Self-catering cottage holidays recommended for May

Suggested events to see in May

In May spring has definitely arrived, spring flowers are at their best.  This is the time of year to seek out the bluebell woods with their perennial carpets of magical blue, to enjoy trees in blossom and the first weeks of really nice weather.

May is an excellent month for visiting Scotland - the weather is almost always good - the countryside will be a delight with yellow primroses, gorse and fresh green leaves.  Spring is always a little later than in England so that you can experience it twice in one year if you time things right.

Luxury self-catering holidaysFor an activity holidays beside water, 5 Star Melfort Pier and Harbour offers facilities that are hard to beat.  Luxury houses overlook Loch Melfort on the west coast of Scotland, just south of Oban. 

Free boating and fishing are available.  There are a numerous sports and activities for all the family in this scenic area.  Cots, stair gates and high chairs are supplied on request.  Babysitting is also available for both your children and pets! 

Check out other country cottages in Scotland using the Quick Browse links on the left.

The 1st of May celebrations

Another good place to head for is Cornwall where 'Obby 'Oss Day is celebrated on the first of May in Padstow, when dancers, musicians and singers parade through the streets to celebrate the arrival of spring. The town is decorated with the evidence of spring; hazel twigs and catkins, bluebells, forget-me-nots and other wild flowers. 

In Helston, they dance in the streets.  Men resplendent in top hat and tails and ladies in their Sunday best frocks, dance in the Helston Floral Dance.

Recommended self-catering cottages in Cornwall for joining in the May Festivities

Tamar Cottage  (sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms)  Cornwall. 

cotttages for MaySelf-catering holiday cottage with excellent country views over the lovely Tamar Valley. Near Looe and 30 Miles from the Eden Project. Pet friendly and Families welcome. Situated on a holiday park with swimming, tennis, fitness and games room and other facilities. Golf, Horse riding, beaches, country walks, fishing, cycling, Eden project, Historic places nearby. Retreat in the heart of the West Country.

Tel: 0116 2812210 or click on image for details, or click here for more cottages in Cornwall.

Visit Abbotsbury swannery and other places with lakes or lochs to see birds and their youngAbbotsbury Swannery is worth a visit at the end of May until mid June to see hundreds of mute swans nesting and their cygnets. Swans have been breeding at Abbotbury in Devon for almost 700 years. The herd is protected, their diet supplemented and the nests themselves are discreetly looked after by staff and volunteers. 

A tourist industry has arisen around the swans and visitors will find an 'Ugly Duckling Trail', an audio visual presentation, plus the usual coffee and gift shop.  The nearest station is Weymouth. Please view cottages near Weymouth under Dorset in the menu on the left.

 

Kennacott Court in Bude Cornwall has a wealth of facilities for families.  The 18 luxury cottages (each sleeping 2-6) share an indoor pool, superbly equipped games room with table tennis and table football, gym, sauna, full sized snooker table and golf. Babysitting and maid service available.   You will be able to go visit the Eden Projct and other gardens in Cornwall, wander along the coast, and return to superb indoor facilities. Tel: 01288 361 766

Check out other cottages in Cornwall using the Quick Browse links on the left.

An interesting annual event in Stilton, Cambridgeshire

Another interesting annual traditional event for May Day is cheese rolling at Stilton in Cambridgeshire. Throngs of people gather in the high street to see who will be crowned as Stilton Cheese Rolling Champion. Additional entertainment will be provided by mummers, maypole dancers and others.

The theme of the 2006 Cheese Rolling Competition is "Let's do the Timewalk", celebrating the importance of Stilton through history, and its location as halfway on the London to York route for the coach service that began in 1706.

Useful links for cottages in May