Sunday, October 30, 2011

Castles in Dorset

Kings and queens used to live in the beautiful castles in Dorset. These castles are worth a visit while you are staying in your spacious Dorset holiday cottages. Some of the majestic castles that are worth visiting are the Lulworth Estate, Maiden Castle and the Sherborne Castle. Complete your holiday in Dorset by visiting one of these castles and travel back to the time of the kings and queens.

Lulworth Estate

Taking a trip to Lulworth Estate should be a part of your itinerary during your Dorset vacation while staying in one of the luxurious Dorset holiday cottages. It is famous for its exquisite cove and beautiful waterfront. The estate holds a castle, a house, a park, and the stunning landscaped gardens all over the entire estate. When you visit the estate, you get the chance to see several works of art such as paintings and statues that has been passed on through three generations of families. The scenic 18th century park is relaxing to walk around and explore. This is where the Lulworth House is currently situated. The estate is truly worth a visit because you get to its many wonderful sights and attractions plus get to take a glimpse of Dorset history.

Maiden Castle

The largest fort in the United Kingdom during the Iron Age is still up and standing to this date. The Maiden Castle was built hundreds of years ago in 600 BC. Located in Dorchester, the castle is a must-see during your Dorset vacation since it is near the Dorset holiday cottages. The castle underwent years of transformations as different people owned and took control of the castle. Renovations and improvements were made on the castle as expansions and additional lines of defences were built to strengthen the castle against its foes. It was initially built on top of the remains of the Neolithic settlement at around 600BC. Many people have lived and settled in the castle from 800 BC to 43 AD when the Romans took over the castle. Visiting this castle is like going several hundreds of years back. Every part of the castle is really worth exploring.

Sherborne Castle

Take a trip to Sherborne Castle while enjoying a splendid stay in your holiday cottages. Walk back in history as you step foot in this castle built in the 12th century. It was Roger Bishop of Salisbury who built the castle as a part of his diocese in the 12th century. In 1592, Sir Walter Raleigh gained possession of the castle and built another house in the deer park. The castle was then given a square look when Sir John Digby, a diplomat added four wings to the castle in 1617. It was in 1969 that the castle opened for public viewing. Currently the Wingfield Digby family is still the current owner of the castle. It is great to walk around and explore the castle before retiring to your Dorset holiday cottages.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Adventure Activities for the Whole Family in Cornwall

The Active-8 Centre in Cornwall is one popular attraction for visitors who are out on their Cornwall holidays. Stay at the Cornwall holiday cottages if you want easy access to the great tourist attractions in Cornwall. These self-catering Cornwall holiday cottages are large, comfy, and luxuriously furnished with all the modern amenities you would need during your holidays. They are just perfect for small and large families or group of friends. The Cornwall holiday cottages are also very close to other popular spots like the beaches, museums, restaurants, castles, gardens and parks and the adventure centres. Listed below are a few of the adventures you should try in Cornwall.

Zip Wire at Active-8

Take pleasure in a day of fun and activity at the Active-8 Centre and try the Zip Wire. Leave your Cornwall holiday cottages early and bring the whole family to try out the many adventures that will be enjoyed by all ages. The Zip Wire an adrenaline-pumping activity that you and your kids will actually have fun with. Children of any age can try this activity but there is a weight requirement of about 40 kg which is so far the only requisite for those who wish to try this out. Security measures are up to standard and the safety gears as well as the equipment are complete and of the highest quality. Certified instructors will instruct you with the basics and help you get geared up so you do not have to worry about your safety as they will personally strap you to the harness. All you should do is remain calm and give in to the thrill of this adventure. The whole ride is one hour and a half. This Zip Wire at Active-8 is the longest Zip Wire in the United Kingdom and it would really be one unforgettable experience if you try this during your Cornwall holidays. For the more adventurous, there are single cables but if you want to feel secure by having somebody with you, you can both take the twin cable. Whatever you would choose, this is one fun and adventure that you should not miss while you are at the Cornwall holiday cottages.

Wet and Wild Day at Active-8

The Active-8 Centre in St. Austell provides you with many adventure activities designed for water sports lovers. Prepare to spend the whole day out of your Cornwall holiday cottages as activities start at 9:15 a.m. and end at 6 p.m. It is best to bring your own lunch and snacks as there are no dining facilities available at the centre. You must also bring the proper water sports attire that you need during the activities especially since the centre is an hour’s drive away from the holiday cottages so it would be too far to drive back in case you failed to do so. The centre supplies all the equipment that you need for the water activities such as kayaking, snorkelling and diving. You can also go rock jumping cliff leaping, cross ledges, jump across rock pools or coasteering which is one of the more popular activities. There are professional guides who will take care of you and make sure that you are safe all throughout the activities. These are activities you must make sure you try out while you are staying at the Cornwall holiday cottages.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Have Great Food during your Cornwall Holidays

When you feel that your work is getting you down and the stress of our everyday life is slowly depleting your energy, go on Cornwall holidays to relax and rejuvenate. If you want the perfect holiday though, make sure that you book at the Cornwall holiday cottages. Staying at the Cornwall holiday cottages make sure you have a stress-free vacation as they come fully furnished with all the modern amenities. The Cornwall holiday cottages are spacious, comfortable, clean and luxurious so you will always have a great place to rest at the end of the day. What is even better is that it is near the many restaurants, cafes and bars so dining out will become another adventure during your Cornwall vacation. The Cornwall holiday cottages are near the beach too if you want to have a picnic by the beach. Here are some great places to go.

Downderry Beach

Downderry Beach is towards the South west part of Cornwall. You do not have to travel far from your Cornwall holiday cottages as the beach is just nearby. Downderry is known for its spacious area which is ideal for large groups of family or friends. There is a scenic view that gives you the chance to relax while you enjoy your picnic. You can bring your own picnic basket or else dine in the café and coffee shops by the beach. If you are bringing your dog with you during your Cornwall holidays, this is a great beach to bring them to as dogs are allowed all year round and can go on the beach picnic with you. You can also park at the Downderry or at the Seaton and just walk a little bit to reach the beach. Cornwall is popular for beautiful beaches and having a picnic there is one other way to enjoy good food.

Lewinnick Lodge

Lewinnick Lodge is located right in Cornwall so it is easily accessible from your Cornwall holiday cottages. You can opt to have breakfast, lunch or dinner here so there is nothing to worry about if you do not really feel like cooking at your Cornwall holiday cottages. Order their famous Full English breakfast that consists of Cumberland sausages, baked beans, grilled tomato, bacon and mushrooms, fried or scrambled egg, fried bread or toast. £7 is all that this breakfast will cost you. Their popular lunch menu includes the Lewinnick Lodge fishcakes and char grilled beef burger. For dinner, you can choose full meals such as the Braised rolled lamb and the Roasted Cornish pork. Cap your meal with the sticky pudding or the baked cheesecake of the day. The servings here are generous so expect to be fully satisfied with every meal. Dining at the Lewinnick Lodge guarantees that you go back to your holiday cottages with a full stomach.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Two Great Pubs in Paignton

You can visit several pubs during your dog friendly holidays in Paignton. The best places to stay at during your dog friendly holidays in Paignton is at one of the luxurious, self catering dog friendly holiday cottages in Paignton. The dog friendly holiday cottages in Paignton are fully furnished and include all modern amenities and include great service. Many of the spacious dog friendly holiday cottages in Paignton are located close to restaurants, pubs and other popular attractions. Here are two pubs worth visiting during your dog friendly holiday cottages in Paignton.

The Spinning Wheel

The Spinning Wheel is one of the best places to enjoy the night out during your dog friendly holidays in Paignton. The Spinning Wheel is “the place” for you if live music, good food and great drinks are what you are looking for. The Spinning Wheel has a fantastic menu; so whether you are totally famished or just want to try out some food, this is the place for you. If you do not want to cook at the self catering , then you can stop at this pub for a nice meal together with a couple of drinks. The Spinning Wheel also has several vegetarian dishes for those who prefer not to eat any meat. From salads to sandwiches and from baguettes to jacket potatoes, this pub has it all. You can also try some of the excitingly delicious pizzas at this pub. The Spinning Wheel is open July - September weekdays 12 noon to 12 midnight; weekends 12 noon to 1:00 a.m. Out of season timing daily 12 noon to 12 midnight.

Inn on the Green

Located just opposite to the Paignton Green, the Inn on the Green is one of the popular inns you should stop at during your dog friendly holidays in Paignton. The Inn on the Green serves traditional pub dishes including special kid’s menus. This is one of the pubs that are dog friendly. So if you are looking for a place where you can take your dog along with you, the Inn on the Green is the place for you. Getting to this pub is not difficult if you are staying at one of the popular luxurious dog friendly holiday cottages in Paignton. The inn has a special “Two for One” offer on the main course where if two adults order a main meal from the menu, the cheaper meal is given free of charge. The inn also has a variety of drinks to choose from. You can also ask the chef for recommendations in case you are not sure what to choose. You can also order some food to take back to the holiday cottage before leaving the Inn on the Green.