Marram House - a large holiday cottage in Southwold

This post is a little different to the others we've put up here. For starters, it’s not about a villa holiday. Or about another country. What I want to mention on this here post is much closer to home; to a holiday destination on the east coast of Suffolk. And the destination in question is Southwold in Suffolk.

Some of you maybe aware of the town of Southwold. It's well known for being a genteel town – with a visit to Southwold being like stepping back in time (although with all 21st century health care – so no small pox on your holiday). And the holiday cottage in question is Marram House.

Marram House is quite a sizable holiday home which sleeps 13 people – so makes the perfect place to getaway for a few days with friends and family.

If you're thinking "I’d like to get away with some friends – and the east coast of England is right up my street", why not have a closer look at Marram House, and see whether this is indeed the one for you.

Majorca Top 10 things to do - part two.

I did one half of my top 10 things to do in Majorca, and now it’s time for the second half. Without any more waffle let’s get on reasons 6 to 10…

6) Jardins d’Alfabia
Created by an Arab viceroy about 1,000 year ago, these gardens include parterres, arbours and dells – all surrounding an old, nearly derelict, house. This is a lovely place to relax and explore.

7) Monestir de Nostra Senyora de Lluc
This is Majorca’s most ancient holy site; and is the centre of spiritual Majorcan life. The monastery houses a sacred statue of the Virgin and Child, and a small museum too.

8) Peninsula de Formentor
A large extension of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range – and also the site of Majorca’s first luxury resort. This is the place where kings, presidents and film stars have come to spend there time.

9) Alcudia
Home to the island’s last remaining medieval walled city. It was built on the site of a Roman outpost; the theatre and ruins of which can still be seen.

10) Coves del Drac
The island of Majorca has a number of fantastic caves; with the Coves del Drac being the biggest and best. Being spastically lit, you can explore one of the world’s largest underground lakes.

So there we have the top 10 things to do in Majorca. Pop back to the first 5 things to do in Majorca.

Majorca Top 10 things to do - part one.

I love a top 10 list. It’s a short, concise way of saying what you want to say. So what we have here is the top 10 things to look for on a holiday in Majorca.

It may well be known for its long established tourist industry, but Majorca also has plenty of history and culture to explore. Without further ado, let’s get on with the top 10 things to do in Majorca.

1) La Seu: Majorca Cathedral
Positioned over Palma Bay, this Gothic cathedral is extremely beautiful. The tombs of the cathedral contain the tombs of Majorca’s first kings.

2) Castell de Bellver
An intriguing hilltop castle, this building has imprisoned queens and scholars, and is now host to a museum.

3) Fundacio Pilar i Joan Miro
The Catalan artist has a variety of work here. Joan Miro has large range of his work on display – and you get to experience the atmosphere of his studio.

4) La Granja
A mountain estate with lovely architecture – this peaceful place is also home a large range nasty torture devices used by the ‘inquisition’

5) Valldemossa
One of Majorca’s prettiest town – Valldemossa is where Polish pianist Frederic Chopin and his lover, French writer George Sand, spend a creative winter here in 1838 – 1839.

There's my top 5 - the other 5 in this top 10 will be coming up next time

Get some winter sun - escape those cold British nights

If you have thought to yourself, “what I really want is to get away to the sun for a few days”, all is not lost. Although it’s certainly getting colder here in Britain, you don’t have to travel to the other side of the world to get some lovely winter sun.

One of the nearest places to Britain for some, pretty much guaranteed, sunshine are the Canary Islands. This small group of islands are situated of the west coast of African – meaning that you get year round sun. Although being close to Africa, the Canary Islands actually belong to Spain.

You’ve got four islands to choose from: Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. With each island having its own character- we have been to Gran Canaria three times over the last 15 years, and had a fantastic time every year we’ve been.

The flight time to get to the Canary Islands is about 4½ hours from Britain, which does make this the quickest place to get to for winter sun. And with all the instability in the Middle East at the moment, The Canary Islands are also a safe destination.

If you fancy a holiday villa in the Canary Islands, have a look at the choice available in
Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.