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Schools are back in September so now is the perfect time to plan a little getaway with you and you loved ones. What better place to go then Devon and Cornwall!
If you are looking for the perfect way to enjoy holiday time with your loved ones without the stress of travelling abroad, then a staycation might just be what you need. As we navigate our new normal, enhanced measures are set in place for UK breaks, still providing all the fun of the great outdoors but complying with the government rules set out. This means you can have peace of mind when venturing on your great UK break. The counties of Devon and Cornwall strike gold when it comes to what’s on offer, from cosy country pubs and coastal walks to stretches of moorland and golden sand, these drawing factors have caught the eye of many over the years, making them a firm favourite for a staycation.
DEVON
No two visits here are ever the same. From the Jurassic Coast and the English Riviera to the bustling cities of Plymouth and Exeter, it offers up a range of great family-friendly resorts and cosy cottage hideaways for an unforgettable time away.
The well-looked after Bantham estate has a long sandy beach, perfect for taking romantic strolls at sunset. Bantham has views of the famous Burgh Island, which is at an easy reach by car, and the River Avon that runs along the side of the beach. The beach is a great place to surf with the Bantham Surfing Academy. There is a friendly pub in Bantham village called The Sloop inn where you can enjoy some pub grub after a blustery walk, it is also a reasonably priced B&B.
Thurlestone is the next beach to the left of Bantham which is similarly sandy and picturesque. Thurlestone Hotel is the perfect romantic getaway spot which boasts views of the sea, 2 pools and a golf course. From this hotel, both Thurlestone beach and Bantham beach are easily accessible.
The picturesque town of Beer is situated on the Jurassic Coast. With quaint, independent shops that line the road, be sure to have a browse and support local businesses! Following the road will bring you to the shingle beach, full of fishing boats, still bringing back their daily catch. There is a coastal walk which takes you up to the headland, on the South West Coast Path, which has stunning views of the beach and town down below.
Enjoy a romantic getaway up in the trees a short drive from Beer. Located 5 minutes from Honiton, The Nest Treehouse sits up in the trees in complete tranquillity. This is ideal for couples, complete with a balcony to watch the day come to an end.
DARTMOOR
We are so blessed to have natural beauty like Dartmoor on our doorstep. We have compiled some interesting and hidden things that Dartmoor has to offer as well as accommodation ideas to make it feel like you are far from home.
There is a wide range of hotels and B&B’s in Dartmoor to choose from. Moretonhampstead has the biggest variety of hotels, which is a great location to explore every inch of Dartmoor. In-particular, The White Hart Hotel offers immaculate bedrooms with a delicious hot breakfast included. Your four-legged friends are also welcome at this hotel!
Getting back in touch with nature is encouraged more than ever with growing concerns of climate change disrupting nature. Because of this, Dartmoor encourages you to wild camp at their many spots available for free! They only advise you respect the area and the wildlife with no campfires, BBQ’s, motorhomes or large groups. Only 15 minutes from Plymouth city centre, you can park at Lowery Cross car park and set up camp at the top of the hill with the endless views of Devon and Cornwall. On the other side of the hill is Burrator Reservoir which is a stunning spot to walk along at sunset.
Haytor rock and all of Dartmoor’s tors are an obvious start, predominantly because you just can’t miss them! However, if you are wanting to explore the moors in more depth, the eerie, moss encased trees of Wistman’s Woods is the place to go! With a picturesque walk, starting just past Two Bridges, you will reach the 3.5 hectares of, so-say, haunted woodland.
Camping at River Dart Country Park
If you are after something more family-friendly, we are very fortunate to have an amazing camping site at The River Dart Country Park. Their family-friendly attractions include an assault course, mini zip wire, bike trail and much more! All guests have free entry to the vast range of activities. River Dart Country Park has 234 camping pitches, all just a few minutes walk to the park facilities. With ample space, great facilities and an abundance of activities on offer, there is plenty to keep you and the family busy.
If your lifestyle is a little more adventurous, then Lydford Gorge is for you. With the footpath meandering around the wooded glade, you will end up at Whitelady waterfall. Lydford Gorge is the deepest gorge in the South West with swirling whirlpools known as the ‘Devil’s Cauldron’. As we reach the Autumn months, this is a great place to visit when it has just been raining as it brings the waterfall to life.
CORNWALL
Lose yourself in time with a stay that will have you exploring the great outdoors, walking hidden beaches, and fuelling your adrenaline with an incredible array of activities. The culture and identity have evolved through history in Cornwall, going back more than 6000 years, and its heritage is still alive and found throughout the region.
Sennen Cove is an ideal spot for surfers. Labelled one of Cornwall’s best surfing spots, you can hire a board and give it a go! And if you don’t fancy a brisk dip in the sea, then take a stroll to Lands’ End. The fairly easy 25-minute walk will bring you along the coast path which takes you to the most southern point of England.
There is a wide range of cosy holiday cottages, complete with log burners, dotted around this section of coast which is an ideal spot to explore more of what Cornwall has to offer. You can find these on such websites including www.holidaylettings.co.uk or www.homeaway.co.uk
St Nectan’s Glen is one of Cornwall’s most beautiful hidden gems. With three waterfalls, a woodland walk and a café, this spectacular natural wonder is a must-see! To find out more, head to their website www.stnectansglen.co.uk
Kudhva’s cabin
If a quirky, modern cabin is your style, you can stay in one of Kudhva’s many cabins, located a few miles from St Nectan’s Glen. Complete with its own hot tub overlooking the coastline, this is an idyllic little gem to relax and unwind. For more information or to book, head to their website www.kudhva.com and be sure to watch their video for inspiration.
There are endless possibilities to explore Devon and Cornwall with your loved ones this year. Come rain or shine, the South West is always a stunning place to explore for your staycation. With a wide range of accommodation from camping and treehouses to 5-star hotels, there is plenty to choose from to make it the perfect holiday. If this sounds like your cup of tea, then make sure you get in touch with Alan Witt, a travel expert from www.notjusttravel.com/alanwitt who will help you to plan your, much-needed getaway!
