What is the “Shoulder Season?”

A shoulder season is typically known as (in holiday terms) the time of year between peak-season and off-season. Makes perfect sense doesn’t it?!?!

Despite it having an odd name (we didn’t make it up!) it is actually a great time of the year to grab not only a bargain, but maybe the kind of holiday that you’re looking for; something maybe a little quieter.

Although not clearly defined, October is seen as a shoulder season (as is April to June) and with the possibility of an Indian Summer this year, this could be a great time to book yourself a break to Devon. Half-term does fall at the end of the month, so it is advisable if you’re looking for a quieter holiday to book something in the first three weeks of the month.

What can I do in Devon the Shoulder Season?

• Walks – on the beach
• Cycling – across the moors
• Water sports – bring a wetsuit
• Horse Riding –  along the trails
• Golf – Lynx or inland
• Reading & Relaxing

If you’re a foodie, there are a couple of festivals you might be interested in which are during the Shoulder Season too. Of course, you could indulge yourself in some fine dining and eat out at any number of wonderful restaurants, serving everything from fish to fillet steak or cream teas to custard tarts.

North Devon Food Fest – 19th October

Cockington Apple Day – 19th October

We are extremely lucky to have 2 national parks on our doorstep, Exmoor and Dartmoor. Autumn is one of the best times of year to appreciate this unique landscape whiling away hours and hours, walking and soaking up the exquisite surroundings.

The National Trust have put together a fantastic section on their website which lists several different “50 things…” lists for you to do after dark, in gardens and parks and also on the coast and in the countryside.

Hopefully, this has given you a little taster of what you could do if you stayed in Devon at any one of our fantastic Devon Farms Holidays members.

Henrietta the Hen

Our Mascot, Henrietta likes to travel around Devon and have her photo taken at various locations. Recently, she has visited an ice cream parlour, as you can quite clearly see from the photo to the left as well as several farms.

She has also been visiting farms around Devon; Henrietta has seen sites and experienced things that have made her very happy and glad to be a chicken.

She got a ride on a tractor with this young man…

…and  Henrietta was extremely pleased that she had feathers and not a woolly coat when she witnessed Sheep Shearing for the first time.

If you’re visiting Devon any time soon with Devon Farms, please keep your eye out for Henrietta. If you do happen to bump in to her, please make sure you snap a photo or two with her (she loves selfies!) and post them up on our Facebook page.

You can of course, Tweet Us too and don’t forget to include a photo there too. Thank you.

There are a number of things that we need to take on holiday with us but for some reason we always seem to forget. So, we here at Devon Farms have decided to collate a list of items that our guests mention to us on a very regular basis…

1. An underwater camera

These tend to be something we wished we all had whenever an opportunity to be in the water comes along. For example, simple pool pictures for those lazy summer holiday afternoons just bobbing around in the pool or just something to dip into a rock pool to discover the underwater life. You can get these online very easily and for less than £10 too. It might be worth popping one in the beach bag and to surprise the kids with when you’re settled down for that lunchtime snack on the beach. Sand sandwich anyone?

2. Corkscrew

Well, you never know when you might need to open a bottle of wine in an emergency holiday situation. Most holiday cottages have one of these tucked away but the amount of times our camping guests ask to borrow one of these, simply meant it had to make our list.

3. Duct tape

Wouldn’t it be handy if you had a little bit of tape to put over the holes when something breaks. A handbag could fall to pieces or a windbreak might develop a tear on a brisk Devon beach day but you wouldn’t have to go hunting for a new one or pay a high price if you have something just to hold it together until you get home. Of course, we don’t endorse the use of duct tape on human beings… although the thought crossed our minds too!

4. A Football

There are many times when you’re outside and there’s not enough to do; having a football is an excellent idea because it’s a great way to keep fit when you can and there are many games to play if you get bored, not just football boys! As much as it might annoy some, footballs make excellent basket balls, net balls and you can always practice your keepy-uppies too.

5. First aid kit

Let’s be sensible for a second here; It is so important to carry plasters, bandages and antiseptic too. You may also need to take insect repellent, anti-histamines and anti-diarrhoea pills and all sorts of others things too. All of this can be housed in a simple bought-off-the-shelf kit which lives in the car or in a day bag.

6 & 7. Eye mask and ear plugs

It’s important to have enough sleep, especially on holiday. Now, you might be used to taking these on an overseas trips but they can be just as important for a trip to Devon too. We all have our bedrooms set up almost exactly as we like them and this allows us to get the rest we need. Being in a strange bed with unusual noises can also affect your sleep pattern too, so remember to pack these items to ensure you get the rest on your holiday that you need.

8. A torch

These are incredibly important for all manner of reasons. If you’re looking to camping and for whatever reason you’re delayed in your travels, you won’t have to do things in the dark without being able to see if you put the tent up right. Don’t just get any old torch though, maybe think about getting a wind up one because they cost about the same and you don’t have to spend an indefinite amount on new batteries all the time. Hopefully our handy list will help you prepare properly for your next holiday. If you have any more suggestions, we’d love to hear from you. Why not leave us a comment on one of our social media channels. You’ll find us on Facebook, Twitter and Google + too, thank you.

This is North Devon’s premier Agricultural spectacle.

Fun for all the family, loads to see and do. This annual event is a celebration of North Devon’s agricultural roots. A host of livestock classes occupy the arenas throughout the day with Alpacas, cattle, sheep, horse jumping, dog show and so much more.

With attractions, displays, craft, demonstrations and trade stands this is a day packed with activity.

Where :  Umberleigh North Devon   EX37 9DX

When :    Wednesday 6th August  2014

Places to stay:  www.devonfarms.co.uk      – beautiful farmhouse accommodation, ‘outstanding in their field ! ‘ 

Devon Music

Glastonbury has got us all in the mood for listening to some live music in the Devon Farms office. Yes, we may be a farm based business but that doesn’t mean all we do is milk cows and chew grass (!), far from it actually.

Devon has its own fair share of smaller music festivals too, which have incredibly loyal audiences and fantastic artists performing. Already this year we’ve had Lemonfest in Newton Abbot where Luke Friend (an X-Factor finalist and local to the area) performed. Oceanfest in North Devon, which has one of the calmest vibes of any music festival in the UK and is set right on the beach in Croyde, had Newton Faulkner as its headline act this year.

It’s not all music at these events though, Oceanfest had nearly 250 children learning how to play beach volleyball and at Lemonfest, the street food market was very popular where you could find Thai, Moroccan, posh pasties and a traditional hog roast.

Still to come this summer are Chagstock, Beautiful Days and Bictonfest just to name a few. Again, just over the border in to Cornwall is the Eden Project which has become renowned for its ‘Eden Sessions’. Artists like Ellie Goulding, Elbow and the Pixies are all set to perform there this summer.

Unfortunately, Beautiful Days has already sold out but maybe it is something you’d like to consider for 2015. It’s a family festival which prides itself on not being sponsored, carries no branding and does not advertise. It’s very popular locally and sells out fast, so keep your ears to the grounds for the release date of the tickets.

As well as these larger events, there are numerous much smaller events and literally hundreds of pubs across the region who welcome live music. Open mic nights are very popular too, so bring your best singing voice and join in with us locals; we’re a very welcoming bunch and might even buy you a drink.

Eating in Devon

Devon is not only blessed with some fantastic countryside, stunning views and lovely people, it is also a wonderful place to find something delicious to eat.

Probably at the very top of the list is the two-Michelin starred Gidleigh Park  just outside of Chagford on Dartmoor. Run by Michael Caines MBE, it has won numerous awards and is regarded locally as ‘THE’ place to go for that special meal.

The pasty is as popular in Devon as it is in Cornwall. If we were to suggest where to buy a pasty from, I think we might have to create an incredibly long list. So, our advice is to try a few; after all, you are on holiday.

Back in 2008, Devon was awarded Fairtrade County status and it has been successful in renewing that status every year since. There are numerous food markets around the county which hold seasonal events as well as weekly events too. Tavistock & Okehampton are well known for holding these fairs but Exeter city centre is also a regular venue for various different types of street markets and seasonal food.

Cream Teas

Of course, if you’re in Devon, you have to try a Cream Tea. The debate has been long and hard about which is the correct way to dress a scone to qualify it for ‘Devon Cream Tea’ status. One thing is for sure, it has to be clotted cream. The debate arises when we place the cream on the scone; is it before or after the jam. According to lengthy research by this writer, in Devon, we add the cream first and then apply the strawberry jam after. No matter which order it goes on, just make sure it goes on thick.

Of course, if you’re eating you’ll need something to drink with it. The West Country is renowned for its cider and we suggest you ‘sup’ some… responsibly of course. If it has pips and some apple core in it though, beware; that normally indicates that it could be on the strong side.

Whether you’re looking for a gastronomical experience to tickle your taste buds or the delight that is simply fish and chips by the sea, Devon has it all. Why not pay us a visit soon.

There are lots of agricultural shows across Devon during the season, all great fun for the family.

Devon County show was last week. Many Devon Farms members were showing animals and running stalls.

Champion and Reserve rare and primitive sheep shown by Richard Barker

Phil Dallyn and others in the show ring

The show ring

A reluctant show sheep

Early on the first day

The summer holidays are fast approaching and as you can see there is plenty to do in Devon.  Not only do we have amazing attractions that suit the whole family, we also have the  natural beauty of the moors and  beaches. Devon has so much to offer and the friendliest of people.

Here are  a few great things to do now and there will be plenty to follow all through summer, in fact all year round.

Journeys Into Middle-Earth’ Exhibition at RHS Garden Rosemoor

There’s something for everyone at the Devon County Show! See the animals, enjoy the attractions plus fabulous local food and drink.
Devon County Showground, Exeter is the place to be, Thursday May 22nd – Saturday May 24th 2014, all the family will enjoy the show, with everything from the delicate blooms of the flower tent to magnificent showjumping and livestock displays!
Take time to enjoy the main ring events, buy beautiful, hand made crafts or try delicious country cooking, Devon County Show is a celebration of the Devon countryside.
Come and visit us on the Devon Farms stand, we are always happy to meet new friends as well as our ‘old ones!’
See you there!

Westpoint
Clyst St Mary
Exeter
Devon EX5 1DJ
Tel: 01392 446000 Read more ›