Where Can We Go For an East Devon Weekend Break?

The weekend forecast is good; it’s been a long week for us both– where to find a holiday cottage in East Devon just for the two of us is the dilemma. Looking for somewhere peaceful and beautiful with a choice of country walks or relaxing on a beach, we settled on East Devon for a relaxing holiday. Next question: Where do we go, and what do we want to see and do? There are so many options in this idyllic corner of Devon. It quickly became deciding what to leave out (or save until the next time).

As for cottages, using My Favourite Holiday Cottages, we chose Apple Cottage in the tranquil hamlet of Moorhayne just outside Yarcombe near Honiton. It proved to be an ‘easy to reach’ rural paradise from the Home counties and allowed us to plan stop-offs on the outward and return legs of our journey at Cheddar Gorge and Stonehenge. Upon arrival, it was quickly apparent why Apple Cottage’s location is in a

Most of us are turning our thoughts to the summer holidays, but there are those of us already planning short autumn breaks. If you have a large group or family gathering to organise, now is the best time to schedule an autumn staycation.

One of the UK's most popular autumn destinations is the Peak District National Park, which is most beautiful at this time of year. The changing scenery and autumnal colours are stunning.  

Froggat Edge

Some of our favourite spots for autumn splendour and views are:

Mam Tor and the Great Ridge Curbar Edge Froggatt Edge Edale.

All will be clothed in autumn glory and are simply stunning.  

Autumn walks through the changing colours of the trees are also gorgeous in: 

Padley Gorge Manifold Valley Goyt Valley Ladybower Wood.

Another wildlife spectacle of the Peak District starts in October; the starling murmurations. Middleton Moor is the place to view these

During the long gap between the end of summer and the arrival of Christmas, why not plan a get-together with family or friends in a large holiday cottage? They are perfect for celebrations, reunions or gatherings. 

Cazenovia Hall, Rural Holiday Cottage Near Penrith in Cumbria. Sleeps 8

They are also much more affordable than hotels and offer exclusive use of facilities. 

These can include a swimming pool, hot tubs, and games rooms - and there is usually a choice of living areas for people with different TV/NetFlix tastes.

View the collection of Large Holiday Homes available to book on My Favourite Holiday Cottages and find one that is right for you. Do you fancy a restored castle, a grand old country house or a large townhouse in a city? 

Crepe Farmhouse near Bridport in Dorset. Sleeps 17 in 8 bedrooms

Maybe you'd prefer a remote farmhouse in the heart of a National Park surrounded by an autumn gold landscape. And

Enjoying a holiday with your dog is much easier these days – go self-catering! The growth in dog-friendly holiday cottages for short breaks or longer holidays throughout the UK means that pet owners have an inexpensive alternative to placing their pets in kennels while they go on holiday. Now it’s straightforward to take the canine member of your family with you on holiday instead. Here are some valuable tips to follow when planning to take a break with your pet this year.

Click to view: Dogs welcome at Home Farmhouse in Hawkshead, Cumbria.

Upon arrival, don’t forget to check the following to ensure complete peace of mind during your holiday: It’s worth a quick tour of the house to move any items that you don’t want to be broken by a wagging tail or might be toxic, such as cleaning bottles that best belong in a cupboard. Search the garden, too, for things like slug pellets. If your dog likes to chew cables, don’t forget to check for these as

If you are searching for a holiday cottage to enjoy a weekend break in Cornwall, here are some suggestions on things to do that will suit all ages - and some 'cracking' cottages in which to stay. Crackington Haven may be a small North Cornwall village in a secluded coastal location, but it's a little gem. 

Here are six of our best holiday ideas to try on your break away from a far busier world.

Nestled between the dramatic headlands of the rugged North Cornish Coast, you'll find the picturesque hamlet of Crackington Haven. This sheltered cove offers peace and seclusion, while its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery make Crackington Haven the perfect location for a rejuvenating getaway. 

 

A Meal at the Inn 

The recently redecorated Coombe Barton Inn has possibly the most stunning views enjoyed by any pub or restaurant in the country! 

You might be on a self-catering holiday in Cornwall, but give the

This article is primarily intended to provide advice and ideas for owners of holiday cottages looking to make their properties truly child or baby-friendly, ensuring they really do welcome and cater for families planning a self-catering holiday in the UK.

Plan to search for and book baby-friendly cottages. This article will still be of interest if you have a family with young children, giving you an idea about what facilities you can expect to find in holiday cottages where children and babes are welcome.

If you advertise your cottage as suitable for babies, toddlers and infants, a cot and a high chair are only the start if you want to appeal to families with young children. If your property is in a location likely to appeal to such families - and isn’t full of natural hazards, then going the extra mile to appeal to what is quite a substantial market is worth a little investment. 

First, consider what any sensible parent would want for

Here’s a guide to booking a holiday cottage using the My Favourite Holiday Cottages website, with lots of information about what your payment includes, how to make it and other generally accepted information about renting a holiday cottage that will give you more knowledge and confidence in the booking process.

Let’s assume you have been browsing the site and identified your favourite holiday cottage. What do you do next?

Firstly, Have you got all the information you need?

Prices: The cottage is within your budgetIt’s available for your datesArrival day: many cottages have set ‘changeover’ days, especially during school holidays. These are usually Fridays or SaturdaysIt has the specific facilities you’ll need, e.g., a hot tub and a ground-floor bedroom, and it accepts pets, etc.It’s in your desired location (and the Google map within its advert shows that it isn’t located alongside a cement factory)It’s received some good testimonials from past

A typical view of one of Exmoor's main roads which are frequently empty of traffic.

Here’s an itinerary for one way to spend a week’s holiday in North Devon. Of course, there’s a lot more to see and do in the area, but this should ensure you arrive home with a host of memories and a desire to return to this unspoiled corner of England.

Assuming the itinerary is sufficient to lure you, it includes recommended holiday cottages for you to consider. Of course, you can only choose one, so please accept our apologies for spoiling you for choice!

  Sunday: Buckets, Spades and Culture.

Start your day at the Victorian Bucket and Spade Resort in Ilfracombe. You’ll find plenty of shops piled high with beach equipment – pick up a windbreak while you’re at it. Wander down to the town’s harbourside to visit ‘Verity’, Damien Hirst’s towering statue of a sword-bearing pregnant woman (taller than the Angel of the North) who stands guard at the pier head. Stop off for a snack or full-blown lunch at the Bistro on the Quayside – another Damien