Tucked away in the scenic countryside, just to the west of Salisbury Plan is a narrow strip of greensand, and it is no surprise that three great estates concentrate here. Today, Longleat and Stourhead, two of the most famous landscapes in the world still benefit from perfect growing condition and give great pleasure to the many garden visitors.

Heaven’s Gate is well named. As one drives down the mile long entrance to Longleat House through the magnificent collection of bright flowering rhododendron, azalea, cornus and unusual Monkey Puzzle and Handkerchief Trees, you pass through Heaven’s Gate and find the view over the Safari Park and the amazing Longleat House. The house was built on the site of a former monastic building and has been in the same family for many generations. The house is a triumph of the Renaissance built by Italian craftsmen but in the eighteenth century when the Marquis of Bath employed ‘Capability’ Brown to design the 280 ha. park, he did it with his usual genius and complete lack of regard for cost.

 Few miles away London banker, Henry Hoare commissioned Colen Campbell in 11721 to design Stourhead House. Like Longleat, the house is well worth a visit, but the eighteenth century gardens are one of the National Trust’s most visited properties. His grandson, also Henry, was an inspired amateur and influenced by his Grand Tour created a circular walk around the lake with a surprising collection of garden buildings such as Neptune’s Grotto, the Temple of Flora, the Roman Bridge and the distant Alfred’s Tower where Lady Ada Hoare used to play her grand piano in the turret at the top in the middle of the night so the music could be heard in the woods. These sumptuous surroundings have been the setting of many a period costume drama, and you may recognise the Temple of the Sun as the dramatic setting where a rain-soaked Mr. Darcy declared his love to Eliza Bennett in the recent Oscar-nominated adaption of Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice. Throughout the generations Henry’s descendents have continued to cherish the garden and added numerous ornamental shrubs and exotic trees. Since the National Trust took over the gardens, it has kept up the family’s work maintaining the garden to a very high standard and, importantly, being prepared to cut plants back where necessary so the views across the lake to the various garden buildings and distant downs is unspoilt. Spring here is not to be missed as the first bulbs and shoots appear but the autumn is almost as popular with rustling leaves and the glorious reds, yellow and oranges reflect in the water.

A short walk down the road from Stourhead is Stourhead House Garden, created by the eccentric Elizabeth Bullivant where wilderness and gardening create a very different but equally dramatic effect. It has a rare collection of daffodils, one of the largest Caucasian Wing Nut Trees in England and its very own Virburnum Plicatum, Elizabeth Bullivant, as well as over 270 different varieties of hydrangea.

Continue along the narrow country lanes to the next village to see two special, if less grand, gardens regularly open under the National Gardens Scheme. Chiff Chaffs, also a RHS garden, is charming and overflows with traditional roses, bulbs and herbaceous plants which echo the character of the 400 year old cottage and it is worth taking time to stroll around the woodland garden to see the sun streaming through the spring leaves and enjoy the smell of soft pine needles.

Though there are many wonderful gardens within this small area, the final one to mention is Snape Cottage. This has an exceptional collection of hardy plants and bulbs artistically arranged in an informal cottage garden style, all organically managed and clearly labelled. There is a wonderful tranquil atmosphere with a wildlife pond and stunning views.

You will need a cup of tea after all the garden visiting and Carrie Bullivant’s tearoom at Stourton House is not to be missed. Her cream teas and calorific cakes are legendary.

 
Written by Sarah FitzGerald.
Sarah is Vice Chairman of the Dorset Gardens Trust and rents out a charming self-catering cottage at nearby Pen Mill Cottage. Sleeping 6 adults with a child’s bed, this spacious cottage has a lovely garden extending up the valley with views over the ponds – perfect for relaxing with a glass of wine in your hand after a busy day sightseeing.

Peter and Sarah FitzGerald’s garden is open for the National Gardens Scheme on
Sunday 27th May and Sunday 16th September 2012.

This spring, treat the kids to an out-of-this-world experience at the annual Star Wars Weekends that start in May at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park in Orlando, Florida. This special event takes place every weekend until the 10th June and gives young Jedi an experience that will send their imaginations into hyperspace and see their wildest dreams come true.

There are many highlights throughout the weekend including the eye-popping return of Star Tours in 3D, the Jedi Training Academy and the Hyperspace Hoopla! Star Tours gives aspiring Jedi the chance to dive headfirst into the Star Wars universe and this year its back with new destinations, characters and adventures. Using state-of-the-art-technology (and a few Jedi mind tricks) this thrilling 3D experience features a flight-motion simulator as well as in-cockpit special effects to transport Jedi apprentices through the various adventures and landscapes in the Star Wars galaxy. With C-3PO as your pilot you can expect to bump into some of the most famous Star Wars characters such as Darth Vader, Yoda and R2-D2 and travel to some of the most prominent destinations in the saga like Tatooine, Hoth, and even the chilling Death Star on your journey, so strap in and may the force be with you!

If that’s not enough for your junior Jedi’s you can enroll them in the Jedi Training Academy so they can become a fully fledged Jedi Knight. This fun-filled live show gives young Padawan’s the opportunity to don the legendary brown robe worn by Obi-Wan Kenobi and others, pledge the sacred Jedi oath and learn ancient techniques from a real Jedi master in preparation for a one-on-one battle with Darth Vader himself. The fun doesn’t end there though, and as every good Jedi knows the power of the mind, young apprentices can sharpen their wits before the Jedi Council in the Padawan Mind Challenge.

After a long day of battling against the dark side your young Jedi’s can celebrate victory with plenty of music, comedy and dancing at the lively Hyperspace Hoopla! Be sure to have cameras on standby with an endless amount of Ewoks, Wookies, Jawas and other inter-galactic creatures joining in the celebrations too.

Don’t miss out on this fabulous opportunity and rent a holiday home in Florida today for a once in a lifetime holiday for all the family. You can rent holiday accommodation in Florida from our micro site Villas Near Disney Florida.com or why not take a look at Kissimmee Woodside Villa, the perfect property for your holiday in Florida.

Looking out over the Mediterranean from it’s majestic cliff-top perch, Cala’n Porter is the idyllic match made in heaven for any family still searching for that perfect summer holiday destination. Found on the beach infested south coast of Menorca, Cala’n Porter is ideal for the whole family with a variety of activities and attractions that’ll keep everyone from the hyperactive toddlers to the party-going teenagers engaged.

First in Cala’n Porter’s impressive roster of attractions is the beautiful cliff-lined beach that is regarded as one of the best on the island. Whilst traipsing down a fairly grueling set of stairs you may well question why you chose to rent a villa in Cala’n Porter, but once you feel that soft golden sand between your toes you’ll forget all about that. The beach is great for young children as it’s gently sloping shallows provide a perfect platform for splashing and paddling around, meaning mum and dad can relax in the shade of a parasol or in the glow of the warm sun. There are plenty of water sports that the older children can try ranging from scuba diving to kayaking and there’s also pedalos for hire for those just in the middle, who could also enjoy a game of volleyball or go snorkeling.

Cala’n Porter is a pretty small town, you could walk it end to end in twenty minutes, but it doesn’t half pack a punch. The island itself is the most tranquil of the Balearics and as such Cala’n Porter has flourished. The town has a delightfully bubbly atmosphere with friendly locals and a bevy of enticing eateries that could fill you up for the whole summer. By Menorcan standards Cala’n Porter is pretty lively with quite a few late night bars and discos, the most popular being Covas Den Xoroi, a stunning cave that by day is a lovely restaurant and by night, is the resort’s best source of late night entertainment and best sunset.

Menorca offers plenty of prospects for exploration and adventure with a beautiful landscape that is overflowing with untouched beaches, ravines and secluded coves, so when you rent a holiday home in Cala’n Porter don’t be afraid to venture further a field. Some of the closest sights that are worth the trip include the Torralba De’n Salord and the Cales Coves, a mystical network of 100 caves carved into the cliffs and are also home to some hidden coves. The town of Mahon is also nearby, which is a great place for a day trip with it’s fascinating historical sights and gorgeous harbour.

If you want to rent holiday accommodation in Cala’n Porter, then why not have a look at these three luxurious properties that would be perfect for your ideal family holiday. Casa Paraiso, Casa Fleur and Casa Maritimo are some of our best holiday villas in Cala’n Porter and provide everything you could need for a Perfect Getaway.

Sidi Ifni is a magical Berber town on Morocco’s southern Atlantic coast, two hours away from Agadir. The town is delightfully laid back and is the perfect place to get away from it all with its unique Spanish atmosphere, art deco architecture and stunning beaches.

Spain only relinquished its hold over Sidi Ifni in 1969 and as a result, the town is brimming with Spanish buildings and quirky European art deco architecture that makes it feel like a country unto itself.  As you weave your way through the pastel coloured buildings and delightful architecture of Sidi Ifni you’ll come across a whole host of enthralling sights such as the Old Spanish Consulate, the fabulous art deco Mosque and the lighthouse which has breathtaking ocean views. The town is a delightful assortment of ancient Arab life and there’s nowhere that better demonstrates this than the Sunday Souk which is bursting with storytellers and musicians and a vibrant array of fascinating Arabian ornaments and trinkets.

As well as the Souk there are many markets to patrol offering fresh fruit and vegetables and an exquisite selection of seafood too. There are some lovely restaurants in Sidi Ifni for you to enjoy too, such as the Café Restaurant Nomad which provides delicious haute cuisine in the unlikeliest of locations whilst the Hotel Suerte Loca, popular with surfers and backpackers, is a great alternative with an infectious atmosphere and friendly staff the hotel serves lovely food and has astonishing coastal views to top it all off.

Sidi Ifni is also home to some delightfully tranquil beaches that are a Mecca for surfers and kite boarders, the mild climate in the area make it ideal all year round, but the best conditions are undoubtedly in the summer months when the water is warmer and a gentle breeze lingers in the air. Whether you plan to explore the coastline or simply put your feet up, a visit to Legzira beach is compulsory. Situated just six miles north of Sidi Ifni it’s a truly stunning beach enclosed by two majestic sandstone arches at either end with soft golden sand running in between.

If you want to rent a holiday villa in Sidi Ifni, then why not check out our favourite property have in the area; a luxurious four bedroomed beach house with an elegant private pool that’s perfect for a relaxing retreat, in this peaceful seaside town. Click here to see the property in greater detail.

When we think of a holiday in Spain our initial thoughts tend to focus on the stereotypes that come with the UK’s favourite holiday destination. But Spain is far more than just laying on a beach or enjoying paella followed by a boozy night on the town, it has a rich, vibrant culture just waiting to be explored.

Here is a list of some of the more unusual things to do in Spain, away from the usual tourist traps:

Semana Santa
Semana Santa otherwise known as Holy Week in Spain, is one of the country’s most well loved celebrations. The last week in Lent sees a range of celebrations across the country, the most extravagant of which tend to be in the region of Andalusia and in particular Seville. Although strictly speaking this is a religious festival, there is plenty of partying, with bars full all day and night with people of all ages celebrating. The focal point of the week is the march, where brotherhoods of the church, dress in long cloaks and hoods and elaborate floats depicting religious characters parade through the towns streets.
 
Tenerife Carnaval
Of course Spain does not just include the mainland. The Canary Islands too have plenty of weird and wonderful things to see and do and a holiday to Tenerife would provide plenty of these. The Tenerife Carnaval, held just before Lent every year, is seen by the residents of Tenerife as one final indulgence. An extravagant opening parade begins proceedings followed by parties that run for days. A more unusual element is the High Heels Marathon, a male only race where those taking part must dress in drag, a fun and extravagant event that is a must see if you are in Tenerife at this time.
 
Human Pyramid Festival
Back to mainland Spain, the town of Algemesi in Valencia is home to the ‘Fiesta de la Virgen de la Salud’ or ‘the feast for the Virgin of good health’.  On the last day of the festival, the men of the town are put to the physical test by undertaking the challenge of making a pyramid out of their bodies. The tradition known at muixeranga is undertaken amidst a procession of people, dancers and revellers and so requires the maximum of concentration. The men then climb on top of each other to see who can make the tallest and most interesting formation. A unique attraction that is a must see if in the area on 21st September 2012.
 
Tomatina
During the last Wednesday of August, the town of Buñol in Valencia becomes home to Tomatina. The event involves participants engaging in a huge tomato fight, lining the streets of the town to throw them at one another. The festivities begin with the “palo jabon’ where participants have to climb a greased pole to retrieve the ham on top, the crowd sing and dance at this point whilst water is fired out over the crowd. Once someone has successfully removed the ham from the top of the pole, the tomato fight begins and chaos ensues with an estimated 150,000 tomatoes being thrown during the one hour the fight runs for. Anyone is welcome to take part, just take some goggles and gloves with you if you do!
 
However you choose to spend your holiday in Spain, whether that be on the mainland or any of its islands you are sure to have a fantastic time. Whilst it may be a destination us Brits know and love, venturing off the beaten track just a little but can provide you with some great unusual things to do.

This article was written by Charlotte at TravelSupermarket.com. If you feel inspired to visit Spain and enjoy some of its unusual attractions visit TravelSupermarket to find great deals on holidays and compare cheap flights.

Dubrovnik is an enchanting city once described by Lord Byron as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. As the crown jewel of Croatia’s breathtaking Dalmatian coast is it a glowing beacon of beauty and culture set amongst a backdrop of unique landscapes and dramatic history.

Dubrovnik is perfect all year-round as this medieval city has so much to see and do inside its famed city walls, making it perfect for a romantic weekend or a week of exploration and adventure. In summer though, the city comes to life underneath the Adriatic sun as its pearly marble streets and shiny pristine buildings exude a mystical ethereal glow and making your holiday seem like a fairytale. Amongst this UNESCO World Heritage site’s most popular attractions are a wide variety of monuments, museums, churches and monasteries, but one of the most breathtaking sights you can see is the iconic image of terracotta roofs surrounded by the electric blue seas of the Adriatic lapping up against dramatic craggy, cliffs. It’s this charming seaside feel that make Dubrovnik so unique, combining the elegance and exuberance of the old town with a strong almost spiritual link to the sea, perfectly displayed by the Old Port which was once the main trading hub but today is one of the most picturesque parts of town.

Once you’ve explored the fascinating Old Town of Dubrovnik with its mesmerising buildings and collections of cafes and monuments at the Stradun, there’s much to discover beyond the mighty city walls. The Dalmatian coast is studded with a myriad of idyllic islands which can easily be reached from Dubrovnik, among these us the beautiful island of Lokrum which is a must for any visit to the city and can even be seen from the city’s beaches. On Lokrum you’ll have a fantastic day out exploring the vibrant botanical gardens as well as the historic Benedictine monastery, and then you can relax and take a dip in the ocean on the islands stunning beaches.

Another beautiful place to visit when you rent a holiday villa in Dubrovnik is the peaceful seaside town of Lozica. Situated on a breathtaking spot along the coast Lozica is popular with many of Dubrovnik’s aristocrats as the location for their summer homes and it’s not hard to see why. Only two kilometres away from the city itself it’s the perfect base for exploring the area when you rent holiday accommodation in Dubrovnik as it’s delightfully exclusive and unequalled for beauty.

If you’re thinking of visiting Dubrovnik then why not base yourself in Lozica, Perfect Getaways have an extraordinary property in this idyllic bay, Villa Ivanino, which is perfect for a holiday in Dubrovnik, click the link above for more information.

Estepona is the perfect place for a family holiday in the Costa del Sol with an authentic Spanish twist. Estepona is one of the few coastal towns in the area that has maintained it pueblo charm and character thanks to its unusual shops and mouth-watering chiringuitos.

Estepona is a quaint little fishing village with lots of character and a colourful history punctuated by 23 kilometres of sun drenched sand that make up a whole host of numerous coves and bays waiting for you to throw your towel on. By distancing itself from the onslaught of tourism, Estepona has become the perfect place for families who want to see more of the real Spain without sacrificing the activities and amenities the more popular resorts provide. As such, there’s a plethora of street cafes and tapas bars serving traditional Spanish delicacies on almost every street corner as well as a ramshackle chiringuito on the beach serving sumptuous paella by the tonne. However, Estepona’s no ghost town, the hub of the nightlife is the Marina where there’s a wide variety of trendy bars and discos that provide entertainment well into the early hours of the morning.

Come Sunday morning and the chic marina has transformed into a popular tourist market with fantastic local produce on show. Estepona also has some other fascinating sights to see, in particular the towns bustling main square, Plaza de las Flores which is the site of some of Estepona’s best tapas bars, whilst there’s also the Bullring to visit as well as some intriguing historical sights such as La Ermita del Carvario and La Torre del Reloj. Also worth a visit is the fabulous Selwo Wildlife Park on the outskirts of town, but if you rent a villa in Estepona you’ll seldom be far from the sea.

Playa La Rada is Estepona’s most popular beach located slap bang in the middle of town its swamped by services and amenities including some of the towns best chiringuitos that dish up paella, sardines and many other Spanish delicacies. The beach is long and golden and the promenade which skirts it provides plenty of opportunities whether its an ice cream or your first windsurfing lesson. Playa el Cristo is another stunning beach growing in popularity, the cove and it’s outer wall ensure the sea is warmer than surrounding waters and the presence of lifeguards and gently sloping sands make it a popular spot for young families. If you fancy something a bit less crowded then you can always cast your net further and explore Playa Galera, Playa Arroyo Vaquero or Playa Bahia Dorada which are worth the effort.

If you want to rent a holiday home in Estepona then why don’t you have a look at these three fabulous properties that would make your holiday a dream come true.

Villa Tranquilla-Pool Apt.

Fountain Apt, Villa Tranquilla

Estepona Port 1 bed Apt

If you’re looking for that perfect Algarve destination this February half-term, then rent a holiday villa in Loule, where you’ll be able to experience the best the Algarve has to offer.

Loule is an ideal destination from which to explore the Algarve as it’s within spitting distance of all the main resorts and towns in the area as well as Faro airport which is only 17 kilometres away. In particular this charming market town is only 11 kilometres from the stunning beaches of Quarteira, Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo in addition to the many championship standard golf courses that flood the Algarve. Loule is a large town with plenty of amenities and services to make your holiday as care-free as possible, it’s also a fairly quiet town compared to other resorts and its tranquil atmosphere is the perfect place to get away from it all this half-term.

Perfect Getaways have three stunning holiday villas in Loule, Caso do Forno Cottage, Orange Cottage and Lemon & Carob Apartment Cottage, that would make your holiday in Loule one to remember. These properties are in beautiful, peaceful surroundings popular with walkers and bird watchers and are only a stone’s throw away from Loule town centre where you can explore its dazzling markets or fascinating historical relics such as the 13th century castle and the Arab Cemetery. However that’s not the only advantage when you rent these beautiful holiday homes in Loule this half-term, as February is carnival time in town.

Known as one of the largest, brightest and one of the most popular carnivals in the Algarve, Loule Carnival is a massive celebration bursting with music, colour, dancing and laughter. Taking place from the 19th to the 21st of February, the carnival is a time where the locals really let their hair down and stage a raucous event that can be enjoyed by all. Celebrating its 106th anniversary, the carnival has evolved to a grand scale where thousands of revelers celebrate in the streets of the Avenida Jose Da Costa Mealha. Each year the carnival has a designated theme and always features huge parades with elaborate floats that are adorned with massive political figures like Nicolas Sarkozy and the Portuguese prime minister as well as iconic sporting figures and national celebrities. Carnival is a great time to visit Loule with a real feel good atmosphere in the air, be prepared though, it’s tradition at carnival time for revelers to throw water bombs and eggs at each other, so watch out!

If you wan to treat the kids to a fun-filled half term break but can’t quite stretch your pennies far enough for a foreign fling, then why not stay closer to home and rent a holiday home in Chester, home to one of England’s best zoo’s. 

With over 8000 animals and 400 different species Chester Zoo attracts 1.4 million visitors a year, it is one of the country’s leading zoo’s with an impressive reputation for conservation and has recently celebrated a record high of annual visitors. There’s never been a better time to visit the zoo than this February half term after the zoo has seen a string of new arrivals and unveils it brand new exhibits.

The first £250,000 development is the UK’s first ever underwater viewing zone for Giant Otters. The Giant Otter Centre is one of the few places in Europe where you can see these charming and intriguing animals dive for food as well as swimming and frolicking underwater. The exhibit features an undercover seating area, crawl-in viewing dome and state-of-the-art cubbing dens to provide the very best in both animal welfare and visitor experience.

Also opening this half term is the revamped Spirit of the Jaguar display which has undergone a £250,000 facelift. The new exhibition provides an outstandingly authentic South American theme with a whole host of endemic flora and fauna making the jaguars, sloths, agouti’s and leaf-cutter ants feel right at home and the visitor as if they were in the heart of the Amazon jungle. There’s also an aquarium with a vast array of fish to feast your eyes on as well as a cattle ranch cinema that promotes the zoo’s fieldwork conservation in Brazil.  

If you get down to Chester Zoo this half-term you’ll also have the chance to see some of the Zoo’s newest additions. Just after the New Year, a rare Brazilian Tapir named Talia made her first appearance at the tender age of 13 days old, whilst in mid-January two Babirusa piglets, said to be the rarest pig species in the world, were born at Chester Zoo. The Babirusa who are native to Indonesia are in serious decline and the latest additions to the Chester Zoo family are sure to play a vital part in the international breeding programme to help safeguard the future of the species.

So rent a holiday apartment in Chester this half-term for a dazzling day out at Chester Zoo, which provides fun for the whole family with its dazzling exhibits, beautiful gardens and exotic and endangered animals. You can even visit our Micro Site Apartment Breaks.Co.Uk which has a vast array of holiday apartments throughout the UK.

Luxor is universally known as the world’s largest open-air museum that hosts one third of the world’s ancient monuments and antiquities, providing visitors with an unrivalled glimpse into one of the world’s most fascinating ancient cilvilisations. Rent a holiday villa in Luxor whilst the winter temperatures make tomb-hunting and temple-exploring a breeze.

Aside from a whirlwind of ancient temples, tombs and monuments you expect to see in Luxor you can also expect to be blown away by the fantastically mesmerising street life. Contemporary Luxor is an eccentric hive of activity bursting with bustling bazaars and markets as well as an enchanting blend of ancient and modern splendour. The East Bank of the Nile is the epicentre of the city which itself is centred around the Temple of Karnak and the Temple of Luxor, the West Bank meanwhile is little more than mysterious rugged desert that holds over a millennia of history.

The Nile splits Luxor in half and is a very popular way to see some of the city’s astonishing monuments from afar, whilst enjoying the serenity and beauty of the area as well as its colourful history. But if you plan on getting a front row seat be sure to rent a holiday home in Luxor between October and March as the Egyptian summer can be grueling on tomb-roaming tourists as temperatures consistently hit the 40 degrees Celsius mark.

Amongst the top attractions in Luxor, the Temple of Karnak is one of the most popular. This massive ancient complex of temples is the largest in the world and features a variety of stunning structures including an avenue of ram headed sphinxes and the imperious Hypostyle Hall as well as an array of pylons obelisks and kiosks. The Valley of the Kings may not be the most lavish of attractions in Luxor but that hasn’t stopped it from being one of the most visited. Situated in the desert of the West Bank The Valley of the Kings is an extensive network of tombs for ancient pharaohs that can range from simple pits to lavish tombs with multiple chambers and corridors. The Valley of the Queens can be found further on and also provide an eerie insight into Ancient Egyptian’s belief about death.

There are so many attractions to see in Luxor that it’s impossible to mention them all and even see them all on a visit to this enthralling city which seemingly has one at every turn, why don’t you rent a holiday apartment in Luxor and see how many you can conquer.