When you need a little travel inspiration, some facts about Devon & Cornwall, or just a good travel article written with eyewitness detail, our blog should be your first choice. Written in fresh and informative style for both travel junkies and armchair travellers, it cuts through the fluff to paint wonderful word pictures of each destination and event. We’ll help you make the most of your time when holidaying in the south west of England.
Barefoot walking is apparently good for your feet, according to one leading podiatrist who recently opened the first ever National Trust Barefoot Trail at Godolphin. Feel the sensation of wood, grit, sand and fir cones on this fun family activity.
Discover the Barefoot Trail, Hidden History Trail and the Family Treasure Trail at Godolphin, just some of the many diverse things to do in Cornwall.
Truro Cathedral may look like any other imposing mediaeval cathedral, but it was actually only started in 1880 and finished in the mid-20th century! It has plenty more surprises in store for those who take a tour with one of the informative guides.
Read on to discover why Brisbane Cathedral in Australia is a replica of Truro Cathedral, and how Truro Cathedral was built around a 14th century parish church.
The Berry Pomeroy Castle has been a local attraction for visitors to Totnes, Paignton and Torquay since the 18th century. The castle ruins were thought to date back to Norman times but English Heritage has now established it as a 15th century ruin.
It has a notorious history as “the most haunted castle in Devon“. Read on to discover more, or take an audio tour of the castle and grounds – if you dare!
Those staying on Exmoor should definitely put the West Somerset Railway on their list of things to do. This Heritage Steam Railway is the longest preserved railway in the UK and offers various day trips to add a destination to the steam experience.
Read more about the Dunster Castle Express and the Hestercombe Express which includes transfers to either Dunster Castle or Hestercombe Gardens for the day.
Some people visit Flambards for its historic exhibitions and gardens while others head straight for the thrilling rides and roller coasters. Fireworks displays, indoor activities, science and recreated models are packed into this Cornish attraction.
By choosing when to visit, you can pay for exactly what you want to do at this popular attraction, so read on to see if you fancy a day at Flambards in Helston.
They say that “An Englishman’s home is his castle” and for the last 600 years this has certainly been the case for the Luttrell family who lived at Dunster Castle on Exmoor. This impressive castle offers tours of the house and walks in the estate grounds.
Learn about the village of Dunster, events at Dunster Castle and some ghostly goings-on in this informative article before being tempted to visit by steam train!
Next time you drive along the A38 past Bovey Tracey, call in at the House of Marbles and enjoy this wonderful free attraction. See glass-blowers at work, trigger a marble run and see a wonderful collection of antique glass marbles in the Old Pottery.
Discover that “losing your marbles” can be a fun experience at this popular Devon attraction, which will amuse and fascinate children and adults alike.
The newly opened Visitor Centre at Lizard Lighthouse makes a great day out for families. Climb the lighthouse, learn about Morse code and semaphore, sound the foghorn and hear true stories from former lighthouse keepers prior to automation.
If you are staying at a holiday cottage near Helston, this is one attraction you won’t want to miss. Read on to learn more about this 260-year-old lighthouse.
The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth has many huge aquariums, an interactive dive show and a 4D film theatre which I can definitely recommend. Admission includes informative talks, feed times and activities suitable for all ages.
Read on to get an idea of what this showcase marine attraction has to offer including seahorses, jellyfish and sharks in the largest aquarium in the UK.
The stunning scenery of the South West Coast Path is the setting for the historical movie Summer in February launched on 14 June 2013. Set in the artists’ colony of Lamorna in Cornwall, the pre-World War I story focuses on love and liberty.
Retrace the film locations with walks around St Michael’s Mount, Lamorna, Prussia Cove and Porthcurno Beach which inspired this true romantic drama.
Located on the Devon-Cornwall border near Lifton, the Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre is a fabulous working museum. Fully restored, this indoor funfair attraction is ideal for kids to ride while parents recall their younger days at the funfair.
Read about my brilliant visit to this fabulous living museum and see how many of these rides and sideshows you can remember!
A cruise along the River Dart from Dartmouth to the lovely town of Totnes is the very best way to appreciate Devon’s scenery and wildlife. See old cottages, admire Agatha Christie’s home, Greenway, and pass Sharpham Vineyard on your journey.
You can return to Dartmouth by bus, or stay onboard for the return trip, making this a peaceful way to see Devon at its best!
Next time you drive along the A39 between Barnstaple and Clovelly, make sure you have time to turn off and explore one of North Devon’s most interesting ports – Bideford. There’s plenty to see and do from boat trips to award-winning ice-cream.
This article captures the essence of this historic town and its famous residents, but it’s no substitute for a visit!
Cornwall has the warm damp climate that most gardens thrive on and consequently the whole county is awash with public and private gardens. One particular favourite of mine is the Kimberley Park Garden in Falmouth.
Take a virtual stroll through this free public park with this article, and plan to visit if you are staying in the Falmouth area.
Visit England has been busy narrowing down the thousands of attractions and activities in England to compile a list of 101 Things to Do Before You go Abroad. Devon had five mentions, showing just how diverse this top holiday hotspot is!
Discover the five things to do in Devon that made it onto the Visit England list, then book your next holiday cottage in Devon so you can experience them for yourself!
To celebrate St George’s Day, April 23rd, Visit England compiled a list of 101 Things to Do Before You Go Abroad. The Westcountry is home to a disproportionate 16 of those bucket list must-do’s, with 11 exclusively found in Cornwall.
Curious to know more? Then read on to discover the top things to do in Cornwall, according to Visit England. See how many you can tick off!
The former RAF St Mawgan airfield is once again alive to the sound of small aircraft revving up for take-off as the new Classic Air Museum opens near Newquay. The museum isn’t just for aircraft enthusiasts and ex-military types, it is a family-friendly day out with plenty to interest everyone.
Explore these heritage aircraft or take a panoramic flight. You can even be a passenger in a stunt plane and do a loop-the-loop!
High on Bodmin Moor in the middle of nowhere, Siblyback Lake is a local haven for all types of watersports as well as walking, cycling and angling. It has now added a new experience – a Cable Wakepark – offering kneeboarding, wakeboarding and waterskiing.
Equipment hire and tuition are no problem at this great Cornish attraction, so read on to discover more about this exciting new sports facility.
Bosvigo Gardens in Truro began as a personal dream created from the visual palette of artist Wendy Perry and her husband Michael. With their lovely 17th century cob farmhouse as a backdrop, there are several themed gardens and a beautiful Victorian conservatory to enjoy.
The gardens have limited opening from March through September and they offer plant sales too!
The National Trust property of Lanhydrock may not be the first place you think of to take active youngsters, but a recent visit convinced me that it can be the perfect place to take them.
With 900 acres to run off their energy and no need to quell their noisy excitement, I found lots to entertain children at this magnificent Cornish estate.
The rolling hills and scenic river valleys of East Devon are a beautiful part of the West Country, and for short breaks this area is very easy to get to by car via the M5 or by train.
Discover the enchantment of this area and its pretty villages by booking a holiday cottage in East Devon today!
Mid-Cornwall is the most popular area of Cornwall for visitors, stretching along the north coast from Portreath to Mawgan Porth and along the south coast from Falmouth to St Austell. Sandwiched between is a meaty and substantial filling of rural countryside, river valleys and the county capital, Truro, along with Newquay, Perranporth, St Mawes and Mevagissey.
Find out just how much mid-Cornwall has to offer, then book your holiday cottage in Cornwall soon!
As a Westcountry resident, two of my favourite places are Dartington, in the scenic countryside of the South Hams, and the market town of Totnes with its 11th century motte and bailey castle. Best of all they are linked by a pleasant walk along the Dart Valley.
Totnes has loads of interesting and unique shops and attractions and Dartington provides a beautiful glimpse of old Devon – both great places to visit on your holiday.
Although no-one can contend that Cornwall is a thriving destination for theatre-goers, as a resident I love going to some of the small and out-of-the-way theatres that spring up during the summer. One of the best known is the Minack Theatre, an amazing man-made auditorium carved into the cliffs at Porthcurno and aptly known as the “Theatre under the stars”.