Towan Cross: Our New Holiday Favourite

Filling the paddling pool

This is a guest post from James & Claire Allen of our social media agency Brewhouse.

We holiday in the West Country every year and last week, we found the best cottage yet.

Location was a big factor: as a family holiday and after a long drive (broken up with a welcome stop at the Royal Cornwall Show), we needed scenery on our doorstep and things to do just a short drive away. On Cornwall’s north coast, with views over green hills and out to tin mines and the beach at Porthtowan just a couple of minutes away, Towan Cross was a perfect spot for us.

The cottage itself was brilliantly presented and equipped. We couldn’t understand how the owner could ever tear themself away long enough to let other people stay there. We had enough sun to enjoy the well-tended garden and patio, plus a few grey skies that made us retreat to the warmth of the conservatory. We hardly minded – we still had the view!

Making friends at the Eden Project

Being seasoned visitors to the West Country, we have our preferences for day trips but we also like to try something different every time. Local attractions are really getting the knack of keeping us interested: the Eden Project must have been one of the first to give year-round tickets – pay once and visit as many times as you like for the year. So much changes each season, it’s well worth the price.

Trebah Garden is another favourite of ours – family friendly, full of wildlife and history. It too has started a multi-visit ticket. We paid once and could go again during the same week. This worked perfectly on our last day when we wanted a cream tea and somewhere for the little one to play (we may have had a few goes on the zip-wire, too).

Porthtowan beach and the Blue Bar have always been a favourite of mine since discovering them a decade ago but we also heard about the Hidden Hut at Porthcurnick Beach on the Roseland, a slightly longer drive away.

But the cottage truly made this holiday: outside space for the toddler, a freestanding bath for mummy and her book, a barbecue we never quite got around to using and a Rayburn we were more than happy to get to grips with. We may just have to break our habit of staying in a different cottage every time.

Helpful Holidays wins Silver at British Travel Awards for two consecutive years...

We've scooped second place and a Silver Award for the second year in a row against strong national competition at the British Travel Awards in the Best UK cottage/self catering booking company category.

 

The 2012 results were announced last night at a glittering ceremony at the Battersea Evolution in London where four long-serving members of our team (Rikki, Natalie, Sasha and James) collected the award.
 

The British Travel Awards are acknowledged as the most definitive and largest monitor of public opinion on the performance of travel and tourism providers. Travel companies and tourism organisations were invited to register for listing in the various categories; a shortlist was then drawn up by a panel of respected individuals from both in and outside of the travel industry, but it is the leisure holidaymakers whose votes finally determine the winners.
 

Delighted with the accolade, our General Manager, Moray Bowater, said, “We’re honoured to have won this prestigious award and immensely grateful to all those who took the trouble to vote for us. It’s a great credit to our team and our home owners, as well as a testament to the level of service and quality of properties offered by Helpful Holidays overall.

“Helpful Holidays has always stood for reliable, un-hyped and outstanding service to its customers. This award recognises that in the best possible way – via the votes of those we serve and those who know us. Ultimately, trust is the currency that really counts and we're happy that earning that of our customers through our straightforward and frank approach has been the touchstone of our business since we started over 30 years ago”, concluded Moray.

 

Our Rikki, Sasha, Natalie and James

It was also a great night for Cornwall which won Best UK Holiday County or Region and Best UK Coastal Town or Resort for St Ives, as well as awards for Eden Project, Fal River Cornwall and Minack Theatre.

The British Travel Awards' Chief Executive, Lorraine Barnes Burton, said, “It’s the largest consumer voted awards programme in the UK, designed to reward the best companies in travel. The winning accolade is the benchmark for excellence when it comes to finding out who really is the best in the business of travel for the UK consumer.”

This award follows on from our earlier success in 2012 when we came top in the Which? Travel magazine members’ survey of holiday cottage and villa booking companies, achieving a very high score of 92% and getting five out of five stars in all but one category.

Visit our website to browse our holiday cottages in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset or give our telephone team a call on 01647 433593 for some human help to find just the right place for a happy holiday in 2013.

 

Half term fun in the West Country...

We had good fun this week asking our Facebook fans what they were looking forward to during half-term week. The answers ranged from quieter roads to not having to make packed lunches!

Most, of course, are looking forward to spending time with their children or grandchildren. If you’re thinking of spending half-term in the beautiful West Country, there are plenty of attractions and special events to appeal to all the family – here are a few suggestions…

Pennywell Farm

Pennywell Farm in south Devon is opening its doors for another season this half- term. It’s time to snuggle up to the baby animals, race the ferrets, and, new this year, you can visit the Pennywell Miniature Pony Centre where pint-size ponies are waiting to be fussed over and groomed! Pennywell was recently awarded Visitor Attraction of the Year in the Visit Devon Awards – and well deserved too. Cuddle up at A67.

If your children love making models or even just flying paper planes, why not join 2,000 visitors, clubs and traders in Yeovilton for the Fleet Air Arm Museum Model Show on February 11th? The highlight will be a radio controlled flying display by the award winning British Model Flying Association. Take flight back to D2. 

Animated Exeter

From 11th to 19th February, Animated Exeter aims to excite and inspire young people, encourage and foster talent and showcase high quality animation. With over  100 animated films and lots of workshops, exhibitions and events, there’s plenty to get stuck in to. Draw your cartoons at A158.

There’s still time to get your skates on at the Eden Project’s magical ice rink in Cornwall. Watch the kids enjoy special fun-packed skating sessions tailored to their age and experience, and then off to explore the gardens and biomes! The rink is open until the end of February. Speedskate from R35.

Use our website to search for all our holiday cottages available for half term, or specifically search for holiday cottages in Devon or holiday cottages in Cornwall  - and don’t forget to use our Explore the Area map to find family-friendly attractions and events close to your favourite cottage.

We hope you, and your children, have a fantastic half-term.

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.

In praise of south Cornwall...

South Cornwall is the West Country at its most gentle and lovely: deep, wooded valleys between sheep and cattle-grazed fields, long sandy beaches, high headlands and pretty fishing villages.

There’s plenty to see and do – from grand historical National Trust properties Buckland Abbey, Lanhydrock House and Cotehele, to the modern wonder that is the Eden Project.

If you’re feeling active, the aptly named Adrenalin Quarry boasts the UK’s longest, highest and fastest zipwire. Similarly, Tree Surfers also offers zip wires, in addition to a high ropes course, archery and mountain biking. For something a little more sedate, Canoe Tamar allows you to manoeuvre your own Canadian canoe along the river Tamar in complete safety, travelling at your own speed on a gently flowing river with a qualified guide.

And if you’re heading to the area in July and August you might like to try the literary and musical delights of the Port Eliot Festival or the family-friendly Liskeard Country Show.

Of course, we’ve many fantastic cottages in the area:

On the outskirts of the tiny village of Lanreath and its cosy pub is Tresawson Farm, a detached, 18th century cottage situated at the end of 350 yards of private lane and looking serenely out over an acre of beautifully kept garden. Inside, it is newly decorated and refurbished and stylish. A large conservatory with impressive views, a large open plan lounge and dining room and a colourful, modern kitchen make this a favourite base for exploring the area.

Pleydon, a spacious 16th century detached stone farmhouse is situated beside a tree-shaded lane on the hillside just east of the pretty fishing village of Polperro. It’s a lovely homely cottage with lots of original features. Polperro is one of Cornwall’s most famous villages, wedged into a tiny gap in the cliffs, with a very pretty harbour, narrow streets, old slate-roofed cottages, pubs, restaurants and shops, and no cars allowed!  

Just east of Pensilva, a large moorland village with origins in Cornwall’s tin mining history, is Christmas Cottage, a recently built, ‘upside down’ detached house. Situated in a wonderfully private, deeply wooded location, the property has stunning long rural views over 24 acres of woods and paddocks, full of birdsong and wildlife and over which you are welcome to walk. Inside is contemporary and comfortable, with lots of sunlight through French windows. A very romantic spot and an excellent base for walking.

We’ve just taken on two stylish new properties in the area as well – The Sealoft in Talland Bay, just a few hundred yards from the cliff path, and Beach Way in Cawsand, virtually opposite the beach.

Click here to see a list of all our other cottages within the area.

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

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How do you entertain your kids on holiday?

Choosing a holiday that your children will enjoy as much as you can take a certain amount of planning. Is there outdoor space and entertainment at the holiday cottage? How far is the nearest beach? Where can you go for a fun day out?

A holiday in the West Country offers a diverse choice of family-friendly attractions. At the Eden Project in Cornwall, alongside the iconic Biomes, is The Core, a fantastic education centre full of interactive displays where both children and adults can press buttons, windhandles and peer inside things. There are also zoos and animal centres such as Pennywell Farm in Devon, ideal for children to get involved and learn about farming life. 

Or how about the National Maritime Museum (pictured) in Falmouth or an adventure park such as Devon's Crealy with theme park rides, an adventure zone and a Magical Kingdom?

Make the most of the wealth of natural assets too - miles of sandy beaches and open moorland, perfect for children to burn off all that energy. The coast and countryside is a spectacular backdrop for outdoor activities such as surfing, sailing, horse riding and rock climbing, or just the simple pleasures of walking with your pet dog or exploring rock pools.

Many of our holiday homes are well-stocked with kids entertainments, such as Lower Toft Farmhouse in Devon with an indoor swimming pool and a table tennis table and Compton House (pool room pictured) in Somerset with table football, a pool table, an outdoor pool and even its own adventure playground. At Ingle Tor, within the grounds of Bovey Castle on Dartmoor, seven to 14 year olds can join the 'Bovey Rangers' and enjoy activities ranging from rock climbing to survival skills.

You can use our Advanced Search to find more holiday cottages with pools, gardens and games rooms or those which are on a farm or near a sandy beach. And, don’t forget, our ‘Explore the Area’ map will help you spot the places to go and things to do near each cottage. If you need any extra advice, give our telephone team a call on 01647 433593 – they are all visitors to our properties with local knowledge to help you find the one that’s right for you.

Which attractions, locations and HH holiday cottages would you recommend for entertaining your kids on holiday? We’d love to hear from you.
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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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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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Valentine's getaways…

Selecting the perfect location for a Valentine's getaway is all about personality, whether you want somewhere to cosy up and admire the idyllic view or a sanctuary to come home to at the end of a day adventuring with your better half. These character-laden properties can cater for a range of preferences and each offers a romantic setting, too.

A couples' favourite has to be The Music Room at Aveton Gifford, an old village beside the River Avon in the South Hams. As one of two very special conversions on a family estate, this remarkable Grade II listed former music room uses its history and charm to create a dramatic yet tranquil setting. The long room and its stained glass windows easily conjure images of concerts and performances, while the stage itself now houses a four poster bed. With sandy beaches, coves and pretty thatched buildings and golf courses, you don't have to go far in Aveton Gifford for scenery. You might like to take a walk to The Oyster Shack, just two miles away – oysters are an aphrodisiac too good to miss on Valentine's Day!

If you're looking for a seaside retreat, bring your walking boots to Cliff End in Whitsand Bay, south Cornwall. This property is an aptly named, newly built chalet around 30 foot above the beach on the very edge of Tregonhawke Cliff. A large enclosed deck along the front is great for ship watching when you’re not surfing and there’s a footpath down to the sandy beach. And when you have made the most of the beautiful surroundings, you can cosy up inside in the fresh and modern interior or perhaps visit Buckland Abbey a short drive away.

Tucked away among the scattered houses and cottages of the village Kestle Mill, north Cornwall, is Sunrise Cottage, a pretty little stone and cob cottage, thought to be 17th century or older. The flower-filled garden creates the perfect entrance to a thoughtfully prepared holiday home. The bathroom includes a jacuzzi-style bath and if there is time to venture out and about after a bit of R&R with your loved one, Kestle Mill is well positioned (near Newquay and St Austell) for coastal visits or touring. Elizabethan Trerice House is around a mile away and the Eden Project 10 miles.

Rose Cottage, a detached gothic-style gatehouse on Dartmoor will strike a chord with the old romantic. Situated just inside the main entrance gates to Bovey Castle (a renowned hotel), and just two miles from North Bovey, the property has views over the 18 hole championship golf course and is two lane-miles from the spectacular open moor around Manaton or Moretonhampstead. With the elegant hall, ornate ironwork doors to the dining room and the big round glass table encircled by mullioned windows, the scene is instantly set for a romantic break. All guests are welcome to enjoy the hotel’s pool, sauna, steam room and gym. For those who want to venture outside the grounds, the Ring of Bells Inn, North Bovey, is a popular watering hole for locals and visitors alike, with food served daily.

If you fancy spending Valentine's in the West Country, see this page or call us on 01647 433593.

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.