Technically The British Firework Championships shouldn’t be featured on here seeing as they’re held on Plymouth Hoe, but I just couldn’t resist as fireworks are one of my most favourite things. And best of all, it’s FREE.

Now in its 14^th year, drawing the best 6 fireworks display companies together in this almighty competition held over 10^th -11^th August 2010 in which the winner will represent Britain at the international competition. Starting with early evening entertainment courtesy of local station, Heart radio and the obligatory food stalls, fun fair rides to entertain the most impatient of people while waiting for it to get dark and the real fun begin.

Each spectacular and extravagant display lasts ten minutes, so expect plenty of Ooooo’s and Aaaaaaaah’s whilst the sky above Plymouth is lit up. With crowds in excess of 200,000, you’ll have to make sure you get there early to get a prime view point or if you are staying in Cornwall, we’ve  found somewhere that means there’s no need for you to even cross the Tamar.

Stay at Edgcumbe Cottage and you will not only have a prime location for firework spotting from the Cremyll over to Plymouth Hoe but you are right on the doorstep to the wonderful Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park. Take a tour of the former house of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe (admission charged) or spend the summer days wandering the immaculately manicured 865 acres of country and formal gardens, all for free. A wonderful location that will make sure your self catering holiday in Cornwall goes with a bang! (Sorry, had to be done.)

Like coffee and tea, marmite and lemon curd, visitors to the Duchy prefer one or the other! Some prefer the North coast and others the South, but is there really any rhyme or reason to the differing opinions held by visitors from far and wide?

The North coast boasts over 60 miles of dramatic Atlantic cliff tops, with miles of sandy beaches interspersed with fishing villages and market towns. Bedruthan Steps just North of Newquay is one of the country’s most extraordinary beaches, with large slate outcrops strewn across the bay, whilst the tranquil and historic port of Boscastle decorated in white washed, thatch covered cottages with it’s tales of smuggling and shipwrecks, is a treat. From King Arthur’s castle at Tintagel to kayaking along the coastline, the North coast has much to entertain. Whether it’s the Atlantic surf, horse riding, sunbathing or rambling along the coast path, the majestic splendor and endless opportunities are guaranteed to delight.

Just like the North coast, the South coast offers much in the way of scenic coastline and rolling countryside, and the Roseland peninsula is no exception. Situated centrally along the Cornish coastline, the Roseland is one of the most picturesque and unspoilt areas of Cornwall, positioned within the gulf stream, the climate is mild and often reaches Mediterranean temperatures producing spectacular gardens, very few places compare. With meandering rivers, quaint hamlets and secluded coves to discover, you will be spoilt for choice. Hike along the cliff tops and down to some of the most deserted beaches, such as Portholland or browse the shop fronts of St Mawes a bustling harbour village and sailing hotspot. From snorkling and windsurfing to fishing and cycling the Roseland will not disappoint.

Self catering holiday cottages are an ideal way to explore the many beautiful and secluded locations of the North and South coast, offering freedom to come and go as you please. The Cob at the hamlet of Treligga, a stone’s throw from the famous fishing village of Port Issac, the home of Doc Martin, is a perfect place to experience the Northern coast of Cornwall in all of its glory. Watch the fishing fleet depart from the harbour at dawn and on their return, purchase some superb fish to rustle up a truly local dish back at the holiday cottage, or why not eat out, with freshly caught fish dominating the evening menus, the choice is yours. Garden Cottage located in Veryan on the Roseland peninsula is ideal for exploring the South coast, only a short drive from tranquil and charming village of Tregony and the wet fish shop on the harbour front at St Mawes. Why not take the St Mawes Ferry to the busy port of Falmouth between the 9^th and 14^th of August to marvel at the magnificent yacht races, boats and catamarans involved in the Henri-Lloyd Regatta Week, with late services to ensure enjoyment of the Red Arrows and spectacular firework displays.

Early August is a wonderful time to holiday in Cornwall, with a multitude of things to do and see both on the North and South coast and self catering cottages are one of the best ways to enjoy the local lifestyle.

So visit Cornwall and discover your favourite – I’m a tea and marmite girl myself!

If you think that by holidaying in Cornwall this summer means you will have to leave your beloved dog at home, think again. Cornwall is synonymous with miles of beautiful beaches and walking paths and by finding your perfect self catering holiday cottage that is dog friendly means that no one gets left behind.

The first thing to do before you even book your next holiday to Cornwall is research. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth visit, by doing some research about either the area or holiday cottage you are planning on staying in will mean a better experience all around. The most important thing to check is, of course, whether it is a dog friendly holiday cottage. There’s no point in spending time dreaming about that luxury apartment if they won’t allow your dog to stay too. Once you’ve found somewhere, make sure you check all the facilities that are provided and that they are suitable for you. Imagine arriving for your holiday to find that the accommodation is on the third floor and no outside space for your four-legged friend to run around in- not a good start. Many self catering holiday cottages in Cornwall are based on farms or have animals nearby, so it is important as a responsible pet owner to be respectful of other animals or wildlife and be sure to keep your pets under control at all times. This is especially so if you plan to explore the extensive Cornish coastal footpaths that often run through farmland. Being an all year round destination, visitors are encouraged to enjoy many of the attractions on offer regardless of season. This is particularly so for the beaches that Cornwall is famous for- we want everyone to enjoy them! That’s why there are over 80 beaches year round dog friendly beaches around Cornwall’s shores, for you and your dog to enjoy, even on the hottest of mid-summer days. Even our furry friends deserve a dip in the water to cool off.

So this year, don’t let your choice of accommodation rule out the chances for ALL your family to enjoy the annual cottage holiday in Cornwall. All it takes is some research and perhaps a bit of planning, but the effort will be rewarded.

Join the hundreds of locals and visitors who flock to the small fishing village of Mevagissey in Cornwall each year to enjoy the celebrations of Mevagissey Feast Week. Dating back to 1754 the ‘Feast of St.Peter’, to celebrate the Patron Saint of Fishermen, this week long calendar of events means that no matter what day you go, there will be plenty to see and do for all ages.

Taking place from June 27^th to July 4^th 2010, you could get into the heart of the action by staying just 75 yards from the harbour in Seagull Cottage. An ideal self catering holiday cottage to make sure you won’t miss the fishing boat race around the bay on the opening day. Live music, Air Sea Rescue demonstrations and the Fish Festival, where you can pick up some local produce to take to the Teddy Bear’s Picnic or to enjoy in your holiday cottage, and children’s entertainment that will be sure to exhaust even the most demanding of children are all part of the week.

Feast Week is one of the busiest times for Mevagissey, the narrow streets and hoards of people can make parking somewhat of a headache at this time! Some people decide to stay just outside to be able to enjoy Mevagissey but to also explore other parts of Cornwall. Cottages nearby are an ideal way to spend your holiday, places such as White Cottage in the quaint village of Veryan or Primrose Cottage in Portloe, are perfect base to combine family holiday fun with a visit to the big finale on Saturday, July 4^th starting with the traditional Flora Dance being led by the children of Mevagissey School and ending in a magnificent fireworks display- not to be missed!

June is another busy month in Cornwall’s event diary, so rather than tell you about the usual suspects, below are a couple of the interesting alternatives that I thought were worth a mention.

Fit in a visit to the first Rock Oyster Festival is set to take place 19^th- 20^th June at Pothilly Farm in Rock while self catering in holiday cottage nearby such as Tristan’s Hydaway or Carlyon Farm Wing. During this two day celebration of all things ‘oyster’ and the sea, the Rock Oyster Festival promises ‘a heady mixture of oysters, mussels and other local food from top producers with a jam packed weekend of activities and entertainment.’ So if you like your entertainment to be family friendly, foodie with funky music- don’t miss out!

Pop down to Falmouth on the 18^th, 19^th or 20^th June and you will be lucky enough to be entertained by any one of the 24 shanty groups taking part in the Falmouth International Shanty Festival. A free event aimed at preserving and promoting the maritime heritage of Falmouth and Cornwall, raise money for the RNLI and ensure that everyone has fun doing so! To enjoy the full event and everything that Falmouth has to offer, a stay at The Hideaway or Olive Cottage will put you in a prime location, you may even catch a note or two in the air from the garden. With groups from all over, including Germany, France and the Netherlands, there will be plenty of opportunities to listen to the international shanties and see if you can recognise the difference between a Capstan and a Stamp and Go.

Now this really is the stuff that little girl’s dreams are made of; glitter, tutu’s and wings are a must during The 3 Wishes Faery Fest at Colliford Lake on Bodmin Moor. This family friendly 3 day festival from 18^th- 20^th June means total absorption into all things Faery; with the help of music and performers, workshops that include how to make your own faery wand (an essential bit of kit), the latest in faery fashion and many more surprises are promised. Get carried away with the faeries and camp during the festival or stay at either the aptly named Dreamcatcher or Moondance self catering holiday cottages nearby on Bodmin Moor and still be able to enjoy the added bonus of the solstice celebrations.

So for those who thought Cornwall was all about the Royal Cornwall Show and Run to the Sun, hopefully this has introduced you to a few alternative things to do while on your self catering holiday in Cornwall.

How many times have you got lost when you go on holiday? How many times have you sat in a queue of traffic or been left circling a car-park just to find an illusive parking space at a top tourist spot? And all of this on your ‘relaxing’ holiday. Driving and navigating around a new area can be both stressful and daunting and quite often, you can miss out the best bits by going the direct route.

Yet with some planning and a bit of imagination (and sometimes a lot of guts!) there are some interesting alternatives to travelling around Cornwall while on your self catering holiday and uncover some little gems you wouldn’t necessarily see whilst using the most well trodden paths throughout the South West.

The former artists’ colony of St. Ives encompasses all the charm of the quaint Cornish villages and continues to attract many visitors each year. Even if you’ve been to St. Ives before, a trip on the St. Ives Railway, a short journey across from St. Erth train station, is an opportunity to experience the dramatic views of Hayle Towans and Carbis Bay before arriving in St. Ives. Staying at nearby Brea Cottage and with trains running every day (except Christmas and Boxing Day, all you have to do is make sure you don’t miss the last train back to your holiday cottage.

To get out and about on public transport, you could wait for a sunny day or pack your waterproofs and head out on FirstGroup’s Service 300 open top ‘Cornwall Explorer’ if you’re having a self catering holiday in the West of Cornwall. Sit on the top deck and see over the Cornish hedgerows and feel the wind on your face as you travel through West Cornwall. Buy a day ticket and you can hop on and off the First bus routes enjoying places such as Mousehole, Newlyn and Land’s End for as long as you want.

Fancy spending the morning in Mevagissey and be in Fowey in time for afternoon tea or vice versa? Well, by using the Mevagissey to Fowey ferry or more lovingly known as the Bessie-James, you can arrive in Fowey after a 35 minute boat ride that follows the spectacular coastline. Even well behaved dogs are welcome aboard this regular service that picks up and drops off on Lighthouse Quay, Mevagissey and Whitehouse Quay, Fowey, leaving you more than enough time to explore the galleries, coffee shops and perhaps the pubs too (seeing as no-one is driving!)

For a more serene and individual opportunity to explore the coastline at your leisure, why not hire a kayak or canoe and head out on your own? Many beach shops can arrange the hire of all the equipment and guide you to some of the best spots for a morning or full day’s excursion or pop on over to the Harlyn Bay Surf  School on the North coast for their expert tution.

For some though, being on the ground just doesn’t offer the same perspective as perhaps the sky. Cornwall offers some of the most incredible aerial views spanning the county, and from the air you can trace the contours of moorlands and coastlands that Cornwall is famed for and possibility even the Cornish traditional holiday cottage you’re staying in. For the traditional, take a trip to Bodmin or Perranporth airfields for a trial flight that will amaze or for those wanting something just that little bit different, head on down to Cloud 9 at Redruth where they can offer hang gliding, paragliding and paramotoring…..you’ve just got to remember to keep your eyes open though!!

Or forget all that and just get out and walk. Do your bit towards the environment and save yourself some money whilst seeing the best of what Cornwall has to offer, up close and personal at your own pace. With over 630 miles of coastal paths alone, you won’t need to see them same thing twice!

Ahhhh, the great British bank holiday. A time when most people get to spend at least one day doing the things they like the most (and I don’t mean D.I.Y!) with the people they like the most. Here, in Cornwall, we are blessed with many options to enjoy. So whether you are lucky enough to live in Cornwall or are perhaps taking the opportunity to come down on holiday and enjoy this beautiful corner of the U.K. we’ve come up with a few suggestions to help you fill your time with our Top 5 things to do on a Bank Holiday in Cornwall.

So, in no particular order, here are just some of our ideas for how to spend your bank holiday in Cornwall……feel free to add any of your own too.

5- Beaches. Best enjoyed when the sun comes out but obviously with the unpredictable British weather, the many beaches we have to choose from in Cornwall can all offer a multitude of ways to be enjoyed on even the wettest bank holiday in Cornwall; Kite surfing on the long sandy beach west coast beach at Marazion, or a simply gaze out of your cosy self catering holiday cottage at the beach outside. Little Quoit, sleeping 2, has spectacular views over Rocky Valley and Bossiney Cove, midway between Tintagel and Boscastle that can be soaked up from the relaxing conservatory.

4- Walks. Not just any old walk, why not try a Treasure Trail that means that everyone can enjoy a exploring new places, whilst venturing a little further perhaps than whet the local shops or pub has to offer! Or perhaps set a route and discover the spectacular paths running along Cornwall’s incredible coastline? A stay at Highertown Barn in Camelford would be the ideal base for a large group or family to spend a week discovering the wilds of Bodmin Moor.

3- Eat and drink. These two go hand in hand as Cornwall has some of the finest local ingredients that could make up a most memorable feast. Whether you decide that it’s one of Cornwall’s famous restaurants such as Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen or a picnic made up of local pasties and cream teas, washed down with some fine ale or scrumpy, you have the freedom to sample it all by staying in a self catering holiday cottage in Cornwall.

2- Golf. If you’re in the habit of spoiling a good walk (in Mark Twain’s opinion), with around 30 courses to choose from then Cornwall is just the place. A stay at the 3 smile property, the Old Chapel House, with 2 free memberships to Bowood Park Golf Club makes this four bedroom property just outside of Tintagel a must!

1- The Eden Project. Rain or shine, young or old; Eden is a place that should be visited at least once. With seasonal changes and interactive displays, Eden will entertain all ages and you can return day after day to enjoy it all.

And there you have it. A tough list to compile so let us know what you would’ve included or what you’ll be up to during your bank holiday weekend in Cornwall.

Pagan rituals have long been associated with many celebrations held in Cornwall and Helston Flora Day is just one of them.

Helston Flora Day, held annually on 8th May (except when the date falls on a Sunday or Monday and then it is the preceding Saturday) is the celebration to mark the coming of spring and passing of winter.

The town is packed out for the whole day as people line the colourful, flower decorated streets to watch the four dances and Hal-an-Tow (a mystery play) throughout the day. The Flora Dance, or Furry Dance, winds its way through the town and doesn’t deviate, even it means dancing through people’s homes, gardens and shops.

Be close to the action and be part of the ancient tradition by staying close by at Meadow View, sleeping up to 6 and welcomes pets.

Morning Dance : Starts from the Guildhall at 7am

The Hal-an-Tow : Starts on St John’s Bridge at 8:30am

The Children’s Dance : Starts from Wendron Street at 9:50am

The Midday Dance : Starts from the Guildhall at 12 noon

The Evening Dance : Starts from the Guildhall at 5pm

…..And the bonus with this Flora Dance is that there’s no sign of Terry Wogan!

The time is nearly here to welcome the Royal Cornwall Show to 2010. June 10^th, 11^th and 12^th will mark the arrival of the annual show in Wadebridge. The Royal Cornwall Show is a significant date in the diary of those who want to experience the very best of Cornwall all in one place! From agricultural showing- not just for fun, there is some serious competition going on- to display teams such as the RAF Falcons Parachute Team dropping in and a Dancing Diggers Display team to entertain. There will be 3 days of music, entertainment, trade stands and all at the showground; there really is something for all ages.

As notorious as the show, is the traffic. This can’t be helped and is a sign of the show’s popularity, however you can make it slightly easier for yourselves by staying at a holiday cottage near to the showground in Wadebridge, Cornwall. To make the most of your time at the showground, why not stay nearby at one of these self catering cottages and make a real holiday of it in Cornwall?

Hector’s House is a pleasant 19th century end of terrace holiday cottage tucked into a narrow lane behind the fine church in the peaceful village of Egloshayle, just a couple of minutes walk from the banks of the Camel River. Sympathetically furnished to compliment many original features, the cottage has exposed beams, two stone and slate fireplaces, and is ideally situated for easy access to the surfing beach at Polzeath and sailing centre of Rock on the lovely Camel Estuary barely a 15 minute drive.

Sleeping 5, The Cottage is a cosy and comfortable semi-detached stone built cottage in the small village of St Kew Highway only a ten minute drive from the picturesque fishing harbour of Port Isaac  and fifteen minutes from the magnificent beaches  of the Camel Estuary. An ideal location to beat the traffic into the Royal Cornwall Show and to use as a comfortable cottage base for your holiday in Cornwall.

Of course, you could go further afield as there is so much to see and do throughout Cornwall; take a look at all our holiday cottags in Cornwall and find your perfect break today.

With the theme for National Pet Month 3^rd April – 3^rd May 2010 being, ‘Healthy pets make happy pets’, what better way to keep them both happy and healthy companions than by bringing them on holiday with you?

Here at Cornish Traditional Cottages, we have a wide range of self catering holiday cottages that are dog friendly; combine that with an abundance of outdoor activities for both human and animal to enjoy and it’s bound for success. Cornwall boasts hundreds of coastal paths, many beaches throughout the year allowing dog access plus many pubs that will offer a welcome rest for both you and your dog.

South West Coast Path has a wonderful interactive map to suggest routes suitable for you to walk your dog according to your preferences and abilities; plan your walk to incorporate a beach that will allow access for your dog by using The Cornish Coast website. There’s a fantastic version that you can print out and pack, so you’re not left at loose end with no internet access.

To make the most of your visit to Cornwall, a quality self catering holiday cottage in a superb location will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace.  Take a look at just a few of our suggestions for a dog friendly holiday cottage, of course these are just a few of the many we have so feel free to search for our ‘Pets Welcome’ cottages on the website for the full range.

Bella Vista is less than 15 minutes drive to the excellent beaches and stunning coastal walks at Sennen and Porthcurno. This beautifully presented, extremely spacious granite barn conversion is located in a peaceful rural hamlet just outside the village of St. Buryan. Furnished to a high standard, this attractive property is set in the middle of a small group of converted barns and approached by a long unmade lane with a gated gravel driveway which offers ample parking for 2 cars. Treat yourself and up to 2 dogs at this exceptional holiday cottage.

Orlando is an extremely comfortable and spacious detached bungalow, set on the edge of Tehidy Country Park, 250 acres of beautiful woodland and over nine miles of lake and riverside walks to explore that extend to the rugged cliffs at Bassett Cove on the North Cornish coast. Recently upgraded, the accommodation is deceptively light and airy and offers versatile sleeping arrangements with an enclosed garden and ample parking for 3 cars.

Stargazy is in a wonderful, unspoiled and romantic location, high up on Carburrow Tor, on the Southern edge of Bodmin Moor with an abundance of native wildlife and littered with Bronze and Iron Age remains. There is direct access onto the moors, ideal for exercising dogs and bird watching. The villages of St. Neot and Blisland are within a 15 minute drive respectively and have a traditional pub and small post office store and for a wider selection of amenities to town of Bodmin  is 7 miles away. The beaches on both the north and the south coasts are each a 30 minute drive away and Colliford Lake Park with an adventure playground, nature trails and lakeside walks is approximately 4 miles.

After all the walking, you’ll be in need of some of Cornwall’s finest refreshments and a chance to rest feet and paws. Doggiepubs will help you to find the ideal location that will give a warm welcome to both you and your well behaved dog. Never again will you consider leaving your beloved dog at home while you go off and enjoy a holiday without them  while you remember that ‘Happy pets are healthy pets.’