The insiders guide to Devon & Cornwall…

Devon has more than 626 traditional churches that are still regularly used for worship, according to the Church of England register. Historians, antiquarians and genealogists will all enjoy exploring some of these local churches, and their graveyards can be a wonderful place to find local stories that are stranger than fiction! Here are some of the most unusual and special churches in Devon to hunt for during your stay.

Discover Devon’s long and fascinating history by booking a holiday cottage in Devon today!

Cornwall is scattered with many churches and places of worship, from the fine Truro Cathedral to the unique Grennap Pit. Most churches in Cornwall are Grade I listed and are an integral part of the history and landscape of this historic county.

Discover more about Cornish history by booking a holiday in an idyllic cottage in Cornwall.

Golfers often dream of holidaying in Spain or Portugal, but great golfing holidays can be enjoyed much closer to home, for a fraction of the price.

The South West of England has some of the best championship golf courses in the UK, along with fantastic scenery, mild sunny weather and great self-catering accommodation. Cut out the airfare and hotel costs and rent a cottage in Devon or Cornwall within easy reach of one of these top golf courses.

Ready to tee off? Choose your golf course, then book your nearby holiday accommodation for the perfect golfing break on a budget.

Dartmoor National Park is all about recreation in the fresh air and beautiful countryside of Devon. It provides a host of things to do for all ages, budgets and abilities.

Along with hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing and golf, Dartmoor has some unique things to do. Try Dartmoor letterboxing, a fun treasure hunt which is unique to the area, use the quiet time for creative writing or capture the beautiful scenery on a painting. A holiday on Dartmoor is all about relaxing and taking time to “smell the roses” – something we all need to do once in a while.

Plan a truly relaxing break in the South West by booking your Dartmoor holiday home here.

Situated on the toe-end of southwest England, the tiny harbours and ancient villages of Cornwall are the main attraction to this quiet rural backwater. Far from major airports and certainly not on the way to anywhere, Cornwall’s villages have remained almost unchanged for centuries.

Those looking for a romantic weekend break or a peaceful walking holiday in a mild climate will find Cornish villages make the perfect base for exploring this small county.

Foodies may rave about the restaurants of Paris or Italy’s trattoria, but Cornwall has its own larder of fresh goodies, most of which have been tantalizing the tastebuds of visitors for centuries.

Staying in a self-catering cottage in Cornwall provides a great opportunity to pick up local goodies for easy beach picnics and snack lunches as you explore the local area. Cornish pasties, crab sandwiches and cream teas are ideal snacks during the day, but do leave room for a Cornish ice cream too!

Discover the taste of Cornwall by booking your self-catering holiday now!

Often overlooked by its better known neighbours of Bristol and Plymouth, Exeter is a great place to spend a day or two.

Exeter’s compact city centre has excellent shops which back onto the Cathedral Green, a great place to enjoy a picnic in the shadow of the 14th century cathedral. Surrounded by quaint shops and restaurants, this quiet backwater is just one of the hidden gems of this historic university city.

Discover more about this splendid city before planning a cultural holiday in Devon.

Truro is the most southerly city in the UK, and is in fact the only city in the county of Cornwall so it is well worth spending a day visiting.

Truro carries out the weighty responsibility as the administrative, legislative, shopping and leisure centre of the county, as it has been since the 12th century. From the smart Marks and Spencer’s store on the wide open space of Lemon Quay to the back street wine bars in the pedestrianised city centre, Truro has something to please every visitor.

Visit this charming county seat and see Cornwall at its most splendid!

Devon has dozens of great places to visit packed between its rugged Bristol Channel coast and the golden beaches to the south. Many of these great attractions have won top awards making them particularly worthwhile to visit.

Book your holiday cottage in Devon now and look forward to visiting some award-winning attractions.

Cornwall is packed with theme parks, gardens, railways, farms, wildlife parks, animal sanctuaries, castles, historic attractions, caverns, museums and activities. How do you choose which ones to visit during a short stay in Cornwall? There are some amazing award-winning attractions which are sure to be a resounding success with all the family.

When you book a holiday cottage in Cornwall, visit some of these great places to make it an action-packed family holiday.

The extended bank holiday celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is a great excuse for heading down to the West Country in June 2012. The celebrations start on Saturday 2 June and will continue over four days through Tuesday 5 June, 2012. Street parties, train rides, royal visits, classical concerts and some of the best summer weather in the UK means that cottages in Devon and Cornwall are expecting record holiday bookings in 2012.

With a royal visit in early May, the Olympic torch commencing its journey from Land’s End in mid-May and the splendid Royal Cornwall Show to attend from 7-9 June, now is the time to book your holiday cottage in Devon and Cornwall to avoid disappointment.

Lynmouth and Lynton are usually spoken of as one phrase or a single destination, yet both villages are worth visiting independently and offer some excellent things to do. Lynton and Lynmouth are linked by a famous funicular railway which climbs from the seaside town of Lynmouth up the sheer rock cliff to Lynton, perched 500 feet above.

Learn more about the history, architecture, famous residents and attractions in Lynmouth and Lynton and book your holiday cottage in Devon now!

Looe and Polperro are archetypal harbour towns along the south coast of Cornwall. Offering scenic cliff top walks, Cornish ice cream cones topped with clotted cream, pint-sized cottages stacked up the hillside, bobbing boats and dressed crab for sale from the local fish van, these timeless sights are what make Cornwall so attractive.

Book a cottage in Cornwall and enjoy the delights of Looe and Polperro, minutes from the main arterial A38.

From viewing warships in Plymouth Dockyard to chartering a skippered yacht, Devon offers many ways to enjoy this beautiful area from the water. Take a trip to Lundy Island or spot wildlife on the River Dart on a pleasant boat tour of the area.

Book your holiday cottage in Devon now and you could be enjoying a boat trip around Devon’s scenic coastline sooner than you think!

Cornwall’s convoluted coastline has 16 ferries crossing its many rivers and estuaries. It also has many boat lines operating fishing charters, wildlife spotting trips, pleasure trips around harbours and scenic river cruises. Read on to find out more about what Cornwall has to offer on the water.

Book a holiday cottage in Cornwall now and plan to take one of these memorable boat trips during your stay.

Barnstaple claims to be the oldest borough in the UK with a charter granted in 930AD by Aethelstan. While other towns were recorded in the 11th century Domesday Book as having land and animals, Barnstaple had its own mint and was a well-established staple port for wool.

With a wealth of history, shopping and attractions, Barnstaple continues to be a popular holiday destination. The nearby resorts of Bideford and Westward Ho! also make a great base for exploring the North Devon coastline in all seasons.

Book your holiday cottage in Devon and discover these charming towns for yourself.

A ruined castle, stories of King Arthur and a Museum of Witchcraft are sure to light the imagination of most young visitors and the villages of Boscastle and Tintagel promise all three. Other visitors may be attracted by the clifftop walks, picturesque fishing port and National Trust properties in this charming area of North Cornwall.

Book a Cornish cottage holiday home and enjoy exploring this fascinating area.

Ilfracombe has been one of North Devon’s most popular holiday destinations since Victorian times. It has a delightful harbour, the historic St Nicholas Chapel, clifftop walks and sandy beaches which can all be enjoyed during a stay at this lovely destination.

Visit the theatre, explore the charming Exmoor villages or drive along the coast to the beautiful hidden cove at Combe Martin and enjoy chilling out in this lovely area.

Book your next Devon cottage around Ilfracombe and Combe Martin for a memorable break at any time of year.

The pretty seaside town of Bude has one of the best beaches for families on the north coast of Cornwall. However the area has far more surprises in store for visitors, including the site of an important Civil War Battle and the home of a giant at Stratton.

Book a holiday cottage in North Cornwall and discover more about this fascinating area.

Wildlife attractions make great days for families of all ages and Devon has a great selection, from the famous Paignton Zoo to more unusual activities such as the Prickly Ball Hedgehog Hospital in Newton Abbot and the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth.

By visiting these great attractions, you are also helping to support animals and wildlife, giving yourself a feel-good factor as well as a memorable day out.

Book a Devon holiday cottage now and explore the many wildlife attractions

As well as having plenty of natural wildlife in Cornwall’s estuaries, woods and moorland, the county also has a number of excellent wildlife sanctuaries and attractions featuring more exotic wildlife.

There are a number of rescue centres in the area along with award-winning animal parks and zoos offering excellent family days out in all seasons.

Book a holiday cottage in Cornwall and bring the family to see these great wildlife attractions.

Autumn is a great time to enjoy Devon. Indulge in food festivals, take scenic woodland walks surrounded by orange, gold and bronze foliage, enjoy late summer blooms in gardens and finish the day beside a roaring log fire in a Devon country pub. For outdoor enthusiasts and dog owners, September through November is one of the best times to visit Devon.

Book your autumn break in a Devon cottage and celebrate this colourful season.

Cornwall is a beautiful area to visit from September onwards with festivals, fall colour, gardens and beaches to be enjoyed without the summer crowds. It is a great season for surfing, sea fishing, horse riding and walking to some splendid local beauty spots. Weekends are filled with local festivals and evenings can be spent in cosy pubs enjoying comfort food, joining in the local quiz or listening to local gossip around a blazing fire.

Book a Cornish cottage in autumn and see what you’ve been missing!

Enjoying a holiday in a self-catering cottage in Devon does not necessarily mean wearing wellies and a Barbour wax jacket all week. Pack some smart casual clothes and make the most of having time for cultural treats, such as an evening at the theatre.

Devon has a splendid selection of theatres offering a range of performances from Shakespearean classics at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal to who-dun-its and comedy farces performed by local theatre groups.

Book a self-catering holiday cottage in Devon along with tickets for an evening at the local theatre for a cultural theatre break in Devon at any time of year.