Category : Holiday Ideas

UK Bank Holidays 2025: how to maximise your annual leave

With the nights drawing in, and a distinct chill in the air, now is the perfect time to start planning some exciting adventures for next year. Whether you fancy surfing in Cornwall, scaling the UK’s highest mountain in the Highlands or simply enjoying scenic walks and pub lunches in the Cotswolds, the UK has so […]

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Beyond summer: Top tips for a fantastic winter break in Devon

The miles and miles of stunning coastline, rugged moors and vibrant towns make Devon a popular destination for a holiday at any time of the year. Whilst perhaps better known for lazy days on the beach, beautiful picnic spots and picturesque seaside villages with surf shops and ice cream kiosks, it is also a fantastic […]

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Fossil hunting beaches in the UK: Nine treasures of time

One of the best fossil hunting beaches in the UK: Nine treasures of time

The thrill of holding something that was alive longer ago than your mind can fathom is incredible. Enthusiastic collectors argue over which are the best fossil-hunting beaches in the UK but with choices this great, any one of these will be perfect for your next holiday. Whether you’re fossicking for fossils in Yorkshire, searching along […]

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Nine best pebble beaches in the UK to explore

One of the best pebble beaches in the UK to explore

The UK coastline is over 7,700 miles long from windswept Highland beaches to the rugged coast of Cornwall. No two shorelines are the same and lovely pebble beaches are particularly captivating. Fascinating fossils, smooth stones and delicate shells give a special allure that makes a day at the seaside an adventure just waiting to happen. […]

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Nine best places to stay by the sea in the UK

One of the best places to stay by the sea in the UK

What type of beach person are you? Whatever one of the UK’s beaches floats your boat (see what we did there?) you will find the perfect place along its 7,700 miles of coastline. If you’re looking for inspiration, these are the nine best places to stay by the sea in the UK. 1. Talisker Bay […]

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The Most Accessible ‘Blue Flag’ Beaches In The UK For Summer 2023

Bamburgh

At Independent Cottages, we are well aware of how much Brits love visiting the nation’s beaches. Whether it be a day trip, weekend getaway, or longer holiday, many people flock to the British seaside to relax, unwind, and make memories with family and friends. And it’s not hard to see why – miles of sandy […]

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The best value seaside destinations in the UK for a 2023 staycation

devon

The Great British staycation, a trend amplified by Britain’s COVID-19 lockdowns and the demand for which has caused prices of staycation properties to soar over the last couple of years. Accommodation in popular seaside resorts such as St Ives and Whitby actually increased by as much as 35% on average during the pandemic, according to […]

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Nine medieval towns to visit in England

From historic architecture and impressive castles to stunning cathedrals and timber-framed buildings, many of England’s medieval towns have a fascinating story to tell. With so much history and heritage on our doorstep, it is hard to know where to start! We take a look at our top nine medieval towns and cities to visit in […]

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The most beautiful places in the UK in winter: Nine locations to visit

Whether you are looking for stunning vistas and fresh crispy walks or you would prefer to explore pretty towns, cultural delights and cosy tea rooms, the winter is a great time to pack your bags and visit a new corner of the UK. Blow the cobwebs away with an outdoor extravaganza in the Cairngorms, be […]

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The UK counties & cities that have the most guidebooks written about them – and the least

The UK counties & cities that have the most guidebooks written about them - and the least

We may live in an increasingly digital world, with the likes of Tripadvisor, Tiktok and Instagram taking the travel world by storm, but it appears that people are still keen to stick to the basics when it comes to recommendations. Because, according to a research study, it is the humble travel guidebook that is still […]

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