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Spring holidays and a touch of romance… |
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It’s been a good old-fashioned winter here in the West Country. The cold weather has caused the snowdrops to dither, but with rising temperatures they’re starting to make a show. There are wonderful places in the South West where great swathes of the little white flowers may help blow away any winter blues; and we’ve got some equally bright cottages for you to stay in nearby. As you’d expect, we’ve carefully inspected all our properties so we can tell you honestly which one is right for you. We star rate them for quality and we wholeheartedly recommend them as good places for happy holidays.
Special offers…
Throughout February we’ve some very tempting offers on holiday cottages to lure you down here. How about a three or four night break at L43, an enchanting hideaway for two in Noss Mayo, from £95 per person? Save 25% on remaining weeks in February (apart from half-term week) at L58, a comfortable home sleeping six, with serene, long rural views and also handy for the beach. If you’d prefer to go further west, you can make similar savings on a week’s stay at P346 in Penrose, north Cornwall, a peaceful, traditional stone cottage sleeping five. For larger parties, try this fine Georgian Grade II listed country house, A124 in Hennock on Dartmoor, which sleeps twelve. Don’t forget you can check all our other deals on our special offers page.
Easter is not too far away with Good Friday on 10th April. That’s nice and late and offers the prospect of some warm, sunny days. We still have a few of the bigger houses available for Easter week, offering glorious scenery, comfort and excellent facilities, plus plenty of choice amongst the smaller cottages. You need to book early to be sure of getting the holiday cottage you want.
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Love is in the air…
Valentine’s Day coincides with half-term in mid-February but there’s still time to book as some cottages are still available. So whether it’s somewhere romantic and cosy you’re looking for or a great place to give the kids a break, we’re sure to have some holiday homes to match what you’re seeking. |
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For the foodies amongst you...
Take a look at J140 in Combebow, west Devon, an oasis of tranquillity set in 54 acres of meadow and bluebell woods not far from a couple of tempting places to eat (The Harris Arms and The Dartmoor Inn).
Snuggle up at J140
Honey House
Combebow, Devon's River Country
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Go on, spoil Mum...
Looking a bit further ahead, Mothering Sunday is on 22nd March, so how about a family get-together and treat Mum to a weekend away? Pennywell Farm near Totnes is offering all mums a free cream tea.
Give mum a treat at L52
The Old Stables
Diptford, South Hams
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Carpets of snowdrops…
Hartland Abbey, in that wild corner of north Devon, is holding a special Snowdrop Sunday on 15th February from 11am till 4pm. They cover literally acres of the estate stretching nearly all the way to the sea. Depending on the weather, early camellias may also be out with other spring plants. Dogs are very welcome and you can enjoy hot pasties and cream teas at the nearby church of St Nectan.
K8 - stay in the Olde Sweetshop
The Olde Sweetshop
Hartland, North Devon
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Snowdrops keep falling on my…
Another great snowdrop watching venue, this time in Cornwall, is Landhydrock (open most days from 11am), close to Bodmin.
More grounds and gardens to explore at N329
Tom
Blisland, North Cornwall
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Snowdrop days...
There is something magical about Snowdrop Valley near Wheddon Cross on Exmoor. From 31st January to 22nd February you can use a park and ride service from The Rest and Be Thankful at Cutcombe (and get something to eat there too or at the nearby Moorland Hall).
Woodland walks from F35
West Wing
Luccombe, Exmoor
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Our Cornish saint...
A very special saint’s do takes place during the first week in March when the life of St Piran (did he really live to be 206?) is celebrated with processions and a play at Perranporth. St Piran, as you probably know, is the patron saint of tinners and of Cornwall and on St Piran’s Day the local community re-enact the arrival of the saint on Perran Sands. There are also processions in Truro and Bodmin.
Join the procession from Q16
Bluebell Cottage
Rose, Newquay Coast
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Flying displays and amazing stunts...
The Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton near Ilchester gets its 2009 programme in to the skies with the Model Show and Flying Display on 14th February. Lots of hands-on opportunities, and during half-term week the resident mad scientist, Dr Nosecone, will make you gasp with amazement performing stunts from under Concorde’s wing.
The sky’s the limit at E67
The Mill
Ilminster, Somerset's Heart
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Classic bikes...
Further north in Somerset, it’s time for the 29th Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show at the Royal Bath and West Showground on 14th and 15th February. It’s all under cover.
Zoom off afterwards to E620
Compton House
Compton Bishop, Somerset's Heart
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To Arms! To Arms!
Join the good folk of Torrington on 21st February as they commemorate the bloody civil war battle of 1646 which culminated in the blowing up of the church and most of the houses. Some 17,000 men fought their way through the streets of the town and The Sealed Knot re-enacts some of the mayhem in a day of musket shots, processions and (no doubt) frequent visits to the town’s pubs.
Take cover at J152
Monks Cottage
Petrockstowe, Devon's River Country
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Cartoon fun...
If your tastes are for something a bit more modern, Animated Exeter returns from 13th to 21st February, featuring free exhibitions, 160 films, hands-on experience and animation events. University College of Falmouth are hosting a career day, as well.
Back to B8 for tea and cakes
Cherries
Olchard, Torbay and Red Cliffs
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Ice spectacular comes to Exeter...
Also in Exeter, skate off to Westpoint Arena, where Holidays on Ice is presenting its new production, Mystery, from 17th to 22nd February. World class skating and exquisite costumes feature in the choreography, created by Robin Cousins MBE – former Olympic skater and a judge on TV’s ‘Dancing on Ice’.
Slip along to G28
Perrimans Living
Exmouth, East Devon
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New properties…
Our first new properties supplement of 2009 has been printed and is on its way, filled with 40 more holiday home choices. We’ve also recently put new details on our website of a terraced cottage (Q21) in St Agnes, a lovely big period-style house (R69) in Millbrook, a cob-built 17th century cottage (R68) in St Germans, an apartment (L85) in Thurlestone just 500 yards from the beach, a pretty mid-Victorian cottage (K21) in north Devon and lastly, a stunning family house (S244) in St Mawes, close to the castle. |
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Q21 Dale Cottage
St Agnes, Newquay Coast |
R69 Orchard House
Millbrook, South Cornwall |
R68 White Cottage
St Germans, South Cornwall |
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L85 5 Tanworth House
Thurlestone, South Hams |
K21 Crossmead Cottage
Stoke Rivers, North Devon |
S244 Moonrakers
St Mawes, Cornwall's Med |
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The secluded coves, long sandy beaches, open moors and rolling hills of the West Country look like being popular this year. Use our local knowledge to help you find a perfect place for your holiday. Somewhere comfy and warm, that ticks all the boxes – a home from home you’ll look forward to coming back to or just mooching about in enjoying the view.
Best wishes,
Moray Bowater
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© 2009 Helpful Holidays, Mill Street, Chagford, Devon, TQ13 8AW Tel: 01647 433593 Email: help@helpfulholidays.com
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