English Wine Week – The top 5 UK vineyards
We’re partnering with English Wine Producers to celebrate English Wine Week (May 28th-5th June) and the nation’s growing passion for locally produced English wine.
From the ‘Denbies’ in Surrey to Chilford Hall in Cambridgeshire, England is bursting with terrific vineyards that are fast becoming popular tourist attractions.
English Wine Week will showcase the best places to stay and the finest local vineyards, wine merchants and farm shops to experience across the country. During the week, vineyards across the nation will be opening their doors to welcome visitors, offering tours, tastings, special offers and hosting other special events.
With over 200 vineyards in England to choose from – and a cottages4you featured property in close proximity to virtually every one – there’s no excuse to not book a relaxing break to see what English wine has to offer.
To get you started on your wine tour, here’s our guide to the Top 5 vineyards that are open to the public and a few suggestions for nearby cottages that are currently available to book:
1. Yorkshire – Leventhorpe Vineyard
Woodlesford, Leeds, LS6 8AF
Open to visitors seven days a week (11am-4.30pm Mon-Sat and 12pm-4pm), this five acre vineyard and winery boasts a string of award winning wines. It is recommended that you phone the owner in advance if planning a visit – 0113 288 9088
cottages4you property in close proximity to the vineyard:
Town End Farm Cottages, Airton, near Skipton, West Yorkshire
Property reference: IFW
Located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, this property forms part of a barn conversion dating back to the 1800s. Exposed stonework, beams and arches are a feature in their well furnished interiors. The property is set on the owners’ working farm, upon which the owners run a farm shop where a selection of local produce and crafts can be purchased.
Price: £638 for seven nights self catering accommodation starting April 16, 2011, sleeps four people
2. Surrey – Denbies Wine Estate
Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6AA. T – 01306 734 651
Currently the UK’s largest single vineyard, with 265 acres under vine, this is big even by European Standards. Denbies offers a memorable day out, with a ‘train’ tour around the vineyard (over the summer months) and tours of the winery which include a 360˚ slide show with commentary, a train ride through the winery and a tutored tasting of some of Denbies’ wines (grape juice supplied for non-drinkers and children).
cottages4you property in close proximity to the vineyard:
Property Reference: PMMQ
This spacious detached family home is conveniently located in a quiet residential area within the village of Cowfold. The holiday property enjoys a large lawned garden which overlooks unspoilt countryside, where deer, rabbits and other wildlife roam, and an array of birds are always to be seen in the grounds.
Price: £714 for seven nights self catering accommodation, staring April 1, 2011, sleeps nine people
3. Gloucestershire – Three Choirs Vineyards
Newent, Gloucestershire, GL18 1LS. T – 01531 890 223
Lose yourself in this beautiful part of the country, and easy access from the M50 and A40. Three Choirs boasts a 75 acre vineyard, shop (tasting available), restaurant and visitor’s centre. Vineyard trails available. Three Choirs boasts countless awards and offer a warm welcome and delicious range of still and sparkling wines as well as an ale brewed on site. Wine tours and lunch packages available.
cottages4you property in close proximity to the vineyard:
Reference: 18844
This stone-built Victorian holiday cottage, attached to Oriel House, has been renovated and is approached by stone steps. Great Malvern offers theatre and drama festival, shopping, golf and recreational facilities. Nearby is Upton on Severn known for its jazz and folk festivals, with riverside pubs where visitors can relax in the evening. Visit the cathedral cities of Worcester or Hereford, whilst Gloucester, with its historical docks, Regency Cheltenham Spa and Stratford Upon Avon are all within easy reach.
Price: £478.00 for seven nights self catering starting on 8th April 2011. Sleeps four people.
4. Cornwall – Camel Valley Vineyard
Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 5LG. T – 01208 77959
Family owned and run, Camel Valley’s father and son winemaking team have scooped many international and national awards for their sparkling and still wines over the last years. Situated in the beautiful Camel Valley, on a popular route for cyclists, Camel Valley is a great stopping point. Shop and tastings available, and on Wednesday evenings they offer a Gold Experience tour of the vineyard and winery, taken by either Bob or Sam Lindo themselves, so you get the full story from the people in the know.
cottages4you property in close proximity to the vineyard:
Tawnawood, Cardinham, Bodmin, Cornwall
Property Reference: GTK
Equidistant from both of Cornwall’s spectacular coastlines and nestling in delightful woodland, this converted barn is set in beautiful landscaped gardens. Peacefully positioned on a private drive, the property has fine views across the valley towards the National Trust’s Lanhydrock House and its formal gardens. Beaches of both the north and south coast are approximately 15 miles away and offer fishing, sailing and surfing for the more adventurous.
Price: £278.00 for three nights self catering starting on 13th May 2011, sleeps four to six people
5. Cambrideshire – Chilford Hall Vineyard and winery
Linton, Cambridgshire, CB21 4LE. T – 01223 895 600
This vineyard dates back to the early 1970’s. Tours are available each Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays between 4th March and 31st October. The Tours are at 10.30 am and 3.00 pm and last 90 minutes. A wine shop and a bistro are on site as well. A number of fairs and exhibitions take place in their conference centre, fashioned out of existing buildings.
cottages4you property in close proximity to the vineyard:
The Old Post Office Cottage, Widdington, near Saffron Walden
Property Reference: 25385
This detached Victorian cottage is ideally located in the centre of a pretty village, in a great walking and cycling area. Saffron Walden is one of England’s finest towns, packed with half-timbered medieval buildings, galleries, a twice weekly market and medieval maze. The property is also well situated for exploring Cambridge, Essex and Suffolk, with good transport links to London.
Price: £410.80 for seven nights self catering starting on 23rd April 2011, sleeps four people
