‘What Shall We Do Today?’ 2012 guide…

The cover of our 2012 guide features Lynmouth

If you’ve ever researched a holiday in the West Country, or perhaps read some of the posts on this blog, you’ll know that there are many diverse events, attractions and activities on offer in this unique corner of Britain.

We know that the time you spend on holiday is precious and choosing what to do can often be bewildering, so each year we put together our popular ‘What Shall We Do Today?’ guide to help you make the most of your stay and guide you to places you might otherwise overlook.

The guide is sent to all of our holidaymakers with their booking confirmations, and it’s just been freshly updated for 2012.

Sharpham Estate

We’ve negotiated special discounts for you to enjoy at 76 of the West Country’s leading attractions. None of them paid us to be in the guide; they’re there on merit and because they’re willing to provide our customers with an offer of some sort. New attractions featured this year include Sharpham Wines and Cheeses, Cotehele, Paignton Zoo, World of Country Life, Seaton Tramway and Stone Lane Gardens.

A perennial favourite is our Top 10’s – walks, beaches, places to eat, gardens and houses, attractions for children and West Country wonders. The recommendations are, of course, personal, based on our local knowledge, but we’re always keen to hear from our holidaymakers about places or things to do that they think we should consider.

Also included is an events calendar for each county featuring many of the major events, such as the Royal Cornwall Show, and lots of those quirky ones, such as the Westward Ho! Pot Walloping Festival.

Plus, you’ll find a list of award-winning ‘Blue Flag’ and RNLI lifeguarded beaches, ideas for walks and trails to explore and our pick of the best pubs and restaurants for each county.

On our website, you can use our Advanced Search to find holiday cottages in a specific region near your favourite attractions, or use our ‘Explore the Area’ map to spot great days out near your favourite cottage.

If you need any help searching for a cottage or planning your holiday with us, do give our friendly bookings team a call on 01647 433593 or email on help@helpfulholidays.com.

Forthcoming events in the South West…

This is the best time of year to try something new, somewhere new, and the South West has some fantastic options to whet your appetite from the soothing prospect of hot pasties and cream tea to the craziness of an authentic wassail.

If you haven't wassailed, you haven't lived. Best remedy this with a visit to Charity Wassail! with The Mangledwurzels in Watchfield, Somerset on 15th January. Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club, in association with Rich’s Farmhouse Cider, are holding their annual Wassail to raise money for charity. A wassail is traditionally held to ensure a good apple crop for the coming year. Proceeds go to the National Blind Children’s Society and The Gateway Club. Hog roast and mulled hot cider available. You’ll find it more peaceful at D183a

You can also join in the traditional cider apple blessing at Stoke Gabriel on 15th January in the community orchard. Listen to folk music, storytelling and watch the Mummers players, while sipping some vintage cider. Take some cider back to C4 (pictured)

Feel righteous about the countryside by helping a Ranger for a day at Exmoor National Park. Carry out practical conservation work with an Exmoor National Park Ranger on 16th January. A minibus can pick you up from Minehead, Dulverton and Lynmouth areas by arrangement. All tools and instruction on their safe use will be provided. Make F43 your Ranger HQ

The culinary delights of Christmas were great, but perhaps your thoughts are now turning to a bit of exercise? North Dartmoor is high, wild and soaked in legend. Join the ‘Peaks and Pixies’ ramble on 30th January on Okehampton Moor and visit the home of the Dartmoor pixies and the highest point in southern England. See where you’re going from A143 (pictured)

See how creative wartime cooks came up with ration-friendly Sunday dinners at a Wartime Sunday Lunch at Trelissick Garden, Cornwall (pictured). On 30th January you can see what was served to soldiers, nurses and visitors as Trelissick looks back to its role during the Second World War. We’ll meet again at S242

For somewhere a little wilder, the coast at Hartland is just perfect and from Hartland Abbey you can wander on snowdrop paths mingled with daffodils and perhaps early camellias down to the beach. Return to a delicious hot pasty and a cream tea in aid of St Nectan’s Church at Stoke on 6th and 13th February. Wander back to K29

There’s a hidden valley on Exmoor where snowdrops bloom in their thousands beside the river Avill. To get there, use the Park and Ride service from Wheddon Cross, available from 5th until 27th February. If you do decide to visit, please make a donation to help ensure the future of this service. The Coleridge Way isn’t far from there, so there’s the added benefit of some great walking on the nearby hills and moors. Plant your hopes at F270

If you fancy attending an event in the West Country it’s easy to find which of our properties are nearby – just head to our Advanced Search page or call us on 01647 433593.