We are hoping to go away somewhere soon. Not abroad on an aeroplane (American: airplane) but somewhere upon this large island - The Island of Britain. Frances, Stew and Phoebe are heading to Corfu in Greece later this month and so we thought that would be a good time for us to go somewhere too - before autumn truly kicks in and Jack Frost comes a-tapping on our window panes.
There are so many holiday homes to choose from and in September the rental rates are dropping like stones in a pond. I fancied the coast of mid-Wales but I am also looking at the southern Lake District in the north west of England. These are both areas that we don't know so it would be nice to explore them - assuming of course that we don't happen to hit upon a wet week. The west of this island is notoriously wetter than the east.
You have to be alert, questioning and cunning when picking a place to stay. There are reviews to examine and photos that might not tell the whole story - such as a main road passing right in front of the property. And you have to weigh up possible choices with other rental properties in the surrounding area. Some places can sleep just two people but others can accommodate twelve or more. And I also like to pinpoint the exact location on a map. Often the owners or their agents don't tell you that until you have actually booked.
Just as an example of places I have been looking at this morning - here's Shipwreck Cottage in the village of Cartmel in the southern Lake District. It actually sleeps four people but in the week we plan to go it is available for £613 ($705 US):-
Looks quite adequate to me. Yes! Go off on an adventure and enjoy life!
ReplyDeleteI love the Lake District. We used to hop across the Irish Sea every year for a holiday there, trying out different places to stay. Great for walking and beautiful scenery.
ReplyDeleteFinding suitable holiday accomodation is a bit like a treasure hunt. And once you have struck gold, stick to it if you ever travel to that area again. My sister and I have been lucky in that we have found "our" beloved Matchbox cottage in Ripon, ideal for us in terms of location, space, equipment and price, and so we keep returning year after year (if possible).
ReplyDeleteI am sure your choice will be good, seeing that you consider all angles. As for reviews, I am not a big fan of them. Too often people have completely different expectations from what I would be looking for.
Hiking, Jennings Bitter and Kendal Mint Cake perhaps?
ReplyDeleteYou can lead a horse to water, but a pencil must be lead.
ReplyDeleteShipwreck Cottage looks like a great place to stay. I'd pick that one! And I love the name.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it doesn't really matter where you go, just a change of scenery and routine is what is needed.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you two will have a lovely holiday.
ReplyDeleteI've heard some real horror stories of things being mis described both here and abroad. I am sure your caution will pay off and otherwise it will just be down to the weather gods.
ReplyDeleteThey all look lovely. I would suggest getting a bird's eye view via google earth, that way you can see for sure if there are any main roads running right by the front door, or large rivers nearby that might flood in a downpour etc.
ReplyDeleteI'd go with Shirley's choice - it looks nicely rural without being too remote.
ReplyDeleteHave you come across Alistair Sawday's website? We've used this frequently in the past - it covers self-catering in interesting places and small hotels, both in the UK and on the Continent.
Enjoy your adventure! You and Shirley deserve a break, Neil!
ReplyDelete