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.

Waterside adventure or relaxation?

Do you want adventure or relaxation on your next holiday? The West Country has locations to cater for both and we'll help you find a holiday cottage you'll look forward to getting home to at the end of each day.

Salcombe in the South Hams, a yacht haven beautifully sited at the mouth of the Kingsbridge estuary, offers outdoor activities galore. How about a spot of wreck diving in search of gold, power boating or learning to sail? Perhaps a more leisurely boat trip exploring the many creeks, a walk along the pretty coast path or a visit to the gardens of inventor Otto Overbeck? Countless sandy bays and waterside pubs provide an excuse to relax outdoors, as well.

And when the mood takes you to spend a day lounging at home, Hazeldene (sleeps four) is a fabulous, easy base. Once you have stopped to admire the sea view from the decked garden area (pictured above) it will be hard to tear yourself away... but it is so close to the beach at North Sands, you may be tempted to dip your toes in the sparkling estuary waters. It's easy to see why this refurbished and carefully furnished apartment is the owners' much loved bolt hole.

Nestled away in Feock in Cornwall's Med is Cuttle Cottage (sleeps seven, pictured right) with beautiful views over Restronguet Creek. Although it's only 5 miles from the cathedral city of Truro and 7 miles from the harbour town of Falmouth, this delightful cottage is a peaceful retreat. The welcoming woodburning stove and waterside views make this an ideal place to while away the hours. If you're looking for time away from the kitchen, treat yourselves to a meal at the nearby Pandora Inn - it won Pub of the Year in the 2010 Cornwall Tourism Awards.

There's no time to get bored here either. At the nearby Point Quay children can enjoy swimming and boats can be launched. Sailing, windsurfing and canoeing lessons are all available close by, as well as fishing, riding, golf and plenty of creek-side walks for land lovers. Trelissick Garden is well worth a visit and the King Harry Ferry transports cars and pedestrians from this finger of land to the pretty Roseland Peninsula.

We'll help you find your perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. For more ideas, take a look at our other holiday cottages in Salcombe and holiday cottages in Feock or give our team a call on 01647 433593.