A recipe for a perfect spring break!

Spring is here – time to take a break to relax and recharge. The ingredients: some quiet time to enjoy each other’s company, a few invigorating walks, an eyeful of inspiring scenery and plenty of energising fresh air. Mix together with the May Day and The Queen’s Jubilee bank holidays coming up, and you have a perfect spring break.

Here are a couple of superb getaways where the two of you can escape the crowds…

The Music Room, a mile from Aveton Gifford in the South Hams and deep amongst rolling hills and quiet narrow lanes, is a wonderfully atmospheric and individual property – as its name suggests, this is a former music room, and a Grade II listed one at that. The sense of space inside is amazing, with high, high ceilings and huge stained glass windows but it’s still easy to make it cosy by lighting the woodburner. A wonderful and extraordinary place to escape to, any time.

You’re close to Kingsbridge and Salcombe for conveniences, restaurants, good shops and, of course, boat trips and estuary life in general– and don’t miss the explosion of spring flowers in the gardens at Overbeck’s. The area also has plenty of country pubs to welcome you after romantic walks exploring the excellent stretch of coast or the many pretty villages.

1 Shippen Cottages, a mile north of Wilmington, in east Devon, peacefully hidden in spring flower-filled lanes, is a modern and stylish retreat converted from a former milking parlour and shippen, across the lane from the friendly owners’ farmhouse. The cottage is smart throughout with a south-facing suntrap deck outside, ideal for enjoying the tranquil valley views and soothing birdsong.

Venturing out, you’ll find the picturesque location excellent for meandering, walks in 10 acres of wildflower meadows, heath and woodland, where you can watch the wildlife and follow the river to nearby Cotleigh - and you can take your four-legged friend too! Further afield, you’re surrounded by pretty hamlets and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the edge of the Blackdown Hills – a feast for the eyes in springtime.

 Take a look at our cottages available over Easter, cottages available over May Day bank holiday and cottages available over the Jubilee bank holiday.

Alternatively, use our Advanced Search to find just the right place to stay for a spring break or give our knowledgeable telephone team a call on 01647 433593 for some help.

Spoil yourself in the South Hams…

Southernmost Devon, between the River Dart and River Tamar and south of Dartmoor, is an area of lush farmland, wooded river valleys and a beautifully preserved coast that ticks so many of the 'how to unwind' boxes we all have when going away. We’ve scoured the South Hams and hand picked an exceptional range of coast and country holiday cottages. Here are a couple of suggestions to whet your appetite, both with an added bonus: leisure activities on tap.

Fixit and Break House, only a mile from the centre of Kingsbridge and its waterfront, were converted from huge barns by an enterprising farmer and his artist wife. The shared indoor pool and ‘The Hen House’ - a fitness, health and beauty centre with a team of professional massage and beauty therapists - add another dimension to a stay here. Holidaymakers are also welcome to fish (at half price) in the three coarse fishing lakes well stocked with tench, bream, roach and carp - 25lbs is the catch to beat! And when it's time to venture out for a pub lunch, how about visiting the Millbrook Inn which recently won Pub Chef of the Year 2011 at The Great British Pub Food Awards?

Estuary life and beautiful beaches are all within easy reach of The Stables, a sheltered hilltop retreat amidst rolling farmland, a mile from Ermington. With tremendous uninterrupted views to Dartmoor and lovely sunsets, this private cottage beside the owners' manor house is set in eight acres of gardens and paddocks; a great place to relax. Or you can burn off some energy with a game of tennis or a refreshing swim (hard tennis court and indoor pool are shared with the owners). Pets are welcome at The Stables and don’t forget, dogs stay free in 2011 for all bookings made between 2nd April and 2nd May 2011 (National Pet Month).

There are many places to visit and things to do in the South Hams, whatever the weather. For a blast of entertainment, head to the colourful Salcombe Festival from 10th to 12th June. Both of these holiday cottages are also near Sharpham Vineyard, featured on our new vineyard trails.

View a list of our holiday cottages in the South Hams to find just the right place for a happy holiday at great value.

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