7 Essential Facts About Holidaying in South Devon
After loading your car with the essentials and a long journey south, the gorgeous countryside and quaint coastal villages of South Devon are breathtaking, and make the long journey worthwhile. If you find yourself stuck for ideas, or want to do something slightly different while you’re there, then here are 7 suggestions to turn your South Devon break into a dream holiday.
Book a holiday cottage
Although you can camp at one of the great camp sites, for a luxurious change you may want to hire one of the hundreds of holiday cottages in South Devon. You can easily find a holiday cottage that will be suitable for any requirement, whether it’s a quiet break away or a family get-together. There are luxury romantic cottages for two; dog friendly cottages; cottages suitable for large groups; cottages of all shapes and sizes, for all kinds of holiday. Websites such as Toadhallcottages.co.uk can give you a better idea of the selection of cottages available all year round.
Visit the Blackdown Rings
For a great picnicking spot you can always visit the Blackdown Rings – the ancient earthworks of an Iron Age Fort – near Hazelwood and Loddiswell. The fort is 185m above sea level and as offers panoramic and stunning views of the surrounding countryside and nearby River Avon.
Try some chilli chocolate
Whilst in Loddiswell you won’t want to miss out on a visit to the South Devon Chilli Farm and try some of their extraordinary chilli chocolate. The farm was established in 2003 and now grows around 10,000 chillies ranging from mild peppers to ones that should only be approached with extreme caution! Jamie Oliver recommends them as the best chillies grown in England. Their products can be bought from the farm shop or in various local stockists throughout Devon. South Devon chillies are gaining an international reputation and are a quiet success story of agricultural diversity in the heart of Devon.
Visit Burgh Island
In Bigbury, a popular location for holiday cottages in South Devon, the daily tide cuts off a small island known as Burgh Island. For such a small place it has some great historic sites. When you first reach the island you will find an Art Deco hotel that has entertained many of the rich and famous over the years. The Beetles stayed in its elegant surroundings, as did Agatha Christie, Noel Coward and Sir Winston Churchill. Down the road from the hotel is the Pilchard Inn, which was an infamous smuggler’s den in the 14th Century, and is reputed to be haunted. Nearby is the fantastic Oyster Shack seafood restaurant, which serves some of the tastiest locally caught fish in the area. For their menu visit http://www.oystershack. co.uk.
Up, up and away
If you are a little braver and want to see South Devon in a completely different way, you may want to hop on a champagne balloon ride and take to the skies. Airtoptia Ballooning is a small company that provides hot air balloon rides throughout Devon and Cornwall. There is no better way to relax than to drift lazily and silently through the air and take in the amazing panoramic view.
Go to the theatre
If you plan your visit well, then you may be in luck and catch a show at the Shaftesbury Theatre in Dawlish. They perform 6 shows a year so there is a good chance you’ll be able to time your visit to catch one of their critically acclaimed shows. Although an amateur dramatic society, the company has been running for over 50 years and their shows are highly regarded. Films are also shown at the venue so if you fancy a night away from your holiday cottage in South Devon, then this could be just the ticket.
Be Energetic
If you want to try something more energetic and want to get in on the latest water-sports craze, you could always have a go at Kite Surfing. You will probably need some lessons before you’re gracefully skipping around with your kite and board though. Lessons are available throughout South Devon but one of the most popular, safest and beginner-friendly locations to try Kite Surfing is the Exmouth Estuary.
There are plenty of things to see and do that will make sure your stay at a holiday cottage in South Devon is a truly unforgettable experience!
Thanks to Foddy for pointing out the mistakes in this article.
About The Author: Visit Toad Hall Cottages at http://www.toadhall cottages. co.uk for holiday cottages South Devon.