25 delightful new holiday homes for 2013...

We recently mailed out our first supplement for 2013, with 25 new holiday homes for you to choose from in our growing collection of special places to stay in the beautiful West Country.

Here are a few to whet your appetite:

A few yards from the pub in Noss Mayo, on a lane that winds beside the river and through National Trust woodland to the coast path, is Pink Cottage. This pretty, colour-washed, 18th century Grade II listed cottage is in a handy spot for pubs, walking and river activities and enjoys pleasant views over the creek. Sleeps 5, no pets. 

Crooked Chimney Cottage is located 50 yards from the bridge and riverside village green in Altarnun. This Grade II listed, granite-built cottage sits prettily, end-of-row in a small terrace with a burbling mill leat passing the front door. In a sheltered valley on the north-eastern edge of Bodmin Moor, this is great a base for exploring moors or dramatic coastline. Sleeps 5, pets welcome.

In the tiny hamlet of Cross Green, 3 miles north of Lifton and just 2 miles from the A30 in beautiful, unspoilt farmland is Jane's Place, a recently renovated cottage. You are welcome to explore the owners’ beautiful large garden that leads down to a big pond, woods and 21 acres of farmland to wander. There's plenty of storage space for your bicycles, golf equipment and surfboards, so make the most of this brilliantly accessible and welcoming spot - great for exploring both the coast and moor. Sleeps 5, pets welcome.

Pittards Farm Cottage is a neat, detached, red brick and hamstone cottage, thoughtfully converted from former stable buildings with big arched windows and beams remaining. Around a mile from South Petherton in the smaller village of East Lambrook, this is a stylishly done, comfortable base, well placed for numerous houses, gardens and churches of great interest. Sleeps 2, no pets or children, except pre-crawling babies.

Take a look through the supplement, which can be viewed on our website here, or use the Advanced Search function on our website to see which of our cottages best suits you. And of course you can always call us for human help on 01647 433593.

Short on time? Don’t forget, if you can’t get away for a full week between November and the week before Easter (excluding school holidays), you can book a three or four night break, whilst some properties also offer a  two night weekend booking (with 6pm check out on the last day). Two night breaks can only be booked within 28 days of departure.

You can’t beat a beautiful view…

Whether you’re a coast lover or a land lubber, most people appreciate a good view – from seaside scenes to rolling countryside. Some views are good to sit and enjoy with a drink, others are ideal as the backdrop for more active pursuits.

View from Chy Bre

Chy Bre, looking out over St Mawes in Cornwall, has a fantastic area of decking with table and chairs, perfect for alfresco dining whilst taking in the long views across the Percuil River and countryside beyond. In fact this detached, timber-style, single-storey house has beautiful sea views from all front rooms.

The excellent location means that it’s less than 10 minutes’ walk from the shops,  restaurants, harbour, two sandy beaches and castle in the beautiful village of St Mawes.  Set at the end of the lovely Roseland Peninsula, this area is great for both watersports and country walks, as well as being an ideal base for visiting Falmouth. Sleeps 4.

Seccombe Barn

Seccombe Barn is set in a stunning location just a stone’s throw away from Roadford Lake, a spectacular 730-acre reservoir and country park in beautiful, sparsely populated farmland in Devon. This attractive cottage, carefully converted from a barn, has a patio to the front with long views over the surrounding countryside where you can while away the hours.

There’s plenty of opportunity to get active with windsurfing, kayaking and climbing on your doorstep, or perhaps some more leisurely birdwatching, fishing or walking will suit? If you’re out in the evening, you’ll appreciate views of a slightly different sort – the area is great for night sky watching. This is a really comfortable, friendly base in a lovely, timeless area; easily accessible with lots to explore within a half hour drive. Sleeps 6.

Take a look at our holiday cottages with sea views and our holiday cottages with countryside views.

If views are your thing, our friendly telephone team can help you locate the best fodder for your camera, your binoculars or just your eyes – call them on 01647 433593 for a chat.

Have a Helpful Halloween...

What will you be doing this Halloween? Will you be trick-or-treating, attending fancy dress parties, carving jack-o'-lanterns, apple bobbing, visiting haunted attractions, playing pranks, telling scary stories or watching horror films?

Pecorama

If you’re looking for something slightly different, the West Country never disappoints – for instance, why not dress up in a Halloween outfit and ride the Frights Ghost Train at Pecorama in Beer? You could meet Dan the Hat and Ben the Juggler and win a free spooky treat! Over half-term you’ll also encounter ghost trains and tombstones, cobwebs and bats and witches on broomsticks in tall pointy hats! Park your broomstick at G36.

There’s plenty of Halloween fun to be had at The Big Sheep - during half-term week there’s masses of traditional Halloween fun to keep the kids amused during the day and ‘Scary by Night’ parties in the evenings. For those of you feeling especially brave, on 22nd October try a sponsored walk with a difference – across a 20-foot bed of fire! It’s all for a good cause - the Caroline Thorpe children’s ward at the North Devon District Hospital. There’s a foot-bowl of ice cubes waiting at K14.

Devon's Crealy will be putting on lots of spooky autumn fun with pumpkin carving, exciting games, thrilling rides, fancy dress competitions, live entertainment and a new haunted ghost train appearing especially for October half-term. Jump on board and get into the spirit! Ride the ghost train back to G31.

Halloweden

If you're a fan of the Eden Project, you'll want to celebrate Halloweden this October half-term, with attractions such as the beautifully-decorated Wishcraft Tent where you'll find lots of magical things to make and do, including pumpkin carving demonstrations, wand-making and potion mixing. Or, there's the Little Monsters' Ball Halloween disco, where you can get your fancy dress on and bring the whole family for an evening of 'fang-tastic' fun, with spooky activities and a bone-shaking disco. Kick off your dancing shoes at S8.

And finally, Somerset’s Dunster Castle has a series of events including a spooky pumpkin trail, ghostly story telling and ghost tours of the Castle’s attic and basement. Brush off the cobwebs at F59.

Check our special offers page for last minute deals on places to stay or give us a call on 01647 433593.

August Bank Holiday breaks…

Are you planning an August Bank Holiday break with the family this year?

Equally situated between Falmouth and Truro in the heart of the pretty village of Perranwell, Ancarva, an unspoilt, cosy little semi-detached cottage, is a great base for a family of four. There's plenty to do, with the coast-to-coast cycle path, sailing and good golf nearby, as well as sandy beaches within 5 miles. The kids will love taking the King Harry Ferry to the Roseland Peninsula, just three miles away. And at the end of a busy day, with its own ‘secret’ garden by a stream, the cottage is a perfect retreat for a relaxing evening drink. Sleeps 4.

Glenbar, a cosy, 'upside down' cottage in Lympstone, overlooks the Exe estuary with wonderful views to Powderham Castle and Starcross. The area is a spotters paradise for sailing boats and windsurfers, plus nature lovers old and new are bound to appreciate an enviable range of wildlife. It's also convenient for those who want to leave the car at home, as there's lots of good walking nearby – take the pretty and gentle South West Coast Path down to Exmouth where a long sandy beach awaits. Sleeps 4.

If you have a large family, or are keen to partake in the current trend of 'gramping', you'll be on the lookout for a more sizeable holiday home. In the pretty hamlet of Molland, on the southern edge of Exmoor, The Manor House is a big detached Victorian property facing out over its extensive gardens and surrounding farmland. You can enjoy country living during your summer holidays at this comfortable home with private fishing. There's room for the whole brood at the dining table or you can wander along to the local pub, only 400 yards away. With easy access to lovely walks and the open moor, there’s plenty to explore on your doorstep. Sleeps 18.

Take a look at our holiday cottages still available over the August Bank Holiday.

If you can’t get away for a whole week, you’ll be glad to hear that three and four night short breaks are now available at many of our holiday cottages over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Summer holidays - we all deserve them!

Not long now to those lazy, hazy days of summer - it will soon be time to dust off the suitcase and pack it to the brim for another year's break. We’d love to welcome you to the wonderful West Country for a week (or perhaps two) away in one of our fabulous holiday cottages.

There’s plenty to do; think of the endlessly different beaches and coves, and the rock pools to rummage around in. Shake the sand from your toes and venture upwards to explore vast expanses of high moorland. 

Drink in the terrific views, sample the delicious local food and enjoy our unique and quirky festivals. But remember to put your feet up, tune in to a quieter pace of life and relax in this wonderful corner of England.

We’ve a huge variety of properties for you to choose from (such as this charming house with its own outdoor pool), scattered throughout Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset; from toes-in-the-water cottages to grand country houses for those special holiday gatherings. All have been carefully inspected by us, star-rated for quality and come with our wholehearted recommendation as good places for happy holidays.

View holiday cottages available during July and August on our website where you’ll find lots of big photos and can check live availability, make a shortlist and email it to your friends or book and pay securely online. 

Our telephone team (01647 433593) are regular visitors to all of our holiday homes, so do make use of their expertise and experience to help you make a good choice. Don’t forget, you can also request our FREE 224-page brochure online or ask us to pop one in the post when you call.

We look forward to welcoming you here soon.

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Take to the seas with West Country regattas…

The world’s most prestigious and thrilling yacht racing is coming to Plymouth after it was announced as a host city for the 2011 America’s Cup World Series. The event in September will attract thousands of international visitors and large crowds are expected to watch the world’s best sailors in the world’s fastest boats competing in the spectacular natural amphitheatre of Plymouth Sound.

So if the high-energy, wave-crunching excitement of the America's Cup has given you a hunger for a spot of sailing, the West Country has some other top class events for you - and we've highlighted a few nearby cottages...

Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week takes place from 6th to14th August. The event includes a variety of courses during the week followed by fun on dry land - teas, prize givings and entertainment at a different host club every day. Its organisers state many of the competitors combine the racing with their annual family holiday. With its National Maritime Museum, the town is a prime location for holidaymakers who want to enjoy sailing and the sea. Set sail for S34.

Fowey Royal Regatta transforms its tranquil host town into a hive of activity for one week each August. Hailed one of Britain’s premier sailing events, it is also a fun-filled week for all the family, sailors and landlubbers alike. Previous visitors include Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and Queen Elizabeth II and the Red Arrows have been making an appearance for over 30 years. It will take place between 14th and 20th August this year. Make R392 your port of call at the end of each day.

Henri Lloyd Salcombe Yacht Club Regatta attracted more than 250 boats last year and is expected to be as popular this year from 7th to 12th August. Located at the southern tip of Devon, the large sheltered estuary is very popular with dinghy sailors and holidaymakers and is known to many as a departure point for the Channel Islands and France. The celebrations continue during Salcombe Town Regatta from 14th to 20th August. Get your land legs back at L901.

Dartmouth Regatta is a must for anyone in the region from 25th to 27th August. The RAF Red Arrows Display Team and the Black Knights Army Display Parachute Team have already confirmed their attendance, proving this is far more than a water-lovers celebration. A new competition has been added to the extensive programme this year - Pensioners Crab Fishing Competition. According to organisers, pensioners have watched in excess of 200 children annually crab atregattas over the years, and now feel it is time the 'old uns' showed them how it’s really done. Take your catch back to L119.

Use our Advanced Search to find holiday cottages in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

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Finding a little slice of West Country life to suit you…

Neatly ordered villages of higgledy-piggledy houses are part of the charm of West Country life. But how do you go about finding one for you and your loved ones to cosy up in? How do you know which ones are near a beach or a market town and where to go for a good pub meal or a day out?

We've done the leg work for you. Our Advanced Search will help you quickly generate a shortlist of suitable holiday cottages. Each of our property pages then describes the local area, the holiday cottage itself (plus lots of big photos) and the places to go and things to do within easy reach and further afield. The star rating and holidaymaker comments are also helpful guides to choosing just the right place to stay.

For some, the choice is as simple as being by the coast or in the countryside. Here’s a couple of super examples.

First is a 'neat as a pin' late Georgian terraced cottage in the pretty and peaceful village of Flushing, Cornwall. The beautifully renovated home looks out over a bustling harbour so you can watch the passing boats or get out and about, perhaps using the pedestrian ferry to nearby Falmouth. There, you can indulge sailing fanatics further with a trip to the National Maritime Museum or soak up some history at Pendennis Castle.

Second is this dear semi-detached cottage with lovely long serene views over Marldon village, on the South Hams border. Rolling, lush hills and the nearby John Musgrave Heritage Trail make this a brilliant spot for nature lovers. Situated on a narrow lane 400 yards up a steep hill from a good food pub and church, this little enclave of Devon offers a picture-perfect slice of West Country living.

To see more West Country holiday cottages, visit www.helpfulholidays.com

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Revealing the newest additions to our holiday cottage portfolio…

We've been hunting out hidden holiday cottage gems to add to our hand picked 2011 collection across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and the New Forest. 

The result is a supplement of 23 new and returning holiday homes for you to choose from in our growing portfolio of more than 600 coastal, countryside and West Country town retreats. Sleeping two to sixteen guests, prices range from £205 to £4,200 per week and pets are welcome in many.

The tempting additions to our collection include Elmfield, a handsome detached house in Sampford Brett, Somerset, described in 1704 as ‘No.1 Gentleman’s Residence’. Calamansack, a hamlet beside the broad Helford River in Cornwall, is home to Creek Cottage, an enchanting, old cob cottage with wonderful views. 

Haye Barton Farm (pictured) is ideal for a larger gathering: the property in south Cornwall sleeps up to 14 and is a detached, completely private, south-facing farmhouse on three levels, looking out over 115 acres of farmland and bluebell woods which are all yours to roam and enjoy with care. 

Other highlights include part of the west wing of a 13th century farmhouse sleeping four in north Cornwall where scenes from ITV’s drama Doc Martin are filmed (new series starts later in 2011). Or how about this lovely spacious family house in the South Hams, Devon - a real Swallows and Amazons-type area - just a stroll from an excellent pub? 

Our Explore the Area map on each property page of our website will help you plan your stay. It's full of West Country events, pubs, restaurants and places to visit. Plus, this year's edition of our ‘What Shall We Do Today?’ booklet includes special offers for some of the most popular attractions. 

As always, we've visited each of our holiday homes in person to inspect them and give them a star rating, so we can wholeheartedly recommend them. Our telephone team (01647 433593) are all experienced property visitors and will be delighted to guide you. 

All our properties can be viewed online but if you would prefer to peruse them the traditional way (turning over the corners of the pages you want to visit most!), you can request a free copy of our brochure online or by calling us on 01647 433535. 

Happy reading!

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Planning a big event?

The Royals can't be the only ones with a big event on their hands this year but we don't all have a palace to fall back on for the venue.

If you’ve been tasked with planning a ‘do’, fear not! Helpful Holidays can come to your rescue with huge holiday homes and grand houses suitable for large gatherings, both formal and informal. True to our name, we can answer any questions you have about the suitability of our big houses to help you find the best match to your needs.

Here are two suggestions that would be perfect for a once-in-a-blue-moon get together over the summer or Christmas holidays or for a special celebration or small conference at any time of year.

Outstanding Brimpts Barn is right in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, where the East and West Dart Rivers meet in a beautiful wooded valley. It sleeps 32 people if you are prepared to bunk up, otherwise 20 very comfortably in ten double or twin bedrooms, all en-suite.

Spectacularly positioned amid trees looking across the deep valley to open moorland and tors, it is one of five ancient tenements of the moor and has been farmed by the same Dartmoor family for more than 30 years. The owners have received a wildlife habitat award from Prince Charles, as well as farm diversification and food producer awards. Cream teas have been available in the farmhouse since 1914 and as the Visitors’ Book of 1933-1947 catalogues, even during the war people found holiday refuge at Brimpts.

Part of the joy of staying here is the range of both energetic and gentle activities available. Most popular are the farm tours by Landrover, but there is also climbing and abseiling instruction on the 30’ high climbing tower, mountain biking tours, orienteering, pony riding – or simply enjoy a scenic walk or a soak in the hot tub.  

Stunning Rashleighayes Farm, sleeping 16 and set on a working farm with its own outdoor pool, is the ultimate fusion of work and play. Just 1½ miles from Bickleigh Bridge and 3 miles south of Tiverton, this is a house of tremendous charm, a special place of ‘treasured isolation’ in its own deep, hidden, beautiful and unspoilt valley.

The original 17th century house has been sympathetically extended. Its south-facing patio and enclosed lawn garden complete with barbecue are great for lazy summer days. The owner is a farmer and environmentalist who will be delighted to show you round the 150 acre working farm, winner of a Devon Wildlife Trust Silver Award and Highly Commended in the 2008 'Britain's Most Beautiful Farm' awards.

The big comfortable living room and enormous kitchen/dining room are ideal for relaxing and socialising and there’s plenty to keep you entertained in the games room with 10’ home-cinema/TV screen, baby grand piano and half-sized snooker table.

We’ve hand-picked around 600 of the finest self-catering holiday cottages in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. Take a look at the rest of our Big Houses to find a special place for your event.

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Dogs Stay Free campaign

Today we’re announcing the launch of our Dogs Stay Free campaign as part of National Pet Month.

Dogs get as much pleasure bounding around the countryside and beaches as us humans so we are giving man's best friend free stays in our dog friendly holiday cottages. To qualify, you must book between 2nd April and 2nd May (National Pet Month) for stays at any time during 2011. Up to two dogs per booking can stay free of charge for bookings made during this period. 

The green surroundings of this holiday cottage in Yelverton (left) will give your pet a taste of the West Country with long walks on Dartmoor and in and around Yelverton’s own Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Larger dogs and those with lots of energy will relish a week’s holiday on Exmoor or Dartmoor with long walks and climbs over heather-clad hills and tors. Dartmoor holiday homes welcoming pets include The Retreat, a smart timber-clad hideaway for two with hot tub on a 70 acre farm near Chagford, and Blissmoor, a detached and secluded cottage for eight near Manaton.

For a stay on Exmoor, Bramble and Hawthorn cottages (right) near Barbrook sleep four and six; just a half-mile from the open moor both have wonderful doggy walks from the door.

For the less energetic, smaller or older pets the West Country is criss-crossed by gentle, waymarked trails. Amongst the holiday homes which would suit are two 18th century cottages at St Kew, North Cornwall sleeping two and four, while for water-loving dogs Brambles is just over half-a-mile from the all-year-round dog friendly beach at Constantine Bay, North Cornwall.

Start researching your ideal location now with our list of dog friendly cottages across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

Please note, if you book online, your dog charges will still appear on your provisional booking, but rest assured that these will be deducted before you pay your final balance.

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An introduction to Padstow

Padstow, a small fishing port packed with Cornish character, is more than deserving of its national reputation as a year-round holiday destination.

Situated on the North Cornwall Coast on the west bank of the River Camel Estuary, it is perfectly located for beach lovers, cyclists and wildlife enthusiasts, and as it is just ten miles to Bodmin and the famous beaches of Newquay, there is plenty of variety in places to visit and things to do.

Padstow life still centres on the harbour, though now it is popular with yachts as well as fishermen. It is known to many as the favourite haunt of celebrity chef and fish connoisseur Rick Stein. He owns a selection of cafés, restaurants and shops in the town and knows it's well placed to offer some of the freshest fish around. Just sitting at the harbourside, watching the fisherman come in with their catch is to witness Padstow's tradition at work.

Walkers will appreciate the location of this holiday cottage in Petherick Creek, 2 miles from Padstow. The creek-side footpath to Padstow joins the famous Camel Trail and the property itself offers great views for wildlife-watching: swans, egrets, herons and kingfishers are frequently seen in the creek. The garden is in particularly bright bloom at this time of year, attracting all sorts of birds.

A little further north is the hamlet of Tremail, positioned along the river Inny valley on the northern edge of Bodmin Moor. This detached house has a garden and shared access to a tennis court.

Why not plan your trip for May, when Padstow has some of its best festivities? The Obby Oss festival is described by some visitors as England's quirkiest tradition. Since the 14th century, Padstonians have welcomed in the month of May with a musical parade through the town, wearing white and decorated with red ribbons and headscarves and following a man dressed as a horse (or an 'oss). 

If you can't wait that long for your Cornish break, head down in April and take part in the world premier of the live Shaun the Sheep Championships at the Eden Project from Saturday 9 April – Monday 2 May 2011. This sports day themed event is the perfect activity for the Spring school holidays.

Take a look at our other properties - we have more than 600 across the West Country: www.helpfulholidays.co.uk.
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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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Stunning springtime displays…

Cornwall is overflowing with stunning gardens; a real home-from-home for exotic plants and flowers that wouldn't survive elsewhere in the UK. Take the mild climate, the history of proud garden-rich estates and the regions' spectacular scenery and you have some unrivalled visitor attractions. Here’s our pick of wonderful springtime displays you can enjoy on a spring break in the West Country…

The Cornwall Spring Flower Show at Boconnoc, Lostwithiel, highlights the high calibre of gardening skill in the county and gives the public the rare opportunity to see the garden at Boconnoc itself. Gardeners embrace their competitive spirit to offer some exuberant displays. 

The Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan are two of the big names signed up for the show on 2nd and 3rd April, where aside from 'show garden' entries, the camellias, daffodils, rhododendrons and ornamental shrubs and trees guarantee a colourful spectacle. With over 100 trade stands, talks and demonstrations, there’s plenty to keep you amused. Entry also includes free access to the garden at Boconnoc, not normally open to the public. Whether visiting for the show or soon after, Treburtle Cottage in north Cornwall is ideally located for visiting gardens in Devon and Cornwall.

For a historic garden with a touch of adventure to its heritage, Trewithen, near Truro, is a must see. Much of its flora and fauna has grown from the seed collections of early seed hunters. It has been described as "perhaps the most beautiful woodland garden in England" and is internationally famous for camellias, rhododendrons and magnolias. Families will find plenty to do here: all ages are left wide-mouthed by the magnolia fountain while a play area, camera obscura and tearoom are also popular. When you have exhausted all the views the 28 acre site has to offer, you won't be disappointed to go home to pretty Lilypond Cottage in Feock to enjoy its lovely lawned garden and lily ponds.

A more formal garden can be found at the National Trust's Lanhydrock. It has a different climate to deal with, situated inland and 130metres above sea level, and still manages to put on colourful spring shows with over 120 species of cream and white magnolias and wild blooms that carpet the woodland. The house itself has more than 50 rooms open to view. As well as the walk from the house to theriver Fowey at Respryn Bridge, there are 30 acres of formal and informal woodland to explore, with the garden opening out onto an extensive network of footpaths zig-zagging through 900 acres of beautiful countryside. Rest your weary legs at comfy Merryfield Farmhouse and spot the spring lambs prancing in the adjacent fields.

You can use our advanced search to find holiday cottages in Cornwall and find nearby gardens to visit on our ‘Explore the area’ map. Don’t forget, if you can’t stay for a full week, short breaks are available at many of our cottages.

Look out for some more of our favourite springtime gardens later this week.
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Romantic walks and cottages to match…

Relaxing walks with spectacular views and cosy cottages go hand-in-hand in the West Country, making it the ideal place for a last minute Valentine's treat or a romantic break at any time of the year.

This walk in Porlock Weir, Somerset, has an air of mystery about it, taking in Culbone Church - England's smallest complete church - and the nearby Fairytale Tunnels. Trek past Ash Farm, where Samuel Taylor Coleridge was said to be staying when he wrote Kubla Khan. Nearing the end of the walk, in the hillside above, are the ruins of Lady Lovelace's elaborate fairytale mansion. What better namesake could prepare you for your trip back to Milbanke and its lovely sea views? The coastal footpath hidden behind the cottage leads through woodlands, past former garden terraces and under old tunnels once connected to the main house. An ideal location for walkers, nature lovers and silence seekers.

A walk along the secluded coves and beaches of Lansallos, Cornwall, will take you in the footsteps of smugglers. The cart tracks where contraband was brought inland and the coastline itself are evocative scenes, while Lansalllos waterfall adds a dramatic twist. Venture back inland to Hobb Cottage on the side of a deep valley full of wildlife and flora. Perfectly private and picturesque.

The Tarka Trail cuts through the unspoilt Devon countryside by tracking old railways. It was described by Henry Williamson in his classic novel ‘Tarka the Otter’ first published in 1927. With over 30 miles of walks, you will appreciate coming home to Monks: a delightful, 300-year-old, detached, thatched cottage in Petrockstowe.

How about making your loved one feel like absolute royalty by popping the question at Castle Drogo? A walk on Dartmoor from Fingle Bridge to the castle will build a sense of occasion as the romantic scene unfolds before you. Retreat to this picture-postcard cottage in Drewsteignton and celebrate with a glass of champagne in front of the open fire.

Take a look through our cottages still available over Valentine’s to find a special place for a romantic break.

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Escape to magical Mevagissey…

Mevagissey gives a taste of traditional Cornwall, complete with the authentic hustle and bustle of an active fishing village harbour.
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Watching the boats - and the world - go by from the sun terrace of this stunning Victorian house with panoramic views of the harbour is a unique way to view the village. The house sleeps 12 and has just been lovingly re-invented with relaxation in mind.
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The surrounds make this easy: the property itself is south-south-west-facing and has a sloping shrub-filled garden with a unique courtyard and pond with a bronze central fountain, within the walls of a former stone chapel. Inside, the decor is elegant and in tune with its heritage. The high quality finish includes slate floors and custom-made furniture and the owner has thought of everything to keep guests entertained, from a television with SKY and Blu-ray DVD to a Bose CD/radio with IPod docking station.
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The glazed doors on the main living area make the most of the home's outstanding views while the big fitted kitchen and dining room, an Aga and two dishwashers, granite worktops and walk-in larder make cooking and entertaining easy.
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Both large bedrooms in the main house have en suite bathrooms with roll-top baths. There’s also a garden house with its own terrace and superb views, a galley kitchenette and two bedrooms.
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Situated on the south Cornwall coastline, Mevagissey has a rich history, with much of it very well preserved. The narrow streets are well worth meandering around and the cafes and restuarants offer some good locally-sourced food and drink. Sandy beaches and headland walks plus boat trips for fishing are just some of the activities synonymous with this part of Cornwall. You don't have to go far for Cornish attractions, either. The Lost Gardens of Heligan is just two miles away, the Eden Project (pictured) nine miles and St Austell town six miles.
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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.

Places to go, attractions to see…

Getting away from it all is great but it’s also good to know there are things to see and do, if and when you feel like it. You’re spoilt for choice in the West Country, so we’ve hand picked some holiday cottages close to spectacular scenery and attractions to whet your appetite…

First up is the brilliant pairing of this converted old smithy cottage and the Arthurian history-filled Tintagel Castle. The cottage is just a mile from the castle, and only two fields back from the spectacular coastal path, meaning you can walk easily to Trebarthwith Strand's big sandy low-tide beach. Or, walk all the way to Boscastle if you're feeling super fit! The cottage has a cosy open plan kitchen and lounge with a woodburner to welcome you after your exertions.

Wookey Hole Caves in Wells, Somerset, has been a favourite for West Country visitors for years and, judging by the feedback, the same can be said of Glebe Cottage in Wookey. The quiet village includes pubs, a working watermill with tearoom and adventure playground. Glebe Cottage is tucked away on the edge of Wookey, smartly renovated and sharing a meandering garden with the property's owner. The interior includes original beams, a large fireplace and French windows to open-sided porch. The famous Wookey Hole Caves are just 2 miles away, the Cheddar Gorge and Caves 8 miles, the city of Wells 3 miles and Glastonbury 8 miles.

This dear little cottage in Devon, full of character and charm, seems the perfect place for nature lovers who can reach the nearby Buckfast Butterflies and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary easily from Buckfastleigh. These 18th century cottages were built for mill workers. The owner has nurtured the property and brought out its best features, including a living area with lots of beams and a double bedroom with pretty views over the town. The sanctuary offers a fun and educational experience, and afterwards, the rest of Dartmoor is yours to explore.

Take a trip in to Dorchester from Poppy Cottage in Charlton Marshall but be sure to take a picnic. It's a great spot for teddy bear enthusiasts young and old, as the Dorset Teddy Bear Museum is a short drive away. Built in 1860, the mid-terrace flint and brick property has a real ‘own home’ feeling to it. Sit out in the enclosed garden and enjoy the roses, clematis and trees. It is also on the Stour Valley Way, so good for walking.