We had driven through the town of Lyndhurst earlier in the day and made a note to stop off on our way back to our holiday cottage in Lymington, not least because of the large number of New Forest ponies we had seen just on the outskirts of the town.
Visitors' Book Faye
Join Lucy, our south Devon property manager, on a tour of her favourite places to eat in Brixham.
Classic Fodder Lucy M
Learn Stonehenge facts by visiting Stonehenge Visitor Centre and marvel in the ancient history of the English landscape.
Places to Go Becky Bye
A family day out to Stourhead, exploring the gardens, having a picnic and generally having a magical adventure.
Visitors' Book Emma L
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
South Hams is one of the most beautiful areas in Devon. It’s got everything for dogs: beaches, hills, woods, streams and pretty villages.
Places to Go Philip Eley
Exmoor towns and landscape, a look at where to go and why.
Places to Go Katie Chown
Considering it wasn't our location of choice we really surprised ourselves with how enjoyable it was and would highly recommend a visit.
Things to do Faye
With the children back at school it is safe for the parents and grandparents to get out into the world unhindered; this might be the perfect time for a romantic getaway, just the two of you on a Dorset escape.
Places to Go Becky Bye
If you’re looking for somewhere traditional, cosy and with views to swoon over for days, look no further. Situated smack bang on the coastal path, it would be rude not to pop in The Paris Hotel, a dog-friendly pub in Cornwall.
Places to Go Abby D
If you need a few cobwebs blowing away then this is the place to go for a dog walk in Cornwall.
Things to do B Hutchings
As the colder months draw in, and golden and red hues fill the trees then empty over the paths as we head through winter, there’s nothing quite like gathering the family for a stroll through the countryside. Embrace the fresh air, wrap up warm and soak in the beauty of Somerset on these ten autumn walks.
Places to Go Kylie Barton
See in the New Year with something special to see - these holiday cottages have views to feast your eyes on.
News & Offers Katie Chown.jpg)
The Helford River is an absolutely stunning part of Cornwall packed full of interesting wildlife, history and stories. So, get to know the river a bit better, and go on a Helford River Boat Tour.
Things to do Abby D
Pizza, cider and a sea view. For good food in Cornwall, The Stable in Newquay caters for everyone, from kids to vegans and it's right on the beach.
Classic Fodder Abby D
It’s a great place to watch the ships go by from Portsmouth and Southampton with sailing boats dotted in between with many a deli and cafe to while away relaxing days.
Things to do Liz Arnell
The best places to visit in Cornwall that you may have heard of, but not added to your must-see list. Well, we think they're worth taking a peek at.
Places to Go Abby D
There is a lot of culture and interest about the town if you only look beyond it’s quaint and quiet exterior.
Things to do Becky Bye
Gribbin Head is a lush, green headland on the picturesque south coast of Cornwall, perfect for dog walks. It’s topped by an iconic red and white stripped daymark tower which over the years has helped countless boats avoid disaster.
Places to Go Abby D
If you're heading to the Isle of Wight on holiday, you may well stop in Portsmouth - why not make a day of it?
Things to do Kylie Barton
A hidden gem with calm waters and golden sands, perfect for a quiet afternoon out in the sunshine while on holiday on the Isle of Wight.
Places to Go Liz Arnell
Dawlish is a seaside town in south east Devon with a gentle air of sophistication yet still a great place for traditional bucket and spade holidays. With both Dawlish and Dawlish Warren full of ideas for a fun break, here is my guide of things to do in Dawlish.
Things to do Philip Eley
If you’re after a coastal day out in Dorset, but fancy something a little more adventurous than Lyme Regis or Swanage, then Lulworth Cove is for you.
Things to do Becky Bye
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
Plymouth describes itself as Britain’s Ocean City. It is a vibrant, modern city with plenty of attractions and historic buildings, places to visit, things to do and see and lots of foody destinations.
Things to do Philip Eley
A day out in Dorset would be far from complete without a trip to the seaside. Swanage is the best town on the Jurassic Coast for scenery.
Things to do Becky Bye
For a postcard perfect Cornish village, head to Mevagissey. This sweet fishing port on the south coast of Cornwall offers up buckets of old school charm and the freshest fish of your life.
Things to do Abby D
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
A visit to Tintagel in North Cornwall is like taking a pilgrimage to a peculiarly mythical land. The castle ruins perched high on the clifftop are the quintessence of one of the greatest legends that course throughout Cornwall’s history.
Places to Go Deb S
Powderham castle is the home of the 19th Earl of Devon and he is one lucky fellow to live in such a great setting. Our first sight of the castle was over a bulrush-bordered lake and my children all exclaimed with wonder at the sight.
Places to Go Philip Eley
One of the best things about holidaying in Dorset is long walks that end up in a cosy pub – and it’s just not the same if you don’t take your four-legged friend with you. Luckily we have some of the best dog-friendly cottages in Dorset.
Places to Go Amanda Tomlin
A holiday in Shanklin is the perfect bucket-and-spade seafront experience. Full of fun for all the family, it’s the quintessential beach resort destination, but in an idyllic setting on the south east coast of the Isle of Wight.
Things to do Katie Chown
If you love admiring and exploring the great outdoors, then this part of the world is the perfect place to soak up beautiful countryside and emerald woodland. The Blackdown Hills offers an extensive range of range of activities and things to do on a visit to the area.
Things to do Tasha H
When you think of a typical Cornish holiday, you probably won’t think of St Austell. But this historic town is well worth a wander and offers plenty of things to do as well as fantastic access to some of the best beaches in the whole county.
Things to do Abby D
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
Teignmouth has the nostalgic charm of a Victorian seaside town, with its pier, lido and large houses, but there’s a lot more to this interesting town than that, so here’s my guide to things to do in Teignmouth.
Things to do Philip Eley
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
You really wonder at the enterprise and sheer foolishness of building a stately home on a huge chuck of rock 500 meters out to sea
Places to Go Philip Eley
Leaving the thick woodland it took my eyes a few seconds to adjust to the beautiful bright coastal light. Afternoon sun bathed the villages in a gorgeous golden filter and they managed to look even more picturesque than before.
Things to do Abby D
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
It’s very tempting to belt out a rendition of something from ‘The Sound of Music’, but all I can manage is ‘Bailey wait for me!’ as she disappears through some brambles.
Visitors' Book B Hutchings
This year the elements have conspired more than even to provide a fabulous winter hotel on the Somerset Levels for the best of wild bird guests that you could hope for.
Things to do Anna H
When we saw The Devil’s Cauldron in all its primeval glory we stood agog for a full ten minutes as the waters roared and the mist swirled around us.
Things to do Philip Eley
What we need is some fresh air and exercise, and Dorset thankfully has scenic walking spots in abundance. Wrap up warm, bundle the kids and dogs into the back of the car and head down to any of these places on New Year's Day to brush off the cobwebs.
Places to Go Becky Bye
Take a wander around, picking up some interesting facts about Bigbury Bay while you're there; the life and times of a Huer, and the pilchard packers. Remember though, it is tidal!
Places to Go B Hutchings
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
When the sun is shining on this part of the world you can't really ask for a more perfect family day out.
Visitors' Book Emma L
Yes, we are talking rabbits, dog walkers, bird watchers, picnic lovers, historical researchers; and of course not forgetting the Guardhouse Cafe, on the Berry Head Nature Reserve
Visitors' Book B Hutchings
Cornwall runner, Paula Brocklesby, charts her training for the London Marathon with runs in the south west
News & Offers Paula B
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
Cornwall runner, Paula Brocklesby, charts her training for the London Marathon with runs in the south west
News & Offers Paula B
A clifftop drive to an ocean view, leading to building barbecues and benches on the beach...
Pub Philosophy Katie Chown
If you want to reach the Roseland from the West, the King Harry Ferry is the way to go. Unless it’s having a rare day off , in which case you’ve a 26 mile detour to take around the estuary.
Pub Philosophy Katie Chown
For the first time in a long time I was able to fully shut out all those niggling worries and racing thoughts swirling around my mind. It was total bliss.
Things to do Sadie Phillips
Whilst the Jurassic Coast is overflowing with beautiful seaside destinations, there is one for me whose charm outshines the rest; Lulworth Cove.
Places to Go Becky Bye
Walk your way around the county, with your four-legged friend in tow (or way ahead of you)
Visitors' Book Sian Pickles
And the best bit? You don’t even need to own your own canoe to explore the Carrick Roads, there’s all sorts of ways to get out and about on the water.
Visitors' Book Sian Pickles
Take a circular walk that takes in coast and countryside, with stunning views and a little history and geology thrown in for good measure.
Visitors' Book Molly and the Princess
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
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
The unassuming Saxon hilltop market town may at first appear to be nothing special but this north Dorset spot has a treasure trove of appeal.
Places to Go Becky Bye
One of the highlights of a holiday in south Devon has to be a ride on the Dartmouth Steam Railway.
Visitors' Book Philip Eley
No sounds of worldly toil ascending there Mar the full burst of prayer
Things to do Molly and the Princess
It began to rain, and then it began to pour. The wind started gusting. Backdrops blew over and props flew away. The players had to grip their costumes to themselves and shout to be heard over the whistle of wind in their mics. But there can be no better place in the world to experience Shakespeare.
Visitors' Book Danielle Charles-Davies
Somerset may have some watery woes, but there is plenty of high ground to shout our support of this beautiful county from!
Visitors' Book Anna H
The correct wrong turn.
Visitors' Book Veronica
Fancy going off-road but want it easy-going? Hit the Tarka Trail. This 35 mile former railway line is a Sustrans benchmark in more ways than one. It’s free of traffic (bar the odd horse), fills you in on the history and the wildlife as you go and lays on a series of artist-made benches, each one acting as a resting place, waymarker or shelter.
Places to Go Katie Chown
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
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
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
Inspired by our encounter with Steve Bloor and the Godolphin House Barefoot Trail, we decided to try out our own walk with naked feet, so we hot-footed it over to nearby Tregonning Hill.
Pub Philosophy Katie Chown
Not just for those with a Bus Pass... this journey is best taken on an open top bus!
Visitors' Book Maz C
The quick walk to the Golden Cap in Dorset, the highest point on the South Coast.
Visitors' Book Adam Ludnow
Astounding pictures of just the small section we walked...
News & Offers Katie Chown
Sea views and the beautiful countryside, stay in a cottage holiday that makes the most of them.
News & Offers Katie Chown
Sit up high and watch the sunrise
Places to Go Peter Kirby
Angle the telescope, dust off the binoculars. We're star-gazing.
Stories & Characters Peter Kirby
An undefined, but perfectly formed, place to park your weary self.
Places to Go Peter Kirby
The pick of things to do, places to see, food to eat on the western tip of Cornwall by people who have been born there or as good as.
Places to Go Peter Kirby
Perch up high on this hard-to-miss watchpoint for a bird’s eye view of the bay.
Places to Go Peter Kirby
The day we took the beach to the moors to create the world’s biggest birth certificate.
Places to Go Peter Kirby