Cornwall artists and where to see their work
Discover our guide to some of the most exciting artists living and working in Cornwall today, and where you can see their work or get involved.
Elizabeth DaleDiscover our guide to some of the most exciting artists living and working in Cornwall today, and where you can see their work or get involved.
Elizabeth DaleSteeped in history and promising many delights down its winding cobbled streets, Truro, Cornwall's only city, promises many wonderful things to see and do.
Elizabeth DaleDelve deeper into Cornwall's rich past with a visit to one of the county's fascinating buildings, from giant greenhouses to shell-speckled cottages.
Elizabeth DaleDiscover why Somerset needs to be your next holiday destination with our round-up of the best places to visit, from Glastonbury Tor to the Quantocks!
Stef ParrFrom beloved classics to recipe books full of soul-warming fare, our winter reading list celebrates the cosiest of seasons.
Annie CowenFrom Arthurian legends and a contemporary eco paradise to hidden gardens and a fortified island, there’s an abundance of brilliant things to do in Cornwall.
Stef ParrCornwall’s mining past can be found strewn across the landscape, from mighty engine houses to deep and echoing mines.
Elizabeth DaleFrom the engine houses that pepper the landscape to Cornish pasties, these attractions are the best way to explore Cornwall's mining heritage.
Elizabeth DaleFrom bluebell walks and cream teas to garden parties and picnics, here are some of our favourite ways to celebrate a bank holiday weekend.
Annie CowenSteeped in history and wrapped in peace and tranquillity, Cornwall's most beautiful churches offer a place of quiet reflection and architectural wonder.
Elizabeth DaleWe all love a cream tea, but where is the best place to get one in Devon? From quirky cafes to historic houses, here's our list of the best cream teas in Devon.
Annie CowenStately homes, abbeys and priories on the Isle of Wight including Osborne House, Farringford House, Appuldurcombe House, Quarr Abbey, and Carisbrooke Priory.
Robbie LaneWhether you like your flowers expertly curated or fabulously wild, there is a garden on the Isle of Wight to tempt every green-fingered guest.
Robbie LaneIf you fancy touring Cornwall with a glass of wine in your hand, then you'll love this list of the top vineyards in Cornwall... cheers!
Abby DriverSwap idyllic villages for the grand architecture and grounds of Blenheim Palace, a piece of living history in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Annie CowenCornwall is a world-famous creative hub and home to a wide selection of galleries, showcasing both prestigious local and international artists. These galleries are a must-visit.
Elizabeth DaleCastles have stood the test of time, revealing their history to us in their own ways. So why not take the family to explore some of the most interesting times in our history while staying at one of our properties perfectly poised for visiting castles.
Hannah DenbyThe historic home of the Digby family since 1617, the castle is a well-known place to visit in Dorset.
Becky ByeRetrace smugglers' steps by following these cornish coastal walks. No Cornish history lesson would be done justice without attention being turned to smugglers. Whether they were liberators, criminals, pirates or local heroes, they covered the Cornish coastline with their illicit trade and made history through their dealings.
Lizzie HeatherThe south and west of England is full of history. Here is a quick guide to what each county is known for, and what is near some of our cottages.
Hannah DenbyFalmouth Week is a family friendly festival in Cornwall with a full schedule of activities and entertainment carefully organised for every day of the week. Take the little ones, take the older ones, take everyone or just take the two of you in August and indulge in the true spirit of the town.
Katie ChownThe town has one of the longest stretches of sand in Europe with seven miles of glorious beaches including the beautiful locations of Brean Down and the famous Lighthouse spot.
Tasha HA picture postcard place to stay, Bigbury On Sea benefits from a golden sandy beach, the beauty of Burgh Island and the rolling Devon hills.
Katie ChownRead about the creation of sea glass jewellery and pictures by Heidi Reynolds, founder of Pebbletastic. She also includes some top tips on where to find sea glass in Cornwall.
Heidi ReynoldsThe beautiful medieval city of Wells offers a unique and charming day out for everyone looking to enjoy breathtaking landscapes and stunning architecture.
Tasha HNestled on the edge of Tremenheere Sculpture Garden with breath-taking views of Mounts Bay, this is set to be one of our most popular places to stay for 2019.
Kayleigh HardyExplore one of the great gardens of Cornwall during it’s exclusive spring opening hours. Perfect for a family friendly day enjoying the fresh air.
Kayleigh HardyVoted the Best UK Coastal Resort at the British Travel Awards in 2015 and 2016, Bude has lots of things to do. Visit for your holiday or simply a day out while staying in one of our Cornwall cottages.
Abby DriverA family day out to Stourhead, exploring the gardens, having a picnic and generally having a magical adventure.
Emma LOverbeck's is not the largest of stately homes and the drive up to it is hair-raising, but if you like tales of eccentric inventors and macabre collections made by a mad-cap genius then Overbeck's is well worth a visit.
Philip EleyThe St Ives Feast and hurling the silver ball are longstanding Cornwall traditions that take place in February. Brighten up your winter with a St Ives holiday filled with fun traditions.
Kayleigh HardyDo you like to visit a place with a spooky story? Do you dare visit my list of most haunted Devon places with a ghostly connection? Don't just wait for Halloween at half term, Devon ghost hunts can be enjoyed year-round.
Philip EleyPoldark is the name on everyone's lips when it comes to Cornwall on the tv but have you heard of these other films featuring popular Cornish places?
Abby DriverStep behind the luxurious doors of the Longleat mansion and take a peek at what life was like for the family who used to live here.
Becky ByeLove the famous Cornwall landmarks? From the Minack Theatre to St Ives, we've got some alternative suggestions for those who think they've seen it all.
Abby DriverJust outside of Ryde sits a small piece of heaven that, on a sunny day, could resemble the Med. Welcome to Rosemary Vineyard.
Anmarie BowlerThis ancient Dorset town is so tranquil and laid back, R&R is practically guaranteed so you can kick back and zone out. But if you like to occupy your time away, there are plenty of things to do in Tolpuddle.
Katie ChownLearn Stonehenge facts by visiting Stonehenge Visitor Centre and marvel in the ancient history of the English landscape.
Becky ByeYet another reason to make sure that at least part of your summer holiday is spent in Dorset, there are festivals a-plenty to add excitement to your visit.
Becky ByeThe top 5 things to do on your honeymoon in Cornwall, everything from abseiling to foodie paradise.
Abby DriverDescribed as 'every child's dream' by The Travelling Book Junkie, this pretty little cottage is the perfect luxury self-catering holiday home for families wanting to stay near Dartmouth.
Katie ChownThe birthplace of Thomas Hardy bursts into life in the spring thanks to the beautiful wild gardens surrounding this special house.
Becky ByeEnchant little ones with a trip to Compton Castle in the school holidays and let their imaginations run wild.
Philip EleyTake a stroll around these classic country gardens in Devon. Ideal for enjoying a sunny day at any time of year.
Kayleigh HardyA willow adventure awaits: some of my favourite days out are the ones that sound the strangest - The Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre certainly ticks that weird box!
Kylie BartonA short break in Dorset deserves a night at the theatre - a great date night for the grownups. Around Dorset the theatres and venues are packed with some really big names throughout the year.
Becky ByeA sense of adventure, a close connection to nature, a sense of well-being and a feeling of being truly alive.
Philip EleySummer is a time for festivals. Whether it be dance festivals, family festivals, music festivals, or anything else in between. Hampshire certainly has its fair share of them.
Kylie BartonAs galleries go, this one is a stunner, the impressive looking building just a few steps from Porthmeor beach and as such commands excellent views. You’ll also find a great program of events, exhibitions and workshops on year-round.
Abby DriverYou can’t really go to Somerset and not visit one of the regions cider farms, now can you? Land’s End Farm in Mudgley is one of the best.
Kylie BartonTune in to nature's jukebox.
Katie ChownGreenway was the beloved holiday home of Agatha Christie and, although my children are old enough to have heard of her, they’ve never read any of her stories. So, to keep their interest up on a visit to her property we play a game of...
Philip EleyKayleigh Hardy spent a day exploring the gardens and house at Osborne. A truly regal experience to round off her visit to the Isle of Wight.
Kayleigh HardyThe whole of Somerset is steeped in history, but with a wealth of Medieval evidence to impress all history buffs, the county is well worth exploring. The best example of this time is concentrated in the Somerset city of Wells.
Kylie BartonPeering into boudoirs, opening a door onto a dusty attic and living vicariously through the photos, furniture and keepsakes of others, from another time and another class, is unashamedly fascinating.
Rachel Wilson-CouchYou’d be forgiven for thinking shopping is all Plymouth has to offer, but you’d also be wrong. There are acres of stunning parkland and miles of breathtaking coastline just around the corner, waiting to be explored.
Sadie PhillipsA grand family home set it beautiful gardens is an English Heritage delight for an afternoon of architecture, history and heritage.
Becky ByeA favourite of Queen Victoria, the Isle of Wight has a long history of heritage and culture, so it's little wonder there are places of grandeur to visit. Here is a select of places to visit on the island to sample some national heritage.
Katie ChownThe magic of Narnia transformed Killerton House in Devon into a magical family day out to remember.
Philip EleyHestercombe Gardens are the most beautiful estate gardens in the south. With over 300 years of garden design all in one place, those who enjoy flora and fauna it certainly is a great choice for a day out in Somerset.
Kylie BartonChoose your location, time and company (obligatory) carefully - everyone has their own secret swim spots in Cornwall and here are my top five (but ssh!)
Rachel Wilson-CouchThere is so much to see and do that I have narrowed down the selection to my top two places to visit, which can both be seen in one day if you’re on a short visit, or equally spread out over several days if you’re on a longer holiday in Bournemouth.
Becky ByeFrom whimsical childhood classics to page-turning crime fiction and whole novels set in Cornwall, discover the land behind your favourite Cornish literature and writers.
Abby DriverIf you enjoy the chugging of the engines, seeing the steam rise up into the skies, and the hustle and bustle on board a carriage, then be sure to check out the West Somerset Railway when visiting the county.
Kylie BartonA TV and film location pilgrimage might be the perfect weekend of escapism for you and your other half. Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset are littered with both well-known and not so well-known film sets, with their period buildings and rolling countryside providing the perfect cinema backdrop.
Becky ByeTry something a little more cultural on your Isle of Wight holiday with a visit to one of these theatres. See amateur dramatics, live screenings, comedy or a Christmas pantomime at these venues throughout the year.
Kayleigh HardyFor my family, day trips normally involve beaches or stately homes, but whilst holidaying in Cornwall this half-term the bad weather forced us to think creatively. And so feeling the Poldark effect, we found ourselves at Geevor Tin Mine.
Philip EleyThere is a lot of culture and interest about the town if you only look beyond it’s quaint and quiet exterior.
Becky ByeBristol is full of cute little coffee shops, artisan bakers, and unique eateries perfect for a tete a tete.
Kylie BartonIn honour of the release of Victoria and Abdul, a silver screen epic telling the story of the Queen and her Indian companion, Abdul Karim, we discover why Queen Victoria loved the Isle of Wight so much.
Kayleigh HardyLooking for things to do in Bath in September? Don't miss this festival celebrating the life and works of Jane Austen in the second week of the month.
Kylie BartonFind your groove from August through to October with these family friendly festivals and more mature musical events in Cornwall.
Abby DriverBruton is a beautiful little town in the heart of Somerset countryside that has cemented its upmarket credentials with the help of renowned gallery Hauser and Wirth.
Anna HThe middle of Devon has something entirely different to offer, peace and tranquility away from the madding crowd.
Anna HThe beginning of August hails Cowes week on the Isle of Wight. The ultimate sailing regatta brings people from all over the world to the island in the summer.
Kayleigh HardyHampshire has a lot to offer, but one of the lesser known things is the fact it is a brilliant day out for an ale lover. With its own brewery, an ale train, and some great real ale pubs, a boy’s day out is just waiting to be had!
Kylie BartonIt is a real treat to visit the English Riviera on the trail of Agatha Christie’s life and work - she was born in Torquay, and this area of South Devon is full of places which inspired her. From houses where she lived, to places which feature in some of her most famous works, you are surrounded by her presence in Torbay.
Philip EleyFollow your nose to the cult of curdled milk and sample the best cheeses in Somerset, home to the world famous Cheddar.
Katie ChownOn the first Sunday of August each year a bunch of mad mountain bikers descend on the quiet villages and open moorland of Exmoor for a 30+ mile challenge. Sign up early as it’s always over-subscribed.
Liz ArnellWho knew they could pack so much building and gallery space into a city centre? This family friendly museum is worth a stop when on holiday in Cornwall.
Abby DriverDorset walks, places to eat and things to see and do in the unassuming but very pretty little market town of Beaminster, north of Bridport. It's worth a quick visit when you're on holiday in Dorset.
Katie ChownA winning day out with all the family, West Bay in Dorset has golden cliffs, beautiful beaches, award-worthy play areas and even a harbour for crabbing.
Katie ChownMade famous by the Victorians for the cleanest air in Britain, Ventnor is a calming yet fun place to spend a day on the Isle of Wight.
Kayleigh HardyBath is a beautiful place, but it can get very busy. One of the best things about Bath is that on its outskirts it is flanked with a number of beautiful small towns and villages.
Kylie BartonOn a day out in Dorset, Portland peninsula, which dangles off the south coast, has a surprising amount to do, so if you want to avoid the summer beach crowds in Weymouth, then head over to Portland for something a little different.
Becky ByeCinemas are everywhere. And can be a great way to dodge a rainy day while you’re on holiday. But if you like places with a dash of character and plenty of good films to go around, you might want to plan a special trip to one of these.
Kayleigh HardyEnjoy all Bath has to offer – which is a lot! I will walk you through my choice of locations for a date day out in Bath.
Kylie BartonLittle known Dorset town Wimborne Minster has a lot of activities to offer, whether you are after a family day out, or a quiet relaxing weekend for two.
Becky ByeAutumn colours and a frosty feeling in the air made for a surprisingly wonderful afternoon exploring the National Trust's Trelissick gardens in Cornwall.
Kayleigh HardyPainting outdoors can be both calming and exhilarating at the same time, making it good for the soul. But where are the best spots for artistic inspiration in Devon?
Philip EleyWinchester is the old capital of England, it is steeped in history, full to the brim with beautiful architecture, fine eateries, and quaint and quirky shops, making for a lovely day out.
Kylie BartonFor anyone who is a bit of a history buff and likes a bite of traditional English lunch, then Dorchester is a much needed mark on your Dorset map.
Becky ByeKingsbridge is an attractive market town in its own right, but it is most often seen as a good base from which to explore the spectacular surrounding area of South Hams.
Philip EleyDevon and Cornwall boast magnificent houses, rugged coastline, unspoilt villages and wild moorland. All of these backdrops have been used on some well-loved films and TV programmes.
Philip EleyThe pretty harbour village of Watchet offers a charming holiday experience in West Somerset. During the summer it is a hive of activity with the winter months in contrast proving a quiet and tranquil ambiance. For a little town, there’s plenty going on, so I’ve picked some of my highlights for a day out in Watchet.
Tasha HSet on the south coast, Fowey is a maritime lover’s paradise. The smart nautical town hugs the west side of the Fowey estuary, where deep waters attract sailing fans. The town itself is a mix of enchantingly narrow streets and a mix of architecture including historic medieval, grand Georgian and Victorian buildings.
Abby DriverExploring the historic county town of Taunton gives you a chance to soak up a range of experiences. From the grounds of Somerset’s County Cricket Club to the impressive heritage of Taunton Castle, this lively hub is an ideal spot to enjoy a mix of culture and entertainment.
Tasha HA round up of locations where Aidan has been filming plus the trailer for season two, just for info's sake...
Katie ChownCharlestown is immediately recognisable to fans of Poldark as the harbour in the series. The joy of it as a location is that they’ve hardly had to change much at all.
Philip EleyKingsand and Cawsand are twin seafront villages on The Rame Peninsula in Cornwall. They have a rich fishing (and smuggling!) heritage and you can still spot the old fish cellars and stores along the coast.
Abby DriverWhen on holiday, consider a slightly different point of view. Grab a blanket, a bottle of wine and come and check out the latest in night-time activities.
Lizzie HeatherTheatre really comes into its own when it’s performed on the road. Each summer in Cornwall, a myriad of makeshift stages spring up all over the county – some providing seating, but many simply on the beach or a patch of grass on which to spread your blanket. It’s an experience not to be missed.
Sadie PhillipsFeast on food and film this Autumn
Katie Chown