Latest news with #IndependentCottages
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Cornwall chocolate box village named among England's best
Mousehole, which is known for its "picturesque" harbour and narrow streets, was highlighted as one of the best in England. It was among a selection of spots curated by Independent Cottages, which was aiming to find the most beautiful villages in the country. They compared many places against a list of criteria to come to their conclusions, which were: The number of historic buildings, showing the architectural heritage that gives each village its character The oldest recorded existence of the village, demonstrating its depth of history Whether each village is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), recognising its natural surroundings and protection status How many people search for the village online, indicating public interest and recognition How many TikTok posts feature each village, showing how visually appealing they are Introducing the list, they wrote: "There are lots of things that make England special: castles, stately homes and national parks. But what makes it especially charming is the hundreds of little chocolate box villages scattered across the countryside. "Thatched cottages lining cobblestone streets, church bells marking the time and quaint pubs with roaring fires welcoming locals and travellers alike, just as they have for centuries." The full list of England's best chocolate box villages can be found on the Independent Cottages website here. What makes Mousehole one of England's top 'chocolate box' villages? In terms of how it stacked up against other chocolate box villages, Mousehole is said to have dated back to 1286 and has 124 listed buildings. The village is also located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has had 1,305 TikTok posts made about it. Located fairly close to Penzance, Mousehole is a historic fishing village which has retained its "original character, charm and beauty". Visit Cornwall adds: "Its picturesque harbour is surrounded by narrow streets and lichen covered houses, which huddle together creating a stunning location." You can easily lose yourself for a couple of hours navigating these little lanes, discovering cafes, restaurants, galleries and more. The tourism website says: "With the tide out the harbour becomes a safe sandy beach, popular with families, whilst the sea wall is a great place to promenade and take in the views across to St Michael's Mount." If you're a keen swimmer, then Mousehole Rock Pool, which is a natural tidal pool, would be the ideal spot for you. Meanwhile, Cornwall Guide praised the village for its cottages "built from finely grained Lamorna granite". Recommended reading: It adds: "The area is protected from the force of the sea by two sturdy breakwaters. "Dylan Thomas described the village as the loveliest in England, but there are many Cornishman who would dispute that this part of the world can be classed as England!" Have you explored Mousehole? Let us know what you think of this chocolate box village in the comments below.
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Brockenhurst among England's best chocolate box villages
Brockenhurst, which is known as a "bustling" place with plenty to explore, was highlighted as one of the best in England. It was among a selection of spots curated by Independent Cottages, which was aiming to find the most beautiful villages in the country. They compared many places against a list of criteria to come to their conclusions, which were: The number of historic buildings, showing the architectural heritage that gives each village its character The oldest recorded existence of the village, demonstrating its depth of history Whether each village is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), recognising its natural surroundings and protection status How many people search for the village online, indicating public interest and recognition How many TikTok posts feature each village, showing how visually appealing they are Introducing the list, they wrote: "There are lots of things that make England special: castles, stately homes and national parks. But what makes it especially charming is the hundreds of little chocolate box villages scattered across the countryside. "Thatched cottages lining cobblestone streets, church bells marking the time and quaint pubs with roaring fires welcoming locals and travellers alike, just as they have for centuries." The full list of England's best chocolate box villages can be found on the Independent Cottages website here. What makes Brockenhurst one of England's top chocolate box villages? In terms of how it stacked up against other chocolate box villages, Brockenhurst is said to date back to 3300 BC and has 64 listed buildings. While it is not located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it has had 672 TikTok posts made about it. Brockenhurst can be found in the heart of the New Forest and is one of the largest villages in the area. As shared by the New Forest website, Leaders Estate Agent describes it as having 'bundles of charm and history'. Ponies, deer and donkeys are known to roam the streets, and there are plenty of "warm and inviting pubs" to step into for a pint or a bite to eat. An intriguing feature of the village is the Watersplash, which is a meeting point of two of the area's streams: the North and South Weirs. These eventually lead on to the Lymington River, and you sometimes can find animals drinking from this watering hole. If you're into cycling and walking, there are numerous options that people can begin from the village, including the South Taste Trail. One of the most searched things about Brockenhurst is The Pig, which is a hotel and restaurant on the outskirts of the village. The establishment's website says it has "all the ingredients for a truly laid-back stay". Recommended reading: This includes food sourced from the site's own kitchen garden and "homely drawing rooms" which are "perfect for sinking into after a day's exploring". It adds: "Step beyond the grounds and you're straight into the rambling tracks and ancient woodland of the New Forest. "And don't be surprised if you bump into a couple of our resident Saddleback pigs while you're here!"
Daily Mirror
02-08-2025
- Daily Mirror
Village known as 'Venice of the Cotswolds' named as the most beautiful
One of the most beautiful villages in the United Kingdom has been named, and it's the perfect spot for a staycation this summer, with plenty of things to see and do For an unforgettable staycation, one location outshines the rest. This picturesque chocolate box village has been crowned one of the most beautiful in the nation. Despite the throngs of visitors it attracts, this enchanting village offers plenty to tourists, including honey-hued cottages and a river that meanders through its heart, spanned by quaint stone bridges. Bourton-on-the-Water has been declared the UK's most beautiful village by Independent Cottages, with the River Windrush, which flows directly through the town, contributing to its unique charm and earning it the moniker 'The Venice of the Cotswolds'. I drove 90 minutes to eat at Jeremy Clarkson's pub - one thing I wish I'd known before leaving 'England's prettiest village' residents say it's 'like North Korea' as drones snoop on homes Dating back to as early as 4000 BC, the village boasts over 380 listed buildings - ideal for a day of exploration and appreciation of the village's rich history. With an average depth of just 10 inches, the river gently babbles through the centre of the village, adding a dash of charm to the ambiance. Nestled within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bourton-on-the-Water offers stunning countryside views should you tire of the village's beauty, reports the Express. A mere 300 metres from Bourton-on-the-Water's main car park lies Greystones Nature Reserve. Managed by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Greystones is home to wildflower meadows, Iron Age ramparts, a replica Iron Age roundhouse, and a functioning organic farm. It's an ideal spot for a day of adventure and wildlife spotting, with creatures like foxes, deer and native birds to be seen. For more animal encounters, Birdland Park and Gardens is a must-visit. This beautiful reserve, nestled within nine acres of woodland and gardens, offers plenty to explore. The park boasts over 130 species of birds, including the UK's only breeding group of King Penguins.
Wales Online
02-06-2025
- Wales Online
The seaside town re-inventing itself with a floating hotel and delicious food scene
The seaside town re-inventing itself with a floating hotel and delicious food scene It's becoming somewhere truly special and worth visiting just for the amazing food available Aberdaugleddau or Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire One synonymous with heavy industry and commercial docks, Milford Haven is now making quiet but confident waves as one of Wales' most exciting destinations for tourism. Dominating the estuary, this historic harbour town has had a striking transformation thanks to a multi-million-pound regeneration project that has turned its waterfront into a bustling hub of food, fun and on-the-water living. At the heart of the revival is Milford Waterfront, a stylishly redeveloped marina that's fast earning a name for itself - and is becoming somewhere worth travelling to in its own right. Think independent bars, locally owned shops, gallery spaces, and an increasingly sophisticated dining scene that's starting to rival Tenby in both quality and character. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Fresh data from Independent Cottages has also just revealed that it has just been named one of the five most popular places for Brits to visit this summer. A standout addition to the town is the Ty Milford Waterfront Hotel, part of the Celtic Collection which also run the five-star Celtic Manor Resort. Book a unique coastal stay in four floating cabins among the boats moored at Milford Marina (Image: Portia Jones ) This modern stay by the water offers some stunning harbour views and a smart brasserie-style restaurant, but it's the hotel's quirky 'floatel cabins' that have caught the most attention. These on-water rooms, bobbing gently beside fishing boats and sailing yachts, offer a serene stay where guests can wake up to sea breezes and feel truly part of the scenery. Inside the hotel, the popular restaurant, Dulse, does dishes to die for, offering people an authentic taste of the local sourced seafood in a stunning setting with views right across the marina. Housed inside the Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront, Dulse is one of the best places in Pembs for delicious seafood (Image: Portia Jones ) The hotel seems to be a core symbol of what Milford Haven has to offer right now, as our lifestyle editor Kathryn Williams also recently found out, noting: "Since talking about visiting there I've been met with some puzzled expressions but I've been able to bat them off by telling them about the trip I took there this year. "Over the summer I stayed in Milford for two nights and was impressed by what was on offer right on the doorstep of the harbour. Thanks to an invite from Ty Milford, where we stayed for one night, myself and my partner also tried the floatel. "Now, many might - and have to me - say that 'Milford is great as a base to explore that end of Pembrokeshire' and it certainly is. "You are in an arm's length of Dale, St Anne's Head out to the west and if you go south you'll stumble across Freshwater East, Barafundle. "But I would argue that there's nothing stopping you staying in Milford Waterfront and utilising what it has to offer." You can read the full piece here. Staying at Ty Milford, Kathryn noted that the entire stay was a 2024 summer highlight, writing: 'Yes, it is a great place to base yourself to get around Pembrokeshire, but equally it's worth checking out what's on at the Waterfront as there's lots to explore.' (Image: KathrynWilliams ) Elsewhere, the foodie scene is continuing to grow. COCO's Restaurant, perched right on the waterfront, is a favourite for its Mediterranean-inspired plates, with Mad Hatter's Café offering some super creative brunches and indulgent bakes which are well worth trying out. For fresh seafood and local produce with a modern twist, The Harbourmaster delivers dependable seasonal dishes in a smart-casual setting, as well as offering an extensive wine and cocktail menu - perfect for a relaxed evening soaking in the area in style. Martha's Vineyard, family-run bar and restaurant is also a stunning option if you're looking for a proper maritime vibe serving fresh fish, great meats and quality ingredients as well as a daily specials board. And for a morning treat, Sugar Loaf Deli & Bakery is the perfect spot to start your day off, also located on the waterfront. They are known for serving the best in rustic baked goods, homemade deli products, and a range of teas and coffees. From cosy cafes and seafood-focused bistros to brunch spots with serious Instagram appeal, Milford Haven is quietly establishing itself as a go-to for food lovers seeking something a little more low-key than the busy, more widely known hotspots in Pembrokeshire. Visiting the marina, our travel-loving journalist Portia Jones also noted: 'History and heritage are also thoughtfully displayed through walking trails and the volunteer-run Milford Haven Museum. 'The museum tells the story of Milford Haven and its proud maritime heritage. Inside, you can explore the exhibits and collections covering the Nantucket Quaker Whalers, the fishing industry, and the nautical town's crucial role in supporting the world's energy demands. 'Wander further along the waterfront, and you'll find boutique shopping, cafes, seafood restaurants and even a chocolate shop.' All of this, and you're also just a 20 minute drive from two of Pembrokeshire's lesser-known, secret beaches including St Brides Haven and Musselwick. Musselwick (Image: Musselwick ) The cliffs at Musselwick are completely jaw-dropping, and make you feel like you've stepped onto your own little private island. It's located not far from the tiny village of Marloes - but this is definitely not a commercialised spot so with no parking, your best bet would be to leave the car up here and walk along the nearest footpath. Despite being a little more out of the way, this hidden gem beach looks like paradise with plenty of sand and crystal clear blue waters to enjoy. St Brides Haven is also an underrated Pembrokeshire spot, and is a more pebbly beach than Musselwick which reveals sand at low tide, but it is arguably just as private. St Brides Haven beach (Image: Kathryn Williams ) The coast between Mill Haven beach and St Bride's also makes for great clifftop walking, meaning you can see right across St Bride's Bay to St David's Head and Ramsey. Article continues below And if you don't have access to a car and want to explore this incredible part fo Wales, you might be glad to hear that two popular bus services are returning to the Pembrokeshire coastline this year according to Pembrokeshire County Council, including: The Puffin Shuttle (service 400, operated by Richards Bros) running between St Davids and Marloes, via Little Haven, Druidston, St Brides and Martins Haven (for boat trips to Skomer Island). The Strumble Shuttle (service 404, operated by Richards Bros) running via the coast road between St Davids and Fishguard, including Abereiddy (for the Blue Lagoon), Porthgain, and Strumble Head.
Western Telegraph
31-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Pembrokeshire towns named among most popular UK breaks
According to Independent Cottages, Newport and Milford Haven, both in Pembrokeshire, have seen a significant rise in popularity for summer breaks. The holiday provider analysed internal data from 2023 and 2024 to determine which destinations have grown in popularity the most during the summer season. Newport took the top spot, followed by Grassington, Harrogate, both in Yorkshire, Shorwell on the Isle of Wight and Milford Haven. Founded by the Normans in the 12th century, Newport is known for its medieval history and beautiful natural settings. The town's history is evident in its local landmarks, including an ancient church, ruined castle, and stone cottages. The town's creative and community spirit is reflected in its craft shops, art galleries, and seasonal festivals. Popular activities close to the town include hiking, kayaking, and sailing in the nearby Nevern Estuary, or relaxing on Newport Sands, popular for beach activities and watersports. Milford Haven, known for its maritime heritage, is another destination on the Pembrokeshire coast that has caught Brits' attention for the summer season, coming in fifth position in Independent Cottages' rankings. The historic port town's waterfront is one of its most iconic landmarks, with its timeline dating back to the 18th century, where its journey to becoming a key whaling, fishing, and later oil port began. Now, Milford Marine is filled with restaurants, galleries, and shops for visitors seeking an enjoyable outing, and its heritage museum is a landmark showcasing its rich history and notable events. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path allows visitors to enjoy the extensive natural beauty of this corner of the UK, with stunning views and ample coastline to explore within arm's reach. Matthew Fox, CEO of Independent Cottages, said: "While destinations like Ashbourne, the gateway to the Peak District, and Keswick in the Lake District National Park, are popular outdoor locations, under-the-radar spots are on Brits' radars in summertime. "Many of these destinations are within easy reach of, or in, the UK's areas of natural beauty, illustrating how Brits not only want to connect with nature in countryside and coastal locations, but also explore gems that are beyond the most well-known tourist spots."
