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Reach for those sunglasses… |
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We hope you managed to get down to the West Country to soak up all that lovely sunshine over Easter. Blue, blue seas and skies and al fresco eating (hope your Easter eggs didn’t melt). We’re looking forward to more of the same and, following the recent spring showers and warm sunshine, the region is bursting with colour ready for you to enjoy another relaxing break.
Perhaps we can tempt you with some great discounts on a few of our holiday homes for the Whitsun holiday? Just £100 per person (based on 6 sharing) for a week’s stay in a lovely former milking parlour (K20) close to the cobbled streets of Clovelly; save almost £1,400 on a spectacular house (L901) sleeping 12 overlooking the beach at South Sands in Salcombe. Enjoy a few rounds of golf at St Mellion in a detached stone and timber lodge (R21), just £151 per person for 5 including some free golf and use of the leisure facilities. Or stay in a pretty 19th century cottage (S200) sleeping 2 with lovely views of the Fal estuary and save over £100.
If you can’t make it for Whitsun, we’ve other great offers for you throughout May.
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Gold awards for West Country venues…
Several local West Country companies excelled at the recent Enjoy England Awards for Excellence.
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A very special place to eat...
Gidleigh Park hit the heights with the ‘Hotel of the Year’ award from the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence. The hotel is set on the northern edge of Dartmoor near Chagford, and if you want to eat and drink somewhere really special (two Michelin stars and top chef Michael Caines at the helm) while you’re on holiday in Devon, it’s definitely one of THE places to go!
A66 is just down the lane
Northill
Chagford, Dartmoor
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Wonderful outdoor dining...
The Venus Company’s West Country beach cafés are special places to eat, offering outdoor dining, Mediterranean-style, at Blackpool Sands, East Portlemouth and Bigbury-on-Sea in the South Hams as well as Tolcarne on the north Cornwall coast; and there’ll be another very soon at Watergate Bay. They’ve just won the ‘sustainable tourism’ award from Enjoy England Awards for Excellence.
L85 is along the coast from Blackpool Sands
5 Tanworth House
Thurlestone, South Hams
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Into the abyss!
On Sunday 17th May there’s an Anthony Nolan Trust charity abseil at Canonteign Falls, England’s highest waterfall. Hang on to that rope for 220ft and you’ll work wonders for this really worthwhile charity. Call 01202 600629 to enter.
Drop back to A37
Brimptsmead
Dartmeet, Dartmoor
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Get close to our feathered friends…
Now is the perfect time to see our native birds at close quarters, so why not join an experienced local guide for a 3-hour bird-spotting walk on Trendlebere Down near Lustleigh on Dartmoor? Various dates throughout May - call Phil Page on 07858 421148 for details.
Your binoculars will come in handy at A68
Mission Chapel
Murchington, Dartmoor
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Tales of yore…
Sir Francis Drake looks forward to meeting you at his home at Buckland Abbey on Sunday May 24th to tell you stories of his days at sea and terrify you with the weapons he used to such great effect. He’s hoping to start his briny tales mid-morning.
Back across the moor to J140
Honey House
Combebow, Devon's River Country
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Cooking and gardening at Riverford…
There’s a ‘Children’s Pick and Cook’ day on Tuesday 26th May from 2pm, when they can learn all about vegetable growing in the fields of this organic farm with a chance to try their hand cooking in the field kitchen. Riverford is close to Totnes and Dartington where there’s always plenty going on.
Take some veggies back to L244
Five Shires
Blackawton, South Hams
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Bugs, berries and leaves…
And there’s more food fun at Castle Drogo near Drewsteignton over the Whitsun weekend when you can find out how to survive in the wild. Follow the trail, starting at 11am.
A14 is just down the hill
Gibhouse
Drewsteignton, Dartmoor
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If you go down to the woods today….
Wistman’s Wood on Dartmoor near Two Bridges is a really spooky place and you can join a guided walk there on Tuesday 19th May. If you eat at the Two Bridges Hotel afterwards there’s a complimentary drink on offer. Email or call James Paxman on 01822 890646 for details.
A147 is definitely not ‘spooky’
Merryfield
Ashburton, Dartmoor
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Ottery St Mary May Fair…
The fair is held in the brilliant setting of Cadhay on 24th May, it’s just £1 to get in and kids are free. Jugglers, unicyclists, falconry, archery, tours of the house and, of course, cream teas.
Back to the sea at G29 in Sidmouth
1 May Terrace
Sidmouth, East Devon
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Devon County Show, 21st to 23rd May
It’s the first big county agricultural show of the year in the West Country. As usual, there will be masses to entertain you - flying motorbikes, performing dogs, axe racing – to mention just a few. Parking is free, as is entry for children on Saturday.
Relax after all the fun at A80
Willhayes
Doddiscombsleigh, Dartmoor
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It’s Potwalloping time…
This fabulous old festival gets underway again at Westward Ho! over the Whitsun weekend. It will have more of a family feel this year with children’s games, pebble painting and craft stalls.
Drag a few pebbles back to K18
5 Hillcliff Terrace
Appledore, North Devon
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And in Cornwall…
Head for the Roseland Peninsula for the 9-day Fal River Festival, starting on 22nd May. The Festival encompasses 130 events ranging from music to drama, the arts and heritage to rowing races, triathlons and walks. It’s a celebration of life on the river and you can bet there will be some great food around too!
Catch all the fun from S216
Rocklee House
St Mawes, Cornwall's Med
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Vans to go!
On the North Cornwall coast, the famous Run To The Sun event will be in full swing from 22nd May with masses of classic VW camper vans heading for Newquay for a weekend of music and comedy acts, a film marathon and, of course, all the vehicles are on display and competing for the top awards.
Park your van at Q13
Gwel An Lagen
Colan, Newquay Coast
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We hope you have wonderful holidays in the West Country this year. As always, if you need help choosing, just call us, and we'll help you find a holiday home that lives up to your hopes and expectations. Our team regularly checks and inspects all and will talk to you in detail about the houses and surrounding area – the things that make a difference. We’re always very happy to help you make the right choice for your holiday.
Have happy holidays.
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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