Thursday, July 21, 2011

A Garden and a pub to visit

The IOW is one of the places where you can enjoy nature at its best. Isle of Wight holidays are popular with both families and groups because of the various attractions available for tourists. The holiday cottages offer excellent accommodation and include all modern amenities. The holiday cottages are self-catering, so if you are planning to cook your own food during your Isle of Wight holidays this is the place for you. There are several attractions located near the holiday cottages making it the most sought out places to stay during your Isle of Wight holidays.

Ventnor Botanic Garden

The Ventnor Botanic Garden is a fantastic place where you and your family can enjoy a nice day out. The Ventnor Botanical Garden was opened in 1972, and it has been built on the same spot where the Royal National Chest Hospital once stood. In 1987, the “Great Storm” almost completely destroyed the garden, nut the place has been restored and is one place you should visit while you are in IOW. You can relax and take in the beauty of the place and even take some beautiful pictures. This is one of the attractions you can visit during your Isle of Wight holidays. There is no admission fee to enter the garden and it is open every day of the year. Some of the interesting points of visiting the garden lie in seeing the herb garden, the palm garden and the famous rock garden where you will find a variety of flora and fauna. The Visitor Centre has displays of local arts and crafts and also includes a horticultural reference library for public use. After your trip here, you can go back to the holiday cottages to have a good night sleep.

The Black Sheep Club Lounge

The Black Sheep Club Lounge is one place that provides guests with a great mix of food, drink and music. If you are looking for a place where you can enjoy the night during your Isle of Wight holidays then you should try the Black Sheep Club Lounge. The club is located at Union Street in Hyde. This pub is a great place to party with your friends and enjoy a wide spread of delicious dishes and drinks. The Black Sheep Club Lounge also has special prices on beers, lagers and ales on selected nights during the week. The pub plays rock, jazz, pop and funk, so you can be sure that you will truly enjoy your night here. The pub has special “Friday nights” where you will be able to enjoy entertainment from different local and “Saturday nights” features music by international bands. After enjoying the night here, you can head back to your comfortable holiday cottages.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Amazing Gardens You Can Explore in Dorset

Dorset is a vacation gem in the heart of South West England, which you can explore during your Dorset holidays. It is home to the famous Iron Age hill forts and the popular Maiden Castle, a 600 BC structure that had withstood the test of time. Aside from these two, there are historic places and numerous fantastic activities that you can participate in. To make sure that you have a luxurious place to stay while enjoying your Dorset holidays, you may want to book any of the affordable holiday cottages within the region. Food would not be a problem because there are several restaurants serving sumptuous meals. Some of the most frequented places are the amazing gardens that are part of the natural beauty of Dorset. Here are some of these gardens you can tour.

Upton Country Park

One of the most visited gardens by tourists is the Upton country park, which is a short distance away from many holiday cottages. You can take all the members of your family because there is an event that each age range could join in. If you have a pet, you could also walk around the park and enjoy the fresh air while your pet gets his day out. There are interesting places you can tour inside the Uptown Country Park.

If you are an exercise buff, you can take a quiet and relaxing walk from your holiday cottages and proceed to the woodland trails in the park, while basking in the scenic view around you. Another option is to tour the Plant centre and admire the unique potted plant collections.

One of the most visited spot by visitors during their Dorset holidays is the Upton Education Centre where you can learn about Dorset’s fascinating culture and heritage. For your kids who have a propensity for the arts, you can take them to the Peacock Gallery for some very interesting exhibits and displays. Retiring in one of the holiday cottages at the end of the day, would be a welcome rest for the night.

Honeybrooke Farm Park

Aside from the Uptown Country Park, the Honeybrooke Farm Park is also an excellent place to visit during your Dorset holidays. It would be a great learning experience for your children, who will be able to observe the grazing animals and witness how farm life is. A walk around the farm with the fresh breeze from the nearby river will be a healthy exercise. If you grow hungry, instead of going back to your holiday cottages or dining in restaurants, you may taste the scrumptious home-made snacks, like cakes and tea, at this farm park.

There are also trade centres where you can buy native local products which you can take home with you after your Dorset holidays.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Fun-Filled Learning Adventures in Isle of Wight

Spending quality time with your beloved friends and family is always a treat. To make sure that you make this getaway cherished for everyone, readily make reservations in one of the magnificent Isle of Wight cottages. You can experience a fantastic holiday when you book one of the spacious Isle of Wight cottages. Many critics have recognized the five star treatment that these holiday cottages extend to their guests. Another privilege provided by these holiday cottages are full access to modern facilities and top-of-the-line amenities. If you want to drive around freely and wish to bring your own car, you will be provided with private parking spaces. There are also pet-friendly holiday cottages that you can avail of. Apart from these benefits, these Isle of Wight cottages will also bring you close to some of the most celebrated and renowned destinations in the island.

Learn About IOW’s Heritage and Culture Brading Roman Villa

Morton Old Road in Brading is where you will find the Brading Roman Villa. This location is conveniently close to most upscale Isle of Wight holiday cottages. If you want to relax, but do not want to rest your brains, the Brading Roman Villa will titillate your historic clamour with intriguing sites and affluent marks of the past. As one of the famous sites in the United Kingdom, this attraction is home to interesting exhibitions and collections of artefacts that showcase the heritage of IOW and the culture from hundreds and thousands of years ago. If you get hungry going around the villa and you have no time to cook in your holiday cottage, the Forum Cafe serves delectable English dishes that you and your family will truly enjoy. There is also a souvenir shop where you can purchase locally made items. The Brading Roman Villa is open to public daily from 9:30AM till 5:00PM. Admission fee are as follow: adults is £6.50, children and students is £3.25 and a senior citizen is £5.50.

Learn About Olden Ways of Playing at the Lilliput Antique Doll & Toy Museum

Situated at Brading and within close proximity from the Roman Villa and your Isle of Wight cottages, the Lilliput Antique Doll & Toy Museum will let you relive those playful years of your life. You will be amazed with over 2000 exhibits of antique dolls, doll houses, trains, bears and loads of toys that lived through centuries. If you want to buy some souvenirs, stop by the Gift Shop and take your pick. You may visit the Lilliput Antique Doll & Toy Museum every day from 10 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon. Admission rate varies depending on age and other state privileges. Take your kids outside the holiday cottages and let them enjoy fun learning sights at Lilliput.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Fascinating Attractions for the Young and Young at Heart

An island getaway in the French Riviera can be both exciting and relaxing. But if you have children in tow, it would be hard to find a plethora of activities that will match their active bodies and endless curiosity. It is a good thing that Devon County offers so much irresistible options for families on a holiday. First, get accommodations at the upscale Devon holiday cottages. You can choose any holiday cottages near the beach or just in the centre of the city. The Devon holiday cottages have self-catering facilities, pet-friendly environment, complete amenities, and spacious rooms. There are holiday cottages that will match your budget and style preference. Pleasing your children during your island getaway is easy if you visit these fascinating locations.

Living Coasts Zoo

Have an early breakfast at the Devon holiday cottages before going to the Living Coasts Zoo. The Living Coasts Zoo and conservation charity organizes annual events and regular shows featuring the adorable creatures here. The wide variety of wildlife species found here will make you feel like you are in a jungle. This is the perfect opportunity to teach your children how to take care of animals and what you can do to protect them. You can bond with your family as you explore the attractions like the Penguin Beach, Auk Cliff, Waders Estuary, Sea Ducks, Fur Seal Cove and Mangroves. If you want to hold a birthday party here, just call the management in advance while at the holiday cottages.

Kents Cavern

It would be a privilege for everyone if you can visit the Kents Cavern while staying at the Devon holiday cottages. The famous cave dates back to more than 400 years and is a great reflection of the history of the county and the ancestry of England. As you walk through the cave, you will learn more about the life and living of historic cavemen. Modernization of the Kents Cavern was done on a continuous basis so that children will not have a dull moment here. You can hold birthday parties here as well as other special events. Strengthen your relationship as a family as you participate in fun activities like the Fun Dig, Cave Painting, The Wall of Hands, Brass Rubbing, and Tribal Face marking. Novelty items are available at the souvenir shop so you can give to loved ones back home. You would be tired but completely satisfied with your trip here as you return to the comforts of the holiday cottages.

Bygones Victorian Museum

The Bygones Victorian Museum is a famous attraction for holidaymakers who want to experience a blast from the past. It is situated in Torquay and is just a short drive away from the holiday cottages. It would be like going back to the era of Queen Victoria as you ride the steam-engine train and explore the life-size streets with Victorian shops. The 28-feet model railways complete with miniature train, buildings, and bridges will impress both young and old. Visit the shopping arcade that sells 1940’s-1950’s inspired souvenirs before heading back to the Devon holiday cottages.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Transportation Means to Go Around Isle of Wight

Lying along the world-renowned English Channel is the breathtaking Isle of Wight. Being the largest island in England, IOW has a wide array of tourist destinations that you and your whole family may visit during your Isle of Wight holidays. While in here, you may explore the sand and shingle beaches with crystal clear aquamarine waters, enjoy day-outs in theme parks, embark on historical adventures in castles and museums, try authentic international and local cuisines in several fine dining restaurants and immerse yourself in the rich heritage and culture of the people in olden villages.

Your Isle of Wight holidays will never be dull with tons of activities that you can try, whether you are travelling in a group, as a couple or alone. But what will make the experience truly unforgettable is when you stay in one of the luxurious self-catering Isle of Wight cottages. These Isle of Wight cottages are famous for providing exceptional customer service and superb accommodations. Each holiday cottages boasts top-of-the line amenities that are made available exclusively for guests. If you wish to tag along your adorable pets, you may request for pet-friendly Isle of Wight cottage ahead of time.

There are also ample private parking spaces for those who would like to bring their own cars and tour the panoramic countryside during Isle of Wight holidays. Plus, these Isle of Wight cottages will bring you conveniently near several family attractions. If you do not have you own transportation to get around, there are plenty of options. You may either ride the bus or train.

Buses

A very popular means to go around during your Isle of Wight holidays is through buses. It is also deemed as one of the most economical transportation system that can take you around the stunning IOW. Southern Vectis is the main bus company that operates from coast to coast of the island. They offer regular promos and holiday treats to both locals and tourists. You may avail of the Rover Ticket and you will have the privilege to travel for as long as 28 days. There are also custom-made tours that you can purchase. Calling in for ticket reservations is highly encouraged. You do not have to worry looking for buses, because there is surely a bus station near your Isle of Wight cottages.

Trains

A very traditional way of exploring the amazing sights during your Isle of Wight holidays is through trains. With several stations within close proximity from your Isle of Wight cottages, you will have no problem riding in one. Trains will take you to popular landmarks within Sandown, Shanklin, Brading, Ryde Pier Head, and Smallbrook Junction. Trains leave the first station as early as 6 in the morning and as late as 12 midnight.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Dining Out During Your Holidays in Devon

If you are planning a visit to Devon, you should book one of the spacious Devon holiday cottages. The holiday cottages offer excellent accommodation that is suitable for both families and groups. The Devon holiday cottages are fully furnished and include self-catering facilities, so you can cook all your favourite dishes while you are on holiday. The holiday cottages are also located near popular tourist attractions, so getting to these attractions is not a problem at all. The Devon holiday cottages are self catering and include all modern amenities. However, if you do not wish to cook any food during your holidays in Devon, you can eat out at one of the nearby restaurants. There are several restaurants that are located near the holiday cottages. Here are a few recommendations for you.

The Rugglestone Inn

Located in Dartmoor in Devon, this unique pub/restaurant is one of the places where you and enjoy a fine meal while staying at the Devon holiday cottages. The restaurant is a cosy place with a nice open log fire that contributes to giving it a “home from home” feeling. There is also an outside eating area where you can choose to sit back and enjoy a meal and a couple of drinks during summer. Some of the dishes you can try at this restaurant are chicken and leek pie (served with mash potatoes, vegetables and chips), beef and ale pie (with vegetables and short crust pastry, and with chips or mashed potatoes), beef lasagne served with garlic bread and salad, cheese and spinach Cannelloni (served with tomato, garlic and herb sauce, with garlic bread and cheese) and homemade fish pie (served with cheese and salad). The deep fried scampi and steal stilton pie are also worth trying. The restaurant also has a variety of wines to choose from. You might want to order a bottle to go along with your meal. You can ask the chef for recommendations if you are not sure what to choose. You can enjoy a fine meal at this restaurant while staying at the holiday cottages.

The Bullers Arms

The Bullers Arms is located in Chagford, Devon and is a local inn where you can enjoy a delicious meal while staying at the Devon holiday cottages. This is a pub/restaurant that offers delicious homemade dishes. The pub uses only the finest ingredients in the preparation of its dishes. You can call at this restaurant while staying at the holiday cottages and enjoy a delicious meal. Some of the dishes you can try at The Bullers Arms are smoked salmon (served with crab and prawn quenelles and topped with thyme and lemon dressing), roasted garlic mushrooms, pancetta and sun-blanched tomatoes. The restaurant also has a variety of soups available. The duck and cranberry pie is one of the popular dishes at this restaurant. The Bullers Arms is open from Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., and on Sunday from 12 noon to 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Interesting Things to Do in the Isle of Wight

During your Isle of Wight holidays, you can really have a great time if travelling with your partner, your group of friends or your family. You can visit delightful shops in the Isle of Wight and experience a good shopping experience. You can also learn about the rich history and tradition of the Isle of Wight by visiting the county’s many museums, manors and gardens during your Isle of Wight holidays. If you have chosen to stay at one of the Isle of Wight cottages, you have made a good decision. The Isle of Wight cottages re located near most of the tourist attractions and places of interest in the Isle of Wight. Further, the Isle of Wight cottages come well equipped with modern amenities and self-catering facilities. You are guaranteed to enjoy a comfortable and luxurious stay at the upscale Isle of Wight cottages. Visit these two exciting locations during your Isle of Wight holidays.

The Isle of Wight Museum

Your family Isle of Wight holidays may be incomplete if you do not visit the famous Isle of Wight Museum. You and your family can get a chance to learn about the rich history, culture, tradition and heritage of this English county. You will get a rare glimpse of precious and ancient objects as well as fossils during your visit. You will also get to see the world’s oldest edible cured ham! Since this museum has a lot to be explored, you may need to depart from the comfortable Isle of Wight cottages after a nice and early breakfast so that you and your family get enough time here. A visit to the Isle of Wight Museum during your holidays is a really good idea since you will be able to couple in a good dose of fun with a hint of an educational experience, perfect if you are travelling with your children in tow.

Shop for Jewellery

The Isle of Wight is famous for its sparkling gems and precious pearls. Thus, during your Isle of Wight holidays, be sure to experience a day of shopping for jewellery. Visit the Union of Opposites, which is not too far a drive away from the upscale and spacious Isle of Wight cottages for a unique shopping experience. Here, you will be spoilt for choice with the wide range of jewellery on display. Get bedazzled by the beautiful designs of the finely crafted pieces of jewellery. You can also visit the famous Pelham House of Jewellery, which also has a huge collection of exquisite pieces of jewellery. You are sure to treasure a visit to these jewellery stores, as it offers you a chance to shop for something precious for yourself or a loved one.