Classic Cottages unveils 2013 brochure and secret West Country hotspots

PRLog (Press Release) - Oct. 19, 2012 - The brochure is accompanied by Classic Cottages’ quarterly publication – Notes & Stories – a heart-warming journal with personality that delves into the hidden gems of the West Country. It captures the company’s in-depth local knowledge, uncovering the best little-known places and activities – from a cute coastal café that serves up the freshest seafood to the UK’s largest rural film festival, plus picturesque circular routes for walkers, joggers or cyclists and fascinating historical attractions.  

The publications complement Classic Cottages’ online insider guide, www.classicguide.co.uk (http://www.classicguide.co.uk), which bursts with many more unique things to see and do in the South West, as well as the more obvious must-do activities for first-time visitors.

All such activities can be combined with a stay at one of Classic Cottages’ top-quality properties, sleeping from two to sixteen people and available for either long or short breaks. There’s a cottage for every occasion, including romantic hideaways, homes that are baby, dog or eco-friendly and grand manor houses for large gatherings of friends and family.

Here’s a taste of the quirky local knowledge found in Notes & Stories – plus details of a Classic Cottage close by:  

Natural beauty in Dorset: the region’s very own Uluru

Climb Dorset’s version of Ayers Rock in Australia – Agglestone Rock in Black Heath. In Notes & Stories, Classic Cottages recommends visiting it as part of a figure-of-eight scenic (http://www.classic.co.uk/nas/places-to-explore/three-love...) trail that starts in Studland village. Stay at 2 Penny’s Cottage (http://www.classic.co.uk/holiday-cottage/desc-2531.html) (sleeps six), a pretty contemporary retreat in the quaint village of Corfe Castle, home to a dramatically-situated ruined castle of the same name. There are some of the region’s best beaches on its doorstep too, including Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door with their famous cliff arches. A week’s stay in 2013 costs from £93 pp (£555 total).

Fascinating history in Devon: Exeter Underground Passages

Did you know that there are medieval tunnels underneath Exeter High Street in Devon? Visitors can venture below to explore these unique ancient passages (http://www.exeter.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2914), created to pipe drinking water into the city 700 years ago. Stay nearby in Legars Cottage (http://www.classic.co.uk/holiday-cottage-2013/desc-2342.html) (sleeps four), a quintessential thatched cottage which has lovely countryside views and is nestled on the edge of the National Trust’s Killerton Estate, boasting 800 acres of woodland ideal for walkers and cyclists. A week’s stay in 2013 costs from £101 pp (£405 total).

Eclectic art in Cornwall: the UK’s first free cultural playground

Explore 19 acres of fun at the World Heritage Site, Heartlands Cornwall (http://www.heartlandscornwall.com/), which opened in April 2012. Set in a formerly derelict mining landscape, it features exhibitions, giant sculptures that you’re allowed to climb, gardens and a funky café. Found within a half-hour drive of Heartlands are Hobie (http://www.classic.co.uk/holiday-cottage/desc-2611.html) and Woody (http://www.classic.co.uk/holiday-cottage/desc-2612.html) (both sleep six) – the first-ever luxury tents to be added to Classic Cottages’ portfolio. Elevated on wooden platforms, they feature wood-fired cookers, quality sprung mattresses, hot water showers and separate loos. A week’s stay in either tent in 2013 costs from £80 pp (£480 total).

Foodie treats in Dorset: a scrumptious secret bakery

Deliciously odd and open only on the first Saturday of every month, The Bee Shack (http://www.honeybuns.co.uk/beeshack/) bakery in Holwell has a cult following for a reason. Think vintage decor and rustic grub in an old chicken hut, including the most perfect cream teas. Stay at the wonderfully-renovated Park House Barn (http://www.classic.co.uk/holiday-cottage/desc-2197.html) (sleeps four), featuring an indoor swimming pool as well as a trampoline in the garden. Monkey World and Longleat are within easy driving distance, as well as the Jurassic Coast for fossil hunting. A week’s stay in 2013 costs from £112 pp (£447 total).

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

Ends – 19 October 2012

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