Gillian Birch 
Devon is best known for its farming but it has also had an interesting industrial past, generally on a small scale, which has left some fascinating local attractions.
Tramways, working water mills, steam trains, shipyards and potteries are just some of the industrial heritage which has made its mark on Devon’s landscape.
Discover the historic side of the West Country by booking a Devon holiday cottage now.
Cornwall’s history is inextricably linked to its mining heritage. The cliff tops are scattered with chimneys, derelict engine houses and historic railways that once served the mines.
Explore the mineshafts and workings of some of these Victorian enterprises, which once employed thousands of Cornish workers and made a fortunate for the families who owned them. They in turn built grand estate homes and gardens which can be visited across the county.
Discover Cornwall’s fascinating industrial history by booking a Cornish holiday cottage now.
Historic Devon with its turbulent history has more than 18 historic castles which are well worth visiting to discover more of the county’s history.
From the ruins of Okehampton Castle to the grand home of the 18th Earl of Devon at Powderham, each castle is uniquely different in architectural style and purpose.
Enjoy visiting these splendid castles by booking a Devon holiday cottage now.
Cornwall has over 19 historic castles dating back over a thousand years. Definitions of the word “castle” vary and cover a variety of military forts, defensive castles and grand private residences.
Most castles in Cornwall are on the south coast, protecting the harbours of Falmouth, Fowey and Saltash to the west of Plymouth. They all make a great family day out.
Discover the castles of Cornwall when you stay at a delightful Cornish cottage.
Devon has more than 70 beautiful beaches, each with their own charm and character. On the exposed north coast the beaches are windier and better for surfing while the sheltered south coast has quieter coves.
In the summer, the most popular beaches such as Torre Abbey Beach and Goodrington Sands near Torquay can be busy. The advantage is that there are car parks close by along with toilets, snacks and watersports facilities, which may be important for families. If you prefer a quiet beach all to yourself, choose those that are accessible from the South West Coastal Path. It is well worth a short scramble down a tricky path to have your own private suntrap.
Book a holiday cottage in Devon and picture yourself relaxing on one of these beautiful beaches.
Cornwall has more than 150 sandy coves and beaches, which is a pretty impressive number for such a small county. What’s more, it does not sacrifice quality for quantity as they offer good amenities, fine golden sands and clean waters to blue flag standards.
The constant surf makes the rugged North coast beaches popular with surfers while the sheltered coves of South Cornwall are perfect for families.
Holiday cottages in Cornwall are never far from a beautiful beach, so book your Cornish cottage now!
Some of Devon’s oldest and most unusual buildings are the pubs and inns which can be found serving the local community. From remote Dartmoor inns to coastal smugglers inns, each offers a gathering place for locals and a warm welcome to visitors.
Those enjoying a break in one of Devon’s charming cottages can enjoy eating out or sipping a cool drink in the beer garden of one of these popular pubs.
Book a holiday cottage in Devon and start exploring Devon’s historic inns and pubs.
Cornwall has hundreds of small smuggling inns and pubs in remote fishing and farming communities across the county. They make a great place to find good value food and refreshments wherever you may be enjoying your stay in a Cornish cottage.
No visit to Cornwall is complete without sitting at the bar listening to local tales and folklore. Here are some of the most colourful historic pubs, each with an interesting history, which are sure to enhance your stay in this pretty area.
Book you next self-catering holiday in Cornwall and enjoy some social events in your local pub.
Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors in Devon as towns and villages begin to prepare for summer fetes and festivals, which are rooted in history.
When the sun shines, there is nowhere more English than Devon as it celebrates the season with music, fairs and costumed parades. From the Lord Mayor’s Day Parade in Plymouth to the agricultural shows and Navy Days, there is plenty to see and do in Devon in the summer besides surfing, fishing and beach activities.
Reserve your self-catering holiday in Devon now and look forward to an action-packed summer.
Cornwall puts on a host of special events to celebrate and enjoy the best months of the year. Festivals celebrate the county’s history, maritime heritage, food and folklore with an amazing number of shows and events during the summer months.
Carnivals, concerts, agricultural shows, equestrian events, vintage rallies, arts festivals, surfing championships, sailing regattas, fishing and face-contorting gurning events provide something for every interest – however unusual.
Look forward to a host of free family entertainment when you book a self-catering cottage in Cornwall this summer.
There is something strangely alluring about an island destination. There are three main islands off Devon’s shores which are unique in their varying history and purpose.
Lundy Island is off the north coast of Devon and is accessible by helicopter or boat from Bideford Quay. The island was once a huge puffin colony and has a fascinating history. Off the south coast of Devon is the opulent Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel which can be reached across the tidal causeway. One final island which visitors to Devon are sure to see is Drake’s Island, situated in Plymouth Sound.
Discover many interesting days out in Devon from your own self-catering cottage in Devon.
Cornwall has a number of small islands just off its rugged coastline and each island has its own fascinating history and individual charm.
Looe Island is a marine nature reserve managed by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust which offers guided trips. St Michael’s Mount with its castle and island community can be reached on foot or by boat while the more remote Scilly Isles require a boat or helicopter trip.
Explore beyond Cornwall’s shores from your self-catering cottage in Cornwall.
A quick glance at any map of North Devon will show a host of tiny communities just begging to be discovered, many with just a few hundred residents enjoying the gentle pace of life.
Part of the charm of staying in a holiday cottage in Devon is the opportunity to live for a time in just such a community and be on nodding terms with the local farmer, postmaster and residents pottering in their well-tended cottage gardens.
Take a virtual tour to some of these hidden gems and then book a holiday cottage in this delightfully unspoilt area.
The A39 is known as the Atlantic Highway and runs along the North coast of Cornwall linking hundreds of tiny hamlets, harbours and villages in this ancient county.
This scenic route offers dramatic seascapes, historic attractions and a host of natural features as it makes its way down to Newquay’s surfing beaches.
Staying in a self-catering cottage in Cornwall is a wonderful way to unwind and discover your own favourite haunts, all just a short drive away.
Visitors to Devon will find this scenic county has more to offer than just gorgeous beaches and great walks. Its long history can be retraced through some excellent sights, architecture and museums.
Although Devon was undoubtedly settled by the Celts, it was the Romans who left a legacy which can still be traced 2,000 years later. Exeter was founded in 50AD by the Romans and it has plenty of historical evidence which even the most casual visitor can hardly miss. However the best way to delve into Devon’s rich history is with a visit to some of its excellent museums. From Plymouth City Museum to the tiny Maritime Museum in Appledore there is a wealth of history just waiting to be discovered. Discover Devon’s rich history for yourself.
Cornwall’s long history encompasses smuggling and mining, magnificent estates, ancient castles and historic breweries which all combine to provide visitors with a huge choice of cultural attractions, all packed into this scenic county.
A rainy day in Cornwall can be a blessing in disguise as it forces visitors to seek out some of its excellent historic attractions and fascinating museums. From the splendid waterfront National Maritime Museum at Falmouth to the dark secrets at the Museum of Witchcraft, there is something for every history seeker.
Discover historic Cornwall by booking a holiday cottage in this ancient kingdom soon!
With winter firmly behind us, Spring in Cornwall opens up a wealth of beach and town activities, all within easy reach by train, car or airplane. Why not plan to spend Easter, Mother’s Day or May Bank Holiday in Cornwall for a Spring to remember?
The county has dozens of art festivals, parades, craft events, workshops, art festivals, musical concerts and even a Polo match to join in. Be there!
Stretching from coast to coast, the delightful county of Devon continues to draw visitors year-round. With something for all ages and interests, holidays in Devon are hard to beat.
Sandy beaches, rocky coves, historic cities and quaint villages all add up to a mélange of attractions and things to do, and each visitor makes their own unique vacation. Surfing, hiking, horseriding, Geocaching, dining out, boating and visiting museums can all be enjoyed amidst gorgeous Devon scenery.
Make your own bespoke itinerary and visit Devon soon!
Cornwall has topped the table for awards in 2010 & 2011 proving that this unspoilt county is a splendid destination for a weekend break or a long summer vacation.
From Land’s End to Saltash and from St Ives to Bude, Cornwall offers a diversity of attractions and things to do. Cornish holiday cottages make it a very affordable destination for families or a quiet hideaway for couples seeking a romantic break.
Checkout all that Cornwall has to offer before booking your next holiday in this lovely award-winning county.
St Ives is one of Cornwall’s most popular resorts, tucked away on the North Cornwall coast. Artists and writers find wonderful inspiration around St Ives, from still life in the exotic gardens to inspirational natural beauty.
St Ives drew many well-established artists, sculptors and potters from the 1930s onwards, which put it firmly on the map as a centre for the arts with an international reputation. This was reinforced when the Tate built its Modernist Gallery overlooking beautiful Porthmeor Beach in 1993. St Ives offers a wonderful holiday destination for families, couples and beach lovers with an added appeal for those interested in art.
Book your holiday in Cornwall now and visit this lovely artists’ colony for yourself.
The 630 miles of the South West Coastal Path offer some of England’s most breathtaking natural beauty. Running along the cliff tops and dipping down to small harbours and sandy bays, it offers a great escape from the rat race.
Offering breathtaking scenery, wild flowers, historic sites, stately homes and humble fishing harbours, the coastal path wends its way over precipitous clifftops and down steep narrow paths, often with only seagulls and sheep for company. It has something to offer walkers in any season and is never far from a small community where refreshments can be found.
Walking the South West Coastal Path is a great way to discover the beautiful West Country when you book a holiday cottage in Cornwall.
The historic Plymouth Barbican is an unpretentious working harbour which is packed with local attractions – if you know where to look.
Many visitors walk right past some of Plymouth’s most historic and entertaining sights, which include a tour of the Plymouth Gin Distillery, Dartington Glassworks and a hearty meal at the shack known as Cap’n Jaspers which can be walked off with a stroll along the Hoe.
Book your next holiday now and discover what other secrets Plymouth and the South West have in store for you.
Cornwall saw the demise of many of its historic local breweries during the 1980s, but some have survived and others have joined this new and thriving local industry.
A day out to see the beer-making process and see the fascinating interactive displays and Victorian Brewery Museum at St Austell Brewery is not just for the menfolk. After a tour of the 150-year old brewery, enjoy tasting the award-winning ales in the Hicks Bar with a Cornish pastie. The Blue Anchor Brewery in Helston and the Skinners Brewery in Truro are also well worth a visit.
See more of Cornwall’s great family attractions when you book a self-catering holiday with us.
The temperatures may have dropped since mid-summer, but the friendly spirit of the locals in Devon and Cornwall just seems to get warmer with the approach of Christmas.
With spectacular winter scenery and stormy seas dashing rocks and harbour walls, it is a delightful area to escape to, far from the heaving shopping malls and bedlam of Christmas preparations elsewhere. Curled up in front of a warm fire after a bracing clifftop walk, would you really rather be anywhere else over the Christmas period? There are plenty of generously sized farmhouses and holiday rentals which can accommodate extended families of all sizes to create a family Christmas that will be remembered for years.
Book your self-catering Christmas break in Devon or Cornwall now for a truly relaxing Christmas.