Luxury log cabins in Wales make a wonderful place from which to escape the stresses of daily life, and provide an excellent alternative to the crowded flights and over-subscribed foreign holiday destinations we might ordinarily choose.
So you've decided on the location of your log cabin holiday, the time of year to visit, but what are you going to do once you're there? Here, in this second and final part of the series, are just a few suggestions ...
Walking holidays based at log cabins in Wales promise a unique experience depending upon the time of the year you visit and where you decide to stay. The geography of North Wales (hills and mountains) means that walking can provide levels of exercise ranging from light to demanding. Walking/rambling is an extremely popular sport for many people and it is easy to make it the focus of holidays at log cabins in Wales.
Rambling around North Wales
Walking events take place around North Wales throughout the year, and the seasonal change from spring to summer brings with it some of the most popular events in the rambling calendar. The Prestatyn and Clwydian Range Walking Festival, which takes place during May each year, delivers a series of walks of varying length and intensity around the Clwydian hills, which is in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The range itself is 35km long, and rises up to 500 metres above sea level; it stretches east to west from the Dee Estuary to the Vale of Clywd, and north to south from Prestatyn to Nant y garth. Taking place over the course of a single weekend, this event would make an ideal beginning or end to any stay at log cabins in Wales.
Summer fun
In June, why not visit the Festival of Walks, which takes place in Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey? The two weeks of the festival are packed with guided walks highlighting the island’s stunning views, while also revealing some of its natural history. It includes family-friendly events, tours of local farmers’ markets, and nature-watching opportunities. It would make an ideal destination for a fortnight’s holiday for both the avid rambler, as well as the more casual walker.
July brings the Conwy Walking Week, where qualified mountain guides lead groups of ramblers around the dramatic Snowdonian countryside. These types of walks are particularly popular with those who may not know the local area, and the promoters have had enquiries from visitors as far afield as China.
Whatever type of walking holiday you’re looking for during your stay at log cabins in Wales, the onset of Spring an Summer brings with it many excellent walking opportunities that will help you both forget your worries, while giving you some really great exercise!
Luxury log cabins in Wales make a wonderful place from which to escape the stresses of daily life, and provide an excellent alternative to the crowded flights and over-subscribed foreign holiday destinations we might ordinarily choose. Often hidden away in lush woodland, the location of many luxury log cabins in Wales means you are just as likely to be sleeping under the shadow of a mountain, beside a peaceful lake, or close to a babbling brook.
Some luxury log cabins are simply amazing!
With many lodges boasting modern, stylish interiors, they are also designed to blend in with the surrounding countryside and – even when located on parks with other cabins – are peaceful and quiet. Privacy is important to many people, particularly when on holiday, and staying in a luxury log cabin gives it to you in spades. Imagine a sunny morning, sitting out on the decking, and eating your breakfast under the dappled shade provided by the local trees – simply magical!
What could be better than a delicious barbecue on a summer's evening?
Luxury log cabins in Wales make good use of the outdoor space, with many featuring decked areas with barbecues, and even private hot tubs – some lodge parks also have indoor swimming pools and tennis courts. Local bars and restaurants can also provide some of the most delicious food and drink you will ever taste, often sourced from local suppliers.
No detail is overlooked inside the lodges either, with the majority featuring fully-fitted kitchens (that often include dishwashers, microwave ovens, and other ‘mod-cons’), flat-screen television with satellite TV, king-sized or four-poster beds, polished wood floors and en-suite bathrooms. Naturally warm and welcoming, these cabins provide the perfect shelter against the UK’s often inclement weather, especially when you light the wood-burning stove or log fire in the lounge, and provide the perfect base from which to start exploring the local area or just enjoy the scenery.
Why not book a luxury log cabin for that romantic getaway?
Whether you are looking for a great family holiday for two weeks, a romantic weekend away, or to climb the local mountain, luxury log cabins in Wales will provide you with an ideal base from which to plan your holiday, as well as somewhere to relax at the end of a tiring, but very satisfying, day.
So you’ve decided on the location of your log cabin holiday, the time of year to visit, but what are you going to do once you’re there? Here, in this second and final part of the series, are just a few suggestions …
July
International Musical Eisteddfod, Llangollen,Wales.
Inspired by the Welsh National Eisteddfod, the town of Llangollen, in North Wales, created this event in the late 1940s which has since gone from strength-to-strength. Featuring singers and dancers from across the globe, winners of the festival’s competitions take part in the evening conecrts alongside professional artists. Many famous faces have appeared over the years including singers José Carreras and Elaine Paige, and violinist Nigel Kennedy.
August
Cowal Highland Gathering, Dunoon, Scotland.
First held way back in 1894, the Cowal Highland Gathering features the Highland Dancing World Championships and a bagpipe band competition where 150 piping bands compete for top prize. Including traditional events, such as the caber toss and Scottish hammer throw, the event regularly attracts over 3000 visitors, effectively doubling the local population for the duration of the games!
September
Jersey International Air Display, Jersey, Channel Islands
St Aubin’s bay, on the south coast of Jersey, plays host to the International Air Display every September. This free event sees aircraft displays above the bay by crews from around the world, including France, Ireland, and Russia, all in an effort to raise money for armed forces charities. In addition to the aerial acrobatics, there is also a food fair, static displays of military vehicles and helicopters, and a grand summer ball.
October
Falmouth Oyster Festival, Falmouth, England.
Generations of fishermen have dredged oysters from the River Fal using environmentally sustainable techniques designed to protect the local marine environment. The Falmouth Oyster Festival celebrates the start of oyster dredging season, and includes cookery demonstrations, live music, and a competition to see who can ‘shuck’ the most oysters as quickly as possible! Local food producers are encouraged to showcase their wares for visitors to sample and buy.
November
Dylan Thomas Festival, Swansea, Wales.
Despite a tragically short life (he died of pneumonia at the age of 39), Dylan Thomas wrote some of the most evocative poetry of the early 20th century – much while he was still a teenager. His most famous works include ‘Under Milk Wood’ and ‘Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night’. As a cherished son of Swansea, in South Wales, the local Dylan Thomas Centre celebrates his life every year during the Dylan Thomas Festival – highlights include special readings of his poetry and exposure for local talent.
Although born in Portsmouth, in later life the Victorian author, Charles Dickens, lived in Kent – close to his favourite city of Rochester – and each year the city hosts a Dickensian Christmas Festival which includes a market featuring food, drink, and entertainment. Apart from the festival, why not visit Rochester Cathedral and Rochester Castle? Both of which are within walking distance of the events.
With these types of event taking place throughout the UK, year round, there’s no reason to be stuck for ideas on what to do on your log cabin holiday – have fun!
It can sometimes be difficult to decide what to do on a log cabin holiday in the UK – there’s often so much on offer! With an almost unlimited array of events from which to choose, here’s part one of a guide to some of the events you can enjoy during your log cabin holiday…
January
Burns Night, Scotland.
“Should auld acquaintance be forgot…”
Written by Robert Burns in 1788, and widely used to celebrate the birth of a new year, ‘Auld Lang Syne’ (meaning ‘days gone by’) is just one work by this widely celebrated poet – affectionately known as ‘Scotland’s favourite son’. Burns Night is a great way to learn a bit more about Scottish history, enjoy a ‘wee dram’ of whisky, and fill up on the traditional meal of haggis with neeps (parsnips) and tatties (potatoes). As it’s a widely celebrated holiday in Scotland, there are plenty of organised events to attend on the night to celebrate Burns’ life and work.
February
Antiques and Collectors’ Fair, Wrexham, Wales.
If you enjoy rummaging around the local car boot sale in the hope of finding a lost masterpiece why not visit the Wrexham Antiques and Collectors’ Fair this month? With jewellery, glassware, antiques, and collectibles, it’s an Aladdin’s cave that you can explore to your heart’s content, and when your feet start to ache why not enjoy a lovely cup of English tea in the onsite café?
March
The Independent Bath Literature Festival, Bath, England.
As a relatively new event (run since 1995), the Independent Bath Literature Festival gives you the opportunity to discover new literature, and meet some well known authors. Past guests have included Terry Pratchett, Margaret Atwood, and Sue Townsend. In 2012, the festival will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens, with related events throughout, so it’s advisable to book early to avoid disappointment!
April
Spring Floral Guernsey Festival Week, Guernsey, Channel Islands.
If you enjoy gardening, or just love tramping around on glorious spring days, then the Spring Floral Guernsey Festival is for you. Featuring a busy programme of walks, talks, and workshops, the festival allows you to enjoy the stunning scenery of Guernsey – including the protected reed beds and wet meadows – and this is certainly an event which can be enjoyed by anyone of any age.
May
Highlands & Islands Music & Dance Festival, Oban, Scotland.
Originally started in the early 1980s as a way of encouraging young people to appreciate Scotland’s traditional music and dance, the event has since expanded to include over 100 competitions across 12 disciplines; these include piano, bagpipes, and Scottish country dancing. Additional events, such as the Festival Parade where bagpipe bands march through the town, add further interest.
June
International Arts Festival, Salisbury, England.
Hosting over 100 events themed around theatre, dance, and the visual arts, this festival makes use of local landmarks, including Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral, and many of the events are free to attend. Salibury itself dates back to Neolithic times, while its landscapes were once painted by the 18th century painter, John Constable.
These events are just a very small selection of the large number of events that take place around the UK throughout the year, and which make perfect destinations for you on your log cabin holiday – stay tuned for Part 2!
Cumbria is a destination filled with dramatic counterpoints – as one of the largest English counties it is also one of the least populated areas of the United Kingdom (UK). It’s location means that it has, in the past, battled invasions by the Scottish, but today it is more widely known for the Lake District National Park, around which a vibrant tourism industry has grown. Indeed, the extent to which tourism plays a role in the local economy is highlighted by the fact that the Windermere Lake Steamers carry around 1.35 million customers each year! Here are six reasons why log cabins in the Lake District remain such an attractive holiday destination.
Humans settled the Lake District at least 5000 years ago when the local mountains served as a source of materials for stone tools and monuments, examples of which have since been discovered across the UK. Later, it was mined for materials such as slate, coal, and limestone, which eventually led to the construction of railway lines through the area to serve these industries. The Lake District became increasingly popular with tourists during the 19th Century, and in 1835 the poet William Wordsworth published his ‘Guide to the Lakes’ where he suggested the area become a “….national property…”. However, this was not to happen until 1951, when the national park was formed in response to concerns about industrial and commercial exploitation of the area.
2. Landscape
I’d be willing to wager that if you asked any visitor to describe Cumbria in two words you could almost guarantee they would be ‘beautiful landscape’. The Lake District has some of the most astonishingly breath-taking scenery anywhere within the UK along with four of the highest mountain peaks. Deep valleys, called ‘dales’, criss-cross the landscape and these contain the great lakes of the Lake District, only one of which (Bassenthwaite) actually uses the word ‘lake’ in its name.
Others are known as ‘meres’ – Windermere, Grasmere, or Thirlmere, or ‘waters’ – Ullswater, Wastwater, and Coniston Water but all are drawn on a massive scale; Windermere alone is approximately 11 miles long and 1 mile wide at its greatest. Scafell Pike, located in the Lake District National Park and the tallest mountain in England, along with Mount Snowdon in Wales and Ben Nevis in Scotland, forms part of the annual National Three Peaks Challenge, where participants aim to ascend all three mountains in 24 hours.
3. People
Apart from William Wordsworth, Cumbria has produced some of the world’s greatest artists including the writers, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Beatrix Potter, the artist L S Lowry, and the designer William Morris. More recently, notable residents have included the mountaineer, Chris Bonington, and the film and television director, Ken Russell.
4. Activities
Whether you are an expert mountaineer, or just someone who enjoys long walks, Cumbria offers an entire alphabet of activities, from abseiling to diving – flying to mountaineering – and sailing to walking. You need never ponder on what to do when holidaying in the Lake District, with the availability of all these activities, and the area is well deserving of the title ‘adventure capital of the UK’.
5. Events
The area hosts regular and semi-regular events and festivals throughout the year. Every month features something that will be of interest, whatever time of the year you choose to go on holiday. Some of the top draws throughout the year include the Lake District Summer Music Festival, and the Keswick Film Festival.
6. Accommodation
As you might expect there is a wide range of accommodation available to the discerning traveller, including log cabins and country cottages, all furnished to a very high standard and generally within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and bars. These properties provide an excellent base from which to explore the Lake District, and cannot be recommended highly enough.
Firs Lodge, Bothell, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cumbria is located on Skiddaw View Holiday Park, North of Keswick, and has two bedrooms (sleeping up to five), two bathrooms, lounge/diner, and fully fitted kitchen with dishwasher.
The Lodge, in Ambleside near the centre of the national park and close to Windermere, is a new one bedroom, one bathroom cottage within walking distance of the town, that also has a fully fitted kitchen with dishwasher, and lounge featuring TV and DVD player.
Greenah Crag – The Stables, Near Ullswater is a cottage that sleeps two, has a lounge area with TV and DVD player, and fitted kitchen. It is ideally placed between Ullswater, Keswick, and Caldbeck Fells, all of which are within a 20 minute drive.
Located in the Snowdonia National Park, Cadair View Lodge boasts some of the loveliest log cabins in Wales with over 20 self-catering genuine Norwegian pine cabins, capable of sleeping a total of between 80 and 100 people.
Situated in the Trawsfynydd Holiday Village, north of Dolgellau and west of Bala, Trawsfynydd itself is just 2 miles to the north. Sue Hall, the manager of Cadair View Lodge, is committed to providing the best possible customer service and for this reason does not use an online booking system like similar resorts:
“We like to know our guests’ exact requirements, before they book, so we can tailor their stay to suit them. This ensures that they get the best experience during their visit, and that we are providing great customer service”.
An example of the log cabins available at Cadair View Lodge, Bronaber, Snowdonia National Park, North Wales.
Flexibility certainly seems to be one of Sue’s watchwords – visitors can start their stay on any day of the week, for any length of time, and the accommodation is available almost all year round (November being the exception). With such a large variety of log cabins from which to choose, you can be guaranteed a different experience no matter how many times you visit – some of the cabins are pet-friendly, while others are particularly suited to motorcyclists (Sue’s operations manager, Ray, has many years experience as a biker).
All cabins are supplied with a welcome pack of items, including tea and coffee, and are stocked with essentials such as washing-up liquid, toilet rolls, and bin bags. Needless to say, bedding is provided (with sheets and towels at extra cost) but you are more than welcome to bring along your own sheets and towels. Televisions, DVD and CD players also come as standard in all cabins, giving you something to do if the weather is too bad to venture out. If you fancy being pampered, Sue will supply breakfast or barbecue packs, or even fill your fridge for you for at extra cost, while travel cots and high-chairs are also available for a small fee.
If you’re planning on whisking a loved one away on a surprise trip then look no further than Cadair View Lodge. If you request the romance pack you’ll get bedding, towels, flowers, Champagne, and chocolates to make sure your romantic getaway gets off to a flying start – you can even request rose petals to be scattered across your bed for that extra special touch!
A wealth of activities
If there’s one thing that can be promised while staying at Cadair View Lodge it’s that you’ll never be bored. There are a multitude of activities available just a short journey from the site, which cover a variety of disciplines including glassmaking, walking, white-water rafting, or even extreme sports (abseiling, rock-climbing, gorge walking – you name it, they seem to have it).
The Coed y Brenin (Forest of Kings) mountain biking centre is literally on your doorstep, when staying at Cadair View Lodge, and offers purpose-built trails for mountain bikers of all experiences. If you’re after something a bit different, why not try Canolfan Tryweryn – the National White Water Rafting Centre – which offers guests of Cadair View Lodge a 10% discount on each rafting session?
Walkers are also well served by the area, and can choose from the volcano trail, the precipice walk near Dolgellau, or the stunning scenery around the Creggenan lakes and Mawddach estuary. The ambitious walkers among you may even like to try the Mawddach Trail along the Y Rhinogau mountain range (these mountains are seen from the resort).
If you crave a more intimate experience, Cadair View Lodge also offers specialist residential training courses covering the use of digital cameras and photo-editing software, or professional cookery practice with a trained chef.
After a busy day hiking around the mountains, baking the ultimate loaf of bread, or white water rafting down the Tryweryn, why not relax at the Rhiw Goch Inn? A 17th century inn and restaurant within walking distance of the resort, it boasts a function room that is free to use by Cadair View Lodge patrons.
High adventure at a low cost
All this need not cost a fortune. For a start, you are charged for the cabin (all of which are very reasonable) and not per person and, as such, you do not need to pay VAT. There is also a reduced “couples’ price” - if there are two of you staying in a cabin that sleeps four or more you will only be charged for a cabin that sleeps two. In addition, Cadair View Lodge do not charge extra if you pay by credit or debit card.
With an average rating of four out of five on TripAdvisor, you can’t beat Cadair View Lodge’s choice of log cabins in Wales – a destination that promises excitement, fun, and relaxation in one place…Book now!
Summer may never seem further away than it does right now, in the depths of winter, but what better way to cheer yourself up than by planning that perfect family holiday staying at one of the many Tenby cottages on the south Wales coast. With its miles of long, sandy beaches, Tenby has been a popular destination for both young and old for many, many years. Originally a trading port dating back to the 16th century, it was made popular as a holiday destination by the Victorians, who loved its ancient cobbled streets.
Tenby Harbour - showing some of the colour-washed 18th/19th Century buildings that surround it.
Tenby cottages are both exquisite and affordable, while remaining comfortable homes-from-home. They come in various shapes and sizes, for example, there are those that have associated caravans and camping sites, and almost all Tenby cottages are family-owned, and can accommodate individuals or large groups, depending on what you choose. Tenby cottages have kitchens, sitting rooms, single and double bedrooms, and feature various levels of convenience and luxury – one thing you will soon realise is that these are places where you stay and might never wish to leave.
Tenby cottages are also very affordable, year round, even during the high season when the number of visitors to Tenby reaches a peak. By design, they are built to give comfort in any weather or season, and whether it is spring, summer, autumn, or winter, they will always provide an ideal holiday retreat.
Quality assured
Many Tenby cottages are also subject to quality stars ratings, usually given by the Welsh Tourist Board, based on their quality of service and other criteria that is used to assess the number of stars to be awarded. The majority of Tenby cottages are located within easy reach of a beach, local shops, and places of historical interest meaning that, as a visitor, you are never too far from an activity that might be of interest to you or the rest of your party.
Tenby offers every visitor the opportunity to experience a holiday that, as well as being steeped in Welsh traditions, is also quintessentially British.
If you wish for a perfectly relaxing holiday retreat, log cabins Lake District offer the ideal rural retreat. Whether you’re spending your holiday with the entire family, or with a ‘significant other’, you’re pretty much guaranteed a memorable, yet romantic, experience. What could be better than celebrating the yuletide season with your loved ones surrounded by nature’s untamed beauty? With the fresh air, breathtaking lake views, and wild landscapes you’ll wonder why you never tried it before!
Looking down Thornythwaite Fell near to Seathwaite, Cumbria.
Lake District log cabins offer various options to suit your holidaying requirements. For health buffs, cabins are walker and cyclist-friendly, providing exclusive and safe lanes for trekkers, joggers and cyclists. Leisure facilities, such as shallow river pools, picnic areas, bars and shops, will fulfil all of your basic needs and are within easy reach when you need them. You’ll never run out of exciting and fun activities to try, especially for young children. Some accommodation can also offer a place to stay for the (well-behaved) pets – particularly dogs – often at very little extra cost.
Everything under one roof
For a secluded and quiet holiday, these luxurious and well-appointed log cabins offer distinct and exclusive self-catering features. Cabins come equipped with all the kitchen essentials, and you can even choose eco-friendly cabins that have traditional wood burners, or those with modern facilities such as fitted ovens and microwaves. Since these are located in private, isolated areas, you may also have a view of your own private lake, surrounded by the indigenous plant and wildlife. After a full day of communing with nature, you can look forward to a relaxing rest in a hot tub while sipping your favourite drink, and delighting in the surrounding views.
Book Now!
Book one of the following lodges now for a relaxing, yet invigorating, holiday:
Christmas and the New Year has traditionally been the time when many people begin to plan for their summer holidays. Recently, log cabins UK have become very popular for both domestic and international tourists, and with many log cabins available across the United Kingdom, the following checklist will ensure you choose the ideal destination.
Whinstone View Bistro and Country Club, North Yorkshire.
The large number and type of log cabins in the UK ultimately offers you a multitude of different holiday experiences. For example, log cabins in Sherwood Forest allow you to enjoy nature at its most beautiful, others located in mountainous areas offer astonishing views, and those close to water bring the added bonus of a variety of enjoyable watersports. Whatever the choice, you can be assured that there is bound to be one special location that will give you the escape you are looking for.
2. Accommodation
Different log cabins are designed to give different experiences to different groups of holidaymakers. There are some cabins specialised for romantic getaways, which means they will not be best suited for parties consisting of more than two people. Those designed for large parties will tend to be more flexible when it comes to parking, pets, and entertainment options. Whatever accommodation options are on offer, they are usually easy to identify from the tour company’s website and/or printed literature.
3. Prices
Log cabins in the UK are available at almost any price, which means you can enjoy a great log cabin holiday without having to spend too much money. At the more expensive end of the market, there are cabins that have services like beauty treatments, gourmet meals, and short excursions. In contrast, there are relatively cheap log cabins where you just pay for accommodation, and provide your own food and entertainment. Regardless of what you choose, you are certainly able to make sure that you don’t spend more money than you can afford.
4. Entertainment
For the most relaxing holiday, you should carefully consider the various entertainment options on offer, and whether they will cater for your entire party. For instance, family log cabins in the UK tend to have entertainment centres, playgrounds, spas, jacuzzis, or swimming pools and while these options tend to increase the cost of the entire experience they are very important in helping to ensure that everyone has a great time. If you’re after a simple life then many log cabins already come with no-cost entertainment options such as beaches, nature trails, and the like.
5. Customer reviews and reputation
Arguably, the most important thing to consider before booking a holiday at any log cabin in the UK, is its reputation and the experiences of previous customers. This information will help you avoid log cabins with bad customer care, poor security, or disappointing amenities, and the best place to get this information is from online review sites (such as Trip Advisor). These sites let people make recommendations or complaints without worry at any time, and it is strongly advised that you only book those cabins that have the very best reputation and customer reviews.
As you can see, looking for the best log cabins UK involves a lot of research, but you will find that the results are well worth the effort!.
Book Now!
Book any of the following log cabins, located around the UK, for a great holiday:
They say that location is everything, and this resort certainly has that. Sitting on the banks of Lake Windermere in Cumbria, White Cross Bay resort nestles in 60 acres of parkland situated, between Ambleside and Bowness, offering plenty of walking, climbing, fishing and sailing opportunities. Log Cabins Lake District never looked so good!
White Cross Bay, Lake Windermere, Cumbria.
The park itself has all the facilities you could want while relaxing on holiday – for those of an energetic disposition, there is an indoor heated swimming pool with gym and sauna, while nearby is a bar, restaurant, and children’s playground for the rest of the family to enjoy.
White Cross Bay Lodges
White Cross Bay Lodges, Lake Windermere, Cumbria.
The lodges at White Cross Bay are divided into two types:
All lodge bedrooms are fitted with panel heaters, while TV/satellite is available in every lounge, and a microwave in every kitchen. All bed linen, duvets, and towels are included at no extra cost while pets can be accommodated for a small additional fee.
Book Now!
With plenty to do and see in the local area, including stunning sea walks and amazing mountain views, there’s never been a better time to start enjoying log cabins Lake District style.
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