Sporting action in the West Country…

Image courtesy Exeter Chiefs

You can’t help but notice that 2012 has a slight sporting theme – the Olympic Games is certainly one of the most eagerly anticipated events in Britain this year.

If you’re in the West Country you can capture the spirit of the games as the Olympic Torch Relay tours our region this May - the procession starts from Land’s End and then winds through the region via Plymouth, Exeter, Taunton and eventually on to Weymouth.

Aside from the Olympics, there’s plenty going on outside London for those with a penchant for sporting endeavour. There’s a wonderful variety of top class competition here in the west to whet the appetite of every sporting family or fan.        

If you’re a football fan, there’s plenty of choice if you want to catch a game. In Somerset you’ll find Yeovil Town (The Glovers), infamous giant killers of old, whilst Devon hosts no less than three football league clubs: Exeter City (The Grecians), Torquay United (The Gulls) and Plymouth Argyle (The Pilgrims). It’s a win-win at Quiet Corner Cottage.

Rugby enthusiasts will no doubt be aware of the success of the Exeter Chiefs. Why not make a weekend of it and come down to Exeter to watch your own team battle it out against our local champions? Scrum down at The Old School House.

Or perhaps you prefer something more sedate for the summer months? While away a day at the delightful County Ground in Taunton. The cricketing action is first class as Somerset regularly competes for all the top honours. You’ll be bowled over by Sunset Cottage.

If the Grand National has stirred your love of furlongs and fetlocks, you’ll be pleased to know that we’re blessed with four first-class racecourses in the region with tip-top National Hunt racing throughout the year. Somerset is home to Wincanton and Taunton racecourses, whilst in Devon you can enjoy the rough and tumble at Exeter and Newton Abbot. Our top tip: Jesters.

And for those who prefer their sporting action afloat, there’s first class sailing throughout the year at Weymouth. This quintessential English seaside resort is the home of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, where not only do our top sailors train, but many absolute beginners get their first taste on the briney. The Academy will host a huge range of national championships and other sailing events this year, from the humble, one-man Topper to the elite Olympic class racing dinghies. Dry off at Poppy Cottage. 

Weymouth doesn’t have the monopoly on sailing – there are fantastic regattas in Falmouth, Fowey and Dartmouth too.  

Maybe you enjoy participating in sport as well as watching it? Look no further than our holiday cottages where all manner of games, activities and country pursuits (tennis, badminton, riding, shooting, fishing, swimming, cycling, canoeing, table tennis, pool, snooker and golf, to name but a few) are available or can be easily arranged.

Use our Advanced Search or call our telephone team (01647 433593) who will be delighted to help you find just the right place to indulge in your favourite sport or pastime.