightsA thatched cottage with a history, country walks, market shopping and fish and chips by the sea... they all made a perfect weekend for Katherine Rake Top tips for group getawaysHarry Marsland of Brackenrigg Holiday Cottages in the Lake District says organising – and enjoying – a celebration break with friends and family is simple. All you need is a little planning… Our Snowdon adventureClimbing to the top of Mount Snowdon,the highest mountain in England and Wales, was too much of a challenge for Solange Hando, her daughter and ten-year-old grandson to ignore – so up they went Wonderful WoldsPeter Henshaw spends a weekend sampling the many delights of Lincolnshire Walk the Wight WayWith its wonderful countryside and 500 miles of footpaths, the Isle of Wight is ideal for a walking holiday. Harry Glass pulled on his hiking boots… Beauty on the borderCarlingford Lough is a stunning natural boundary between Northern Ireland and the Republic. Jeremy Taylor pays a visit A right song and danceNowhere is the Irish music scene more vibrant than the west coast bars of County Clare. Jeremy Taylor pays a visit to soak up the craic Beyond the scone zonePeter Henshaw goes for a walk in the Cotswolds and finds a gastronomic gem, fierce winds and the ancient sport of shin kicking! Riverside rambles, moorland magicYou’ll find walking trails, wide open spaces, waterfalls, picture-perfect villages, historic towns and fantastic food in Wensleydale and Wharfedale. Gillian Thornton did Peak party peopleWant to go with a large group of friends for a long weekend of walking, cycling and partying? Sarah Merry found just the place in Derbyshire’s Peak District A one-horse town it ain’tTo find out everything you wanted to know about breeding and racing horses but were afraid to ask, go to Newmarket. Gillian Thornton did Pleasing the puntersCambridge makes a great day out if you’re staying in Norfolk or Suffolk. Former student Tom Kerswill takes you on an insider’s tour of arguably Britain’s most famous university city 10 reasons to visit NorfolkLooking forward to a break in Norfolk? Linda Pyke recommends ten attractions for all ages to enjoy – from Bishy-barney-bees to antique teapots and going ape in Thetford Forest A Tamar tonicOn the steep slopes where miners and market gardeners once trod lies a hidden gem created from an old mine. Sounds unlikely? John Kerswill thought so too, until he stayed there and was enchanted by the sights and sounds of the Tamar Valley Ardnamurchan Peninsula - Take a Walk on the Wild SideScotland's Ardnamurchan peninsula – not Cornwall's Land's End – is as far west as the roads in mainland Britain will take you. Angela Dewar enjoyed total seclusion in this unspoilt wilderness 10 Reasons to visit EdinburghA dramatic castle and a royal palace, an award-winning environmental attraction and a world-class literary heritage – if you're renting a cottage in the Scottish lowlands, make sure you visit Edinburgh, says Gillian Thornton Essex pearlsResorts like Southend-on-Sea have helped to give Essex a kiss-me-quick image, but away from the kitsch Alison Thomas finds a county full of wildlife, fantastic food and history Northern Ireland: Causeway CapersIf you haven't ever thought about booking a holiday cottage in Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, Harry Glass has ten good reasons why you should More...Previous articles ... OUT ON THE TILES The Jackfield Tile Museum in Shropshire's Ironbridge Gorge is re-opening after major restoration. It showcases suites of tiled period room settings and five themed galleries revealing the story behind Victorian "tile mania". There are also hands-on workshops where families can have a go at decorating their own tiles. Admission is included in a passport ticket – £13.25 adults / £8.75 children. This will get you into all ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums. Search
for holiday cottages in Birmingham & the Heart of England |
|
Holiday Villas & Cottages magazine
|
|