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Happy New Year January 2010
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It may be cold but we're being treated to such a pretty winter wonderland. The dry, crisp, sunny days are just great for walking and exploring friendly villages brimming with camaraderie. And then, a hearty lunch at the local pub besides a roaring fire before returning to a cosy cottage. Perfect.
It’s not very long to the February half-term and, soon after, the Easter holidays will be upon us. The best places really do book up early so get in touch to avoid missing your favourites. All our properties come with our whole-hearted recommendation as good places for happy holidays at great value, so let our telephone team (01647 433593) guide you towards the cottage that suits your hopes, dreams and pocket best.
Tempting offers...
If you were one of the many who snuggled at home over the holidays, perhaps one of our special offers will tempt you to enjoy a winter break to banish the post-Christmas blues? How about January by the sea in the South Hams at one of the stylish Burgh Island apartments? You can stay at L535 (sleeps six) for just £55 per person for the week commencing 23rd. A smart converted barn (G20) in Dunkeswell Abbey is ideal for exploring east Devon and all the weeks up until half-term are reduced to £49 per person when four share. Or avoid the crowds and visit Padstow out-of-season when you stay at a nearby bungalow (P46) with long sea views for just £38 per person per week when seven share, up until half term. For a celebration, a Grade II listed farmhouse (H626) in Dorset with indoor pool is perfect - and with a 50% discount, it’s only £62 per person for the remaining weeks in January based on 12 sharing.
Don’t forget, if you’d like to receive weekly updates on our special offers, either online or direct to your mobile phone, simply follow us on Twitter.
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Calling all romantics…
Forget the hype and the schmaltz, Valentine’s Day is your perfect excuse (if you need one) to do something unexpected for the one you love.
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A change of scene could be just the ticket...
... particularly a secluded bolt-hole away from it all. Breathtaking scenery for romantic walks, award-winning restaurants for that special night out and luxury retreats for total relaxation – you’re spoilt for choice in the West Country.
Let us help you find the ideal place to stay.
Get lovey-dovey at A15
Rookwood Cottage
Drewsteignton
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New properties...
Soon our enthusiastic team of envelope stuffers will be anxious to get together to run through all the New Year gossip and at the same time put the first of our new property supplements for 2010 in the post to you.
In Cornwall, just a mile and a half inland from the beautiful soft sand at Mawgan Porth, is an early 19th century farm cottage (Q23), and not far from there at Cubert is a very stylish 18th century detached cottage (Q24) just over a mile from Porth Joke cove. We’ve also taken on a smashing, cosy cottage (R45) in exquisite Kingsand, only 200 yards from the beach, and a bit further east in popular Noss Mayo is a lovely 18th century cottage (L86) with estuary views. Up in wild north Devon, K25 is a detached Finnish lodge over-looking a fishing lake and the Hartland Forest beyond. While in a peaceful spot near the river Parrett, you’ll find a beautifully converted stone barn (D5). Back on Dartmoor, here in Chagford, unfussy A106 has wonderful walks from its doorstep. Or in postcard-pretty North Bovey, you can stay in the lovingly refurbished former school house (A105). Finally, on the west side of Dartmoor, in the heart of the ancient town of Tavistock, is an open-plan, stylish apartment (A93).
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Q23, Higher Lanherne
Mawgan Porth, Newquay Coast
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Q24, Myrtle Cottage
Cubert, Newquay Coast
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R45, Blair Cottage
Kingsand, South Cornwall
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L86, Cherry Tree Cottage
Noss Mayo, South Hams
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K25, Lakeview
Welcombe, North Devon
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D5, Quern Barn
Combwich, Somerset
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A106, Manor Cottage
Chagford, Dartmoor
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A105, The Old School
North Bovey, Dartmoor
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A93, The Chapel Apartment
Tavistock, Dartmoor
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Plenty to do...
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More walking – or, if you like, moor walking…
We’re determined to get you stretching your legs after the excesses of Christmas and perhaps a little bit of assistance might be welcome?! On Dartmoor, the National Park Authority has put together a number of winter guided walks which are star-rated for ability. Peruse their online brochure to find one to suit you.
Put your feet up at A75
The Barn
Yelverton, Dartmoor
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Work with an Exmoor ranger for a day…
If you’d like to get active and help the environment at the same time, how about volunteering to carry out practical conservation work with an Exmoor National Park Ranger for a day? There are minibus pickup points from Minehead, Dulverton and Lynmouth and bookings are by arrangement direct with the rangers.
Get busy at F37
The Boot
Dulverton, Exmoor
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... or help protect the Blackdown Hills...
Neroche is a scheme to protect and celebrate wildlife habitats within this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It's running several volunteer events during January including burning gorse on 13th, the traditional practice of coppicing on 16th and a butterfly conservation winter work party on 17th.
Relax at G77
Whitcombe Cottage
Honiton, East Devon
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It’s time to wassail!
‘Wassailing the trees that they may bear
Hatfuls, capfuls, three bushel bagfuls’
Join the magical apple tree wassailing on Saturday 16th January at the scout hut and village orchard in Stoke Gabriel. Follow the lantern parade led by the wassail singers to the orchard for the ancient ceremony, then be entertained by dance, music and story-telling. Bring your lantern and a torch and wrap up warm.
Sample a glass of cider at L119
Wassail Cottage
Stoke Gabriel, South Hams
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... or was that wailing?
Beware! Don’t knock this ancient West Country tradition if you want a good harvest in the orchard this year. Join the party in the orchard at Trelissick Garden near Truro on Sunday 17th January and help scare away any evil spirits with as much noise as possible.
Drift down from S242
King Harry's Cottage
Feock, Cornwall's Med
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The Elvis birthday anniversary shows...
See Lee Memphis King's portrayal of ‘The King’ in what is billed as a ‘true must-see for all Elvis fans’. Performing at the Hall for Cornwall in Truro from 13th to 16th January with his orchestra and singers, Lee is the UK's most successful Elvis impersonator and is set to delight his audience.
Rock ‘n’ roll at S239
Nansavallan Farmhouse
Truro, Cornwall's Med
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Or if you’re a fan of Rick Wakeman...
The Hall for Cornwall is also hosting ‘An Evening with Rick Wakeman’ on Thursday 21st January. It’s a two hour show with hilarious anecdotes from his two books 'Grumpy Old Rockstar' and 'Further Adventures of a Grumpy Old Rockstar', plus loads of music at the grand piano.
Say "Yes" to S43
Corner Cottage
Devoran, Cornwall's Med
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Discover maritime history...
Visit the Maritime Museum in Falmouth and you could also learn about the ‘wreck and rescue’ history of the treacherous coastline from Dodman to Blackhead at either an evening lecture with optional buffet on 29th January or a lunchtime lecture on 1st February with set lunch. Booking essential.
It’s all ship-shape at S211
Boslowen
Falmouth, Cornwall's Med
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Search for the first signs of spring...
At Castle Drogo in Devon, you can search for the first signs of spring at an event run every weekend until the end of January. Ideal for children, you follow a trail around the garden and grounds to discover the signs that winter is passing and then, perhaps, a warming drink and snack in the tearoom?
Relax at A14
Gibhouse
Drewsteignton, Dartmoor
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Enjoy a taste of Tuscany...
From 11th January to 12th February, Jamie Oliver's restaurant Fifteen Cornwall is offering a special three-course lunch to experience the authentic flavours of Tuscany for just £19.50, Monday to Friday. Enjoy a delicious winter warmer and wonderful views over Watergate Bay!
Get cooking at Q321
Pendowr House
Watergate Bay, Newquay Coast
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Wander amongst snowdrops...
Will they be early? Will they be late? From the depths of winter, the emergence of the delicate snowdrop is eagerly awaited. Take the woodland walk through Snowdrop Valley, hidden in the heart of Exmoor near Wheddon Cross, to enjoy these precious flowers from 30th January till 28th February. Picking the flowers is forbidden and superstition says it’s unlucky to bring one into the house as it invites misfortune and death, so beware!
Get back to nature at F184
The Barn
Upton Somerset, Exmoor
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Tea for two... and a poncho and hot water bottle please!
Swanpool beach café in Falmouth has gone the extra mile to look after its customers during the chilly winter months. The owners are handing out colourful ponchos and hot water bottles with the drinks and snacks to keep their customers cosy while sitting out in the not-so-balmy winter air!
Snuggle up at S210
Captain's Corner
Falmouth, Cornwall's Med
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Quick update on VAT increase…
As you may know, we did not alter our prices last year to reflect the VAT reduction; instead we donated the savings we made in VAT to our chosen charities. The prices in our 2010 brochure continue to incorporate VAT at 17.5% and deliver great value for money.
Delivering happy holidays through quality cottages, superior service and value for money is our raison d’être. We’re still proud to say that over 99% of our customers would recommend us to their friends and families. But we are never complacent and avidly await your feedback. If you have any suggestions on how we can improve any aspect of our service, please do email us; we’d love to hear from you.
Wherever you go for your holidays this year, we hope you have a great time but, of course, we hope you’ll choose our magnificent part of the world and all it has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you back to the glorious West Country very soon. Happy New Year!
Best wishes
Moray Bowater
P.S. Don’t forget, if you've booked and taken a holiday with us before, then we'll only ask for a 20% deposit instead of the usual 33% when we reserve the dates for you.
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© 2010 Helpful Holidays, Mill Street, Chagford, Devon, TQ13 8AW Tel: 01647 433593 Email: help@helpfulholidays.com
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