It’s that time of year again … Summertime! Sun shining, Temperatures rising, Smiles on people’s faces :) HOLIDAYS looming … Have you booked yours yet? Apparently more and more people are choosing to holiday in the U.K. - so it’s time to get out and explore your own backyard :)

for more information on our beautiful, family (including your pooch) friendly, luxury, rural retreats +44 (0)1723 373461

HAPPY SUMMER HOLIDAYS!

Spring has sprung and it will soon be time for the great Easter Egg Hunt! There are lots of wonderful activities for children (and big kids) and families all over the place during Easter. If you still haven’t organised your holiday, give us a call now …

GRANARY COTTAGE, Manor House Farm and Cottage, North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire has so much to offer any holidaymaker ... Fantastic Hiking, Cycling, Horse-Riding and even Skydiving! For those of us who prefer a more peaceful break, there are wonderful beaches and beachfront cafes on the North Yorkshire Coast, offering fabulous views - and fish and chips :) Food Festivals (nearby Malton and York) for the foodies, our very own Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, Museums, Galleries ... there really is something for everyone.

http://www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com/

www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/visitor-centres

www.visitscarborough.com

http://www.yorkshire.com/

http://www.charity-skydive.com/

Thwaite Cottages, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham

The delightful North Cottage, East Cottage and West Cottage are a peaceful haven well worth a visit. Located in the beautiful rural location of the Scargill Estate near the charming town of Barnard Castle, and less than 30 miles from the city of Durham, the cottages offer tranquility, luxury and comfort.

www.barnardcastlelife.co.uk

www.thisisdurham.com

www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Rosehaugh Estate, Black Isle, Scotland

The Boathouse, Otter Lodge, Red Kite House, Swallow and Roebuck Cottages never fail to delight our guests, who come back year after year to this stunning location and beautiful cottages.

http://www.explore-inverness.com/whats-on/

http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/inverness-p236801?gclid=CPjPvvq-lLsCFWzHtAody3oAAg

www.highlandmuseumofchildhood.org

http://www.hughmiller.org/

Colin’s Blog from Bay Farm Cottages, BLACK ISLE, Scotland

March 2014

There is more significance to weather than you think. Paul Simons, writing ‘Weather Eye’ in The Times on 24th February 2014, recalled that a fierce Northeasterly gale in the channel on 24th February 1744 devastated the French Fleet bringing 15,000 French troops to support Bonnie Prince  Charlie’s Jacobite Rebellion, and that spell of bad weather saved this country from invasion. If it had not been for that gale, we might all be speaking French. The following day a letter to The Times by J.R.G. Edwards pointed out that the intention of the rebellion had been to restore the Throne to James Edward Stuart, The Old Pretender, and not his son, Charles Edward Stuart, the Young Pretender. Bonnie Prince Charlie was leading the rebellion on behalf of his father. I recommend a visit to the National Trust’s excellent exhibition at Culloden near Inverness to anyone interested in one of the most important battles in the history of the United Kingdom. If the Highland Clans commanded by Charles Edward  Stuart had defeated the Duke of Cumberland’s Army on 16th April 1746, there might not be any need for a referendum on the future of Scotland on 18th September 2014. These are interesting times for those who live in Scotland now.

On a personal note, I cannot recall enjoying a milder, more benign winter in the North-East of Scotland. The blossom on my Cherry Tree says it all.  Sorry to all you poor people battered and flooded out in England this year. 

With best wishes

Colin

www.nts.org.uk/culloden/

We can all agree that we had a wonderful summer... perfect mix of holidays and sunshine.

Now it’s time to look ahead to Halloween and Christmas, yes … already! Lots of fun to look forward to in the regions around our lovely cottages, so make sure you have a good look at our website and links before you book :)

SUMMER means HOLIDAYS! It is finally here, along with the sunshine and slightly raised temperatures.

Thwaite Cottages, County Durham, England

This is the perfect location for long country walks and relaxation. Lots to do in nearby Barnard Castle or, a little further away, in Durham.