Holiday Cottages in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset - Farm & Cottage Holidays

The Sweet Smell of Summer

16/05/2012 00:00:00

The sweet smell of early summer is here!

We did it!

15/05/2012 00:00:00

The Bideford 10K was held on Sunday and we all managed to finish the course, some quicker than others...

The County Shows

10/05/2012 00:00:00

We are going on the road for a West Country wide county show tour. Try saying that five times in a row! Come and pay us a visit at one of our stands and win a delicious West Country food hamper.

The Children Need You!

09/05/2012 00:00:00

The children’s Holiday foundation needs you!

The Lizard Lifeboat Station

08/05/2012 00:00:00

A ceremony was held this weekend to mark the end of a two year nearly 10 million pound project to safeguard the nation’s most southerly lifeboat station.

The West Country's Got Talent

08/05/2012 00:00:00

Amanda Holden of TV's Britain's Got Talent thinks we have talent too!

The Bideford 10K 2012

03/05/2012 00:00:00

Ready, Steady, Go! Every year the team at Farm & Cottage Holidays run like the wind to help raise money for charity at the annual Bideford 10K. This year the run will be on Sunday 13th May at 11 am.

Beach Machines and Inconspicuous Bathing

02/05/2012 00:00:00

The nation once preferred to slip into the sea without being seen by anyone so, of course surrounding themselves with a huge wooden frame on wheels was the best way not to be seen...

Monarch of the Pen

01/05/2012 00:00:00

We like to go the extra mile but it is a bit of a push to suggest that we have organised a Royal tour to delight our visitors!

The Power of Steam

26/04/2012 00:00:00

Steam trains are ever popular for their ability to bring us all back to a bygone era. This Friday a rare sight will be seen passing along the Swanage Railway.

Rain rain go away but, please come again another day!

25/04/2012 00:00:00

Rain is good. Rain means green pastures and happy cows and that means one delicious truth. It might be pouring down in Devon but that should not keep you from having a fantastic time at any one of Devon’s houses, tea rooms or undercover attractions where you might just uncover the scrummy truth for yourself.

Will & Kate in the Cotswolds

24/04/2012 00:00:00

The news has reached us in the South West that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be attending the Badminton Horse Trials on May 7th.

Keep Britain Tidy Campaign

19/04/2012 00:00:00

The south west has so many beaches, coves and harbours and is surrounded by deep blue waters and shallow turquoise shores. They are beautiful so it is worth remembering to leave them as we find them so they stay that way.

Need a pony? Get your barrel of lard…

18/04/2012 00:00:00

This is not gibberish, this is simply a new initiative that is being rolled out across London in time for the Olympics. Cash machines are now offering cockney rhyming slang as a language option. I wonder about having a West Country slang option?

And now for something completely different...

17/04/2012 00:00:00

So, this year, the year of the Jubilee and the Olympics seems to be particularly special for the south west. The golden sunlight shines here all year, yes, even through the grey candy floss skies and the down pours during the winter and, it seems that it isn’t just the torch bearers that are casting a spotlight on the West Country...

The Provocative Pasty

12/04/2012 00:00:00

The Provocative Pasty The controversial pasty tax has reached epic heights. It is with a knowing proud smile that I heard that there has been a pasty summit yesterday in Truro and that later in the month there would be a pasty tax protest held in Falmouth headed up by comedian The Kernow King. the pasty tax campaigner march will take place later this month.

The Provocative Pasty

12/04/2012 00:00:00

The controversial pasty tax has reached epic heights. It is with a knowing proud smile that I heard that there was a pasty summit yesterday in Truro and that later in the month there would be a pasty tax protest held in Falmouth headed up by the Kernow King. The Farm & Cottage Holidays team have done a Pasty Poll and there are some interesting thoughts...

Glastonbury Postage Stamp

11/04/2012 00:00:00

Glastonbury Tor sits prominently overlooking its surroundings in Somerset. It is something of an iconic landmark and has now been immortalised in a postage stamp. The first class stamp is available from today as part of the A-Z series of famous British landmarks by Royal Mail

April Showers bring May Flowers

10/04/2012 00:00:00

“Drip drip drop little April showers, leaving a dew as you fall on the ground…” This little ditty always makes me smile because whenever I think of April showers I always think of the old saying “April showers bring May flowers” I am no horticultural expert but, if anything will make some colourful flowers bloom I am in favour of it.

Wines of the West Country

06/04/2012 00:00:00

A chilled glass of white on a summer’s evening or a spicy red in front of a log fire is always a pleasure but it can take years to learn about viticulture, and to become a real connoisseur travelling and tasting wines from all over the world. This being said, it is a job I would gladly give my best shot.

The North Devon Olympic route

05/04/2012 00:00:00

Let us be the bearer of good news…I mentioned a while back that the Olympic torch was starting in Land’s End and that we were looking forward to seeing it pass through the South West. Since the route has been confirmed and torch bearers have been announced we have discovered that some of our properties will have the torch pass extremely close to them.

Easter Fun at Tintagel

04/04/2012 00:00:00

Easter Family Fun Trail at Tintagel North Cornwall is rugged, dramatic and steeped in Arthurian Legend. Tales of King Arthur abound in the South West and have influenced television and film for years. The Castle of Tintagel, now in ruins sits on the North Cornwall coast overlooking the sea, its position is as inspiring today as it must have been centuries ago.

Rolf Harris Exhibit in Ilfracombe

30/03/2012 00:00:00

Rolf Harris exhibit in Ilfracombe The West Country is awash with art galleries; you can’t amble through a fishing harbour or walk a cobbled back street without stumbling upon one. The beauty of these small galleries is their welcoming atmosphere and wide selection of art to purchase. Some promotional literature has recently landed on my desk that has filled me with childhood delight. It transpires that Devon is the venue for not one but two extremely talented artists that evoke memories of happy childhood days.

The Town House and The Country House

29/03/2012 00:00:00

The Town House and the Country House According to virtualfarmwalk.org two thirds of British people make at least one trip to the countryside every year and there is growing evidence that being in the countryside makes us feel good. Well, the proof is in the pudding...

Cornish delicacies you may or may not know...

28/03/2012 00:00:00

Do you know your Cornish treats? Looking at Cornwall, Cornish properties and the beautiful coastline that surrounds the county just makes me want to visit. The only problem with being bombarded by Cornish imagery is that I cannot think of Cornwall without thinking of pasties and cream teas (the same applies for Devon too as it happens) This got me thinking about all the other lesser known treats and delicacies the region has to offer. Do you recognise any of these?

Cycling at Killerton

22/03/2012 00:00:00

Cycling Fun at Killerton HouseWe like to pass on anything we know especially when it comes to having fun in the West Country. To that end we have found out that this weekend the wonderful National Trust property Killerton House is having a free cycling weekend. On 24th & 25th March guests will be able to get free bike hire with Cycle Exeter and guided tours to celebrate the new Killerton to Broadclyst family cycle track. With the Bideford 10k fast approaching maybe you will see us there getting in a bit of pre run exercise!

Passing the Olympic Torch

21/03/2012 00:00:00

So, it has been announced that the 2012 Olympic torch run will begin in Cornwall one of our favourite places to go and will be passed by a staggering 8000 torch bearers over 70 days. The torch will call at Land’s End; Sennan; Newlyn; Penzance; Marazion; Rosudgeon; Ashton; Breage; Helston; Falmouth; Truro; Newquay; St Stephen; Trewoon; St Austell; Stenalees; Bugle; Lanivet; Bodmin; Liskeard; Saltash and Plymouth and that is just day one of its mammoth journey.

Fudges Bakery Competition - win a Bicniceer!

20/03/2012 00:00:00

Do you know what a bicnic is?

We do! and we have loved finding our favourite south west hideaway to have one.

Bicnic - bic•nic/ˈbikˌnik/ noun: a coffee break outside with a hot cuppa and a delicious biscuit

Torquay is Key on The English Riviera!

15/03/2012 00:00:00

Many of us at Farm & Cottage Holidays are keen runners; we have to be with the abundance of treats that we get through in the office! Being based in the South West gives us all the space we need to run off the calories but the biggest bonus other than the health benefits is that we get to take in the beautiful West Country backdrop.

Mother's Day in Dorset

14/03/2012 00:00:00

I couldn’t help but notice on my way to work this morning that the sun was trying very hard to pierce the hazy fog drifting off the river Torridge. The bright tendrils were slicing through the fug but by lunch time the view across the river was clear and bright - the sun had won its battle. With prowess like that I am hoping that we will be in for a lovely spring and even better summer. Let the battle commence…

Thank you Stephen Fry, we wholeheartedly agree!

08/03/2012 00:00:00

England is green, like a patchwork quilt in an eco-friendly cottage; England is red like the Tudor rose planted in a cottage garden; England is grey like the roof slates on an old barn - but every cloud has a silver lining.

A Spooky Family Day Out

27/02/2012 00:00:00

With the turn of the weather and evenings drawing out, now is the perfect time to plan some family fun for a weekend the kids will find really memorable…

Enjoy an Easter Break on a Working Farm!

14/02/2012 00:00:00

It’s hard to beat the beauty of the West Country at any time of year, but those who choose to spend their Easter holidays in the heart of the South West are sure to enjoy the most wonderful of getaways…

Candy Sets the Pace for 2012!

02/02/2012 00:00:00

Our very own Creative Executive Candace has set herself the incredible target of running an impressive six races throughout 2012 all in aid of charity. Each of the races she has signed up for are covering distances she has yet to attempt competitively ranging from 10 milers to half marathons in order to challenge herself…

We’ve just launched a magazine!

26/01/2012 00:00:00

New for 2012 we recently launched Scenic Magazine; an inspirational lifestyle publication packed with holiday ideas based in and around the West Country.

Hollywood Heads to the West Country!

19/01/2012 00:00:00

We’ve all been very excited about the buzz surrounding last week’s release of War Horse, not just because it’s sure to go down in cinematic history as yet another masterpiece by director Steven Spielberg but because part of the film (adapted from the novel by Michael Morpurgo) is set in Devon.

Introducing Our New TV Ad!

04/01/2012 00:00:00

We like to kick off the New Year in style and there seems no better way to welcome in the start of 2012 than by introducing you all to our new TV advert.

Win A West Country Holiday!

27/12/2011 00:00:00

Those who know us at Farm & Cottage HQ are probably well aware that we all enjoy our food, so it may seem no surprise that we are all very pleased to have teamed with the wonderful people at Pieminister to offer a fab competition…

Happy Christmas from the Farm & Cottage Team!

22/12/2011 00:00:00

Our tree is decorated, secret Santa’s wrapped and an impressive amount of chocolate and treats have been devoured, this can only mean one thing – tis the season and we are about to take our festive break…

Christmas Events in Eden

21/12/2011 00:00:00

For those looking for a little extra festive magic throughout the Christmas break, The Eden Project, Cornwall is playing host to an array of events and attractions throughout the winter season. Perfect for those on a Cornish get-away, there are plenty of activities to suit the whole family…

Farm & Cottage Holidays Search for the Ultimate Christmas

01/12/2011 00:00:00

With a crisp chill now in the air and the decorating of our pretty office tree, we’re finally in the mood for this month’s festivities and the warm and fuzzy feeling this provokes has once again kicked off our seasonal debate – what makes the ultimate Christmas?

Well this year, in hope of discovering the secret of how to wholeheartedly enjoy and fully celebrate the most magical (and sometimes stressful!) of days – we’ve decided to bring you in on our deliberations…

Dunster by Candlelight

23/11/2011 00:00:00

We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do in the West Country and in particular throughout the festive season as there’s always something magical going on. Brimming with Christmas atmosphere, Dunster by Candlelight is one such event at attracts hundreds of visitors each year…

Matt Gets Half Cut for Children in Need!

18/11/2011 00:00:00

Operations Director Matthew Retter has been sporting a bit more stubble of late and although the look is very en vogue we were all happy to discover his sudden aversion to shaving was to be put to good use; for good sport Matt agreed to shave off half his beard and spend the day feeling a little off balance in aid of Children in Need…

An Early Christmas at Combe Martin

17/11/2011 00:00:00

Nothing beats that festive feeling! Most people find themselves getting in the mood for Christmas celebrations as soon as the decorations are hung. I was lucky enough to be involved the Farm & Cottage Christmas photo shoot on Monday and we're so pleased with the results…

Stock-up this season in Stroud!

09/11/2011 00:00:00

With seasonal festivities adorning many people’s wall-planners as December ebbs ever closer, now is the perfect time to start hoarding some of the must-have items for your kitchen cupboards. Host to one of the country’s most famous outdoor markets, Stroud is the perfect place to visit and ensure you are fully stocked up for Christmas!

Winter Wonderland at Wookey!

04/11/2011 00:00:00

The magic of Christmas is fast approaching and we’ve one on the finest of grottos on our doorstep. On the 26th November Santaland at Wookey Hole will be opening its frosty doors to the public and with plenty of festive treats in store – be sure you don’t miss out on the family fun…

Baby Show Babble...

02/11/2011 00:00:00

This past weekend we had a good gurgle with lots of families at The Baby Show 2011! Taking part alongside 300 other exhibitors, our team at Farm & Cottage Holidays were very pleased to be a part of it for the second year running…

Flaming Fun!

28/10/2011 00:00:00

Remember, remember …it’s the 5th of November next week and with seasonal celebrations in full swing, now is the perfect time to enjoy a break in the West Country. There’s an array of engaging events that take place throughout the South West in remembrance of the gunpowder plot – but perhaps none quite so spectacular as the Ottery St Mary Flaming Tar Barrels!

A Huge Thank You!

26/10/2011 00:00:00

We’re always delighted to hear back from local companies we’ve supported and are very happy to find out we’ve made a difference…

One for the Foodies!

21/10/2011 00:00:00

The annual Dartmouth Food Festival kicks off today in glorious South Devon and is the perfect must-visit event for those who enjoy learning about and sampling local produce, innovative recipes and tasty flavours…

Championing Olympic Viewing Sites!

18/10/2011 00:00:00

Here at Farm & Cottage Holidays HQ we like to ensure we’re doing our bit to support local events and activities and with some of the 2012 Olympic Games being based on our doorstep, we were more than happy to get involved in a winning cause!

Pieminister lunch arrives

13/10/2011 00:00:00

After the great news yesterday regarding our Travolution Award, today the excitement turns to food as we get the opportunity to sample some very tasty pies from Pieminister the West Country based pie makers.

2011 Travolution Awards

12/10/2011 00:00:00

We’re very proud to announce that at last nights’ Travolution Awards, Farm & Cottage Holidays came in second place within a very strong category and were merited with a ‘Highly Commended’ in recognition for our work and contribution in the category of ‘Best Accommodation Website’.

Ten of the best

05/10/2011 00:00:00

With over 1400 holiday cottages available we have a fantastic choice to suit everyones holiday requirements. www.i-village.co.uk have chosen their top ten.

County show winners

29/09/2011 00:00:00

We've had a great time visiting the county shows this summer and getting to meet some of our customers and owners. Now as the show season comes to an end for 2011, we're delighted to announce the owner prize draw winners.

Winkleigh rated best

27/09/2011 00:00:00

Winkleigh in North Devon has been rated the best place for families to live in England and Wales. Winkleigh - between Dartmoor and Exmoor - has two pubs, two churches, a post office, a grocery shop, doctor's surgery, a vet and a village hall.

Appledore Book Festival

22/09/2011 00:00:00

Celebrating its 5th anniversary the former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen will open this year’s festival. Ann Widdecombe, Martin Bell OBE and Peter Sissons will also be talking about the latest writing projects and their adventures in politics, dance and journalism.

The Tour visits Devon

14/09/2011 00:00:00

This Thursday 15th September sees stage five of the Tour of Britain take place entirely in Devon. Starting at Exeter Cathedral the tour enjoys some of the most stunning Devon scenery including Dartmoor before finally coming to a close in Exmouth.

Americas Cup World Series

13/09/2011 00:00:00

The second stop of this year's Americas Cup World Series takes place in Plymouth, South Devon from 10-18th September so theres still plenty of time to see the action!

Our 2012 brochure...

08/09/2011 00:00:00

Our 2012 brochure is being printed right now and will be available from the end of September so you can start planning your cottage holiday.

Table tennis ..tastic!

26/08/2011 00:00:00

As the ping pong craze is upon us, a game seen played recently by David Cameron and Barack Obama, Farm & Cottage Holidays has properties with table tennis tables, providing you with even more fun for all the family whilst on holiday.

Bude Jazz Festival

18/08/2011 00:00:00

For one week each summer the pretty seaside town of Bude comes alive with the joyful sounds of jazz, blues, swing and boogie. (photo by Robert Coles)

Bude Jazz Festival

16/08/2011 00:00:00

For one week each summer the pretty seaside town of Bude comes alive with the joyful sounds of jazz, blues, swing and boogie.

North Devon Sun

09/08/2011 00:00:00

The Farm & Cottage team had a great time exhibiting at last weeks North Devon Show. Time spent catching up with lots of owners, customers and their dogs, who were all enjoying a fabulous day out.

Childrens Foundation

28/07/2011 00:00:00

This week we were delighted to see James Morris our MD hand over a £1200 cheque to Dr Robin Buckland, founder of the Childrens Foundation, North Devon. The money was raised by the Farm & Cottage Holidays team at the recent Bideford 10k run.

Tips for late bookings

19/07/2011 00:00:00

Here are a few tips to ensure you don't miss out on a great last minute holiday cottage in August.

British Travel Awards

14/07/2011 00:00:00

The team here at Farm & Cottage Holidays is thrilled to hear that we’ve been nominated for the British Travel Awards, acknowledged as the benchmark for customer feedback on travel and tourism industry performance.

Last minute treats

12/07/2011 00:00:00

If this is your last chance to get away before the children enjoy their holidays, why not book a last minute cottage for next week? There are still a variety of properties across the west country available, with some great offers to be had. Take a look at our very last minute offers and book for next week.

Marcus stays in Cornwall

06/07/2011 00:00:00

71 degrees north winner and ex Hollyoaks actor, Marcus Patrick took some time out to enjoy a relaxing family break in Cornwall.

Festival fashion

30/06/2011 00:00:00

With the mud at Glastonbury now drying out after another spectacular event, festival season is far from over. They may not have the hype and headline hitters of Glastonbury but festivals across the west country are flourishing.

Online Travel Awards

27/06/2011 00:00:00

Farm & Cottage Holidays is delighted to have reached the final yet again for the prestigious and highly respected online travel industry 'Travolution Awards'

Countryfile visits Devon

21/06/2011 00:00:00

The owners of South Harepath in Beaford, North Devon hosted a visit from Adam Henson and the BBC's Countryfile team earlier this month. The team were at the property filming a feature about the rare breed White Park cattle the owners keep. Watch out for this on Sunday 26th June on BBC1 at 8pm

Tennis

15/06/2011 00:00:00

Tennis

Anyone for tennis?

14/06/2011 00:00:00

As Wimbledon approaches and tennis racquets are dragged out from the cupboard why not consider booking a holiday cottage with your very own tennis court and enjoy your own family tournament?

A week to go Green

06/06/2011 00:00:00

The UK’s first Green Tourism Week is being held this week from 6th-11th June 2011.

The week will be highlighted with a series of workshops and events for both businesses and “tourists” and will be concluded with the launch of an annual award ceremony celebrating the achievements of businesses which have gone the extra distance in promoting and practising sustainability.

Good Beach Guide

26/05/2011 00:00:00

Publishers of the Good Beach Guide say that bathing water quality at UK beaches has reached one of its highest levels in the last 25 years, with Newquay and Polzeath coming out among the top.

Accessible holidays

24/05/2011 00:00:00

Through the project 'Give them a break' the Oakley family from Bedfordshire enjoyed a fantastic holiday in Cornwall staying at Pendowr Lodge near Boscastle, North Cornwall.

English Wine Week

23/05/2011 00:00:00

As UK winegrowers look forward to an early harvest for 2011 and we head towards English Wine Week (28 May - 5 June) there’s never been a better time to get up close to the vines. Learn about viniculture, get a taste for the fine wines and tasty brews coming out of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset and make a holiday of it!

Bideford 10k run

16/05/2011 00:00:00

Yesterday the sun shone kindly on the team at Farm & Cottage Holidays as they competed in the Bideford 10k run. With all the team back before the trophies were awarded a big thanks goes to everyone for their donations and fantastic support on the day.

Dates for your diary

13/05/2011 00:00:00

With the Devon County Show only a week away, show time has begun and this year the Farm & Cottage team will be exhibiting at eight shows and events across the region. Why not add the dates to your diary and come and enjoy some west country hospitality?

Grab a bag of Burts

11/05/2011 00:00:00

Why not try your chance to win a holiday for up to ten friends and family at Spirewell Farm, South Devon whilst enjoying a delicious pack of Devon based Burts potato chips?

Blue Flag beaches

10/05/2011 00:00:00

According to 'Keep Britain Tidy' Torbay in South Devon has the cleanest beaches in the country, receiving more Blue Flags for water quality than anywhere else.

Show time is nearly here

05/05/2011 00:00:00

As the numerous bank holidays and fairytale Royal wedding gradually become distant memories, May brings us the start of 'show time' down here in the west country beginning with the Devon County Show on the 19th, 20th and 21st May. Why not come along and visit us on stand 83, Avenue A.

Honeymoon heaven

02/05/2011 00:00:00

While speculation continues regarding the honeymoon location of the newly married Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - the west country still remains a great UK destination for a romantic break away.

Green Award remains Gold

20/04/2011 00:00:00

The team at Farm & Cottage Holidays is delighted with their recent 'Green Tourism Business Scheme' inspection and Gold Award.

Holiday Cottage Twitter

17/04/2011 00:00:00

Farm and Cottage Holidays Managing Director James Morris will be running a live twitter clinic to help you find the perfect holiday cottage. Questions can be asked during the live session or tweeted in advance. To take part follow @farmandcottage on twitter.

Bideford 10k

13/04/2011 00:00:00

Over 20 of us in the Farm & Cottage Holidays office get running for two charities: Doctor Buckland’s Holiday Children’s Foundation North Devon and the Lymphoma Association. Find out who's running the Bideford 10k...

Golden Rules

11/04/2011 00:00:00

The ‘Golden Rules’ guide comprises tips from experts, including Mumsnet, the UK’s busiest online network of parents and Dan Linstead, editor of leading travel magazine Wanderlust, on how to bag the perfect holiday cottage. Farm and Cottage Holidays has also surveyed customers and staff to reveal the most coveted cottage requirements, from pubs and beaches to dishwashers, off-street parking and en-suite facilities.

Claire visits Cornwall

07/04/2011 00:00:00

Claire Sweeney, actress, singer and television personality enjoys the home comforts of Barton Mill, a Farm & Cottage property full of character that sleeps up to eight. Claire was visiting Truro to perform her one woman show 'Tell me on a Sunday' at the Hall of Cornwall

Royal surfing

04/04/2011 00:00:00

It has now been revealed by the media that Prince William along with his closest friends chose the beautiful area of Hartland in North Devon for his recent stag do.

Wildlife support

01/04/2011 00:00:00

Farm & Cottage Holidays is delighted to be supporting Hartland Wildlife Rescue, a non-profitable charity caring for mainly wild animals, run by Beth Tyler-King.

Farm stay at number two

28/03/2011 00:00:00

Orchard Lodge near Clovelly appears in this week's Sunday Times travel section, featuring the 100 best value summer holidays around the World.

Kitted-Out!

17/03/2011 00:00:00

Farm & Cottage Holidays are delighted to support a group of local runners, by providing each of them with personalised vest for this year’s London Marathon. The eleven runners made up of Ali Whitaker, Andrew Wooff, Andrew Burrell, Bob Parminter, Nel O’Carroll, Neil Bright, Claire Meech, Helen Heard, Jo Ann McLoughlin, Sue McManus and Jo Holmes will all be taking part in aid of North Devon Hospice, with each of them having their own, very special reason for supporting this charitable cause…

Focus on Photos

15/03/2011 00:00:00

As the skies turn blue and the colourful spring flowers begin to appear now is the perfect time for the Farm & Cottage team to take a 'hands-on' approach to photography.

Wembury Rockpool Ramble

07/03/2011 00:00:00

Continuing our support of the South West Wildlife Trusts we're delighted to be working with Devon Wildlife Trust down at Wembury on the beautiful South Devon coast.

Spring is in the Air!

02/03/2011 00:00:00

We’re lucky enough to live in a beautiful part of the country, associated with spectacular scenery and fantastic local produce and now you can be a part of that too, with our easy working farms holiday search!

New Cottages app is a hit

28/02/2011 00:00:00

The new 'Cottages' app launched by Farm & Cottage Holidays is receiving rave reviews and has been featured in the Sunday Times app of the week.

Cottages 'app' iness

04/02/2011 00:00:00

Initially created for the iPhone and iPad, the handy app allows users to search and instantly reserve holiday cottages from our hand-picked portfolio of over 1400 properties across the West Country. The free app is available to download now from the iTunes store - just search for ‘Cottages’ or ’Holiday Cottages’

Take to the waves

02/02/2011 00:00:00

As February half term approaches why not take advantage of the south west's fantastic waves and brush up on your surfing or bodyboarding skills.

Guardians best log cabins

01/02/2011 00:00:00

Greenway Lodge near Kilve in Somerset is featured as one of the ten 'cutest log cabins' in this Sunday's Guardian. With its array of mod cons it's easy to see why it has been described as a luxurious extreme to the log cabin concept.

Sunday Times Summer 100

25/01/2011 00:00:00

The 1450 barn which sits on a 200 acre organic North Devon farm features in this week's Sunday Times at number 3.

It's 'cool' in Ilfracombe

19/01/2011 00:00:00

Larkstone in Ilfracombe is set in a picturesque location with panoramic harbour and sea views and with North Devon beaches gaining a fantastic reputation for great surfing, where better to stay on holiday?

New year resolutions

04/01/2011 00:00:00

As we welcome the new year in, some things appear surprisingly familiar.

Snow better time to book

21/12/2010 00:00:00

Despite the artic conditions covering all of the country the Farm & Cottage Holidays office is still open and the team here are in great spirits as the Christmas season rapidly approaches.

Festive food and drink

15/12/2010 00:00:00

The prestigious Taste of the West Awards celebrate the very best in local west country produce, great hospitality and fantastic food retailers.

The Harris family holiday

30/11/2010 00:00:00

Farm & Cottage Holidays is delighted to support the project [elink="http://www.give them a break.co.uk"]www.givethemabreak.co.uk and in October thanks to our owners we provided another great family holiday experience. If you would like to get involved and offer your holiday cottage for just one week contact info@givethemabreak.co.uk for more information.

Supporting our wildlife

18/11/2010 00:00:00

This year not only are we continuing to support all of the South West Wildlife Trusts, we are also proud to be sponsoring some of the great work being done by the Wembury Marine Centre based just outside Plymouth.

Fireside Treats

09/11/2010 00:00:00

Discovering the UK’s favourite spots of Somerset, Cornwall, Devon and Dorset ‘out of season’ offers wrapped up warm walks, local comfort food, cosy pubs and roaring log fires.

The Baby Show

26/10/2010 00:00:00

This weekend saw our fourth visit to the Baby Show at Earls Court in London, a really busy event bustling with families and soon to be new parents.

Tabby Fox is a Champion

11/10/2010 00:00:00

19 year old Tabitha Fox is delighted to have won the recent womans British National Body Boarding Championships that took place in Porthtowan on the 6th October.

BBQ winner announced

23/09/2010 00:00:00

One lucky property owner is now the proud owner of a barbeque set and accessories worth over £200.

Travolution Awards

20/09/2010 00:00:00

www.holidaycottages.co.uk is announced as a finalist at the Travolution Awards, within the ‘Best Accommodation Only Website’ category.

2011 brochure on its way

07/09/2010 00:00:00

Farm & Cottage Holidays 2011 brochure will be available from the beginning of October, so now is the time to start planning next year's holiday.

West Country Video Guides

26/08/2010 00:00:00

We’re luckily enough to work and live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country and as much as we often shout about it, sometimes words just can’t do it justice.

Follow the PM's lead

24/08/2010 00:00:00

With some fantastic offers and short notice availability why not follow David Cameron's lead and book your late summer holiday here in the UK?

North Devon Show

17/08/2010 00:00:00

North Devon Show is a great success

Tasty time at Chef final

10/08/2010 00:00:00

Thursday 5th August saw the South West Chef of the Year 2010 final take place at Ashburton Cookery School.

Birthday time in Bude

04/08/2010 00:00:00

The Cornwall office, located in the seaside resort of Bude maybe a smaller sibling to our head office in Bideford but it’s just as important when it comes to holiday bookings.

Time to relax

27/07/2010 00:00:00

It can be stressful planning a holiday for the whole family so it’s important to really make the most of the precious time you spend away.

Charity's Bumper year?

21/07/2010 00:00:00

North Devon Hospice in Barnstaple is hoping that this year’s Bumper draw will beat last year’s total of £30,000.

Goodnight, sleep tight!

13/07/2010 00:00:00

When planning a holiday with your baby or toddler, it’s natural to worry about how your little one may sleep while you’re there. You want a relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of life, not a week or more of sleep deprivation! Here are some tips to ensure a peaceful nights sleep for all.

Life after sport

08/07/2010 00:00:00

With the recent sports extravaganza nearly over, it’s not too late to find that perfect holiday destination.

Festival Boltholes

02/07/2010 00:00:00

With a host of fabulous festivals taking place across the South West this summer - there hasn't been a better time for a UK break.

'Super’ Holiday Cottages

30/06/2010 00:00:00

Holiday cottages have come a long way from the chintzy and basic bolt holes of yesteryear. More demanding holidaymakers and an appetite for UK breaks have given rise to what we are calling the new ‘Super’ Holiday Cottage.

Royal Cornwall Show

12/06/2010 00:00:00

This year’s Royal Cornwall show has proved yet again to be a great success with a record number of visitors attending. Visitors to our holidaycottages.co.uk stand were offered light hearted conversation together with ideas and inspiration for future holidays whilst enjoying some welcome refreshments and given freebie linen bags with goodies including homemade fudge.

Royal Bath and West Show

05/06/2010 00:00:00

Here at Farm & Cottage Holidays we’ve taken a slightly different approach to events this year and ventured further away from home to the Royal Bath & West show in Shepton Mallett, Somerset.

Website Review

01/05/2010 00:00:00

With website content scoring a whopping 96% we’re all delighted here at Farm & Cottage Holidays with our recent ‘site inspection’ by Newmediaage magazine.

Raising funds for Tommy’s

30/04/2010 00:00:00

Adam Bott, Property Manager here at Farm & Cottage Holidays and Katie Pratt, Marketing Executive for Bluesoup Communications both based here in Bideford, North Devon had an eventful experience in their first ever London marathon and raised a staggering £4000 for Tommy’s baby charity.

Give them a break

16/04/2010 00:00:00

‘Give them a break’ aims to support charities such as Children’s Hospices UK and Macmillan Cancer support by providing much needed holidays for many families living with life threatening illnesses.