By Pete D Etheridge
Maybe it is the beautiful wooden limestone dales with rivers of the clearest water running through them, or the bleak and barren moorlands in the north of the area, beautiful still, but in a different sort of wild way, or could it be the friendly and welcoming people, the stately homes in and around the area, wooded valleys, beautiful countryside attracting walkers and cyclists, gritstone edges popular with climbers and hang gliders. Whatever the particular attraction is, millions of visitors flood to the Peak District every year.
Lying at the Southern end of the Pennines mountain range and covering an area of 555 square miles (1,440 km2), mostly in Derbyshire, but also covering areas of West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Staffordshire, the Peak District was the first area of Britain to be named a National Park in 1951.
The Peak District can effectively be split into two distinctly different areas; the Dark Peak and the White Peak. The Dark Peak domintes the northern part of the district with gritstone outcrops and edges, often bordering high altitude bleak peat moorlands; mostly used for rearing hardy sheep, and inhabited by a number of game birds such as grouse. The White Peak is predominately in the southern part of the district whose name derives from the light colour of the limestone hills and dales, and criss-crossed by a maze of limestone dry stone walling; this is pasture land and is favoured by cattle rearers.
Millions of visitors come to the area every year to make use of the many outdoor activities available in the Peak District or to visit the numerous tourist attractions such as Chatsworth House, the caverns at Castleton (unique to Blue John - a type of fluorite/fluorspar - mining in the UK), charming Olde England towns and villages, or to see the many traditional festivals associated with the area; well-dressing (originally a Derbyshire tradition), Shrovetide football (at Asbourne), or the scarecrow festivals at Wirksworth and Tansley (an idea being picked up by other towns and villages in or near to the area, Pleasley being a prime example).
Accessibility to the area is excellent with about 20 million people living within a hour's drive, an excellent public transport system serves the area. With massive towns and cities around the border, namely; Sheffield, Manchester, Derby, Huddersfield, and Stoke-on-Trent whose residents enjoy all that the peak District has to offer from just a stone's throw away. It is no surprise that tourism is perhaps the biggest revenue providing about 25% of the total income of residents living in the area - Dove Dale in the south of the district alone welcomes on average 2 million visitors each year. Natural mineral water outlets at Buxton and Ashbourne are exploited to supply retailers throughout the UK, and the mineral mining and manufacturing industries also provide much of the revenue.
I was fortunate to be born in Derbyshire, have lived close to or in the area all my life and have spent many great times enjoying the delights of the Peak District so I know first hand what is there. I urge anyone who has never visited the Peak District to do so and see what is on offer, they will certainly not be disappointed. If however you have already discovered the Peak District then you must return to discover more about this delightful area of the UK.
Look out for my Peak District and Derbyshire eBook out next year (2012).
Email me at peak-district-tours@live.co.uk to reserve your copy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pete_D_Etheridge
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Luxury Holiday Cottages Bringing Together Location and Comfort
By Mark Richards
There is undeniably an appeal for some people about holidaying in a caravan or in a tent. Making do with the bare necessities and "roughing it" does certainly inspire a sense of adventure.
However for those who prefer their holiday to provide some comfort and quality the self-catering holiday has moved on a very long way in a fairly short space of time.
The pine lodge, the exclusive chalet, the luxury cottage - all these have allowed the holidaymaker who values the independence that comes with self-catering but who appreciates some comfort a far more appropriate option.
What is more location has itself become a major imperative in informing one's choice. Rather than holidaying in a "pack 'em and stack 'em" chalet on what sometimes resembles a downmarket council estate on the periphery of a glorified theme park, the more discerning are actively seeking properties in picturesque locations in the country, or near the coast overlooking the sea.
The emergence of luxury holiday cottages as an accommodation option is really a simple logical progression. At home we have never used so many appliances as we do today, not just Internet technology but also kitchen equipment, multi-channel television, machines for washing crockery and clothes, microwave ovens and equipment for playing music to name just a few. Although we're on holiday, often we want to be somewhere where we can live a little. After all, why would anyone go on holiday to lead a more stressful life than they have at home?
Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation is to be found in some of the most stunning resorts. North Wales, the Lake District, the Peak District, Cornwall and Derbyshire boast some of the most picturesque scenery one will find, not only in the United Kingdom but throughout Europe and beyond.
What gives self-catering cottages their appeal in preference to hotels and guest houses is the independence they allow to enjoy one's own lifestyle at the time and in the manner that one chooses. One can eat what one wants, at a time that suits, and enjoy the solace of one's own family and company rather than the communal facilities that are a natural feature of hotels. The experience is in every sense one that takes the holidaymaker away from it all.
Mark Richards is a professional writer working for The Middle Man, a business promotion service using its experience and expert knowledge of marketing strategy to generate important new business for its clients at a surprisingly low cost.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_P_Richards
There is undeniably an appeal for some people about holidaying in a caravan or in a tent. Making do with the bare necessities and "roughing it" does certainly inspire a sense of adventure.
However for those who prefer their holiday to provide some comfort and quality the self-catering holiday has moved on a very long way in a fairly short space of time.
The pine lodge, the exclusive chalet, the luxury cottage - all these have allowed the holidaymaker who values the independence that comes with self-catering but who appreciates some comfort a far more appropriate option.
What is more location has itself become a major imperative in informing one's choice. Rather than holidaying in a "pack 'em and stack 'em" chalet on what sometimes resembles a downmarket council estate on the periphery of a glorified theme park, the more discerning are actively seeking properties in picturesque locations in the country, or near the coast overlooking the sea.
The emergence of luxury holiday cottages as an accommodation option is really a simple logical progression. At home we have never used so many appliances as we do today, not just Internet technology but also kitchen equipment, multi-channel television, machines for washing crockery and clothes, microwave ovens and equipment for playing music to name just a few. Although we're on holiday, often we want to be somewhere where we can live a little. After all, why would anyone go on holiday to lead a more stressful life than they have at home?
Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation is to be found in some of the most stunning resorts. North Wales, the Lake District, the Peak District, Cornwall and Derbyshire boast some of the most picturesque scenery one will find, not only in the United Kingdom but throughout Europe and beyond.
What gives self-catering cottages their appeal in preference to hotels and guest houses is the independence they allow to enjoy one's own lifestyle at the time and in the manner that one chooses. One can eat what one wants, at a time that suits, and enjoy the solace of one's own family and company rather than the communal facilities that are a natural feature of hotels. The experience is in every sense one that takes the holidaymaker away from it all.
Mark Richards is a professional writer working for The Middle Man, a business promotion service using its experience and expert knowledge of marketing strategy to generate important new business for its clients at a surprisingly low cost.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_P_Richards
Monday, 14 February 2011
Our Unique Holiday Advice
A self-catering holiday has many advantages over staying in a Hotel or Bed and Breakfast. It is more flexible and much easier to chill out, eating as and when and where you choose, and unwinding in a large property with all the amenities you would usually take for granted.
Over the past decade or so self-catering cottages have altered radically. What was once simply a means of accommodating larger parties in what was often very basic accommodation has transformed into a luxury market offering some stunning properties to suit every taste.
Choosing the right holiday accommodation is so important to all of us. We all have different holiday needs and requirements. Some of us will want a romantic hideaway to spend some time with our loved one, away from it all. Others will want to spend time with family and friends, whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a large family get-together. Many people want to experience true English scenery, and to escape to the country to enjoy farm life whilst many of us find there is nothing more therapeutic than gazing out across the sea whilst curled up in front of a traditional fire.
So it is important to decide what it is you are looking for before embarking upon your search. What type of location do you seek - country village, seaside town or somewhere completely away from it all? How many people will you be taking with you? Willing you be bringing your pet dog? Will there be elderly people with you, or people with diabilities? If your taking a young family you will need to consider what facilities they need, and escaping to a country village or staying miles away from anywhere might not be suitable for young children.
Our website is simple to navigate and on each of the property pages it is worth spending some time looking at the facilities available. It might be best to choose a selection of properties that might suit your requirements and then save them to your personal short list. Once you have made your final selection, send the owner/manager an enquiry through our online enquiry form and remember to ask any relevant questions about the property and the area which you feel may affect your decision as to whether to book.
All of the properties on our website have been lovingly cared for and maintained by their owners, who take pride in offering you a unique property and holiday experience. Please respect their property and leave it in the way you found it. Breakages are at times unavoidable, however its common courtesy to let the owner/manager know of any breakages or any equipment that may have malfunctioned during your stay. This will help avoid disappointment to the next guests.
Last but not least enjoy your holiday, feel at home in these luxury holiday cottages, enjoy the locality and the ambience and we are confident you will have a fabulous time.
Over the past decade or so self-catering cottages have altered radically. What was once simply a means of accommodating larger parties in what was often very basic accommodation has transformed into a luxury market offering some stunning properties to suit every taste.
Choosing the right holiday accommodation is so important to all of us. We all have different holiday needs and requirements. Some of us will want a romantic hideaway to spend some time with our loved one, away from it all. Others will want to spend time with family and friends, whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a large family get-together. Many people want to experience true English scenery, and to escape to the country to enjoy farm life whilst many of us find there is nothing more therapeutic than gazing out across the sea whilst curled up in front of a traditional fire.
So it is important to decide what it is you are looking for before embarking upon your search. What type of location do you seek - country village, seaside town or somewhere completely away from it all? How many people will you be taking with you? Willing you be bringing your pet dog? Will there be elderly people with you, or people with diabilities? If your taking a young family you will need to consider what facilities they need, and escaping to a country village or staying miles away from anywhere might not be suitable for young children.
Our website is simple to navigate and on each of the property pages it is worth spending some time looking at the facilities available. It might be best to choose a selection of properties that might suit your requirements and then save them to your personal short list. Once you have made your final selection, send the owner/manager an enquiry through our online enquiry form and remember to ask any relevant questions about the property and the area which you feel may affect your decision as to whether to book.
All of the properties on our website have been lovingly cared for and maintained by their owners, who take pride in offering you a unique property and holiday experience. Please respect their property and leave it in the way you found it. Breakages are at times unavoidable, however its common courtesy to let the owner/manager know of any breakages or any equipment that may have malfunctioned during your stay. This will help avoid disappointment to the next guests.
Last but not least enjoy your holiday, feel at home in these luxury holiday cottages, enjoy the locality and the ambience and we are confident you will have a fabulous time.
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