Panto season – oh yes it is!

A principal boy played by a woman, a dame played by a man, chants of “He’s behind you!”, two men in a horse costume, a good fairy, an evil villain, and the obligatory guest celebrity – it can only mean one thing, the panto season is upon us again!

A wide variety of performances can be enjoyed in the West Country this year – here are a few notables, with places to stay for each:

In Truro, the Good Fairy's best magic is tested to the extreme in Sleeping Beauty at the Hall for Cornwall. With a little help from the audience, we think she’ll prevail. A peaceful nap awaits at Nansavallan Farmhouse.

TV's Sandra Dickinson takes the lead in Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs (pictured) at the Exeter Corn Exchange. Off to Swallow Barn Cottage you go.

At the Theatre Royal in Plymouth, squeaky-voiced comedian Joe Pasquale stars as Muddles in another production of Sleeping Beauty – or should that be ‘Squeaking Beauty’… Admire the ever-changing scenes at Riverside.

Dick Whittington is the choice at Exmouth Pavillion, with a ‘daring, thigh-slapping adventure’ guaranteed. It’s the cat’s whiskers at The Quay. 

The good folk at the Flavel Theatre in Dartmouth will perform Cinderella – the popular tale of a pretty young girl who lived with her father, stepmother and ugly stepsisters. Will she find her glass slipper – and her Prince? Have a ball at Oak Tree.

Celebrity spotters might be interested in another performance of Cinderella, at the Playhouse in Weston Super Mare, starring Coronation Street's Sean Wilson, Eternal's Kelle Bryan and A Touch of Frost's John Lyons. Back to Glebe Cottage before midnight!

And last but not least, another performance of Cinderella at the Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth, stars Carry On and Corrie star Amanda Barrie, Last of the Summer Wine’s Tom Owen and Chris Jarvis from CBeebies.  Don’t lose your slippers at Poppy Cottage (pictured above). 

Relax and shop on a pre-Christmas cottage ‘value’ break…

Take advantage of the lower cottage holiday prices during December with a relaxing pre-Christmas break and do your pressie shopping at the same time.

Sleeping six plus your pet, King Harry’s Cottage in Feock, south west Cornwall, is available at £195 (£32.50pp) for a short three or four night break from now until 17th December. 

Set in one of the most beautiful spots in Cornwall, this former ferryman’s cottage has great views of the River Fal; it’s also within an easy drive of both Falmouth and the cathedral city of Truro for Christmas gift shopping.

Find out more about short breaks and take a look at some of our other special offers in the run up to the festive season.

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.