Thursday 19 July 2012

Happy holidays, come rain or shine...


All-weather attractions are great to have on your holiday itinerary. Add these to your to-do list and be ready for rain or shine this summer.

EWEtopia
The Big Sheep in Bideford has one of the best indoor play centres you will find. EWEtopia is even suitable for any age, so mums, dads and grandparents can indulge their childish side too. Plenty of fun outdoors too, including quirky events like duck trials and sheep racing. Stonehaven Cottage at Horwood, north Devon, is the wing of a handsome detached house converted from 16th century barns: a fitting place to rest your head after exhausting the family in the play barn.

Lanhydrock House
Lanhydrock House and Pencarrow House and Gardens make two fantastic day trips just a short drive from stylishly renovated, ancient Dunn Cottage in Boscastle. Lanhydrock’s servants quarters and luxurious family areas give the Victorian house a sense of social history while largely Georgian mansion Pencarrow is still owned and occupied by descendants of the family who settled there in the 1500s. After touring these intriguing houses, enjoy the fresh air and panoramic vistas while exploring their extensive grounds and woodland walks.

Carnglaze Caverns
An underground tour of Carnglaze Caverns, St Neot, can’t be ruined by the weather. The three caverns and subterranean lake make a unique concert venue and self-guided tours are a daily event. Retreat to contemporary Christmas Cottage, set in 24 acres of private woods and paddocks – a haven for nature lovers and perfect base for walking and pony trekking.

The shared indoor swimming pool and games room add an entertaining dimension to a stay in one of four attractive cottages on this farm in Lustleigh, on the eastern edge of Dartmoor. While the swimming costumes are drying off, there’s more than enough to do indoors: table tennis, snooker and plenty of children’s games. On fine days, enjoy walks on the owners’ 35 acre farm or perhaps riding, fishing and golf, all nearby.

Of course, when the sun does comes out, you’re never far away from a beautiful beach in the West Country, so have your buckets and spades at the ready!

Take a look at the superb holiday cottages still available in July and August for a last minute break.

Happy holidays!