Newquay and Truro Cottages with £50 OFF

Date: 2012.10.21 | Category: Cornwall, Cottages, Latest News, Self catering, South West England, Special offers - time limited | Response: 0

If you are heading to Cornwall in 2013 then take advantage of an excellent £50 Off discount voucher through Find Cottage Holidays.

It’s not often we can give you a head start on a discount, so we are happy to recommend this great offer from the Find Cottage Holiday and Mardens Holiday Cottages teams.  You can find full deatils of the selected Cornwall cottages the offer is for and more details about the Cornwall Cottages with £50 Off.

Holidays in Loire Valley France on a budget

Date: 2012.01.06 | Category: Easter, France, Holiday Parks, holidays, Latest News, May half term, Places to go, Self catering, Whitsun Break | Response: 0

While it seems hard to believe, the Loire is actually home to more than 1,000 glorious chateaux. So while you will no doubt wish to visit some of the most famous such as Chambord, the explorers among you will doubtless stumble across many more on your travels. That is if you can drag yourself away from the many wonderful views and walks alongside the Loire River that runs through this magnificent area.
Le Chateau des Marais in Chambord with its picture postcard setting and expansive pool complex makes a delightful place to simply relax, or an ideal base for discovering the wonders of the Loire. Enjoying a peaceful location in the grounds of a lovely old manor house, the park has been developed by the friendly owners to a very high standard. The Loire River is just a short distance away with opportunities for canoeing and fishing. The chateaux of Chambord and Blois are close at hand.

Offering a wealth of wide open spaces and a lush, green setting, L’Etang de la Breche near Saumur, offers great facilities and the perfect place in which to simply enjoy the great outdoors. The first thing that will strike you when you enter this park is the openness of the grounds. The location is ideal for exploring the many outstanding chateaux of the region including Saumur, Chinon and Azay le Rideau.

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Low priced holidays in the Vendee France

Date: 2012.01.06 | Category: Easter, France, Holiday Parks, holidays, Latest News, May half term, Places to go, Self catering, Whitsun Break | Response: 0

France’s Atlantic coast has everything that beach and water sports lovers could ever want. The Atlantic breakers crash onto mile after mile of golden beaches, which combined with the wonderful climate, make Vendee an ideal destination for lovers of the great outdoors. It isn’t all about the beaches though; the region also features a host of lively resorts, excellent shopping centres, attractions such as the Futuroscope theme park and a world famous cuisine.

Young families will love Les Ecureuils in St Hilaire de Riez, the park could not be better positioned, with a wide beach just across the road where golden sands stretch for miles. There is a superb outdoor pool with waterslides, indoor pool and a whole pool play area especially designed for the younger members of the family.

For those who prefer a location away from the hustle and bustle of a seaside town, then La Garangoire in St Julien des Landes is the place for you. The park is set amongst woodland and has a lake for fishing and canoeing, there are even marked walks in the forest. The pool area caters for young and old and even those who wish to stay dry with a generous seating area. There is entertainment provided daily for children and most nights for the whole family and caters for all tastes including traditional dance, quizzes and crepe evenings.

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Fantastic budget family holidays in Brittany France

Date: 2012.01.06 | Category: Brittany, France, Holiday Parks, holidays, Latest News, Northern France, Places to go | Response: 0

Brittany is the most charmingly unspoilt corner of France. This is perhaps why it’s one of the most popular destinations for family holidays. It is a land of long, sandy, beaches, rock pools, hidden coves and all the other things that children love so much. At the same time it offers a wealth of pretty villages, historic towns and rolling countryside, making it perfect for just about anyone.

Staying in Brittany couldn’t be easier with plenty of holiday parks to choose from to cater for all tastes from small, quiet sites through to full on family entertainment.

For those seeking a quite place to stay with a young family, have a look at La Baie, La Trinite sur Mer with a children’s pool and 2 safe sandy beaches just a short stroll away, it has to be worth a look.

Families with children who are active and just want to have fun why not try La Grand Metairie, Carnac. The park has a fantastic pool complex with a lazy river, water slides and indoor pool as well as organised children’s activities.

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Special offer on Blackwater Holiday Home, East Coast, Wexford, Ireland

Date: 2011.10.20 | Category: Cottages, holidays, Latest News, Self catering, Special offers - time limited | Response: 0

Blackwater Holiday Home on the East Coast of Ireland has a great £22 discount per week off the full occupancy price for the remainder of October 2011. In the popular region of Wexford, Blackwater is a self catering semi-detached House for 6/7 people, 3 bedrooms, and is a modern spacious home in a quiet village location. Blackwater is pet friendly.

This is one of three holiday homes set in a quiet courtyard in the historic village of Oulart home to a couple of shops just five miles from Blackwater village. Ideally located within an hour and a half of Dublin and Rosslare Port and 12 miles from Gorey Wexford and Enniscorthy. Inside is tastefully furnished and decorated with security alarm, power showers and a fully equipped kitchen. A great base accessible for all the tourist attractions and close to many sandy beaches and golf courses.

Shop 80 yards. Pub 100 yards. Restaurant. Beach 5 miles.

Find out more about this offer at Blackwater holiday home, Ireland>

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Isle of Wight Festival – the festival Island

Date: 2011.10.14 | Category: Bestival, Features, Ferries, Festivals, holidays, Isle of Wight Festival | Response: 0

Often considered a quiet, family holiday location in the southern part of England, the Isle of Wight was put firmly on the map in the late 60’s with a series of music festivals that attracted some of the biggest names of the time including Bob Dylan.

Running between 1968 and 1970 the Isle of Wight Festival attracted huge attendances, some of the biggest the UK had ever seen, with the 1970 Festival in particular estimated to have attracted 600,000 festival goers. Such was its success that the Government passed legislation to prevent future gatherings of over 5,000 on the Island without a permit/license!

The Isle of Wight Festival disappeared from the calendar for decades but in 2002 it made a welcome return from a base at Seaclose Park recreation ground on the outskirts of Newport. The Charlatans and Robert Plant headlined the revived 2002 Festival and its success has seen the Festival take place every year since. In the last decade the Isle of Wight Festival has been graced by the biggest names in rock and pop including Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Kaiser Chiefs, Jay Z, Paul McCartney, Stereophonics, Coldplay and so many more.

In 2012, the Isle of Wight is filling the traditional Glastonbury weekend (which is taking a year off) of 22, 23 and 24th of June and although it is too early for acts to be confirmed it is sure to be a great array of stars in Olympic year. Even better news is that the organisers have confirmed that layout changes at Seaclose Park, Newport include more space for campers and improved views, better sound and more space in the main arena plus even more toilets.

The Isle of Wight Festival is not the only one on the island, with one of the better known others being Bestival that has been running annually since 2004. The 2001 Bestival attracted acts including Pendulum, The Cure, Bjork and Primal Scream. And, of course for jazz fans, there is also the annual Isle of Wight International Jazz Festival.

So if you are a music lover or just want to feel the Festival vibe this summer head for the Isle of Wight. Getting there is easy as Red Funnel Isle of Wight Ferries run regular crossings between Southampton and Cowes for passengers on foot, bike or car.

Review of La Bien Assise holiday and caravan park Guines France

Date: 2011.10.03 | Category: Apartments, Calais, France, Holiday Parks, holidays, Northern France | Response: 0

La Bien Assise in Guines is just outside Calais and is the perfect holiday park for a stop over near your ferry or Channel Tunnel crossing. However to consider La Bien Assise just a stopover holiday park is unfair as it is good quality Castels park offering huge pitches, quality accommodation and great facilities including a covered pool with slides.

For a real, 2011 holiday park review of La Bien Assise head to Find Holiday Parks who visited the park this summer for a couple of days and checked out all the facilities and more.

We have a superb selection of other holiday parks in Northern France and Picardy and also some villas and apartments in Nord Pas de Calais.

Top family attractions in Norfolk, things to do and see in Norfolk, England

Date: 2011.09.29 | Category: Latest News, Norfolk, Norfolk Broads, Places to go | Response: 0

Whatever the weather this autumn, there is so much to see and do in Norfolk, England, that it is the perfect choice for a great family day out, short break or holiday.

To give you some ideas of what to do this half term or on your short break, check out these ideas:

• Bressingham Steam and Gardens.  For 50 years Bressingham has been delighting visitors with its mix of glorious gardens and stream trains.  And you will find the Dad’s Army National Collection. Find out more at www.bressingham.co.uk
• Dinosaur Adventure. An award winning family attraction which gives you a chance to experience Jurassic Park!  Dinsaur Adventure, Arachnophobia giant spiders web, Dinosaur Trail, Jurassic fossils, adventure play, reptile encounters and lots more. Find out more at www.dinosauradventure.co.uk
• Banham Zoo. A great zoo voted Best Large Atttraction in 2010.  Includes SkyTrek an aerial trekking course and zipwire, daily feeding talks and displays, and an amzing Birds of prey display. Giraffe, house, safari roadtrain, play areas and interactive activities make this superb family fun.  Find out more at www.banhamzoo.co.uk
• Norfolk Broads tours. There is no better way to explore the Norfolk Broads than by boat.  And, if you don’t want to hire a boat yourself why not take a river trip that includes live commentary, refreshments and toilets!  Find out more at www.broadtours.co.uk
• Hovetone Hall Gardens. Beautiful gardens and woodland with superb collections od rhododendrons and azaleas.  There are stunning formal gardens and peaceful walks alongside the lake.  There is plenty of things for children too with activity trails.   Find out more at www.hovetonhallgardens.co.uk

If you are looking for a short break in Norfolk or a longer holiday you will find some great accomodation options including cottages and apartments in Norfolk, B&B’s and guest houses. Often a slightly cheaper alternative are holiday lodges and cabins that provide quality accommodation at affordable prices, see holiday lodges in Norfolk.

Isle of Wight – culture, yachting and lots more

Date: 2011.09.15 | Category: Been there | Response: 0

The Isle of Wight, on the English south coast, is a great family holiday destination offering a safe, clean and friendly environment, with sandy beaches and seaside towns.

A small island in the English Channel – it measures just 23 miles across – the Isle of Wight first came to prominence in the Victorian era when it was popular with leading names of the times such as Dickens, Tennyson and even Royalty.

Prince Albert, along with his designer Thomas Cubitt, built Osborne House at East Cowes in the late 1840’s. Although it has many formal rooms for the visiting dignitaries, Albert was keen to develop it as comfortable family home and so much of the “non official” house feels more like holiday apartments. The Royal family stayed at Osborne House regularly and after Albert’s death, Queen Victoria made it her permanent residence.

Since her death in 1901 the house has remained unchanged, as she wished, but Osborne House is now open to the public and is well worth a family visit. You can explore the grounds including the Royal children’s Swiss Tree House, gardens and the house and get a real feel for Victorian family and royal life.

As an island, it is not surprising that the Isle of Wight has a close affinity with the sea and over the years it has become the focal for much of the UK’s yachting and sailing fraternity with the World famous Cowes Week being staged first week of August each year.

Cowes Week is an exciting time to visit the island as you can watch the racing and enjoy the great party atmosphere that descends upon the town. There are lots of entertainments events organised during the week including a big firework display on the Friday.

It is worth noting that around Cowes Week accommodation gets very booked up so it is worth considering staying in Southampton and travelling across on the ferries – there are also late night ferries home. You will find a number of good Hotels in Southampton.

Although Cowes Week takes place during the first week of August you will find it remains a lively area for yachting and sailing throughout the summer holidays and definitely worth a visit.

Travelling with Children – How to get the most for your money

Date: 2011.07.29 | Category: Features, holidays, Your Travel Essentials | Response: 0

Travelling with the whole family can become very expensive very quickly if you aren’t careful about what you are spending your holiday budget on. A little planning and preparation before you go can end up saving you a lot of money, something we are all keen to do in the current economic climate. Saving money on your family holidays doesn’t mean having to go without anything; a little research can mean you can still have a fantastic holiday all without breaking the bank. Here are some top tips on how to get the most for your money when travelling as a family:

Plan, Plan, Plan

The most effective way to save money when planning a family holiday is to do your research. There are plenty of great deals to be had if you take a little time to find them. Price comparison sites such as travelsupermarket are set up just for this service. Don’t make your decision at the first travel agents you visit, shop around, many have great ‘child go free’ offers that can really help to reduce the price. When you are discussing your holiday with the travel agent make sure you ask if what they are offering is the lowest possible price, there are plenty of added extras that can be removed to make the overall price cheaper, not having the meal on short flights and taking your own packed lunch for example can save up to £15 per person!

Take out Travel Insurance

Now I know what you’re thinking, if money is tight why do I want to pay out for travel insurance? Well if you don’t and something was to go wrong whilst you were away you could end up with a far greater bill than the cost of taking out travel insurance. There are some great family travel insurance policies out there that that can be cheaper than buying insurance for each member of the family individually as many offer free child cover. For great travel insurance deals from moneysupermarket.com.

Plan your meals

Work out what is best for you food wise before you start looking for your holiday, if you are the type who likes to explore and try new restaurants all inclusive is probably not the best option for you. If you don’t mind staying in the resort complex then all inclusive deals can end up saving you a lot of money as you don’t have to worry about paying for the children to have ice creams and drinks during the day, the costs of which can soon mount up. When you are travelling to and from your destination is another time when costs on food can be a lot more than you initially expected. Take a packed lunch with you, meals and snacks at airports and service stations are significantly more expensive than anywhere else and children can become over excited and irritable if they eat too many sweets whilst travelling. Instead take their favourite packed lunch and a few treats to have throughout the course of the day.

Pack their own hand luggage

Allowing your children to pack their own hand luggage will give them a sense of responsibility for the journey and ensure that they have things to keep them occupied for the entire duration of their travels. If you ensure their backpack is filled with pens, paper, colouring in equipment and one of their favourite toys this should keep them entertained without having to pay for expensive toys and games that are available to buy at airports. The sense of being in charge of their own things will make children more interested in their own special hand luggage they have with them than being distracted by the new toys in duty free.