Despite windswept days, some rain and even a smidgeon of snow, you’ll be relieved to hear the daffs are in full bloom in Cornwall. Winter’s nearly gone and in a flash spring will be here! Half-term is just a week away (still some availability), Mothering Sunday is on 2nd March (a weekend break?) and Easter just a few short weeks later (lots of good value houses still available). If your holidays still need organising, we’ve got some great places to offer you all over the West Country. Choose from 600 fully-inspected cottages, houses and apartments, many with pools and even the occasional cinema!

But first Valentine’s Day. Why not try one of our extra cosy cottages for two? There’s a cottage with a waterwheel tucked in the lee of Manaton on Dartmoor, and then a sweet cottage in Hawkchurch in East Devon with a good pub nearby and not far from the sea either.

We still have some great choices for half-term too and short breaks are available at many of them. There is an indoor pool at the Bigbury-on-Sea apartments (L546) or you can have one all to yourself at Boscastle (P293).

…and then if you’re in the West Country at Easter, choose from a number of egg-hunting venues…

Gather in Duke Street for an event for children of all ages - join in the fun of painting and decorating eggs and then rolling them down the street, all in aid of the RNLI. Call Padstow Tourist Information Centre for details – 01841 533 449

Nearby properties include:

Lots of clues will lead you round the zoo on an egg-tastic trail. Lots of prizes! See www.paigntonzoo.org.uk for details.

For somewhere to stay, take a look at:

Eggs will be hidden all over the model village. http://corfecastlemodelvillage.co.uk

Take a look at:

Come and hear stories, poems, legends and other fascinating facts about these 'harbingers of spring' with folklorist Brian Wright at Fyne Court, Broomfield near Bridgwater, 10th and 17th February at 2.30pm. Cost: adults £2.50; children £1. Car park suggested £1 donation. Tel: 01823 652400  www.somersetwildlife.org

Stay locally at:

… and at Hartland Abbey in North Devon, as we mentioned last month, there are special opening days on 10th and 17th February especially to see the snowdrops. www.hartlandabbey.com

Local holiday homes include:

Any moment now our first colour supplement, packed full with 45 new properties all over the West Country, will be dropping through your letter box. As you’d expect, all the properties are carefully inspected by our team, star rated for quality and come with our wholehearted recommendation. Holiday homes with terrific views to sea or across the moor, homes with heated pools and games rooms, in historic Cornish fishing ports or perhaps in a secluded spot where you can while away the hours in total peace and quiet; there’s something for everyone within our latest guide. Take a look at these for starters:

WSWDT goes from strength to strength, with more of the region’s top attractions than ever before offering discounts to Helpful Holidays holidaymakers. As always, the 2008 guide is packed full of splendid walks, great beaches, wonderful places to eat and drink and lots, lots more for you to do while here on holiday. We’ll send you a copy with your holiday confirmation pack,to ensure you make the most of your stay in the wonderful West Country.

As we’ve said, half-term, Easter and spring will soon be with us, but there’s still time to book a holiday or short break in the delightful South West. Our telephone team knows all our properties and they’re always pleased to talk to you and answer any special questions you might have. Just call us – we’re open 9 till 9 most days and all day Saturday. You’ll even find us here on Sundays between 10 and 4 during February!