Cottage Line

Walking In Suffolk

2011-04-01T10:18:00.000+01:00

Suffolk is a county steeped in history, and its coastal and countryside scenery has long been a source of inspiration to artists and writers. It’s the ideal place to walk and unwind, with a diversity of landscapes and an impressive network of routes, all well waymarked and easy to follow. Whether you are a local or a tourist enjoying a Suffolk cottage, you are sure to enjoy the selection of walks below.

The Angles Way runs along the border of Norfolk and Suffolk in the beautiful Waveney Valley, while shorter circular routes off this path lead to some of the area’s lesser-known villages.

The Suffolk Coast and Heaths area – designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on 1970 – extends from the Stour estuary in the south to Kessingland in the north and is a low-lying area of astonishing variety, a mix of shingle beaches, crumbling cliffs, marshes, estuaries, heathland, forests and farmland. There are three long distance routes here: the 50-mile Suffolk Coast Path from Felixstowe to Lowestoft; the 60-mile Sandlings Walk between the eastern fringes of Ipswich and Southwold, linking the remaining fragments of beautiful Sandlings Heath; and the 42-mile Stour and Orwell Walk from Felixstowe to Cattawade and Manningtree, around two of the most beautiful estuaries in East Anglia.

Suffolk is famous for its gentle landscapes. Along the river Stour south of Lavenham is 'Constable Country', forever associated with the painter’s most poignant works. Walks between Sudbury and Flatford capture the essential 'Englishness' of the scenery – Flatford is the location for one of Constable's most famous paintings and is now a major tourist attraction, while upstream at Sudbury is the birthplace of another great English painter, Thomas Gainsborough.

To discover a totally different aspect of Suffolk, take a walk in The Brecks, once an ancient heathland. The landscape today is a result of the sandy soil and the winds that have blown across it over the centuries – twisted trees, open heaths, huge horizons and a variety of habitats are to be found in this 370 square miles, with Brandon a good base from which to step out.

Norfolk Country Cottages

2011-04-01T10:15:00.000+01:00

I think it’s safe to say that spring is well and truly here after the glorious sunshine that blessed Norfolk last week. Norwich is as cosmopolitan as it is historic and there is no better way to really get to know the city than by spending a couple of days in one of the Norwich apartments that are right in the heart of the action.

Personal weekend highlights include cheering on the Canaries at Carrow Road on a Saturday and shopping – Norwich was recently voted one of the top 10 places to shop in the UK! Followed by afternoon tea down in Tombland, and then catching an evening show at Norwich Theatre Royal.

A leisurely stroll along the Riverside on Sunday mornings does wonders for the ‘night before’ feeling while Castle Museum is always a fascinating way to spend a few hours. Perfect finished with a coffee and pastry in one of the many chic cafes along the beautiful cobbled streets. There really is a never-ending list of things to see and do in the city!

Norfolk Country Cottages has holiday apartments available for breaks in Norwich.

Or perhaps you would rather book self catering in Norfolk with a more rural twist and perhaps just pop into Norwich City occasionally...if so then just browse all our cottages in Norfolk. For more information visit www.norfolkcottages.co.uk

A Cottage in the Country regular, Diane from Cambridgeshire who has booked with us again...........

2011-02-05T10:59:00.000Z

‘You might like to know that the reason we came back to you was that it was so much more pleasant and easier to deal with you than it is with the bigger companies (i.e. Cottages4You, etc) and we always get a personal response with no inflexible rules.’

Local knowledge really does help!

2011-02-05T10:57:00.000Z

'I booked the Coach House (C414) with yourselves for a 3 night stay recently at short notice and just wanted to say THANK YOU for suggesting it as an alternative when our first choice wasn’t available. The village is beautiful and in a good location for visiting other villages, towns and for some great walks. The accommodation was of an excellent standard in a very lovely setting and the food at the local pub was very good, all in all it was just what we needed for a wonderfully relaxing weekend. Kind Regards Lisa'

A romantic break in the Lakes for less!

2011-01-30T09:31:00.000Z

Lazy days in front of cosy open fires, spectacular winter walks, indulgent local produce and unforgettable views...what better way to celebrate this Valentines Day than with a romantic cottage holiday in the Lake District. And it’s not too late to surprise your loved one! Lake District self-catering specialists Lakelovers have a number of late availability deals available for the week commencing 12^th February. Take your pick from quaint country cottages with decadent interiors, elegant farmhouses and convenient town centre accommodations. You’ll find a range of discounts at http://www.lakelovers.co.uk/breaks/breaks.shtml. Why put it off until next year?

Norfolk Country Cottages

2011-01-30T09:28:00.001Z

The sun is shining, the birds are singing and it seems as though spring is just around the corner here in Norfolk. At times like this it’s lovely to wrap up warm, load the dogs in the car and drive us all to the coast for a lovely walk… even for those of us who live here, every day feels like a holiday in Norfolk!

Traditional resorts are a favourite destination for this sort of outing – it’s lovely to look at the colourful Cromer cottages that line the little streets between town and beach. Many of the nicest properties along the Norfolk coastline are pet-friendly holiday cottages so my canine companions often get the chance to make new pals as we wander around… East Anglia really is a welcoming place for humans and hounds alike!

If you want wide-open walking spaces, then Wells next the Sea and Brancaster boast huge beaches where you can really stride out along the sands. Again, you’ll find plenty of choices here for a Norfolk cottage holiday – and the big skies for which this part of the country is so famous.

If you’re looking for somewhere to blow away the cobwebs and wave goodbye to winter, then do consider a Norfolk self-catering holiday… perhaps I’ll see you on the beach sometime soon!

Visit http://www.norfolkcottages.co.uk/ for more information.

Suffolk Secrets

2011-01-30T09:27:00.001Z

This weekend marks the end of Farmhouse Breakfast Week, and I’m going to make the most of the chance to celebrate the wealth of healthy breakfast foods found in Britain with a short break in Suffolk.

With a group of friends, I’ve booked a Suffolk cottage for a couple of nights… we can’t wait to get out in the countryside for some long walks. And the really great thing is that we’ve found no shortage of dog-friendly cottages in Suffolk, so no-one will be left out of the fun!

Westleton cottages were suggested as a good place to start our self-catering cottage search, and we found plenty to choose from. We finally settled on one which will accommodate six adults and two dogs quite comfortably – there’s even a barbecue if we feel brave enough to cook up our hearty start to the day outdoors!

From Westleton, we plan to follow the signposts for a lovely walk of around 45 minutes across heathland to historic Dunwich, where there are yet more pretty cottages – no doubt our next Suffolk holiday will be planned while we’re there! – plus a fabulous pub and beach. Alternatively, we could walk a little further across a different, more hilly heath, and get to the RSPB’s famous Minsmere reserve – there’s lots going on there at this time of year so our binoculars and cameras will be ready to capture some of the action.

All that walking is going to work up a healthy appetite, so I’m packing lots of ‘roomy’ clothes to allow for those hearty breakfasts (and evening meals!) that will keep our batteries charged. Full English anyone?

Visit http://www.suffolk-secrets.co.uk for more information

Freedom Holiday Homes

2011-01-30T09:24:00.000Z

February is here… and with it, the first signs that spring is on its way. It’s been a long – and, at times, very cold! – winter, but it’s now quite evident here in Kent and Sussex that the days are growing longer and the gardens for which our region is so famous are bursting into life once more.

This time of year always seems like a good one for recharging the batteries, but if you’re not quite ready to start eating into your holiday entitlement just yet, a short break in Kent could be a good idea. There’s certainly no shortage of luxury cottages in Kent, and the self-catering option offers a nice mix of comfort and convenience.

Whitstable cottages epitomise all that’s best about this charming part of the country… traditional, characterful and very cosy! You can potter around the quiet streets in the old part of the town, and of course a walk along the pebbly beach is a must, whatever the weather.

This part of Kent has great rail connections, with frequent trains to London from the local station. And there’s also a good bus service to Canterbury if you want the freedom to explore further afield courtesy of public transport. For many, keeping out of the car for a couple of days is what makes a short break really relaxing… and a Kent cottage holiday lets you do that in style!

Alnmouth Arts Festival

2011-01-27T11:57:00.001Z

Sat 25th – Sun 26th June 2011.Visit the beautiful village of Alnmouth for the 7th Annual Arts Festival. Over the weekend you can follow the art trail around the village and visit venues hosting art exhibitions, photographic displays, demonstrations, craft stalls. Live music and children’s fun arts and craft events. Some of the region’s best professional and local amateur artists and crafts people are coming together for this unique and very popular event. all venues are within easy walking distance of each other, intermingled with the village shops, inns, cafes and beautiful beach. June is a busy month so get in touch with Northumbria Coast and Country Cottages now to reserve your favourite accomodation. http://www.alnmouthartsfestival.com/

Interesting Facts From Northumbria

2010-12-16T13:36:00.002Z

Bamburgh
Did you know that Bamburgh Castle was the first castle in Britain to come under cannon fire

Berwick-upon-Tweed
Did you know that Berwick-upon-Tweed has changed hands between the English and Scots on 14 different occasions

Did you know that Berwick-upon-Tweed was officially at war with Russia for 110 years as the border town frequently changed hands between England and Scotland over the centuries it was usually referred to as a separate entity in all State documents. At the outbreak of the Crimean War, Britain declared war on Russia in the name of Britain, Ireland, Berwick-upon-Tweed andall British Dominions. But when the war ended two years later in 1856, the Paris Peace Treaty omitted Berwick. So Berwick was technically at war with Russia until 1966 when a Soviet official, made aware of the situation, visited the town to declare peace Link: http://www.britain.tv/

Rothbury
Did you know that Cragside at Rothbury became the first houses in the world to be lit by electric light bulbs and the first house in the world to be lit by hydro electricity

Runswick Rambler!

2010-12-16T13:33:00.000Z

Now that the Goth Festival dates for 2011 have been confirmed, we here at Ingrid Flute’s are busy trying to accommodate them all. Whitby is now the Goth centre of the world and thousands arrive here each March and October after their twice a year pilgrimage.

Many of them are professional people but they all add a tremendous atmosphere to the town with their gorgeous eye-catching costumes and amazing make-up. The Goths bring a great deal of money to the town in terms of accommodation and spending. Most book a year in advance so as not to miss out.

An added attraction for the Goths this halloween was the Bram Stoker festival when many different film versions of Dracula, another Whitby favourite, were shown to the public. Other annual events include Folk week, Regatta week and several 60’s weekends.

Recharge ready for Christmas!

2010-12-07T12:29:00.001Z

A simply lovely converted barn – spacious, contemporary and excellent quality.

On a farm with fabulous walks with Worcestershire one side and The Cotswolds the other.

Book a short break between now and 23^rd December for just £295.00 including tasty festive goodies. Bring the dog for free!

Details www.cottageinthecountry.co.uk/properties/C153A

Picture postcard cottage for Christmas…..how lovely would that be!

2010-12-07T12:28:00.000Z

Built way back in the 17^th Century this little cottage has it all – exposed beams, wood burning stove, heaps and heaps of character including ‘wobbly’ floors and ‘walls’! It is truly idyllic. Close to the Cotswolds and not too far from Oxford, Stratford, Warwick etc etc!!

Availability at Christmas has only just been updated! Book your week between 21^st and 31^st December. Full details atwww.cottageinthecountry.co.uk/properties/C515

Dartmouth by Candlelight

2010-11-03T08:05:00.000Z

If you have visited Dartmouth you will know that the town stands at the mouth of the river and faces Kingswear, surrounding an outstandingly beautiful harbour which can accommodate huge vessels. The downhill approach, past the world famous Britannia Naval College opens out to breathtaking views with boats buzzing in all directions and a long quayside running towards Bayards Cove, the scene of The Onedin Line television series.

During the summer Dartmouth is always a Britain in Bloom prizewinner and the town hosts many visitors from all parts of the world. During the Winter coloured lights are mirrored in the water and visitors stroll from five hundred year old pubs to the gourmet restaurants of famous chefs.

This year Dartmouth is staging a festive weekend from 3rd to 5th December inclusive to emphasise the beauty of the town and water. There will be an illuminated boat flotilla and late night shopping, a lantern procession, candlelit dining, entertainers and markets, culminating in the arrival of Santa from his waterborne sleigh.

Take a look at www.candlelitdartmouth.co.uk and give Dartmouth Holiday Homes a call for a discounted holiday. 01803 833082

2010-06-21T10:55:00.001+01:00

It's a Big Wednesday in Dorset

In the past, Dorset has not been regarded as a premier destination for the country's surfers. The Dorset coastline, whilst among the most beautiful in the country, suffers from steep coastal shelves and a rare southern swell. The sight of a working break at Ringstead, Kimmeridge or Bournemouth Pier is almost a bi-annual occurrence and invariably occurs on the coldest day in winter!

All this is now set to change, summer is coming and Boscombe’s new reef will be providing Dorset’s much needed consistent break. Surfboard, bodyboard & paddleboard hire and lessons are all available from Sorted Surf Shop which is directly in front of the reef.

So to all surfing Londoner’s, this year consider avoiding the 6 hour drive to an over-crowded Newquay and head to Dorset. Check the swell forecast, keep your eyes peeled for a northerly, then strap the board to your roof, head on down and experience Europe ’s only artificial reef.

2010-05-08T12:48:00.001+01:00

Salcombe Celebrates

As if sun, sand, sea and sailing aren’t enough, Salcombe is gearing up for a Music Festival on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11^th,12^th and 13^th June. The music is many and varied with more than ten acts from all over the West Country appearing on the central stage, singers and buskers around town and the Island Street (home of Salcombe Holiday Homes) ‘fringe’; featuring jazz and the exceptional Swamp Ash, who starred at last years festival. Stilt walkers, jugglers, Punch and Judy; face painting, floral dancing, arts and crafts add to the colour and attraction, bringing fun and smiles to children of all ages.

The water will feature a fleet of retired lifeboats, beautiful, classic boats and a race for classic dinghies with steam boats majestically chugging up and down the estuary.

We cannot guarantee the sunshine but Salcombe has its own micro climate that ensures more than our fair share of warm and sunny weather. The sun is bound to be out for the Sailing Regatta on the week of 31^st July and the Town Regatta during the following week. More about these later.

What's Hot in February?

2010-02-02T11:01:00.001Z

An enchanting island walk

Enjoy this walk around the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and feel the atmosphere of serenity unfold as you discover its legendary history. The island, which can only be reached across a causeway at low tide, is the perfect place to get away from it all and rediscover your sense of romance - at the end of your walk, visit the Lindisfarne Oyster Farm which lies on the site of the oyster beds established by the monks of Lindisfarne Priory, or sample a glass of Lindisfarne Mead.

Illuminating Hadrian's Wall

2009-12-30T12:09:00.002Z

Illuminating Hadrian's Wall will be a spectacular line of light from coast to coast, along the length of Hadrian's Wall, in 2010.

This once in a lifetime event will take place on Saturday 13th March 2010 and will follow the route of the 84 mile long Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail. There will be around 500 individual points of light, placed at 250 metre intervals. The first one will be illuminated at Wallsend in the North East, with the line of light then making its way along the Wall to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria over the following hour.

The Romans built fortlets, known as milecastles, along the Wall at intervals of one Roman mile. Between each milecastle, and spaced one third of a Roman mile apart, were a series of turrets. The plan is to create a point of light where all the milefortlets and turrets were located, with an additional point of light between each of them.

A camera crew will film the line of light as it makes its way from coast to coast from a helicopter and the pictures will be beamed to giant screens as part of two major events in the north east and at Carlisle to celebrate the illumination of Hadrian's Wall. There will also be a number of stewarded points along the Wall where people will be able to view the line of light.

More information about Illuminating Hadrian's Wall and the events in north east and Carlisle will be available on the website very soon. You can also keep up to date with Illuminating Hadrian's Wall on Facebook or follow @EmperorHadrian on Twitter.

Illuminating Hadrian's Wall is an ambitious project led by Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd which forms part of the world-class programme of festivals and events developed by culture10 in the North East of England and the Lakes Alive programme in Cumbria presented by Kendal Arts International and Manchester International Arts. Illuminating Hadrian's Wall is also a flagship event of British Tourism Week 2010.

Remarkable Dorset Coinicidences

2009-12-16T11:22:00.003Z

Our sons five and seven year old daughters were with us in Dorset over the October half term. We walked the Jurassic Coast as always but this time added a visit to the Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester. During a quiet time at home, the five year old drew entirely unaided and without prompting a beautiful double spiral divided into segments, exactly like an ammonite, but with one important difference; she added the head of a snake. I had recently read Tracy Chevaliers new novel Remarkable Creatures which, factually based, tells the story of the famous 19th Century fossil finder and seller Mary Anning from Lyme Regis. The book reveals the lack of understanding of fossils in the 19th Century: when Lyme Regis locals were asked what ammonites were they always replied "coiled snakes"!

The older grand-daughter returned to Glasgow with a piece of an ammonite found on the beach. She took it to school for "Show and Tell" describing how it was found and what it was. This happened to be the day that a previously unknown fossil creature found near Lyme Regis was announced in the press. The teacher had already decided to discuss fossil finds based on the giant 140 million year old plesiosaur and it followed neatly on from the tiny piece of ammonite.

Christmas & New Year Breaks in North Wales

2009-11-24T10:16:00.003Z

Book a Christmas or New Year break in North Wales with Menai Holiday Cottages before Monday 21st December and receive a 10% discount! Click here for further details. http://www.menaiholidays.co.uk/accommodation/christmasall

Northumberland Festivals

2009-11-11T14:09:00.004Z

Northumberland plays host to many events throughout the year, so you will never be short of something to do.

If you want a true experience of Northumberland, look no further than the wide selection of festivals and shows. From traditional village shows in the shadows of the Cheviot Hills to the increasingly popular Northumberland County Show, all have a distinct programme of events and friendly atmosphere.

As you would expect from Northumberland, many of our events take place in, and take advantage of, our wonderful landscapes. Throughout the year you can take part in guided walks to discover the beauty and history of remote areas of countryside, or you can join expert guides to spot our rarest wildlife.

If you’re planning to visit Northumberland during the school holidays or on bank holidays you won’t be disappointed. Many of the English Heritage and National Trust managed properties host everything from themed fairs to historical re-enactments.

New blog

2009-10-27T12:24:00.001Z

A WICKED WEEK OF FUN AT
THE ALNWICK GARDEN

Come along to The Alnwick Garden to celebrate the October holidays and Halloween with lots of fun events and activities for the whole family.

Tuesday 27th and Thursday 29th October
Magic spells and potions workshop
Take part in a workshop to stir up magical spells and potions using dragon poo and stinky snake slime. Sign up on arrival.

Wednesday 28th October
Ghosts and Ghouls workshop
Make your own gruesome ghost or ghoul puppet pal. Sign up on arrival.

Thursday 29th October
Wand Emporium workshop
Come along to Galli Wandsmith's Wand Emporium to make your own wizardly wand. Sign up on arrival.

Thursday 29th, Friday 30th and Saturday 31st October
Pumpkin Carving
Bring your pumpkin, or buy one from our store, and learn to carve gruesome faces to create your own spooky lantern.

Friday 30th October, 1-4pm
Spooky Tales with Taffy Thomas
With spine-tingling stories especially for Halloween, storyteller Taffy Thomas will spend the afternoon in The Garden.

Saturday 31st October
Trick or Treat
Bring your family to trick or treat together in The Garden. Knock on our doors if you dare, to find a trick or treat behind them.

The Treehouse Carved Pumpkin Competition
Enter your pumpkin in The Treehouse carving competition. Bring it along to The Treehouse from 29th October to be displayed, before the competition is judged at midnight on Saturday 31st October. To download an entry form click here to be directed to our website, or pick one up from our information desk.

Activities are drop-in 11am-4pm, free after paying admission to The Garden and with no booking required, unless otherwise stated.

Northumbria Coast & Country Cottages Ltd.

Trip Advisor True or False?

2009-10-23T06:45:00.001+01:00

With its 25 million user-generated reviews, TripAdvisor has become a traveller's necessity. But criticism is mounting over the reliability of its reviews and the damage it could be doing to the industry.

http://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2009/08/24/329312/tripadvisor-true-or-false-you-decide.html

Norwich Beer Festival

2009-10-23T06:42:00.002+01:00

Norwich Beer Festival Oct 26-31: 200+ cask-conditioned ales AND a Cider & Perry event with varieties from East Anglia & the West Country. www.norwichcamra.org.uk marketing norwich

blog

2009-10-14T16:56:00.002+01:00

Northumbria Coast & Country Cottages’s 2010 is now available and popular weeks are going fast. Visit our website to view up to date availability, new additions and special offers. www.northumbria-cottages.co.uk

Nikki Brierley
Director
Northumbria Coast & Country Cottages Ltd.