Archive for category West Country

Teddy Bear Festival!

Jun 16

Posted by elisa in Advertisers, Cornwall, Cottages Search, Events, family days out, Fun, West Country | No Comments

Now I love teddy bears. It’s not something that you might expect as I don’t have a big collection sitting in my flat or anything, but I have a select few which sit back at my parents house from when I was younger that I still love dearly. I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in my teddy nostalgia, so thought I’d write about the Cornwall Summer Bear Fair on 26th June at Lostwithiel Community Centre.

There are over 45 stands and hundreds of teddies, new and old, designer and antique. You can even take your teddy for free valuations and restoration advice. There’s also a teddy bear hospital and bear-making demonstrations, kits, patterns, materials and accessories. Enter the Champagne Competition for ‛Best Own Bear Creation’ with a ‛summer/beach’ theme – dressed or undressed!

It’s a shame I can’t get down to Cornwall that weekend, but links to pictures from anyone who does go would be appreciated!

If you fancy tying in your visit with a holiday, why not try this recently built, ‘upside down’ detached house with stunning long rural views in Pensilva. It and the owners’ house stand in 24 acres of private woods and paddocks, full of birdsong and wildlife and over which you are welcome to walk. There are ponies, sheep and a very friendly spaniel. A paradise for those who appreciate the natural environment and a lovely setting for your newly acquired teddy.

This Helpful Holidays property has a neat, enclosed patio with table/chairs, door to large hall/utility room with slate floor, washing machine, freezer, drying rack (for coats/boots); two bedrooms – a double (5’ bed), and a twin, both with lovely views; bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Stairs up to open-plan living/dining/fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave) with TV/DVD, electric ‘living flame’ fire, lots of sunlight through two French windows (both with closed balconies) and those fantastic views. A very romantic spot and an excellent base for walking. Good equestrian centre (trekking, cross-country), 10 minutes away.

Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival!

Jun 9

Posted by elisa in Advertisers, Cornwall, Events, family days out, Festivals, Fun, West Country | No Comments

Fancy singing some sea shanties? Well the Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival sounds like the festival for you! This 17th, 18th and 19th June brings the best sea shanty singers around to Falmouth for this delightful festival.

The Opening Ceremony will be at 6.30pm on Custom House Quay and the singing programme will begin at 7pm on two of the three main stages (Custom House Quay and Events Square) until 10pm, and at several other venues in town until late!

Saturday’s main programme will begin at 11.00am, with the Moor Piazza main stage opening its programme alongside the other two main stages and again several venues in town. This year, there are special events starting at 10.30am with singing on board the historic replica, the Matthew and Trelissick Gardens (both of these events will carry a charge).

Check out more details at the main website.

And as a base, try the East Wing of this fine neo-classical Georgian house with extensive views over the Fal Estuary. Private gardens (patio, table/chairs) to enjoy, as well as the National Trust parkland and gardens of Trelissick Estate which stretch down to the sea and along woodland, riverside and coastal walks. Trelissick East is private from visitors to the gardens, although the National Trust restaurant and shop are within easy walking distance. Tours of the Copeland China collection are available (by arrangement), and the owner’s family live in the main house and are on hand if needed.

Trelissick East (Ref: S231), from Helpful Holidays is self-contained with large, light, beautifully furnished rooms and south-facing views over parkland and out to sea from most windows. On the first floor there is a large living room with TV/DVD, CD player and wonderful views; 5 steps up to an elegant dining room, well-equipped kitchen and large double bedroom with four-poster bed and garden views; bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Separate stairs lead to two more bedrooms: a double (6’ bed) with sea views from two big windows and en suite bathroom (suite), and a twin, also with sea views. On the top floor, another twin bedroom. Beautiful!

photo of Holiday cottage in Feock, Cornwall's Med with 5 stars, sleeps 8

Go for a walk on Exmoor

Jun 8

Posted by elisa in Advertisers, Cottages Search, Devon, Events, Group holidays, Walking, West Country | No Comments

For all the keen walkers out there, this 25th June is the annual Exmoor Perambulation, the longest circular one day walk in the busy Exmoor calendar taking participants around 31 miles of wonderful countryside. The walk dates back over 725 year and its route covers areas of the National Park not normally open to the public, so it’s a great opportunity for exercise and beautiful scenery.

The Perambulation of Exmoor Forest is organised annually by the Exmoor Tourist Association and the Exmoor National Park Authority. The walk is rather arduous and would require a bit of training for the inexperienced, but if 31 miles isn’t quite your bag then there is also a half distance option. It starts at the same time and place as the main event but terminates at Check Point 5 (Picked Stones Lane) where you can enjoy a BBQ while waiting for the free mini bus service to the finish at the Pinkery Centre.

After such a long walk it would be lovely to collapse down in one of these two beautiful adjacent cottages in Barbrook, Exmoor from Helpful Holidays.

Royal Cornwall Show 9th-11th June

Jun 6

Posted by elisa in Advertisers, Cornwall, Cottages Search, Events, Exhibitions, family days out, Festivals, Food and Drink, Fun, Holiday advice, West Country | No Comments

This Thursday to Saturday is the Royal Cornwall Show 2011, with Airborne motocross, sporty camels & parachutists. The main ring entertainment is mounted on a grand scale and the traditional steam fair is a colourful extravaganza; there are stages full of music, song and dance, a brilliant weekend for the family.

Why not keep your feet on the ground at this Helpful Holidays property in Bisland, North Cornwall, which sleeps up to 7 people. This delightful property has big rooms, good and comfortable furniture (including antiques), good pictures, and superb views. With its own terrace/patio, good-sized lawn divided from fields by ha-ha, it’s all very secluded. Inside there is an elegant living room with woodburner, fine grandfather clock, TV/DVD, good books and games for cold nights in or if the weather is not too favourable. There are four large and light bedrooms, a well-equipped fitted kitchen/diner with dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge-freezer; dining table overlooking the terrace and garden.

Devon’s big day out!

May 9

Posted by elisa in Advertisers, Articles, Availability, Cottages Search, Devon, Events, Exhibitions, Festivals, Food and Drink, Somerset, Tips, Walking, West Country, wildlife | No Comments

From the 19th – 21st May is the Devon County Show in Exeter. Enjoy three full days of West Country food and drink, the very best horses, goats, sheep, bunnies and cows, including the famous Devon cattle known as Red Rubies. Kids can plant seeds, bake bread, milk Daisy the model cow, weave willow wands, see chicks hatch and pet gentle farm animals. For those of you interested in craft there are lace-makers, quilters, weavers, spinners and dyers. Look out for demonstrations and take the chance to talk to these skilled crafts’ people to get practical advice on anything you may be working on at home. For a nibble, check out the BIG Devon cream tea marquee, with scones made by Richard Hunt, Executive Chef of the Grand Hotel, thick clotted cream and lashings of jam. There is such a huge list of things to do, it’s probably best to go to the website for full details. If that’s not tempting enough, then kids go free on Saturday!

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.

Tags: Cottages, Devon County Show, Helpful Holidays

Du Maurier Festival 12th – 21st May

May 6

Posted by elisa in Advertisers, art, Availability, Cottages Search, Events, Exhibitions, films, Food and Drink, Fun, West Country | No Comments

The Cornish town of Fowey is to host the Daphne Du Maurier Festival this May. There is a great line up of national and international writers and performers including Robert Hanbury-Tenison, Ann Widdecombe, Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends and Rory McGrath.

There are a selection of ticketed and free events. Of the free events you can get ‘Lost in Flowers’ with the Lostwithiel and District Floral Art Group at St Bartholomew’s; or watch Truro’s Amateur Operatic Society, go to a Book Sale and Coffee Morning or watch the Gallowglass traditional folk music, amongst many other activities!

Of ticketed events ranging from around 50p to £29 you could have a Gallery Meal, watch Hitchcock film ‘The Birds’, go for a Du Maurier ‘Rebecca’ guided coastline walk or watch ‘Waiting for Godot’, again, amongst many other events and activities, so check out the website for more details.

If you didn’t want to stay in Fowey for a full holiday, why not go to the festival as a day trip and chill out at this Helpful Holidays cottage in Polperro.This 16th century, detached stone farmhouse sleeps up to 6, it has a comfortable living room (woodburner, TV/DVD, CD player); kitchen/dining room (microwave, fridge-freezer) with huge ornamental fireplace with bread oven, leading to ‘snug’ (armchair, oil-fired Aga – switched off during June, July and August, pine dresser with pretty plates); from kitchen/dining room, door to utility room (washing machine), shower-room (suite), conservatory, and garden. Steepish stairs up to three bedrooms – two double (one with pine four-poster bed), one twin room; bathroom (suite); and door to patio and garden.

Tags: cottage search, Festival, literature

Helpful Holidays celebrate National Pet Month

Apr 19

Posted by elisa in Advertisers, Availability, Cottages Search, Romantic breaks, Tips, West Country | 1 Comment

Check out Helpful Holidays when booking cottages during National Pet Month (2nd April to 2nd May) as dogs stay free at all their pet friendly cottages during 2011 when booked during this month. They have properties with enclosed gardens and farms to wander and also properties near dog-friendly beaches or just a gentle stroll from really relaxed pubs that welcome dogs too. Many at Helpful Holidays are dog owners, so they welcome calls for tips on properties and places best suited to a doggy holiday. Up to two dogs can stay free of charge as part of the promotion (from 2nd April to 2nd May).

2 miles from North Bovey in a lovely setting is Bovey Castle, built in 1907 as a country seat for the heir to the WH Smith empire and now a renowned hotel. Carefully hidden in the grounds are 14 private, granite-built lodges of which Helpful Holidays offer 6. They are smart, stylish and comfy and overlook the Edwardian gardens, lake and tennis courts. All the hotel facilities are yours to enjoy, including indoor heated swimming pool (65’ x 19’6″ x 4’6″ deep), gym, steam room, sauna, spa (beauty treatments), restaurants and bistro. Outside are hard and grass tennis courts (lessons available), croquet lawn (seasonal) and cricket nets (late May to mid-September). If you don’t feel like cooking, order a restaurant meal or pizza to be delivered to your lodge, or for a special occasion, book a table at the hotel’s restaurant or bistro.

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).

Large properties with Helpful Holidays

Feb 21

Posted by elisa in Advertisers, Cottages Search, Romantic breaks, Tips, Wedding, West Country | No Comments

Helpful Holidays have a range of properties for larger parties of people to stay in, some even to have weddings in!

This Grade I listed Cadhay (G100) was shortlisted by Country Life for their ‘Finest manor house’ award. Sitting close to Ottery St Mary the property is mostly Tudor as it was built around 1550. Full of character, but with modern comfort, Cadhay is a beautiful and welcoming place sleeping 22 in 12 bedrooms – and you can get married there!

The magnificent 3 acre garden, described in a magazine article as ‘understated, gracious and beautiful’, fades via a ha-ha into countryside and has fine trees, cedars, fountains and walkways, herbaceous borders and huge lawns to enjoy (croquet available). There is also a walled garden with well-tended allotments and 50 acres of farmland around the house. Inside there are wonderful rooms, fine fireplaces, leaded windows, granite mullions, stucco ceilings, designer curtains, beautiful furniture, paintings.

Alternatively, how about Francis Drake’s shooting lodge. Originally a medieval hall house and the shooting lodge of Sir Francis Drake’s Yarcombe estate, Sheafhayne Manor (G1) is a superbly positioned, Grade II* listed, Elizabethan manor house sleeping 24 and likened by the Sunday Times to ‘a full-sized game of Cluedo’. There’s trout fishing on the river Yarty on the estate.

A wild garden/orchard with mown paths is at the end of a pergola walk with wisteria and a perfectly placed seat; nearby, a stream (unfenced). On the other side of the huge lawn (croquet) is a shallow rill (unfenced). Huge games room (air hockey, table tennis, table football) in the garden. In front of the house is a flagstoned and paved terrace with sundial and, through a stone arch with wrought iron gate, a sunken garden, very sheltered and peaceful. Inside all the bedrooms are en suite except two which share one large shower-room (suite). Some of the rooms have interconnecting doors; however, all can be bolted and individually accessed. Some have lovely panelling, others exceptional views; some, very wide floorboards; most have Hamstone or cast iron fireplaces (ornamental).

For more large properties go to our main website or direct to Helpful Holidays.

Holiday Cottages Blog

Articles and info on holidays and cottages in the UK and Ireland