Inspiration Archives - Secret Bolthole

Charlotte19 August 2024ImageInspiration

Hampers and foodie treats

Indulge with hampers and foodie treats

Lets make your self-catering stay as indulgent as a boutique hotel.

Choose from our many foodie hampers and treats to make your stay special, easy and memorable.

Arrive to a grazing platter of a lazy first night, or cook up your own wood-fired pizza with one of our kits. BBQ a feast with local produce, or indulge ina high tea with cakes and deli savouries. Maybe you love a pub classic so opt for a burger in a box kit or order a special grazing platter for a lazy evening of nibbles.

selection of images showing ingredients and making of a pizza

Pizza kits for a home treat

We've provided a pizza oven fo you to play with at the cottage. So why not add a pizza kit to make your own creations.

Our kit includes sourdough balls, tomato sauce and cheese - there's oil. herbs, chilli flakes and semolina too. Just add your own toppings to create your favourite.

Add Pizza kit at £4pp at the checkout

BBQ feast hamper

Why not add a BBQ pack to enjoy whther you are sitting on the terrace at Elsie's soaking in the valley views or listening to the sea at Anchor cottage.

Our hamper includes pork sausages, 8 oz beef burger, buns, chicken skewers or thighs and lamb.

All meats are produced locally from butchers so you can enjoy a great spread with high quality meats.

Add a pack per person at the checkout £ 15 pp

Breakfast indulgence

We know that it can be stressful to get away on holiday, packing, closing up the house, traffic and navigation all add to the tension.

So why not treat yourself to a hamper to enjoy the next morning. No rushing out to find bacon and eggs, just potter down stairs and have a lazy start to the day.

Our breakfast hamper includes eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms and tomatoes.

Add it to your booking at checkout for £6.50 pp

Welcome grazing platter

On arrival just dump the bags, crack open a bottle of wine and relax with nibbles and an indulgent grazing platter.

We'll put together a platter of cheeses, charcuterie, deli treats, olives, crudites and dips.

£15 pp

High tea

There's nothing more of a country classic than an English Afternoon tea.

We can set up your tea for you on arrival - with cake a plenty, a selection of teas. The table is set with flowers, table cloth and lovely china.

This is only available at Elsie's cottage currently.

£12 pp

Burger in a box

If you just want to stay in, or the pub is just too far ~ then why not order your selves the ultimate pub grub. Our burger in a box is the perfect home made takeaway.

We'll pack in a huge 8oz burger, fresh from the local butcher, cheese, salad and brioche bun Fire up the BBQ, or just stick it under the grill.

We'll even add a few recipes to inspire!

£10 pp

Charlotte19 August 2024ImageInspiration

Mini-Moon stays

wild lake swimming escape to the lake (2)

A mini-moon break

Whisk your love off for a cottage escape. Arrive to chilled bubbles, pampering treats, with essential oils, book a massage and indulge after all the excitement of the wedding.

Relax with couples massage or treatment, or make a momento of your stay with a creative kit or workshop.

We can add BBQ hampers or pizza kits, so you never have to leave your honeymoon home.

Prices from £35 to include sparkling wine, pamper goody bag, breakfast hamper and decorations.

or build your own package

Choose from

~ pizza kit, breakfast hamper, grazing platter

~English sparkling wine, Cocktail kit,

~ pamper goody bag, journalling or creative kit for two.

~ book a massage or treatment, or other experience from our menu

Pamper yourselves

Need a little pampering?

Add a pamper kit to your stay and arrive to a goody bag of home facial kit, silk scrunchy, pop on your fluffy robe and socks and relax in a bubble bath.

Explore our pamper experiences

Create a momento

Why not get creative and let your mind switch off.

Get creative with a kit to make a keep sake of your just married status. From a piece of jewellery or a print to hang in your home, make a pot or press flowers.

Or maybe get journaling, and pen your thoughts and memories of your special day, and how you feel. It will be such a special momento of your mini-moon stay.

Explore our Crafty experiences

Foodie treats

If you just want to hole up together and never have to leave your little nest then we have you covered with plenty of foodie options.

Choose from Pizza kits to cook up in your wood-fired oven, or a BBQ feast of meats.

Order a breakfast hamper so you can linger over long brunches in bed. We can organise grazing platters and high teas, Burger in a box or arrange a private chef.

Explore our foodie treats

Charlotte19 August 2024ImageInspiration

Special occasion packages

Celebrations with soul

Special moments are what define and punctuate our lives, they are our significant moments to celebrate with our closest and most precious people. To help you do this with meaning we have celebration packages which will ensure your moments really stand out.

wild lake swimming escape to the lake (1)

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Little additions can make an occasion feel special - its always lovely surprising someone too with some little treats. We've put together a little collection of upgrades which you get when you pick one of our special occasion packages.

Turn up to a special cake with candles 🎂
We'll add a celebration neon banner, bunting to dress the cottage
Upgrade your wine to a bottle of Prosecco or English sparkling wine.

Special occasion upgrade £15pp

You can also add extras from our menu of Hampers, or Experiences. Or we can tailor something to your special occasion.

Foodie Treats

As part of your celebration package, we will add our normal hamper with a few upgrades. We'll add:

A bottle of local sparkling wine or Prosecco sourced from our local wine shop.
We will decorate the cottage with banners, neon sign and bunting
Instead of brownies, we'll make a celebration cake to share.

We have plenty more hampers to add for your stay. Explore the options below.

Explore our Foodie hampers

Pamper yourself

In addition to your celebration package, why not add a proper pamper to your stay.

If you would like to add a massage, facials, new nails or lashes. Our local providers can come to you.

If you are looking for a wellness session, we have yoga, meditation, reiki or aromatherapy providers too, who can come to the cottage and create a session bespoke to you.

So don your fluffy robe and sit back and let the spa come to you.

Explore our home spa experiences.

Charlotte19 August 2024ImageInspiration

Intimate Hen party

Hen party packages

We don't all want big affairs when it comes to weddings or hen parties. If you are looking for a more intimate hen party with a few special friends you can build a package just for you. From spa treatments to crafty workshops, gin workshop and goody bags along with some delicious foodie treats.

Don a fluffy robe, pop a bottle of bubbly and settle in for a day of treats.

If you're in Porthleven, you might start the day with a chilly dip in the sea, or at Elsies a brisk walk, we can arrange a grazing platter whilst you get creative with one of our crafty kits.

End the day with a home made pizza and soak in the hot tub at Elsie's or maybe book a private chef . Or if at Anchor cottage pick one of the gorgeous restaurants to eat at.

Either choose our Hen package which includes a bottle of English Sparkling wine, Pamper Goodie bag per guest, Decorations in the cottage and a crafty workshop kit. £15pp

Alternatively why not design your own package designed for your little party. Here's a few ideas...

A pamper and Wellness treat

If your intimate party of hens would prefer a proper pamper. Book an in cottage massage or an indulgent treatment. Maybe go home with new nails or lashes, we have some wonderful beauty and wellness providers who can come and deliver yoga or sound bath in the cottage for you. Find out more

photo collection of out door adventure activities to book at secret bolthole

Outdoor Adventure Hens

Out door adventures might be more your hen.

Get out on the water with a fun Hen party paddle, Float downstream on the Wye, with a little bit of water fun at Elsie's Cottage or go on a kayaking safari adventure in the sea at Anchor.
Hire electric bikes and explore ht coat at Porthleven, or go off road in the Forest of Dean at Elsie's cottage.
Book your own private shooting party at Elsie's with a coach to go try your hand at clay pigeon shooting.

There's plenty of options so drop us an email or check out what's available HERE

Crafting Hen

How about getting your hands dirty with a pottery workshop, Both Elsies and Anchor cottage have places nearby to try throwing or just decorating,

Maybe you want to get a little hotter with a blacksmithing experience. Make a little momento of your stay or even something to decorate at your wedding with bunting making or printing.

We'll provide aa crafty kit to create a little something as part of our Hen package, but if you'd prefer to make a day of it you could try making your own gin, or even a little silver ring.

Explore the crafting experiences near our cottages

The possibilities are endless and you can bespoke your stay as much as you'd like.

Charlotte19 August 2024ImageInspirationinspiration

Spa and pamper experiences

spa experience with massage, pamper products and grazing platter

Build your own Private spa experience

Many of us love a spa. Soaking in a tub, a good massage or facial and feeling utterly pampered.

Elsie's 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. 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.
Personal yoga session. Your teacher will deliver an hours yoga session designed for you at the cottage. either indoors or our on the terrace.
Goodie bag full of locally produced sustainable products to use and try during your stay.

Massage and treatments

Book yourself a massage or treatment. Our lovely practitioners will visit you in one of our cottages with everything needed to deliver a wonderful experience.

Choose from a menu of massages - back, shoulder, neck and more. Maybe treat yourself to a special beauty treatment.

Snuggle up in your fluffy robe, and be ready to be properly pampered in your own space.

Here are a list of our wonderful masseurs and beauty therapists who can deliver - choose your location and your chosen treatment simply email the lovely provider and they can arrange a time with you.

Massage and Beauty Treatments at Elsie's Cottage

Clare's Beauty - Based in Ledbury. Clare can provide a range of massages, manicure, and pedicure and facials.

Contact

Email: clarebe17@icloud.com
Call: 07891 700047
Facebook page

Living Well With Milly - Based in Hereford

Milly offers a range of incredible massage, including back, neck, facial and head massage.

Contact:

Email: eskslaney@gmail.com
Call:07983 916282
Facebook Page

Anchor Cottage

Yolana Philpott offers a wonderful range of massages and treatments. From deep tissue to soothing hot stones, Aromatherapy facial, foot and head massage.

Website
Email: yolandamobilemassage@gmail.com
Call: 07814 729809
Facebook

Home spa Cornwall

For a whole range of services you can contact home spa cornwall, who have a curated list of local providers and can help find the right provider for you.

WEBSITE
Email: hello@homespacornwall.co.uk
Call: 07525 852231

Goodie bags and treats

Book a special pamper package and we will add a lovely goodie bag. We have put together some little goodies like facial oil Gua Sha massage stone, silk scrunchy, journal and a few surprises!

There is incense to use in the bathroom too.

We are able to source and build a gift bag for your special occasion, just email us with time to put it together for you.

Goody bags are from £10 pp or will be included in your pamper package.

Journaling kits

Have you always wanted to take the time to jot down your thoughts, create a new habit of reflecting on your affirmations and manifest a future you dream of. Journaling promises to effect change, create new habits and reflect on your daily life and habits.

We add a lovely journal, prompting cards to help the ideas flow. With special sets for taming your inner critic, or developing your creative mind.

Take a little time to sit with yourself and let your ideas and thoughts flow out.

Journaling kits are an extra at the checkout and cost £10 pp

Charlotte19 August 2024ImageInspirationcrafting workshop, inspiration

Creative crafting workshops

Disvover 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, star watching and gardening.

There are binoculars and books to encourage you to spot nature so find a little nook and watch or make without any of the distractions of home.

Nature inspired creative workshops

Book a tailored workshop in the cottage for you and your guests.

Our workshops include silk printing, block printing, flower pressing, and many more. A great way to learn a new skill, lose yourself in the moment and really switch off.

Plus you get a momento of your stay to take home.

Our workshop guide will come to Elsie's cottage and guide you through a workshop, collect nature items from the woods and garden and settle down to make.

Workshops last about 2-3 hours. All equipment is provided.

Just contact us for a bespoke package.

Prices from £25 pp.

Local craft workshops

Ever fancied your hand at some new crafts, addicted to pottery throwdown or sewing bee on TV, then why not have a go.

There is nothing better than booking an experience to look forward to on your hols. There are some wonderful crafts people who offer courses in using the potters wheel, iron work at a forge, natural perfume making and woodcarving. The possibilities are endless.

We have a number of sites where there are plenty of options to choose. Here are A few recommendations in a couple of locations.

Elsie's Cottage Malvern Hills:

Eastnor Pottery for a throw down experience. Just 5 minutes from the cottage.
Sewing courses at the Stitchery in Upton upon severn
Sourdough baking course at award winning artisan bakers Peter Cooks Bread
Blacksmithing with Chris the Smith

Porthleven

Leach pottery St Ives for a range of courses from throwing and clay crafts
Pencarn Forge - for Blacksmithing courses
Geraldine Jones for basket weaving in Porthleven

For a range of courses on offer in both our regions search on the website below;

CRAFT COURSES

Journalling

We'll provide you with a kit with a Secret Bolthole Journal, pens, flash cards and tips on started your path to journalling.

Holidays are a gret time to start a new habit, make plans and reflect on your life. So why not pen it all down, so when you return home you remember all those thoughts that were whizzing around your mind, and why you loved your time away.

Add a Journalling kit for £15pp

Charlotte19 August 2024ImageInspirationcycling, inspiration, out door experiences, paddleboarding, shooting

Outdoor Adventures

Get outdoors and adventure

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 gorgeous views. Or choose a bike ride and explore lanes or get off road with electric bikes. Or maybe you;d prefer to get out on hte water with paddle power. Kayaks, canoes or boards, with rivers, seas and harbours to play on - there's plenty of options.

For something more high octane, try your hand at clay shooting, high ropes or coasteering!

Paddling adventures

Whether you are staying in Anchor cottage or Elsie's, there's water ways obviously the ocean to play on.

If you fancy getting out on the water and see the world from a new perpective, there are a number of options to choose from canoeing, kayaking, paddlboarding, and coasteering to open water swimming.

Share a canoe and drift downstream on the Wye river. Stop off for a picnic along the way, spot Red Kites and maybe even cool down wit ha dip in the shallows.

Canoe hire is available in many places. Choose from full or half days or just an hour.

We suggest Canoe the wye from Symonds Yat, Ross-on-wye and Hoarwithy.

Paddleboarding

Alternatively you could try paddleboarding. If you have some experience then join one of Paddleboarding Adventures tours, or if you've always wanted to learn, then book a beginners session or a one to one.

Elsie's in Worcestershire also has the Avon and Severn on its doorstep. Try Wittering Sup who work on the Avon, for a little play in the water.

Porthleven

Vertical blue in the harbour offer kayak and paddlboarding tours on sea and in the harbour. Alternatively just hire the equipment for an hour or two for a play.

They also offer coasteering experiences if you fancy something a little more adventurous.

cycle hire for out door adventure in the malvern hills

Turn the peddles and explore

If you would prefer dry land, but would like to explore a little further than on foot, then why not hire a bike.

Elsie's

The forest of dean has a huge number of tracks and trails to follow. Pedalbikeaway offer push, electric and mountain bikes depending on what you want to do. There are also uplift services for those looking for some downhill trails.

Porthleven

The harbour is home to Ride on, they offer cool fat tyred e-bikes to explore around the coastal path, and on roads.

shooting coach supporting their client in learning to clay pigeon shoot with a shotgun

Take a shot

Looking to try some real country pursuits.

Why not immerse yourself in the rural wold with a country side pursuit. If you have been inspired by watching the odd costume drama, or the TV series Gentlemen, or maybe the olympics, then why not take the opportunity to try your hand at this sport.

Your private fully qualified coach Haydn Coley, will pick you up or meet you at a local shooting ground, provide all the equipment needed, including safety attire. He will patiently coach you through taking a shot- and hitting your first clay. Or maybe if you have shot before, instruct you on how you can improve your technique.

Contact~: Haydn Coley

Tel: 07713 670504

Prices from £80 pp

Charlotte9 July 2024ImageBlog, Experience, Inspirationcold water swimming spots, experiences

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

Charlotte27 June 2024ImageExperience, InspirationActivities, Elsie's, wild swimming, worcestershire

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

Charlotte14 February 2024ImageBlog, Experience, Inspiration, Uncategorized

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?