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Experience

Author: CharlottePosted on: Format ImageCategories: Blog, Experience, Food lovers, Uncategorized Leave a Comment:

When two days is not enough

secluded cottage worcestershire from overhead

Rural experiences for a longer stay

If you crave a gorgeous secluded cottage with a hot tub, in stunning scenery, but wonder what else you could possibly do on a stay in the country, we have so many ideas, you'll be booking to stay longer, because two days is not enough.

Beyond the stunning views, soaking under the stars in the hot tub in utter seclusion, snuggling up by the wood fire in a cozy snug, after a long walk on the Malvern Hills. A few days at Elsie's cottage is the perfect retreat. But what if you want to stay a little longer?  Is there enough to do? Well, the heartlands of Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire are rich in artisans from crafting and making to outdoorsy adventures and country pursuits as well as plenty of foodie workshops  and thats before you add a few of our pampering and home cooking kits you can add to to your stay. You'll be wishing you were staying longer.

Explore your inner creative

What better way to save the memories of a stay away than making a momento to return home with.  The three counties is full of creative makers who love to share their skills and spread the love for their craft. Here are a few of our recommendations:

  1. Eastnor Pottery - just a few minutes down the road, is set in a gorgeous little village with the castle as it's neighbour. The loveliest of people Sarah and Jon, will have you throwing your own pot with confidence. Losing yourself in the clay, giggling at your collapses, and feel proud at your successes. Book in for a 'potters wheel' experience at Eastnor Pottery
  2. Screen Printing - The lovely Rachel will walk you through the process of creating your block or using items in nature and printing your very own poster or bag to take away with you.  Plus she can come to you at Elsie's!  Rachel Johnson Textiles
  3. Jewellery Making -  Maybe its a unique gift with very personal memories you'd like to create. Why not create your very own piece of jewellery with a master. Join James Deakin at Wagtail, in his workshop set in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside, surrounded by their own vines and swimming lake.  James is an amazing host. Take your unloved or broken hallmarked jewellery and re-imagine it, the very definition of sustainability.  Or start from scratch to create a stunning and unique piece of wearable art. Wagtail Jewellery Workshop 

Outdoor sporting pursuits

Why not emmerse yourself in rural life with a few country pursuits.  Try your hand at clay shooting or archery, take a cold water dip in swimming lakes,  or paddle down stream.

Here are a few of a our favourite things to get outside for.

  1. Shooting - Try your hand at Clay pigeon or rifle shooting, with your very own coach, Haydn Coley. With over a decade of experience in clay shooting rising to represent England in the sport. He will walk you through  safety, gun handling and get you smashing clays. Book at Haydn Coley Coaching
  2. Cold water swimming - there are a few wonderful spots to give this a try locally. Many offer cold water immersion workshops. As well as saunas and sound baths coffees & cake . Choose between Escape to the Lake or Waters Edge
  3. Paddleboarding - The three counties are criss crossed with epic rivers, so why not try your hand at paddling downstream. Choose between canoes, kayaks or paddle boards. Paddleboarding Adventures offer lovely tours on the Wye for novices or more experienced paddlers.  Or if you fancy sitting rather than standing there's Canoe the Wye
food experiences around worcestershire

For the foodies

There are many artisan food and drink producers in the region.  If its cider or cheese making, gin distilling or bread baking - you can return home with a new culinary arsenal of skills.

  1. Learn how to make your own Sourdough bread with Peter Cook, whose bakery is renowned in the area.  Watch the master at work, and then get your hands deep in the dough making a range of loaves, enjoy a sumptuous lunch and take home all your delicious bakes along with a sourdough starter to make at home. Peter Cook Bread
  1. Cider making - The three counties are the heart of Cider making. There are a number of festivals through the year which celebrate this tradition, from Wasailling events to Apple week during harvesting time. Enjoy a tour at Westons Cider - home of Stowford press, or try making your own at Dunkertons, based in Cheltenham.
  2. Gin making If you are more of a spirits person, then Piston Gin is a wonderful setting down on the marina in Worcester. You get to mix your own flavours, and distill your own recipe to take home, whilst being served copious amounts of gin and a cheese platter to soak it all up - but be advised you'll need a taxi! Piston Gin
  3. Vineyard tour - If its wine that tickles your fancy, then head over to Deerpark Wines, set on a hill near the Avon with wonderful views and a stunning barn.  Deer Park Wines
  4. Cheese making has a strong history in the region. With the famous stinking Bishop being created here.  Head over to Monkland in Herefordshire for cheese tasting, and making.
  5. Cookery school - If you just want to master cooking, from Indian, to Italian, entertaining to tapas, then head over to Eckington Cookery School.
retreat at Elsies secluded cottage

Pampering at your Cottage

If you prefer to enjoy hiding away at Elsie's and just relaxing. Then we can bring the experiences to you.

We have a few massage and beauty providers who can deliver back, neck and head massage in your home.

We provide a little crafting box, to journal, draw or for flower pressing, food packages to pimp up your stay as well as pamper packages to help you relax and indulge.

So, looking to book?  Maybe for for a few more days.

Author: CharlottePosted on: Format ImageCategories: Blog, Experience, InspirationTags: , Leave a Comment:

Take the plunge, best cold water swimming spots near our cottages

Why cold water swim?

In a world which is being lived more and more online where we are insulated in warmth and comfort. This seems at odds with the growing trend for swimming in cold water.  The attractiveness of dipping into lakes and seas any time of year often in just a swimming costume, does seem a bit extreme, so why is it so popular?

Full disclosure, I love a cold water plunge. I've tried rivers, lakes and always take a dip in the Atlantic when I'm visiting Porthleven.

There is something all encompassing about getting into cold water. It impacts your whole body. Impacting our breathing, focus and it makes us tingle from head to toe. It's no wonder that people report reduced anxiety, improved mental health and less inflammation amongst many other positive affects.

I'm lucky enough to live close to water, with three epic rivers winding their way through the three counties . Yet poor water quality and safety can be off putting to many. So here's a few recommendations for lovely safe spots where you can try cold water swimming with life guards and knowing you won't go home with a dodgy tummy.

If you feel you need it, there are introductions to cold water swimming too, so you can take your new experience home and try it where you live.

Read on for some great places to dip near our cottages.

Try dipping in a Lake in Worcestershire

We are blessed with a host of swimming lakes around us, which have been certified for swimming in the last few years. A number have lifeguarding and safety measures in place, as well as other facilities and activities on site. Book for a retreat, or introduction to cold water swimming, or just book a session and share the moment with others or friends and enjoy a lovely cup of chai or hot chocolate to warm up afterwards.

Escape to The Lake - Set in farmland, at the North end of the Malvern Hills. Open for social swims at set times through the week and at weekends, Booking essential. Prices from £7.50

Watersedge Club - Set in open countryside near Evesham, with retreat offerings and training camps, as well as a a cute coffee hut and seating to enjoy a hot drink and cake by the lake. There's plenty of parking and full lifeguarding on site and changing in. the stretch tent. Prices from £7.50

Barefoot & Bower - just into Herefordshire, this stunning wooded spot offers swimming, without lifeguarding, but you can book to go with a friend for safety. Book via NOWCA, this one is for the more experienced wild swimmer.

Lake swimming is a wonderful serene experience, with nature in and around you, as well as the sounds of wild life. It is calm without the noise of a public pool or the chlorine, why not give it a go.

 

Book a stay at Elsie's Cottage

Plunge into Cornish seas for a cold water dip

When visiting Cornwall I pretty much always take a dip in the sea. There's plenty of choice from harbour swims, or sandy beach dips, rock pools and rivers the Lizard has so much choice and the waters are dreamy.

Swimming in Porthleven - From Anchor cottage you can potter down to the beach and take a swim anytime. The best place to access the water is below blue buoy steps - where the lifeguard station is. Here offers a softer shelving entry to the water and a large section of sand. Take care and choose hours after high tide and low tide when currents are weaker.

Alternatively you can take a dip from the harbour, either accessing by the steps around the harbour or by the slope near the Ship Inn - this can be slippery so take care and never swim across the mouth of the harbour as boats use this channel. The Atlantic is very chilly, so take it easy and have a warm robe or clothing to change into afterwards - luckily Anchor cottage is close enough to nip home for a warming brew.

Praa Sands - is a lovely sandy beach, just 15 minutes drive from Porthleven. Safe to swim with kids there's  is plenty of parking and The Welloe cafe offers food and drink too.

Gwithian, Porthkidney and Hayle Estuary- these stunning beaches really have it all, huge stretches of golden sand, shallow waters and crystal clear. Just take care in the estuary when the tide is on the turn, there are lifeguards, and if you choose the Gwithian end, there are cafes too. This stretch feels warmer than Porthleven, and is definitely less rough so a great place for more tentative swimmers.

Kynance Cove - A really beautiful spot with granite stacks. Head here when the tide is more out than in, there is a NT car park and cafe, and the waters are just stunning.

Helford - This river swimming spot, is a little cove which you can access via a wooded walk from the Helford car park. After a lovely hike through the trees, stop off at one of the coves along the way and have a dip in clear waters, it is a real treat. Choose a high tide as the water recedes and there is a lot of seaweed on the shores, and always take care of marine traffic. On your return stop off at the Shipwright arms or Mackerel Cafe for a well earned  treat.

 

Book a stay at Anchor cottage

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Plunge into wild swimming lakes in Worcestershire

Take a dip in clean swimming lakes of Worcestershire

Wild swimming has become really popular especially with the growth of cold water immersion therapy and a growing desire to get out in nature as much as possible.

Worcestershire has many epic rivers winding their way through the county and that of its neighbours. The Wye and Severn touch the edges of the county whilst the Avon goes through the heart of the city of Worcester.

However with many f us being less than confident in water, and the unfortunate demise of water quality in our rivers, swimming lakes with bathing quality waters are a great alternative. Plus many have life guarding on site and ensure you are safe in the water.

Luckily we have a fair few new and established lakes  in and near the county which offer not only swimming but also yoga, sound baths and meditation activities which offer a retreat  experience to your visit.

Here are our favourites.

The benefits of mind and body of cold water swimming

There is a great deal written of the benefits of wild swimming. Some maybe more anecdotal rather than proven, but who cares if it makes us feel better and poses no harm, its worth giving it a try.  Here are a few of the many feel good factors attributed to wild swimming.

  • Helps to calm inflammation, relieving headaches, aches and pain
  • promotes mindfulness helping to quiet negative thoughts
  • Helps with sleep
  • Improves circulation and metabolism giving us an energy boost
  • Reconnects us with nature and others improving our happiness hormones

Above all, the feel good glow that comes from trying something new, along with all the giggles along the way makes it worth giving it a try.

Watersedge club

From Elsie's cottage this is about a 50 minute drive, but worth the trip. Watersedge Club offers social swims, swim coaching and training. So perfect if you are feeling a little out of your depth.

It is wonderfully managed and organised with social swims throughout the week. But much more than that, their stretch tent is the perfect spot for yoga, sound bath and meditation sessions which run regularly on site.

There is plenty of parking, pus toilets and rubber matted entry to the water. Choose from a leisurely half circuit or the full 800 metre route.

You will feel thoroughly looked after here, with rescue Kayaks, and registration bands. You'll get scanned in and out of the water too.

It is worth packing a changing robe - The stretch tent is shared with all swimmers. Also pack crocs or similar to leave by the water and save you walking barefoot on gravel and mud.

 

After your swim warm up with a hot drink and piece of cake from their horse box watering hole.

Escape to the lake swimming Worcestershire

Just 30 minutes from Elsie's cottage Escape to the lake lake offers social swims Tuesdays and at the weekend. With well organised sessions to enjoy dipping in the wild with the safety of knowing there's a lifeguard to look out for you.

They also offer a range of activities from painting classes to yoga and meditation in a stretch tent.

A smaller lake but lovely for a leisurely swim in gorgeous Worcestershire countryside.

Take a changing robe - After your swim warm up with a hot drink and piece of cake.

Other swimming lakes in the three Counties

There a re a few other alternatives to choose from in and around Worcestershire for wild lake swimming.

Just into Gloucestershire on the foot of May hill is Barefoot and Bower. A stunning lake set in thick woodland.

A stunning secluded spot where you can buy swim slots for two or more.  You will have to be registered with NOWCA which is an open water swimming association, where you register and book swim slots at a number of lakes in their network.

Drop a pin and share it with the owner and nearest and dearest for safety then enjoy a quiet paddle in the cool waters of this magical spot.

Or if you would prefer tuition with a guide then Angel Jones offers open water swimming tours in Usk and on the River wye

rural experiences
Author: CharlottePosted on: Format ImageCategories: Blog, Experience, Inspiration, Uncategorized Leave a Comment:

A menu of experiences

upgrade with a hamper, pamper or celebration  package

Choosing a self-catering stay now offers so many of the indulgent treats often associated with a boutique hotel. A holiday cottage offers more space, privacy, private garden and importantly no agendas.  If you are seeking a few indulgences, we have a host of upgrades and special touches which will make your self-catering stay extra special.

Explore more with guided experiences

Holidays are as much about experiences as the accommodation.

For this reason, we've curated a menu of experiences for guests to help them explore more.   From guided walks, to peddling lanes, paddling rivers to cold water swimming, trying your hand at clay shooting or foraging in the woods. There are plenty of experiences available to enjoy at our cottages.

The country side around Elsie's and the Lizard offer some amazing walking with amazing views,  miles of tracks to hike, and lanes to explore by bike and epic rivers and seas to paddle, book an experience to see nature from a whole new perspective.

Here are a few examples:

  • Walk the Malvern Hills End to end - full day - picnic or cafe lunch,
  • Peddle power with electric bikes. Ride quiet lanes through quaint villages, discover amazing Cliff top views and stop off for tea and cake along the way.
  • Paddle sea or river - Take a tour in Kayak on the sea for a different view from the water or paddle board rivers and spot amazing wildlife
  • Clay shooting - have a  shot with a private coach to guide you to success.

Culinary delights

Food is one of life's pleasures, so tickling our taste buds with flavours and produce of the region can be a focal point for many of us on our holibobs.

There's no need to feel like you are missing out on great food on a self-catering holiday. Act Elsie's we offer a range of foodie options to make your stay a real treat.

We can offer not only hampers and grazing platters but also workshops to return home with a new culinary skill.

Here are a few of our hampers;

  • Pizza kit with sourdough balls, tomato sauce, cheese
  • Full English, cook up your bacon, sausages, eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes inside or out over the BBQ,
  • Pub night in -  with an artisan burger kit.
  • BBQ feast with locally produced lamb, sausage and burger.
  • Deli Platter - arrive to a platter of the best local cheeses, meats and goodies from the deli counter

Find your new passion

Our everyday lives are full of routines and commitments, whilst holidays are time dedicated to doing things that time doesn't seem to allow for at home.

So why not try a new hobby or discover your creative streak. We have built our own little crafting box with kits for flower pressing, sketching, journalling and gardening.

There are binoculars and books to encourage you to star gaze and bird watch as well as plenty of nooks and crannies to watch or make without any of the distractions of home.

If you are looking for an experiential workshop we can help there too.

  • Mindful crafting mono printing, slow stitching or circle weaving.  All delivered by your workshop leader.
  • Pottery throw down - Make your own creation in clay - Elsies
  • Jewellery workshop - make a special momento of your stay.

LINK

Spa at home

Many of us love a retreat. Whether its Soaking in a tub, or a cold rejuvinating dip, a good massage, journalling and meditation.

Our cottages will help you relax as soon as you walk through the door. There's aromatic oils and the hot tub is warmed for your arrival soak. For that full spa experience we can arrange a massage at home, or a guided meditation session, yoga or a facial.

Arrive to your goody bag with oils and massage tips, your own journal and surprise goodies. You really will feel utterly pampered and rejuvenated after a spa stay with us.

  • In house massage - choose from full back, facial or neck and shoulder massage
  • Guided meditation - Your tutor will take you through a meditative process to help you wind down and repair.
  • Goodies bag full of locally produced sustainable products to use and try during your stay.
  • Journal to jot your thoughts.

LINK

Simple pleasures

As a final bonus, our cottage offers lots of little nooks, to curl up and enjoy a book or listen to music.

To help we'll provide a shelf of great reading, a bluetooth speaker to stream your favorite tunes. Binoculars to bird watch or star gaze.

More than anything though, Elsie's offers spaces to stop and unwind.  A hidden garden spot, or cosy corner with a snuggly sofa, a bubble bath to soak in or woods and hills to discover on your doorstep and enjoy to yourself.

Living in a different space gives us a flavour of a different life, which, when taken back home lasts on in our memory and may inspire us to new things.  Isn't that what holidays are all about?

Author: CharlottePosted on: Categories: Blog, ExperienceTags: , , , , , ,

Head for the Malvern Hills

The MALVERN HILLS are a string of peaks in Worcestershire. They are a perfect for walkers who love a view, and wooded tracks too. They inspired composers and writers famed for their Narnia gas lamps and fresh spring waters. Come explore and stay at Elsie's Cottage for the perfect spot to explore.

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