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 a cottage 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.)

Tintagel Castle. This famed North Cornish castle, birthplace of King Arthur and home of Merlin the Magician some 800 years ago, has been surrounded in myth and mystery since. The magnificent castle, now in ruins, stands on Tintagel Island with the Atlantic waves crashing against the cliffs, adding to the dramatic feel to this magical Cornish landmark. At The Old Chapel House, less than a mile away you’ll be able to take a step back in time and enjoy the breathtaking views and soak up the fabulous history to be uncovered.

Kynance Cove beach. Take a walk, enjoy an ice-cream and frolic in the surf of this turquoise haven near to The Lizard and Helston in Cornwall. A scenic and inspiring panorama; caves and islands just waiting to be explored.Still as popular today as in the Victorian times- a real Cornish treasure. The Beach House on The Lizard lends itself to being the idyllic Cornish holiday hideaway and perfect base for the area.

St. Michael’s Mount. Lead your love to the mysterious cobblestone heart and explore the Mount and the castle that has seen life as a monastery, a fortress and port, all with its own mythical giant included. Feel the history as you make the journey to the lone island off of Marazion, West Cornwall. Finish the day with a perfect stroll along the beach at Marazion to watch the silhouette of the mount against the sinking sun. Take the weight off you feet at the end of the day in the wonderfully appointed Seascape.

Land’s End. The old Cornish name for it was ‘Penn-an-Wlas’, meaning ‘End of the land’. With its history of wreckers and smuggling, its colourful reputation and dramatic Cornish cliff edge location, you’ll find it difficult to not get caught up in the romance of such a place. Whether you’re sharing this with someone special or thinking of those miles away, why not record how many miles away your love may be with the famous sign post? Take a picture and let someone know you’re thinking of them before you head back to Holly Grove in the nearby village of Kelynack near to Sennen in Cornwall, for a relaxing self-catering holiday.

Zennor. For those who love a tale of love against all odds, where could possibly be better than Zennor? The legend tells of how the Squire’s son, Mathew Trewella, so blinded by the love for a mystery mermaid that had heard him singing at the church, followed her into the sea and beneath the waves, never to be seen again. As a reminder to all young gentleman in the village, the ‘Mermaid of Zennor’ can still be seen carved into the end of a pew in the local church. Book a self-catetring holiday at Victory Cottage and experience life in the centre of the traditonal and very popular fishing village of St. Ives and be lured by the scenery and enchanted by the legend.

Of  course Cornwall is a county renowed for the romantic and rugged, so the above are just a suggetion………why not add your own to our list to help soem other people out?

http://angela.sky.com/books-travel/christmas-getaways/

Alternatively, go straight to our Late Availability page for your last minute self catering  Christmas and New Year getaway in a traditional Cornish cottage.

Balk at tradition by taking a dip on Christmas day in the indoor pool of the wonderful self catering cottage, Old Walls, in the coastal cove of Portmellon just outside of the picturesque harbour village of Mevagissey. Afterwards warm up next to the log burning stove before blowing away the cobwebs with a walk along the coastal path. 

If you prefer the more rural scenery of the rugged moorland then The Mowhay just outside of Lanlivery is an ideal setting for your festive celebrations. Set in its own garden and overlooking fields, you are still within easy access of some spectacular nature trails, the Cornish holiday cottage has its own direct access to Saints Way footpath and towards the south coast beaches.

Listen for reindeer hooves on the rooftops and sleigh bells ringing this Christmas or see in the start of a new year with your nearest and dearest with a holiday in Cornwall.  If this has whetted your appetite, take a look at some other spectacular self catering holiday cottages in Cornwall that we have.

The main events will run from Saturday 7th – 21st November, to include; a ‘Pudding and Pie’ night at Blue Plate, Downderry, Barista training at Purely Cornish Deli and a Foodie Mystery Tour held by Chef Nick Barclay and Andy Parritt from Purely Cornish.  

Wonderful displays from food4myholiday.com, Purely Cornish (still waiting for the Cornish Lust to kick in…), the Squid Ink restaurant in Looe and the enterprising Rob producing Cornish Biltong- coming to a pub near you!!

Be closer to the action by getting your friends together and staying this beautiful self catering cottage at Owl Barn, Trerulefoot. Sleeping 8 and for only £390 for the week beginning November 7th, could you afford not to?

 Don’t delay- take a look at these incredible last-minute and under-occupancy discounts we’re offering on many of our self-catering Cornish cottages.

Local lady, Sue Trenbeth-Ward is travelling from her home in Lelant Downs to bring an hour long piece of Cornwall to London in the last few days of this 100 day project. The project has seen 2,400 individuals use the fourth empty plinth in Trafalgar Square, to ‘demonstrate, to perform, or simply to reflect’. Sue will be using her 8pm – 9pm slot to hand out miniature Cornish flags and playing Cornish songs such as ‘Trelawney’, while wearing a dress and hat made of, yes you’ve guessed it, Cornish flags.

In preparation, Sue has been visiting Gwithian and Sennen and standing on the cliff-tops and seawalls in an attempt to overcome her fear of heights ready for her time on the 25ft high platform but is ’chuffed’ to be chosen from 33,000 original applicants. 

If you can’t make it to Trafalgar Square but wanted to see the county that is the inspiration for Sue’s ‘performace’, or seeing Sue has given you the desire to explore the wonderful county yourself then head down to the West of Cornwall to Sennen and stay in one of these fantastic self-catering Cornish cottages in Sennen;  Highcliff Barn  (H094/284)  next summer or why not stay at Highcliff Cottage (C094/305) for a christmas or new year break? 

Come to Cornwall and discover what it was that inspired famous Cornish poets such as Charles Causley and John Harris and what drew the likes of John Betjemin to this wonderful part of the country. By staying in a self-catering cottage you can immerse youself in all things Cornish; walk the moorlands and coastlines, sample the local food and begin to feel the words take over.

A holiday in Cornwall could see you being celebrated on National Poetry Day in years to come!

Although Cornwall is synonymous with British beach breaks, there is far more to it than that. Explore the many villages and parishes inland and stroll the moorland for a complete contrast to the numerous beaches and rugged coastline. Take a walk and admire the coast from high up along some of the 258 miles of coastal paths around Cornwall, take in the majestic rock formations created over centuries of erosion from the snarling sea and watch the tentative wildlife, daring to peek out of their nests and burrows now that the hoards of trampling feet have disappeared.

Autumn is also a pet-friendly time of year with many of the beaches and attractions, such as The Lost Gardens of Heligan now allowing pets, as are many of our pet-friendly cottages throughout the county. Stay at our new property Dozmary Pool Barn, Bolventor on Bodmin Moor and enjoy its high quality accommodation and central location for the ultimate Cornish self-catering holiday.

 Don’t delay, book now to find your perfect piece of Cornwall in autumn.

Get a copy of Cornish Traditional Cottages 2010 brochure hot off the presses by either calling 01208 821666 or online and filling in the form.