Holiday In

Holiday In Portugal

It is no surprise that Portugal has become one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. With its enviable climate, azure seas, delicious food and friendly locals it really has everything you need for a relaxing and stimulating holiday. Whether you have a long weekend or several weeks to spend, you will never be short of things to do. Situated on the south western extreme of the European mainland on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal enjoys a long Atlantic coastline and Mediterranean climate, making it an ideal choice for beach breaks. Despite its relatively small size, Portugal is a country of great diversity offering visitors a huge range of activities and landscapes to explore.

The Capital City

Most people arriving in Portugal by air will fly into Lisbon, the country’s cosmopolitan capital. Lisbon is a vibrant city which effortlessly combines modern conveniences with traditional charm. Built on the Tejo River, you will see white-walled buildings with distinctive terracotta roofs juxtaposed with the looming, modern skyscrapers. It is this combination that helps make Lisbon one of the most strikingly beautiful cities in Europe.

Lisbon enjoys an efficient and modern public transport system and, combined with the relatively compact nature of the city, this makes it really easy for visitors to get around. There is a fast and well-maintained metro system which covers almost anywhere in the city you will want to go as well as a reliable network of trams, buses and trains.

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Holiday In Ireland

Known as the ‘Emerald Isle’, Ireland is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, friendly locals, and wealth of attractions to explore. Partiers looking for the craic head straight for the bright lights of Dublin, whilst those looking for something a little more sedate head for the smaller towns and villages that dot the lush green island.

Ireland spans just 84,000 kilometres, with a coastline that spans just under 3,200 kilometres and is renowned for its unspoilt countryside and picturesque landscape. The rolling hills and crashing waves make the country a popular destintion for adventure sports enthusiasts, whilst the legendary Irish hospitality and, of course – the Guinness, ensure that sociable types return here time and time again. It is not for nothing that virtually every city in the world boasts an ‘Irish Pub’ – the friendly atmosphere, good, traditional food and warm welcome of the real thing is a key part of what makes any trip to Ireland so special.

Dublin

Whilst a warm welcome can always be found in the country’s small, rustic towns and villages, many travellers head here to enjoy the bright lights of the capital, Dublin. An increasingly popular destination for hen and stag weekends, Dublin comes alive with a young, lively crowd at night, and offers plenty by way of daytime attractions as well.

Guinness lovers shouldn’t miss the chance to take a tour of the factory where the famous drink is made! Those of a more cultural nature will not find themselves short of options – the National Museum of Ireland can be visited in Dublin, and there is a wealth of museums in the city – celebrating everything from literature and arts to the history of transport.
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Holiday in Cottages

One of the many new trends emerging as a result of the global economic downturn has been a shift away from luxury holidays in boutique hotels and a resurgence in family-friendly self-catering holidays. Rather than cutting out vacations altogether, many of us are rediscovering the pleasure of shifting the focus away from spending lots of money and towards spending time together as a family. Aside from the obvious cost-saving benefits of holidays in self-catering cottages, you will find that that intimacy and closeness that comes from spending a few days or weeks cooking, eating and exploring together, creates a really special atmosphere that you will find difficult to beat. Cottage holidays are an option both in the UK and abroad and you will find that by switching from a large hotel chain to a privately owned cottage you will be treated to a much more personalised service.

One of the most obvious benefits of a holiday in a self-catering cottage is the greater flexibility involved. Rather than presenting yourself for breakfast at the designated time, you are free to pack up some snacks and climb a hill for a picnic breakfast at sunrise or head out on a nature trail and enjoy a meal al fresco. Preparing your own meals is also a great way to get the children involved and learning about where the food they take for granted really comes from.
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Holiday in the Cotswolds

Situated in the southwest of the England, the beauty of the Cotswolds has long been known and has helped to make the area one of the most desirable holiday locations in the country. As the current economic crisis continues to erode the value of the pound abroad, more and more Brits are looking for great holiday alternatives at home. One of the main benefits of holidaying in the gorgeous Cotswolds is that the area is easily accessible without having to go through the trauma of international air travel.

Renowned for its lush, rolling hillsides, green meadows and small, relaxed villages, the area conjures up an image of a land where time stands still. This feature of the Cotswolds is indeed one of the main advantages of taking a break here as you immediately feel far removed from the worries of modern life. But for those that enjoy the conveniences of the city every once in a while, the Cotswolds also has something for you.

Why not visit the beautiful and historic city of Bath? Named for the therapeutic hot springs found there in the eighteenth century, the city is a great place to spend a weekend with everything from culture and history to shopping and restaurants. There has been a resurgence in the popularity of complementary therapies in recent years any many opportunities have arisen to sample the historic spa facilities. Bath and Cheltenham are particularly good places to explore the healing power of these springs and several modern hotels now offer fantastic spa packages. Whether you choose to focus your time in the urban or rural areas of the region, there really is something for everyone in the Cotswolds.
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Holiday in Devon

Devon is a huge county with two coastlines, a National Park, charming towns, tucked away villages and unspoilt rolling countryside. There is always something to see and do and the visitor will always be surprised at the variety of what is on offer. Around every corner is something different.

Devon North Coast

The North coast is famous for its wide sandy beaches – this is surfing country. Competitions are held here and, in summer, there is a wonderful atmosphere in the air as surfers come here from all parts of the UK and beyond. Behind the beaches are farms, small villages and interesting small towns. If you want fresh air, golden sand and a wide expanse of scenery, this is the place to stay. Ancient pubs can be found in almost every village, many offering accommodation as well as food and drink. There are two major towns in the North – Barnstaple with its delightful pannier market and Bideford, a port town on the River Torridge.

Devon South Coast

By way of contrast, the South coast of Devon is warmer with tourist beaches as well as tucked away coves. Many beaches in this area offer safe swimming which is ideal for families. On this coast are the well known seaside resorts of Torquay, Dawlish and Teignmouth. The River Exe with its estuary at Exmouth is an internationally famous birdwatching site and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds provides cruises up the river most of the year. On the West bank of the river lies Powderham Castle, home to the Earl of Devon, with its fine deer park. The castle and grounds are open to the public and a visit makes a perfect day out.

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