Ahhhh, the bucket and spade holiday- the stalwart of every British break (just try and avoid the rain!)

Here at Mulberry Cottages we know that escaping to the Kentish coast for a weekend or more during the summer has always been that little bit more special than visiting anywhere else… now our suspicions have been proven with the latest news that the small but beautiful Isle of Thanet boasts a record nine blue flag beaches!

Punch and Judy, melting lollies and sand between your toes= bliss!

In the latest results from Keep Britian Tidy, the sandy beaches that surround Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs are tidy and pleasant to visit, with high water quality and good beachside facilities. After a disasterous 2011, where 6 of the 9 beaches previously awarded a blue flag failed to keep them, 2012 has seen each one of them regain the accolade in the run up to the busy summer season.

It isn't hard to see why Thanet's beaches are some lauded... Botany Bay, Kingsgate

Take advantage of these enviable beaches during the summer months with a stay with Mulberry Cottages at our newly aquired seaside retreat in Ramsgate, the chic 1 Royal Cresent. Sleeping 8 and commanding beautiful sea views, the spacious and modern apartment, which has been tastefully furnished is the perfect place for a lazy day on the beach or even a brisk clifftop stroll to take in all nine beaches before enjoying a well earned sit down! 

The stunningly designed 1 Royal Cresent... take a deep breath of that sea air!

 http://www.mulberrycottages.com/cottage/holiday-cottages-in-kent/55141-1-royal-crescent/

The wonderful big top at Storyfest was buzzing all weekend!

From live poetry and storybook readings from award winning authors (including Knife and Packer, Tracey Corderoy, Ali Sparks, Adam Stower and Paul Stickland to name but a few!), to dressing up, making crafts, learning how to illustrate or even taking some tea in the company of the Mad Hatter- there was plenty to enthrall both adults and children!

The inspired Mad Hatter at his teaparty... curiouser and curiouser

As mentioned above, the weather was good to the hundreds of visitors who turned out on both Saturday and Sunday, meaning that they could enjoy the variety of activities on offer- one of the most exciting things about Storyfest. Emma Stillwell, organiser of the day said;

“We had sold out of tickets to the author workshops by lunchtime.  Some of those events were for up to 120 people so it was an incredible achievement for us.  We thought we were going to struggle with all the bad weather we have had but actually for the weekend it has been beautiful.  I think it was a success as it was a totally different event and really exciting for children to enjoy.  It’s been amazing to see children everywhere here today with their noses in books!”

You could buy a book, meet the author and enjoy it at bedtime... all in one day!

Having their own bookshop on site, children had the rare opportunity to buy a book (or bring one from home) to have it signed by the author themselves the very same day! The poetry takeaway did a roaring trade providing free portions of delicious poetry to its visitors-first performed directly to them and then taken away to enjoy again at home… there were comic strip lessons and illustration workshops and even a theatre where children could watch a selection of 2 minute pieces from the Hartfield Community Play ‘Parallel Lives’.

The poetry takeaway did a roaring trade on both Saturday and Sunday

Both Sophie and Mandie from the Mulberry team went along, with Mandie bringing her two children- who both agreed that the fesival was great fun. So a festival which gets children reading but also lets them discover that its fun?! Sounds like a win-win situation to us!

All this reading making you peckish... why not pick up a love bite to eat! One of the great food providers at Storyfest

We were very proud to be involved in such a worthwhile scheme and offer a massive congratulations to the team who organised the event! Roll on next year!

Mouth watering yet? Enjoy a Sandwich this weekend

The picturesque cinque port of Sandwich is taking the bull by the horns this weekend and holding a celebration of their most famous foodstuff, complete with sandwich making competitions, live music, a rustic food fayre, teddybears picnic and even a live re-enactment of the beautiful moment when the sandwich was first discovered!

The humble sandwich... making sure that everyone is well fed on the road!

Stay with us near to Sandwich at the luxurious 2 Caesar Apartments- located just along the coast at Walmer with gorgeous furnishings and sea views can be yours for just £18 per person per night for the weekend- go on- have a sandwich on us!

The gorgeous interior of 2 Caesars Apartments

http://www.mulberrycottages.com/cottage/holiday-cottages-in-kent/44112-2-caesar-apartments/

The imposing Leeds Castle was the perfect place for a day out- and it didn't even rain (much)!

That was not all however, as we were also invited on a tour around the castle, a scrumptuous cream tea and to try our hand at either hawking or on a segway in the afternoon!

The Mulberry Cottage girls, a vision in country casuals! L-R Elizabeth, Sophie, Mandie, Emma, Suzanne, Louise and Melanie

So, positively shaking with excitement, we made our way through the gorgeous manicured gardens, complete with peacocks and bubbling brooks last week to the grand Leeds Castle to enjoy our day out.

The beautiful peacocks added a touch of luxury to the grounds of Leeds Castle

We had the privilege of a guided tour around the self catering holiday properties, from the intimate Weir cottage (an impossibly romantic boltholt for two overlooking the Weir pond, where kingfishers and other wildlife can be seen regularly), Broomfield Cottage which is decorated with a vintage feel right up to the spacious Knights Cottage, which comes complete with massive gardens and luxury in every space!

The very luxurious Broomfield cottage

The cream tea that we enjoyed was befitting of the castles’ most famous occupant, King Henry VIII and even he would probably have not been able to finish the magnificent spread that was on offer. The cakes melted in your mouth and the company was even better…

The wonderful spread at Leeds Castle- enough to make anyone's mouth water!

To end our day we had the chance to either set out on the segways or try our hand at a little hawking- and being the adventurous sort of people that we are we split up and did both… our entrepid booking team member Emma volunteered to meet the birds first, nervously holding the bait out for ‘Boston’ (who was much scarier than he sounds!) to come and grab; and after our feathery friend sucessfully hunted and killed an baby rabbit (sob!) he was on his best behaviour.

Emma bravely stepped up as the first participant/victim!

Our own resident Dr Dolittle Carl, wasted no time in literally charming the birds from the trees and the day was rounded off with a visit from the cutest and most feathery baby owl, Zippy (just as cute as he sounds!).

Our little feathery friend called Zippy

For the rest of us, it was the high hills of Leeds Castle estate, all ready to be conquered via segway.

We predict this will be the only way to travel circa 2021...

After some initial wobbles, we were segway-ing with the best of them, gradually working up to the top speed (an earth shattering 12.5mph), rushing up the hill to the best view of the castle and sending sheep scattering, there was even talk of Emma, our marketing manager, purchasing one for personal use!

See? She's a natural! Emma our Marketing Manager finds her feet on the segway

We took on cattle grids, speed bumps and even tried a bit of offroading- proving ourselves as masters of the segway once and for all!

All in all, a fantastic day was had by all of us, and a massive thank you to Leeds castle for making it happen!

The gorgeous Leeds Castle; yep- we could imagine working from here! Mulberry Castles perhaps?!

Before the run... so hopeful, so innocent- I almost feel sorry for us!

Knowing that we were raising money for a charity as good as this helped to keep our spirits up as we travelled over to the East Grinstead sports centre for the half ten start in the driving rain, wrapped up warm and excited about the action to come. Like babes in the wood, the girls at the Mulberry Office (along with the generous spirits, Helen and Emily from  Foxwood Maclean and Tam and Mark from CLM) gathered in the middle of what looked like thousands of seasoned marathon runners- warming up with an impromptu cancan and throughly unprepared for the struggle that was to come!

So we set off with hope in our hearts, Elizabeth, Sophie, Tam and Emma H striking out for the first leg whilst the rest of the team travelled onto the second and third legs to wait for our arrival…… which proved (for some!) to be a long time coming.

The front runners, Sophie, Tam and Emma- don't let the pretty faces fool you, these ladies mean business!

Whilst we had some amazing runners in the group, putting Paula Radcliffe to shame with their controlled breathing and special water bottles, the rest of us had to deal with unexpected cramp, embarrassing tumbles and more mud than any of us had ever seen! Fields became swimming pools, paths become mud slides and lots of the course became more cross country that comfortable Saturday morning jaunt.

The first finisher and token male, Mark- put the girls to shame flying over the finish line!

Somehow the first runners reached the changeover and the second then third runners were able to tackle the course for themselves; there were red faces and gasping all round when the first of our teams crossed the finish line…

Emma, our marketing manager, celebrates with her well deserved medal

Tired, dishevelled and muddy- the Mulberry Cottages team felt another, more unexpected emotion crossed our minds- the sense of achievement that comes from going through a bit of pain for a good reason. Did we come first….. of course not! Did we (tentatively) enjoy ourselves…. yes!

To join us in donating to this wonderful cause, please visit www.fesh.org.uk.

The Mulberry Team post race... the same but with added mud

The Queen has seen it all; World Wars, social revolutions, civil unrest and changes in government... doesn't she deserve a little sit down?!

Everyone here at Mulberry Cottages is just as excited at the prospect of cream teas, champagne and street parties as we are with long jump, dressage or hurdles and have chosen a very generous sort of gift to celebrate…

For every booking taken and subsequently taken between today and the 10th June, your party will receive a bottle of chilled champagne to raise a glass with us to an unbelievable 60 years on the throne for Queen Elizabeth. The only decision you have to make is where you want to enjoy it!

Raise a glass to the monarchy, the Queen and even the extra two days off!

Will it be on a sun dappled balcony, looking out towards the sea? We have the most wonderful property looking out over the gorgeous St Margaret’s Bay, with luxurious features and jaw dropping views! Treworgie sleeps five and is available for the long Jubilee weekend for just £513.75 (just £26 per person per night).

Picture enjoying your champagne from here!

What about in you own personal bar in a Georgian Manor House? 48 Vale Square in Ramsgate is the ideal getaway for a group with interior furnishings to rival 5* hotels, complete with a baby grand piano and private decking area. 48 Vale Square sleeps eight and is available for a week over the Jubilee from £1,300 per week (£23 per person per night).

The gorgeous period facade of 48 Vale Square, Ramsgate

Or even a rustic country hideaway? Chocolate Box Cottage is nestled in the heart of the Kentish Weald with beautiful walks and views and comfortable homely interiors. This 16th century cottage is overflowing with character and perfect for a quintessentially English break. Chocolate Box Cottage is available for the week over the Jubilee for £585 (£21 per person per night).

The impossibly gorgeous exterior of Chocolate Box cottage, perfect for a country hideaway!

So, why not toast with us to the Queen and to the long weekend, a stalwart of English society and the joys of the British holiday…

These beautiful little flowers sprinkle a little bit of magic over woods and field in April and May

The countryside at this time becomes a haven for photographers and artists looking to capture and keep a little bit of the wonderful natural phenomenon as well as an army of walkers, romantics and those in need of a little rest and relaxation for an hour or more.

The Bluebell Woods in Emmetts Garden are famous for not only the amazing, far reaching views over the beautiful Weald of Kent, but also the sudden explosion of colour every spring around this time as spring finally springs into action! Why not take a picnic and make a day of it?

The hill side garden at Emmetts Garden is the perfect place for far reaching views and getting up close and personal to nature!

Over in Sussex, Brede High Woods have the most beautiful bluebells walks for you to enjoy, set over a 647 acres of woodland all ready to be explored! Brede High Woods has a wealth of breeds of plants and animals as well as the breathtaking, secret garden feel at this time of year due to the little bluebell flowers.

There is nothing quite like introducing the little ones to the bluebell wood and entertaining them with tales of faires and magic!

You can lose yourself for hours at a time in this serene little corner of Sussex, perfect for lovebirds, families, nature lovers or even dramatists (a spot of Midsummer Night’s Dream perhaps?!).

We have the perfect base for your exploration of this seasonal beauty, the aptly named Bluebells Cottage in Pett. Situated along a winding drive, this beautifully decorated property has a secluded, hideaway feeling with personal touches in every room.

Let the large windows at Bluebells cottage put you closer to nature on your holiday

The large, continuous windows give Bluebells a real feeling of light and space- the views from the spacious and elegant sitting area have to been seen to be appreciated! Bluebells Cottage has enough space to accomodate all your friends and family (ideal for a large family plus grandparents for instance), sleeping 10 +2 with prices starting from £1668.57 for a week (£20 per person per night).

Check out these views from the marvellous master bedroom!

http://www.mulberrycottages.com/cottage/holiday-cottages-in-east-sussex/53131-bluebells-cottage/

(a little tip to finish off… thinking of popping the question? There is no where more romantic on earth than the bluebell woods at this time of year!)

The intrepid girls from the Mulberry Office have been first on the scene!

This is why we’ve taken the hassle out of browsing for your holiday with us by making short videos of some of our properties giving you a ‘guided tour’ around the house and gardens. It is through this that you can get a real feel for the properties that we have and soak up a bit of the atmosphere which sometimes get lost in photos or words on a page.

Hopefully in time we will be able to create these videos to give you an impression of all the properties in our portfolio, allowing you to imagine walking along the shoreline towards your own beach front apartment or enjoying a picnic under the boughs of a tree in the grounds of your quaint country cottage.

Stay tuned for many more videos to come, but in the meantime- check out our videos on three of our most exciting new cottages… Why not start with Winton’s Cottage- a charming country retreat filled with stylish furnishing and thoughtful touches.

Winton’s cottage sleeps 6 and is available from £17 per person per night.

For those after a luxurious retreat, look no further than Berkeley Cottage in Mayfield, East Sussex. This beautiful interior-designed property is set over a vast amount of space, comprising of multiple living spaces perfect for having your own space whilst spending time with your nearest and dearest.

Berkeley Cottage sleeps 7 and is available from £21 per person per night

If you want to step back in time on your English countryside break, then why not let us introduce you to a quaint and characterful cottage (with a Grade 2 English Heritage rating) near Cranbrook, Squirrel Cottage. With unique features in every room topped off with the most enormous copper bath situated in the master bedroom, it is a property and a place perfect for a quintessentially English retreat.

Squirrel Cottage sleeps 6 and is available from £20 per person per night.

The acres of space on offer at Finchcocks Oast, Goudhurst, Kent

This gorgeous converted Oast House has room to entertain you and 39 guests, and has plenty of space to house all of your party whether relaxing, sharing a meal or… partying! The top floor has been uniquely designed as a massive open space, complete with spacious and luxurious kitchen, filled with professional grade appliances (to make entertaining on a large scale a breeze!) and an amazingly long vaulted room filled with multiple sitting and dining areas perfect for catching up and indulging in some serious celebrating.

The gorgeous kitchen area at Finchcocks Oast

All of the living areas command beautiful views from every window, providing a wonderful backdrop for a party or gathering. Is the weather good? Why not take your group out onto the massive first floor decking area to enjoy a chilled glass of wine on top of the world?! For getting all the family or all your friends together, Finchcocks Oast simply cannot be bettered.

Take in the stunning rural views from your own first floor terrace

This huge property has been magnificently designed by its owners to include quality and luxury in every space. The underfloor heating and sumptuous furnishings make you feel a million miles away from your own home without the hassle of dusting off your passport!

The most beautiful spaces to relax in, full of original and remarkable features

The whole bottom floor is full of large and well furnished bedrooms, all with ensuites to ensure your party restful nights after active days… why not take a lap of the pool before lunch or an afternoon tennis match?

The grand bedrooms would not look out of place in a 5 star hotel!

The possibilities are endless at Finchcocks, and in housing all of your group together, you can extend the party over a weekend or beyond, trust me you won’t want to leave!

Share a meal in the most impressive of settings

Finchcocks Oast is available from the beginning of June and with prices starting (unbelieveably!) at just £17.50 per person per night! http://www.mulberrycottages.com/cottage/holiday-cottages-in-kent/48647-finchcocks-oast/

No doubt the Queen will be ready to party over her very special Jubilee weekend!

This ‘snapshot of the jubilee year’ will be on display throughout the Jubilee at the Towner Gallery in Eastbourne and will be roughly the size of a double decker bus!

Look at Eastbourne taking inspiration from the front cover of the Mulberry brochure!

BBC South East are looking for help in collecting the 10,000 plus photographs that are needed to make this by the 11th May 2012, so to immortalise yourself on this most important of years for Great Britain and send your photographs in. For more information and how to submit, please visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-17516843

Squint and it could be the Riviera! Eastbourne's beautiful promenade.

To stay close to the beautiful town of Eastbourne (the sunniest place in the UK! Holidays abroad…. pah!) during the royal festivities then Mulberry Cottages would be happy to help you set up your street party outside Bluebells, a charming country house big enough for all the family, a short drive from Eastbourne and set in beautiful gardens…

Relax in the luxurious surroundings of Bluebell Cottage, a short drive from Eastbourne

Bluebells is available for a week over the Jubilee weekend for just £23 per person per night!

I doubt even a Royal would feel a pea through these opulent soft furnishings!

http://www.mulberrycottages.com/cottage/holiday-cottages-in-east-sussex/14737-little-bucksteep-oast/