I visited the village of Woolacombe today, the coastline and golden sands were breath-taking.  There were plenty of shops from fresh groceries, local arts and crafts to delicious Devonshire ice-creams.  Later I enjoyed fresh fish ‘n’ chips at a nearby cafe whilst watching the sun go down…the end to a perfect day.

At last – its here. After the long, everlasting, excruciating final weeks of school they’ve finally arrived. No more school! The summer holidays have finally started and, yes its true, the sun is shining, its warm and North Devon is buzzing with children and their parents enjoying everything this wonderful part of the South West has to offer.

We spent the weekend in Lynmouth and if there is a prettier, friendlier little town in the country I’ll be amazed. Maisie our Cocker Spanial loved her walk through the Valley of the Rocks – although slightly disconcerted by the wild goats, and then we had a fantastic lunck in the Rising Sun. The evening was spent crabbing and rock pooling and watching the sun slowly set. What a great day.

Next week the under 21s Atlantic Watersports Games are being held in North Devon. Competitors are coming from at least 5 countries and have competed at World and National levels. Events include surfing, surf kayaking, kite surfing, rowing, sailing and windsurfing. Bideford is hosting the opening ceremony – including afternoon and evening festivites and in addition events will be held throughout the week in Croyde, Westward Ho!, and Saunton. So why not book up one of our self-catering cottages in Croyde or in one of the other locations, watch the activities and see how much more there is to do when holidaying in Devon.

The deckchairs are being put up, ice cream parlors wiped down, and the beaches have been swept as North Devon starts to move up through gears into the full blown holiday season. And lets face it, a holiday in the South West offers something for everyone.

In a recent survey for Tripadvisor poll, 9 out of 10 of the most popular beaches in the UK were in Devon and Cornwall.  Combine this with the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, the UNESCO Biosphere in North Devon, the National Parks and Bodmin Moor, and the South West offers a holiday venue of unrivalled environmental excellence .

We have amazing resorts, from the cool and trendy such as Croyde or Woolacombe to the charming and timeless like Clovelly and Padstow. Its no wonder we have some of the best restaurants in the country with our plentiful supply of incredible local produce and fish. And we know how to enjoy ourselves, with superb watersports, festivals, arts and attractions nobody is ever bored.

This week a trip to Ilfracombe is on the cards. fantastic views, interesting shops, a delicious ice cream, who could  ask for more!

We’re really looking forward to the Clovelly Maritime Festival this weekend. It’s a great day out in this unique stunning village, packed with attractions, including rousing shanty singers, Punch and Judy, maritime themed entertainment, local stalls and more.  Hungry visitors are catered for with fresh seafood or a succulent spit roast on the quay and delicious, fresh strawberry and cream teas at the New Inn. On the Saturday the ‘Lundy Gig Row’ starts at 8am from the historic quayside.

The row from Clovelly to Lundy and back across 32 miles of open seas is a huge test of endurance – depending upon the weather and tides it can take up to four hours.  Pilots rowed these speedy craft out to ships, battling to be the first alongside to win the pilotage job.  Why not come along and support the brave crews!