Holiday Ideas: Places to go, Things to Do
We all love a good break or holiday but it's not easy coming up with ideas to keep families and friends entertained all year round. The good news is that the UK and Ireland has so much to offer there should never be a shortage of places to go or things to do!
To help get you started we have put together some features with ideas for days out that would work for couples, families or groups of friends.
British and Irish Gardens to Visit

County Shows in the UK & Ireland

Blue Flag Beaches in the UK

Top 5 British Seaside Breaks

Best Selling Scottish Cottages

English Holiday Attractions

Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

Luxury Cottages in the Lake District

Scottish Golfing Breaks

Family Fun in Rural Dorset

Best Selling Irish Cottages

Top 5 British Castles

Thatched Holiday Cottages

Working Farm Cottage Breaks

Devon County Show

More Holiday Idea Features
April and May Discounted West Country Cottages. Take advantage of this special offer and discount code and save 10% on a holiday cottage in Devon, Somerset, Cornwall or Dorset this May. Save 10% on Holiday Cottages this May.
Big Savings with Hoseasons this May. If you are looking for a holiday cottage in May then there are some big discounts available through our holiday partner Hoseasons for cottages, holiday flats and apartments. May Holiday Cottage Savings
Glyndebourne Opera Festival. Experience the best of world opera in a very English setting at Glynebourne, East Sussex. The Glyndebourne Festival and Tour are World reknowned events and do not cost anywhere near as much as you might think and why not stay in self catering near by and have an East Sussex short break. Glyndebourne Opera Holiday Cottages
Devon County Show Self Catering 2012. The 2012 Devon County Show promises to be even bigger and better than ever before with the Royal Mounted Canadian Police the star attraction. However, it's all about the great British countryside with hundreds of competitions for everything from arts and crafts to livestock. Find out more about the Devon County Show and Self Catering Accommodation
Diamond Jubilee Celebrations 2012. The Diamond Jubilee will be celebrated all year but with a focus on the first week of June which includes Jubilee Beacons, Buckingham Palace Concert, Thames River Pageant and so much more. Jubilee Celebrations
Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe. In May, Brighton is the place to be for all the best in the Arts with the annual Festival taking place at the south coast city. With the Brighton Fringe running at the same time there are hundreds of events to keep all entertained. Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe
Great Gardens to Visit. Wherever you are staying, you are not far from one of the UK and Ireland's wonderful gardens. A Garden Visit is the perfect way to spend a relaxing few hours away from the hustle and bustle of life and a chance to appreciate the wonderful creations by leading gardeners. Gardens to Visit
East Devon Self Catering. Peaceful, relaxing, rural, sandy coastline, seaside resorts, pleasant weather, you'll love East Devon for all of its glorious contrasts - in fact, it's the perfect place for a self catering cottage holiday. East Devon Cottages and Self Catering
Working Farm Cottage Breaks. If you want to get away from it all then a self catering break on a working farm is perfect. Rural locations ensure peace, quiet and relaxation, not forgetting the wonderful scenery. We have selected cottages, barn conversions and lodges that cater for parties of all sizes and budgets - cheap to luxury. Cottages on Working Farms
Internet Accessible Cottages and Apartments. Internet access is not easily available at all locations across the UK, particularly away from the major towns and cities, but you can find lots of self catering accommodation that includes Internet Broadband and WiFi. Cottages with Internet Access
County Shows, County Fairs and Agricultural Shows. The best way to experience the UK and Ireland's countryside is to go to a County Show. See prize winning livestock, dog and horse shows, arts & crafts and so much more. Perfect for a family day out. County Shows in 2012
Dorset Market Towns. Explore the many wonderful Dorset towns including Wimborne Minster, Shaftesbury and Blandford Forum on a cottage short break. With wonderful countryside, coast and attractions all close by you will have plenty to keep you amused. Dorset Market Towns and Self Catering
Top Selling Scottish Cottage Holidays. From Edinburgh to Inverness-shire, check out where people are heading for a cottage holiday in Scotland this year. Top 10 Cottage Holidays in Scotland
Top 5 Traditional British Seaside Holidays. There is nothing quite like a British seaside holiday - whether its the grandeur of Victorian piers or the slightly more tacky kiss Me Quick hats and donkey rides! Family fun or a relaxing break, head for a British seaside holiday. Top 5 Traditional Seaside Holidays
Mid Devon Holiday Cottages. A wonderful part of Devon that is often overlooked by tourists passing through to bigger attractions. More fool them, they don't know what they are missing and at least it keeps those roads peaceful and quiet! Mid Devon Holiday Cottages
Customer Reviews, Feedback and Comments. Before you book why not check out some of the cottage and apartment customer feedback, comments and reviews to see what others think of it. Customer Reviews and Comments
Scottish Championship Golf Courses. Take a golfing break or golf holiday near a Championship Golf Course in Scotland. Play on a Championship Course or watch the pros and find lots of cottages and apartments close by so you can make the most of your visit. Read more about Championship Golf Courses in Scotland
City Breaks in England. Enjoy the best of the English cities on a weekend break or short break. From the big metropolitan cities of Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and London to the delightful regional cities of Norwich, Leeds, Bristol and Nottingham you will be spoilt for choice. English city breaks
Luxury Cottages in the Lake District. Sublime Peaks, Breathtaking Valleys and 16 major Lakes... a holiday or short break in the Lake District will not disappoint. An ideal location for an active holiday or simple peace and relaxation. Luxury Cottages in the Lakes
Best Selling Cottages in Ireland. If you are heading for an Irish cottage holiday or short break here is our list of best sellers so far this year - from the top locations to the best selling cottages. Best Selling Irish Cottages
Luxury Cottages Suffolk. Genteel villages and towns in beautiful rolling rural countryside and with some of the best unspoiled coastline in Britain. Seaside resorts without the commercialism and the medieval history to explore throughout Suffolk. Luxury Cottages Suffolk
Blue Flag Beaches in England, Scotland and Wales. If you are looking for the best beaches in Britain then head for those awarded the prestigious Blue Flag. Find out about Blue Flag Beaches in the UK
Golfing on an English Championship Golf Course. Enjoy a holiday or short break playing golf at an English Championship Golf Course. World renowned golf courses available to visitors with cottage accommodation near by. Read more about Championship Golf Courses in England
Luxury Cottages in Norfolk. Unspoilt Norfolk coastline, family seaside resorts, rivers, waterways, windmills, medieval towns including Norman Cathedral and Castle and of course the wonderful Norfolk Broads. Read more about Luxury Cottages Norfolk
Top 5 Castles. British castles provide an insight in to a proud history, long and bloody battles, and the cut & thrust of politics that makes it a fascinating day out for all the family. Read more about Top 5 British Castles
Sussex Holiday Guide. Perfect for anyone heading to Sussex is our Guide with all the best places to go and things to do including historic castles, pretty gardens and lots of other attractions. Read more about Sussex Short Break and Holiday Guide
Holiday Attractions in England. Check out some fun top attractions across England suitable for all. From castles and historic buildings to theme parks and zoos, you will find some great things to keep you entertained on your short break or holiday. See Holiday Attractions in England
Luxury Cottages in Cornwall. Great weather, superb sandy Blue Flag beaches, rolling waves perfect for water activities, countryside, Bodmin Moor and lots of top quality attractions. Luxury Cottages Cornwall
Romantic Valentine's Day treat. Whether Valentine's Day is fast approaching or you just want to treat someone special we have put together some suggestions for you. See Romantic break ideas
Winter February Half Term Breaks. Have some great fun during the winter half term whatever the weather. We have some great holiday lodges near the winter holiday fun too. See February half term ideas
St Davids Day Short Breaks and Holidays in Wales. You are sure to enjoy a colourful and festive time in Wales if you visit around St David's Day at the beginning of March. Festivals and cultural events to entertain you. St Davids Day Breaks
St Patricks Day Short Breaks and Holidays in Ireland. Have the best St Patrick's Day party in Dublin or at any one of our superb cottage holiday locations across Ireland. There is nowhere more exciting to be on the 17th March! St Patrick's Day Breaks
Mothers Day Weekend Breaks. Surprise you Mum this year with a cottage weekend break at a superb coastal or country location. Let you Mother relax and unwind in a cottage with its own hot tub. Mothers Day Breaks
Easter Family Breaks and Holidays. Easter is on its way and so its not long until Spring and warm weather and chocolate eggs! Get away with the family this Easter on a self catering break. Cheap Easter Breaks
Discounted Cornwall Easter Cottages. Save up to 15% on some lovely cottages in Cornwall this Easter. Great for couples, families or groups on a short break or holiday. Cornwall Easter Breaks
Discounted Devon Easter Cottages. With the weather beginning to warm up and Britain in full bloom, it's a beautiful time of year to enjoy an Easter Break in Devon with a 15% discount. Make the most of the Easter school holidays with a fun-filled family getaway. Devon Easter Breaks
Discounted Dorset Easter Cottages. The Easter school holidays do not need to cost the earth, especially with these great discounted Dorset cottages - save up to 15%. Dorset Easter Breaks
Discounted Somerset Easter Cottages. Find some great Easter holiday bargains in Somerset with these discounted cottage holidays and breaks. Save up to 15% on Somerset cottages. Somerset Easter Breaks
Cosy Easter Breaks. Snow this Easter, well that's what the weather centre said. Don't fret, check out these great cosy cottages ideal for an Easter Break whatever the weather. Cosy Cottages for the Easter Break
Celebrate England on St Georges Day. On the 23rd April it is St George's Day, the Patron Saint of England. So this is the perfect time for a short break in an English cottage, holiday flat or apartment. Whether you are heading to the coast or country take a look at this selection of English cottages on St Georges Day
Want to add some ideas to our list
We are in the process of adding new holiday and short break ideas to this list. If you have anything you want to include why not contact us via our Facebook page.
Regional Cottage Holiday Guides

With so many great parts of the UK and Ireland to choose from take a look at our Regional Guides.
- West Country and South West Regional Guide
- South East England Regional Guide
- Cambridge East Anglia and East England Holiday Guide
- Yorkshire Regional Guide
- Brighton and Sussex Regional Guide
- Suffolk Holiday Guide
- Cornwall Holiday Guide
- Norfolk Holiday Guide
- Lake District Holiday Guide
- National Parks and Areas of National Outstanding Beauty Guide