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Holiday in Devon

admin — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:56:56 +0000

At this time of year, if you haven’t already started to think of where you may want to go on holiday, you should probably start to. There is of course the opportunity to go abroad but in these times of economic uncertainty have you really got the money? Even a ferry crossing the channel can cost up to £300 for just two people and one car. There’s also the added cost of travelling abroad at peak time, which is when all the schools break up and travel companies decide to increase the prices, often to unmanageable amounts.

Because we live in a beautiful country, holidaying here is often overlooked but parts of England, especially the South West, are frequently unrivalled when the weather is good. Many people think of Cornwall for their holiday if they think of England, but Devon is a great choice for many and an increasingly popular destination for staying in a UK Caravan Park.

One of the largest counties in England it offers spectacular coastlines, many are family friendly and safe, and others are perfect for keen surfers. Rugged countryside which can look like a patchwork quilt this time of year once the farmers have ploughed and made their first cut for silage. A fascinating history that stems back centuries for those keen on discovering the origins and what makes Devon the place it is today. With so much to see and do, your Devon Holidays will be packed everyday, just remember to take some time to relax and rejuvenate.

Traditional Devonian Fire Hazards

admin — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 07:45:43 +0000

There are a few villages in Devon which have some absolutely remarkable traditions, and seeing these occur can be a great thing to do on a family holiday. Two villages in Devon, Ottery St Mary and Hatherleigh, have traditions that involve handling flaming barrels of tar.

Many people, perhaps rightly, believe that rolling or passing burning tar barrels through villages where a number of the houses have thatched roofs is a little bit foolish, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a spectacular sight. Visitors from all over the world attend these celebrations, eager to see the dangerous activity take place. It’s very similar to the bull running that famously occurs at Pamplona, and, just as with the bull running, sometimes people are injured.

On the topic of injuries, it’s the people actually involved in the event, rather than the spectators, who tend to fall victim to the barrels, but these are normally only minor burns or singed hair, nothing that won’t be gone in a few weeks.

The concerns about injury have meant that concerns have been raised for the future of rolling flaming tar barrels through villages, and that would mean that the residents would lose out on a valuable draw for tourists, as well as a popular and traditional cultural event.

Luckily, it seems that these Devon villages and the holiday parks near them will continue to have this incredible celebration to draw in the holiday makers as local councils have, rather than shutting the events down because of concerns, looked at new ways of insuring the events instead.

Wadebridge – A Gem in the Middle of Cornwall

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:38:22 +0000

There was a time when Wadebridge was mostly known the being a major traffic route in Cornwall, but because of its small, streets, put in place when Wadebridge was just a tiny village, there was a huge amount of congestion. In 1991, though, this all changed, as a bypass meant that motorists no longer had to squeeze through the town. The streets cleared up, the air wasn’t filled with car exhaust fumes, and Wadebridge quickly became the quaint, picturesque and beautiful little town that it had always been underneath all the traffic.

Some regeneration came in the form of pedestrianising the town’s shopping district, and now Wadebridge is not only a great place to visit, but also a popular town in which to take a family holiday in Cornwall. Visitors can easily access the nearby beaches and enjoy the Cornish countryside, but still enjoy all the benefits that a town can bring to a holiday. They’ll also be able to admire the architecture and really take in the atmosphere of the town.

Since the bypass, in fact, Wadebridge cottages in Cornwall have become very popular, and visitors don’t just book them so that they can visit the nearby beaches, but so they can wander through the town itself, enjoying everything it has to offer. Wadebridge is a great place to enjoy the Cornish culture, and even has its own Cornish name of Ponsrys. Visitors will not be disappointed with a trip to Wadebridge, even if all they do is explore the town itself.

Experience London

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:41:18 +0000

Really experiencing London isn’t waiting in line to get a ride on the Millennium Wheel, or taking pictures of the Buckingham Palace. If you truly want to get a feel for what London really is, you need to steer clear of the crowds and tourist traps, and take in the side streets that gives London it’s charm. There are plenty of areas of this bustling city that are untouched by the tourists. Travelling by back streets to find quaint pubs and quiet cafes is where you’ll make the memories, not taking the same pictures that millions of other tourists have.

When it comes to accommodation, really complete the experience with unique housing. Forget all those over priced London Hotels right in the city centre, get in the country side or on the coast, and relax in a holiday cottage. This is the perfect atmosphere to relax after a day of exploring, and will give you the “home away from home” atmosphere you can’t find in a hotel. Try a bed and breakfast, or even a vacation flat in the city. This gives you the privacy and personal touch that you will crave when on vacation.

Wookey Hole Caves

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:09:18 +0000

Somerset provides a wealth of tourist attractions, and so is a popular destination for family holidays, but one that has drawn attention for centuries is that of the Wookey Hole Caves.

The village of Wookey Hole itself is a small and quiet place, and is completely overshadowed by the popularity of the caves, which were formed by the River Axe cutting through the limestone hills of the area.

In the caves themselves, visitors can see a subterranean lake, as well as the famous Witch of Wookey Hole. The witch is, in actual fact, a stalagmite, but the human shape of it has given rise to an old English legend that a witch lived in the caves and cursed young lovers so that their relationships would fall apart. She did this as she had been jilted herself and was, presumably, bitter.

The man of one such couple became a monk, and tracked her down to enact his revenge. He followed her to the cave where she hid in a dark corner, hoping to avoid or trap him. The monk, however, knew better than to go stumbling out of the light, and so blessed some water, splashing it into the dark areas. The witch was hit with this water and instantly turned to stone, and has remained there ever since.

In addition to this, the old paper mill and other caves nearby make this area great to explore on a camping holiday.

Bath, Somerset

admin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:17:07 +0000

The city of Bath is a historic place with a long history and plenty of modern amenities to wrap yourself in comfort on your next vacation. Dating as far back as 43 AD, it was built as a spa and resort by the Romans. Today it has a variety of museums, theatres, and other cultural venues in addition to its high class spas. This fine city was even named a World Heritage Site in 1987. This was also said to be the sight of the only naturally occurring hot springs in the UK, being situated near the River Avon in the valley. Today, this city welcomes millions of tourists every year, with two official Universities and several schools and colleges spread throughout.

If you’re looking for accommodation in Bath, you will find plenty of hotels, spas and resorts to cater to your every need. Most of them are renovated estates that have distinct aesthetics rich in history, fitted with all the modern necessities. The Royal Hotel for example was established in 1846, and has a high class restaurant, spa, and bars to keep you busy. You can have it all on your next holiday in Bath.