If you are going to rent your property out when you and your family can’t be there then it’s important to research the most popular places and the places that will bring you the best income. If you have a small budget then it will make it hard to purchase a property on the beachfront of a central tourist attraction so your budget is a big thing to take into account.

Grasmere, The Lake District, UK by Richard Barrett-Small

When you’re thinking about investing in a holiday home there are a number of things that you should take into account such as, where do people you know like to go on holiday?, would you prefer to be near a beach or a city?, will your property be close to pubs and entertainment?, will the property be preferred by young or older people? And will the property be easily accessible? There are many popular areas throughout Britain that become home to holiday makers every year; some of the most popular include, the Lake District, York, Kent, Isle of Wight, Yorkshire Dales and Moors, Snowdonia, Anglesey, the Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh. Of course there are many more popular destinations but, for a getaway, these are usually the first places that people will think of.

Because these areas are popular, the property can also be pretty expensive which can be a huge let down to buyers with a low budget. If you wish to buy a home in one of these areas but the budget won’t stretch then a nearby town or village is usually your best bet as although these are popular with the tourists that visit the main areas, the house prices are nowhere near as high. Although your property may not be in the centre of the tourist world you don’t want it to be too far away as this will be a put off for potential rentals. You should make sure your property is easy to get to via public or personal transport and it shouldn’t be more than a 15 minute drive from popular tourist spots – after all, how many people want to spend their holiday driving?

David Sprice shares his interest on Internet Cottages and what they have to offer as a holiday escape.

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Some can be pretty obvious, but there are also those gems that not many people think or know about and are just waiting for you to discover. The likes of Spain and France can offer busy, vibrant locations, but others such as Corsica and the Greek Islands can allow for a slightly more laid back approach to holidaying. Just remember to look for great currency exchange rates when you buy currency, as it will make the trip much more enjoyable knowing that you’ve got the best rates of foreign exchange.

On the Island of Crete, Greece by Wolfgang Staudt

Spain

Mainland Spain is possibly the most popular tourist destination in Europe and the main reason is very likely because the country offers so much versatility in terms what you can do as a family, a couple or as a group of friends.

Thanks to the country being so vast, there are numerous options of where to go, whether it be out in the countryside or a city break in Madrid or Barcelona and there’s always the endless amount of beach resorts. As if that wasn’t enough, Spain’s Balearic Islands consisting of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, as well as the Canary Islands, offer so much more and can offer great coastline environments, but that little bit quieter than the mainland.

The coast of Mallorca, Spain by Andrés Nieto Porras

The UK

Although it may not be known for its stunning summers, the UK still offers some superb locations to visit. The British Isles has a wonderful array of destinations on its coastlines that include Cornwall, Devon and North Yorkshire towns such as Whitby and Scarborough.

The Scilly Isles and the Isle of Wight also make a visit worthwhile, whilst the likes of Wales and Scotland can offer a completely different feel to mainland England. Other notable locations include the Lake District, The Cotswolds and Norfolk.

Scilly Isles, UK by Tom Corser www.tomcorser.com

Corsica

Some may think that it is impossible to both avoid mass tourism and have a wonderfully beautiful location to holiday in Europe, but the tranquil island of Corsica can offer just that.

All 600 square miles of the island are unspoilt and delightful to behold and doesn’t suffer from being overcrowded like other Mediterranean islands. As well as beautiful coastlines, Corsica is also adorned with massive mountain ranges that can often take your breath away, as well as numerous lush forests and glacial mountain lakes.

Beach in Corsica, France by Luciano

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For 2012, 14 best beach awards have landed on the shores of the island. Isle of Wight beaches to be recognised for the coveted Blue Flag (which represents water quality as well as the overall cleanliness and good maintenance of the beach) include Shanklin, Sandown and Ventnor. The three championship beaches also secured Quality Coast awards, which are offered by the venerable Keep Britain Tidy scheme as a recognition of litter-free sand and pebbles.

Ventnor Beach, England, UK by Andreas Trepte

Colwell; Springvale; Cowes and East Cowes; Gurnard; Yaverland; and Totland join the multi-award winning three as other proud recipients of the Quality Coast award.

The award winning beaches cover most of the island’s coast and most of the places frequently visited by tourists. Local authorities and businesses inspect the beaches on a daily basis to make sure they are clean and safe, and have implemented a set of guidelines for safe use of the Isle of Wight’s beaches, intended to help beach users get the most from the environment without spoiling it for themselves or for others.

For crab hunting, rock pool hunting or just sitting down on the sand and quietly contemplating the sea, Bembridge’s beaches are just the ticket. The town boasts a number of quiet bays, filled with either sand, pebble or shell. While they are close to busy waters (they overlook the Solent), the beaches themselves are quiet and endearing. They are popular with families who like to scramble around the tidal reach, collecting shells and gazing into the mysteries of the ocean creatures who live there!

For a quiet family stay, the west coast of the island is where it’s at. Here smaller beaches mean fewer people, and many of the sandy coves are tucked away so discreetly that they can get overlooked altogether. Queen of the quiet beaches, Colwell bay is a small sandy bay, and offers pleasant lunches in one or two cafes. The clear water attracts families who come to investigate the life below the waves.

Compton bay, Isle of Wight, England, UK by JimChampion

For more action and adventure, surfers of all stripes tend to head over to Compton bay. A beach break working at all stages of the tide, Compton benefits from brisk winds, which power the sailed craft with ease. Also, Compton is a great place to go fossil hunting – at low tide you can see fossilised dinosaur footprints in the rocks at the edges of the bay.

Freshwater is another excellent family beach, which enjoys shelter from a small headland. Freshwater is well served with cafes and also enjoys proximity to the local golf course.

Author Bio:

The author along with the family live on the Isle of Wight since 2004 and owns Wight Locations, a self-catering holiday cottage company with holiday properties across the Island. With a keen love for the Island, the author writes about the experiences and about the best things to do when visiting.

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Palace Pier

Built in its original form in 1823, the Palace Pier has had a stormy past, having been knocked down or had major destruction affecting the structure of the pier around 10 different times! It has therefore been re-built on a number of occasions, most notably in 1899 when it re-opened at a grand cost at the time of £27,000. It has since been re-branded as a fairground-type attraction with a number of rides at the end of the pier, arcade games and traditional fairground games like tin can alley and hook a duck. There are also lots of amazingly traditional British delicacies to try like fish and chps, candy rock, cockles and Mr whippy Ice Cream, not to mention candy floss, doughnuts and crepes! Click here for opening times and more information on the Palace Pier.

Brighton Pier, England, UK by Paul

Brighton Wheel

This relatively new Brighton attraction was opened in October 2011 and was previously built as an attraction on the site of the 2012 World Cup in South Africa, it was then shipped over to the UK. Once inside one of the 36 pods you can see a number of Brightonian landmarks such as the Brighton Pavilion and on a clear day even the Isle of Wight. It actually moves at a relatively faster pace than the London eye, although it does offer you at least three wheel rotations per ride. Tickets are not too expensive either starting at £8 for an adult there, but you can find a 10% discount online.

Brighton Wheel, England, UK by Jim Linwood

Royal Pavilion

This fantastic attraction completely unique to Brighton was the ‘holiday home’ of George IV, also known as the Prince Regent and he started building it in 1786. It is now a great place for people of all ages to discover some royal treasures and beautiful paintings and interior designs of the grand rooms. A special mention must go to the music room, which has stunningly exquisite chandeliers and wall paper patterns and designs, certainly not to be missed!

Royal Pavilion, Brighton, England, UK by Stuart Boreham

Meeting Place Café

As a Brightonian myself, one of the best things to do on a lazy weekend is to stroll along the beach and work up an appetite so you can treat yourself to a delicious spread at this particular favourite café of mine. They have a selection of enticing homemade cakes and they even do a traditional cream tea. A tradition of mine is to have a plate of cheesy chips and sit on the quaint plastic chairs tucked behind the bright yellow windbreaker and people watch as the sun beats down. But make sure you don’t let the seagulls and pigeons snatch your treats! It’s all part of the fun at this great British institution.

Meeting Place Cafe, Brighton, England, UK by Jeremy Tarling

The Lanes

A mecca for vintage clothes shoppers, the North and South Lanes offer a multitude of choice and variety at a whole range of different prices. From well-known vintage stores like Beyond Retro to little thrift stores that sell anything from binoculars to melamine home ware, at all manner of prices. I love going to these unique stores to get pieces that nobody else has and to truly be an individual, Brighton is certainly full of them!

Big Yellow Shop – The Drum Cavern in the North Laines, Brighton, UK by Dominic’s pics

If you want to get to Brighton from London it is best to catch the fast train from Victoria station which only takes about an hour and you can always get the Gatwick Express to London Victoria if you’re coming from the airport itself. Brighton Station is not far away from the seafront and main city centre and most places are within walking distance once you get there. The main motorway leading into Brighton is the A27 then A23, all making this city an easily accessible destination.

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1. Pennine Way

The first National Trail, the Pennine Way was opened in 1965, and covers 430km between Derbyshire and the border with Scotland. The walk starts in the Pennines, and continues up through the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Park to reach Kirk Yetholm on the edge of Scotland. The walk features 535 access points, and a number of hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts along the way. Key sites to explore on the route include the Calder Valley, Thirlwall Castle, Hadrian’s Wall, and Cairn Hill.

Photo of Typical Pennine scenery, UK by Voyager

2. Tennyson Trail

The Tennyson Trail, named for Alfred Tennyson the poet, is only 15 minutes long, but showcases the natural beauty of the Isle of Wight. The route starts at Carisbrooke Castle to the North of the island, and winds its way down to the West and the Needles rock formations. Moving through Bowcombe Down and into Brighstone Forest, the route continues through Mottistone Down, Afton Down and Freshwater Bay. Much of the walk is characterised by steep South Westerly hills, and comes out on the coast.

Photo of Tennyson Trail, UK by R MORGAN

3. South West Coast Path

The longest National Trail in England, the South West Coast Path covers 630 miles, and links up Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. The route starts in Minehead, Somerset, and continues along the North Coast of Devon via the Exmoor National Park, before making its way through North Cornwall. Notable landmarks along the way include Tintagel Castle and Newquay. The route then loops back around through South Cornwall and South Devon, before coming to an end in Poole, Dorset. Typically takes around eight weeks to complete.

Photo of South West Coast Path, UK by Adrian Pingstone

4. Yorkshire Wolds Way

127km long, the Yorkshire Wolds Way starts at the Humber Estuary, and climbs through deep woodland and valleys to Filey Brigg. The route also overlaps with the Cleveland Way if walkers want to go further. Sloping hills and red poppies make up the majority of the route, as do small villages and headland at Filey Brigg. Other attractions include Londesborough Park and Stocking Dale, as well as the Humber Bridge.

Photo of Yorkshire Wolds Way, UK by Eamon Curry

5. The Thames Path

Running the length of the River Thames, the Thames Path starts near Kemble, Gloucestershire, and continues until it reaches the Thames Barrier. Covering 1984 miles, the walk is mostly made up of tow and cycle paths, and moves down through Oxford via Henley-on-Thames and Teddington Lock, taking in Windsor, Richmond, Hampton Court, and Battersea. Some parts of the route can flood at high tide, meaning that walkers should plan ahead to avoid being caught out.

Photo of Temple Footbridge Thames Path, UK by Motmit

Sebastian is a globetrotter who is currently working alongside a Bike GPS shop in the UK. Some hiking trails are suitable for the more rugged mountain bikes, so make sure you don’t leave without a GPS!

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1 – Great Glen Water Park

Located in the Highlands of Scotland, Great Glen Water Park borders Loch Oich and Loch Lochy, and features a range of different activities. These included being able to enjoy gorge walking, quad biking and paintball, while also taking advantage of the centre’s heated pool and junior activity parks.

Arran, Scotland / Hermés

2 – Gurnard Pines

Found in the coastal Isle of Wight town of Cowes, Gurnard Pines is another excellent family park that allows families to enjoy different activities in a secure environment. Some of the best activities to be found at the park include archery and sailing.

3 – Canoeing and Climbing, Devon

For more general river canoeing and climbing holidays, it is worth looking into trips to Devon. Camping holidays and resort stays along the River Dart are particularly recommended, with many companies offering river and kayaking experiences for different ages and abilities.

4 – Go Ape

With 27 sites around the UK, the Go Ape experience is recommended for families and hen and stag parties in particular. Go Ape features the chance to explore woodland locations through climbing and obstacle courses, as well as a high rise zip wire slide.

5 – Bainland Country Park

Located in Lincolnshire, Bainland Country Park is one of the premier adventure parks in the UK, and also features excellent shops, restaurants and relaxing spa treatments.

Rock climbing in Swanage / Jim Champion

6 – Rock Climbing

Different kinds of rock climbing holidays can be booked around the UK, which are catered to different abilities and height difficulties. Most trips are either short courses, typically spread over a weekend, or as part of longer holidays. Areas like Swanage, Cornwall and the Gower in South Wales come particularly recommended for their rock formations.

7 – Swimming

There are many opportunities around the UK for open swimming and diving. Some of the best locations for more adventurous swimmers include the Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall, as well as special trips along the Thames, and within the Lake District.

8 – Walking and Hiking

Many different companies offer guided walks and hiking around some of the most beautiful locations in the UK. Walks and camping trips around the Brecon Beacons are strong choices for those who want to enjoy higher peaks, while a walking tour of an area like the Cotswolds also creates opportunities for pony trekking and lighter journeys.

9 – Hengar Manor

Deep in the Cornish countryside, the Bodmin resort of Hengar Manor offers spa treatments and an idyllic location for adventuring and relaxing.

10 – Sherwood Castle Forest

Part of a large section of private woodland in the heart of Nottinghamshire, Sherwood Castle Forest has extensive adventure activities, and is also ideal for families wanting to explore nature trails and see wildlife.

Brought to you by the bloggers at hoseasons.co.uk. Providing fantastic UK family holidays.

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Wastwater lake in the Lake District / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Barry

Best Places to Visit

Some of the best places to visit in the UK include regions like the Lake District’s Winster Valley, an isolated location that offers great mountain, fell and lake views. Travellers seek out solitude for a romantic getaway should also consider the Ardfern Peninsular in Oban in Scotland as well as the West Coast of Scotland for more general quiet. Couples wanting to be a little bit closer to London should consider Sussex and the Cotswolds.

Further North, the Yorkshire Dales and Whitby are ideal for couples wanting to explore the English countryside. Those wanting to experience rural English living without giving up town shopping and dining can also take advantage of cottages near Bath and Exeter in Somerset and Devon. Island retreats can similarly be found on the Isle of Skye and the Isle of Wight, with the added advantage of combining rural quiet with beaches and sea journeys.

Grasmere seen from near Alcock Tarn, Lake District / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Barry

Retreat Options

Many holiday cottages are ideal for couples because of their intimacy and traditional decor. A one bedroom rural cottage with a large kitchen and dining area can make for a romantic weekend, and can still contain the best modern amenities. Finding the right holiday cottage means looking for one that is both traditional enough to feel like a break, while still providing you with lots of entertainment options.

In the same way, while it is important to find somewhere quiet, couples should consider the benefits of being within walking distance of the nearest town or village, particularly during colder winter months. Moreover, some research should be made into the local area, and whether a romantic meal or activity can be planned near to the cottage. These may need to be booked sometime in advance to avoid disappointment during a rip.

Blaise Rustic Cottage / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by crabchick

Times of Year

The main times of the year to book romantic cottages are usually around Valentine’s Day and Christmas, which might require some significant advanced booking for sought after cottages. Couples willing to go away during off peak season should consult a travel company or cottage owner before securing a date, as there may be times of year when a cottage is being renovated. Opting for weekdays and nights over weekends might also be a good budget option, while longer term planning for honeymoons should always check availability and price comparisons before deciding on a specific cottage or holiday destination.

Habs is a blogger currently reviewing holiday cottages.

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Tennyson Trail, Isle of Wight / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by David Jones

The world is filled with stunning and breathtaking landscapes, but did you know that some of the best are right on your doorstep? If you are anything like me you’ve probably spent your whole life living in the UK but have yet to see all of this small isle’s best beauty spots. From picturesque locations ideal for an afternoon stroll to more challenging hikes set against a fantastic backdrop, here is my run down of the top 7 must-see, must-do walks in the UK…

Tennyson Trail, Isle of Wight (14 miles)

One for experienced hikers, this difficult but rewarding trail is so named because the poet Tennyson loved this challenging, up-and-down walk for the whole 40 years that he lived on the island in the 19th century, describing it as ‘noble down’.

Follow this marked trail and go back in time and you follow in Tennyson’s footsteps and view the scenery that inspired some of his best work, from the forbidding Carisbrooke Castle that imprisoned Charles I before he was executed in 1649, to the towering heights of Alum Bay which is the perfect spot for a lunch break before you head back down to Earth.

Ridgeway and Watlington Hill, Oxfordshire (8.5 miles)

For a more manageable walk suited to newer hikers, the beautiful Chiltern Hills are a hidden gem of the English countryside. From Lewknor village you move to a stunning nature reserve that is arguably Oxfordshire’s finest spot of natural beauty. Continue through the almost deserted Wormsley Valley with nature as your only companion, before heading through a delightful forest and up onto the chalky landscapes of Watlington Hill.

The Roaches, Staffordshire (8.5 miles)

Close to the famous Peak District lies this often-overlooked location, the perfect alternative when you want to avoid well-trodden paths and discover a quieter but no less beautiful area. Similar in length and pace, this dramatic landscape provides a stark contrast between the towering rocky summits and the lush green plains that you will see stretched out for miles and miles before you from the summit, Hen Cloud.

Malvern Hills, Worcestershire (10 miles)

The ideal choice for the amateur hiker, this relatively easy hike can be walked in around half a day and then a Hopper bus will take you back to the starting line at Great Malvern for a much deserved cup of tea in this picturesque Victorian spa resort. Following the gently sloping path upwards from St Anne’s Well you will traverse some of the UK’s finest woods and cross a beautiful open plain before reaching the hill’s summit, where a relaxing walk along the ridge will lead you to the bus service.

Malvern Hills, Worcestershire / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by TomGough

Coast to Coast, The Lake District (190 miles)

Not for the faint of heart, this 12-day walk is an absolute must for any true lover of the great outdoors. At just under 200 miles this trail is challenging but unmissable, offering breathtaking scenery and a last glimpse at an area of the UK that has not been tarnished by industrial development.  Start at St Bee’s head in the West where the walk is harder but the scenery is all the more stunning, reaching some of England’s highest grounds. Then leave the coastline behind you as you make for the famous Yorkshire moors, following through to an easy but delightful walk across the Eastern side to a grand finale at the historic Robin Hood’s Bay.

Manningtree to Dedham (4 miles)

The perfect beginner’s hike, this short and peaceful trail through the flat, open lands of South-East England starts at Manningtree rail station and passes across the wildlife-rich, rural marshlands of Flatford that was the inspiration behind Constable’s better-known words such as The Mill Stream. Literary walkers will want to stop at the National Trust’s Bridge Cottage on the way to discover more about this great author, before returning to Manningtree.

Preseli Mountains, Pembrokeshire (9 miles)

From the idyllic seaside town of Newport this lovely trail takes you up the side of the heather-wrapped mountain Carn Ingli. Continue across open moors and lonely woods in the deserted Gwaun Valley, before doubling back on a different set of ancient paths that lead back down the mountain to Newport.

Preseli Mountains, Pembrokeshire / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Felix O

Have you been on some great hikes recently? Tell us all about it!

Kate Dawson is a keen writer who blogs for Optegra on a regular basis. Optegra are specialist eye care providers who provide many treatments such as cataracts treatment for a number of eye conditions, such as glaucoma.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Amanda Slater

The royal family had subsequently rebuilt it into their rural retreat with the area of an impressive 800 hectares. The seat is surrounded by vast plots of land with extensive gardens, parks, forests, but also reserves with animals. Today, there are various social events and tours for the public to fully excite the whole family. Children can play in one of many play-grounds, while parents certainly enjoy a beautiful pass through the interior and exterior of the luxury palace.

Osborne House is a good example of traditional British relations, which may seem a little too formal, but on the other hand, for many can be nice and slick.

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The area where the Needles can be found is known as the Jurassic Coast. It is here that the land has been folded as a result of tectonics over the course of millions of years. As a result, the almost vertical strands of rocks can be seen throughout the region. Chalk is one of the more resilient rocks and as a result has continued to stand long after the clays and sandstones have washed away.

The Needles, Isle of Wight, UK by Peter Pearson

It was known that back in the beginning of the eighteenth century, there were four needles in the formation. However, in 1764 a storm ravished the area and knocked over one of the rocks. The name the Needles dates back hundreds of years. Today though, the rocks have lost their needle-like appearance as a result of erosion by the waves.

Another popular attraction in the area is the Needles Lighthouse which was built back in 1859. It has been operational ever since. However, in order to reduce costs and manpower, the lighthouse was automated back in 1994.

There is also an amusement park that can be found on a nearby cliff that over looks the geological land formation. Known as the Needles Pleasure Park, it has grown to become a very popular destination in the area. The park is most well known for the chairlift that takes people to Alum Bay and back.

The headlands that overlook the Needles are home to several gun batteries as well as an experimental testing facility for rockets. While the batteries were in use during the 1950s and 60s, they have long since been decommissioned. The rocket test facility is located mostly underground and was operated by as many as 240 people during the 1960s. Part of the underground facilities have been completely restored and are currently open to the public.

There are a number of old Coastguard cottages that can be found in the area. Now under National Trust, the cottages are available for rental throughout the year. People who wish to have a party in the area, or that would like to visit and stay can rent the Coastguard cottages.

Most of the park and surrounding countryside can be travelled using bicycle or on foot. However, when there is a high wind warning in the area, the site where the batteries are located is closed for safety reasons.

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