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...

Winter wonderland...

It may have been a cold and wintry start to the New Year in our home town of Chagford but the transformation of the beautiful moors into a serene winter wonderland more than compensated!

Visitors have been treated to sunny, crisp days - just great for walking and exploring friendly villages made charmingly friendlier by the snow.

It's such a peaceful time of year to visit the West Country, so banish the January blues and check out our special winter offers for inspiration. We have lots of super, hand-picked holiday cottages in Chagford (pictured is Gibhouse) and if you have time to pop in to our office and say hello, all the better! Whether you prefer coast or country, grand or cosy, we'd love to help you find a great place to stay in this special part of the world, but wherever you go on holiday in 2010, we hope you have a wonderful time. Happy New Year!

Still time to celebrate New Year in Bideford...

Bideford in North Devon is renowned as one of the best places to see in the New Year. Thousands of people gather along the Quay and in the pubs, often in brilliant fancy dress, to enjoy the electric atmosphere and revellry. At midnight, the crowds wait on the medieval Long Bridge for the church bells to ring and the fireworks to dazzle. According to organisers, the schedule of entertainment and live music is set to be the best ever this year.

It's not too late to join the party if you fancy a last minute getaway... How about staying in this 200 year old house in the popular fishing village of Appledore, only three miles from Bideford? It has lovely, long views over the Torridge estuary towards Instow and is only 100 yards from a good food pub. It's on special offer at only £96 per person for the week based on seven sharing.

Happy New Year to one and all!

Holidaymakers love Cornwall...

We think the South West is a very special part of the world. Biased because we live and work here? Perhaps, but it seems we're not alone. The general public has recently voted Cornwall the 'Best UK Holiday Destination' at The British Travel Awards 2009.

There are so many lovely places to stay; it's difficult to choose! How about this five star delightful house (pictured) with breathtaking sea views in the beautiful village of St Mawes on the sheltered south coast? Set in landscaped gardens, it's welcoming and warm and has been totally renovated and newly equipped in 2009 with a contemporary-style.

There's plenty to see and do too. On your doorstep, it's just two minutes’ walk to the Castle and coastal walks and only a short stroll to the sandy beaches, shops, restaurants and harbour, or you can catch the ferry across to the bustling resort of Falmouth and visit the National Maritime Museum. Perhaps head to Cornwall's small capital city of Truro or the not-to-be-missed Eden Project, both within half an hour by car. We know you love Cornwall as much as we do and look forward to welcoming you to one of our holiday homes soon.

Party house for New Year...

This stunning, contemporary house in Bigbury-on-Sea recently featured in The Observer's top 25 "Party Houses for Christmas and New Year".

The stylish design was inspired by the beach houses of Sydney; the sliding glass walls, white lime-washed walls, exposed wood and sleek open-plan layout. In a wonderful spot just 350 yards up from the vast sandy beach, it has outstanding, panoramic sea views over Burgh Island and Stoke Point. The decked terrace, surrounded by lawned garden, is perfectly positioned to enjoy ever-changing sea and coastal views from sunrise to sunset.

There are fine cliffs for walking and it's a good spot for windsurfing if you need to blow away the cobwebs on New Year's day, or simply stay in, relax and enjoy the sauna and home cinema system. This property, which sleeps 10, is available for the week commencing 29th December. So gather your friends and celebrate in style...

This fine, family house (sleeps nine) in North Devon also featured in the Top 25 and is currently available for Christmas and New Year weeks. Surrounded by farmland, it has splendid views and an open fire for a peaceful and comfortable stay.

A unique place to stay...

We don't do 'run-of-the-mill' at Helpful Holidays. Every one of our holiday cottages is hand-picked, rigorously inspected and star-rated. From cosy and comfortable to grand and luxurious, all of our properties are high quality and chosen because we believe (and 99% of our customers seem to agree) they are good places for a happy holiday.

Many of our holiday cottages are unique too, perhaps due to their architecture, interior design or splendid location. For example, take a look at this fine-looking gothic-style gatehouse built in 1907 (pictured above) that we have just welcomed to our portfolio. Situated two miles from the pretty village of North Bovey in Devon and just inside the main entrance gates to Bovey Castle (a renowned hotel), it enjoys views over the 18 hole championship golf course. This delightful place oozes character and has a quirky interior décor.

All guests over 16 receive a complimentary round of golf (subject to availability). You're also welcome to enjoy the hotel’s pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Other activities such as archery, fly-fishing, clay pigeon shooting, horse-riding or spa treatments are available at an extra charge.

This property can be enjoyed from just over £100 per person per week based on four sharing. It is currently available over the Christmas and New Year weeks at £261 per person based on four sharing, although please note that there is restricted access to some of the hotel facilities over the festive period.