Canterbury guest house for bed and breakfast accomodation

Cycling around the garden of England, visiting historic sites and attractions, photographing courses and holidays in Slovenia, Europe. Stay at The Coach House in Canterbury and explore Kent the active way or visit Europe's hidden treasure, Slovenia.

The Coach House Holidays, Canterbury

During the summer of 2010 there are a selection of Coach House holidays to participate in. These are all listed below and range from easy city cycling to gentle walking weekends and photography courses with a local photographer. All are outlined in brief with dates and prices, if you wish for more detailed dossier information please contact us and we will send via email all further requested details. Where there are group dates indicated these will not exceed more than 8 people and be accompanied by a local guide. The staff of The Coach House have more than 15 years experience in active tourism and we can tailor any self guiding holidays to your requirements, the below are examples of what is available.

Cycling short breaks (self guided)

Based in Canterbury at The Coach House for the 2/3 nights the cycling will be within the city of Canterbury and the local area. The routes will be tailored to your requirements and upon your arrival we will discuss what you wish to see, how demanding a route and your general interests to be including in the days cycling. Our example dossiers include routes around the city of Canterbury, the local countryside and villages, the famous crab and winkle way from Canterbury to the coastal town of Whitstable, the downs and to Dover castle and a cycle along the White Cliffs.

All our routes are marked on maps for you and come with full route descriptions and contact numbers if needed. Many of the routes also include the option of returning by bus or train if so desired. If you do not have bikes or do not wish to bring your own then our bikes are all new and suitable for a variety of terrain. All come with repair kits, helmets, panniers and extra pads for the saddles.

Arriving any day from April - October. Price per person: 155gbp 2 nights or 205gbp 3 nights. Price includes accommodation (double, twin or single rooms) with breakfast, on site parking, bike hire if needed, maps and route descriptions, packed lunches.

Cycling holidays 5 or 7 days (self guided)

Taking in most of the Kent Coast and Country the 5 and 7 day cycling holidays start and finish in Canterbury. The route can be tailored to your requirements and upon your arrival we will discuss in further detail the route for the duration of cycling. The dossier route in brief in outlined below. The route can be made easier or more demanding where required and are all marked on maps accompanied by full daily route descriptions and contact numbers if needed. Luggage is transfered from point to point daily. The first and final nights accommodation is in Canterbury at The Coach House, other nights accommodation is in similar standard B&Bs or guesthouses en route.

Day 1: Arrive Canterbury. Overnight The Coach House. Day 2: Canterbury to Whitsable, The Crab and Winkle way. Leaving the city, through dense woodlands to the oyster town of Whitstable. 7.5miles (can be extended) Overnight in Whitstable. Day 3: Whitstable to Ramsgate, The Viking Trail. Along the Kent coast with the trails mostly hugging the coastline and passing through historical Reculver, sandy beaches and bays. Traffic free route except when entering the town of Ramsgate. 29 miles. Overnight in Ramsgate. Day 4: Ramsgate to Dover. A journey onto the White Cliffs with views across the France, whilst passing the extraordinary fortress town of Deal. 25 miles. Overnight in St Margarets. Day 5: Coast to Cathedral. Back to Canterbury from Dover, visiting the impressive castle optional, along leafy lanes, bridle ways, county villages and hamlets. 22 miles. Overnight Canterbury, The Coach House.

Days 6 and 7: Extended holidays cycling. Day 5: Circular route from Dover taking in the Romney marsh area, Hythe and into the beautiful fishing village of Rye. Train back to and overnight in Folkstone. Day 6: Coast to Cathedral. Back to Canterbury from Dover, visiting the impressive castle optional, along leafy lanes, bridle ways, county villages and hamlets. 22 miles. Overnight Canterbury. Day 7: Canterbury city and surroundings. Overnight Canterbury

Hire bikes come with repair kits, helmets, panniers and extra pads for the saddles.

Arriving any day from April - October. Price per person: 395gbp 5 nights or 495gbp 7 nights. Price includes accommodation (double, twin or single rooms) with breakfast, on site parking, bike hire if needed, maps and route descriptions, packed lunches luggage transfer.

Photography weekends

Both the photography weekends and breaks are based in Canterbury whilst staying at The Coach House. Each morning our local photographer, who has taken pictures for a number of Kent and National publications as well as photo-shoots, will introduce the day ahead. This will depend on light, weather and other circumstances. Our photographer not only knows the places to go to but also what will look best in what light. His knowledge is invaluable and will ensure you get the best shoots of the city with instruction throughout the day.

Weekends will be mainly based around Canterbury with a wealth of historic sites to capture including the interior and exterior of the Cathedral, as well as the surrounding countryside, city centre, parks and waterways and magnificent view points overlooking the city.

On the photography breaks we will go further a field as well including visits to the coastal areas of Whitstable and Reculver, Dover castle and The White Cliffs, Woodlands of Canterbury and country villages. All days are accompanied by our photographer with professional tuition and advice throughout the 5 days.

April 16th - 18th, May 21st - 23rd, June 18th - 20th, July 23rd - 25th, August 06th - 08th, September 03rd - 05th & 24th - 26th, November 19th - 21st, December 10th - 12th

Price per person: 275gbp. Price includes 2 nights accommodation (double, twin or single rooms) with breakfast, on site parking, packed/restaurant lunches, full days shooting on location in and around Canterbury, transfers to locations, entrance fees, guide/photographer.

Photography breaks, 5 days

April 18th - 23rd, May 23rd - 28th, August 08th - 13th, Septmeber 05th - 10th, November 21st - 26th, December 12th - 17th

Price per person: 655gbp. Price includes 5 nights accommodation (double, twin or single rooms) with breakfast, on site parking, packed lunches, full days shooting on location in and around Canterbury, transfers to locations, guide/photographer.

Historical & Scenic Kent

Discover Canterbury and Kent, including a half day tour of the historical city of Canterbury and a day along the Kent coast.

Day 1: Arrive Canterbury, check in. Day 2: Morning tour of Canterbury. Lunch in Canterbury. Afternoon visiting Whitstable, the oyster harbour and a stroll through the cobbled streets and beachy promenade. Day 2: The Kent Coast and country. The route will depend on weather but will mainly visit Dover Castle and the White cliffs. After visiting the castle a stroll along the cliffs to St Margarets and lunch. Onwards to Deal, Sandwich and ending with a visit to Reculver castle.

April 22nd - 25th, May 20th - 23rd, July 29th - August 01st, Septmeber 02nd - 05th, October 07th - 10th

Price per person: 375gbp. Price includes 3 nights accommodation (double, twin or single rooms) with breakfast, on site parking, maps and route descriptions, packed lunches or restaurant lunches, transfers, entrance fees, guide.

Coach House Holidays can also be tailored to group or individual requirements, for example 2 days cycling and 2 days walking or photography weekend followed by 2 days cycling. Please contact us for any further details, any questions you may have, dossier information requests or to book your place on any of The Coach House Holidays - info@coachhouse-canterbury.co.uk

The Coach House Slovenia, Europe

Slovenia is situated in the heart of central Europe, connecting east with west. The country itself is one of the most diverse in Europe and in such a small land mass. Slovenia, the size of Wales, has 8 different regions, and 3 climates, including alpine with lake, mountains, crystal clear rivers to 48kms of perfect Adriatic coastline. The capital is similar to Prague being designed by the same Slovene architect, wine regions in the East and the caves and Karst centrally located, UNESCO Postojna being the 3rd largest cave system in the world.

• — Prices start from 155.00 (weekend rental)
• — 395.00 for a weeks stay accommodating upto 6 people
• — Airport transfers included
• — Local representive contact
• — Welcome food hamper included
• — Open log fire in the living area
• — Games room with bar
• — Free WiFi, DVD libary and computer
• — Newly renovated/built house
• — Tranquil location
• — Skiing, hiking, summer/winter location
• — BBQ terrace with panaramic views
•  

The Coach House is located in the region of Gorenjska, the alpine region, at the foot of the Karavanke Mountains which stretch along the border of Slovenia and Austria 120kms. A tranquil location surrounded by nothing but forest, meadows and woodlands, with a mountain stream running close by and the lake of Preddvor a 15min stroll away. The local village has no more than 1000 inhabitants with a pharmacy, a number of local cuisine restaurants, small supermarket, butchers, post office, ATM and local inforamtion point.

From the verandah of The Coach House you walk directly onto a woodland path, used by no one except you. Leading from here onto over 100kms of mountain trails. From woodland strolls through meadows, mountain chapels and streams (this region is home to over 3000 species of fauna and flora, some only found in this area in the world due to a unique climate). More demanding hikes up to peaks of over 2000metres and trails into Austria. A network of mountain huts serves the area meaning you can sample many home cooked soups and even stay over night if taking in a more extensive trekking route. There is also mountain biking, paragliding, rafting and nordic walking to participate in.

From The Coach House, a 5 min drive, is the ski area of Krvavec. One of the best equipped and groomed areas in Slovenia. With over 50kms of piste, 70% days of sun and a new lift system Krvavec offers skiing from beginners to off piste and powder enthusiasts.

The Coach House is a self catering property with 3 living levels set in almost 300 square metres of land:

Lower level: Entrance into a hallway and storage area for bags, skis etc. A WC and washroom is located in here as well. This area leads into a games room, with table football, darts, pool, computer and small bar. Located on the lower level is a garage with automatic door and a laundry / dry room. Washing machine and boiler are located in separate rooms. In total 4 rooms, boiler room and garage, in a 200sqm area.

1st floor: Main living area all open planned. 200sqm of space with a living room, kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen has views over the valley and local village and is fully equipped and has a door leading into the garden and balcony /terrace. The living area is over 50sqm in size and has leather sofas, cable TV and WiFi. A log fire is situated in the main room.

The upper floor: 150sqm in size, has 3 bedrooms, bathroom, hall area and balcony. The view is panoramic and from the master bedrooms balcony overlook the valley and immediately into the forest, where deer and wildlife can be viewed. The master bedroom has a king sized bed, flat screen cable TV, DVD, walk in wardrobe and balcony. The 2 other bedrooms overlook the garden. Bedroom 1 has 2 single beds, bedroom 2 is a child's room with cot, wardrobe, changing table. It can also be used as an adult single room. Bathroom has an extremely large bath with hand held shower, fully tiled wet room.

Outside: is a terrace with BBQ area overlooking the local area and valley. The garden is grassed with a children's play area to the side (slide, sand pit and swing). During the summer the terrace and garden are in sun for almost the entire day. A drive and entrance to the house are all private and there is no access beyond the house with only 3 other small weekend houses nearby.

The Coach House is a self catering accommodation that can accommodate up to 6 people. It is rentable solely as a property or as part of a Coach House Holidays. These include:

Self catering - weekends, weeks (Sat - Sat), or 2 week stays. Price includes exclusive use of property, welcome food hamper, local contact and representative, collection from airport and return transfer

Ski holidays: Weekends or week stays. Includes all of the above

Summer activity weeks or weekends. Ranging from biking, hiking, trekking and multi activity (includes rafting, biking, hiking, canoeing and kayaking)

All holiday activities are provided by local agencies with highly qualified staff and recommend by the national tourist board. Prices vary and a full pricing structure can be sent on request by contacting us - info@coachhouse-canterbury.co.uk

In the heart of the Slovenia

The Coach House Slovenia is located in Mace, Preddvor, 600metres above sea level. A tranquil setting surrounded by towering mountain peaks, open meadows, dense woodland and mountain streams. The lake and village of Preddvor is a 15min walk from the house with the town of Kranj a 15min drive or bus journey away. Preddvor is serviced daily and regularly with local buses into the town where connecting buses go to the Lake Bled, Bohinj and the capital Ljubljana, all no more than 45mins away.

The national airport is 20min drive from Preddvor with Easyjet flying into airport from Stanstead. Alternatively Ryanair fly into neighbouring Austria, Klagenfurt or Italy, Trieste. 1hr and 90min drive away respectively. All airports have comprehensive car rental services.

The season climates are very distinctive. Summer brings average temperatures of 25 c with approximately 5 days a week clear and sunny. Winter can be as cold as minus 10c with snow cover and the lake in Preddvor freezing, some years to allow skating and ice hockey. The alpine region is the sunniest of all theEuropean Alps with the Julian Alps in Slovenia being the most Southernly of the range and the first ridge from the Adriatic coast. This region has slogans such as "The Sunny Side of The Alps" and "Europe's Hidden Treasure". Slovenia is certainly largely undiscovered and certainly not over saturated in tourism. No more so than in Preddvor where everything is local and self sufficient with farming, a delightful and friendly community.

Areas and places to visit from The Coach House, Preddvor

Lake Bled. A 6km lake with the castle perched on the cliff, a island and church in the centre of the lake and the Julian Alps and Mt Triglav as a back drop. 30mins drive

Lake Bohinj. Slovenia's largest lake and glacier lake, feed by the magnificent waterfall Savica. A natural centre for outdoor sports, especially kayaking and canoeing. 1hrs drive

Ljubljana. Capital of Slovenia. One of the smallest capitals in Europe with 500,000 residents, making it a very peaceful city, a mini prague with the River Sava through the heart of the city. 45mins drive

Postojna and Skocjan caves. The worlds 3rd largest cave system and millions of years old. 1hrs drive

The Slovene Coast, with the peninsula town of Piran, the salt pans and wildlife reserve. 90mins drive

Kranjska Gora and Vrsic pass. The most westerly village. Sitting snug between the Julian Alps and Karavanke Mountains with the Vrsic pass containing no less than 50 hairpin bends to 1600ms