Culture

Cottages with a Hint of History

The south and west of England is full of history. Here is a quick guide to what each county is known for, and what is near some of our cottages.

Places to Go Hannah Denby

Falmouth Week festival

Falmouth Week is a family friendly festival in Cornwall with a full schedule of activities and entertainment carefully organised for every day of the week. Take the little ones, take the older ones, take everyone or just take the two of you in August and indulge in the true spirit of the town.

Things to do Katie Chown

Things to do in Burnham-on-Sea

The town has one of the longest stretches of sand in Europe with seven miles of glorious beaches including the beautiful locations of Brean Down and the famous Lighthouse spot.

Things to do Tasha H

Things to do in Bigbury-On-Sea

A picture postcard place to stay, Bigbury On Sea benefits from a golden sandy beach, the beauty of Burgh Island and the rolling Devon hills.

Things to do Katie Chown

Searching for sea glass with Pebbletastic

Read about the creation of sea glass jewellery and pictures by Heidi Reynolds, founder of Pebbletastic. She also includes some top tips on where to find sea glass in Cornwall.

Things to do Heidi Reynolds

Things to do in Wells

The beautiful medieval city of Wells offers a unique and charming day out for everyone looking to enjoy breathtaking landscapes and stunning architecture.

Things to do Tasha H

The latest property to join Classic Cottages

Nestled on the edge of Tremenheere Sculpture Garden with breath-taking views of Mounts Bay, this is set to be one of our most popular places to stay for 2019.

News & Offers Kayleigh Hardy

Caerhays Castle and Gardens

Explore one of the great gardens of Cornwall during it’s exclusive spring opening hours. Perfect for a family friendly day enjoying the fresh air.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Bude

Voted the Best UK Coastal Resort at the British Travel Awards in 2015 and 2016, Bude has lots of things to do. Visit for your holiday or simply a day out while staying in one of our Cornwall cottages.

Things to do Abby D

Family day at Stourhead Gardens

A family day out to Stourhead, exploring the gardens, having a picnic and generally having a magical adventure.

Visitors' Book Emma L

Overbeck's

Overbeck's is not the largest of stately homes and the drive up to it is hair-raising, but if you like tales of eccentric inventors and macabre collections made by a mad-cap genius then Overbeck's is well worth a visit.

Places to Go Philip Eley

Hurling the Silver Ball in St Ives

The St Ives Feast and hurling the silver ball are longstanding Cornwall traditions that take place in February. Brighten up your winter with a St Ives holiday filled with fun traditions.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Top five Isle of Wight Christmas Markets

Find your festive feelings in November and December. With a Christmas market filling most weekends in the lead up to Christmas, you’ll be fully prepared for the big day by the time you head home from your Isle of Wight holiday.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Ghost hunting haunted places in south Devon

Do you like to visit a place with a spooky story? Do you dare visit my list of most haunted Devon places with a ghostly connection? Don't just wait for Halloween at half term, Devon ghost hunts can be enjoyed year-round.

Places to Go Philip Eley

Longleat house and gardens

Step behind the luxurious doors of the Longleat mansion and take a peek at what life was like for the family who used to live here.

Places to Go Becky Bye

3 Alternative Cornwall must dos

Love the famous Cornwall landmarks? From the Minack Theatre to St Ives, we've got some alternative suggestions for those who think they've seen it all.

Things to do Abby D

Ryde Winery

Just outside of Ryde sits a small piece of heaven that, on a sunny day, could resemble the Med. Welcome to Rosemary Vineyard.

Things to do Anmarie Bowler

Things to do in Tolpuddle

This ancient Dorset town is so tranquil and laid back, R&R is practically guaranteed so you can kick back and zone out. But if you like to occupy your time away, there are plenty of things to do in Tolpuddle.

Things to do Katie Chown

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival

It’s loud, it’s colourful, it’s got moral values at its core. It’s everything a good festival should be. Make sure to book a holiday in Dorset in July.

Things to do Katie Chown

Stonehenge

Learn Stonehenge facts by visiting Stonehenge Visitor Centre and marvel in the ancient history of the English landscape.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Dorset festivals 2018

Yet another reason to make sure that at least part of your summer holiday is spent in Dorset, there are festivals a-plenty to add excitement to your visit.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Tudor Day at Compton Castle

Enchant little ones with a trip to Compton Castle in the school holidays and let their imaginations run wild.

Places to Go Philip Eley

Devon gardens

Take a stroll around these classic country gardens in Devon. Ideal for enjoying a sunny day at any time of year.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

An evening of theatre in Dorset

A short break in Dorset deserves a night at the theatre - a great date night for the grownups. Around Dorset the theatres and venues are packed with some really big names throughout the year.

Things to do Becky Bye

Gardens of the Isle of Wight

Tiptoe through the tulips, admire the roses and smell the lavender at the darling gardens on the Isle of Wight.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

4 Vineyards in Cornwall you should visit

Whether you’re a self-confessed wine aficionado or have never tried a glass of Cornish wine, these are the places to indulge your taste buds for wine tasting in Cornwall.

Classic Fodder Abby D

Wild swimming in south Devon

A sense of adventure, a close connection to nature, a sense of well-being and a feeling of being truly alive.

Places to Go Philip Eley

Summer festivals in Hampshire

Summer is a time for festivals. Whether it be dance festivals, family festivals, music festivals, or anything else in between. Hampshire certainly has its fair share of them.

Things to do Kylie Barton

Culture in Cornwall: Visiting Tate St Ives

As galleries go, this one is a stunner, the impressive looking building just a few steps from Porthmeor beach and as such commands excellent views. You’ll also find a great program of events, exhibitions and workshops on year-round.

Places to Go Abby D

2018 Theatre productions in Dorset

In order to tempt you to cast aside the traditional evenings of channel hopping the box or going to the pub, here is a preview set list of what is coming up in Dorset theatres in 2018.

Places to Go Becky Bye

The Somerset Cider Farm

You can’t really go to Somerset and not visit one of the regions cider farms, now can you? Land’s End Farm in Mudgley is one of the best.

Things to do Kylie Barton

The Story of Dolly Pentreath

Buried in a tiny Cornish cemetery above Mousehole, the last pure Cornish speaker. Or so the story goes...

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown

Dorset pantomimes are not just for Christmas

In some of the smaller towns around Dorset, there is often incredible talent that is overlooked but throughout the summer there are often live outdoor performances that you won’t find anywhere else, so if you’re holidaying in Dorset this year, treat yourself to something really special.

Things to do Becky Bye

A family day out at Agatha Christie's Greenway

Greenway was the beloved holiday home of Agatha Christie and, although my children are old enough to have heard of her, they’ve never read any of her stories. So, to keep their interest up on a visit to her property we play a game of...

Places to Go Philip Eley

Queen for a day: A visit to Osborne House

Kayleigh Hardy spent a day exploring the gardens and house at Osborne. A truly regal experience to round off her visit to the Isle of Wight.

Visitors' Book Kayleigh Hardy

Medieval things to do in Somerset

The whole of Somerset is steeped in history, but with a wealth of Medieval evidence to impress all history buffs, the county is well worth exploring. The best example of this time is concentrated in the Somerset city of Wells.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Visit Cornwall for Lanhydrock house

Peering into boudoirs, opening a door onto a dusty attic and living vicariously through the photos, furniture and keepsakes of others, from another time and another class, is unashamedly fascinating.

Places to Go Rachel Wilson-Couch

Visit Devon for Mount Edgcumbe Estate

You’d be forgiven for thinking shopping is all Plymouth has to offer, but you’d also be wrong. There are acres of stunning parkland and miles of breathtaking coastline just around the corner, waiting to be explored.

Places to Go Sadie Phillips

Historical sites on the Isle of Wight

A favourite of Queen Victoria, the Isle of Wight has a long history of heritage and culture, so it's little wonder there are places of grandeur to visit. Here is a select of places to visit on the island to sample some national heritage.

Places to Go Katie Chown

2017-2018 Gallery Exhibitions in Dorset

If you’re searching for something to do with your significant other this winter, then look no further than the exhibitions that Dorset and Wiltshire have to offer this season. You can enjoy time being culture vultures whilst enjoying some peace and quiet without children.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Cornish Smugglers' Stories

No Cornish history lesson would be done justice without attention being turned to smugglers. Whether they were liberators, criminals, pirates or local heroes, they covered the Cornish coastline with their illicit trade and made history through their dealings.

Stories & Characters Lizzie H

Hestercombe Gardens in Somerset

Hestercombe Gardens are the most beautiful estate gardens in the south. With over 300 years of garden design all in one place, those who enjoy flora and fauna it certainly is a great choice for a day out in Somerset.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Art Galleries of Cornwall

The 1877 train line brought with it an influx of artists who came intrigued and stayed for the light and landscapes. Cornwall is a pretty great place to visit if you’re only remotely interested in art! To get you started, here are five art galleries across the county worth a gander. 

Places to Go Abby D

The 5 best outdoor swim spots in Cornwall

Choose your location, time and company (obligatory) carefully - everyone has their own secret swim spots in Cornwall and here are my top five (but ssh!)

Places to Go Rachel Wilson-Couch

Things to do in Bournemouth

There is so much to see and do that I have narrowed down the selection to my top two places to visit, which can both be seen in one day if you’re on a short visit, or equally spread out over several days if you’re on a longer holiday in Bournemouth.

Things to do Becky Bye

A Guide to Cornish Literature

From whimsical childhood classics to page-turning crime fiction and whole novels set in Cornwall, discover the land behind your favourite Cornish literature and writers.

Stories & Characters Abby D

Best places for trainspotting in Somerset

If you enjoy the chugging of the engines, seeing the steam rise up into the skies, and the hustle and bustle on board a carriage, then be sure to check out the West Somerset Railway when visiting the county.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Film locations near Dorset

A TV and film location pilgrimage might be the perfect weekend of escapism for you and your other half. Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset are littered with both well-known and not so well-known film sets, with their period buildings and rolling countryside providing the perfect cinema backdrop.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Top 4 Isle of Wight theatres

Try something a little more cultural on your Isle of Wight holiday with a visit to one of these theatres. See amateur dramatics, live screenings, comedy or a Christmas pantomime at these venues throughout the year.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Geevor Tin Mine

For my family, day trips normally involve beaches or stately homes, but whilst holidaying in Cornwall this half-term the bad weather forced us to think creatively. And so feeling the Poldark effect, we found ourselves at Geevor Tin Mine.

Places to Go Philip Eley

A couple's day out in Bristol

Bristol is full of cute little coffee shops, artisan bakers, and unique eateries perfect for a tete a tete.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Why did Queen Victoria love the Isle of Wight?

In honour of the release of Victoria and Abdul, a silver screen epic telling the story of the Queen and her Indian companion, Abdul Karim, we discover why Queen Victoria loved the Isle of Wight so much.

Stories & Characters Kayleigh Hardy

Jane Austen Festival in Bath

Looking for things to do in Bath in September? Don't miss this festival celebrating the life and works of Jane Austen in the second week of the month.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Best cream teas in Devon

Which county started the tradition of cream teas, and more importantly, which county has the best cream teas, Devon or Cornwall?

Classic Fodder Philip Eley

Hauser & Wirth Gallery in Bruton

Bruton is a beautiful little town in the heart of Somerset countryside that has cemented its upmarket credentials with the help of renowned gallery Hauser and Wirth.

Places to Go Anna H

Cowes Week

The beginning of August hails Cowes week on the Isle of Wight. The ultimate sailing regatta brings people from all over the world to the island in the summer.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

A Beer Lover’s Day Out in Hampshire

Hampshire has a lot to offer, but one of the lesser known things is the fact it is a brilliant day out for an ale lover. With its own brewery, an ale train, and some great real ale pubs, a boy’s day out is just waiting to be had!

Classic Fodder Kylie Barton

Agatha Christie places to go

It is a real treat to visit the English Riviera on the trail of Agatha Christie’s life and work - she was born in Torquay, and this area of South Devon is full of places which inspired her. From houses where she lived, to places which feature in some of her most famous works, you are surrounded by her presence in Torbay.

Places to Go Philip Eley

Exmoor Explorer

On the first Sunday of August each year a bunch of mad mountain bikers descend on the quiet villages and open moorland of Exmoor for a 30+ mile challenge. Sign up early as it’s always over-subscribed.

Things to do Liz Arnell

Things to do in Beaminster

Dorset walks, places to eat and things to see and do in the unassuming but very pretty little market town of Beaminster, north of Bridport. It's worth a quick visit when you're on holiday in Dorset.

Things to do Katie Chown

West Bay, Dorset

A winning day out with all the family, West Bay in Dorset has golden cliffs, beautiful beaches, award-worthy play areas and even a harbour for crabbing.

Places to Go Katie Chown

Things to do in Ventnor

Made famous by the Victorians for the cleanest air in Britain, Ventnor is a calming yet fun place to spend a day on the Isle of Wight.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

History lover's guide to the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight may be a small island, but there is certainly a lot of history present there, with numerous historic sites of interest to visit. I'll walk you through the most impressive of those sites:

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Best little villages near Bath

Bath is a beautiful place, but it can get very busy. One of the best things about Bath is that on its outskirts it is flanked with a number of beautiful small towns and villages.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Things to do on Portland

On a day out in Dorset, Portland peninsula, which dangles off the south coast, has a surprising amount to do, so if you want to avoid the summer beach crowds in Weymouth, then head over to Portland for something a little different.

Things to do Becky Bye

Arts cinemas in the South and West

Cinemas are everywhere. And can be a great way to dodge a rainy day while you’re on holiday. But if you like places with a dash of character and plenty of good films to go around, you might want to plan a special trip to one of these.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

A romantic day out in Bath

Enjoy all Bath has to offer – which is a lot! I will walk you through my choice of locations for a date day out in Bath.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Things to do in Wimborne Minster

Little known Dorset town Wimborne Minster has a lot of activities to offer, whether you are after a family day out, or a quiet relaxing weekend for two.

Things to do Becky Bye

Top 5 places in Devon for artistic inspiration

Painting outdoors can be both calming and exhilarating at the same time, making it good for the soul. But where are the best spots for artistic inspiration in Devon?

Places to Go Philip Eley

Things to do in Dorchester

For anyone who is a bit of a history buff and likes a bite of traditional English lunch, then Dorchester is a much needed mark on your Dorset map.

Things to do Becky Bye

A couple's day out in Winchester

Winchester is the old capital of England, it is steeped in history, full to the brim with beautiful architecture, fine eateries, and quaint and quirky shops, making for a lovely day out.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Things to do in Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge is an attractive market town in its own right, but it is most often seen as a good base from which to explore the spectacular surrounding area of South Hams.

Things to do Philip Eley

Film locations in Cornwall and Devon

Devon and Cornwall boast magnificent houses, rugged coastline, unspoilt villages and wild moorland. All of these backdrops have been used on some well-loved films and TV programmes.

Stories & Characters Philip Eley

Things to do in Watchet

The pretty harbour village of Watchet offers a charming holiday experience in West Somerset. During the summer it is a hive of activity with the winter months in contrast proving a quiet and tranquil ambiance. For a little town, there’s plenty going on, so I’ve picked some of my highlights for a day out in Watchet.

Things to do Tasha H

Things to do in Fowey

Set on the south coast, Fowey is a maritime lover’s paradise. The smart nautical town hugs the west side of the Fowey estuary, where deep waters attract sailing fans. The town itself is a mix of enchantingly narrow streets and a mix of architecture including historic medieval, grand Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Things to do Abby D

Things to do in Truro

Truro is Cornwall’s only city! Steeped in history, Truro boasts stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, an eclectic shopping scene as well as a range of galleries, bars, restaurants and clubs. You’ll find something fun to do whether you’re visiting with kids, on a romantic getaway or flying solo.

Things to do Abby D

Things to do in Taunton

Exploring the historic county town of Taunton gives you a chance to soak up a range of experiences. From the grounds of Somerset’s County Cricket Club to the impressive heritage of Taunton Castle, this lively hub is an ideal spot to enjoy a mix of culture and entertainment.

Things to do Tasha H

John Arbon Textiles in north Devon

Let John spin you a yarn about all the goods things north Devon has to offer, it's why they've chosen to set up a life there after all. Be inspired to holiday in north Devon by the Arbon woolly wonders.

Stories & Characters Katie Chown

Out of the Valley on Dartmoor

Out of the Valley on Dartmoor create bespoke and beautiful furniture and timber structures inspired by the landscape around the riverside workshop. Be inspired to stay on Dartmoor when we Meet the Maker and discover Rupert's story.

Stories & Characters Katie Chown

Exploring Lostwithiel

But it’s not just the lively shopping scene that draws the crowds, there are beautiful riverside walks to enjoy, brilliant play parks for kids and plenty of excellent pubs, cafes and restaurants ready for when hunger strikes.

Places to Go Abby D

Poldark places

A round up of locations where Aidan has been filming plus the trailer for season two, just for info's sake...

Places to Go Katie Chown

Charlestown harbour

Charlestown is immediately recognisable to fans of Poldark as the harbour in the series. The joy of it as a location is that they’ve hardly had to change much at all.

Places to Go Philip Eley

Black Prince Flower Boat Procession

The historic Black Prince Flower Boat Procession traditionally took place to bid farewell to the winter cold and welcome spring sunshine – little wonder it’s so popular!

Things to do Lizzie H

A day in Kingsand and Cawsand

Kingsand and Cawsand are twin seafront villages on The Rame Peninsula in Cornwall. They have a rich fishing (and smuggling!) heritage and you can still spot the old fish cellars and stores along the coast.

Visitors' Book Abby D

Cornish Hurling in St Ives

At half past ten the mayor 'throws up' the silver ball, blessed in the holy well of St Eia, and the games begin...

Things to do Lizzie H

Five best pubs with fires in Cornwall

The best-planned winter activities should factor in a fire, be it a hearth-side Sunday lunch, a cosy pint and pork scratchings or just a large slab of cake and coffee.

Places to Go Rachel Wilson-Couch

Blood Moons and Dark Sky Tourism

When on holiday, consider a slightly different point of view. Grab a blanket, a bottle of wine and come and check out the latest in night-time activities.

Things to do Lizzie H

Family friendly Things To Do for Free in Devon

We are quite a frugal family so the more free things that we can fill our days with, the better. Since we have lived in the West Country we have discovered all sorts of new, free, places to visit and I thought I would share a few of them with you.

Places to Go Gina Caro

BBC TV series Poldark 2015

This modern adaption of one Britain’s most successful TV dramas ever is due to air on BBC this Sunday, 8 March. Be sure to keep your eyes open!

News & Offers Lizzie H

A cold sea swim with a giant

Pete braved the freezing waters and went for a dip - it was definitely a dip and not a swim... Still, bravo.

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown

Top places to take tea

Warm your winter by taking tea at one of our top 5 places in the south west.

Places to Go Lizzie H

Origin Coffee brewed by you

Learn how to make a proper coffee at home (or in your holiday cottage!) with Origin

Things to do Rachel Wilson-Couch

Open Air Theatre in Cornwall

Theatre really comes into its own when it’s performed on the road. Each summer in Cornwall, a myriad of makeshift stages spring up all over the county – some providing seating, but many simply on the beach or a patch of grass on which to spread your blanket. It’s an experience not to be missed.

Things to do Sadie Phillips

Old Wardour Castle

I soon discovered that as an adult, there was so much more that I could appreciate about the castle than I ever could as a child.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Miracle Theatre: The Tempest

Live music, beautiful singing and puppetry, costume and trickery are all part of the watery journey that Miracle are inviting you to join this summer.

Things to do Rachel Wilson-Couch

A magical afternoon at Dartington Hall

They say Dartington is situated on a ley line – now I’m not sure about all that hippy stuff, but one thing I do know is I always feel an incredible sense of calm and beauty when I visit.

Places to Go Molly and the Princess

Exploring Exeter University

Not just for students – exploring Exeter University Streatham Campus

Visitors' Book Molly and the Princess

Yoga at Lanyon Quoit

Driving along yet more winding, narrow hedged roads the landscape was familiar with far reaching views over fields sectioned with stone walls and gorse hedges. An earlier signpost had indicated ‘Lanyon Quoit’ was along here somewhere, but what was a ‘lanyon’? Or a ‘quoit’ for that matter.

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown

Strange Stone Circles in the South West

Grateful for the strength of denim on my legs, we parted the brambles and were swallowed into the greenery. Flip-flops were a poor choice in the morning dew with nettles and grass snakes threatening, but melodrama was short lived as we emerged into a more open area.

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown

The Magical Mystery Tour of far west Cornwall

We went at the wrong time of day to stumble across the locals. But we still picked up a few tips that sparked a Magical Mystery Tour of the Penwith peninsula.

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown