Easter Comes Early But Don’t Wait – Book Your West Country Break Now and Beat the Crowds!

Clovelly, by Dave Hamster

Easter comes early this year, so make a well-timed opportunity for a getaway to the West Country, where the range of things to see and do for visitors is vast.

Pack your holiday reading book and head to Chagword, Dartmoor’s literary festival in Chagford. The line-up includes Jonathan Dimbleby and Kathy Lette, with tickets to events from the 15^th-17^th March selling out fast.

Off-road enthusiasts are just in time for the 4x4s jaunt across Exmoor, on the 22nd to 24th March. Rugged 4x4s will take to special off-road sections of the National Park for this unique event. The Jaunt is suitable for all skill ranges, but some rise to The Challenge, for which one vehicle per team must have a winch. It’s not just a good event for holidaymakers, it raises funds for local charities, too.

If aeroplanes are more your thing, the Aerohub at Newquay Cornwall Airport is now the home of the Classic Air Force’s collection of airworthy, post-war classic planes. From 29^th March you can soak up the atmosphere of this unique collection - it’s an exciting and interactive day out with children’s activities, a simulator, engine start-ups and loads more, including a chance to take to the skies.

The Easter Oyster Hunt at Flushing Quay from 29th March to 1st April marks the end of the oyster season. Local oyster-men and chefs take the weekend to show locals and visitors how to enjoy the freshest seafood and a boat trip on the Fal River.

Take part in the 40th anniversary celebrations of the St Endellion Easter Festival, 29th March to 7th April, by singing Thomas Tallis’s wonderful 40-part motet in the atmospheric Collegiate Church of St Endelienta on 30th March.

And who could ignore sweet treats at this time of year? For something different to the traditional Easter Egg Hunt, head to the Fantastic Fudge Hunt in Clovelly, from the 29^th March to 7^th April. Your task is to find one of 20 fudge stones hidden in the village, take it to the Visitor Centre and see how much fudge you’ve won. If it’s Number 20, you’ll find yourself with a whole kilo of delicious, multi-flavoured fudge!

Fancy beating the crowds? Book now for pre-Easter breaks and Easter fortnight holidays. Give our knowledgeable telephone team a call on 01647 433593 and they’ll help you find the right place for your relaxing coast or country break.

Make the most of the Royal Wedding…

Thanks to the Royal Wedding, Easter and the days on which UK Bank Holidays fall, you can enjoy 11 days holiday by booking just three days off work this April. All you need to decide is the best way to use your free time: a trip to the coast or the country?

View from Lower Stables

Lower Stables is in a spectacular location in Cornwall’s Med and will guarantee a memorable getaway. An amazing view across Maenporth beach competes with the attraction of the property itself. This modern building on the Maenporth Estate boasts a large indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, table tennis, pool table and two tennis courts in 29 acres of landscaped gardens with large barbecue area, woodland walks and children’s play area.

It's just a short walk along the beach to the nearest restaurant. Other nearby facilities include a scuba school, beachside cafe and bar. Mawnan Smith is just a mile away and the larger harbour town of Falmouth is just over two miles. The area is good for watersports, golf, riding and fishing and many of Cornwall's famous gardens are within easy reach.

Inland retreats like The Coach House (right) in Ottery St Mary, east Devon offer the best of British countryside. The small market town nestles in a wider scene of farms and woodland: scenery that inspired Coleridge to write a sonnet to the river.

The holiday cottage itself is converted from the original coach house in the grounds of Cadhay and offers light and roomy living space with plenty of beams and antiques for character. Guests at The Coach House can tour Cadhay on a Friday and find out why it was named one of Simon Jenkins’ ‘England’s Thousand Best Houses’ and was one of 16 shortlisted by Country Life for their ‘Finest Manor House’ award. The cottage has its own small patio and grassy area overlooking a walled garden, now filled with beautifully kept allotments. This place is exceptional for garden and country lovers with good walks right on your doorstep.

Whether you want to soak up every bit of excitement about the Royal Wedding or escape all the hype, we’ll help you find just the right place for a relaxing spring break. Take a look at the holiday cottages still available for Easter and the Royal Wedding week or give our team a call on 01647 433593.

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Put a West Country spring in your step this Easter…

Not long until the Easter school holidays and the opportunity to have a big catch up with family and friends or simply head off for a quiet break. Whether you're looking for a first class venue for a once-in-a-blue-moon get together or a homely hideaway for your nearest and dearest, we can help you find a holiday cottage in the West Country to suit your needs and your pocket.

Take Maristow Barton on the outskirts of Dartmoor, for example. This exceptional Georgian country house sleeping 16 is tucked away in its own grounds and has everything from a jetty for a small boat to a games room to keep the family entertained.

Part of a 6,000 acre estate close to the river Tavy, the property has a beautiful sunny living room and a striking red dining room in which to relax and socialise. There are five double rooms (two with a slipper bath in the room) and three twins, each brightly and luxuriously decorated, giving any holiday here a hotel feel without the cost. You will no doubt appreciate the no-expense-spared approach the owner has taken refurbishing this home.

The peaceful location boasts stunning countryside, great for exploring by bike along the Plym Valley cycle track. The house is also perfectly situated for visiting Plymouth and Tavistock, both eight miles from Milton Combe, and a great range of National Trust properties, fishing villages and sandy beaches all within 15 miles.

The impressive view from Dolphins

If you’re looking for a smaller retreat, take a look at Dolphins in a quiet location in popular St Ives. The picture-perfect town is nearly surrounded by superb beaches and steeped in fishing village history. From exploring the narrow cobbled streets to tracing the story of art movements that made their name here, you will be spoiled for choice for things to see and do. There are stunning cliff walks to Zennor, with Penzance and Land's End only a short drive away.

The home itself is stylish, uncluttered and comfortable and enjoys long views over Porthmeor Beach and ‘the island’, as it is called. On the seaward side is an open piece of lawned garden with seats and great views, and, at the back, a neat enclosed little paved courtyard with table, chairs and barbecue ready for use. There is one twin room and one double, making this an ideal bolt-hole for a small family or a group of four adults.

Professional catering is available at both of these properties.

From grand houses to cosy cottages, deep in rolling countryside or by the coast, you’re sure to find just the right place for your Easter getaway. View a list of the holiday cottages still available or give our knowledgeable telephone team a call on 01647 433593 and we’ll help you search.

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