We love Devon and with Valentines Day approaching we thought we’d share our top romantic ideas with you!
1. Beach strolls
There are plenty of beaches, sheltered coves or romantic clifftop walks to choose from. Walk along the sandy shore of Bigbury on Sea and head over to Burgh Island at low tide. Follow the coast path from Mill Bay to Gara Rock, where you can settle down in the relaxed ambience of Gara Rock, kick back and enjoy a drink or bite to eat while soaking up the panoramic views across the sea. Try a bit of beachcombing at Lannacombe (great for sea glass) or Blackpool Sands.
2. Natural Beauty
South Devon is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Get out and explore the coast, Dartmoor, strolls along the Dart or the River Avon.
3. Time to Feast
There is so much choice when it comes to dining out in South Devon. Book a table at Wild Artichokes in Kingsbridge where chef Jane Baxter and her team will cook up a generous feast of flavours and dishes for you (please note this is served at sharing tables with fellow diners). We would also recommend The Beachhouse at South Milton, The Laughing Monk in Strete, The Milbrook Inn at South Pool, Rockfish in Dartmouth or The Cricket Inn at Beesands.
4. Take the train
Step back in time and hop on the steam railway from Buckfastleigh to Totnes. The seven mile route runs along the stunning valley of the River Dart to the historic town of Totnes.
5. Visit Greenway House
Take the little ferry from Dittisham or travel up the river from Dartmouth to Greenway House, home of author Agatha Christie. A fascinating family home with extensive woodland walks in the grounds and along the river.
6. Explore the towns
Wander around the towns of Salcombe or Dartmouth. Both have a mix of unique shops, boutiques and cafes, and offer lovely views across the water. Head to Kingsbridge to explore the mix of antiques and shops selling quirky vintage bits and bobs.
7. Sunset at Start Point
We can’t think of anywhere more romantic to watch the sunset go down than over Start Point lighthouse as it beams out over Start Bay.
The Trap House and Linhay at Beeson Farm both have log burners for you to snuggle up in front of. The Linhay also has a four poster bed and whirlpool bath.
Check out our special offers or get in touch. We would love to welcome you to Beeson Farm.
Louise
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We are a traditional, mixed family farm which is run by three generations of the Maynard family, so everyone gradually became involved.
Well, finally it is completed and we are delighted with the finished result. We truly feel it expresses how proud we are of our corner of Devon and we love sharing it with the guests who decide to come and stay in our holiday cottage.
The habitat here at Little Comfort has been identified as a possible breeding site. As they are not easy birds to identify accurately it will be done with sound recordings, as well as visually, as their call is very distinctive. Roger and I think that we have identified them in the valley and on the bird table, but as identification is so difficult we are reluctant to say so with certainty. It would be so good if all the hard work that Roger has carried out on the farm to enhance the wildlife habitat has provided a safe haven for these dear little birds.
The town is medieval in origin, as is still evident in the original layout of the town, particularly in Fore Street. However, by the seventeenth century most of the properties had been rebuilt. During the Industrial Revolution it transformed from a sleepy market town, filled with pilgrims, to a hive of activity driven by woollen, paper and corn mills, as well as a tannery. These were supported by the rivers Dart, Mardle and the Dean Burn – water being an essential natural resource used in the manufacturing of wool and other products. .
And a couple of pubs with great reviews!
At weekends and during school holidays you can enjoy some very hands-on animal encounters and there are twice daily animal feeding sessions. There is also a gift shop and indoor children’s craft and reptile centre on site.
We checked out the Christmas trees too and they are looking good, so we will wait to the last minute to bring them into the cottages to ensure they are lovely and fresh.
This weekend (16th/17th December) is a particularly exciting opportunity for children or grandchildren to experience the Polar Express! Based on the best-selling book by Chris Van Allsburg and everyone’s favourite Christmas movie, this trip to the North Pole invites you to take part in the Polar Express experience by tram. Listen to and sing along with all the songs, be served hot chocolate and cookies by the dancing chefs and meet Santa and his happy bunch of elves. Each child receives a special gift from Santa and you’re welcome to wear your pyjamas on board just like the movie! Departures from Seaton Terminus, Seaton, Devon: 4.00pm, 4.30pm, 5.30pm, 6.00pm, 7.00pm & 7.30pm. You should arrive 20 minutes prior to your trip. Fares From: Adult £19.95 Child (3-15) £15.95, under3s FREE 2+2 Family Ticket (including one child free) £55.85 when booked online. If you require wheelchair access please contact them before you book online.
Not only has it given mum the confidence for Singapore, but it has also opened up lots of possibilities locally, as we know there are Trampers at Woolacombe, Saunton, Heddon Valley and Wimbleball Reservoir and we intend to find out where else they can be hired. So now she can access the countryside once more and we shall all enjoy some great family walks together over the months ahead. Caroline and I will do some research and compile a list of accessible places with Trampers to hire so that it’s in the office ready for any of our cottage guests who might find it useful.
Jo Pavey (Olympian runner) was there to assist Judi Spiers in presenting the awards and about 320 people attended for a sumptuous meal at the Great Hall at Exeter University. Seventy-five awards were presented to winners in categories as diverse as Glamping, Spa & Wellbeing, Hotels, Restaurants, Pubs and Attractions.
Attraction and experience Golds went to the Milky Way, Canonteign Falls, Reach Outdoors, the Old Kennels and the Ilsington Country House Spa. Food and drink Gold awards went to Home Farm Café, The Coach House at Kentisbury Grange and Millbrook Inn.
Chairman of the Awards Panel, David Fursdon, says: “I know how important the tourist industry is to Devon. The wonderful reputation that this very special County enjoys in this area depends on maintaining the highest standards and this year’s winners across a wide range of categories illustrate just that and personify one word; “Excellence”.”