Holidays in the UK - recommendations please

[bednobs]

Hi, time of year to look at holidays again! I would like to go somewhere in the UK. I live in Berkshire, so don't really want to go anywhere round here. ( a few hours away at least :))
Here are my requirements
1) i'm going to drive to get there
2) fancy a cottage, but could be persuaded to hotel/boat/other accommodation (but NOT a tent or caravan)
3) a mix of things to do but hopefully not loads of kids everywhere
4) either end of June or begining of july (so avoid english summer hols but no idea about N ireland/scotland/wales summer hols)
5) Nearish the sea i think in case we get really nice weather
So anyone got any recommendations?

[crisper]

Hi Bednobs... FBM Holiday cottages, for Tenby and Surrounding area's in South Wales... Looe & Polperro holiday Cottages.. obviously for Looe & Polerro in Cornwall... Menai Cottages.. for North Wales and Anglesey.. been to all these places..stunning views.. and things to do if it rains... but we've only been September..October November time of the year!! all types of cottages, etc.. alot with sea views... to suit all budgets..and all at the end of motorways or easy to get too! Any help to you?

[peter_m]

HI,
1) Wales is rather spectacular. Drive anywhere up north or mid Wales are fab.
2) Not sure about cottages however host of bijoux B&B's
3) Some perks locally but with advantage of a car loads to see.
5) river?

Llangollen,

[seadogg]

If Wales is an option check out the Wales Tourist Board and ask for brochures of the areas you are interested in. Nowhere more beautiful when the sun shines but Welsh drizzle is a byword..

http://www.visitwales.co.uk/ also handy for accommodation

The Dolgellau-Barmouth area is good

[gingejbee]

The least spoilt part of the country is,imo, Northumberland. Have been several times to Bamburgh, Seahouses and Alnwick with www.countrycottages.co.uk.

[gingejbee]

....and, best of all, it's never crowded like so many other holiday areas! England's best kept secret.

[MarkRae]

And you can visit the Alnwick Gardens, and then have a pint or three in The Tanners Arms...

[Barmaid]

I don't think you can beat Mull or Skye. Fantastic scenery, breathtaking vistas, good walking, photography, wildlife. Hardly any kids and some frankly fantastic little restaurants all serving brilliant fresh local produce. Bit of a clat to get to mind........(but could stop off in the Lakes on the way up?)

[whiskeryron]

I'm with gingejbee on this one we always had wonderful hols in & around Bamburgh, 3 cars & you're in a traffic jam, golden beaches with no one else there( & that's at the height of summer) Seahouses best fish & chips in the world, see the loveley gardens of Alnwick Castle etc.Ron.
www.countrycottages.co.uk.

[seadogg]

Passionate about the Black Cuillin of Skye but dont think I would recommend the place for a general holiday

[Prudie]

I'm sure all these places are stunning but a hell of a drive from Berkshire (and likely to be too cold for me!) I'd go with the Cornish cottages. I've had several stays at Trefanny near Looe. Like stepping back in time and really quiet and beautiful.

[nicolab6]

Poole is fantastic and not too far. For a bit of luxury try these - right on the quay. http://www.quayholidays.co.uk/

[JoolsTwo]

What about the Isle of Wight? Thatched cottage, everything is close by. Lots to do walking, scenery, places to eat, close to the sea. This is a lovely cottage went there last year.

http://www.island-hol...tails.asp?property=69

[bellabee]

Church Brow Cottage in Kirby Londsale (check out cottage on Vivat Trust website) - a unique property in a charming place; v close to the south lakes & morecambe.

[nicolab6]

We've also stayed here in Devon- your own hot tub! http://www.hoseasons....hy-forest-lodges-bulw

[bellabee]

oops...kirkby lonsdale

[peter_m]

there is nothing to do in kirkby lonsdale. One street and the only big town miles away. Ok scenery might be quite nice but I would probably head NW to the Lakes. A lot more fun. Anything around Bowness and 20mile radius is superb. if you lucky enough, like I was some years back to have cloudless sky, you will not want to go home.
Architecture? - just stunning
Natural beauty? - cant find words but it brings you down to you knees.

Northumberland is nice too. Alnwick Castle and Gardens are fab. Avoid bad weather days in Alnwic because all you end up doing is drinking their local brew. There is also that big castle and a vilage some miles up that is only accesible in low tide.

I agree, there is so many nice places in the UK why go away. April and May for Lakes worked for me. Very little rain blue sky's perfection.

But since I see you are leaning towards Cornwall you wont be interested in the Peek Districkt, I mean who would have been. Only the most spectacular drives in the UK with caves mines rivers natural precious stones. Lovely.

Also recommend Whitby in n.yorks. If you lucky to be holidaying during the famous GOTH festival, the folklor or fashion will be just a cherry on top of the cake.
It would take you about 5-6 hours drive one way with breaks.

[bednobs]

thanks for all your helps. I have been thinking/discussing it and i think i will try yorkshire

[manealca]

How about Beautiful Dorset ? not too far for you drive to reach there and there are lots of different things to do and see, the weather is usually a lot warmer too.

[sueholiday]

I thoroughly recommend Dartmouth in Devon, its gorgeous, and nice, accessible from Berkshire.
2) Lots of lovely cottages, apartments and hotels available
3) Has a great choice of restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries and watersports.
4) Usually glorious weather at end of June
5) Next to the sea and river so lots of opportunities, can be active and kayak and white water raft, or relax on a luxury yacht or ferry, up to you!

We have been going for the past ten years and always go back, its the perfect choice, www.discoverdartmouth.com

[sueholiday]

I thoroughly recommend Dartmouth in Devon, its stunning and has the right mix of being peaceful but still interesting and lively.
1) Its a nice accessible drive from Berkshire
2) Lots of lovely cottages, apartments and hotels
3) Great choice of boutique shops, art galleries and delicious restauants
4) End of June weather is usually gorgeous
5) Next to the sea and river so you can hire a boat of kayak which is always good fun.

we have been going for the past 10 years and still love it, www.discoverdartmouth.com