Our fabulous Peak District holiday expert, Wendy Boast, offers these suggestions on things to do in the Peak District that will keep your purse in your bag and your wallet firmly in your pocket. Pack your walking boots - as you’ll be racking up the miles here on holiday in the Peak District - although there are cycling options too. 

We have added holiday cottages that we feel would be suitable places to stay. Click on the cottage name to view its listing on My Favourite Holiday Cottages.

 

Over to you, Wendy...

Whether you are visiting with family or friends or coming for some peace and quiet, the stunning countryside of the Peak District National Park offers access for free in many beautiful rural settings.

A few of our favourite places to walk with family or friends in particular are:

 

1. Walk or Ride The Marvellous Monsal Trail 

Around 8 miles of traffic-free walking (or cycling) on a former Midland Railway line with some heritage trails and information.  

And, not forgetting the six tunnels, which at points are dark (although lit) and well worth walking through at least a couple of them.

There’s also the Monsal Viaduct with stunning views, the lime kilns to see and the old Miller’s Dale station. 

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2. Leg it Around Ladybower 

Ladybower Reservoir is a naturally stunning area in the Upper Derwent Valley and is surrounded by lovely countryside. 

A walk along Ladybower’s shores is perfect for family and dog walking as it is mostly flat with some wooded areas.  

It’s about an hour’s walk each way to the dam, and with low water levels in high summer, you can see areas of the old flooded village.

Where to Stay: Birch Cottage, Sleeps 8

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3. Do Dovedale

Dovedale is a renowned beauty spot in the Peak District and is perfect for picnics when the weather is good.   A lovely leisurely walk for a large group of friends.

The two to three-mile stretch of the River Dove from Milldale (parking, toilets, a café and always plenty of hungry ducks for feeding here) has limestone gorges, caves, wooden bridges and the famous stepping stones across the Dove to explore along the way. 

Where to Stay: Valley View, Sleeps 15

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4. Clamber Kinder

And for those more energetic (and not recommended for young children), why not climb Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District?  

On clear days you can see Snowdonia.  

Start in Edale and allow at least five hours.

 

Where to Stay: Hazelhead House. Sleeps 12

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5. Go Gardening in Buxton 

A lovely spa town undergoing a revival with the restoration of the Grade I listed Crescent and Spa. It’s well worth peeking at the work in hand.  

There are also 23 acres of gardens in the Grade II listed Pavilion Gardens, all accessible for free. And if that’s not enough, why not sample the famous Buxton mineral water for free at St Anne’s well near the Crescent?  

Take some supplies home – bring some empty bottles.

Where to Stay: Red Hurst at Farditch Farm. Sleeps 6

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6. Feed The Birds in Bakewell (for less than tuppence a bag)

Bakewell can be touristy, but one of the great pleasures here is to feed the 100s (or so it seems) of ducks and geese that float around on the river in the town centre by the bridges (bring plenty of stale bread).  

Wandering the narrow streets and taking in the touristy and quirky shops can be a pleasurable distraction. For families, the Bakewell recreation ground is about 12 acres popular for walking, cycling and flying kites. There’s a children’s play area here, two croquet lawns, and free wet play for kids from 1 April to 1 September.

 

Where to Stay: River Cottage, Sleeps 4

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7. Capture A Castle (on film) in Castleton 

Castleton is a lovely village in the middle of the Peak District National Park. It is known as the ‘Gem of the Peaks’ with attractions including the ruins of Peveril Castle (not free entry), St Edmunds Church, and beautiful scenery wherever you look around you.  

 

Castleton is surrounded on three sides by steep hills, with the most imposing section being Mam Tor, a famous spot in the Peak District. There are plenty of shops to fill in the time too, and the visitor centre is worth visiting.

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8. Get Wet on (the Water

Carsington Water is a great spot to watch the water sports taking place on the reservoir, and for younger families, there is a play area and visitor centre. Picnic tables are also available, so bring lunch with you.  

And if you have bikes, there’s a family-friendly three-mile trail or try cycling around the whole reservoir on the eight-mile trail.

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9. Peak Pedal Power

There’s plenty of traffic-free cycling in the Peak District. As well as the Monsal Trail and Carsington Water already mentioned, there are excellent cycle routes on the Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail.  

 

All for free, of course!

View More Peak District Blogs

Best Peak District Farmers & Artisan Markets

Discover The Peak District in Full Autumn Glory

Self-Catering Holidays in the Peak District for Cyclists

6 Hard-to-Ignore Reasons to Visit The Peak District in February

Our Favourite Dog-Friendly Pubs in the Peak District

Luxury Romantic Cottages for Couples: A Few of Our Favourites

Luxury holiday cottages for couples in the UK aren’t always easy to find since properties tend to be geared towards families and groups. But we appreciate couples’ need to get away from it all and relax in style, which is why we have handpicked a selection of beautifully presented one-bedroom holiday cottages across the UK. The following list includes a few of our favourite holiday cottages for couples, each with its own luxuries – from a balcony overlooking an Italian garden to a wood-fired hot tub on a secret beach.

Click on the property name for more images and booking information.

 

Cherry Tree Cottage, Devon

Luxury holiday cottage for couples in Sidmouth with a royal past

Formerly part of a Regency House for the Duke and Duchess of St Albans, Cherry Tree Cottage has a sunny patio looking out onto the award-winning gardens at Littlecourt. This cosy cottage lies on the South Devon coast, famous for its mild weather and stunning beaches. 

Sailing and swimming are a joy in the area’s estuaries and bays, while walking on the South West Coast Path offers breathtaking views across the ocean. 

The beaches around Sidmouth are also famous for fossil hunting – a unique way to while away an afternoon during your romantic break by the sea.

 

Loch an Eileen Cottage, Aviemore, Scotland

Beautifully converted Lochside cottage for couples in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park

Surrounded by misty mountains and wild forests, this secluded Highlands holiday cottage sits on the banks of a peaceful loch frequented by red squirrels, deer and eagles. 

After a day exploring the park’s inspiring landscapes, relax by the wood burner, turn on the underfloor heating and enjoy a meal in the open-plan living room, beautifully designed to create a sense of tranquillity.

 

The Beach Hut, Devon

Romantic holiday cottage with its own private beach at the end of a steep cliff path

The Beach Hut - Just the two of you, a few seagulls and the waves.

A more romantic setting than The Beach Hut would be hard to imagine. Nestled beneath towering cliffs and with uninterrupted views across the ocean, this beachfront holiday cottage is the perfect place to relax on the beach and watch the sunset on the horizon with a bottle of wine. 

There’s no electricity, so windup lanterns provide lighting and a wood burner for cooler evenings. 

You will even have your own wood-fired hot tub – the perfect way to end the day. The Beach Hut is near Newton Ferrers on the South Devon coast.

 

Nutmeg Cottage, Norfolk

Five-star converted barn by the River Ure in Wroxham

Known as the capital of the Norfolk Broads, the pretty village of Wroxham is surrounded by gentle waterways overlooked by old windmills. Wander along the river or rent a boat for the day before unwinding in this cosy cottage on 50 acres of secluded grounds. 

If you fancy an evening meal, stroll into the village centre, where you will find some of the region’s best restaurants. We highly recommend the Station Smokehouse, River Kitchen or Old Mill.

 

Blue Moon, St Ives

Sumptuously decorated one-bedroom holiday cottage in St Ives

St Ives is one of Cornwall’s most beautiful towns, with white-sand beaches and a maze of narrow lanes packed with art galleries and great places to eat and drink. Blue Moon is a stroll away from it all, with unique interiors combining rustic features and sleek, modern furnishings.

Split between two levels, this holiday cottage for couples has underfloor heating, a luxurious en-suite double bedroom and a Chesterfield sofa in the lounge.

 

The Folly, Northumberland

Fairy-tale cottage for couples in the sleepy village of Alnwick

With its private balcony overlooking an Italian garden, this unique three-storey cottage is perfect for an unforgettable romantic break. 

A stone’s throw from The Folly, the Northumberland coast is home to deserted sandy beaches and rocky coves, while woodland trails and ancient ruins can be discovered in the rolling countryside around the village.

 

CLICK HERE To view our full selection of UK holiday cottages for couples 

If You Don’t Freshen Up Your Cottage Advert – Say Goodbye to Bookings

Set aside a little time this weekend or one evening next week and use this checklist to enhance the appeal of your advert:

Just like a shop window display, if left completely alone, your holiday cottage advert will gather cobwebs and, worse still, look unflatteringly out of date. It may be visible, but it won’t be working as well as your cottage deserves.

 

Seven Ways to Attract More Bookings!

1.    Images: The single most influential part of your advert. The bigger – the better. 

If your images are all 1920x1080 pixels (or larger), then they will display this big: View Cherry Tree Cottage, Sidmouth If not, then re-install using 1020x1080 pixel-sized images. It will make a difference. 

Can we help? If you are not sure how to do this (or are just too busy), for just £10, we will re-size and upload up to large images for you. 

Click here to request our upload service and for more advice on image selection. If you want to know how to resize your images, Click Here.

 

2. Reviews: The 2nd most influential part of your advert

Your advert includes a Visitors Book for you to upload your latest guest testimonials. You should aim to have at least one healthy review that is less than 4 months old. Beyond that, potential bookers may wonder why people have suddenly stopped saying nice things about your property and assume the worst. 

No reviews? When was the last time you spent a lot of money on something that no one had bothered to review? Reviews can be easily added by you.

 

Add a Floorplan

Very helpful, especially if you have a large holiday cottage. Floorplans help reassure potential bookers that you can properly accommodate everyone. Create a floor plan, photograph and upload it in your images. 

 

Prices: You can now upload your own price guide.

It can give general guidelines. E.g. May to June: from 675 to £850, or you can upload dates and tariffs for every price band. People don’t like to ensure if they are not sure, they can afford your rates.

 

Check your contact details.

I checked 47 properties this morning and found 28 with incorrect (missing, out-of-date or incorrectly entered) details such as phone numbers, email addresses and website addresses. 

The most common error is web addresses still starting with http (as opposed to https). They still work but open with an ‘Insecure site’ warning, which can seriously deter potential bookers.

 

Content: Keep it Correct

Have you added any new facilities to your property (or taken any away)? Amend accordingly. 

Also, does your property relate to any of the ‘categories’ or ‘locations’ we have added over the past 2-3 years, such as ‘hot tub’ or ‘eco-cottages’. If so, it will only appear in a search if you have ticked the box.

 

Availability Calendar

Is it up to date? Finding a lovely cottage with an empty calendar does not encourage people to book. Keep it up to date.

Updating your calendars increases the number of searches your cottage will be included in.

By the end of 2018, we will be introducing a ‘Search by Availability’ option. This is in response to demand not only from those using the site to find and book a cottage but also from many owners as well. 

We will be integrating this with as many online booking calendars as possible, starting with SuperControl, Bookalet, Free2Book and Holiday Bookings Online. If you use another online booking software, let us know, and we will add it to the integration list.

 

Using these tips, update your advert!

People are booking now for Christmas right through to next autumn. Don’t allow your listing to become an ‘Also Ran’! Update it as soon as possible.

 

Can't log in?

If you cannot remember it, your User name is your email address. Then use the ‘Forgot your password’ button to reset it.

Once you have logged in

Click on your Username (top right). From the drop-down list, select ‘Manage Properties.

(If you want to update and re-activate an old property, click on ‘Unpaid Cottages’)

If you want to edit a live property, then click on ‘Live Cottages

This opens a list showing the 3 images and a short description of your property. Check the images to make sure you are happy with your choice)

Ø  Click on Edit to edit the main property information

Ø  Click on View Prices to update or add prices

Ø  Click on ‘Late Availability’ to advertise a last-minute discount.

 

Don’t forget to save the page when you’ve finished!

A soak in the hot tub is the perfect way to end the day, regardless of the season. Even in the middle of winter, there’s nothing more magical than gazing up at a clear, starlit sky from the warmth of your private hot tub. The following list includes some of our favourite holiday cottages with their own hot tubs, from a romantic couple’s hideaway on the North Devon coast to a magnificent home on the Moray Firth in Scotland.

 

The Crepe Farmhouse, Dorset – Sleeps 17

Large Luxury Dorset Farmhouse near Bridport with a Hot Tub, Pool and Sauna

Child-friendly holiday cottage near the Jurassic Coast in Dorset

With its inglenook fireplace and wood burner, the Crepe Farmhouse is a wonderful place to wind down after discovering dinosaur fossils and secret coves on the Jurassic Coast. Step into the walled garden, and you will find a sunny terrace and hot tub – right next to the indoor swimming pool and sauna.

 

 

The Anchor at Lydbrook, Gloucestershire – Sleeps 22

The Anchor: A Large Wye Valley Holiday Cottage with a Hot Tub in the Forest of Dean 

Luxury Wye Valley holiday cottage in the Forest of Dean

Soak in the garden hot tub at this former village inn after a day of hiking or horse-riding in the surrounding countryside. Then stroll along the banks of the River Wye to the delightful village pub, the Forge Hammer.

 

The Old Customs House, Scotland – Sleeps 10

Luxury Coastal Cottage on the idyllic Moray Firth

Coastal cottage with ocean views in the historic town of Banff

Spot porpoises, grey seals and minke whales on the Moray Firth before returning to this luxurious cottage on the seafront next to Banff Marina. Relax in the hot tub and watch the sunset in the bay before wandering into the town centre, where you will find many of the region’s best seafood restaurants.

 

Williamscraig Holiday Cottages, Scotland – Sleeps 8

Room for friends in the Williamscraig Hot Tub in Scotland

Award-winning hot tub holiday cottage in West Lothian, near the village of Linlithgow

With a golf course, fishing and jet-skiing on Loch Lomond on your doorstep, you won’t be short of things to do during your stay at this beautifully converted farm building. You will even have your own live camera to keep an eye on the local wildlife and a private hot tub where you can enjoy breathtaking night skies.

 

Incleborough House, Norfolk – Sleeps 16

Large Norfolk Coast Holiday Home with Private Hot Tub

Luxury seven-bedroom coastal house by the village green in East Runton, Norfolk

Incleborough House is ideal for a special get-together with family or friends on a glorious stretch of the Norfolk coast. Outside, you will find everything you need for an unforgettable garden party, including a barbecue, sun loungers, a trampoline and a canopy-covered hot tub.

 

The Old Granary, Burton Agnes – Sleeps 16

Hot Tub on a Sunny Deck in this Large North Yorkshire Coastal Cottage

Large holiday cottage on the North Yorkshire coast

Guests at the Old Granary will want to make the most of the hot tub with views across the surrounding countryside. You will be a stroll away from the village pub and a short drive from spectacular beaches and the historic city of York.

 

The Dairy @ Llandysul, Wales – Sleeps 8

A Countryside Cottage in Ceredigion with Hot Tub, Gym and Sauna - Bliss!

Dog-friendly holiday cottage in the heart of the Ceredigion countryside

This detached courtyard cottage is set amid rolling hills and fields just outside the pretty village of Llandysul. Guests have access to an eight-seat hot tub and a gym and sauna – the perfect end to a day exploring this unspoiled region of Wales. 

 

Broadpath, North Devon – Sleeps 2

Luxury Lodge with Hot Tub on the North Devon Coast in Braunton

Romantic holiday cottage for couples near sandy beaches on the North Devon coast

Broadpath is located in the laid-back village of Braunton, a stone’s throw from the famous surf spots of Saunton, Woolacombe and Croyde. Relax in the hot tub after a day by the ocean or wander into the village, where you will find a variety of restaurants and pubs.

You've written (and acted upon) your annual health and safety check, kept the property in a good state of repair and left notices or instructions where required, but sooner or later, a guest will incur an injury while staying in your cottage. Be prepared and know what to do when it does.

It may not be your fault, or in more cases than is comfortable, you may not think it is your fault until the legal team from the other side seek to prove otherwise. So, here are some actions to take to show that you are not only a good owner but also to mitigate any further negative outcomes that may arise from the injury. 

Read this handy list of expert tips from Holiday home insurance brokers, Schofields, to ensure you are properly prepared for and know what to do if a guest injures themselves in your cottage.

 Read more...

Do you want those beautiful images of your holiday cottage to be large and more appealing?

 

When it comes to drop-dead gorgeous images – size matters.

So, how do you ensure your images appear in large rather than small format?

Upload images no smaller than 1920 x 1080 pixels (or 1020 x 1908 for portraits).

If you don’t know how to ensure your images are the correct size, you have two choices:

1. Email a complete set of your largest size by ‘DropBox’ or ‘WeTransfer’ (both are free file-sharing apps) to My Favourite Holiday Cottages, and for £10, we will re-size and upload them for you.

2. Resize and upload them yourself: Email me for easy-to-follow image-sizing instructions: info@mfhc.co.uk.

We will also include handy tips on what images generate the greatest response from potential bookers and the best way to display them.

 

Could we re-size and upload photos for you?

Yes, we can! There’s a small charge of £10 to cover the admin time, but it’s well spent, especially as you’ll be able to use them on other adverts with similar size requirements too. 

This service includes: 

• Feedback on your holiday cottage and location photos
• Suggested photo opportunities that might be ‘missing’, e.g. that games room or hot tub (if you have one)
• Arranging images in order, we have noticed appeals to a booker’s button-clicking finger.

Email us to request our photo upload service: info@mfhc.co.uk.

Netflix has produced a TV series about Vacation Rental properties called ‘Stay Here’. It focuses on those little (and not so little) things that make a holiday cottage stand out from the crowd. 

By all means, binge-watch the whole TV series in one, but in case you are a little pushed for time (or don’t have a Netflix subscription), here are 8 top tips identified by web design experts Lodgify to take into account. 

Some of the ideas are so juicy that I’m almost tempted to keep them all to myself. But that’s the standard I apply before sharing content: if it’s too good to share – it still gets shared on My Favourite Holiday Cottages! 

Which of The Takeaways works for you? Please share it in the comments section! And if Netflix were to film your cottage - what Top Tip would they take from it?

Read the full article...

Are you acquiring a holiday cottage? Do you already own a second home which you are thinking of letting out for holiday lets, or even moving out and letting your own home for 2-3 months in the summer? Read these handy tips from Evolve. They will help you meet and exceed guest expectations (More repeat bookings - fewer complaints). If you are an old hand at holiday lettings and would like to share some of your guidelines, please add your contribution in the comments section below.