What can you do in Pitlochry?

Pitlochry Fish Ladder and Dam

Pitlochry Fish Ladder

The dam was made between 1947 and 1591 to dam up the river Tummel to form Loch Faskaly, some 5 km long! With this obstacle across the river it was necessary to find a way for over 5,000 salmon to journey upstream each year and so the 310 metre fish ladder came to be with 34 pools and viewing windows. Salmon season celebrations starts in January with many salmon swimming upstream in Spring with the peak being April to August, with another late Salmon run between August to September .

Atholl Palace Hotel Museum

Atholl Palace Museum

This interesting museum gives you a fascinating glimpse into what life was like 140 years ago when the hotel was built in 1874 in the traditional Baronial Victorian Scottish style. The museum tells you the story of those that built the hotel, worked in it and those who stayed there during its running times. During your visit you can read first hand accounts of what life was like at the hotel, explore the then modern fully equipped medical room of the physician and watch the film covering the last 140 years.

Dewars World of Whisky

Large whisky anyone?

Dewar’s White Label Whiskey is the top selling blended scotch in the United States with the Aberfeldy being the largest component in the blend. The Dewar’s whiskey blend was created in 1846 before expanding to be a global market leader by 1896. On the tour they even offer exclusive bottling where you can fill your own bottle or you may wish to just buy a bottle or two.

Queen’s View

Queens View Pitlochry

A trip to Perthshire is not complete without heading to take in the scenery from Queens View. It remains the areas most popular visitor attraction and when you get there it is clear to see why. When Queen Victoria visited in 1866 she believed the view was named after her however it is believed that it was originally named after Queen Isabella, the first wife of Robert the Bruce. Whoever it was named after be sure to enjoy a cup of tea in the cafe before exploring the nearby forests.

Pitlochry Golf Club 

Pitlochry Golf Club

Set in the gateway to the highlands this course offers something to test each aspect of your game. This 18 hole par 69 course offers some great views with undulating greens which offers enjoyable play for the average player but also challenges the advanced. The 5700  yard course proudly displays tree lined fairways against the majestic mountainous backdrop, a must for all golf enthusiasts.

Did we miss something off our list that you think should be on her? If so please post your comments below.

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Attractions in and around Tenby

Tudor Merchants House 

Tudor Merchant House

Here you are able to go back in time to a late 15^th century town house where you can immerse yourself in the world of a successful merchant and his family in the 1500′s when this 3 story house was just built. Here you are able to learn about the merchant’s shop which is located on the ground floor and explore the working kitchen before moving upstairs where the hall has been recently transformed with colourful wall hangings and replica Tudor furniture.

Carew Castle and Tidal Mill

Carew Castle and Tidal Mill

Being the only restored tidal mill in Wales, the site incorporated an medieval bridge, an 11th century Celtic cross and picnic area all linked by a lovely 1 mile circular walk. Carew Castles history spans 2,000 years and is set in a delightful location overlooking a 23 acre millpond. It also displays the development from a Norman fortification to an Elizabethan country house

The Natural Botanic Garden of Wales

National Botanic Garden Wales

While the first botanic garden of the millennium is 568 acres of beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside in the short time since its opening in may 2000 it has become the most visited garden in Wales and voted number 1 in various polls from the “wonder of Wales” to “best afternoon tea” and “most romantic garden” to name but a few. It boasts the world’s largest single spanned glasshouse with the best display of Mediterranean climate plants in the northern hemisphere as well as over 8000 different plant varieties!

Picton Castle and Gardens

Picton Castle and Gardens

Located near the Cleddau estuary in 40 acres of some beautiful woodland gardens and grounds of west Wales Picton  gardens are home to some of the oldest and largest trees in west Wales where you can discover woodland walks, a maze along with countless wild flowers from around the world.

Manor House Wildlife Park

Manor House Wildlife Park

At Manor House Wildlife Park you can find endangered species from all around the world set in 52 acres of Pembrokeshire parkland. During your visit you can experience close up meetings with animals from around the world as well at ITV stars from the Wild Welsh Zoo: Steve, Lisa and Tommy the Tapir. The wild welsh zoo has something for everyone from the tree shaded walkways to open picnic area, there are locally sourced snacks from various food outlets and a gift shop

Is there something that you think we have missed off our Tenby attractions  list? If so please leave your comments below.

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Walking Holidays

1. Walking costs nothing

After saving to go away for a break by getting out for a walk during the day costs you nothing but some time and maybe a little rubber of the soles of your shoes! Not only that but it allows you some more spending money to spoil yourself if you get to go out shopping during your stay.

Shopping is always good during walking holidays

2. What better way to enjoy the weather

England is renowned for its eclectic weather and is there a better way to enjoy it than with some walking holidays? Naturally in summer it is great to get out and enjoy the sun but for me winter walks with your gloves and scarf are just as nice, also crisp autumn walks in the fresh air or Rainy spring walks are great for invigorating the senses.

An Autumn stroll

3. Walking holidays can be great for your health

The health benefits of walking are widely documented but walking is really good for you, even a short walk a day improves digestion and levels blood sugar. If you suffer from back pain a brisk 40 minute walk can reduce pain. While a holiday is good for relieving stress, studies show walking can help improve memory and even help stave off the progress of Alzheimer’s disease and help to strengthen bones not to mention boost Vitamin D! Looking to lose weight? Walking holidays could be the solution, put on a pedometer and stroll along the beach, through a field or even up a mountain.

A great way to unwind

4. Walking is the best way for Exploring

When you’re driving around you don’t tend to notice much of your surroundings which can mean you miss out on a lot but walking holidays offer you the opportunity to explore your local areas and admire the scenery.

A great way to explore

5. Quality time with loved ones, friends, your thoughts or a good album

Walking stimulates conversation, you have no clocks and no distractions. Don’t come back until you’ve run out of things to say. A walk is a good excuse to listen to a great album or a talking book is a great way to pass the hours.

Walking gives you some quality time

6. No time constraints

One of the great things about walking is it can be done any time, after a hearty breakfast slip on your boots and head out for the day (stopping for an ice cream or cup of tea should be on the list too) or before or after dinner take an evening stroll and the best thing about it is you don’t always know where it will take you or what you could see along the way.

Great for free time

We have hotels in some of the UK’s best locations, including prime spots in the Lake District and Northumberland by some of England’s most beautiful National Parks. We have hotels by the beach in places like Hunstanton and Tenby with cliff-top trails to explore as well hotels surrounded by open fields and wooded spaces where you can challenge yourself or go for a gentle walk with a picnic. Our hotel in Pitlochry stands conveniently close to the Cairngorms National Park with its mountains and its forests, whilst our city hotels are ideally placed for heritage trails and guided tours.If you want to take a look at some of the hotels that are great for walking then click here

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A huge investment has really made the difference and our guests love these new rooms.  The process has been a long one, from design to finish but the results are fantastic.  These rooms are beautifully bright and very comfortable with wonderful new beds, bedding and furniture.

Below is a few pictures of Room 117 before then after:

Room 117 before the bedroom refurbishment

Room 117 after the refurbishment

We are very proud of the results and hope that you too will enjoy the stunning bedrooms. Whilst this project has drawn to a close we are still planning much more which we know will make all the difference to our guests.

Room 152 after the refurbishments

This blog post was written by David McDonald the General Manager at The Derwentwater Hotel and The Derwent Manor Apartments.

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Does taking to a golf course in the sun with your family or friends sounds like your idea of a good holiday? Why not take a look at some of our Golfing Hotel Breaks where you and your friends can play in some awe inspiring locations to improve your skills or just have a few hours of fun out in the fresh air.

What hotels are suitable for National Golf Month?

We have a number of hotels that are perfect for National Golf Month that are located near to famous golf courses with some even offering their own golf facilities on site. Our Scottish Portpatrick hotel overlooks the onsite pitch and put golf course or if you are feeling more adventurous just a short walk is the Portpatrick Dunskey Golf Club boasting 2 superbly maintained courses. Our Pitlochry hotel has its own putting green and is close by to the Pitlochry Golf Course. For more information on the golf that Scotland has to offer take a look here 

Are you are looking for a course in the beautiful heart of the English Lake District to celebrate national Golf Month? staying at the Derwentwater Hotel or Derwent Manor Apartments would help facilitate this as it is only 10 minutes away from the beautiful Keswick Golf Club which offers a unique golfing experience, with panoramic views of the surrounding Lakeland Fells, including Skiddaw and Blencathra, and the Helvellyn Range.

The Imperial Exmouth hotel is just a short drive from the Woodbury Park golf club with 2 courses to play which offer breathtaking views across the Exe Valley as well as over the course lake in view of the clubhouse. The Oaks which is a 18 hole Par 73 and The Acorns which is a 9 hole par 32 are both great courses to play on.

The Hexham Golf Club has played host to the 2012 EWGA Northern women’s Championships and the 2014 English Seniors Championship and is worth a visit during your stay at The George Hotel in Chollerford.

Have you played at any of these courses or are there any that we should have included, post your comment below

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Norwich Cathedral was built using special limestone transported from Caen. Image

Stunning coastline, charming small towns and some of England’s finest waterways all make Norfolk a wonderful destination. This lovely county in eastern England is a favourite of domestic holidaymakers and international travellers alike.

Are you planning a trip to Norfolk? From interesting museums to beautiful country estates, we’ve listed the 10 best things for grown-ups to do during hotel breaks in Norfolk.

1.Visit the Bridewell Museum

This charming museum tells the fascinating history of Norwich and the people that have inhabited it. Reopened in 2012 after a £1.5 million renovation, the Bridewell Museum is an interesting highlight for visitors to the city of Norwich.

From archival films showcasing what life in the city was like during its early history to a completely rebuilt 1950s living room, the Bridewell Museum offers a wonderful look into the life of Norwich’s residents during several periods of English history.

2. Explore Holkham National Nature Reserve

Norfolk is home to England’s largest National Nature Reserve – the scenic Holkham National Nature Reserve on the Norfolk coast. The reserve attracts 100,000 people per year interested in everything from bird watching to scenic walks.

Home to pink-footed geese, Holkham National Nature Reserve is one of England’s most popular bird watching destinations. During winter, the coastal walk offers a fantastic view of the beach’s unique driftwood and stone formations.

3. Ride the North Norfolk Railway

Ride one of the UK’s best preserved steam railways. The North Norfolk Railway is a stunning 10.5-mile steam railway built in 1887. Today, the railway is home to steam locomotives dating back as far as 1912.

Stop at historic stations as you travel through the beautiful Norfolk countryside. The North Norfolk Railway operates year-round, transporting visitors through some of the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery in the East of England.

4. Visit the stunning Blickling Estate

Just a few minutes drive from Norfolk’s famous coastline, Blickling Estate is a grand Jacobean house surrounded by some of the prettiest gardens in the East of England.

Open to the public, the Blickling Estate is one of Norfolk’s top attractions. From the narrow hedges to the amazing red brick buildings, the estate is has changed little in the almost 400 years since it was built.

Learn about the estate’s interesting history, from its role as an RAF housing base to its period as the residence of the Marquess of Lothian, as you explore the charming buildings that make up Blickling Estate.

5. Discover the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum

Learn about the air defences used by the Royal Air Force during the Second World War and the Cold War at the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum in Neatishead. Built in 1941, this Norfolk-based radar station was one of the most important intelligence centres of the Second World War.

The RAF Air Defence Radar Museum is entirely volunteer operated and is only open on certain dates. Despite the limited visiting hours, it’s undoubtedly one of Norfolk’s most interesting and unique military-related attractions.

6. Appreciate beautiful Norwich Cathedral

Built more than 900 years ago, Norwich Cathedral forms an impressive part of the city’s skyline. Dedicated to the Holy and Undivided Trinity, the cathedral was built from 1096 to 1145 using cream-coloured limestone shipped all the way from Caen.

Known for its immense architectural beauty, the cathedral’s nave is a stunningly beautiful sight. Walk through the cloisters or explore the grounds as you soak in the undeniably impressive architecture.

7. Walk down Gorleston Beach

A combination of natural beauty and fantastic fish and chips make Gorleston Beach a wonderful place for a walk. If you’re visiting Norfolk during the summer, make sure you stop by the charming beachfront promenade for a short stroll.

Whether you end it with a coffee or a delicious fish and chips dinner, there’s nothing as relaxing as a walk down Gorlestone Beach. From April until September, dogs are not permitted on the beach in order to increase accessibility for walkers.

8. Visit the amazing Sandringham House

Visit the country retreat of the British Royal Family. Occupied since 1991, this lovely country estate has been open to the public since 1977 and offers a spectacular look at royal life dating from the Elizabethan era until today.

Walk through the house’s beautiful grounds and visualise the menagerie of dogs and horses owned by Queen Alexandra wandering the grounds. York Cottage, a favourite of George V built in 1893, is also situated on the estate’s grounds.

9. Enjoy a wonderful game of golf

Norfolk’s beautiful coastal scenery has made it one of East Anglia’s most famous golf destinations. Home to several clubs, Norfolk is a great destination for golfers. During the summer months, the lovely coastal breezes and consistently warm weather (by some measures, the warmest in the UK) make it a great place for a game.

Popular local courses include Eaton Golf Club, which is located just outside Norwich, and the Sprowston Manor Golf and Country Club, which in 2004 hosted the EuroPro golf tournament.

10. Visit the Plantation Garden

This somewhat unknown garden is located very close to Norfolk’s Roman Catholic Cathedral. The Plantation Garden was developed during the Victorian era by local businessman Henry Trevor, who sought to create a stunning natural environment on the site of what was once a derelict and neglected quarry.

Today, the garden has grown into one of the most impressive in Norfolk. Known for its monthly Sunday teas and jazz evenings, the Plantation Garden has grown into a local landmark and meeting place, attracting locals and tourists alike thanks to its immense natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere.

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Cornwall is home to Britain’s southernmost point – The Lizard. Image

While it might be best known for its excellent beach life, Cornwall has much more to offer than just summer sun and world famous surf. This lovely coastal county boasts a wide variety of scenic areas, amazing historical sites and charming country parks.
Many of this charming county’s best attractions are completely free to access. From art galleries to some of the country’s best coastal walking trails, discover seven free activities that are perfect for hotel breaks in Cornwall.

1. Swim, walk or sunbathe on the beach

Cornwall is well known for its beaches, which range from sheltered summer family swimming destinations to wild and thrilling surf beaches. In winter, the beaches of Cornwall are excellent walking destinations, particularly for visitors seeking a mix of natural beauty and calm, relaxing winter weather.

In summer, the beaches quickly attract crowds seeking fun and sun in England’s top coastal destination. Great beaches for swimming, walking and sunbathing include Porthmeor Beach in St Ives, Kynance Cove close to Lizard Point, and Harlyn Bay, a beautiful sandy beach to the north of Padstow.

2. Walk the South West Coast Path

Cornwall is home to several of the South West Coast Path’s most beautiful sections, and walkers will love covering some of the county’s coastline on foot. The coastal walking trail around the Lizard is widely regarded as the most beautiful in the UK.

From picturesque farmland to rugged coastal cliffs, the scenery you’ll see while you walk through Cornwall’s section of the South West Coast Path truly showcases the best of the region.

3. Travel to England’s most southerly point

Cornwall is home to two geographical landmarks: Britain’s most southerly point – a beautiful coastal region called Lizard Point – and its most southwesterly point at the Land’s End peninsula.

Both are worth visiting, although Land’s End’s modest car parking fee disqualifies it from being a strictly free activity. Enjoy amazing coastal views as you drive to Land’s End and onwards to The Lizard from Newquay, Truro, or elsewhere in Cornwall.

4. Visit the amazing St. Michael’s Mount

In Cornish, St Michael’s Mount is known as Karrek Loos yn Koos – roughly translated as “grey rock in the woods.” This incredible island castle is one of the most beautiful sights in Cornwall – a stunning coastal highlight that’s been featured in feature films and local artwork alike.

During most of the day, the island is separated from the mainland by a small bay. At low tide, however, an amazing footway is revealed, allowing visitors to walk all the way to the island and explore it on foot. The island is particularly spectacular as the sun sets, making it a fantastic destination for photographers.

5. Explore Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park

Free to the public, the stately home at Mount Edgcumbe House is one of Cornwall’s most beautiful buildings. Build between 1547 and 1553, this impressive property was gutted by bombing during WWII and carefully restored from 1958 onwards.

Today, it’s open to visitors interested in exploring Cornwall’s historical sites. The house is home to several other interesting attractions such as Earl’s Gardens, the Barn Pool, and 17^th century stables, some of which are only open during summer.

6. Travel to Bodmin Moor’s amazing historical sites

There’s more to Cornwall than just stunning beaches. Bodmin Moor is one of the largest areas of granite moorland in South West England. Home to churches and Neolithic structures, the area is a must-see attraction for visitors to Cornwall with an interest in Neolithic and Medieval history.

From King Arthur’s Hall – a megalithic monument build from 56 separate stones – to the thousands of stones that make up Kilmar Tor, Bodmin Moor is home to some of South West England’s most impressive natural scenery and intriguing prehistorical monuments.

7. Visit the Tate St Ives Art Gallery and Museum

Enjoy the best of British modern art at the Tate St Ives art gallery and museum. This three-storey art museum opened in 1993 and has grown into one of the largest art galleries in South West England dedicated to modern art and local Cornish artists.

The Tate St Ives hosts three special exhibitions per year, each one dedicated to its own era of modern art. From symbolism and impressionism to cubism and avant-garde, the Tate St Ives is one of the best places in Britain to learn the story behind some of the 19^th and 20^th century’s most important art movements.

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The Pride of Stratford Awards

6^th February 2014, Shoes shined, wing collared shirt pressed, tuxedo freshly steam cleaned I started to prepare myself for what would turn out to be one of the most enjoyable nights I’ve had in a long time. We met outside the Holiday Inn Stratford upon Avon at 7 pm everyone looking fabulous, my heart in my throat, nerves were kicking in.

John McGhee & Colin Montgomery at the Pride of Stratford Award

We had been nominated for Business of the Year 2014! It would mean the world to win! Every year Touch FM hosts the Pride Of Stratford Awards to celebrate local businesses and community efforts with a series of awards. We were short-listed from over 400 entries down to the final three! I had been walking on air for the past few weeks, so proud of the team for all their efforts in the past 3 years which had led us to this point. Just to be nominated was such an honour.

Stuart Watts & Denise Watts at the Pride of Stratford Awards

We presented our golden tickets at the door and were greeted with champagne and canapés, looking around the room there were hundreds of guests all dressed up to the nines, hoping and praying that against all odds they would be the ones to succeed.  After a short while mingling with the crowds we were asked to have our photograph taken with Barclays Premier League Trophy, being a Glasgow Rangers supporter I had realised that this was the closest we would ever come to a trophy for quite some time and we grabbed the chance.

John McGhee & Denise Watts at the Pride of Stratford Awards

We were then asked to take our seats, and took the opportunity for one last glass of champagne on the way through. The room looked amazing with led lighting glowing from red to greens and blues, the stage at the top of the room bathed in the warm glow of the spotlight. Perhaps we would be invited up to receive an award. I felt like we were at the Oscars!

Dan Green at the Pride of Stratford Awards

We took our seats around a large round table and were served a fabulous 5 course meal with some delicious wine, we laughed amongst ourselves while we waited for the ceremony to begin. The lights dimmed the microphone blared and with a proper showbiz entry came Ollie, Touch FM’s Breakfast presenter. He ran from the back of the room high fiving nominees as he passed, to roaring cheers, the awards had begun.

After about an hour, it was time Business of the Year was called over the sound system, we held our breath as the finalists names were read aloud. Each finalist received a massive round of applause, which was fantastic and reinforced our belief in Stratford’s sense of community spirit.

The Pride of Stratford Awards

‘And the winner is …..’ My hands were shaking and my heart was beating faster than a very fast thing. ‘Alveston Manor!’ Unfortunately we hadn’t won, My heart  sank but I was so proud of our team for getting so far and was congratulated on being nominated by everyone we met. There’s always next year!

John McGhee & Stratfords Mayor at the Pride of Stratford Awards

The awards continued as we entered the community awards, I was amazed at how many fantastic community projects there were in my local area, along with the passion and commitment from some inspirational local heroes.  After the awards we attended the after party, where we drank and danced the night away, singing along to our favourite songs and celebrating with our local competitors, members of our community friends and colleagues. What a night! I cannot wait until next year. The awards have given us an amazing drive and strengthened our resolved to improve and keep The Charlecote Pheasant Hotel moving forward throughout this year!

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Hotel History – Lansdown Grove Bath

They say a picture tells a thousand words and over the last few months I have been collecting postcards and others bits of literature about our hotels. Take for example The Lansdown Grove Hotel in Bath. The image shown in this post describes the hotel in detail with its elevation of 400 feet and sheltered from north and east winds not to mention the tennis lawns.

Today we describe the hotel a lot differently as a Grade II listed building it is one of the oldest in the city. Its classic high ceilings and intricate plasterwork blend old-world elegance with modern amenities.

A while back we wrote a blog post about The Windermere Hotel and the Riggs family, (you can read more by clicking here), and it was great to see a number of people got in touch with me and I was even sent a photocopy of a bill from 1864 when Richard Riggs was running the hotel, which was very interesting.

Can you help us?

We would love to know more history about our hotels from before we took them over so can you help us? Do you have any information about our hotels that you can share with us, have you been sent a postcard from one of our hotels, or do you have some postcards with our hotels on that you would be willing to share with us? You can get in touch with us via a number of methods, you can either post a comment on this blog post or email us at blog@coastandcountryhotels.com, we would love you hear from you.

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Keswick Pencil Museum

Keswick Pencil Museum

If you are looking for an indoor attraction that will take a couple of hours to go round then the Pencil Museum could suit you. The museum starts off by talking about the history of pencils, you can take a look here at their interactive timeline on their website, www.pencilmuseum.co.uk/history. The museum also holds the Guinness World Record for the biggest working pencil as well as a whole section in the museum dedicated to the secret pencil used in World War Two. This pencil hides inside it a map and compass.

www.pencilmuseum.co.uk

Keswick Lake Cruises

Keswick Lake Cruises

You cannot visit Keswick without taking a lake cruise on Derwentwater. The Keswick Launch Company offers a number of ways around the lake from the boats they drive to rowing and self drive motor boats. If you have taken a ride on one of their boats that they offer a hop on and hop off service is available where you can stop at seven different landing points around the lake.

www.keswick-launch.co.uk

Puzzling Place

If optical illusions and mind trickery interest you then puzzling places will leave you wondering “how did they do that?” One of the best exhibits is the “Anti-Gravity” room where you can play a game of snooker with the balls rolling uphill or stand on a step ladder and watch the wall lead away from you. There is also a Hologram Gallery and “Eyelusion” Exhibition.

www.puzzlingplace.co.uk

A nice pub for some light lunch is The Dog and Gun which offers local real ales as well as their own take on Hungarian Goulash. If you are looking for somewhere to stay then I would recommend The Derwentwater Hotel, it is a 20 to 30 minute level walk from the Keswick town centre. The conservatory and certain rooms at the hotel offer stunning lake views over Derwentwater.

Have you been to Keswick and visited any other attractions? If so why not post a comment below about the attraction or attractions you visited.

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