Crabtree & Crabtree, the leading independent vacation rental company specializing in the North of England and South of Scotland, is delighted to announce the launch of immersive C&C Experiences on July 21, 2023. These authentically local experiences will serve as an extension of their forthcoming region-specific Little Black Book insider guides, available exclusively to Crabtree & Crabtree guests. Each C&C Experience has been dreamt up in collaboration with a handful of their favorite local contacts, giving their guests the opportunity to get a true sense of these magical regions, discovering local secrets and honing hidden arts.
New for Summer 2023 will be 14 engaging C&C Experiences offering a wide selection for the entire family, which are loosely categorized into wildlife experiences, nature-led adventures, learning a new skill, historical & cultural and wellness experiences. A separate collection of food and drink-based experiences will also be launching in the autumn.
Ranging from private charters and snorkeling with seals, fossil hunting and mini wildlife ranger adventures to alpaca picnics, falconry experiences, watercolor workshops and wellness weekends, all C&C Experiences are region or property specific and will be recommended to guests as an appropriate add-on when making their booking, as well as connecting guests to the local area and supporting local individuals and business.
Highlights from the 14 new C&C Experiences include:
Barefoot Pilgrims Way Walk to Holy Island
NORTHUMBERLAND, ENGLAND
Follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims, St. Cuthbert among them, by undertaking a seven-mile barefoot awakening walk across the coastal causeway to the tidal Holy Island of Lindisfarne – something that’s only possible at low tide before it’s submerged by water. Your experienced guide will bring the fascinating history of the Holy Island to life on your walk, recounting local legends and pointing out passing birds and animals. Once on the island, you’ll enjoy a delicious picnic, packed full of local fare, on a secluded white sand beach. The walk is best enjoyed from April to September, when the grey seals gather on the exposed sandbanks and sing their encouragement to modern-day pilgrims splashing their way across the bay.
This experience is suitable for guests aged 6 years and up and costs £55 per person (approx. $70 pp) with a two-person minimum and includes a beach picnic lunch. Nearby example property is Mill Cottage, Brockmill Farm (sleeps 4).
Snorkeling with Seals
NORTHUMBERLAND, ENGLAND
Located just off the rugged AONB (UK designated Area of Natural Beauty) Northumberland coastline, not far from the quaint village of Bamburgh with its legendary castle, you’ll find the Farne Islands. These magical islands are home to a variety of wildlife, including puffins and one of the UK’s largest grey seal colonies. Working with local water sports experts, C&C guests can enjoy a private charter to the Farne Islands followed by a guided swimming and snorkelling session with the inquisitive seals who will often play with guests as they explore these rich waters.
This experience is suitable for guests aged 12 years and up and costs £180 per person (approx. $229 pp) with a four-person minimum. This price includes private boat charter with two guides and a beach picnic lunch, as well as a donation to Tynemouth Seal Hospital to help conserve and protect the seals. Example property is Sandsend (sleeps 10).
Alpaca Stroll and Picnic
THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
Animal lovers are in for a treat, with a sunset stroll in the magical Cheviot hills in the company of friendly alpacas. After meeting your regal companion, your guide will lead you to a stunning viewpoint where a delectable picnic will be laid out for you. Complete with twinkling lights, cozy blankets and a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape of patchwork fields and rolling hills, guests will be treated to a hamper full of local produce and beyond to enjoy as you watch the sun set below the horizon.
This experience costs from £140 per person (approx. $178 pp) based on a group of four and includes a scenic picnic meal. Example property is Junction House (sleeps 6).
Watercolor Workshops
THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
Master the art of sketching with an artist-led drawing or watercolor workshop. Held over two days at your C&C holiday home in The Borders, you’ll enjoy expert artistic instruction which will take you from the basics of shading and line drawing to improving brush technique and color composition. Replicate the gorgeous local countryside in a wash of delicate color or turn your hand to still life and sketch flowers, fruit or the interiors of your pretty cottage. Each day includes one 90-minute session, which will be tailored to your interests and level of
expertise.
This experience is suitable for all ages and costs £20 per person (approx. $25 pp) with a three-person minimum, or individual sessions may be arranged for £30 per person (approx. $38 pp). Example property is Rowchester West Lodge, Coldstream (sleeps 4).
Wellness Weekends
THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
Rejuvenate your physical and mental wellbeing with a tailored wellbeing break in the Scottish Borders & North Northumberland. Working in partnership with a qualified yoga instructor, Crabtree & Crabtree offers guests the opportunity to unwind and connect with nature in a series of restorative activities including riverside meditation, early morning bird song walks, reiki or sound bath sessions and sunset yoga. Held over two or three days and taking place on local beaches, in hidden beauty spots or in the tranquil surrounds of your C&C cottage garden, C&C’s wellness weekend breaks comprise up to six private sessions, tailored to your or your group’s wellness goals.
This experience is suitable for all ages and costs £100 per session (approx. $127 per session) or £500 for six sessions (approx. $635) depending on group size. Example property Housedon Haugh at Reedsford (sleeps 11).
To book your stay with Crabtree & Crabtree visit www.crabtreeandcrabtree.com or call +44 (0) 1573 226711. All C&C Experiences are subject to availability and reserved in addition to the property booking via experiences@crabtreeandcrabtree.com.
