Culture

Gardens on the Isle of Wight

Whether you like your flowers expertly curated or fabulously wild, there is a garden on the Isle of Wight to tempt every green-fingered guest.

Robbie L

Vineyards in Cornwall

If you fancy touring Cornwall with a glass of wine in your hand, then you'll love this list of the top vineyards in Cornwall... cheers!

Abby D

A guide to visiting Blenheim Palace

Swap idyllic villages for the grand architecture and grounds of Blenheim Palace, a piece of living history in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Annie Cowen

Art galleries in Cornwall

Cornwall is a world-famous creative hub and home to a wide selection of galleries, showcasing both prestigious local and international artists. These galleries are a must-visit.

Elizabeth Dale

Ten cottages near castles

Castles have stood the test of time, revealing their history to us in their own ways. So why not take the family to explore some of the most interesting times in our history while staying at one of our properties perfectly poised for visiting castles.

Hannah Denby

Visiting Sherborne Castle

The historic home of the Digby family since 1617, the castle is a well-known place to visit in Dorset.

Becky Bye

Cornish Smugglers' Trails

Retrace smugglers' steps by following these cornish coastal walks. 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.

Lizzie Heather

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tasha H

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.

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.

Abby D

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Katie Chown

Stonehenge

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Becky Bye

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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...

Philip Eley

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Becky Bye

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.

Kylie Barton

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!)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kylie Barton

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.

Becky Bye

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tasha H

Poldark places

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

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.

Philip Eley

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.

Abby D

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.

Lizzie Heather

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.

Sadie Phillips

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