Issue 67

See page 3 for the full feature

Changing lives through therapeutic foster parenting

ACCOUNTS

Laura Smith accounts@countylifestyleandleisure.com 07450 83941

JOURNALIST

Shirley Elsby shirley.elsby@ntlworld.com 01455 446360

SALES

Sally Hassel sally@countylifestyleandleisure.com 01455 698570

Phoenix fostering is a local, independent agency with a great record of results – they are keen to hear from people interested in finding out more about becoming a foster parent. Phoenix foster parents provide safe, therapeutic care for children and young people who have been taken into care, helping them to recover and become secure, confident adults with bright futures.

Established in 2007, Phoenix Fostering has always been committed to a therapeutic parenting approach to placements. Its positive results are borne out by an all-round ‘Good’ rating from its 2022 OFSTED report.

Foster carers, respite carers and staff all receive initial and ongoing training together with high levels of support and help them understand what the young people may be going through and why their behaviour may be challenging at times and how to achieve consistent, positive change and recovery.

Each young person has their own dedicated family support worker who visits every week and both they and their foster families have access to a support team of supervising social workers, administrators, managers, a psychologist and a behaviour specialist. Case loads are much lighter than is generally the case with local authority fostering services and there are regular therapeutic reviews.

Phoenix HR Manager Emily Crosby says: “If anyone has an interest in fostering, even if they have fostered before and given it up, we would encourage them to pick up the phone and talk to us as a first step. There is no pressure at all. It is all about the children and young people and what is best for them.”

Applicants need to be aged 21 or over and in good health. There is no upper age limit. Foster homes need to have a spare room, the main foster carer must be able to drive and live within a 50-mile radius of the HR6 area.

DESIGN design@countylifestyleandleisure.com

Suite 10, The Lawns Business Centre The Lawns, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 1DY www.countylifestyleandleisure.com

Company Number: 10125538 VAT Number: 239853468

Fixed fee consultations available remotely to help fit around your busy life

out of hours consultations are also available by appointment

With over 30 years experience in Family Law, Worcester Family Law Practice offers professional legal advice covering a number of areas including Divorce, Private Children Act proceedings, Financial Remedy proceedings, Prenuptials and Postnuptials and Living Together agreements. Based in Worcester, we are happy to receive enquires from Worcester and the surrounding areas including Droitwich, Kidderminster, Malvern and Stourport.

To discuss your particular situation and our legal services in more detail we can be contacted by email family@worcfamilylaw.co.uk or by telephone on 01905 730900

www.worcfamilylaw.co.uk

A bespoke holistic approach to relieving physical pain, emotional trauma, stress, anxiety and muscular tension.

“With healing hands and a very special gift of sensing”, Arabella unlocks the body’s ability to heal itself and enhances both physical and emotional health.

Your Wellbeing Questions

What’s the best approach for overcoming anxiety?

Colette Bardell of Warwickshire based Wellness Consultancy Sense Your Health outlines one approach.

At Sense Your Health we take the Ayurvedic approach of addressing both mind and body to find natural, sustainable, long-term solutions to anxiety. Ayurveda sits at the heart of what we do for clients, an ancient healing system from India and mother to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ayurveda treats the person not the disease – Because we are all unique!

As a therapist and wellness coach I would design a programme that fits their lifestyle and looks to the root of issue. Three key stones for finding healthy harmony for physical, mental or emotional health are – to keep the breath, the body and the bowels moving!

We use the breath to connect to our Vagus nerve, one the 12 cranial nerves, it’s stimulation signals to the body that it can rest and digest, tend and befriend. I would suggest deep breathing exercises, these are super effective at bringing about calmness, lowering blood pressure and heart rate.

Moving the body plays a big role and shifting energy known as chi in Chinese Medicine and Prana in Ayurveda. Even simple, rhythmic movements like walking, swimming or

“

Uplifted, light on my feet, re-energised and cared for, were the words that immediately came to me as I drove home afterwards.

dancing aid the body, you don’t have to be a gym bunny or a yoga pretzel to reap the benefits.

Lastly the state of our bowels often called the second brain affects everything including our emotions. We may eat a healthy diet but have compromised digestion. At an Ayurvedic consultation we will always look to find the optimum eating and digestion plan. Consideration is given to the time of year, the environment and the seasons of life, to find the right foods and herbs for each individual. At Sense Your Health, we help you make sense of your health from a holistic viewpoint and adapt programmes that respect you as the unique individual you are, so you can feel your best.

Contact me for details on The Overcoming Anxiety and Overwhelm Wellness Programme plus the half day workshop where you will learn practical methods for everyday life. Call 07726 307097 email info@satisfythehunger.com Clinics at Neal’s Yard Leamington Spa and soon to open Shipston Therapy Centre Shipston on Stour.

Dance is beneficial on so many levels, boosting good health through improved flexibility, blood flow, breathing, strength and, above all, mood. Invisible Threads is the dance class provider which makes dancebased exercise accessible and fun for all, from nursery school pupils to care home residents and from primary school children to sedentary office workers.

Invisible Threads principal Hannah Warren has created a talented team of teachers who, like her, are highly qualified, energetic, enthusiastic and love sharing their passion for dance. Having previously taught dance for a variety of companies, Hannah found that her joy for dance lay in bringing dance to people who wouldn’t usually go to a traditional dance school.

“I felt I wanted to create something that was more about giving people a positive experience and benefiting their mental health,” said Hannah. “And, rather than

them coming to our classes, we take our classes to them.”

Based in the Midlands and South West, Invisible Threads are running classes all over Warwickshire, West Midlands, Staffordshire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Bristol encouraging people to get happily physical to music wherever they are. Hannah and her team work with nurseries, schools, charities, residential homes and offices.

At Schools, they provide dance clubs and workshops which engage students in theme-based, upbeat, creative classes. At nurseries, they provide Tots Move & Groove, a fabulously fun dance and adventure class tailored to specific age groups.

In Birmingham, Invisible Threads work in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham Charities (UHB) to deliver “Strictly Not Rehab” a movement to music class for heart rehabilitation patients. They bring line dance classes with an incredible

60s, 70s and 80s soundtrack to care and residential homes. They even run sessions in offices where staff are largely deskbound all day to bring a physical wellbeing vibe into the workplace.

Participants report feeling happy and invigorated … and looking forward to their next class.

Schools, nurseries, businesses, care and residential homes and any other organisations which feel their user groups could benefit from Invisible Threads are urged to speak to Hannah to see how she can help. Sessions are available in block bookings or one-offs and all staff are qualified dance teachers and DBS checked.

Invisible Threads Dance, T 07597 959937, E hannah@invisible-threads.co.uk

www.invisible-threads.co.uk

Facebook @ Invisible Threads Dance Instagram invisiblethreadsdance

Amazing drone filming and imaginative photography come together through the Propelled Pictures Media to give customers a unique and highly professional service to promote their products, sell their services and capture their life-changing moments. Whatever the purpose of their project, Propelled Pictures can deliver outstanding results.

The business is the brainchild of Worcesterbased Elliott Mann, a lifelong film fan who studied TV production at university before being lured into the specialism of aerial filming and photography. He has since has honed his skills to enhance services for TV, commercial purposes and the special occasions of private individuals.

Since graduating, Elliott had the chance to work on the sets of top shows such as DIY SOS, Top Gear, Call the Midwife, Changing Rooms and Gardeners’ World.

Greatly attracted to camera work and constantly developing his professional capabilities, he became captivated by the possibilities offered by drone photography to strengthen images by showing subjects from every angle.

Since forming his company more than 18 months ago, Elliott has used aerial cinematography on diverse projects, including drone ‘fly throughs’ enabling people to take visual tours of many different settings with a bird’s eye view, from vehicles in a showroom to fun attractions in a waterpark.

Elliott (27) is a Civil Aviation Authority certified drone operator with a Certificate of Competency and full public liability insurance. Much of his work takes place in and around Worcestershire, but he is very happy to travel further afield to work drone project of all kinds.

“Using drone footage is very dynamic way to promote business and capture those special moments,” he says. “I really enjoy the challenge of offering a unique, bespoke service to each client and I absolutely love doing weddings! It’s such an honour and so rewarding to be able to give people everlasting memories of their special day.

“I relish working with every client, fulfilling whatever their particular project, event or business requires and applying the same amount of passion, dedication and enthusiasm every time.”

Propelled Pictures Media, Worcester, T 07544 907113

E elliottmann@propelledpicturesmedia.co.uk

www.propelledpicturesmedia.co.uk

Facebook @ Propelled Pictures Media

Instagram @ propelled_pictures_media

Couples can give their romance a vintage lift with a twist of luxury by experiencing Esme’s Escape, a unique shepherd’s hut in beautiful South Somerset inspired by a true life 1940s romance.

If you become one of them you’ll be glamping in a hand-crafted, multiaward-winning facility modelled on one lived in by one of the Second World War’s army of Land Girls, Esme, surrounded by tiles, china, kitchen utensils and other period artefacts. You’ll also have the best of modern comforts including a flushing toilet, electric shower, induction hob and wood-fired hot tub. Lots of guests

love the delicious, locally sourced ingredients provided for a full English breakfast to start their holiday. And, you’ll be within a few minutes’ stroll of a friendly village foodie pub listed in the Michelin Guide.

Esme was a 19-year-old Liverpudlian bookbinder before she answered calls for women to join the Land Army in 1943 and was posted to tiny Haselbury Plucknett. At around the same time, one Fred Brister arrived there with his father and brother to take over the village dairy. The pair met and fell in love, marrying in 1951, settling in the village and in the late 1960s, building the family home

where they raised two children. Fred became legendary for his wines and cheeses, while Esme presided over a splendid orchard, vegetable patch and greenhouse which now form the setting for Esme’s Escape, along with the work benches and tools they used. Modern day owners Simon and Karen Mitchell moved to Haselbury Plucknett in 1998 and, having themselves met and fallen in love through agriculture, were deeply touched by Esme and Fred’s story. When they thought of building a holiday let in the orchard, a shepherd’s hut seemed highly appropriate. They ordered one in kit

form, then beavered on it together getting it ready to provide an exquisitely comfortable experience for their guests, but with a distinct flavour of the ‘40s.

Karen says: “It’s a wonderful spot. The village is lovely and we’re only half an hour from the Jurassic Coast and West Bay harbour town in Dorset, aka Broadchurch. Walkers love our proximity to The Liberty Trail and The Parrett Trail.”

Esme’s Escape, Church Lane, Haselbury Plucknett, Crewkerne, Somerset TA18 7RE; T 07968 505337, E karen@esmes-escape.co.uk www.esmes-escape.co.uk

Railway enthusiasts just know they’re on the right lines when they book their Cornish self-catering breaks with Railholiday. They’ll be staying in beautifully converted railway carriages bursting with history and heritage yet comfy, cosy and wellequipped with their own showers, toilets and galley kitchens.

This multi-award-winning accommodation is full of character and run entirely on renewable energy and sustainable principles. There is even a discount for guests arriving by rail.

The family business started in 1992 when David and Lizzy Stroud bought a derelict railway station in the pretty village of St Germans, about four miles from the south coast, which they

converted into their own home. Digging in the garden, they found a siding and decided to install a vintage carriage – the Old Luggage Van - as sleeping accommodation for visitors. This proved hugely successful and was soon let to the public, complete with double bedroom, lounge/diner and enclosed garden with barbecue.

Later they found a site next to the station in Hayle, about 20 minutes’ walk from the beautiful St Ives Bay beaches, where they converted a 1957 corridor coach into accommodation for up to 10 people in a process filmed by the Discovery Channel. To add flexibility the property is divided into two selfcontained units, but only let to one party at a time. This makes it perfect

for extended families, but also offers couples the option to rent only one end but still have the sole occupancy of half an acre of wildlife gardens.

Now, Railholiday has five carriages to let, all lovingly restored to excellent standards by engineer David and his helpers. Alongside The Old Luggage Van at St Germans – a friendly community with its own pub, cafes, shops and quay - are the opulently outfitted Mevy with its first class sleeping compartment, mahogany panelling and rolltop bath, the popular Travelling Post Office which found TV fame and Millpool, which is wheelchair accessible with a wetroom shower.

The carriages in St Germans sleep from two to six people and sit in beautiful gardens planted to

maximise wildlife friendliness, with table tennis, a games room and 10 acres of private woodland to explore.

Lizzy says: “Some people come because of rail interests, some because they are into wildlife and others because it’s such a great location.”

Railholiday’s accolades include Winner of Winners in the Cornwall Tourism Awards, the iTravel Staycation award and Visit England’s Gold Award for Sustainability.

Railholiday Ltd, Haparanda Station, St Germans, Saltash, Cornwall PL12 5LU; E office@railholiday.co.uk

T 01503 230 783

Lizzy 07776 261 192

www.railholiday.co.uk

Spectacular Scotland can be relished at its wild and beautiful best all year round from Cairngorms Glamping, an award-winning, family-friendly glamping and camping site with its own animal petting zone on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. Sitting in the scenic glen of Glencarvie, this corner of rural Aberdeenshire offers 360 degree views, night skies with zero light pollution and more than occasional sightings of the aurora borealis. It is an amazing place to relax, unwind, explore and enjoy all things Scottish, from unbeatable

walking country to the iconic whisky distilleries round about.

Run by Taylor family Pamela and Robert, the site has four glamping pods for up to four people each. Two include exclusive use of hot tubs perfectly positioned for the most amazing views and all have en-suite showers and toilets, cooking facilities, electric heating and couches which fold out into comfy double beds.

The campsite has five hard-standing caravan/motorhome pitches, all with electric hook-up and water tap.

Visitors young and older love the resident pets which help them to feel extra especially welcome, pygmy goats, alpacas, sheep, a miniature pony and a lovable donkey. Children adore the climbing frame and the ample space for games, picnics and other simple joys. The River Don flows nearby, known for brown trout. The hill itself has archaeological reminders of people who lived on it in the past, plus a natural pond which attracts a great variety of wildlife.

Cairngorms Glamping is brilliantly placed for enjoying some of

Scotland’s most iconic locations, including the Granite City of Aberdeen, the royal haunts in and around Balmoral and the outdoor activities centre of Aviemore, the ski slopes famous for winter sports, mountain climbing and biking.

Pamela says: “We are also quite close to the North Coast 500 road route, which is a great pull for people with campervans.”

Cairngorms Glamping Strathdon Aberdeenshire AB36 8YT; T 07894 079874

E cairngormsglamping@gmail.com

www.cairngormsglamping.co.uk

Two beautiful character cottages offer idyllic self-catering accommodation with their own private hot tubs at Penowern Snowdonia, just minutes away from the coast of Cardigan Bay. Here, the mountains meet the sea at the flawless Blue Flag beach of Tywyn, where dolphins come to play from April to October, while the locality is also rich with rivers, lakes, waterfalls and amazing Dark Skies which show off star spangles to perfection. Famously beautiful Dolgoch Falls are 10 minutes’ trip by car and wheelchair accessible.

Penowern Snowdonia is nestled in the Welsh village of Bryncrug within

Snowdonia National Park, in an exceptionally peaceful spot at the end of a farm track. On it stand The Coach House, with its own pictureperfect walled garden, sleeping eight. Its smaller cousin The Old Bakery, sleeps up to four.

One or two dogs are welcome at either cottage, but need to be on leads around the working farm. Both properties have secure gardens and the properties are delightfully furnished and fully equipped to high modern standards designed to please one and all, with everything from smart TV and dishwashers to board games and log burning stoves.

The Coach House has three bedrooms – one with a king-sized bed - and two bathrooms, plus a double sofabed in the open plan living room. The kitchen is new. The Old Bakery has one bedroom with a king-sized bed and separate bathroom, plus a small double bed in the conservatory. The kitchen and bathroom are both new. Bi-fold doors overlook private garden space. Secure parking is available for both properties and there is a dog-friendly pub which serves food within walking distance. Towels, robes, toiletries and kitchen basics are provided.

Owners Alexa and David say: “It’s a tranquil area just five minutes’ from Tywyn Beach, which has a petrified forest! We have incredible sunrises, dark starry skies and lovely walks from the door. There’s a links golf course 15 minutes away and Talyllyn steam train nearby. Tywyn has many local amenities, including shops, restaurants, an independent cinema, crazy golf and bowling, Snowdonia is full of beautiful, magical and interesting places.”

Penowern Snowdonia, Bryncrug LL36 9NU; Facebook @ Penowernsnowdonia airbnb.com @ thecoachhousesnowdonia and theoldbakerysnowdonia

Glen Clova Hotel offers chic and luxurious accommodation for all in a stunning corner of the Cairngorms National Park, a green paradise just 90 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh. Standing at the foot of a glen carpeted with alpine flowers and with paths leading to a crashing waterfall, winding river and restful reservoir, it offers amazing views, restful surroundings, abundant wildlife and availability of the finest, freshest Scottish food available anywhere.

Glen Clova itself is one of the five Angus Glens in Scotland, renowned for its wooded and mountainous scenery, tranquillity and seasonal

splendour. This is countryside of rich pickings for people who want to go walking, spot wildlife, bag Munros - mountains over 3,000 feet tall – or play golf. It is loved by cyclists –at least by the kind who relish a challenge – and Glen Clova hotel even has its own well-stocked fishing loch as well as 6 miles of river fishing. The main hotel building has been catering for guests since the 1850s and now has 18 stylish guest bedrooms catering for anyone from individual adventurers to larger families and friendship groups. Choices include superior rooms and even a romantic four poster room for those extra special get-aways, all

with multi-channel TV. Many of their rooms are dog friendly.

Here, there is friendly bar and also a restaurant serving expertly cooked and locally reared Scottish fare such as venison, game & fish.

Nearby are luxury lodges catering from couples to larger families, all with their own private hot tubs to provide relaxation under the stars at the end of an exciting day.

There are also three exquisite houses to rent, the smallest for four and the largest for 10, also with hot tubs.

Glen Clova, set in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a popular venue for weddings,

licensed for ceremonies and catering for up to 120 guests.

Manager Mhairi Preston with Assistant Manager Fiona Findlay, pride themselves on offering great hospitality and a high standard of accommodation for all in this proudly independent hotel.

Fiona says: “The owners’ family bought it in 1922. They are the fifth generation and get a high proportion of repeat customers.”

Glen Cova Hotel & Lodges, Glen Clova, Nr Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland DD8 4QS

T 01575 550350, E hotel@clova.com www.clova.com

Fosfelle Country House occupies such an enchanting spot on the borderlands of Devon and Cornwall that TV and film crews frequent the area alongside holidaymakers. The pretty village of Hartland, 10 minutes’ walk away. has featured in varied screenings and the property itself in programmes about fishing and property acquisition. To guests, Fosfelle offers an array of premium eco-friendly accommodation in their barn conversion, two glamping vehicles and an idyllic campsite where alpacas and miniature donkeys wander at will.

The location, is in a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is handy for people who enjoy holiday

areas such as Bude, Bideford and Clovelly, while Hartland itself offers a great choice of places to enjoy a drink or meal, with Hartland Quay

2.5 miles from the village.

The barn conversion – houses 2 apartments and a cottage, the ground floor apartment sleeps 3 the upper one 4 persons, the third larger 2 storey cottage sleeps up to six people - all dog friendly and with a hot tub which can be booked for private use.

Glamping guests have the choice of uniquely converted vehicles. One is Bertram’s Hotel, a double decker bus for up to five, Agatha Christie themed. The other is Joseph, Multi-

Colour Dream Coach, a converted single decker which sleeps two in romantic style.

The caravan and camping site has five pitches with hard standing, water, electricity and picnic tables, plus use of shower and toilet in quirky Hobbit Huts.

All the accommodation is quality, child and dog friendly with outdoor seating, great views including dark skies at night, and a proliferation of wildlife from deer to otters in addition to the guest-friendly resident menagerie which includes alpaca’s, pygmy goats, mini donkeys, poultry and an Exmoor pony.

Fosfelle is a partner in the North

Devon Biosphere, recognised for sustainable habitats supporting many plants and animals. The owners, Mike and Carla Wakefield and Carla’s parents John and Iris Warnes, use renewable energy throughout and work hard to increase diversity. Effort is focussed on their two ponds, available to guests for coarse fishing, as seen in the BBC2 series Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.

Fosfelle Country House, Hartland, Bideford, Devon, EX39 6EF; T 01237 441273, E info@fosfelle.co.uk

www.fosfelle.co.uk Facebook & Instagram @ Fosfelle Country House

Caerlaverock Cottages are a portfolio of high quality holiday homes on the Caerlaverock Estate in the beautiful Dumfries and Galloway region of south west Scotland, on the stunning coast of the Solway Firth, where adventure activities are plentiful. There are fascinating places of interest, including the market town of Dumfries itself with its pleasant shops, restaurants, amenities and links to poet Robert Burns and Peter Pan creator J M Barrie. There is also the richly diverse nature lovers’ paradise centred on Caerlaverock Wildlife & Wetlands Trust.

The two Caerlaverock properties are family owned and provide relaxing,

tranquil surroundings with every home comfort within an hour’s drive of Carlisle and Cumbria’s Lake District. Locally, guests are able to participate in golf, sailing, mountain biking, bird watching, castle spotting, foodie experiences and visits to the Book Town of Wigtown and the Artists’ Town of Kirkcudbright. Children’s attractions include Mabie Farm Park and Dino Park.

Chartered surveyor Jamie Cowan, who owns the cottages with his wife, Laura, grew up on the estate with his brother. Their father worked as a gamekeeper and their mother managed a holiday property there, involving the whole family in its running and providing

a useful grounding in how to do an exceptional job.

The brothers inherited the family cottage and renovated it as their first holiday let. Eventually Jamie’s brother decided to live in it and Jamie and Laura bought another one to renovate, and from that built up to a collection of seven. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, up to £50,000 worth of bookings were instantly wiped out, but with expert and understanding help from their mortgage lender, Cumberland Building Society, they were able to win through and take advantage of the trend toward staycations. Since then, the couple have built up a steady flow of repeat business

from highly satisfied customers and have receded to two properties to concentrate their efforts better on a quality experience for guests. Their properties include Bankswood, with stunning views towards Caerlaverock WWT and the Solway Firth, and Gullsway, sleeping up to nine people in five bedrooms on the Nith Estuary, which periodically generates the spectacle of a tidal bore.

Caerlaverock Cottages, Dumfries & Galloway, T 07711 583320

E jamiecowan2000@yahoo.co.uk

www.caerlaverockcottages.co.uk

Facebook and Instagram @ Caerlaverockcottages

Panoramic views of stunning natural beauty await people who book their holidays in the delightful Craven View Shepherds Huts, superbly placed for exploring both Lancashire and Yorkshire. Set high up looking towards the Dales including Ingleborough and Penyghent and the white limestone landmark of Malham Cove, the huts offer cosy and comfortable accommodation perfect for a genuine get-away-from-it-all break for people and their pets.

The spot is above the market town of Barnoldswick and within walking distance of its unique shops, pubs

and cafes. Within half an hour’s drive are the popular Yorkshire town of Skipton, ‘Gateway to the Dales’ with a lively range of events and amenities and Settle, one end of the famously beautiful Settle to Carlisle heritage railway journey.

The huts sit about halfway up Weets Hill and on a clear day, Blackpool Tower can be seen from the top. There are many beautiful walks to be enjoyed straight from the door. Many visitors walk or cycle along the nearby Leeds Liverpool Canal. Gisburn Forest provides superb mountain biking trails.

There are two similar shepherd’s

huts, The Journeyman and The Herdsman, each with a super-comfy king-sized bed, living area with seating, kitchenette and TV and a bathroom with a walk-in rainfall shower and flushing toilet, plus an outdoor patio or terrace. Water comes from a natural spring and underfloor heating keeps the huts cosy even in winter.

Run by Airbnb ‘superhost’ Alison and her partner, John, the spot is on farmland grazed by their belted Galloway cattle and sheep and guests are welcome to watch and learn about the seasonal tasks of the enterprise, from lambing to hay

baling. They can also buy steaks and other meat from the farm to barbecue on-site.

Alison says: “We encourage people to get involved, especially when the lambs are being born, but there’s always something going on and we also get plenty of wildlife, sometimes even the odd deer.”

Craven View Shepherds Huts, Lancashire T 07984 667620, E cravenviewshepherdshuts@gmail.com

Find us on Facebook, Airbnb or Sykes Holiday Cottages @ Craven View Shepherds Huts

“The Journeyman” or “The Herdsman”

People who enjoy touring and exploring will love the diverse opportunities around. Established in 1973, Brook Lodge Farm Camping & Caravan Park is an eco-friendly site close to the maritime city of Bristol, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath, the tiny city of Wells and the charms of Glastonbury, magical to many in more ways than one.

The family-run park overlooks the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and includes a 15 acre nature conservation area bordering Blagdon Lake. Both the site and reserve have a stunning array of wildlife including rare birds,

owls, bats and even otters. Brook Lodge Farm has won many awards, including Green Tourism Gold and a 4 Star rating from Visit England. Located in the unique hamlet of Cowslip Green, it has 29 pitches for touring caravans, tents and motorhomes, all with electric hookup and seven with hard standing. Even the largest motorhomes can turn in straight from the A38. Bell tents are available to hire for glamping and there are modern showers, toilets, laundry and baby changing facilities. Fire pits are available to rent.

On-site amenities include a shop, an adventure playground and a

separate paddock with its own function room and amenities for stand-alone special events such as weddings and festivals. Just outside is a bus stop giving access to numerous attractions including Bristol’s Wild Place Project–with animals including bears, wolves, wolverines and lynxes – The Wave inland surfing lake and Brunel’s famous steamship SS Great Britain. Also within reach are Somerset’s Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole show caves, Bath’s Roman baths and the magnificent cathedral of Wells, England’s smallest city. Glastonbury Tor is a must for those of a mystical nature, while anglers

love Blagdon Lake and there are innumerable lovely walks, cycle rides and pleasant places to eat and drink in the vicinity.

Owner Debbie House, whose parents started the business more than 40 years ago, says: “It’s a fantastic area and here at Brook Lodge Farm Camping & Caravan Park we are constantly finding ways to improve the environment and the wildlife it supports.”

Brook Lodge Farm Camping & Caravan Park, Bristol, BS40 5RB T 01934 862311

www.brooklodgefarm.com

Enjoy beautiful Gower coast beaches and wildlife from tranquil cottage hideaways

South west Wales’s stunning Gower Peninsula was the first area of Britain to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, back in 1956. It’s 34 miles of spectacular coastline, perfect beaches, watersports, smugglers’ caves and complex geology make it a magnet for anyone who loves the sea. Berry Hill Cottages make the perfect selfcatering base for people of any age to enjoy it all to the full and they’re within 35 minutes’ walk of Horton and 45 minutes of Oxwich, home to a thriving coastal National Nature Reserve.

The two properties, Berry Hall Cottage and Berry Garden Cottage, stand in the grounds of Berry Hall,

an 18th century farmhouse which is now a charming smallholding with chickens, horses and a flock of delightfully distinctive Swiss Valais Blacknose sheep. Being on a farm lane well away from traffic and noise, the cottages both provide peaceful and supremely comfortable accommodation for four people each within 6 minutes’ drive of Port Eynon and 10 minutes’ drive of Rhossili and Oxwich, all with Blue Flag beaches. Well-behaved dogs are welcome as well as people. They even have their own clean-up kits of towels and dog wash provided.

Both cottages have been fitted and furnished to the highest standards,

ensuring all guests can enjoy a relaxing stay in idyllic surroundings.

Guest reviewers rate them with a top notch 5 Stars and are unfailingly complimentary about the cottages themselves, the area and their hosts, Mark and Wendy, with many of them making or planning repeat visits.

Attached to Berry Hall – a large farmhouse - is Berry Hall Cottage, which has been sensitively refurbished to retain its handsome period features while catering for contemporary expectations, for everything from open plan living to smart TV, coffee machines and dishwashers. Nearby Berry Hall Garden Cottage is light, airy and

modern, with the same quality furnishings and fittings and high attention to detail as its companion property. Both have self-contained gardens with beautiful views over farmland. They are ideally situated to book both together for guests wanting to take holidays with extended family.

Wendy says: “We have easy access to the beaches, walks straight from the door and the cottages are in a very quiet and tranquil location.”

Berry Hall Cottages, Gower Peninsula, SA3 1BB

T 07880 803130

E berryhallcottages@hotmail.com

www.cottagesingower.co.uk

Top 5 Cottage Escapes

Our top five Cottage Escapes offer home-from-home self-catering accommodation that will be a joy to use, delightfully furnished, beautifully equipped and with numerous personal touches to help people settle in straight away. The owners pride themselves on ensuring that their guests enjoy the best possible holiday experience and their

properties all occupy enchanting corners of the country.

The charms of the Somerset coast are well known, but there are many Inland treasures too. Among them are Crewkerne, with its town centre a Conservation Area featuring charming Georgian houses, independent shops and reminders of its medieval past in the wool trade,

and Ilminster, named for its 15th century minster church and with attractions including a theatre and arts centre. Visitors also appreciate Bincome Beeches Nature Reserve and the Grade One listed East Lambrook Manor Gardens.

York never fails to please with its alluring array of ancient buildings housing modern attractions such as

TOP 5 COTTAGE ESCAPES – SOMERSET

Behind the large pink door, you’ll find our quirky but beautifully appointed one bedroom cottage. Crump cottage is situated across the courtyard from our Georgian townhouse (c1745). Formerly an old stable block which has undergone a major renovation in 2022 to offer a bright & cosy space, perfect for 2 people. You’ll be 2 minutes walk away from award winning dining, a local pub, independent shops & stunning walks in the Somerset countryside.

Crump Cottage is an upside down house, the bedroom with built in wardrobe & shower room are on the ground floor with stairs leading up to a light & bright cosy area with triple aspect veluxe windows. On the top floor you’ll find a wall mounted TV, super comfy chairs perfect for relaxing & enjoying a glass of something, an Everhot baby stove for chilly evenings and a fully fitted kitchen including, dishwasher, Dualit appliances and a dining table.

Set in gorgeous peaceful surroundings and steeped in history, Birdforth Hall Cottages are the perfect base from which to explore the diversity of North Yorkshire.

Our four stunning properties sleep from 9 to 12 per cottage or a total of 42, and benefit from shared use of superb leisure facilities including a heated indoor swimming pool, pool table, table tennis and The Pizza Shack. Two of our cottages have private gardens and hot tubs. Also we are dog friendly.

Located only 20 minutes from the city of York, we’re the perfect location for luxury mini breaks, get-aways, family celebrations and special occasions.

TOP 5 COTTAGE ESCAPES – YORK

Top 5 Cottage Escapes

Jorvik Viking Museum, race course and shops housed in well preserved medieval buildings. The awardwinning Castle Museum invites people to walk down a Victorian street, shudder at felons in the grim prison of old and experience the excitement of the Swinging Sixties.

The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are legendary for allowing people

to get active outdoors and connect with nature, perhaps rock climbing, canoeing or paddle boarding along the Wye, cycling the well-made woodland trails and picnicking or forest bathing among the trees. Kids of all ages love Puzzlewood, often used as a film location, where aliens and wizards rub shoulders between twisted trees and mossy banks. Norfolk, too, pleases people who

like to experience the natural world up close. In The Broads National Park, water, wildlife and boaters mesh uniquely together, thanks to the ancient practice of extracting peat for fuel, leaving holes that nature then naturally filled with water, fostering diverse plant and animal life. Norwich balances the quietude with an unforgettable city experience.

TOP 5 COTTAGE ESCAPES – CHESHIRE/ DERBYSHIRE

TOP 5 COTTAGE ESCAPES – NORWICH

We have created three beautiful self-catering properties sensitively converted from traditional barns and located at the heart of Sparham Hall Farm, in the Wensum Valley.

Sparham Hall Farm is the perfect place to get away and reconnect with family and friends. Stay in stunningly converted barns designed to cater for every need hidden at the heart of a working farm in a glorious part of the Wensum Valley.

There are one. two and three bedroom properties which can be occupied independently or together. To cater for as many families as possible, all cottages are SEND friendly whilst The Buttery is fully Wheelchair accessible. We also have two car charging points

Venturing beyond the farm, Sparham is exceptionally well located to enjoy all that Norfolk has to offer, with excellent access to the Coast, Broads as well as popular attractions such at Pensthorpe, BeWilderwood and ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure.

TOP 5 COTTAGE ESCAPES – WYE VALLEY

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Discover Durham

There’s so much to see and do around County Durham you’ll always be spoiled for choice, whether it’s striking out into the ups and downs of the glorious Dales – an International Dark Sky Park ideal for star gazing – or exploring the magnificent North Northumberland Heritage Coast with splendid seaside locations such as Bamburgh and Holy Island, Lindisfarne, so

Fairburn Cottages

important to English Christianity.

The university city of Durham is fascinating and always vibrant with its on-trend shops and eateries and the majestic double World Heritage Centre of its cathedral and castle at its heart, picturesquely fronted by the River Wear. From July 10 to September 10 the cathedral hosts a unique rotating artwork by Luke Jerram, Gaia, being linked

Family Run Traditional Holiday Cottages Located Across County Durham

Kingfisher Cottage (sleeps 6) and Bishops Cottage (sleeps 4) are dog friendly and are equipped with essential amenities such as free wifi and accessible parking to ensure your stay is as stress-free as possible. Boasting convenient locations, the cottages are situated between the beautiful Durham Dales, the stunning Durham Heritage Coast and the quaint market town of Barnard Castle. Alongside this, they are both within walking distance of pubs and are surrounded by local walks and attractions, including the spectacular Eleven Arches Kynren experience and the Cathedral city of Durham.

As a family, we are proud of our cottages and we aim to ensure that every guest has a memorable and enjoyable stay. Our success is built on experience and years of hard work, which has enabled us to understand what our valued guests are looking for; home comforts, exceptional cleanliness, comfortable furnishings and attention to detail!

Our traditional ‘country style’ cottages all have exceptionally high ratings and we continually strive to improve and maintain them to an even higher standard, to ensure guests enjoy their stay and help us to maintain our reputation!

To find out more, or to book

to many special events alongside the cathedral’s stunning regular displays.

Don’t miss Beamish Living Museum of the North with its newly added 1950s attractions, or the spectacular outdoor show Kynren, whirling its summer audiences through a family friendly 2000 years of gripping British history.

DISCOVER DURHAM

Escape To Our Rural Cottages In The Heart Of Durham

Whether you are looking for a cosy rural retreat in historic Durham or 21st century living, we can offer our guests the best of both worlds. Durham Dales is a peaceful and tranquil landscape of hills and moors, valleys and meandering rivers, dotted with picturesque villages and market towns.

Offering warm and cosy dog friendly accommodation, that sits in peaceful countryside but close enough to the historic city of Durham. Set in one of the most picturesque counties in the UK, you can expect a fully expect kitchen area, comfortable sofas, sumptuous beds, beautiful bathroom with overhead shower and fluffy towels. There’s also internet access and a SMART TV, outdoor garden area with seating, which you can enjoy as you take in the starry skies. Perfect for walkers, cyclists, dog lovers, or those simply looking to take in the picturesque countryside.

DISCOVER DURHAM

Explore Ullapool

If you’re planning to visit the Outer Hebrides, you’ll probably be catching the ferry from Ullapool, a pleasant port village on the A835 beside enchanting Loch Broom. There are beautiful walks around this area, including The Braes walking trail from its Ullapool Harbour to the outcrop of Meall Mor and back, with spectacular views of the loch. Now it

is perhaps even better known for its premium place on Scotland’s North Coast 500 road touring route.

Ullapool iCentre is well placed to provide maps, advice and information for getting the most our of your visit, whether you are just passing through or taking the chance to explore the locality more closely. An impressive local museum

tells the fascinating social history of the area, its origins and lives linked to crofting and the sea. It also hosts events and festivals.

Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve, 13 miles north, is part of the North West Highlands Geopark, with rocks exposing a titanic clash of continents.

The Neuk was designed and built by the owners Ian & Donna Macgregor with some help from friends, family, and local tradesmen. It has been lavished with lots of love and finished to a very high standard.

The Neuk is centrally located in the beautiful seaside village of Ullapool, close to all local amenities.

Manor Arms, the gateway to Duddon Valley

This award winning, family run 17th century Free House, The Manor Arms is open daily from 12 noon, closing at 11.30pm (12 midnight on Friday and Saturday). Furness CAMRA’s pub of the year 2019. In the bar we have a pool table and a pool team in addition to a selection of other activities including dominoes, cards, chess and books to keep the children happy.

We look forward to welcoming you to enjoy The Manor Arms and this uniquely attractive area and remind you that, for the weary tourist not wanting to return home just yet, there are comfortable en-suite rooms accompanied the following morning by another splendid experience in the form of a Manor Arms breakfast served in the comfort of your room.

• A mini beer festival, daily!

• Up to 8 real ales available

• 150 guest ales annually

• En-suite rooms available

• CAMRA B&B start rating

• Pool table and games

• Car parking nearby

• A long established, family owned free house

French Escapes

Sunshine, peace and charm await holidaymakers who head for our choice of great escapes in south west France, land of verdant vineyards, quaint villages and medieval towns providing. They all provide ample opportunity to sample the country’s legendary cuisine as well as some of the world’s finest wines, all in exquisitely convivial surroundings.

Explore the charms of Limoges’ medieval Quartier de la Boucherie with its terrace bars and restaurants, or the city of Saint-Émilion which, with its surrounding vineyards, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its long and prestigious legacy of wine-making. Don’t miss the little market town of Aigre, home to Gautier Cognac, one of the oldest

cognac houses in the world, aging its products in an 18th century water mill. Cobbled streets, bustling markets and niche shops abound.

This is great country for walking, cycling and watersports, too. Scenic trails are plentiful and the Monédières massif has around thirty mountains to challenge fitter holidaymakers.

IN THE HEART OF THE VINEYARDS

Discover our charming Château-Hotel

About twenty kilometers from SaintEmilion, in the village of SainteRadegonde, surrounded by vineyards and peaceful nature, the Château de Sanse proudly dominates the valley. This old 16th century building, in blond stone, will be the place for your family holidays, your romantic weekends or your business stopovers.

Sandra and Joris warmly welcome you to their chateau-hotel near SaintEmilion. You will enjoy the many 3-star services, the restaurant with traditional cuisine revisited, comfortable rooms and many other little touches.

TO FIND OUT MORE, OR BOOK DIRECT:

FRENCH ESCAPES – SAINT-EMILION

2 camping pitches for tents, motorhomes or caravans and 4 ready to camp tents (Glamping) which include2 safari tents with wood heated jacuzzi’s, a yurt and a ‘Lotus bell Stargazer’tent. Plenty of space and a warm welcome awaits you at Le Ranch Camping et Glamping.

www.leranch-camping.com +33 05 55 73 71 96

1 Rue Des Chalets, 19470 Madranges France

Set amongst the smiling sunflowers and magical Cognac vines in the peaceful hamlet of La Grue, our three gites all have individual, private courtyard gardens with pretty flowers, scented herbs and the occasional tomato plant for you to use. Imagine waking to breakfast in your garden with freshly baked pastries, local ‘confiture’ and freshly squeezed orange juice.

Later, how about a barbecue? Each gite has a stone-built barbecue and outdoor dining seating with a parasol for those family meals ‘au dehors’.

If you’re feeling social, our shared courtyard with outdoor seating area along with ping-pong, table football and darts board is often where friendships are struck.

Our large, inviting swimming pool in its own walled garden with key entry has plenty of space for sun loungers and parasols. The shaded decked area is ideal for a break from the sun and perhaps a spot of colouring, a game or even private dining of an evening.

FRENCH ESCAPES – CORREZE

People who enjoy outdoor life flock to the Peak District in great numbers to walk, cycle, climb and explore the National Park. Beavers Croft is an exceptional 17th century self-catering property hidden in the tranquil heart of the terrain, alongside Howden Dam on the edge of Derwent Reservoir.

It’s an extraordinarily beautiful spot, offering picturesque views from every angle. Unusually, it’s also completely secluded from the tourist traffic and bustle that such beauty often attracts. There are no passers-by and no other houses within sight, making it the ideal spot to wind down, relax and genuinely ‘get away from it all.’

Beavers Croft itself is a postcardperfect barn conversion combining rural character with 21st century comfort. Sleeping up to eight people

in three bedrooms plus a mezzanine overlooking the lounge. It has two bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen/ diner and two acres of beautiful gardens, with dining space on a private patio. Furniture, fittings and appliances are all up-to-the-minute, including audio-visual equipment, kitchen appliances, fire pit and pizza oven.

Views are outstanding, as is the local history. Derwent Reservoir – the middle of three in the Derwent Valley – was the training site for the RAF’s daring ‘bouncing bomb’ air raid on Germany’s Ruhr Valley Dams in 1943 and changing the course of the Second World War, as immortalised in the 1955 film The Dam Busters.

The gardens give access to the lake and lovely walks. Owners Ab and Pippa, Airbnb ‘superhosts,’ ensure their guests have everything they need on arrival,

Hidden Gem

along with a generous welcome pack. Conservation conscious and wildlife friendly, they are proud that the property is entirely off-grid, powered by solar panels and a biomass heat generator.

The Peak District – mainly in Derbyshire but also covering parts of Staffordshire, Yorkshire and Cheshire – has many popular tourist spots within an easy car journey, among them the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Derwent Valley Mills, the Heights of Abraham, Crich Tramway Museum, the pretty town of Bakewell and the spa and showcaves of Buxton, but Ab says many guests just stay put at Beavers Croft.

“It’s inspirational,” he says.

Beaverscroft, Hope Valley, Derbyshire; T 07368 308681

E abdoulayediaw1@me.com

Airbnb @ Beavers Croft.

COUNTY LIFESTYLE AND LEISURE MAGAZINE

North Norfolk Escapes

As a coastal playground to suit all ages and tastes, North Norfolk’s is hard to beat. It has enormous sandy beaches with big skies providing family fun for free, with friendly seaside resorts such as Sheringham, Holkham and Cromer providing all the food, drink, activities and facilities to keep everyone happy all day, whatever the weather.

There are outstanding family fun parks like BeWILDerwood with its zip wires, tree houses and other forest-based adventures and Roarr dinosaur theme park offering mammoth treats. Wildlife lovers of all ages love the seal colonies of Blakeney Point and Morston and relish of the best birdwatching territory in the country, all year round.

Inland, North Norfolk has attractive

Come and stay in our Shepherd huts nestled in the village of Trunch, Norfolk.

Ladies Weekend Retreat: ‘Time for You’

We know life can be so busy. And as women, we are often trying to keep multiple plates spinning in the air, leading to little or no time to take care of ourselves.

So, we’ve designed this wellness retreat to be a weekend full of relaxation, rejuvenation and time for YOU, wonderful you.

towns such as Fakenham and Burnham Market with rich selections of independent shops, markets, galleries and tearooms. There are stately homes including the king and queen’s country retreat of Sandringham and uniquely inspirational attractions such as Caithness Crystal Visitor Centre and the world famous specialist farm of Norfolk Lavender.

We have five Shepherd huts in a variety of sizes. They all include outdoor seating and eating areas along with a firepit.

During this special weekend, you will surround yourself with the serenity of the beautiful Norfolk countryside, revitalise your body and mind with yoga and sound bath sessions, along with reconnecting with nature on our alpaca walk.

To find out more, or to book: www.countingsheepglamping.co.uk

Our two bell tents offer spacious glamping space for 4 people, both include outdoor seating and eating areas along with a firepit.

NORTH NORFOLK ESCAPES – WOMENS HEALTH RETREATS

Six high quality self catering properties, all in the village of Briningham close to the North Norfolk coast

Bayses Barn – Sleeps 6

Bayses is set in the most beautiful, secluded spot. Perfect for couples or families looking for a super special location.

Canfers Barn – Sleeps 2

Canfers is the perfect base for couples to explore the North Norfolk coast. Spacious but cosy at the same time, with a private garden.

Wisteria – Sleeps 4

Wisteria is set in three quarters of an acre of established garden. Tucked away from the road with a private drive. Perfect for couples and families alike.

The Pig House – Sleeps 8/10

The Pig House is a ‘grand design’ conversion in a beautiful, quiet location. The perfect spot for multi generation holidays and celebrations.

Harold’s Barn – Sleeps 6

Harold’s Barn is a conversion of a red brick barn, old on the outside and modern and comfortable on the inside. Adjacent to Myrtle’s.

Myrtle’s Barn – Sleeps 6

Myrtle’s Barn is modern and comfortable with a spacious open plan living area looking out to the garden. Just perfect for holiday socialising.

Briningham is a perfect location for exploring the North Norfolk Coast. It is four miles from Holt and 7 miles from Blakeney – giving visitors the tranquility of the Norfolk Countryside whilst only being a short drive from the coast.

We accept pets at all our properties. There is an abundance of excellent restaurants, pubs and gastropubs all within 3 or 4 miles.

www.norfolkruralcottages.co.uk

01603 860255 or 07900 982168 info@norfolkruralcottages.co.uk

Top Places to stay in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire remains one of the UK’s most popular holiday coasts, thanks to a stunning array of attractions in and around its superb landscapes, including two National Parks – the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors – and a coast with fantastic beaches and resorts including Filey, Scarborough and Whitby.

Simple pleasures like beachcombing,

paddling and eating the freshest of fish & chips on the seafront are complemented by boat tours, heritage railway trips, landmarks and attractions such as Whitby’s Captain Cook Memorial Museum and clifftop abbey and Gothic heritage of Count Dracula; the Turkish baths and Betty’s Tea Rooms in stylish Harrogate; Wensleydale Creamery and York itself, packed with interest from medieval

streets to the National Railway Museum.

Industrial history is celebrated on the 110 mile Cleveland Way. The Land of Iron interactive museum reopened last year after a £2.3 million revamp in Skinningrove. The site was originally Loftus Mine, first of 83 ironstone workings which supplied iron worldwide from 1848.

5 Stone Row, North Yorkshire Seaside Holiday Cottage

Holiday Cottage in sleepy Skinningrove, Sleeps 4 (2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms), Dog Friendly, Two fabulous dog friendly beaches just yards from the front door

The 1840’s traditional sandstone terraced cottage offers a quiet enclosed garden and sleeps four in two bedrooms. Located in the sleepy coastal village of Skiningrove, near Saltburn-by-the-Sea and just north of the popular tourist towns of Staithes and Whitby and the beauty of the North Yorkshire Moors. With an industrial history, today Skiningrove is primarily residential with a scattering of holiday cottages. Despite the fantastic sandy beach and small active harbour for hobby fisherman, the village is somewhat yet undiscovered by the North Yorkshire tourist trade. This enables 5 Stone Row visitors to escape for a peaceful holiday by the coast, without the crowds of the nearby bustling resorts of Whitby or Staithes.

The village is also popular with walkers, as it is located directly on the Cleveland Way footpath. Take the opportunity to climb up to enjoy stunning coastal views within minutes of the cottage’s front door.

The Full English is a Whitby bed & breakfast accommodation, ideally situated on Whitby’s West Cliff.

A warm welcome awaits you on your arrival.

You will enjoy a comfortable stay in one of our 5 rooms, which are all well equipped and have en suite amenities.

Set yourself up for the day with a delicious full English breakfast (included in the rate) which is freshly prepared and cooked for you from locally sourced ingredients. A lighter, as well as vegan, vegetarian and gluten free option is available on request.

A short walk will have you down on the beach, at the harbour, shops, restaurants, pubs, tea rooms and all other local amenities.

On arrival, you will receive a complimentary parking permit which is valid for the length of your stay with us, in Disc Zone W, which is the parking area on Whitby’s West Cliff where we are situated. To find out more, or to book:

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Discover the Isle of Harris

Spectacular white beaches, beautiful bays, a mountainous backdrop and amazing wildlife are just a few of the qualities which attract an appreciative stream of visitors to the Outer Hebridean Isle of Harris. Joined at the north to its neighbour Lewis, it is wild, remote and windswept and proudly embraces its Gaelic heritage.

Daily ferries run from the mainland

and between islands, and wildlife cruises enable people to have a great chance of spotting minke whales, dolphins and other marine stars hanging out. Birdwatchers get their special close-ups at North Harris Eagle Observatory and the Harris Distillery warms up the visitors with tours, tastings and a sociable scene.

A number of creative professionals

have opened galleries on Harris, providing unique souvenirs of great quality. Harris Tweed, produced from wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides, surely provides a fitting textile reminder, available from Harris’s largest settlement and ferry port, Tarbert. Seallham! Visitor Centre, in Northton, showcases local history and culture.

A glamping site with sea and beach views on a working croft on the Isle of Harris. Ideally situated for nature and adventure enthusiasts, for those looking for romance or a family looking for a unique and memorable holiday.

2 pods (Sleep 4) and a Shepherds hut for couples. All with en-suite, kitchenette and living area. Sandy

Discover the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is a diamondshaped gem in the English Channel, a compact 148 square miles packed with great things to see, do and experience; a place where you can walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs, or royalty. it is renowned for sailing, hiking, fossils, live music, diverse wildlife and fabulous family attractions. The latter include

Blackgang Chine, the oldest theme park in the UK, and The Needles, where experiences for all ages include chairlifts to the beach, multicoloured sand art, 4D cinema and craft workshops making sweets and glassware.

The many and varied tourist offerings are linked by excellent bus services and while there is nothing to stop

people sailing across from the mainland, the island never gets too crowded, because only so many passengers can cross by ferry.

Cowes is renowned for its sailing heritage and boasts a world class marina. It runs the biggest and oldest sailing regatta in the world and has a fascinating Maritime Museum. Queen Victoria spent her

Discover the Isle of Wight

summers at grand Osborne House in East Cowes and modern visitors can take a tour around its opulent interior and grounds to understand why.

On the west side of the island is the historic port town of Yarmouth, quieter than elsewhere but with a listed pier, a planetarium, a ‘reptilarium’ and a refreshing variety of pubs, shops and eateries. It sits

on an estuary which flows down to Freshwater, where Victorian poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson, made his home.

While Newport is the island ‘capital’, Ryde is the largest settlement, with a long, sandy beach and esplanade, cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs. If you want nightlife, you’ll find it here.

Sandown also holds many attractions, including Dinosaur Isle devoted to the giants of the past and Wildheart Animal Sanctuary –formerly Isle of Wight Zoo - with a big focus on rescue animals including ageing lions and tigers. Sandown also houses the National Poo Museum, not to be sniffed at.

Tranquil surroundings, dark skies and plenty of space are just a few of the numerous delights to be enjoyed while glamping with eco-friendly Into the Woods Cumbria. Based in the beautiful Eden Valley – significantly quieter than the nearby Lake District in tourist season – this wonderfully rustic setting has a quirky but luxurious family-friendly tree house complete with its very own football pitch. It also has a separate glampsite with cabins, camping pitches and social space available to hire as a whole for exuberant festivals, parties, weddings and celebrations including hen and stag parties.

Into the Woods is intended as a rustic, close-to-nature off-grid experience for people who want to chillax in idyllic

countryside. Guests sometimes cycle into the Pennines or wander down to the River Eden. ‘Must sees’ nearby include Lacy’s Caves, which were carved out of the sandstone cliffs in the 18th century, and Long Meg, an impressive stone circle named for a witch who was reputedly turned to stone for breaking the Sabbath. The tree house, Silva, was craftsmanmade by Grant Rowley, who runs the site with his wife, Lucy and their four children. It overlooks the Blencathra mountain and comes with a hot tub, wood burner, underfloor heating, hammocks … and a ping-pong table. Unusually, it sleeps up to six people in two king-sized beds and one double. Hares, owls, deer and many other wild creatures stop by to enjoy the

Hidden Gem

woodland, wildflower meadow, ponds and hedgerows.

Into the Woods glampsite has three cosy off-grid cabins for two, with shared shower and toilet facilities and cooking space, plus space for 20 tents and campervans. At the heart is The Man Shack, with a bar, stage, DJ booth and outdoor kitchen complete with large pizza oven & BBQ.

Lucy says: “We can accommodate events, festivals and weddings with up to 120 people.”

Into the Woods Cumbria, Maughanby Farm, Little Salkeld, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 1NP

T 07900 213352

E enquiries@intothewoodscumbria.co.uk

www.intothewoodscumbria.co.uk

COUNTY LIFESTYLE AND LEISURE MAGAZINE

Our Top UK Glamping Hidden Gems

Glampsites have become a huge addition to the UK’s staycation option, enthusiastically received by people enjoying the opportunity to get close to nature while enjoying the cosier comforts of home and foregoing the less palatable aspects of traditional camping. We believe our UK top glamping choices to be exemplars of the glamping

movement, offering not just quality accommodation but also a pleasant and memorable life experience in surroundings that are nurturing to wildlife and kind to the environment.

Getting out and about around them will be a joy, because they each stand in areas which are nothing short of amazing.

Northamptonshire is little known as a holiday destination but actually holds numerous pretty villages and many cultural attractions, such as Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum, Althorp House stately home where the late Princess Diana grew up and Holdenby Hall, once a prison to King Charles I but now housing Grade 1 listed gardens and a falconry centre.

OUR TOP 5 UK GLAMPING HIDDEN GEMS – NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

HIDEAWAY WOOD FARM

Hideaway Wood Farm is centrally located in Northamptonshire and opens in summer for unique glamping and camping farm stay experiences. There’s plenty to see and do, including daily animal feeding, alpaca walking, interacting with the animals (including the baby alpacas), den building in the woodland, paddling in the shallow stream, marshmallow toasting around the camp fire and plenty of local walks.

The perfect way to unplug and rewind in nature with family and friends.

For more information and to book visit www.hideawaywood.co.uk or Hideaway Wood Farm on Facebook and Instagram

Connect with the Countryside

Wake up to the calming sound of birdsong in your beautifully appointed canvas safari lodge, deep in the heart of the sunny county of Somerset, ready to hop into the en-suite shower, before unpacking your amazing breakfast hamper in the wellequipped kitchen. Relax and watch the sunset or stargaze from your private hot tub. Glamping has never been so good!

Visit the Neighbours

You’ll be right next door to the awardwinning tourist attraction The Newt In Somerset, set in the breathtaking grounds of Hadspen House, with its farm shop, magnificent gardens, museum, Roman villa, garden café and beautiful orchards.

Tour the Towns

Spend a satisfying day exploring the picturesque nearby towns of Castle Cary and Bruton where you’ll find quirky shops, inspirational art galleries and superb restaurants, or wander a little further afield to see the iconic attractions of the city of Bath, or magical Glastonbury.

If it all sounds tempting, why not treat yourself to a fantastic getaway. Hadspen Glamping offers unique all-inclusive flexible stays in a choice of three safari lodges – it’s glamping with five-star hotel facilities in a secluded, peaceful 5-acre field, less than two-hours train ride from London.

Our Top UK Glamping Hidden Gems

Somerset charms visitors with amazing scenery, not least on Exmoor, which it shares with Devon, but especially Cheddar Gorge with its amazing showcaves and a beautiful stretch of coast. The elegant city of Bath with its restored Roman spa is a must see, while the Jane Austen Centre presents accounts of the author’s time as a local resident through costumed guides.

The area around Mid Wales’s Radnor Forest offers a timeless landscape with thriving wildlife, from red kites to a happy herd of muntjac deer. Humans walk, cycle or horse ride through the pine-scented surroundings, also popular with motorcycle tourists. Water-Break-it’sNeck is a spectacular waterfall at the end of a gorge.

A little further south, Carmarthenshire is home to treasures including the National Botanic Garden of Wales, housing thousands of plants from around the world, and the newly opened Museum of Land Speed, showcasing records and record attempts at Pendine Sands from the 1920s to the present. Don’t miss Dylan Thomas’s Boathouse at Laugharne.

Shepherds Hut

Nestled on the edge of the Radnor Forest, set in the Cascob valley, 8 miles over the border in Mid-Wales in Powys sits Cwm Cottage Shepherds Hut. Escape to the peaceful, secluded and beautiful Welsh hamlet of Cascob. Enjoy uninterrupted views, incredible night-time stars, historic towns, many footpaths and the wonderful Radnor Forest.

The Shepherds Hut has a fully fitted kitchen, bathroom and king-size bed, along with all the luxuries you would expect from a self catering glamping experience.

The hut is set within a working farm and is surrounded by fields of sheep...a fitting setting for a Shepherds Hut. There is no WIFI and very limited phone signal, the perfect place to get away from it all and really relax.

POWYS

Pond View Lodges

Luxury Glamping in West Wales

Our individually designed lodges provide a luxury glamping experience in the beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside. Our two lodges overlook a wildlife pond on one side and have fabulous views of Black Mountain and the Brecon Beacons on the other. We like to meet and greet all of our guests and do our best to make our guests feel special.

Inside, both lodges have a comfortable bed, en suite bathroom, cooking facilities, TV and WiFi. Outside, both have a private hot tub, (what better way to watch the sun go down!), outside dining area / veranda, barbecue and fire pit.

Oak Lodge

If you want a peaceful, romantic & truly backto-nature getaway then look no further than Oak Lodge. Wildlife lovers, stargazers and romantics will simply love this place.

Ash Lodge

Ash lodge is slightly larger than oak lodge and has a sofa bed which could be used to accommodate 2 small children. The bedroom has a luxury king-size bed and the kitchen an oven and hobs. Additionally the lodge has an outdoor shower! If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with fabulous views ash lodge will meet your needs.

We are perfectly located for you to explore the local towns, villages and countryside with a wealth of castles, gardens, parks and other attractions nearby.

The local historic market town of Llandeilo (1 mile) has a wide range of interesting shops, cafes and pubs.

We are dog-friendly and have a fenced, off-lead area where you can exercise your dog.

www.llandeiloglamping.co.uk

07837 512938

gill@llandeiloglamping.co.uk

Unique Retreats

Dinosaur enthusiasts from child holidaymakers to adult academics love combing the cliffs, caves and beaches for fossils. In the UK, there’s nowhere better to do it than along the awesome Dorset and East Devon Jurassic Coast, stretching 96 miles along the English Channel from Old Harry Rocks near Swanage to Orcombe Point near Exmouth.

This heritage coast, with memorable landmarks including Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and the glowing peak of Golden Cap near Bridport, was first wholly natural landscape to be designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. It encompasses some of the country’s most popular seaside towns including

Poole, Lyme Regis, Seaton and Sidmouth. Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary is world renowned as a rescue centre and has free admission, although donations are welcomed.

History lovers can entertain themselves at numerous locations including Corfe Castle, partially wrecked by Parliamentarians in 1646 and linked to dastardly deeds, including the murder of the teenage King Edward. Mapperton House & Gardens near Beaminster has been voted the nation’s favourite manor house and has an ambitious project to ‘rewild’ 450 acres of marginal farmland.

Mortons Manor

Studland Bay is renowned both as a beauty spot and the first ‘Super Nature Reserve’, with 11 trusts combining to protect some of the country’s rarest and most vulnerable plants and animals including all six native snakes and lizards.

While numerous seaside towns and villages cater for people’s need for good food, drink, entertainment and relaxation, there are notable family attractions including Crealy Theme Park, voted Devon’s Best Day Out for eight years running, with some 60 rides and features, from rollercoasters to zoo animals and the unique Sooty Land. Or, get up, down and dirty on the Bear Trail, a muddy obstacle course for all ages at Cullompton, near Exeter.

Mortons Manor is a Grade II listed Elizabethan Manor House, sitting at the base of Corfe Castle steeped full of history dating back to 1590. The Tudor building was built in the shape of an ‘E’ to honour Queen Elizabeth who stayed here. Located in the heart of the Purbecks, the hotel is family owned and proud of its three-star AA award for hospitality. Our award winning two-rosette restaurant is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or dinner throughout your stay. It is the perfect place to relax after exploring all that the Jurassic coast has to offer.

Our cottages provide wonderful accommodation for individuals and groups. Surrounded by 17 acres of our own woodland, orchard, gardens, fields and play areas, you will find Mazzard Farm a haven of peace and tranquillity, allowing you to relax and unwind.

ࠍ 15 minutes from the Unesco World Heritage Jurassic Coast

ࠍ Hugely family friendly, multiple award winner

ࠍ 6 cottages, sleeping between 2 and 10 (24 in total)

The Ollerod

Dating from 14th Century The Ollerod is a magical Dorset country house full of character – the product of generations of history passing through its doors. Originally a clergy house, it now has its own unique style. ‘Ollerod’ is the old Dorset dialect, from the times of Thomas Hardy, for the Cowslip.

Situated in the picturesque town of Beaminster, which borders 3 counties, The Ollerod is the perfect place to explore an incredibly beautiful, and untouched, part of England.

The Ollerod offers 9 individuallystyled hotel bedrooms from cool modern to classic English, all with ensuite bathrooms, organic toiletries and the finest Italian Frette bed linen.

We welcome children, and have a dedicated children’s menu.

Our ground-floor selfcatering apartment and 1 of our hotel bedrooms are dog-friendly, through prior arrangement. www.theollerod.co.uk

Studland is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to stay in Dorset, and Knoll House is a great base for exploring the peninsula. If you’re planning a family break, a romantic escape, or simply stopping by, we have a variety of rooms and suites to suit all guests. Individually decorated, they provide a place for you to relax and unwind at the end of the day.

We also have 2 luxury self-catering apartments available for those who prefer a little more flexibility.

A fantastic dog friendly Devon Cottage Holiday break for the perfect blend of fun, relaxation and new experiences in Sidmouth and the beautiful Jurassic coast.

The cottage is single storey with two bedrooms, sleeping four. With a private patio area and has easy access. There are patio doors in both the lounge area and kitchen making it very light and airy. We have great internet service.

It is south facing so making it ideal for breakfasts and BBQs on the terrace in the sun. It is surrounded by grass so ideal for dogs and children but it is also quiet and private so equally great for couples or friends. There is a patio

table and chairs, sun umbrella and a BBQ. Also provided are 2 reclining patio chairs and 2 folding picnic chairs. With an open plan layout for the kitchen, dining area and living room you won’t be far from the conversation.

The glamping bedroom hut is nestling in the garden of this charming Georgian house in the centre of a traditional Dorset village. It’s cosy and super comfy with double glazed windows and central heating. The double bed can be converted to twin beds. Within a couple of steps is the bathroom hut with shower, toilet and basin. There is a garden table and 2 chairs on the lawn and you’re free to enjoy the rest of the walled garden. Dogs are welcome.

Nearby is a hut which has a raised fireplace. All 3 huts are for exclusive use. Cost, £90 per night incl. continental breakfast. There are also 2 double bedrooms in the main house which are adjacent to their dedicated bathroom with bath, overbath shower, toilet and basin. £90 per night per room. Book a Holistic Massage for those aches and pains - either a light massage or deep tissue; or perhaps an Indian Head Massage. Ask for details and prices. website: culverswellbeing.com

The bbq hut with raised central fireplace can be used to just sit and enjoy the space. If you wish to light the fire, use the fridge and microwave a small charge will be made which includes logs and kindling. You can order yummy freshly made meals in the village and there is a cafe opposite. Excellent food is served in our pub which is 2 minutes’ walk.

Whether it’s a 2 or 3 night break or a longer stay we can cater to your needs. Ranging from a picturesque thatched cottage perfect for exploring the New Forest National Park, to a luxury Georgian townhouse in the heart of the thriving harbour town of Christchurch Dorset, or a fishing break in Devon, we have the perfect property for you.

Activities and Discounts

Whether it is a spot of fishing, horse riding, watersports, or just a great meal, we have some great suggestions.

Last Minute Offers

For 2, 3, 4 and 7 night stays.

Dog Friendly

Extra Facilities

Make the most of your stay and add some extras including hot tub hire, exclusive fishing, E-Mountain bike hire to name but a few, all available in your cart when making a booking.

Disabled friendly

Most of our properties have wheelchair access and bedrooms on the ground floor.

Osmund House

Osmund House

Forest Drove Arniss Farmhouse

GREAT CITY BREAKS BY COACH!

WITH FREE PARK & RIDE FROM OUR DEPOT AT HENLEY-IN-ARDEN OR ENQUIRE ABOUT OUR HOME PICK UP SERVICE!

YORK CITY BREAK

Mon 7 to Tue 8 Aug 2023

York offers stunning scenery and architecture as well as modern shops, amenities and quirky bars! Enjoy a one-night stay with bed & breakfast and travel direct to your hotel.

£169

MANCHESTER CITY BREAK

Fri 27 to Sat 28 Oct 2023

Durham, a city with the ‘wow’ factor! Discover Durham’s castle and cathedral and stroll along the cobbled streets of the city centre! Enjoy a one-night stay and travel direct to your hotel.

£169 From

Fri 3 to Sat 4 Nov 2023

DURHAM CITY BREAK CARDIFF CITY BREAK From

Discover the delightful Welsh capital for a fabulous weekend break full of bars, restaurants, shops and much more! Enjoy a one-night stay and travel direct to your hotel.

£159 From

Sun 10 to Mon 11 Dec 2023

Discover one of the UK’s most popular city break destinations! With shopping centres, quirky bars to the festive market! Enjoy a one-night stay with bed & breakfast and travel direct to your hotel.

£169 From

* Please note our Courier service will not be included in our City Breaks.

WARHISTORYTOUR

Fri 26 to Sat 27 Jan 2024

A must for any city break! Visit iconic landmarks, shop on Oxford Street, wander to Hyde park - a fantastic break for all! Enjoy a one-night stay with bed & breakfast and travel direct to your hotel.

£159 From

Flanders & The Western Front

Fri 22 to Mon 25 Sept 2023

3* Novotel Leper Centrum, Ypres Includes travel, ferry crossing, 3 nights B&B, services of a local tour guide, Sanctuary Wood (Hill 62) and The Passchendaele Museum at Zonnebeke.

£499 From

Fri 1 to Sat 2 Mar 2024

Combine cultural sightseeing with wonderful eateries in this fantastic destination! Enjoy a one-night stay with bed & breakfast and travel direct to your hotel.

£145 From

LONDON CITY BREAK CHESTER CITY BREAK CITY BREAKS

3* Doubletree by Hilton York

4* Radisson Blu Hotel

4* The Angel Hotel

4* Indigo Hotel

4* The Tower Hotel

4* Best Western Queen

Elegance & beauty at a reasonable cost

• 100% solid wood kitchens – no MDF, chipboard or ply

• Dovetail jointed drawers – mortise and tenon joints for carcasses

• Free design service, individual hand drawn plans

• Non-standard sizes, at no extra cost, to suit your kitchen dimensions

• Fully assembled units; no annoying flat-pack assembly

• Straightforward, easy to understand costing – prices include VAT & delivery

• Primed, or primed and painted units can now be provided www.pineland.co.uk enquiries@pineland.co.uk

Cleobury Mortimer – Shropshire 01299 271143

Northwich – Cheshire 01606 41292

Finesse Shutters can offer a wide range of bespoke windows shutters to cater for every home and budget ranging from wooden Planation Hardwood to MDF, also Faux wood and Polylsilk vinyl shutters.

All of the shutter options offer Full Height, Café Style, Tier on Tier, Track systems and Finesse are specialists in Shaped Shutters.

As a local, independent shutter provider with over 20 years experience working within the shutter industry, we offer an exceptional personal service, from careful and accurate measuring to professional and experienced installation.

We found David and his team very reliable and pleasant to work with, they helped us at all stages of the project, the team were very friendly and respectful, they were always hard working throughout the project and very trustworthy,

came and provided a quote and managed to complete the work within a short time frame. Pleased with the work and would recommend.

(Worcester) Ltd, Cowsden Bank Farm, Naunton Road, Upton Snodsbury, Worcestershire, WR7 4NU

RESIDENTIAL CARE AT THE HEART OF LOCAL LIFE

Cedar Lodge Car Home

Family-run and at the heart of local life. Cedar Lodge is welcoming new residents for day & long-term care.

Book Your Show Round Today

Call us on 01386 293 033 or email our friendly team on info@cedarlodgecarehome.com for further information We can be found on Main Street in Offenham, WR11 8RL You can also visit our website on www cedarlodgecarehome com

Albion Lodge Retirement Home

We are a family run establishment and the care we provide is very much based on the ethos that we look after people as if they are part of our own family. Offering individualised care, we aim

to maintain independence whilst providing support.

The home itself is a period residence set in two acres of lawns and gardens close to the centre of the small village of Hanley

What we offer

Swan in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside. We are well supported by our local surgery, district nurses, foot care, physiotherapists and a visiting hairdresser. Our CQC rating is GOOD.

• Period property

• Village setting

• Two acres of lawns

• Specialist baths

• Disabled access vehicle available for families to use

• Short stays can be prebooked

• Three lifts www.albionlodge.co.uk

Luxury Care Homes In Worcester

A warm welcome awaits anyone who visits or resides in Woodland View Care Home. I have found all staff to be courteous, professional, kind and caring at all times. Every member of the team is friendly and helpful. The rooms are modern and well-appointed and housekeeping and laundry facilities are good. The varied programme of activities and social events that are on offer suit my mum who tells me the days just ‘fly by’.

Daughter of resident at Woodland View, carehome.co.uk review

Outstanding care to support your independent life

Exceptional care is provided by the well-established specialists Visiting Angels Warwickshire, whether for just a short period of respite or recovery after surgery or for long-term regular visits. Well-trained staff provide support tailored to each individual client within their own home, helping them to continue living independently and enjoying the freedom to choose their own activities, lifestyle and choices.

Visiting Angels Managing Director

Surj Virk has spent more than 20 years working in health and social care and takes pride in her team providing the highest quality care for all clients in all situations. This includes consistency in standards, provision and the actual people delivering the service.

Care is flexible and sensitively provided, normally just by one, two or three people, depending on the time involved, which may be for as little as an hour or two a week up to a much higher commitment. Clients have a choice in who goes along and can expect them soon to become familiar, friendly faces offering a high level of dependability, understanding, compassion and professionalism.

Working throughout Warwickshire, where Surj has raised her own family, and also in the West Midlands including Solihull, Visiting Angels can provide care including domestic help and cleaning, meal preparation, companionship, personal care such as bathing and dressing, shopping, medication, outings and social visits. They can support people with

dementia, disabilities and infirmity due to ageing, people recovering from illness or injury and those receiving palliative care.

Surj stresses the value of people knowing the carers who will be looking after them and being able to build meaningful relationships, rather than having strangers coming and going. Valuing the carers and having them be well paid and well trained is all part of the service which ensures that they stay with the company longterm and enjoy their work, so they in turn give the best possible service.

“This is why I joined Visiting Angels,” says Surj, “To be carer-centric! We pride ourselves on consistency of caregiver and providing exceptional care and support.”

Invite an Angel into your life this summer!

Most people in need of care would prefer to stay in their own home. Our home care visiting service is carefully tailored to suit your loved one’s needs, can help them retain their independence and stay connected to friends, relatives and pets.

As the sun comes out, our amazing caregiver Angels can be wonderful companions to help you get out and about or experience the comfort of companionship at home!

Our Angels are always happy to help with household chores, shopping and whipping up nutritious recipes, and are also equipped and skilled to care for your complex needs.

Visiting Angels can assist with:

Companion & Social Care

Personal Care

Dementia & Alzheimer’s Care

Post-Hospital Stay Care

Palliative Care

End of Life Care

Set yourself free by embracing Peaceful Moments therapy

If the COVID 119 pandemic taught anyone anything, it was surely the need for people to prioritise their own mental health! Stress, anxiety and low self-esteem can all cause or aggravate physical health problems, from insomnia to chronic pain, and create further difficulties in relationships, family life, careers and many other spheres of activity. Peaceful Moments Therapy is a professional counselling and psychotherapy service aimed at helping people to heal themselves and find total wellbeing. It provides an oasis of calm and a path through what can seem like almost insurmountable problems to a safe, nurturing space within where everything is able to be faced, handled and overcome.

The therapist behind Peaceful Moments is Laura Baluta, a psychologist and psychotherapist who is widely experienced in working with adults, teenagers, children, couples and families. As a Master of Integrative Psychotherapy, Laura can call on great expertise across a range of highly respected counselling forms such as Cognitive Behavioural, Psychodynamic and Humanistic, blending them according to each individual case. This helps her clients to access blocked feelings, understand causes and gain insight into their own dilemmas and resources, enabling solutions to be found.

Laura’s clients make contact for numerous reasons, sometimes depression, sleeplessness, bereavement, money troubles, divorce, abuse or other traumatic events in their lives. Some experience eating disorders, a specialism in which Laura recently earned a diploma.

“Our therapy is all about giving people a safe place in which to explore and reflect on whatever is in their head,” she says. “It is very powerful and freeing for someone to be able to express their feelings without being judged.”

Laura also practices the energy healing therapy Reiki – Japanese for Universal Life Force – which aids peace, relaxation and a sense of spiritual wellbeing. Reiki sessions may be given as stand-alone treatments or provided before or after psychotherapy sessions, as wished.

During May, Laura will be giving public workshops as part of Worcestershire County Council’s Wellbeing Month to help raise people’s awareness of mental health.

Office 6, Sansome Lodge, Worcester, WR1 1LH

www.peacefulmomentstherapy.com

01905969069

People who take up treatments with Bridge to Beauty emerge feeling more beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. That’s all part of the service with this exceptional business where beauty and alternative therapy choices range from tanning and facials to full body massage to help people to relax, rebalance and enjoy an extra glow of confidence from within.

Owner Lorna Bridge became fascinated with make-up as a young girl. intrigued by the cutting edge techniques of Hollywood to transform people’s appearance to fulfil the drama of the plot. As she grew older, though, she realised that the skin deep approach to beauty was very limited and that true beauty comes from a deeper level of the psyche, starting with feeling comfortable and happy within your own skin.

“Although my initial love was theatrical make-up, I trained as a therapist to make people feel better rather than simply look better,” says Lorna. “Sometimes people come in with aching muscles or dull headaches and after a half hour treatment they leave feeling good and they look great too, because that pain has

lifted. I love the fact that people go out of here feeling happier, perhaps pain-free and just better able to go about dealing with their place in the world. It can be like a mini-break for them!

Based within a salon in Studley, Warwickshire, all Bridge to Beauty treatments begin with a preliminary client consultation to ensure that treatments suit their aims and needs. Pampering possibilities currently include Indian head massage, hot stone massage, spray tanning and facials which cleanse, tone and moisturise. Self-employed Lorna continually updates her skills and adds new treatments, with latest including waxing, brow lamination and lash and brow tinting.

Lorna says: “I welcome everybody, all ages, all genders and especially people who are struggling with their emotional health. We want everyone to leave here feeling relaxed and uplifted.”

Bridge to Beauty, 39 Alcester Road, Studley, B80 7NJ

T 07870 481333

E bridgetobeauty2022@gmail.com www.bridgetobeauty.co.uk Facebook @ Bridge to Beauty

COUNTY LIFESTYLE AND LEISURE MAGAZINE

Hidden Gem

Covering Bromsgrove, Redditch, Wychbold, and Solihull Pet Sitting & Dog Walking in Bromsgrove & Surrounding Areas

Experienced, and fully qualified, I offer pet sitting options and dog walking services at your home location, serving the areas of Bromsgrove, Redditch, Whychbold, and Solihull. In addition, I am also DBS checked and fully insured, with many years of experience looking after all types of animals, including looking after felines in South Africa.

If you are interested in what I can offer you, then please get in touch and book a free consultation today.

Phone: 07942 178307

Email: catantrobus@hotmail.com

www.catspetsittinganddogwalkingservice.com

If

Pershore Brides

As a woman’s body moves into the menopause women find that the exercises they used to do to keep in shape just don’t have the same effect. With the reduction of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone the menopause body compensates by slowing down its metabolism and storing fat. It’s not all bad news however the menopause is an excellent time to pause, assess your body needs and apply a new fitness routine. The good news is It’s not about working harder and for longer but applying shorter, stronger workouts incorporating strength training with short bursts of interval routines.

If you’d like to know more and claim a FREE workout with Kerryanne a personal trainer who specialises in fat loss and training women in the menopause call her on 07976 850806 Or email her at Kerryanne.york@gmail.com

This summer, The Jinney Ring Craft Centre will be hosting its most anticipated event of the year

Music Fiesta: Sounds for the Homeless will be a day filled with silky sounds and bumping beats from local bands such as Chameleon Groove Alliance, The AlleyBeat, Jazz On Tap, RetroVibe and more – all to raise money for NightStop Redditch. NightStop are a charity dedicated to tackling youth homelessness by providing support to and working with volunteers who welcome young homeless people into their homes. The day will see plenty of refreshments with a full bar, pizza pop-up, burgers, cobs, cake and BCM supplying craft ales and ciders. Camping is also available.

Why not hit two birds with one stone? Have a cracking day of entertainment and enjoyment whilst helping those in our society who have nowhere else to turn.

Tickets and details for this exciting summer event can be found on The Jinney Ring website – www.jinneyring.co.uk

This will be a big one, do not miss out!

Book a tour in July

Accountancy Services for Redditch, Bromsgrove, Worcester, Solihull, Birmingham and beyond

We offer a tailored range of accountancy and business advisory services to private individuals and companies across many industries and sectors, catering for businesses of all sizes.

Our philosophy is to provide a personal and professional approach ensuring attention to detail is at the core of everything we do.

Payroll Services

Our payroll services take all the worry out of dealing with employees’ pay, leaving you to concentrate on running your business.

Bookkeeping

From VAT returns to preparation of management accounts, you can leave the fiddly stuff to us, safe in the knowledge that it will be accurate and timely.

Our team is on hand to give you guidance and advice on how best to approach your accounting needs and optimise them in a way that helps your business grow and your businesses bottom line.

If you are looking for a team of reliable, professional, approachable accountants who will do more than just respond to your needs, then get in touch today.

Tax

As your tax advisers, our objective is to work closely with you to ensure you pay the minimum tax required by law.

VAT

Working closely with you, we can advise and undertake on the best approach for your business when it comes to VAT and VAT Returns.