Accommodation - Goodtrippers

3 of the best eco travel experiences in Jamaica

While Jamaica is well known for its stunning beaches and reggae vibes, the island has a lot to offer the eco traveller…

Here are three top picks:

Something interesting to see and do…

As the home of Rastafarianism, few experiences are as unique, or immersive, as a visit to Jamaica’s Rastafari Indigenous Village. This is one of the best ways to learn about the life, skills and experiences of Rastafari people. Visitors can take a tour of the village, participate in organic farming, learn to make traditional crafts and receive music lessons.

Something delicious to eat…

Next up, it’s time to explore the very best natural foods that Jamaica has to offer. One of the big trends in rural food right now is the ‘farm to table’ experience, and a trip to Stush in the Bush is a great example of this. Set on a 15 acre organic farm in the cool hills of St Ann, things move slowly here, and everything is connected to the earth.

Join Chris, the owner, for a walk of the farm. He’ll talk about his ancestral origins, when plants were medicine, and the earth’s bounty was the only source of food. You’ll sample herbs, spices, fruits, birds, flowers and ornamentals, and even get to plant a tree. And, after taking in the sweeping views of Jamaica’s north coast, you can sit down to a lovingly prepared meal featuring freshly made preserves, sauces, dressings and breads.

Somewhere lovely to rest…

Finally, after so much exertion, what’s needed is a visit to the Zimbali Retreats, for some much needed R&R. Located in a tropical mountain valley, complete with river and spring, this farm retreat has achieved almost 100% off-grid status.

Zimbalist Retreat - Drummers in studio — Zimbalist Retreat – Drummers in studio

Amid more than 500 fruit trees, guests enjoy modern technology infused with an ancient and natural way of life. There are a range of properties to choose from each with their own distinct personality. All are surrounded by the beauty and peacefulness of nature.

Frankly, the hardest part is choosing whether to kick back, relax and do nothing, or explore and sample the 700 odd varieties of fruit available, from pineapple to banana to plantain…

Visit Herm, Jethou and The Humps, Guernsey’s wetlands paradise

Fancy a trip to The Humps, a visit to Herm or a jaunt on Jethou?

Herm, Jethou and The Humps (a collection of sandbanks off the north-east corner of Herm), part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey in the English Channel, have, this month, been formally designated as a Ramsar site under The Convention on Wetlands. This puts them on the map as a great destination for nature tourists.

The new site joins the Bailiwick’s three existing Ramsar sites in Guernsey, Alderney and Sark. The status gives international recognition of the special environmental, cultural and heritage characteristics of wetlands to ensure the conservation of key species and habitats.

The various marine and land habitats on and around Herm support a rich diversity of flora and fauna including important breeding areas for sea bird species such as the Lesser black backed gull, Puffin and Shag. In addition, Herm Common has an excellent cultural heritage, with numerous archaeological remains.

Visiting Herm – how to get there and where to stay

Herm Island lies three miles off the east coast of Guernsey and is reached by catamaran from St Peter Port, Guernsey with Trident Ferries (www.traveltrident.com). The trip takes 20 minutes. Timetables vary depending on time of year with eight departures a day in peak season in July and August. Standard return fare is £12.50 per adult, £6.50 per child and £1.50 per infant. Tickets are purchased at the wooden kiosk in St Peter Port harbour.

The four star White House Hotel is Herm’s only hotel which is renowned for good food and wine in a beautiful setting (also worth noting is that the hotel boasts no clocks or televisions so you can really escape!). Room rates start at £128.00 per adult per night, including breakfast and dinner.

For further information on Guernsey including accommodation and things to do, visit www.visitguernsey.com

Find inspiration from Potter and Wordsworth on a Lake District writing break

The magnificent Lake District has been linked to some of the world’s best loved writers. Now you too can find inspiration among the Lakes on this creative writing holiday…

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Beatrix Potter’s birthday, Linthwaite, a luxury country hotel in the Lake District, is launching a new Creative Writing Break this February.

The spectacular landscape of the Lake District has been a huge influence on some of England’s best-known writers including William Wordsworth, Samuel Coleridge, John Ruskin and Beatrix Potter, who lived most of her adult life there as she wrote her classic tales of Peter Rabbit, Jeremy Fisher and Jemima Puddle-Duck. After her death in 1943, she left her 14 farms and 4,000 acres of land to the National Trust, which to date is one of the largest and most important legacies in the Lake District.

Creative writing for beginners to published authors

Designed to unlock your creativity, the residential course at Linthwaite is suitable for everyone, from beginners to published authors. It takes place on 29th February – 3rd March 2016, just before the region’s annual literary festival ‘Words by the Water’ in Keswick on 4th -13th March.

The 3-day Creative Writing Course will be run by Angela Locke, author of six internationally published novels and non-fiction/travel books and a prize-winning poet with five published collections. The course will help participants to find their creative voice, expand their minds and encourage them to write poetry, stories and prose in a supportive environment.

Country house accommodation with stunning views

Award-winning Linthwaite, situated only a few minutes from the famous Bowness-on-Windermere and originally built as a country house in 1901, has been independently owned for 25 years. Sitting in 14 acres of landscaped gardens, the hotel offers complete privacy and spectacular panoramic views across Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells. Its picturesque location should get the creative juices flowing!

Linthwaite boasts 30 individually designed bedrooms, some of which feature hot tubs and free standing baths. Guests are encouraged to get out and explore the fantastic walking routes in the area (and Hunter wellies are available for all guests to borrow if you’ve come unprepared!).

The Creative Writing Break includes:

3 day Creative Writing Course based on site at Linthwaite
3 nights’ accommodation at Linthwaite (29th February to 3rd March)
Dinner on 2 of the nights in Linthwaite’s award-winning restaurant with 3 AA rosettes
Private viewing and recital at Wordworth’s home, Rydal Mount
Dinner at Wordworth’s home

Rydal Mount was Wordsworth’s best loved family home for the greater part of his life from 1813 to his death in 1850 at the age of 80. It was here that he wrote many of his poems, revised and improved much of his earlier works, and published the final version of his most famous poem ‘Daffodils’.

Prices for the Creative Writing Break start at £462 per person based on double occupancy (one course participant) and £750 per person for sole occupancy and course participation. To book the ‘Creative Writing Break’ visit www.linthwaite.com or call 015394 88600

Chill out at the new Northern Lights wellness retreat, Finland

This is the time of year to chill out….literally!

What’s thought to be the first ever Northern Lights wellness and yoga retreat will open this March in Kilpisjärvi, Finland. The ‘Northern Lights for the Soul’ trip, launched by Aurora specialists Off The Map Travel, combines yoga, meditation, relaxation and healthy eating, with spectacular opportunities to watch the Northern Lights.

Based in a remote lodge surrounded by the fresh Arctic air and pristine landscape, this new retreat is a fantastic location to rejuvinate and revitalise body and mind. Running from 7th to 11th March 2016, the 4-night stay will be led by Europe renowned Mindful Journeys and leading yoga instructors from the UK. Guests on the trip will also be accompanied by Northern Lights guides and experts.

The program will focus on encouraging healthy physical and emotional habits. With yoga, exercise and relaxation techniques; a hot tub and ice hole; a nutritionally designed diet focussing on the health benefits of local recipes and produce; and a delve into local and international beliefs around the Aurora, this is an opportunity to not only see the Northern Lights, but connect with them in a deeper and more meaningful way.

Jonny Cooper, Director of Off the Map Travel and Northern Lights Travel expert said; “Anyone who has experienced the Arctic night sky and the Northern Lights will confirm that you instantly feel in awe of our place in Space. Combine this with the isolation and beauty of the Arctic tundra, experts in meditation, yoga and mindfulness and you have a perfect platform from which to dedicate time to physical and emotional wellbeing.”

A four night, full board exclusive Northern Lights retreat with Off the Map Travel costs from £1399 per person. This includes a private room sharing a Saana chalet, return airport transfers, daily yoga and meditation sessions, access to the spa, hot-tub and ice hole, optional 1:1 meditation sessions with experts, daily Northern Lights hunts and a traditional kota evening with a meal cooked over an open fire. This price excludes flights and additional activities.

For more information about Northern Lights for the Soul and other Aurora holidays visit www.offthemaptravel.co.uk, call +44 (0) 800 566 8901 or email info@offthemaptravel.co.uk.

3 of the best luxury eco retreats in the Maldives

With the Maldives introducing a new ‘green tax’ to fund conservation efforts, here’s our pick of three of the best sustainable and eco-friendly hotels and resorts in the region…

Soneva Fushi

This resort lives by the ‘S.L.O.W. L.I.F.E’ philosophy (Sustainable Local Organic Wellness, Learning Inspiring Fun Experiences). With a carbon offset programme, its own organic food production and facilities for on-island bottled water production, this beautiful resort pairs great eco credentials with ‘intelligent’ luxury. Secluded chic beach villas and a ‘Mr Friday’ butler service are available for guests, and wildlife fans will appreciate the stretches of undeveloped shoreline that have been left to encourage turtles to continue nesting on the beach.

Coco Palm, Dhuni Kolhu

This resort is ideal for those passionate about marine wildlife. A ‘Manta Ray Day’ is held every Wednesday, where guests are led by Coco Palm’s resident marine biologist into the shallows to observe the island’s beautiful creatures. As well as manta rays, the house reef provides excellent snorkelling opportunities with chances to spot whale sharks and dolphins too. Coco Palm is also located in the Baa Atoll, a designated UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve whose resorts work together to conserve the area.

Kuramathi Island Resort

There’s a long list of green initiatives being undertaken by Kuramathi, one of the biggest islands in the Maldives. There is an education eco-centre, filters and ozonators to save water in the modern Jacuzzis, water recycling system, energy saving air-con in the newer villas and a hydroponics garden where fresh salads and herbs are grown for the resorts kitchens.

A closer look at the Indian Ocean, like you’ve never seen before…

The many islands of the Indian Ocean are famous for their white sand beaches and beautiful turquoise waters. Although gorgeous to look at, these paradise beach images can give the impression that the Indian Ocean islands are all very similar to each other. In fact, when you take a closer look, the Maldives, Mauritius and other destinations are all very different from each other.

In November, luxury travel experts Kuoni launched their collection of microscopic sand photographs taken from their seven resorts in the Indian Ocean. The initiative behind the project is to show travellers that when you take a closer look at the smaller details, the islands of the Indian Ocean are all completely unique from one another.

The different sand grains reflect the geology of each island, giving clues as to what kind of activities you can enjoy there. For example, the sands from La Reunion (an island just west of Mauritius) have yellow lava crystals and black grains made from volcanic basalt. These point to the volcanic origins of the island and travellers here can indeed trek through the forests to see amazing craters and live volcanoes. On the other hand, the grains from the Maldives show six tiny snail shells and a rod spine from a sea urchin, pointing to the amazing snorkelling and diving opportunities to be found in the coral reefs of the Maldives.

Be a happy camper at Camp Katur, Yorkshire

There’s still time for a camping holiday this summer and this imaginative glampsite in North Yorkshire really will fill you with ‘katur’ (that’s Icelandic for happiness, by the way…)

Camp Katur glamping village is located within 250 acres of a country estate in Bedale, North Yorkshire. ‘Katur’ embraces the whole ethos of this glampsite and as you wind your way amongst the woodland into the heart of Camp Katur you will be struck by the beautiful setting and the little surprises around every corner.

Accomodation – from ‘hobbit pods’ to geodomes

The site is home to an array of glamping abodes including woodland hobbit pods; bell tents; tipis; en-suite safari tents; the UK’s only clear 360 degree panoramic unidome and (new for 2015) Geodomes.

Facilities and activities

You can make the most of al fresco dining as an outdoor barbecue is available with each accommodation. Or use the communal kitchen, the licensed Orangery Cafe (open weekends and during school holidyas only), or for something a little bit different there is the ‘Podfather’; a Nordic BBQ cabin where a family or group of friends can enjoy an indoor BBQ in the woods, whatever the weather.

Hammocks are scattered throughout the trees for lazy days, and little ones will have a blast in the toy den hidden in the woods. The centre of the glamping village is dedicated to a large communal campfire complete with musical instruments (get the guitar…!) and (another new addition for the 2015 season) the sixteen foot communal tipi for all the guests.

Camp Katur is set in the Camp Hill Manor Estate in North Yorkshire which boasts an array of activities, including an adventure playground with shelter building, woodland walks and activity trails, segway treks, quad biking, horse riding, cycle tracks, a 200m zip wire and a treetops high rope course. After a fun-filled day, guests can also enjoy the outdoor eco spa that includes a hand crafted wood fired hot tub and sauna made from Siberian spruce.

There really is something for everyone. You can pack your stay full of activities or just relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings, so we recommend that you ditch your smart phone, turn off you tablet and reconnect with the great outdoors! So if you are looking to discover your outdoor happiness, Camp Katur glamping village could be for you.

Recommended for… Families or groups of friends to enjoy all the communal spaces and activites with

Be aware that… We can never rely on the Yorkshire climate so a pair of wellies and an extra blanket are recommended!

Glamping accommodation is available from £20 per person per night based on two people sharing. There is a minimum requirement of a two night stay except Sundays when one night is available. Extra facilities such as the Eco-spa and BBQ ‘podfather’ hut need to be pre booked at an extra cost.

Dogs are welcome at Camp Katur with an additional charge of £15.00 each and there are stabling facilities for a break with your horse.

For booking and further information call 01845 202 100 or visit www.campkatur.com.

Cornwall Special: Eat, Sleep, Do in Poldark’s County

It’s not hard to see the beauty of Cornwall. The UK’s most southerly and westernmost county boasts the longest coastline at over 400 miles; its northern beaches are a magnet for surfers, its southern coast is dubbed the ‘Cornish Riviera’. It’s also the UK’s sunniest and warmest county hosting its only area of sub-tropical climate and over 1,500 hours of sunshine each year.

This unique county is also enjoying a resurgence thanks to a certain Poldark – the coast and countryside more than holding its own with Aiden Turner and the racing pulses of TV viewers!

At Goodtrippers, we’ve been seeking out the best of Cornwall – places to stay, where to eat and drink, and things to do. Whet your appetite with our 10 Cornish places to eat and drink with a sea view; discover the hidden gem of Perranuthnoe and western Cornwall; read our review of the new eco apartments at The Point at Polzeath; and explore three short walks that will get your heart pounding!

Contents:

– 10 Cornwall spots to eat and drink with a sea view

– A bespoke Cornish holiday in Perranuthnoe

– Surfing and sunsets at The Point at Polzeath

– Cornwall: 3 short walks to get your heart racing

And don’t forget to catch our previous posts on Cornwall including glamping on Rocket Farm, 3 Cornish cottages for couples, and our Cornish appearances in 6 of the best yurts and bell tents, and 7 of the best…eco-friendly family days out.

If you’ve got your own recommendations for Cornwall, we’d love to hear them. Share them here, on Twitter or Facebook.

A bespoke Cornish holiday in Perranuthnoe

Cornwall Special 2015

South Cornwall may be well known for the famous Land’s End, Penzance and St Michael’s Mount, but thanks to cottage hire with Cornish holiday specialists Milly & Martha, we discovered a hidden gem of a village…

Perranuthnoe is a tiny coastal village just two miles from Marazion, the gateway to St Michael’s Mount, and a further drive to Penzance. It was home for a few days thanks to booking a lovely cottage with Milly & Martha. They specialise in self-catering cottage hire, helping people discovered the real Cornwall – the wilds, the nature, the fresh food and simple outdoor family-friendly pursuits.

Their real USP is that all cottage bookings come with a bespoke holiday guide – their selection of the best places to eat and drink, places to go and things to do, based on your needs. Not only did our guide include lots of brilliant family-friendly restaurants, events on during our stay, and special walks and nature activities for little ones – but it meant we were saved a few hours of internet research pre-trip! With so much on offer in Cornwall, you feel you can trust Milly & Martha to point you in the right direction.

Accommodation – the cosy cottage of Trenow
Our lovely two-bedroom cottage, a converted farm building, was immaculate inside with a large kitchen, cosy living room with woodburner, super kingsize beds and a modern bathroom. A delicious welcome gift awaited us on arrival – local strawberries, Cornish apple juice from Helford Creek, and choc brownies from The Little Home Bakery (none of this latest long, yum!).

Although surrounded by other small cottages, you could hear a pin drop at night. The lack of garden doesn’t pose a problem – there is a small terrace area with table and seating outside (a nice spot for morning coffee or an evening drink), but you’ll really want to get out and about with such a lovely village and surrounding area to explore.

Perranuthnoe
The village is clearly a favourite with tourists but doesn’t feel the slightest bit ‘touristy’. You get the sense that this is still a thriving community (albeit quiet and unassuming) even out of season. Just a couple of minutes’ walk down the hill from Trenow cottage is the beach of Perran Sands – a vast expanse of sand at low water which turns into a rocky strip at high tide. You’re just as likely to spot a local artist sitting sketching the view as you are a family on holiday. If you’re as lucky as we were, you may see the sand turn into a giant artwork by local sand artist One Man And His Rake (see picture).

One Man and his Rake does Perran Sands, Perranuthnoe

Cafes and pubs
Looking down on the beach is The Cabin Beach Café, open for breakfast baps, lunches and ice-cream and coffees all day (see our top places to eat with a sea view). A few strides up from The Cabin is an art community – a complex of converted farm buildings (unmissable in their brilliant white) housing some lovely shops and galleries selling locally-made gifts, art, food and other basic provisions (for all those self-catering holiday-makers). There’s also the Peppercorn Kitchen Café serving brilliant fair trade coffee, homemade cakes and delicious lunches with a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern twist (catch it quickly as it’s only open from 10am until 3pm).

Perranuthnoe has also become a bit of a destination thanks to the renowned Victoria Inn – reputed to be one of the oldest inns in Cornwall. This gastropub (which also has rooms available), serves top class food far above your average pub fare. Meat and fish are all local and the puddings are inventive (we had a pina colada pannacotta with roasted pineapple). Naturally, local ales are on tap and the service is exceptionally warm and welcoming for everyone, including those with babies and toddlers. It’s no surprise that booking is essential, particularly in the height of the season.

Also, look out for the house with an honesty box stall outside (just down from the Victoria Inn) – you can buy freshly laid eggs and pick your own salad leaves for your picnic, and all the money raised is for charity.

The Victoria Inn at Perranuthnoe, Cornwall

The surrounding area
Thanks to our Milly & Martha bespoke holiday guide we covered a few walks in the area including a 5km round trip to the quaint town of Marazion, to visit St Michael’s Mount (see our post on top Cornwall walks for more).

We were also able to use Perranuthnoe as a base to explore the westernmost tip of England, Land’s End and the stunning coastline. A highlight being a visit to Porthcurno and the incredible Minnack Theatre – even if you don’t catch a show at this outdoor theatre built into the cliffs, the view will take your breath away (read more about it in our walks post).

The popular harbour town of St Ives is also a short drive away – worth a trip when you want a bit more hustle and bustle, and some time spent on the white sand of Porthminster beach.

To browse all of the self-catering cottages for hire through Milly & Martha visit www.millyandmartha.com.

Get Creative – Milly & Martha are currently running Sun + Screen, a creative Cornish break which includes a stay in a cosy cottage and the chance to learn a new skill at a screen printing workshop. Delivered by professional printmaker Dena O’Brien, of Kiwi Print Studio, the workshop will help you to turn your holiday snaps into a souvenir print, postcard or bag. Visit Milly & Martha’s creative breaks on their website for more.

Surfing and sunsets at The Point at Polzeath, Cornwall

Cornwall Special 2015

For a great base for exploring the surfers’ paradise of the north Cornish coast, it’s time to ‘get to The Point’…

Sitting back on a private balcony, Cornish beer in hand, you can barely hear a pin drop (or a surfer splash) from The Point at Polzeath. This complex (‘resort’ isn’t quite the word) enjoys a priviledged position amidst farmland and its own golf course, a 20 minute gentle climb up from the coast.

The Point, which consists of a golf club, health club, restaurant and bar, has been hosting guests at self-catering cottages on its land for years. This spring, The Point opened a brand new set of seven luxury holiday apartments designed with eco-friendly credentials at its core.

Kebony-clad apartments at The Point at Polzeath

Eco-friendly design
The apartments, designed by architects Laurence Associates, consist of four three-bedroom and three two-bedroom luxury units, located just a two minute stroll from The Point’s restaurant and health club. The building itself sits within a hill ridge, complete with a sedum roof and Kebony cladding, discretely blending with the surroundings. High quality building materials, including the acclaimed and sustainable alternative to tropical hardwood, Kebony, are used for the cladding and soffits – over time this material will develop a beautiful silver patina blending in with the surrounding environment even more. In addition, ground source heat pumps have been installed, which supply hot water and underfloor heating throughout.

Our apartment – Scandinavian style meets Cornish innovation
The Point’s owners Eva and Jeremy offer a very warm welcome and ensure everyone is in proper ‘holiday mode’! We stayed in ‘Viking’ (they’re all named after shipping forecast regions), a two-bedroom apartment on the west end of the complex which allowed for sweeping views both north and west. It was surprisingly spacious, light and airy inside with top-of-the-range fittings including the bespoke kitchen made by a local craftsman.

stylish interiors at The Point at Polzeath

The interiors and furnishings are contemporary with a Scandinavian feel, including cool, mid-century upcycled furniture. For when you want to stay indoors, there are cosy and homely touches too with a wood burning stove, flat screen TV, wifi and a choice of board games. We made the most of watching the sunsets through the floor-to-ceiling windows or from our balcony with its uninterrupted view stretching down to Polzeath and Pentire Point.

Family-friendly extras
For those travelling with little ones, we’d recommend booking your bulky baby equipment with local hire company Babes & Bikes. They hire out kit such as highchairs, travel cots and buggies ensuring it’s already assembled at your accommodation before you arrive. A great help as this saved vital space in the car (and our own sanity from lugging around our own kit everywhere!).

Food and drink
As the apartments are self-catering, you may want to take a break from preparing your own food and try the on-site restaurant (which is also open to non-guests). Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus an all-day bar, make sure you try one of their specials nights – Thursday is Fizz ‘n’ Chips night (£15 for a choice of three fish with three batters, plus a glass of bubbly), or go for Steak Night on Friday (£30 for two steaks and a bottle of wine).

view from the balcony to Pentire Point, Polzeath

Facilities
The Point at Polzeath is known for its golf course so expect to see plenty of golf buggies trundling around during your stay, usually chased by Scrabble, Eva and Jeremy’s friendly spaniel. But don’t worry if you don’t play, there are plenty of other activities on offer including a swimming pool, gym, fitness classes and spa treatments (we tried a heavenly massage from Seventh Heaven). There are also plenty of walks….

The surrounding area of Polzeath
Ask at reception for a local map and advice about walks in the area. You’ll be walking across the golf course (watch those balls!) and down into Polzeath village (25mins) where a windy day with rough seas will attract surfers from all around. You can hire boards or book in for surfing lessons yourself if you fancy it. Otherwise, the coastal path will take you along Pentire Point to enjoy stunning views of the bay.

In the other direction, you can walk to the village of Rock (35mins) with its calm bay and ferry point over to foodie destination Padstow. Short drives from The Point take you to the historic fishing village of Port Isaac, and Tintagel Castle associated with the legend of King Arthur.

All in all, for a stylish Cornish holiday as relaxed or as activity-packed as you need, don’t mess about, just get to The Point!

Prices for an apartment start at £140 per night. Visit www.thepointatpolzeath.co.uk for full details including booking and use of the restaurant, golf course and health club facilities.

The Point at Polzeath is located at St Minver, Nr Polzeath, Cornwall, PL27 6QT

3 of the best farm stays near the Scottish border

This post is sponsored by Lakes Cottage Holidays

Now that the politics surrounding the England-Scotland border are over (for now), the wild landscapes and historic towns let this beautiful area speak for itself…

A stay at one of these self-catering cottages, all on working farms, makes a great base to explore the countryside around the England-Scotland border and nearby Lake District. Here’s our pick of three of the best farm stays…

Williamwood Cottage, Lockerbie, Scottish Borders

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Williamwood Cottage is perfect for families coming fully equipped with cot, highchair and baby bath, alongside wifi and a wood burning stove for cosy evenings. Garden furniture and BBQ are available for warm summer days.

Located on a 310 acre farm, which previously won the RSPB Nature of Farming award for Scotland, this is a great cottage for those who love nature. By farming with conservation in mind, this land is abundant with birdlife, much of which you can spot from several wildlife trails around the site.

The owners will be happy to introduce you to their herd of Highland cattle, Highland ponies, sheep, chickens and Tottie the mini pig! A new children’s playground boasts a petting area with mini animals. Take a horse ride around the farm or even bring your own four-legged friend (arrange with the owners in advance).

The surrounding area is full of historic sites including Robert Burns House, the Old Blacksmith’s Shop at Gretna (famed for its weddings and eloping lovers!), Hadrian’s Wall and Hermitage Castle.

Size: 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6
Rates: From £530 per week

Wild Rose Cottage, Jedburgh, Scottish Borders

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Wild Rose Cottage is set in a peaceful and tranquil site on a 1,100 acre working farm. It comes fully equipped with all mod cons including wifi, a cot and highchair for little ones, plus an open fire. A welcome tray of homemade cakes awaits you on arrival!

Part of the farm, which is mainly home to 2,000 sheep, is within a conservation scheme which encourages ground nesting birds. Explore the farmland and spot buzzards, badgers and deer on one of the many farm trails, or take a stroll down to one of the many ponds.

The nearby town of Jedburgh is the historic gateway to Scotland and is dominated by the twelfth century Augustinian Abbey. Edinburgh, Carlisle and Newcastle are all within an hour’s drive of the cottage.

Size: 2 bedrooms, sleeps 5
Rates: From £320 per week

Red Stables, Aikton, nr Carlisle

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This farm building conversion is stylish and contemporary but retains many of its original, early twentieth century features. Boasting green credentials, the property includes underfloor heating sourced from the farm’s biomass boiler, a charging point for electric cars, and is insulated to the highest standards.

One stand-out selling point is that you can enjoy stunning views across to the Lakeland Fells from your own private hot tub on the patio! But if you ever tire of lazing around in the hot tub (when would that be?!), you can also enjoy complementary use of the swimming pool at nearby Orton Grange Leisure Pool.

Two miles away is the Watchtree Nature Service where red squirrels and bats can be spotted. Hadrian’s Wall, Carlisle and the Lake District are all within easy reach with a car.

Size: 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4
Rates: From £440 per week

For more details, availability and booking for all properties mentioned, visit Lakes Cottage Holidays at www.lakescottageholiday.co.uk or call 0176 883 8103. Browse the site for romantic bolt holes, luxury pads, log cabins, dog-friendly holiday homes, properties with a view and much more.

This post is sponsored by Lakes Cottage Holidays – Goodtrippers retains editorial control over all content and only selects partners and publishes sponsored posts that fit the Goodtrippers ethos.