There are some places you get to visit just once in a lifetime. What if you were asked to name some places that you would want to see in Europe if you ever get the opportunity? The choices are many and they all seem such wonderful places, making it hard to decide. These cities are not just famous names but amazing places that spell beauty on the world map.

Amsterdam

Often called the gateway to Europe, this is Netherlands largest city and capital. What makes Amsterdam so beautiful is that it has not entirely changed from its original 17th century glory, when it first became a trading city. This is one of Europe’s bets preserved and prettiest cities with its history still intact. It is a place flourishing with arts and crafts and continuously reinvents itself. Take a boat ride along the city canals that are still lined with gabled houses or sit at a sidewalk café and enjoy this very European architecture of the Golden Age. The boutiques, galleries, theatres and restaurants in Amsterdam are truly worth visiting for a taste of rich European culture.

Berlin

Unlike many other cities in the world, Berlin has been the centre of many heart wrenching history moments. Despite this, Berlin is an incredible beautiful place. It is the capital city of Germany and a world city of culture, education, politics and science. The Berlin Wall is perhaps the most famous landmark of the city. The transparent dome of Berlin’s resuscitated Reichstag parliament building, the city’s only remaining gate which is often called the regal symbol of Berlin the Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz and the holocaust memorial are some of the city’s noteworthy places. This city is an example of a rise of a nation to an international vibrancy from ravages of war.

Venice

The city of water and romance, Venice has been able to awestruck travellers and artists for centuries. The palaces, ornate houses, spectacular canals, graceful marble bridges, elegant architecture and mysterious narrow streets all add magic to the age old Venice. One thing nobody should miss in Venice is a ride on the Grand Canal to discover Venice in all its glory.

There are breathtakingly beautiful places in the world that leave so many wonderful memories with us. More often than not, these places leave us spell bound and inspire us to keep travelling far and beyond.

Australia’s gift to the world, the Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder and the only living thing visible from space. This is the largest coral reef in the world and encompasses 3000 individual reef systems. The reef is situated in the Coral Sea which you find in north-east Australia, off the coast of Queensland. It is a World Heritage site and it supports a diversity of life and ecosystems. Its vast biodiversity contains many vulnerable and endangered species. You can see the reef from Live Aboards and by scuba diving. The experience will leave you refreshed and inspired.

The gateway to the great Inca civilization, Machu Picchu is a historical sanctuary in Peru. Often called the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, it is located on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley. This is one of the most enigmatic places in the world. Set in the most beautiful mountain territory of the Andes, it is 2430m above the sea level. The giant walls, terraces and ramps look as if they have been naturally cut into the rocks. It is also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The Château de Versailles or the Palace of Versailles in France is one of the most extravagant and glamorous places in the world. From the times of Louis XIV to Louis XVI the palace was a centre of political power. Designed and constructed by many architects, sculptors, decorators and landscape architects over several generations, the court is a perfect symbol of European monarchy. It has 700 rooms, 67 staircases and the finest gardens elegantly designed.

The ultimate embodiment of nature’s power and supreme beauty are perhaps represented in no other fascinating manner than the Grand Canyon. It is believed to be carved by the Colorado River and is within the Grand Canyon National Park, which is the first national park in the Unites States. This is a World Heritage Site that contains billions of years of geological significance.

Cornwall is the perfect holiday destination for those taking a break in the UK. It offers everything you could wish for; warm, dependable weather, beaches, temperate waters, beautiful scenery, historical interest, family entertainment, fine dining and much more. Holiday cottages in Cornwall are a great way to enjoy what this stunning part of the UK has to offer, allowing you the freedom to decide what you want to do and when you want to do it. You are not restricted by hotel meal times or being bothered by maid services – everyone can join in to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. Finding the best holiday cottage for you means a little thought about what you and your friends or family want from your break.

Holiday cottages in Cornwall can be rented for a variety of reasons, such as family holidays, romantic getaways and even Stag or Hen celebrations. Your reasons for the trip can influence the type of accommodation you choose and even have a bearing on its location.

For family holidays, you will need to consider factors such as how many rooms you want. A holiday cottage can give you the privacy that hotel rooms do not, especially for parents with young children. If children are taking part in the trip, it is prudent to look for accommodation that is advertised as ‘child-friendly’; research things like whether staircases are unfenced, if any ponds in the grounds have safeguards and whether there are any child’s facilities for hire, such as highchairs and cots.

Having children present will mean that you might be wiser to select a cottage in or near a town, allowing you easy access to shops and other amenities. Some cottage providers offer groups of cottages which means that other families with children may be present and this can help to provide instant entertainment for the little ones; some of these even come with children’s play areas. If you have a pet, some cottages welcome animals, removing the costs of kennels from your budget.

Romantic breaks for two have different criteria; primarily, you are less restricted in your location. By stocking up on your treats for the week in advance, you can select accommodation on the strength of its character alone. There are many cottages tucked away in Cornwall’s beautiful countryside or by secluded beaches, offering tranquillity and complete privacy. You can find beautiful listed and farmhouse cottages that are designed for couples looking to enjoy each other’s company and forget the rest of the world for a time. If luxury is what you want, take the time to research the areas and types of building that would suit your requirements.

Stag or Hen holidays are increasingly common and many cottage-providers have a great selection of suitable accommodation. Depending on the plans for the celebration, you might want to choose accommodation close to a Cornish town, with easy access to bars and nightlife. Alternatively, you might want to look at places near the coast if surfing is on the agenda. Ensure that the building is large enough for your party. Seeking accommodation that is away from other buildings might be a good idea, as often the celebrations can go on into the early hours, which holidaying neighbours might not appreciate, especially if they have young children.

There are many types of accommodation on offer for practically all sorts of holiday. By doing a little homework first and thinking about what you want from your break, you can make it a holiday to remember.

There can be a number of reasons to take a holiday with a large group of people. It might be a family holiday, a break with a group of friends or even a Hen or Stag holiday in advance of a wedding. Cornwall and the South West offer just about all you could wish for from a holiday destination in the UK: peace and tranquillity, sun, sea and surf, beautiful surroundings, family attractions, historical sites, busy towns, nightlife and much, much more.

Holiday cottages for large groups are the ideal way to enjoy the best that this region has to offer – without the restrictions imposed by hotels with inflexible mealtimes and intrusive maid services. However, holidaying with a large group of people can provide some problems, although these can be overcome with a little forward planning.

Most of the considerations revolve around practicality; you want everyone in the group to have a good time, so you’ll need to do a little research to make sure that all eventualities are covered.

The reason for your break may have some bearing on how you decide which location is best for you. A group of friends looking to catch up might want to be away from the crowds and just enjoy each other’s company, so a rural retreat might be the answer – great company with great scenery and little else to worry about.

Families might prefer to be closer to amenities like shops and within easy reach of family attractions or beaches, so a coastal cottage near to a town might be better. For Stag or Hen groups nightlife may be important, so being near or in a town could have its advantages.

Many of these breaks revolve around activities, such as golf or surfing, as well as celebration, so see if there are facilities for your chosen pursuits close to your accommodation. Stag and Hen weekends often include a great deal of revelry, so it might be worth trying to find a property that offers privacy as well as accessibility – you don’t want disgruntled neighbours asking you to ‘turn it down’ in the middle of your celebrations!

You will need to consider how many bedrooms you will need so that everyone is comfortable. Many properties advertise the ‘ideal’ number of people that they can accommodate, such as 4 people. However, if the description states ‘4 – 6 people’, you will need to find out exactly what this means; it may mean that 4 people can be comfortably housed, but the extra 2 might be on sofa beds. You may also wish to research the beds that are available; are they twins, doubles or bunks? If extra guests are a possibility, it may be worth booking a place that can take more people than you initially require.

It could also be prudent to think along the same lines where bathrooms and toilets are concerned – nobody wants to queue outside the only toilet in the house on their holiday!

Places to relax are an important part of any holiday, so it might be worth checking out the sizes of any communal areas such as lounges and kitchens; you want everyone to feel included and enjoy themselves.

For Hen and Stag groups, you’ll need to look at the details quite carefully; some properties don’t allow single-sex groups, so check in advance whether this is the case.

A holiday cottage for large groups can be great fun; planning and booking yours as early as possible can reduce any problems you might encounter and make the trip a holiday to remember for everyone.

Torquay is the sparkling jewel of the English Riviera, with its wide palm-lined boulevards, stylish Art Deco architecture, vibrant waterfront and glittering marina filled with fabulous yachts. Like Rome, Torquay is built on seven hills; in fact with its white Italianate Victorian villas scattered across pine covered slopes that sweep down to golden beaches, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the Mediterranean. With such a magnificent backdrop its easy to see why Torquay continues to attract those who seek a more sophisticated seaside experience, and in the 21st Century Torquay remains a classic destination for those who enjoy a stylish English vacation.

A Torquay holiday is an ideal escape for grown ups and you’re never far from one of Torquay’s award-winning beaches or pretty coves. Whether you want to soak up the rays, relax with a good book or take to the water, you’re sure to find a beach to suit. Agatha Christie (who was born and bought up in Torquay) enjoyed bathing locally at Beacon Cove, one of the English Riviera’s original ‘ladies’ beaches’. Torquay was host to the Yachting events during the 1948 Summer Olympics and water sports continue to be extremely popular in the bay.

Torquay boasts a number of heritage sites including Kent’s Cavern, a network of prehistoric caves where you can take a guided tour around one of Britain’s most important Stone Age sites. Step back a little more recently in time at the Bygones Victorian Museum, with its Victorian street of houses and shops. Nearby Beacon Quay, which in 1944 saw the mass embarkation of British and American troops for the Normandy Invasion, is home to the penguins, puffins and seals of Living Coast. Also on the waterfront is the Princess Theatre, host to West End Shows and international musicians.

Only a mile from Torquay’s sea-front, is Cockington, a 17th century manor house with an idyllic estate of thatched cottages with pretty gardens and a blacksmith at work in the forge. Browse the craft shops there or enjoy a Devon cream tea before going for a stroll through the glorious gardens and woodland.

A former visitor to Cockington was crime writer Agatha Christie, who was born in Torquay in 1890. You can find out more about her life at the Torquay Museum or walk the Agatha Christie Mile from the Tourist Information Centre and take in Torquay’s harbourside and seafront along the way. Christie’s house at nearby Greenways, now owned by the National Trust, is where you can also take a trip on the Paignton to Dartmouth Steam Railway – a journey Hercule Poirot took in Christie’s mystery “The ABC Murders”. The steam trains run from Easter to October.

There are some excellent shopping opportunities at the Pavilion, a former Edwardian Theatre, with its specialist boutiques and shops. Nearby, Fleet Walk is an undercover shopping area with an open terrace leading to the Winter Gardens. End the day soaking up Torquay’s cosmopolitan ambience on the waterfront, which has plenty to entertain grown ups with it’s stylish wine bars and award-winning restaurants such as the Michelin-starred Elephant. It’s easy to see why Torquay holidays are ideal for those who enjoy a more sophisticated seaside escape.

Newquay – with its vast expanse of sandy beaches and gorgeous serene coastlines, is a major tourist destination in the UK. This town boasts the best surfing beach in Britain, a lively nightlife, award-winning attractions and an exceptional range of local food and drink establishments. From thrill-seeking adventurists, to families with children, to young and elderly couples – Newquay has plenty to offer everyone!

Surfing and Sand in Newquay

Are you a beginner interested in learning to surf from scratch, or an experienced surfer looking for the next great wave to ride? There are ample opportunities for unforgettable, thrilling moments on the beaches of Newquay. Learn to surf at the numerous surf schools that provide lessons tailored to suit all individuals’ needs. Participate in or watch international surfing championships at Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay, renowned worldwide for their powerful waves and awesome breaks. Or simply enjoy building sandcastles, kite surfing or diving at other renowned surf spots including Towan, Great Western, Tolcarne and Crantock beaches.

Eating and Nightlife in Newquay

All this beach activity will surely get your appetites rolling. Never fear – there are plenty of choices for eating out during your Newquay holiday! Newquay hosts a huge range of cafes and restaurants with spectacular views of the beach. Tantalizing seafood platters and local fish can be enjoyed at The New Harbour Restaurant, Two Clomes and many other restaurants. If you want to savour different tastes, there are Indian, Mexican and Italian joints to suit your liking. The nightlife in Newquay is just as exciting as the surfing is! Go dancing until the early hours at the many night spots open, or simply relax with your friends over beers at the popular Chy Bar.

Attractions in Newquay

Not just interested in surfing and dining? Your Newquay holiday has plenty of other treasures just waiting to be discovered. Be amazed at the vast diversity of plants at one of the biggest greenhouses in the world – the Eden Project. Your entire family will be enthralled by the fascinating exhibitions at the Maritime museum, amazing collection of aquatic fauna at the Blue Reef Aquarium, exciting wildlife at the Newquay Zoo, various theme parks and art galleries that this delightful town has to offer.

Accommodation in Newquay

Newquay offers plenty of places for tourists to stay when visiting. There are ample self catering holiday cottages, luxurious apartments, bungalows and other forms of accommodation sprawled all over the countryside and beaches, that are walking distance to the attractions that Newquay has to offer. To book accommodation to ensure a comfortable and memorable Newquay holiday, visit

With the cost house of hold bills in the UK increasing almost on a monthly basis and everyone bearing the credit crunch, people are beginning to skip their holidays abroad. While this is natural, people can still take dream holidays closer to home while saving money by visiting some of the more popular tourist destinations within the UK. The UK has many exciting and diverse places to visit, with self catering holidays in Cornwall becoming increasingly popular year-on-year. With so many beautiful places to visit and spectacularly diverse landscapes all in an easily travelled area, this is hardly surprising.

Until recently one of the most popular ways to holiday in this popular destination was either camping or caravanning. However, the price of luxury accommodation has come down in recent years and although people have had to miss out on overseas holidays, people still want a level of luxury and comfort for their holidays and a central location to act as a base to explore this unique location. While Cornwall is famous for its traditional holiday cottages, there are also a large amount of 4 and 5 star self catering accommodation in Cornwall that include lodges, townhouses, barns and apartments, all set in a contemporary style offering something a little bit more discerning for your next trip.

No matter what you want from this beautiful county, you are guaranteed to find contemporary self catering accommodation in Cornwall that will match your desires. For example, Newquay is the most popular holiday destination in Cornwall with sweeping sandy beaches interspersed with spectacular cliff top views. The pace of life is entirely up to you in Newquay from action packed watersports to relaxing and enjoying the many tranquil beauty spots. Newquay has many self catering apartments and holiday homes within easy reach of all these diverse attractions and over looking the stunning coast line the surf capital of Europe has to offer.