cottages4you blog: inspiration for your cottage or villa holiday in UK, Ireland and Europe

Those of you looking forward to a break at a holiday cottage in Devon could have fun tasting local delicacies in Dartmouth.

The Dartmouth Food Festival aims to "showcase the best that South Devon has to offer" and attracts some 10,000 people, according to its organisers.

Being held from October 20th to 24th, the event is based in the town's Market Square, where children's activities, cookery demonstrations and wine tastings are set to take place.

On October 20th, people can listen to live music from the Red Bullets and feast on a buffet prepared by Dartmouth's top chefs.

Additional entertainment can be found at the town's art galleries – which are holding an open evening on the Friday of the festival – and restaurants, many of which will be offering special menus.

And for people heading to Devon at the end of next month, Family Fright Week from October 23rd to 31st could provide lots of Halloween fun, with trick-or-treat hunts and a ghost train.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you
 

A British seaside holiday wouldn’t be complete without fish and chips and those of you staying in a Devon cottage could find the Fish Shed is the ideal place to dine on the UK’s national dish.

The restaurant was recently praised by John Lanchester in an article for the Guardian for its excellent quality food.

He said: “The Fish Shed has this simple and wonderful policy: it sells only fish caught that day and landed in Lyme Bay.”

Mr Lanchester described the dover sole on offer as “beautiful”, while the battered haddock was “as good as it gets”, with moist flesh and thick but crunchy and light batter.

The restaurant’s chips are “top-notch” – thick and potatoey, as well as full of flavour, he stated.

People taking a holiday in Devon might also like to visit Tavistock, where the annual Goose Fair is being held on October 13th, offering a chance to purchase local produce and see a live poultry auction.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you

Holidaymakers heading off to a cottage in Devon next month could find it the perfect time to visit Tavistock, as the annual Goose Fair is taking place.

Held on October 13th this year, the event has a history dating back to the 12th century.

Some 200 traders come to the fair from all over the country to sell their wares and provide entertainment for visitors, according to Tavistock Town Council.

Holidaymakers can see farm animals and a live poultry auction at the Cattle Market, where organisers aim to bring back some of the traditional practices of the event.

Visit Devon states the fair's ambience is enjoyed by those of all ages, "especially in the evening when the coloured lights are aglow and the music coming from the fairgrounds can be heard for miles around".

People may also enjoy taking a stroll around Tavistock while they are there, as the tourism authority describes it as having a charming atmosphere and offering lovely walks along the canal.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you
 

Those thinking of renting a cottage in Devon should head to the south coast, it has been suggested.

The Lonely Planet has proposed holidaymakers take a walk along the South West Coast Path National Trail, which spans 630 miles.

One circular walk recommended by the trail's website is from Salcombe to Bolt Head, which it claims is "guaranteed to lift the spirits" due to its inspiring views.

And visitors might also like to take a trip to Hallsands, the Lonely Planet suggested, where you can marvel at the ruins of a fishing village that was abandoned after a storm in 1917.

The guide also advocates heading to the National Trust properties of Coleton Fishacre in Kingswear and Agatha Christie's former home Greenway, near Brixham.

It was recently stated by Sarah Streeter, marketing manager for Visit South Devon, that the region offers a combination of tranquillity and dramatic scenery, with activities for all ages and budgets.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you
 

Holiday cottages in South Devon could be the ideal solution for those trying to find the perfect location for a UK summer break.

According to Sarah Streeter, marketing manager for website Visit South Devon, the area offers a combination of tranquillity and dramatic scenery.

“There are a whole host of things to do in South Devon, no matter your age, budget or the experience you are looking for,” she said.

Pennywell Farm and Woodlands Adventure Park make fantastic family days out, while kids will also love trying water sports along the River Dart.

Holidays in South Devon provide plenty of cultural activities too, such as visits to one of the many National Trust and English Heritage sites, while the area is of course well-known for its scenic coastal walks.

With a third of Brits planning to spend this year’s major holiday in the UK, according to research from motoring and leisure association CSMA Club, South Devon could be the perfect choice for staycationers.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you

Those on holiday in Norfolk this month will be spoilt for things to do, as National Marine Week is bursting with fun activities.

The Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT) is organising a calendar of events from July 31st to August 15th where you can get up close to the area’s coastal wildlife.

Children will love fun and educational trips such as the butterfly and dragonfly walk on August 7th and the Coastal Capers event on August 8th.

This fun-packed day will involve walks, children’s activities and art and craft workshops, while marine-life experts will be on hand to tell you all about Norfolk’s sea creatures.

David North, education manager at NWT, said he hopes this year’s events will be as popular as those of last summer, which attracted almost 2,000 visitors.

“People are often amazed at the sheer beauty and diversity of marine wildlife living close to our shore,” he added.

Kids who can’t get enough of creatures of the deep will also love a trip to the Great Yarmouth Sealife Centre, which recently welcomed a new colony of penguins.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you

Foodies considering a holiday in Devon this year should ensure they plan their stay to coincide with the North Devon and Exmoor Autumn Walking Festival from October 1st-4th.

You can enjoy a ramble around this beautiful region, while sampling some of the local produce.

What could be better?

The Exmoor Food Festival is held on October 2nd-10th, so organisers are bringing the two events together to create a range of foodie outings.

An example of the routes is the 7.4 mile moorland walk on October 1st, where members can stop off at the river Barle and eat lunch at Tarr Farm.

Or you might like to join the Selworthy Beacon walk on October 4th, where you can sample home-grown meat at Hindon Organic Farm for an Exmoor brunch.

Just make sure you still have the energy to continue your walk afterwards!

Families heading on holiday to Devon this summer could create their own food-inspired outing, by taking a stroll along the famous Jurassic Coast and packing a picnic to enjoy en route.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you

Heading on holiday to Devon and dying to dive in with nautical activities?

The Clovelly Maritime Festival could be just the thing for you and your family, if your Devon holiday falls around July 18th.

According to village’s website, its cobbled high street "tumbles its way down past whitewashed cottages festooned with flowers to the tiny working port".

Sounds idyllic!

The Maritime Festival promises to be full of traditional shows such as Punch and Judy, a crabbing contest and great shanty singers.

It sounds like a perfect way to get an insight into marine life on your Devon holiday, with members of the Old Gaffers Association joining in to show off their wares.

The organisation explains it aims to maintain its nautical heritage and its members are all interested in sailing or admiring gaff-rigged boats.

We reckon it’s a good way to learn all you ever wanted to know about this fascinating tradition.

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you