Archive for category Devon

Petrol prices boost bikes

May 6

Posted by jason in Devon, dorset, Lake District, Peak District, Wales | 1 Comment

Sportives, National Trust

Will rocketing petrol prices create a holiday bicycle boom? More and more tourism businesses seem to believe so. For instance, April saw the launch of Cambridge Bike Tours, the first of its kind to provide a programme of bicycle tours around the city and surrounding areas. As well as modern bikes, tourists have the opportunity to try some nostalgic and immaculately refurbished historic British bikes.

Cambridge is famous for its cycling and has over 80 miles of cycle paths and lanes to explore. The company claims its tours offer tourists a unique outdoors experience and enable them to see more of the city and river than on the many walking tours available. Surprisingly, Cambridge Bike Tours is the first tour company in the city to offer a programme dedicated purely to bicycle tours.

The company runs a programme of four different tours operating every day of the week in the summer except Tuesdays. Three of the tours cost £20 and the full day tour costs £33, including bike and helmet. Discounts are available for students, families and groups.

Also getting busy on two wheels is the National Trust, which has launched a new series of challenge rides (also known as sportives). Anyone who’s ever fancied the idea of taking part in a challenging cycle ride through stunning countryside or around a beautiful country estate could be in for a treat with one of them.

All of the routes start and finish at National Trust sites and the first ride will take place in Pembrokeshire in West Wales on 1 May.

The National Trust’s Philip Broadbent-Yale said: “These rides offer a fantastic way to see amazing countryside and have been specifically designed to cater for all ages and abilities, from first-time riders to seasoned pros, there’s something for everyone.”

With distances ranging from a few miles, which is ideal for families, to more testing 50-100 mile rides for the more experienced, these cycling challenges are designed for those who love spending time in the great outdoors. The routes wind through open countryside and will be fully way-marked and marshalled by professional event organisers.

Challenge rides planned for 2011 are:

1 May – National Trust Pembrokeshire Challenge Ride at Stackpole in Wales
19 June - Father’s Day Ride at Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire
3 July – National Trust White Peak Challenge Ride – Illam, Peak District (TBC)
3 July – Kingston Lacy in Dorset
24 July – Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire
11 Sept – Wimpole in Cambridgeshire
2 October – Dartmoor Atlantic Challenge at the Parke Estate in Devon
9 October - Sizergh Castle in the Lake District

More information on the rides, how to register and more downloadable cycle trails can be found at National Trust website

Also happening this summer will be the Trust’s first ever Cycling Festival which will take place between 16-24 July, with bike-ride events and activities happening at 25 locations, including Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire and Scotney Castle in Kent.

Finally, March saw the launch of a unique cycle route in Dorset, where to celebrate its 50th Anniversary, Dorset Wildlife Trust has created 42toDO, a special route taking in all of its 42 nature reserves. At 260 miles through the best of Dorset’s landscapes, it is a challenge that people can take up by bike, on foot or even by car, with shorter routes also available for a more leisurely day.

Fiona Sansom of Dorset Wildlife Trust said:

“42toDO is all about celebrating our wonderful nature reserves. Anybody can do it, whether they cycle the whole thing in one go or tick off a few nature reserves at a time on a leisurely ride or walk. Our route is suitable for cyclists, avoiding main roads where possible, but you can still visit the reserves by car, so there’s no reason to feel left out!”

The Trust has produced a map which includes all you need to know about where and when to see unmissable wildlife such as wood anemones, bluebells, sand lizards, early spider orchids or red squirrels.

With different punches at every reserve to collect on the 42toDO maps, challengers will win a certificate and special badge for achieving all 42 or for more than half. There will be additional prizes for the most impressive or unusual ways of completing the challenge.

The 42toDO challenge is free. For a pack, click here

Tags: Cambridge, Cambridge Bike Tours, National Trust, Pembrokeshire

Exeter Food and Drink Festival

Apr 13

Posted by elisa in Articles, Coast, Cottages Search, Devon, Events, family days out, Festivals, Food and Drink, Fun, West Country | 1 Comment

29th April – 1st May is the Exeter Food and Drink Festival, and with the weather the way that it is at the moment, what better time to go and sample a wide variety of foods and drinks and also to watch 4 Michelin star chefs in the cookery theatre. Rob Dawe of Ashburton Cookery School will also be there – I visited the School last year and can testify that the instruction was brilliant and the food tasty! Check out the full blog here.

Mama Stone’s House Band will headline the musical entertainment on the 29th, and feature soul and R&B artist Leigh Coleman and Adam Isaac. Adam’s songs have a bouncy funk/rock edge and his music is full of energy with outstanding vocals, a perfect way to celebrate the big day. Peachy Farmer, a six piece band playing a mix of ska, reggae and dub will headline on Saturday 30th, supported by Jabbrock, to keep the crowds bouncing as the sun goes down.

The Royal Wedding day will be a particular time for celebration, so expect a big party!

Why not try this Helpful Holidays cottage (G28) in nearby Exmouth for a bit of fun on the beach before catching the train or bus to Exeter’s centre – it’s only a short trip away and very scenic (this is a route I know well from my University days). The property sleeps 6 and is ½ mile from the seafront/beach, quietly tucked away close to the heart of town (station, 500 yards), a neat, end of terrace cottage, on four levels, with a fresh, modern seaside feel, it has a pretty suntrap courtyard at the back, and, from the top floor bedroom, great panoramic views over town to the Exe estuary and Lympstone beyond.

Kelly House Banquet

Mar 8

Posted by elisa in Advertisers, Cottages Search, Devon, Events, Food and Drink, West Country | No Comments

Many of you may have watched the restoration programme Country House Rescue on Channel 4, well now is the chance to dine in a banquet at one of them, Kelly House, in the Tamar Valley in Devon.

Since the restoration, the house has opened up its doors to host wonderful banquets by candlelight in the 15th century hall. The next banquet is vegetarian and is on 12th March, the forthcoming months will also host gluten-free and spring feast banquets and at £40 a head for this special night I think it’s worth it.

If you’d like to stay nearby, why not try this Helpful Holidays cottage code J24 that sleeps 6 in Roadford. To the front there is a patio and an enclosed, mainly lawned garden with great views over the surrounding countryside. Inside, there are nicely fitted oak floors and some local photos – all done to a high standard. Good-sized living/dining room (woodburner, TV/DVD) with leather sofas; smart fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing-machine, microwave, fridge-freezer) with a door to the patio. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms: a large double with en suite shower-room, another double, and a twin room with one bed under the eaves (best for children).

Pennywell Farm new season opens 19th February

Feb 14

Posted by elisa in Devon, family days out, West Country, wildlife | No Comments

Springing lamb picture by Flickr User craigcullum

Perfect for the half term holidays is a day out at Pennywell Farm in Devon, the new season opens this Saturday 19th February and is open daily from 10am-5pm. Enjoy activities such as ferret racing, goat milking, hand feeding deer and snuggling the famous miniature piglets. The children will also undoubtedly love to see the new lambs of the season springing about the fields and if they’re lucky they may get a chance to feed them! Silver Wings Falconry will be providing two falconry displays every day of the season also.

Ride the Run Rabbit Go Carts, Rainbow Railway, Tractor and Trailer ride and Red Rocket ride are all included in the admission price (£10.95 per adult and £8.95 per child).

Valentine’s dinner

Feb 7

Posted by elisa in Advertisers, Devon, Food and Drink, Valentine's Day | No Comments

Another Valentine’s themed post for those romantics out there – there is a special four-course Valentine’s menu by a log fire at the Venus Beachside Restaurant in Blackpool Sands, Dartmouth, South Devon on Saturday 12th February. You could go for a romantic stroll along the beach and then settle down between 5.30pm and 9pm to delights such as falafel with herbs & lime juice, mushroom & arame pate, BBQ Bigbury Bay oysters Kilpatrick (crispy bacon and Lea & Perrin sauce), Devon free-range chicken breast served with a rustic sauce of bacon, red wine, mushrooms and shallots and chocolate brownie with chocolate sauce, amongst many, see the full menu here.

After such a collosal meal, you will probably want to retire to a beautiful holiday cottage, and Helpful Holidays have just the one! Linney Cottage is a terraced, sunny, south-facing property converted from a 300-year-old barn. A thickly hedged, enclosed, suntrap, private garden (table/chairs) down 12 steps at the back leads to the shared garden. Inside, the cottage is well decorated, light and comfy. There are three bedrooms, a bathroom (suite plus bath-shower), a living/dining room with TV/DVD/video, CD player and good views over the river Dart. There is a well-equipped fitted kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, washer-drier. It’s best for a maximum of 4 adults and prices are from £302 at this time of year.

photo of Holiday cottage in Dittisham, South Hams with 4 stars, sleeps 5

Valentine getaway

Jan 27

Posted by elisa in Advertisers, Availability, Cottages Search, Devon, Food and Drink, Valentine's Day, West Country | No Comments

It’s coming up to that time of year again, when couples get cosy and fancy a bit of romance – yes, it’s nearly Valentine’s Day! So, what better time to take a break away at one of Helpful Holidays’ cottages in the West Country, perfect for romance. Here is a selection to browse:

This beautiful thatched Grade II listed cottage is in the exceptionally pretty village of Drewsteignton, which has a good food pub, shop, restaurant and church. It lies on a ridge a mile from the most spectacular part of the river Teign valley and is 6 miles to the open moor and 14 miles from Exeter. The cottage (ref: A5) sleeps 4 with two bedrooms (a double and a twin), has an inglenook fireplace and a Rayburn in the kitchen. Prices start from £252.

A Grade II listed farmhouse in Newton Ferrers/Noss Mayo (adjoining small villages beside the lake-like River Yealm estuary) has been cleverly and tastefully converted into two dwellings which sleeps two. The Linhay (ref: L118) is a detached, upside-down cottage, recently refurbished from a former grain store, with own west-facing small lawned garden (bench, table/chairs), it’s decor is simple and modern. The area is popular for sailing, lovely for walking or just sitting. There are essential nearby shops and good food pubs, tennis courts and riding stables. If you fancy a bit of a day trip then there is a pedestrian ferry to coast walk to Wembury and a secluded beach. Prices start from £209.

An attached cottage cleverly converted from outhouses facing the main modern house across a walled courtyard in Chagford, a friendly little village perfectly situated for bracing walks across Dartmoor. The cottage (ref: A55) is only 300 yards from local pubs and shops, so is great for nipping to get another bottle of wine for an evening in, or going out for that romantic meal. The interior of the property is elegant and stylish and can sleep up to 4 people, it’s also only 10 minutes walk away from an outdoor swimming pool – in case of some unseasonably warm weather! Prices start from £252.

Review of 2010

Jan 5

Posted by elisa in art, Articles, Coast, Cottages Search, Devon, Events, Exhibitions, family days out, Festivals, Food and Drink, Fun, Group holidays, Holiday advice, News, North West, Rail, shopping and culture, Surveys, Tips, Tourist Board, Transport, Wales, Walking, Weather, West Country, Yorkshire | 1 Comment

2010 was a year jam-packed with travel related news stories, festivals and events. I’ve taken the liberty of collating some of Holiday Cottages’ best blog posts over the year to give an overall review so you don’t have to go searching for them yourself!

January started with testing out my culinary skills at the Ashburton Cookery School in Devon.

A survey in February showed high speed rail was more important to people than airport expansions.

The Shambles in York was voted most picturesque street in March. There was also trouble on the railways with a Network Rail threatened strike.

Easter was a staycation preference in April.

There were many family fun festivals between May and August.

Even before the Royal wedding announcement we found out how the Royals are key to UK tourism.

27 West Country beaches were awarded blue flags in August, showing that the West Country is a great place to visit!

We were given tips on how to give tourists a better welcome during the Olympics.

Taxing times for holiday rental businesses.

The famous Exmoor Food Festival was in October, tickling visitor’s taste buds!

Bonfire Night had many events to travel to, including the flaming barrel run in Ottery St. Mary’s!

It got very cold in November and December as part of the big freeze.

The year ended with a little early Christmas cheer for the travel industry!

So there’s a pick of the Holiday Cottages blog coverage of events and news over the year. For travel news pertaining to outbound travel don’t forget to check out our sister site’s blog, Villaseek. There will be a run down of the year’s news on there very soon also!

Cottage expansion

Dec 28

Posted by jason in Advertisers, Coast, Devon, Somerset | No Comments

West Country cottage specialists, Helpful Holidays, report booming business and are expanding into North and East Devon for 2011 with an increase in properties in both these regions. Other areas seeing growth for next year include Exmoor, Somerset, the coast near Newquay and the far west of Cornwall.

Offering holidays for nearly 30 years, the agency continues to see very high levels of enquiries from both holidaymakers and home owners.

“It may be as a result of the current economic climate and euro exchange rate, or concern about the environmental impact of flying, but more people are planning holidays in the UK,” says general manager Moray Bowater.

“Booking levels were excellent in 2010, helped by a growing awareness that England, and in particular the West Country, has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world,” continued Mr Bowater. “Bookings for 2011 are looking good; we are confident that the market for top level, self-catering accommodation will continue to grow.”

Many of Helpful Holidays’ properties are exceptionally plush and the agency has a reputation for offering big and beautiful places, with 68 of its houses sleeping ten or more.

Tags: Cornwall, Exmoor, Helpful Holidays, Moray Bowater

Build a better bookshelf

Nov 5

Posted by jason in Birmingham, Brighton, Coast, Cumbria, Devon, East England, Holiday advice, Ireland, Lake District, Newcastle, North West, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Peak District, Scotland, Somerset, Suffolk, Uncategorized, Wales, West Country, Yorkshire | No Comments

One of the great pleasures of getting away on a cottage holiday is the chance to relax with a good book. Another is getting out and about, seeing and doing things that make a real change from everyday life.

So having a well chosen selection of books (as well as DVDs and games) in a holiday property can contribute a lot to a holiday. Bookshelves tend to acquire a life of their own, with visitors donating books they’ve brought and read. That can lead to a wonderfully mixed selection of books reflecting all sorts of tastes and interests. Even so, it still helps a lot if at the heart of the collection is a core of books appropriate to the property. Books about the area, of course, whether guide books, local history or fiction. But also books that can help visitors appreciate aspects of country life they might otherwise miss.

For instance, a couple of new books from Britain’s Wildlife Trusts do this in quite different ways. The first is a guide designed to help you get closer to nature, called 152 Wild Things to Do. Divided into four seasonal sections, it lists places to visit (mostly wildlife reserves owned by the Trusts), activities for both adults and children, and skills you can acquire.

In spring, if you’re in Wales you could visit Silent Valley nature reserve. Or you could cook nettle soup. “Healthy, delicious and found absolutely everywhere, nettles are a wonderful leaf that can be cooked up into a wholesome soup. Food that’s free and full of goodness – perfect! You’ll need to pick the tender tops of young nettles in the spring.” It goes on to a full Nigella-style listing of ingredients (including optional wild garlic leaves), cooking instructions and a final flourish: “You could stir in some crème fraîche or serve with a swirl of cream and some crusty bread.”

In summer, you could go wild swimming or glow-worm spotting; in autumn, you could go blackberrying (and make jam), discover Tolkien’s inspiration or see Britain’s largest butterfly. And in winter… well, buy the book and give it as a present, or just for yourself to spur inspiration and booking another cottage holiday.

In all there are – as you would expect – 152 recommendations, so there’s plenty to keep you busy. The book is probably aimed mostly at parents hoping to occupy children and stir an interest in nature and the countryside, but there’s plenty for everyone. It serves as an introduction to a number of small, lesser-known nature reserves and the colour photography is beautiful. It’s a book that deserves a place on every holiday cottage bookshelf.

Rather more traditional is Nature Tales, from the same source. It’s a compilation of nature writing spanning the last three hundred years, with a forward by Sir David Attenborough. “This wonderful collection of some of the greatest nature writers in Britain’s history is a pleasure to read from start to finish and a valuable addition to any naturalist’s library,” says Sir David. Quite so, but don’t let that reference to a naturalist’s library make you think this is some learned, stuffy book. Quite the reverse, because it’s the ideal accompaniment to a cup of tea and a digestive, with most of the items no more than two or three pages long.

The book is organised in themed sections – By river and sea, From my window, Nature trails, and so on – each with items from across the 300 years. So an entertaining piece by Bill Oddie – one of the longest items at nine pages – is preceded by the 19th century novelist Richard Jefferies and followed by Nan Shepherd, a wonderful descriptive writer who died in 1981 at the age of 88. There are brief notes on each contributor, which might well lead you to follow up on their other writings.

Even more than in a naturalist’s library, this book belongs in every holiday cottage. And it, too, would make an excellent birthday or Christmas present for any nature-minded reader.

152 Wild Things to Do, published by Elliott and Thompson Ltd, £12.99,
Nature Tales, published byElliott and Thompson Ltd, £18.99

Tags: 152 Wild Things to Do, book, Britain’s Wildlife Trusts, Elliott and Thompson Ltd, Nature Tales, reading, travel guide

Festival of Lights at Exeter University

Nov 4

Posted by elisa in Devon, Festivals, films, Food and Drink, Fun | 1 Comment

Photo by Flickr User crajeeshelly

Aimed at students and families, this Saturday (6th November) there is a free Diwali Festival of Lights at Exeter University‘s Cornwall House on the Stretham Campus from 3pm-7.30pm.

Parking if free on Saturday!

The order of the day runs as follows:

3pm Opening Puja Ceremony

3.15pm – 6.15pm Bollywood Film: Dostana

3.15 – 6.15pm Choose from:

Cookery demonstrations from Curry Leaves, authentic South Indian cuisine with fresh food to purchase!

Paint your own Diya (small candle holder).

Rangoli painting.

Henna tattoos.

Dress in traditional Indian dress or learn to tie a Saree and have a souvenir photograph.

Enjoy a traditional Lassi drink.

Learn and play a traditional Indian card game.

4pm – 5pm Bollywood Dance class – fun for all ages and abilities with professional dancer Madhuri Rajesh. Learn a routine.

5pm – 5.45pm Dhol drumming workshop.

6.15pm – 6.45pm Performance time: see the routine from the dance class, hear the drummers and see some local talented performers.

6.45pm Join the procession to see the fireworks.

7.15pm – 7.30pm Fireworks to round off the celebrations in traditional style. Fireworks will be viewed from Clydesdale Rise.

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