Half term fun in the West Country...

We had good fun this week asking our Facebook fans what they were looking forward to during half-term week. The answers ranged from quieter roads to not having to make packed lunches!

Most, of course, are looking forward to spending time with their children or grandchildren. If you’re thinking of spending half-term in the beautiful West Country, there are plenty of attractions and special events to appeal to all the family – here are a few suggestions…

Pennywell Farm

Pennywell Farm in south Devon is opening its doors for another season this half- term. It’s time to snuggle up to the baby animals, race the ferrets, and, new this year, you can visit the Pennywell Miniature Pony Centre where pint-size ponies are waiting to be fussed over and groomed! Pennywell was recently awarded Visitor Attraction of the Year in the Visit Devon Awards – and well deserved too. Cuddle up at A67.

If your children love making models or even just flying paper planes, why not join 2,000 visitors, clubs and traders in Yeovilton for the Fleet Air Arm Museum Model Show on February 11th? The highlight will be a radio controlled flying display by the award winning British Model Flying Association. Take flight back to D2. 

Animated Exeter

From 11th to 19th February, Animated Exeter aims to excite and inspire young people, encourage and foster talent and showcase high quality animation. With over  100 animated films and lots of workshops, exhibitions and events, there’s plenty to get stuck in to. Draw your cartoons at A158.

There’s still time to get your skates on at the Eden Project’s magical ice rink in Cornwall. Watch the kids enjoy special fun-packed skating sessions tailored to their age and experience, and then off to explore the gardens and biomes! The rink is open until the end of February. Speedskate from R35.

Use our website to search for all our holiday cottages available for half term, or specifically search for holiday cottages in Devon or holiday cottages in Cornwall  - and don’t forget to use our Explore the Area map to find family-friendly attractions and events close to your favourite cottage.

We hope you, and your children, have a fantastic half-term.

Fun and fresh air at half-term...

It's not long until half term and there's still time to escape to the glorious West Country for some fun and fresh air.

Exploring the coast is an adventure in itself and there are plenty of family attractions in the area with special events to keep you entertained during the school holiday. Here are some ideas for places to stay; you'll be hard pushed to feel bored...

At Goonhavern, two miles inland from Perranporth’s fine sandy beach on Cornwall’s north coast is a large granite, granary barn converted into holiday homes with shared used of a games barn and 10 acres of grounds with a children’s play area. Sleeping four and six, both Beech and Elm have lovely long views across meadows to the sea. (Nearby: Blue Reef Aquarium; Dairyland Farm World)

Up on Exmoor, 2½ miles from the little pebble beach at dramatic Heddons Mouth (pictured above), is Heale Farm Cottage near Parracombe. A roomy family house sleeping five with a shared table tennis games barn and 40 acres of pasture, streams, wild wood and moorland which you are welcome to explore. (Nearby: Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park; Exmoor Zoo)

Or how about this lovely old listed farmhouse in Harleston, a peaceful retreat just over a mile from Slapton Sands in the South Hams? Sleeping ten, it has an indoor swimming pool and 2 acres of garden. You can take the footpath from the house through Slapton Nature Reserve down to the sea. (Nearby: Woodlands Leisure Park; Dartmouth Castle)

View a list of all our holiday cottages available during half term or give us a call on 01647 433593 and we'll help you find the perfect spot.

Half-term getaway gem...

We've still got some super cottages available if you're planning to get away next week, and some tempting late deals...

If you're after a spacious and luxurious retreat for family and friends then this beautiful house (pictured) near Holsworthy in north Devon is a wonderful place to relax - and it's exceptional value on special offer at only £59 per person when 14 share.

There's plenty to keep the children entertained indoors in the well-equipped playroom with TV, toys, books, games, PlayStation 2, Xbox and pool table. Lots of outdoor space too with 12 acres of gardens and grounds to explore. For days out, you can reach the South West Coast Path and beautiful surf beaches in only 20 minutes by car, and Dartmoor is around an hour away. A happy holiday awaits...

Last minute Half-Term getaway...

Autumn is such a beautiful and peaceful time of the year to explore the West Country coastline and moorland - and a chill in the air makes getting back to a cosy cottage all the more enjoyable. Short breaks are increasingly popular and this year is no exception judging by our cottage bookings.

But the good news is that we still have a few fabulous places with last minute availability during half term.

For example in Cornwall, this contemporary cliff-side chalet in Whitsand Bay has breath-taking 180 degree views and is the perfect place to get away from it all and explore the coastal paths.

In the heart of Devon, this idyllic thatched cottage is only 200 yards from a beautiful stretch of the River Teign and enjoys long valley views. Located in the exceptionally pretty Dartmoor village of Drewsteignton, there are plenty of scenic walks and places to visit nearby such as the historic stannary town of Chagford and Castle Drogo.

Or how about Shaftesbury in Dorset where you can stay in this utterly charming cottage with bags of character on Gold Hill (perhaps better known as ‘Hovis Hill’ after the TV ad)? Surrounded by stunning countryside, you can also easily reach the south coast at Sandbanks or visit fine houses such as Stourhead and Longleat.

Be quick though; we know from experience these properties won't hang around, so take a look and get inspired...

Half Term Gem in South Hams

Well that looks like an absolute cracker of a house for the half term – so why still available? Ayrmer Path is within walking distance of a good food pub and a sandy beach, has beautiful views, is very 4 star inside and possibly the location is even better. It’s just outside Ringmore with its ‘fine little pub’ - The Journey’s End - doing good ale and food. This website gives an impression of the village.

There’s some good walking in the area – this circular walk for instance, or stroll down to the beach at Bigbury-on-Sea and The Pilchard on the island via ‘the cat’. South Devon is easy to get to via the M5 and A38 and there’s a Tesco at Lee Mill near Ivybridge (7 miles) for the big shopping and Modbury has lots of little shops for basic supplies (about 4 miles). Altogether, the potential for a half term to remember. For more information about this property or to book online visit Helpful Holidays.