Visitors Book

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

Our holiday in the New Forest

Do I really only get to stay here for the weekend? Perhaps I will call in sick on Monday and stay just a little longer.

Visitors' Book Faye

Lyndhurst and the New Forest ponies

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

A Coombe Lodge Holiday in the Quantocks

It’s obvious at first glance that you’re going to have a great holiday at Coombe Lodge; as the pictures show, it’s a holiday destination that will leave you wanting for nothing.

News & Offers Katie Chown

New Forest Wildlife Park

The wolves and chatty giant otters were a big hit, the stories of their conservation making for heart-warming reading and the friendly deer that were free to roam around the park added a magical touch.

Places to Go Faye

Beaches of the New Forest

We decided to work our way back along the beaches of the south coast despite it being a somewhat dreary looking February day

Visitors' Book Faye

Moors Valley Country Park

I cannot recommend Moors Valley Country Park highly enough, in fact I've already sent a number of friends and family along and hope to go back again myself soon.

Things to do Faye

Family fun day at Bucklers Hard

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

A day out to Brading Roman Villa

Liz Arnell visited Brading Roman Villa on the Isle of Wight and discovered more than just a bit of Roman pottery.

Visitors' Book Liz Arnell

Out to eat in Lymington

Charlotte and I decided to see if we could find a takeaway for dinner. Yes, there was a fully equipped kitchen to cater to our self-catering needs, but being so close to the sea, our hearts (and stomachs) were set on a fresh fish supper. So fish and chips it was to be.

Classic Fodder Faye

Living Coasts Zoo and Aquarium in Torquay

we loved Living Coasts, it was a constantly entertaining mix of great animals and special activity areas which meant that they never got bored. A great day out for all the family in Torquay.

Places to Go Philip Eley

Things to do in Yarmouth

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

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

Murder Mystery family activity in Totnes

Explore a new town and find things to do with children in Totnes - as we eliminated suspects and weapons we explored places with great names like Warland and Ticklemore Street.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Portsmouth

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

Crabbing in West Bay

We swooped in and took over a vast expanse of sea wall with multiple seawater buckets, miles of tangled string, and a stinking bag of bacon, dried whitebait and squid. West Bay is a family favourite for crabbing competitions.

Things to do Emma L

My 5 Best Dog Friendly Beaches on the Isle of Wight

As voted for by Nigel, the yellow labrador. We holiday on the Isle of Wight a lot and like to make the most of the dog-friendly beaches on the island. These are the ones we think are the best.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

Family Holidays: Donkey Sanctuary

Famously there is no entry fee and no car parking charge for visiting the Sanctuary. We’re an open charity and people are welcome to visit 365 days a year. The donkeys are here and need feeding, so we’ll be open!

Places to Go James Chubb

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 Torquay

Torquay has been a fashionable seaside resort since the early 19th century with some fabulous beaches and many interesting historical houses alongside its shops and cafes.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Bath

If like me you love this incredible location, you may want to take a few days to experience the wonders it beholds and sample a slice of the region’s heritage on a longer stay.

Things to do Tasha H

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

Things to do in Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis is the perfect seaside destination for a weekend break, come rain or shine. Almost bordering on Devon, Lyme Regis is tucked away on the edge of Dorset, along the Jurassic Coast and has lots to do, whether you’re an active family, or a quiet couple.

Things to do Becky Bye

A short break in Burley, New Forest

After a weekend away in the New Forest, you’ll feel bright eyed and bushy tailed for your return home and back to reality.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Trerice by Candlelight - ghost hunting in Cornwall

I had never visited a stately home by candlelight before. So when I noticed that Trerice House in Cornwall was one of a handful of National Trust properties which organised night time ghost walks I was truly excited by the idea.

Visitors' Book Philip Eley

A day tour of Longleat

The beauty of Longleat is that as an attraction, it never gets old, with something new to delight you with every visit, so it is well worth going back again and again when on holiday in Somerset.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Slipping back in time at Corfe Castle

Despite being prolific sightseers, my family and I have discovered few views as awe-inspiring in the UK as our first glimpse of Corfe Castle.

Places to Go Philip Eley

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

Cardinham Woods family walk

My wife is a city girl; she is happy in these maintained woodlands to know that there are toilets nearby, places to buy good coffee, and well-maintained paths, while I’m happy that we don’t have to actually stay on the paths at all.

Places to Go Philip Eley

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

Healey's Cyder Farm

There are some places that only get discovered on rainy Wednesdays and we stumbled onto one of them. I’m sure that a visit to a cider farm isn’t a top priority for many families but the destination delivered.

Places to Go Philip Eley

St Michael's Mount day trip

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

Spontaneous short breaks in Somerset

When did you last do something impromptu? Sometimes, being spontaneous is exactly what you need - and Somerset offers the perfect playground.

Things to do Anna H

Top 5 best things to do in the New Forest

We know because we've been there, but we're also backed up by our guests and Owners - here's some of the best things to do in the New Forest.

Things to do Katie Chown

Discovering Saltram House, Plymouth

The house itself is impressive with fantastic period furnishings and beautifully decorated rooms, but the grounds are the star of the show.

Visitors' Book 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.

Visitors' Book Abby D

A Family Trip to Dartmoor Zoo

Famously remembered as the inspiration behind the Hollywood film ‘We Bought a Zoo’, Dartmoor Zoo has a charm all of its own.

Visitors' Book Philip Eley

Den building at Coleton Fishacre

Coleton Fishacre is a hidden gem. It’s been one of my family’s top ten favourite day’s out for years and it’s just got a whole lot better...

Things to do Philip Eley

Dog walking around Burgh Island, Bigbury-On-Sea

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

The Blue Pool

The Blue Pool in Wareham, Dorset is allegedly home to the Wareham Bears... So make sure you take a picnic!

Visitors' Book Philip Eley

The best of the best places to eat in Dorset

Starting in my home town of Shaftesbury in north Dorset, we are incredibly lucky to boast no fewer than nine cafes and at least six great places for a wonderful dinner. There are however two which for me stand out above the rest and are worth travelling down to this part of Dorset especially for.

Classic Fodder Becky Bye

Becky Falls family day out

I read on the leaflet that Becky Falls has been open to the public since 1903. A lot of small feet must have walked its trails in that time but my children really did feel like explorers discovering a strange and magical land for the first time.

Visitors' Book Philip Eley

A winning holiday at Winnie's Cottage

The winner of our holiday competition with Classic Cottages and JojoMamanBebe tells us all about her fab baby-friendly holiday in Winnie's Cottage (1822)

Visitors' Book Melanie E

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

An American in Cornwall: A Cornish bus ride

I read a good deal more books in a year than I previously thought possible. I did a lot of walking. I learned how to slow down and wait. I learned the hard way that buses in rural places don't stop unless you hail them.

Visitors' Book Danielle Charles-Davies

The crown of The Jurassic Coast

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

Lattes and lunch in lycra - a cycle in Somerset

While my husband now conforms to the current male phenomena that is a ‘MAMIL’ (Middle-Aged Man In Lycra) I’d describe myself more of a ‘leisure cyclist’ (I push my bike up hills).

Things to do Ali Ray

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

Lanhydrock Cycling

I was headed to the new cycling mecca: Lanhydrock - where there would be no cars, only trees, the rumour of cake and other lycra-clad illuminous beings.

Things to do Rachel Wilson-Couch

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

A beginner's guide to the best Cornish pasties

I’ve taken it upon myself to conduct some thorough research, by sampling various offerings ranging from hardcore traditional to riskily adventurous, in order to bring you a beginner’s guide to the Cornish favourite.

Classic Fodder Charlotte Williams

Family Holidays: Crabbing at Stoke Gabriel

On most crabbing adventures at other sites we feel the familiar tug on the line and gingerly start to pull the string up, but halfway up the wall the crab wisely lets go of the bag and jumps back into the water. Not so at Stoke Gabriel.

Things to do Philip Eley

Sampling the River Cottage Food Festival

Itʼs not what you would call a ʻhugeʼ festival, but itʼs all the more special because of that. If anything it feels like a huge family garden party, if only I had that garden!

Things to do James Chubb

An American in Cornwall: The First English Coffee

While the British do drink tea in a way that Americans never will, they also drink coffee in a way that that most Americans never will. And that way is (dare I say this?) unquestionably superior.

Visitors' Book Danielle Charles-Davies

Learning to surf in Cornwall

In a county hemmed by stunning, Atlantic-pounded beaches, it’s hardly surprising that surfing is such a popular pastime

Things to do Hayley Spurway

Exploring Exeter University

Not just for students – exploring Exeter University Streatham Campus

Visitors' Book Molly and the Princess