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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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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From castles to cosy cottages…

Magnificent architecture, stunning rooms and oodles of history. These grand country houses, castles and estates are a stones' throw from our holiday cottages and a perfect day out.

Caerhays Castle and Gardens (pictured) in Cornwall is an entire estate worth perusing. Owned by the Williams family, it is located in a sheltered valley overlooking Porthluney Cove on the south Cornish coast equidistant from Truro and St Austell. The fascinating garden, open from mid February to early June, benefited from the finds of plant hunters in China around the turn of the 20th century. Stay at this elegant early Victorian house in Fowey and enjoy your very own lovely, long estuary views.

Forde Abbey and Gardens (pictured) in Chard, Somerset is another family home and county jewel. Once a Cistercian monastery, it has more than 900 years of history and 30 acres of award-winning gardens. Stay close by at the fairytale-looking thatched and aptly named Gingerbread House. The hexagonal Grade II listed home on the edge of woods can't help but boost the holiday magic.

Sherbourne Castle in Dorset was built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and was the stately home of the Digby family since 1617. Visitors will see a variety of decorative styles from over 400 years of English history. Pack even more variety into your visit by staying out on the coast, at the Grade II listed thatched Dormouse Cottage in Burton Bradstock.

The National Trust looks after Arlington Court (pictured), near Barnstaple in north Devon. Another prime example of an English family estate, it houses much loved collections of everything from model ships to shells. The tea room makes good use of the produce from the thriving walled kitchen garden and the grounds even include an ancient heronry and a Carriage Museum, complete with working horses and stables. A short trot along the coast is the hamlet of Higher Clovelly and this Grade II listed cottage, converted along with the neighbouring buildings that once made up a Victorian ‘Model Farm’. Beautiful panoramic views over countryside to Bideford Bay beyond.


If you fancy visiting a grand house 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.

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.