Ben Fogle at the Eden Project to fly the Olympic Flame

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Popular TV presenter  Ben Fogle will be taking the Olympic Flame above the canopy of the world’s biggest indoor rainforest at the Eden Project on Saturday May 19 as part of the torch relay.

Ben, a seasoned adventurer,  will be piloting Eden’s helium-filled Rainforest Balloon 50 metres into the air above the treetops within this amazing  dome. The Eden Project has a host of activities lined up to celebrate this very special day.  Why not book a weekend break and join in the fun ?  We have lots of cottages within easy reach of this unique event.

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****DO NOT POST ****Will.i.am to visit Taunton

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Cheeky judge, from the BBC’s Saturday night show, The Voice, is visiting Taunton on Monday 21st May as part of the towns Olympic Torch celebrations.

Will.i.am, once a member of the Black Eyed Peas known for his talents as a musician, songwriter, singer, entrepreneur, actor, DJ and producer is set to play a part in welcoming the Olympic Torch  at the county’s cricket grounds.

Somerset County Ground will be the setting for the Olympic Torch Relay evening celebration event that will offer people from across the county and visitors the opportunity to mark the Olympic Flame’s arrival and share in the Olympic Spirit.  For more information and details of the events click on this is the west country.

If you would like to be part of Somersets celebrations then why not have a break in one of our many cottages surrounding Taunton?  There are still breaks available at:

River Cottage dates back to the 17th century and was originally a hay barn. It has been thoughtfully converted retaining many of the original beams, creating a property with lots of charm and character.

 

 

Staple Fitzpaine is a quintessential English conservation village of cottages, alms houses, a church and a pub, set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, at the foot of the Blackdown Hills. Sunnyside is a detached barn conversion, in the grounds of the owners’ home, totally secluded with its own pretty, enclosed patio and garden.

Quist Cottage is a delightful, semi-detached, period farmhouse situated at the end of a private lane in the centre of the village, surrounded by green fields and cider orchards.The peaceful conservation village of Hatch Beauchamp is situated in beautiful, rolling, farmland in the heart of Somerset, between Taunton and Ilminster. The central location is perfect to explore the stunning landscape of Exmoor, the Quantocks and Blackdown Hills with the World Heritage coastline within an hours drive.

David Beckham brings the Olympic Torch to Cornwall

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It has just been announced that David Beckham will be joining the British delegates who will be bringing the Olympic flame from Athens to Cornwall ahead of this weekend’s Olympic Torch relay.

David Beckham will land at  RNAS Culdrose on Friday evening where a special ceremony is being held to welcome the Olympic Flame to British soil.  This marks the start of the relay, which covers 8,000 miles and will see the torch journey to all corners of the UK.  The torch will finally finish at London’s Olympic Stadium and the opening of the Games on July 27.

It’s not too late to book a holiday cottage near to RNAS Culdrose or even Land’s End and to take a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the Olympic Torch in real life!

Welloe Rock Cottage in Porthleven is rather special. This lovely, detached farmhouse with fabulous uninterrupted sea views from the house and gardens was built in the 1800s and retains much of its original character and charm.  This Highly Recommended property sleeps 8 + cot.

 

Lesceave Farmhouse is situated in a clifftop location high above Praa Sands, with lovely gardens adjoining unspoilt Cornish moorland. Bright, spacious and full of character, this former family home has many appealing qualities including an inglenook fireplace, two woodburners and a cosy ‘snug’ in the dining room.

 

 Picturesque “Mouzel”, as it is pronounced, is one of Cornwall’s most enchanting villages. The Mill House is a detached, 18th century, Grade II listed granite and slate building of historical importance. Ideally situated in the heart of the village, it is only yards from the harbour, shops, restaurants and pubs.

 

Quillet, which is Cornish for small meadow, is a detached bungalow on a traditional Cornish beef farm, located opposite the main farmhouse and cattle shed. The setting is wonderful, just half a mile from the coast and within the West Penrith Environmentally Sensitive Area.

 

 

Torquay is the UKs Top Resort Destination

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A recent Tripadvisor survey has named Torquay as the highest rated resort in the country. The survey listed London, Edinburgh and Liverpool as the top three destinations in the UK. Torquay comes in 4th making it the highest rated resort in the country.

 

Torquay, which is located on Devon’s beautiful English Riviera has a range of top rated attractions including  Kents Cavern, Bygones, Living Coasts and the Princess Theatre.  The town is also home to the Michelin starred restaurant `The Elephant’  and has a wide range of upmarket bars and restaurants.

This Sunday the 20th May the Olympic Torch will be travelling through Torquay and stopping at Torre Abbey meadows at 3.40pm.  There will be a host of events taking place on the seafront.  This will be the second time the Olympic Torch has visited Torquay.  In 1948 Torquay was home to the Olympic Sailing Events.

Westcountry Cottages has a selection of properties close to all the attractions that Torquay has to offer.

Knockmain is a spacious and tastefully furnished apartment on the lower floor of an elegantly restored Victorian house.  The property sleeps five plus a cot and is ideal for a family holiday.

North Park is a very attractive, detached bungalow situated in Maidencombe, between Torquay and Teignmouth. The exceptional views from the property encompass the coastline south to Hope’s Nose and west to the rural landscape of the Dartmoor National Park.

Dartmoor Ten Tors Challenge

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This year’s 52nd annual Ten Tors Challenge on the 12th & 13th May is fully booked with 2,400 14 – 20 year olds. The teams are from all over the West Country and will be taking on the challenge of walking either the Bronze 35 mile route, the Silver 45 mile route or the Gold 55 mile route over 2 days which takes them through ‘ten tors’. Each team includes a team leader and a navigator who must live in the South West.  During the 2 day event they have to be self sufficient whilst on the moors, which means having to carry their tents and enough provisions to survive on Dartmoor.

During the first day teams will walk for up to 13 hours covering a maximum of 8 tors.  On the second day they can start walking whenever their camps are packed up and must arrive at the Okehampton Army Camp by 5pm.

Teams who successfully complete the route are awarded with a medal, certificate and several blisters!

 

Competitors and spectators alike can take advantage of our cottages we have in and around Dartmoor to have a good nights rest before taking on this arduous challenge.

The Lookout in Okehampton is our nearest property to base camp and boasts amazing views over the moors and across stunning countryside.

Country Escapes in Devon

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Are you considering a country break?  What could be better than a country hideaway, with glorious countryside and a traditional country pub on your doorstep.

Take a look at our guide to cottages in Devon with tried and tested country pubs nearby.

Owl’s Nest is a lovely romantic retreat for two situated in the village of Doddiscombsleigh on the edge of Dartmoor. The cottage has excellent countryside views, and if you are lucky you will catch a glimpse of the barn owls which nest in the eaves of the owner’s home next door.

 

The small, friendly village of Doddiscombsleigh is famous for the award winning, 16th century, Nobody Inn, which serves an amazing choice of wines, cheeses, ales, whiskies and scrumptious foods.  

 

 

Ash Cottage is a charming detached property suitable for a small family or group of friends. Situated in Longdown, on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park with breathtaking scenery, fabulous beaches and numerous tourist attractions nearby.  On a clear day, the countryside views across neighbouring fields towards Exeter and beyond are truly magnificent. 

 

A short walk from the property is the Lamb Inn,  a 16th century former coaching house with open fires, low ceilings and comfy sofas,  It’s a typical village pub offering excellent home cooked food, a variety of real ales and a large child-friendly beer garden.

The Lamb Inn has just been awarded a Test of the West Award for “South West Dining Pub of the year 2011/2012″

 

The Jack In the Green Inn at Rockbeare in Devon is a multi award winning pub housing one of the most accomplished restaurants in Devon.  The wine list alone makes it worth seeking out let alone the AA Rosette cooking, or the fact that it is the only pub in Devon to get the Michelin Bib Gourmand award for total quality at great value.

The nearby Orchard Cottage has everything you would desire from a country cottage: rural location, wooden beams, rustic flagstone floors, wood burning stove and the owner’s lambs playing in the field next door. 

 

 

St Judes Cottage is a cosy cottage, ideal for couples.  The property is situated in Coffinswell, a tranquil location close to the coastal resorts of Torbay and within easy reach of Dartmoor National park. A leisurely stroll will take you to The Linny, Coffinswell’s picture-postcard thatched hostelry.

The Linny offers a warm welcome,  a clean, cosy and inviting environment with wholesome, tasty locally sourced food along with a great selection of fine wines, beer and spirits – what more could anyone ask for?

 

Traditional May Day Celebrations in Cornwall

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Cornwall May Day celebrations are an example of folk practices found in the western part of Cornwall associated with the coming of spring. Two examples of traditional Cornish Celebrations are the Obby Oss in Padstow and Flora day in Helston.

The first day of May is Obby Oss day in Padstow. The origins of the Obby Oss are numerous. Some say the celebration has its roots in pagan times, others that it’s a rain maker, a fertility symbol or perhaps a welcome to the summer.

Inhabitants of Padstow traditionally dress in white, with family loyalties dictating whether they follow the ‘Red’/original Oss, or the ‘Blue’/peace Oss.

Both Oss’ are similar in appearance and perform a dancing ritual accompanied by an hypnotic folk song around the town. Each Oss is lead by a group of followers as they make their way through the narrow streets and around the harbour. The ‘Obby ‘Oss is the inspiration for the song “Padstow” by folk group Steeleye Span.

Helston in Cornwall is the location of the internationally famous festival of the Furry, or Flora Dance. This is held every year on May 8th unless that day falls on a Sunday or Monday, when it is held on the preceding Saturday.

The origins of the dance are pre-Christian and are connected with ancient spring festivals all over Europe. Nowadays its ancient intention of ushering in prosperous harvests goes hand in hand with the splash of colour all over the town, the joyous music and high spirits of all involved.

Thousands of visitors throng the streets all day with a carnival atmosphere from dawn to well into the night. You’ll find the town decked out with bluebells, gorse, laurel leaves and colourful flags.

The dances themselves follow set routes which have been carried out, with minor adaptions, for hundreds of years. The children of the town dance at 10.00 am, at midday there’s the principal dance, with invited participants in top hats, tails and dress gowns; and a final dance at 5.00 pm. The dancers weave in and out of the shops, houses and gardens behind the Helston Band playing the famous Flora Dance tune.

If you are planning a break in Cornwall take a look at Lesceave Farmhouse, situated in a clifftop location high above Praa Sands, with lovely gardens adjoining unspoilt Cornish moorland.

West Country Cottages have many properties suitable for exloring the Cornish coastline and local attractions.

Nick Baker to Open Exeter Wildlife Festival

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TV presenter Nick Baker will be the star guest at Devon Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Festival. The festival being staged in the centre of Exeter forms the focus of the charity’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

The Wildlife Festival is a free event aimed at families. It is being held on Saturday 28 April between 10am and 4pm on Cathedral Green and will be officially opened by the TV naturalist Nick Baker who appears on BBC Autumnwatch and Springwatch.  Nick also presented the popular long running Weird Creatures series (C5 / Animal Planet.

The festival is a chance to meet Charles Darwin, giant bugs, a caveman, honey bees, insects and a hawk! Have a go at making nest boxes, candles, badges, marine crafts and get your face painted – there will be so much to keep you going wild all day. 

If you are a fan of Wildlife and Nick Baker he will also be holding a Wildlife Watching Weekend at Slapton Sands in Devon during June 2012.

The City of Exeter is a cosmopolitan city with a magnificent Cathedral, stylish shopping centre and a diverse range of restaurants and bars.  On the outskirts of Exeter are many family attractions including Crealy Adventure Park, Powderham Castle and an  abundance of National Trust Properties. 

West Country Cottages have some lovely places to stay, close to the historic City of Exeter, perfect for a cultural break exploring this city and within easy access of nearby beaches and countryside.

Quay Gardens is a large detached farmhouse sleeping ten and is ideally suited to families.

The historic port of Topsham is on the beautiful Exe Estuary, close to the cosmopolitan city of Exeter. This small town has riverside pubs, restaurants, tearooms and an open air heated swimming pool.

Orchard Cottage has everything you would desire from a country cottage: rural location, wooden beams, rustic flagstone floors, woodburning stove and the owner’s lambs playing in the field next door. Ash Cottage is a charming, detached property in Longdown, a delightful rural village on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park with breathtaking scenery, fabulous beaches and numerous tourist attractions nearby.

Surfing on Dry Land in North Devon

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A museum dedicated to surfing  opened its new display space to the public in Braunton, North Devon on Friday 6th April 2012. The Museum of British Surfing is a registered charity and features surfboards and memorabilia tracing more than 200 years of national involvement with the sport. It has a collection of more than 200 boards, the oldest of which dates back to 1920.

The museum also features the first known photo of a British surfer – King Edward VIII, taken in Hawaii in 1920 when he was Prince of Wales.

Amongst the guests at the official opening was Professor Paul Russell, former British and European Surfing Champion.  Paul is the son-in-law of our Company Directors, Carol & Trevor Nicholson.  Paul is featured on the front cover of the 1st edition of “Tube News” displayed in the museum.

If you would like to visit the museum, or try out surfing for yourself at one of the many beaches along the North Devon Coast  then why not stay at one of our North Devon properties.

Smithywood Cottage is a semi-detached property, situated in a beautiful valley, surrounded by magnificent woodland within the fascinating Broomhill Sculpture Gardens, one of Devon’s leading Art Centres.

 

 

Close to the coast in Ilfracombe is Mandella a detached house situated in an elevated position , the perfect location from which to explore North Devon. Newly renovated to a high standard throughout, the rooms are comfortable, spacious and beautifully decorated with colourful soft furnishings

 

The West Somerset Railway

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The West Somerset Railway is a heritage steam railway which runs for  20 miles from Bishops Lydeard to the seaside resort of Minehead.  The route travels through the Quantock Hills, a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A variety of events take place throughout the year to attract tourists and visitors to the area and the line runs daily throughout the summer months.

This weekend will be the celebration of 150 years of the railway from Taunton to Watchet.  The event will take place at Watchet station on Saturday 31st March with all the staff dressed in traditional Victorian Costume.

Future events at the railway include the Chapel Cleeve Manor Ghost Express on the 12th April .  Travel by steam to the forgotten Chapel Cleeve Manor which will be opening its doors to the public, in association with Channel 4′s Country House Rescue. The attraction is open for a limited time only, and you may even get to appear on TV.

For families Peppa Pig will be visiting Minehead station on the 26th May, with the chance to take a 20 mile steam train ride, there will also be face painting and activities for the children.

We have a number of properties in the Watchet area to suit everyone.  Our recommended property is Jacob’s Pond a delightful, character cottage in a lovely rural landscape with views over rolling countryside to the Quantocks and Exmoor. On a clear day you can see as far as the Severn Estuary and the Black Mountains in the Brecon Beacons.

Channel Crossing is new to our property portfolio and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.  The property sleeps eight and is ideal for familes or groups of friends.  Situated close to the harbour in Watchet are Beach Cottage, Beach View, Waterloo Cottage and Pebble Walk.

 

Station Cottage is another new property overlooking the station in Minehead.  The sympathetically renovated mid terrace cottage was built in the late 1880’s for the railway workers of that time.

Whistle Stop is our latest property where guests will be treated to the distant evocative sounds of the steam train passing through Doniford on its journey between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard.