Forthcoming events in the South West…

This is the best time of year to try something new, somewhere new, and the South West has some fantastic options to whet your appetite from the soothing prospect of hot pasties and cream tea to the craziness of an authentic wassail.

If you haven't wassailed, you haven't lived. Best remedy this with a visit to Charity Wassail! with The Mangledwurzels in Watchfield, Somerset on 15th January. Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club, in association with Rich’s Farmhouse Cider, are holding their annual Wassail to raise money for charity. A wassail is traditionally held to ensure a good apple crop for the coming year. Proceeds go to the National Blind Children’s Society and The Gateway Club. Hog roast and mulled hot cider available. You’ll find it more peaceful at D183a

You can also join in the traditional cider apple blessing at Stoke Gabriel on 15th January in the community orchard. Listen to folk music, storytelling and watch the Mummers players, while sipping some vintage cider. Take some cider back to C4 (pictured)

Feel righteous about the countryside by helping a Ranger for a day at Exmoor National Park. Carry out practical conservation work with an Exmoor National Park Ranger on 16th January. A minibus can pick you up from Minehead, Dulverton and Lynmouth areas by arrangement. All tools and instruction on their safe use will be provided. Make F43 your Ranger HQ

The culinary delights of Christmas were great, but perhaps your thoughts are now turning to a bit of exercise? North Dartmoor is high, wild and soaked in legend. Join the ‘Peaks and Pixies’ ramble on 30th January on Okehampton Moor and visit the home of the Dartmoor pixies and the highest point in southern England. See where you’re going from A143 (pictured)

See how creative wartime cooks came up with ration-friendly Sunday dinners at a Wartime Sunday Lunch at Trelissick Garden, Cornwall (pictured). On 30th January you can see what was served to soldiers, nurses and visitors as Trelissick looks back to its role during the Second World War. We’ll meet again at S242

For somewhere a little wilder, the coast at Hartland is just perfect and from Hartland Abbey you can wander on snowdrop paths mingled with daffodils and perhaps early camellias down to the beach. Return to a delicious hot pasty and a cream tea in aid of St Nectan’s Church at Stoke on 6th and 13th February. Wander back to K29

There’s a hidden valley on Exmoor where snowdrops bloom in their thousands beside the river Avill. To get there, use the Park and Ride service from Wheddon Cross, available from 5th until 27th February. If you do decide to visit, please make a donation to help ensure the future of this service. The Coleridge Way isn’t far from there, so there’s the added benefit of some great walking on the nearby hills and moors. Plant your hopes at F270

If you fancy attending an event in the West Country it’s easy to find which of our properties are nearby – just head to our Advanced Search page or call us on 01647 433593.