Expect fireworks in the West Country!

Did you know that the World Record for the most firework rockets launched in 30 seconds is an astounding 125,801, in the Philippines, on 8th May 2010?

We don’t expect that record to be broken in the West Country this year (thank goodness!) but you can be sure that there are lots of fabulous events going on throughout the region to mark 5th November. Here are some of the more iconic displays…

Great balls? No, it’s barrels of fire… The famous flaming tar barrels are being warmed in readiness for another night of wild mayhem in the streets and pubs of Ottery St Mary. The tradition of tar barrel rolling is hundreds of years old, but somewhere along the line someone decided rolling was tame and carrying them on your shoulders more fun, and unique to this festival. Roll back to G41.

Young and old from the community in and around the village of Sticklepath, near Okehampton, get together every autumn to create a magnificent, artistic fire show unlike any other. Music is planned, costumes are designed and made and an amazing outdoor stage is lovingly built, only to be burnt on the night after a fabulous fireworks display following the play. This year Sticklepath presents ‘A Frightful Fantasy’. Keep your powder dry at A112.

Take a look at this video on the Bridgwater Carnival – a mesmerising display of colour, sound, movement and overall entertainment. Continue your celebrations at E15.

Visitors to the Porth Beach Bonfire Night in Newquay have the pleasure of watching the fireworks launch from the beach and then light up the cliffs and the sea behind them - a fantastic sight. Enjoy the starlit sky from Q3.

Wherever you are for Bonfire Night this year, have a safe and sparkling evening!

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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Cottages and events for November...

There's a lot going on this November - we've picked out some of the best events across the South West, with a fantastic place to stay for each:

5th Nov: Tin Barrel Rolling, Ottery St Mary features countless Flaming Tar Barrels carried through the streets of Ottery St Mary to the delight of thousands of townsfolk and visitors (pictured right). A gigantic bonfire over 30 feet high and crowned with Guy Fawkes himself, forms an impressive background to the occasion together with a fairground and many other attractions. Place to stay: Cool off at Abbey Cross Barn (G20).

7th to 13th Nov: Dartmouth Drama Festival is a four day event consisting of two complete performances by eight participating Amateur Dramatic Societies (four plays per night). Highlights include Dartmouth Players with "Shop for Charity", and Salcombe Players with an extract from "Birthday Honours". Place to stay: Rehearse your lines at Primrose Cottage (L104) (pictured right).

11th Nov: Shepton Mallett Carnival sees processions of illuminated floats - part of an ancient tradition stretching back as far as the 1600's when many parts of Somerset commemorated the Gunpowder Plot. Grand firework displays and street entertainment adds to the sense of fiesta and fun. The floats can be huge, over 50 feet long and covered in hundreds of light bulbs. Place to stay: Wave your sparklers at Barton Cottage (E18).

15th Nov: Truro City of Lights takes its themes from the city’s rich history, unearthing fascinating stories from its mercantile, social and maritime past to artistically and creatively inspire the procession in which giant ship lanterns will carry the ‘cargo’ of the city’s past through its streets (pictured right). Place to stay: Follow the lights back to Nansavallan Farmhouse (S239).

19th to 21st Nov: Teignmouth Jazz Festival brings artists from the UK, USA, and Europe covering all forms of jazz from Traditional and Standards to Latin and Contemporary. Described as one of the best UK jazz events, it takes place in five main venues – The Carlton Theatre, Oystercatcher Cafe, United Reform Church, Rugby Club and Shaldon's Coast View Holiday Park. Place to stay: Hit the right note at Cherries (B8).