Dig deep into the West Country for hidden holiday gems – directions included!

Great local knowledge is the key ingredient when hunting down a secluded West Country cottage or holiday home with just the right amount of peace and tranquillity, balanced with nearby attractions.

Driving through the winding West Country lanes as they open out onto views across beautiful countryside and seascapes, it should feel like you’re about to make an important discovery – so take a look at some of our holiday cottages that have hidden gem appeal in abundance. Each one comes with directions carefully written by our team, who have been to visit each one personally.

Acorn Cottage, close to the top end of Roadford Lake country park in Devon, is tucked away off a no-through farm lane (with one farm beyond). The cleverly converted carthorse stable hides a suntrap patio and lawned garden surrounded by big oak trees and 12 acres of the owners’ adjoining woodlands where owls, buzzards and deer are often spotted.  The spectacular 730-acre reservoir and country park in beautiful, sparsely populated farmland is a popular place for watersports, fishing, birdwatching and walking.

Hill House Farm Cottage, in the pretty village of Upper Weare, Somerset, sits high on a quiet lane, giving superb panoramic views from all rooms. Look across expansive green fields towards Cheddar Gorge in one direction and the Mendip hills and Crook Peak in the other. The Gorge’s natural beauty or the nearby golf course might just be able to tempt you away from the cottage itself.

Stonehaven Cottage is nestled in a hamlet between Bideford and Barnstaple in north Devon. The journey through deep winding lanes reveals a wing of a handsome detached house converted from 16th century barns. The Tarka Trail cycleway and lovely Tapeley Park Gardens, plus the sandy beach at Instow, are all nearby.

Sheltered by mature trees and an ancient hedgerow, Briar Cottage, in Tregadillett, north Cornwall, has all the character you’d expect from a former gamekeeper’s cottage. It stands on a little-used lane and has a garden full of shrubs with long tranquil views and great proximity to stunning nature walks, fishing, boating and a steam railway stop.

For more ideas, take a look at our hand-picked holiday homes in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. 

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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West Country bonfire night events...

In 1605, Guy Fawkes planned a rather special fireworks display. How will you commemorate him this year? Here are some suggestions if you find yourself in the West Country on 5th November...

Bridgwater, Somerset: This Guy Fawkes Carnival is a real feast for the eyes as over 80 techni-coloured floats - some containing over 30,000 light bulbs - illuminate the streets of Bridgwater. Be sure to stay until the end to witness the traditional firework spectacle of ‘Squibbing’. Unique to Bridgwater, the squibbers line up and simultaneously light their squibs (fireworks secured on poles) filling the whole high street with fountains of golden fire. Carnival starts at 7pm. (The Grand Firework Display is at 7pm the night before on 4th November).

Sticklepath, Devon: Sticklepath Fireshow is one of the largest community arts event in the South West – the famous bonfire night with a difference. Gates open at 6pm for a 7.30pm start.

Ottery St. Mary, Devon: The famous Flaming Tar Barrels is a 17th-century tradition revived every year to rid the streets of evil spirits as fearless men, women and children run through the town carrying blazing tar barrels. Children's barrels at 4.30pm, then women, then men at about 9pm.

Abbotsham, Devon: There'll be plenty of fun at the Guy Fawkes' Fireworks Party at The Big Sheep. Make your own Guy and take part in the competition - the winner will help to light the enormous bonfire! Starts at 6.30pm and ends at 9.30pm.

Poole, Dorset: Bigger and brighter than ever, Poole's famous Fireworks on the Quay is set to light the skies above the iconic harbour. Entertainment from 4.30pm with a spectacular fireworks display at 8pm.

Cornwall: Here's a really comprehensive list of the many fireworks displays in Cornwall. You're sure to find an event close by.

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

Somerset’s glittering November Carnivals...

Many Somerset towns and villages become a dazzling spectacle of colour, light and sound during November as the free, illuminated Guy Fawkes Carnivals take place across the county.

Book a cottage during the carnival season and follow their route. At Trebles Holford, two cottages made from farm buildings, Sunset Cottage (D4) sleeping two and The Stable (D183a) sleeping four, are available from 6th and 8th November respectively from £198 for a week; from here you can watch the carnivals in North Petherton and Burnham-on-Sea.

Or book Glebe Cottage (E64), a renovated limestone cottage for four in Wookey village, for a week from 13th November for £255 and go along to the all-singing, all-dancing Glastonbury carnival the same evening.

View all our holiday cottages in Somerset online and if you need any help, call Helpful Holidays on 01647 433593.

West Country food on the menu for Somerset holiday cottage guests…

Families staying in a Somerset holiday cottage can sample delicious West Country produce at a food festival next month. The Exmoor Food Festival will be held in various venues throughout the region between 2nd and 10th October.

Visitors to the festival can see the vast array of food and drink Exmoor has to offer while enjoying a packed programme of events that includes farmers' markets, themed evenings and cookery courses.

Those with a sweet tooth will love the Homemade Cake Bonanza at Lyndale Tea Rooms, while holidaymakers can learn the secret of making delicious chocolate at The Chocolate House in Dunster. Budding cowboys are invited to a hoe-down in Lynton as Kensington Tea Room is transformed for a western-themed event on 5th October.

The festival will coincide with the North Devon and Exmoor Autumn Walking Festival and organisers have arranged a number of food themed walks to help guests burn off those extra calories.

View Somerset holiday cottages from Helpful Holidays here.

Romance is good for the soul...

... and if you need an excuse to treat the one you love, we’ve some secluded bolt-holes, far away from it all, for Valentine's Day.

For a touch of grandeur, how about staying in a stylish apartment with stunning sea views in Acton Castle (pictured) in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Cornwall? Right by the coast path and sandy coves, you can breathe in the spectacular scenery on a romantic walk, or mooch around popular St Ives, only 8 miles away, visit the Tate gallery and ching glasses in a cosy restaurant.

Or perhaps a more intimate retreat in an idyllic country setting? This charming cottage in Dorset is a perfect getaway for snuggling down in the flickering fire-glow. Take a look at our special places still available in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset for a romantic Valentine’s break...