And properties in the region are also being let out for longer. Miles Kevin, head of Knight Frank’s residential development team in the South West, says that existing holiday property owners should be optimistic:

“The number of letting weeks has increased significantly in recent years. Five or six years ago, it typically was around 25 weeks but now it runs for around 32 weeks, driven in part by people opting to take long weekends earlier and later in the year – in the softer climate of Devon and Cornwall, this can be as late as November. The signs suggest that holiday properties will remain in demand as the economy improves.”

Knight Frank has also seen a rise in the number of people considering a second home as a stable, long-term investment. Many holiday home buyers are approaching retirement age and looking for a wise use of equity released from selling the large family property; some relocate to the area and live in their property while they search for a new primary residence. There has also been a rise in the number of buyers who see a second home as a mixture of business and pleasure, planning to use the property themselves for leisure as well as to rent it out.

“Current yields for new-build properties in prime (coastal, or historic town) pockets of the South West are healthier than ever,” says Miles Kevin. “We are seeing some of the schemes we’re selling achieve a yield of up to eight per cent. For example, a two-bedroom flat with a modern interior in Newquay, Cornwall, can command £1,000 or more a week during July and August. However, a less-modernised property might only bring in £650. The holiday letting market looks for quality and will not put up with ‘Granny’s furniture’ any more, so a newly built, well furnished property often better fits the bill.”

After all this excitement, why not go back to nearby Ottery St Mary (of flaming barrel running fame) to this gorgeous little cottage from Helpful Holidays that sleeps 4.  A long, elegant hall leads to L-shaped living/dining/kitchen with TV/DVD and beautifully fitted kitchen area (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge-freezer, gas hob) with small breakfast table (larger table/chairs kept folded in hall for more formal dining). French windows open to small patio area (table/chairs) immediately to the front of the house.. Oak stairs to first floor and two bedrooms – a double, and a single; very luxurious bathroom. On the second floor, a double bedroom under the eaves with smart en suite shower-room (suite) and 2 steps up to French windows to a small and very private roof terrace (table/chairs) with fine views over the town.

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.

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

The aim of the five-year redevelopment was to transform the baths into an attraction for the 21st century, creating a fun and interactive day out and at the same time improving accessibility for disabled visitors. Audio guides are provided in a number of languages, including an English alternative by Bill Bryson and one in Mandarin.

“We had to up our game to retain our position as a leading visitor attraction,” said Stephen Bird, Head of Heritage Services at Bath and North East Somerset Council.

“We needed to bring the baths into the 21st century but without changing it into a fairground ride,” added Mr Bird. “We want people to be sure that the time they have spent here has been worth it. We have great comments from people, saying that this is the best museum they have ever been to.”

Some of the measures taken to bring the baths to life may startle traditionalists. Projected images of Romans flicker in the background, while actors in character mingle with visitors, telling their stories and engaging in conversation about their lives.

Just two years after it was devastated by fire, the pier at Weston-super-Mare was due to re-open as we went to press. A £51 million refit has left the pier well equipped to meet the needs of 21st century holidaymakers, with new high-tech rides and games, including two genuine formula one simulators where drivers can see just how good they really are.

The pier’s owners, brother and sister Kerry and Michelle Michael, are aiming high with the ambitious project. They want the pier to be an all-year attraction,with a hall large enough to hold 3,000 people for concerts or 1,000 for banquets, as well as conference facilities. Traditional holiday visitors and day-trippers will be catered for by the amusement park, which includes 18 rides, as well as 26 shops and food outlets.

Entrance to the pier remains free, so it will be possible simply to stroll out to sea or sit in the sun, but the Michaels hope the wide range of attractions will see 3.5 million visitors a year spending an average of £4.60 each.

Why not taste a range of cheeses at the Frome Agricultural and Cheese Show this Saturday (11th September). Not only is there a cheese pavilion, there is a country sports enthusiasts area devoted to such pursuitsas fly fishing, laser clay shooting and archery. New for 2010 is the FMX Freestyle show with motor bike tricks and back flips galore.

This family friendly day out attracts many visitors each year and organisers are expecting around 17,000 this year. Early bird tickets are only just still available (until Weds) but normal prices are £25 for a family ticket or £12 per adult and £3 per child. A senior citizen pass is discounted to £10 and children under 3 go free. Order tickets online here.

The show opens at a bright and early 8.30am and run throughout the day until 6pm.

The West Woodlands Showground is situated on the B3092, West Woodlands, Near Frome, Somerset, BA11 5ES. To help you to find the Showground there will be various signs to direct you to the Show.

The Showground offers FREE car parking and FREE buses which are available from various points in Frome.

New to the show this year is Ladies Day on Thursday 3rd June, when visitors stand a chance of being crowned winner of the best hat competition or best dressed lady and walking away with a mystery prize.  Other activities are the terrier races, falcon displays, canoeing, milking cows and feeding chickens amongst many other things!

If you book early and online, you get a 15% discount, plus up to 3 children get free entry!

For prices and opening times and more detailed information click here.

For somewhere to stay, why not try this large detached house in Sampford Brett through Helpful Holidays. It sleeps 13 with 2 doubles, 3 twins and 1 family room. This lovely country house has a neat fenced garden at the front and, at the back, a courtyard (table/chairs, barbecue) filled with flower tubs, leading to a garden with a lawn, and, beyond that, a pony paddock for romping.

Stairs from the hall lead up to four more bedrooms – a double plus single with washbasin, a double, a zip-linkable twin with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower), and a twin (low doorway) with washbasin. Smart new bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). A few more stairs up to the attic and a sixth bedroom with 5’ double bed, washbasin, Velux window and exposed ancient roof timbers.

Prices start from £475 that are currently available. Find out more details here.