Category Archives: Top Destinations

England’s Best Loved Valleys for Idyllic Holidays

If you love to explore the countryside on holiday, a stay in one of England’s idyllic valleys could be perfect for your next getaway.   Although Wales is renowned for its beautiful valleys, England has its fair share too with over 30 valleys to discover and explore.  Set between hills or mountains which often provide shelter from winds, you can enjoy exploring truly scenic locations when discovering England’s beautiful valleys.

Some of England’s best known and best loved valleys include:

The Eden Valley

Cumbria's Eden Valley

Cumbria’s Eden Valley

Cumbria’s stunning Lake District National Park is no well-kept secret but have you heard of the county’s Eden Valley?  Situated around mid-way between the Pennines and the Lake District Fells and surrounding the River Eden, the Eden Valley appeals to holidaymakers looking for stunning Cumbrian scenery away from the hustle and bustle and crowds that the Lake District draws.

With riverside walks, excellent salmon and trout fishing, as well as pretty sandstone villages and attractive market towns, plus caves and sculptures to discover, the Eden Valley is a great place to enjoy the Cumbrian countryside and as a lesser known area, you’re more likely to be able to experience tranquillity and serenity on your visit too!

Tamar Valley

River Tamar

River Tamar

A stunning area of outstanding natural beauty, Cornwall’s Tamar Valley centres around the River Tamar, as well as the River Tavy and Lynher  and this gorgeous river valley leads down to the unspoilt Cornish coast.  To the east of Tamar Valley lies Dartmoor National Park and to the west Kit Hill.

This beautiful area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and whether you enjoy walking, cycling, boating or wildlife watching, there is plenty to keep visitors entertained.  Also dotted throughout the valley are several heritage mining sites, which offer a fascinating insight in to the industrial history and heritage of this part of Cornwall.

 

Wye Valley

Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The beauty of the Wye Valley is renowned with the area firmly established as one of the UK favourites and a designated area of outstanding natural beauty to boot!  Covering parts of England, as well as Wales, the lush Wye Valley centres around the River Wye and is well known for the beautiful villages and towns that are dotted around the area.  Whether for wildlife watching, outdoor pursuits like walking or fishing, the Wye Valley should not disappoint.

If you’re looking to discover one of Britain’s valleys where you can discover quaint tea shops, gift shops and superb tourist attractions then the Wye Valley could be the perfect place for your next rural retreat or country cottage holiday.

Lesser known Valleys to Enjoy and Discover on Holiday in England

The Eden Valley, the Tamar Valley and the Wye Valley are three of England’s best known and best loved valleys.  There are also some superb less well known valleys dotted throughout England where you can discover the road less travelled.  These include:

•    the Chew Valley in Somerset

an area of undulating countryside close to the Mendip Hills which centres around the River Chew.

•    the Trough of Bowland in Lancashire.

this scenic valley lies within the greenery of the Forest of Bowland and tends to attract visitors that enjoy walking, cycling or wildlife watching in tranquil appealing surorundings.

•    the Golden Valley in Herefordshire.

an area as beautiful as its name, Herefordshire’s Golden Valley sits between the Black Mountains and the River Dore close to Hay on Wye and with naturally beautiful scenery, whether you want to enjoy outdoor pursuits or visit quaint historic villages and towns, Herefordshire’s lush golden valley could be the ideal place for a rural cottage break.

 

Which will be your Favourite English Valley?

When it comes to exploring the wonderful English countryside, we all have our own favourites.  Which valley will capture your heart?  Wherever you choose to discover on your next break, we hope you find the perfect valley where you can enjoy a secluded cottage hideaway or rural retreat break.

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Top Places for Cottage Holidays this September and October

Cottage holidays aren’t just for summer time. In fact, it can be even more important to get away outside of summer to keep your spirits up and to keep that sunny feeling. September and even October can still offer bright sunny days and can be a wonderful time to get out and explore the great outdoors. Why not book a short cottage reak and get away for a long weekend this September or October?

1. Britain’s National Parks

Burley village, New Forest National Park

Pretty Burley village in the New Forest National Park

For getting out and enjoying outdoor activities, cottage holidays in Britain’s National Parks can be perfect. Whether you choose to discover England’s, Scotland’s, Wales’ or Ireland’s parks, you will find that each offers its own unique appeal and landscape. With safe walking paths to guide you around and cycle paths available in some, as well as bridle paths, these nationally beautiful areas are wonderful for enjoying walking, cycling and horse riding, as well as a choice of other outdoor activities.

2. Britain’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Dunstable Downs in the Chilterns

Dunstable Downs in the Chiltern Hills

With so many to choose from, Britain’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are just wonderful for self-catering holidays where you can enjoy spending quality time with friends and family. Whether you head for forested areas, areas of stunning countryside, moorlands or coastline, you should find Britain’s AONBs enchanting places to spend time and like the National Parks, these are wonderful areas to enjoy a range of outdoor activities. On high up areas, activities like kite flying may be on offer and are great fun for adults and children alike. Dunstable Downs in the Chiltern Hills has to be one of the very best naturally beautiful areas for this sort of activity.

3. The Coast

Aberdeenshire Coast Cruden Bay

Aberdeenshire Coast by Cruden Bay

As an island, Britain is blessed with an expansive and stunning coastline. Why not enjoy a cottage break by the beach this September or October? Days out by the seaside aren’t just for summer. Fun activities like jumping from sand-dunes, paddling, throwing pebbles in to the sea, walking and breathing in that wonderful sea air aren’t just for summer. As a real treat why not book some horse riding along the beach, for a truly romantic notion.

Top 10 Rural Retreat Destinations

If you have in mind a country holiday for 2013 and are in need of some inspiration then we can help with our top 10 recommended destinations for rural retreat holidays.  We have featured destinations in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.  Our guide takes you through some of the best places in the UK and Ireland for a tranquil, relaxed getaway.  Don’t forget that not only can we help with providing you with information on some amazing places to visit but we also feature a fantastic collection of rural cottages and retreats, ideal for a stress free holiday.  Find out more and read our Top 10 Destinations for Rural Retreats.

Inspiration for your self-catering holiday in 2013

Dreaming of your ideal cottage holiday for 2013?  We can help.  It isn’t always easy deciding where to go and how to spend your time.  Read our area guides for information and inspiration on some of the best places in the UK for self-catering cottage holidays.  From the Cotswolds to the Highlands of Scotland, there is plenty of choice and many beautiful places to discover.  If you don’t mind where you visit, why not save with a last minute cottage deal?  Being flexible on location may mean that you are likely to get the best possible price.

We’ve also compiled a list of best picks of the most inspirational cottages and self-catering accommodation that we feature.  To find out more information, take a look at our top 10 cottages for inspirational self-catering breaks.