Walks, foodie treats and a literary festival

Sept. 16, 2011 - PRLog -- Autumn may well be the best time to explore the South West of England. Set off on walks along deserted beaches or meander through rolling, leafy countryside, taking in ancient oak woods. Please your taste-buds at the array of foodie events that hit the area or be educated and inspired at a book festival. It’s also a superb time to hit the surf, before it gets a little too cold.  

With over 700 holiday cottages in Cornwall, Dorset, Devon and Somerset, Classic Cottages highlights some of the best Autumnal breaks...

Literary indulgence at the Appledore Book Festival
Be inspired by the work and creativity of some of the most talented novelists, historians, broadcasters, poets and playwrights at the Appledore Book Festival in North Devon (24 September to 2 October). It features Mark Logue, sharing the diaries and archival material of his grandfather, the speech therapist Lionel Logue, who worked with the future King George V1 (documented in The King’s Speech). Stay nearby at the end of a private lane less than a mile from the beach, at Little Orchard (sleeps two), with under-floor heating and a bedroom that looks out onto a colourful garden. A week’s stay, starting 24 September, costs £160pp (£321 total).

Enchanting waterfall in Cornish countryside
Golitha Falls are especially majestic during autumn. Located in Liskeard, South Cornwall, in a wild and woody area that sits next to the river Fowey, the cascade falls at an astonishing rate. Stay at Manor Farm Barn (sleeps five), an incredibly peaceful countryside retreat, set on eight acres of land where chickens and ducks are free to wander. Nearby is the Purely Cornish Farmshop – filled with local produce that one would never find in the supermarket – as well as the pretty coastal town of Looe, only a 20 minute drive away. A week’s stay in autumn costs from £82pp (£411 total).

Hallowe’en October half-term celebration at the Eden project
Treat the kids to a spooky half term holiday at the Eden Project’s special ‘Hallowe’en’ event (22-30 October 2011). There’s a witchcraft tent, offering fascinating classes in pumpkin-carving, wand-making and potion-mixing, as well as a Little Monsters' Ball Halloween disco. Stay nearby at Little Resugga (sleeps four), a first-class barn conversion with an interior that oozes style, featuring under-floor heating and a flat screen TV with Xbox and broadband access.  A week’s stay, starting 21 October, costs £142pp (£567 total).  

Walking and food festival in Devon
Grab your walking boots and take part in the North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival 2011 (30 September - 3 October 2011). Choose from a range of 66 guided walks across the naturally beautiful landscape. Feed your appetite afterwards at Exmoor Food Festival, held at the same time. Stay at Watermill Cottage (sleeps four), found outside the riverside village of Exebridge and boasting gorgeous big windows that treat guests to sublime countryside views. It’s a perfect retreat for two couples, with en suites in both well-decorated bedrooms. A week’s stay, starting 30 September, costs £101pp (£405 total).

Delicious treats at Dartmouth Food Festival
Munch on culinary delights at the Dartmouth Food Festival in South Devon (21-24 October 2011). Held at the historic market square, visitors can enjoy fresh local produce and expert cooking demonstrations. Stay at the Grade II Listed Brandywine House (sleeps six), set in the historical fishing port of Brixham. Originally an inn for smugglers and fishermen, this coastal retreat is spread across three floors, featuring a grand master bedroom with a four-poster bed and views over rooftops towards the harbour. There’s plenty for the kids to enjoy too, including the nearby sandy beaches. A week’s stay, starting 15 October, costs £86pp (£516 total).

Escape to the Jurassic Coast in Dorset  
Escape to Dorset this autumn and breathe in the freshest of air with a walk along part of the dramatic Jurassic Coast. And why not combine a little exercise with a history lesson by joining one of the organised Fossil Walks from Charmouth beach? Stay at Hobnob (sleeps six), a grand Grade II Listed haven set in the grounds of the 350-acre Rousdon Estate. One of the many walks within the estate leads to the private Charton beach. What’s more, there are many top-notch restaurants nearby, including the renowned Hix Oyster and Fish House, overlooking the fishing port of Lyme Regis. A week’s stay in autumn costs from £97pp (£582 total).

For more information and to book one of Classic Cottages’ coastal and country properties across Cornwall, Dorset, Devon and Somerset call 01326 555 555 or visit http://www.classic.co.uk.  

To help plan your visit to the South West, with plenty of ideas of places to go and things to do suggested by Classic’s local experts, visit http://www.classicguide.co.uk

Ends
16 September 2011                

Press: For further information and high-resolution images contact Stephanie Reed or Mischa Mack at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email s.reed@travelpr.co.uk or m.mack@travelpr.co.uk.

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