Boating holiday

If you’re racking your brains trying to think of a fun holiday to take your family on that won’t cost the earth, why not take to the UK’s waterways, for a holiday they’ll never forget.

Boating Holidays in the UK are perhaps one of the most underrated of all family holiday options, which is a shame, as they offer a unique chance to discover a side of Britain that many don’t get to see, despite living their whole lives here.

The first question you might ask is ‘where?’ In England, Scotland and Wales there are a good many canals and waterways to explore, offering some fantastic scenery and inimitable rural charm. The Cheshire Ring, Kennet and Avon Canal, Hickling and Staltham, Llangollen Canal and the Norfolk Broads are just a few of the available options, so you’re sure to find somewhere not too far from home, saving you time and money.

‘How?’ is naturally the next question, and the answer is satisfyingly simple. All of these famous waterways have boatyards set up specifically for holidaymakers who want to experience the delights of a boating holiday. A variety of craft are usually available for hire, ranging from small boats perfect for a romantic break, to large vessels capable of sleeping a large family.

Finally, you might ask what there is to see, and the answer is quite a lot. As well as the fun and relaxation to be had aboard the boat itself, many of these waterways pass through historic towns, beautiful scenery and close to other attractions. The beauty of a boating holiday is that you can of course moor-up and explore whenever you choose. Or when the kids decide they want an ice cream.

Set within a charming countryside park, the cottage has a timber lodge construction, with spacious rooms, including three twin bed rooms , sitting room, dining room and kitchen. Modern appliances include TV, DVD, Microwave, and access to a shared laundry room.

Perhaps best of all, the property features not one but two verandas, so you can relax with a hot cocoa or a fine single malt Scotch and enjoy the superb natural views of woodlands, rolling countryside and the nearby fishing loch.

The cottage’s location is made even more desirable by the fact that there’s a sandy beach just a half-mile’s walk away. Also nearby are a number of coastal wildlife reserves and some fantastic walking trails

Hornbeam is set amongst other similar timber properties, and makes an ideal countryside getaway from the rat race.  Conveniently though, there is a restaurant on site, and the village shop is just a short three mile drive away. The town of Dalbeattie is also within easy driving distance, as is the historic market town of Dumfries.

Apartment in Central Birmingham

St Patrick’s Day celebrates Ireland’s patron saint, but you don’t have to be Irish, or in Ireland for that matter, to celebrate. And while the most common image of St Patrick’s Day might be a pint of Guinness and an oversized hat, the reality has far more depth.

This year St Patrick’s Day falls on Saturday March 17th, and many of the UK’s biggest cities are holding a range of lavish St Patrick’s Day celebrations, with Irish people and others from the local communities taking part. Visitors are of course always very welcome, and encouraged to get into the spirit of the festivities, so why not book yourself a St Patrick’s Day city break?

In London, the St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival will take place on the day after St Patrick’s Day, Sunday 18th March. Last year, more than 100,000 people attended, and it promises to be another lively one. Trafalgar Square is at the heart of proceedings, with live Irish music, Irish dancing and more throughout the day.

This is preceded by a parade from Green Park to Trafalgar Square, featuring all manner of Irish floats and marching bands. Details can be found here.

Manchester has a substantial Irish population, and this year’s St Patrick’s Day will be celebrated with an extended Manchester Irish Festival, running from 2nd – 18th March. Highlights include live music, Irish dancing classes, parades, comedy and sports events at venues throughout the city. More details here.

Details of the festivities in Birmingham where there will will also be a full programme of activities from 9th March onwards, including a parade on the 11th can be found here.

Swimming Pool - Solent Breezes Holiday Park

If you’re looking for a fun summer holiday in the south of England with good weather and lots to do for the whole family, the Solent Breezes Holiday Park in Hampshire may be exactly what you’ve been searching for. The park is situated close to the coast, with the charming market town of Fareham just a few miles away, and the lively port towns of Southampton and Portsmouth a short drive or bus fare away. Solent Breezes boasts some fabulous sea views across to the Isle of Wight and contains within it everything you need to make this summer an unforgettable one.

Accommodation comes in the form of superb 12-foot wide static caravans suitable for between six and eight people. A number of different options are available, but each caravan comes with a full range of amenities, including gas, electricity, TV, shower and a kitchen with a microwave.

Facilities and fun available on the site include a heated outdoor pool, tennis courts and a clubhouse which features some fantastic family entertainment during the summer months and on weekends, and a bar complete with wonderfully relaxing sun terrace overlooking the sea.

There are walks to be had within the park and in the surrounding area, while both Southampton and Portsmouth offer great daytrips in their own right, with shopping, dining, history and attractions aplenty.

London Docklands Apartment

This year (on 2nd June to be precise) the Queen will be celebrating her Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years since she first ascended to the throne in 1952.

This is a particularly important milestone, as she will become one of only two British monarchs to ever celebrate a Diamond Jubilee (the other being Queen Victoria). What may be more important to you (depending on the strength of your Royal leanings) is that the whole country gets an extended weekend, from 2nd June to 5th June – perfect for a short holiday break in the UK.

If you’re a bit of a royalist, or simply want to witness the historic celebrations up close, then you might want to book city break in London, though do keep in mind the inevitable congestion and overcrowding that will take place.

Events taking place in the capital to mark the Jubilee include a huge Pageant along the Thames, featuring hundreds of boats of all shapes, sizes and eras, with the queen leading the flotilla in the Royal Barge.  There will also be a special concert organised by the BBC at Buckingham palace.

A month earlier (10th-13th May) Windsor Castle will host a special Jubilee Pageant, featuring some spectacular horse parades and cultural displays from around the commonwealth.

Of course, there’ll be events taking place around the country, so if you’re taking a UK holiday that weekend, be sure to check what’s on. Finally, wherever you are, keep an eye out for the lighting of the Jubilee Beacons across the country to mark the occasion.

Stunning Scenery

Everyone has their own ideas about what constitutes a good holiday. Finding the holiday that is right for you is therefore far more important than going on the holiday that your friend said was good, or the one recommended in the newspaper. Here we examine five of the most common things people look for in their holidays, and how you can find them here in the UK.

Relaxation – For many people, a holiday is a much needed opportunity to simply recharge the batteries and do very little besides lounging by the pool and soaking up the sun. If that’s you, then you might want to take a look at some of the superb holiday parks in the UK.

Discovery – For other people, holidays are all about exploring. If holidays are a voyage of discovery to you, why not book a holiday cottage in an area of the country you’ve never visited before, and set out to explore some of the UK’s many castles, museums and other nooks and crannies?

Family fun – If you’ve got young kids then it is of course all about them. Once again, holiday parks are a great choice for families, as many feature a range of activities for all ages, from swimming and tennis to archery, quadding and pony trekking.

Culture – Looking to live the high life for a few days, with art, shows, museums and fine dining? A city centre holiday apartment in London, Manchester or Edinburgh may be what you crave.

The great outdoors – If long walks, hill climbs, country air in your lungs and muck on your boots are your idea of a dream holiday, then the UK countryside has some real treats in store. From the Peak District and the Lake District to the Yorkshire Dales, New Forest and Snowdonia, there is certainly no shortage of National Parks to choose from.

College Quarter Apartment

If you’re looking for a city break with plenty of class, and its fair share of culture and history, Cambridge doesn’t disappoint. While much smaller and quieter than many cities in the UK, it is full of interest and romance, and is an ideal destination for a relaxing break or romantic getaway.

One of the most distinctive things about Cambridge is its long heritage as a world-renowned seat of learning, so one of the best ways to get under the skin of the city is to book a stay in the College Quarter.

A one bed apartment with a double bed makes ideal accommodation for holidaying couples who want easy access to the city centre and its cultural charms. With minimalistic yet warm contemporary décor, the apartment boasts a full complement of modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV with DVD player and satellite, and a hi-fi with iPod docking station.

As for the city itself, you’ll find no shortage of restaurants with a romantic ambience, whatever type of cuisine you prefer, and a wide selection of pubs and bars, ranging from the traditional to the ultra-chic. One pub definitely worth a visit is The Eagle, whose ceilings are adorned with graffiti left by US fighter pilots during WW2.

A stay in Cambridge would of course not be complete without a punt along the river. You can opt to take control of the small craft yourself, but knowledgeable guides are available. Some tours even enable you to disembark along the way to explore the charms of iconic riverside attractions, such as the majestic King’s College and its famous chapel.

Historic Quarter Townhouse

If you’re interested in the life and works of William Shakespeare, a holiday or weekend break in Stratford-upon-Avon, the place he was born and raised, is an essential pilgrimage. Even if you’re not a diehard thespian, the town is a historic gem in the heart of picturesque Warwickshire with plenty to do and see.

If you want to be close to the bard’s birthplace, or to the busy town centre, the historic quarter is the place to be, and there’s a great selection of townhouse apartments there to choose from.

Available in one, two and three bed configurations, Stratford’s historic quarter townhouses are ideal whether you’re holidaying as a couple, a family or group of friends. Guests can also benefit from discounted golf days, and offers on spa days at top UK spa Wildmoor.

All of the townhouses on offer are furnished with a modern touch, and include everything you need to enjoy your stay in comfort – washer and dryer, kitchen facilities, TV and entertainment systems, comfortable sofas and more. The town centre is just a five minute walk away. Shakespeare’s birthplace meanwhile is less than fifty metres away from the accommodation.

A play at The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is a must, and you can visit the place where Shakespeare and his wife, Anne Hathaway, are buried, in Holy Trinity Church.

Cruises along the River Avon are a popular way to spend lazy summer days in Stratford, and there are countless attractions within easy reach of the town.

Romantic view from Edinburgh apartment

Christmas and New Year might be old news now, but don’t despair, for another very special occasion is just around the corner. Yes, Valentine’s Day is just over a month away, and what better way to chase away the post-Christmas winter blues than whisking away your special someone somewhere special for the weekend?

You don’t need to spend a fortune or jump on a plane to have an unforgettable Valentine’s Day break, as the UK has some great destinations for romancing.

If you want a peaceful and relaxing break spent just watching movies with a glass of wine beside the fire away from the stresses of everyday life, how about booking a country cottage out in the wintery English countryside? Places like Yorkshire, Cornwall and Dorset are great places to go on a cottage holiday at any time of the year, and offer plenty of attractions to help you and your significant other unwind.

If wining, dining, bright city lights, shopping and theatres are more your thing then you might want to book a surprise city break to one of the UK’s major cities, such as London, Edinburgh, Manchester or Bristol.

Whatever type of Valentine’s break you fancy, you can have it without spending a fortune or travelling hundreds of miles. And ladies, remember that this year is a leap year, so if your man is dragging his feet over that proposal now’s the perfect time to take charge of the situation.

Norfolk Farmhouse - Country Cottage

If you’ve got a particularly large family, or are planning a special social gathering, Norfolk Farmhouse may be just what you’re looking for. As the name might suggest, the cottage is a renovated farmhouse.

With two storeys, the cottage can sleep up to thirteen people, making it perfect for everything from reunions to social club outings.
It also offers a great opportunity to discover the lush green countryside, patchwork fields and quaint traditions of Norfolk. Located close to the popular Broads town of Wroxham, the cottage puts the best of Norfolk right on your doorstep.

The pleasant waterways, villages and traditional pubs of the Norfolk Broads are a short drive away.  Meanwhile, the lively seaside town of Great Yarmouth is just a stone’s throw away, and the city of Norwich is conveniently placed for a day out shopping or sightseeing. Cromer is also within daytripping distance on Norfolk’s north coast; be sure to sample some of the town’s freshly caught Cromer Crab.

If you like golf, there also plenty of courses locally where you can work on your swing.

Closer to the cottage, the local pub is within walking distance and serves some tasty meals, including traditional Norfolk dishes.

The cottage itself has a traditional country charm to it, but is also modernised throughout, and includes all the appliances you’d expect, such as fridge freezer, microwave, dishwasher TV/DVD, and a hi-fi. The cottage also has access to a barbecue, making it perfect for getting the extended family together during the summer months.