You may have noticed in the press and on TV that this week has been English Tourism week but you may not have known that HRH Prince Charles agreed to assume patronage. Now we didn’t actually have a royal visit here in our part of the West Country, but we certainly did our bit to promote our fabulous holidays in North Devon, Exmoor and Cornwall.
Tourism in England benefits everyone and this special week has given us the opportunity to put ourselves centre stage and kick start the year by celebrating everything that’s great about an English holiday.
Our visitors have enjoyed walks around the stunning Biosphere Reserve, we have welcomed local dignitaries and business to join us for some typical English Fayre in our offices in Braunton, and we have interestingly re-created a beach scene in the centre of the historic town of Barnstaple to promote our company and the variety of quality accommodation we have to offer in North Devo, Exmoor and Cornwall. We are very proud of what we do and it’s great to have the opportunity to shout about it!
Why not take full advantage of the Easter Holidays and enjoy a break in the stunning South West. Spring comes early here and it’s often our sunniest time of the year, so pack your walking boots or beach towels and head south to one of our fabulous cottages. Fluffy bunnies, cute new born lambs, bulbs bursting into colour and a good excuse to eat chocolate……what more could you want!
Castle Hill Gardens in Filleigh have an Easter Bunny Hunt and Daffodil weekend on Easter Sunday and Monday, perfect for a family day out in a beautiful countryside setting. If you are staying closer to the spectacular North Coast, on Easter Monday at Chambercombe Manor in Ilfracombe you can enjoy a magic Show, balloon modelling, various races including the favourite egg and spoon race, a bouncy castle, face painting and toy stall.
Of course you may just want a relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle with a chance to re-charge your batteries, and we can’t think of a more perfect place than our miles of golden sandy beaches and spectacular countryside….…we look forward to seeing you!
As an addition to our portfolio of North Devon and Cornwall properties we also have a stunning apartment on the North Somerset coastline looking out across the Bristol Channel. Harbour View really has the “wow factor” and Minehead is a fabulous traditional holiday destination boasting a long promenade and wide expanse of sand and shingle beach alongside a sheltered harbour. Sitting on the edge of Exmoor National Park it’s equally suited to lovers of both coast and country. The stunning South West Coast Path winds its way from the quayside all along the coastline to Poole in Dorset and beautiful Exmoor countryside is right on the doorstep where you can catch a glimpse of Red Deer and Exmoor Ponies.
There is plenty to see and do in and around the town, take a walk along the colourful parade to sample an array of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants or visit the country’s largest steam powered railway. Nearby Dunster Castle is great for a day out but don’t miss the pretty village of Dunster lying at its feet, with over 200 listed buildings including the Old Yarn Market right in the centre of the village. Exclusive galleries, shops selling gifts, hand- made confectionery and much more line the historic high street and with a wonderful selection of restaurants, pubs and tea rooms you may have to pay a second visit!
With Valentine’s Day and the children’s half-term week coming up, you have every excuse to take a well earned break in the South West. With early spring on the horizon why not surprise your loved one with a romantic cosy cottage, or whisk the whole family away to enjoy all of the attractions and special events this lovely area has to offer.
Enjoy a fun day out at The Big Sheep with a range of indoor and outdoor attractions including Ice Skating and Toboggan slope, indoor playground, animal barn, shows and rides. Have an evening at the Queens Theatre in Barnstaple to see HMS Pinafore after sampling the delights of local cuisine in one of our many restaurants. Take in the beautiful sight of early spring flowers at Hartland Abbey and RHS Rosemoor or simply wrap up warm and stroll along the beautiful wide sandy beaches, all pet friendly at this time of year. Whatever you decide to do, there’ll be a cottage just perfect for you!
A traditional Country Pub with roaring log fires is the perfect place to find good food, rustic charm and a friendly welcome. All in the line of duty of course, on Friday evening we were invited to the re-launch of one of our favourite local hostelries, The Braunton Inn. After a glass of bubbly we were treated to a selection of “tasters” from the new and improved menu all served by our lovely waitress Caitlin and were very impressed with the different options on offer….although maybe I shouldn’t have had the extra portion of apple crumble!
Previously called The Tarka Inn, The Braunton Inn was formerly an ancient manor house and welcomed families descended from King Edward IV. During the 19th Century it became one of the grandest farmhouses in North Devon, distinguished by its castellated towers and impressive façade. The location is hard to beat, being directly on The Tarka Trail means that walkers can pop in for lunch, cosy up by the fire and sample seasonal local fare. Whether for leisurely Sunday roasts, an evening special or to try the range of real ales, the picturesque location with fabulous views over the Estuary is hard to beat. So why not take some time out in the country, book one of our fabulous Braunton cottages and enjoy what is bound to become your favourite pub!
Hartland Abbey and Gardens was featured on BBC’s Antiques Road Show this weekend. Filmed in the summer, Fiona Bruce was heard to say that it was the most stunning setting of the series so far, and we agree! Built in 1157 and remaining a monastery for 400 years, it is one of the nation’s favourite historic houses in a fascinating location surrounded by beautiful gardens and grounds which lead down to a rocky cove.
Come and visit on 11th or 12th February and enjoy the special Snowdrops Weekend. Many of the snowdrops were planted hundreds of years ago and stretch from the gardens all way down to the sea. See the early daffodils, camellias, hellebores and spring flowers and explore the acres of grounds and woodlands, bring your children, dogs and wellies and have a fabulous day out. The entire Hartland peninsular is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so why not stay a little longer and book one of our lovely cottages.
Spring is in the air…..and it’s only January! The wonderfully mild weather is an excellent excuse for taking a short break in the fabulous South West. Now is the time to enjoy walking along secluded beaches or getting back to nature in the acres of beautiful rolling countryside. Google have now incorporated the Tarka Trail, running from Braunton to Meeth, into their street maps, so for the first time you are able to see long stretches of traffic free pedestrian and cycle ways, little changed from those described by Henry Williamson in his classic 1927 novel Tarka the Otter.
We are very lucky to have here in the beautiful South West one of the top ten venues for New Years Eve celebrations, so if you’ve still not decided where to spend this special time look no further. Every year thousands of people flock to the pretty little town of Bideford wearing the most amazing fancy dress costumes you are ever likely to see. All the Quayside Inns are buzzing and the outdoor radio road show has people dancing in the street. As midnight approaches huge crowds gather along the quay and along the old bridge to watch the spectacular firework display….lots of oooohs and aaaahs guaranteed!
Last weekend in town I was almost trampled underfoot in the Christmas rush and so tomorrow I am going to avoid the stress of long queues and visit The Big Sheep, just down the road from Appledore & Westward Ho! It hosts a fantastic traditional country farmers market, the biggest in the South West, every week between now and Christmas, and I shall be tantalizing my taste buds with some delicious local fare.
The children can enjoys themselves in the Big Sheep’s winter wonderland with outdoor skating rink and toboggan ride while I shop in peace in the Sheepy shop….try saying that 3 times over….and find some unique and quirky gifts. There is always such a social buzz and a really great festive ambience….I can’t wait!
There was lots of excitement in the office today when we received a fabulous Christmas Hamper packed full of mouth- watering goodies. Food is definitely the way to our hearts and what could be better than delicious treats and award winning products, all found right here in the West Country. I have lots of family in other parts of the country and my sister would just love to receive something like this…….rather than the usual calendar, bath salts and slippers…….and so I found Delimann.co.uk. I was amazed by the wide range of gifts and hampers available from this West Country family business. They have a real passion for great quality food and excellent customer service……..so we definitely have something in common there too!
