Autumn Breaks and Winter Escapes

With traditional ‘peak seasons’ extending well into September and October, and the Autumn months becoming increasingly busy months for holiday letting in Devon, visitors choose to visit the South Hams out of season for many reasons. Some hope for an ‘Indian Summer’, often the case ironically as soon as the children return to school, (and particularly hoped for this year after the rain), others wish to avoid the crowds and to come when it’s cheaper too! For those looking to move to the area, of course, the Autumn is a great time to search for that ideal property and to maybe combine house-hunting with a short break exploring the area.

Out of season, late Summer and Autumn breaks attract families with pre-school children, not restricted by the need to take their holiday whilst the schools are off. Tourist attractions including farm parks, the zoo, model village and aquarium are less busy, beaches not so crowded and car-parking easier – factors that appeal when travelling with one or more toddlers in tow.

Those without children also avoid the busier school holidays and take their breaks later, enjoying the lower rates, the couples discounts and short break availability as well as the quieter towns and the more relaxed pace that is the South Hams during most of the year. Dog owners and keen walkers enjoy exploring the miles of coastal paths and unspoilt beaches, often choosing properties with these right on their doorstep for their away-from-it-all break.

With a varied and productive local food economy, including many award-winning products and premises, the South Hams boasts fantastic, locally produced and sourced food all year round, with something for all tastes and budgets, whether self-catering or eating out is the preference. For such a rural, unspoilt area the South Hams offers locals and visitors alike, more than its fair share of great places to dine, from pubs offering freshly caught fish & chips to fine Michelin starred and AA Rosette acclaimed restaurants.

‘Foodie breaks’ are becoming more popular, with visitors booking specific Devon cottages to be close to their favourite restaurant, whilst others are pre-ordering organic vegetable boxes and local food hampers to be delivered to their property to start off their self-catering in style. Food related days out include visits to Sharpham Vineyard (a tour around the beautiful grounds followed by a spot of wine tasting) and a tractor tour of Riverford Organic Farm followed by a delicious lunch in their ‘field kitchen’ with views of the farm. Dartmouth’s Food Festival, taking place from 11^th-13^th October 2007, looks set to be a real celebration of the diversity, success and pleasure that is South Hams food and drink, with cookery demonstrations, workshops, tasting sessions and more attracting visitors to the town and area for this out of season weekend.

October Half Term is a great time to bring the family away to South Devon, to ‘recharge their batteries’ and fill their lungs with fresh sea air after the tiring start to the new school year. With rock-pools to explore, beautiful beaches for kite-flying and plenty of all-weather suggestions for rainy days, including award-winning farms, one of the largest indoor play areas, and places to create and paint pottery, a half term break provides plenty of fresh air fun for all the family.

Looking further ahead, November may not seem like the ideal month for choosing a holiday or short break, but a surprising number of people enjoy escaping the more commercial run up to Christmas in other parts of the country with a South Hams short break. With individual shops rather than commercial chains, the area is ideal for seeking out unusual present ideas and all in much more pleasant surroundings! Why fight for a parking space in a city shopping centre car park when you can park easily and conveniently at this time of year in picturesque shopping towns or visit Dartington Cider Press Centre with its beautiful Christmas Shop - the place to go for decorations, cards and much more including award-winning glass and a fantastic ‘traditional’ style toyshop.

November is also Extravaganza time in Kingsbridge with the illumination of the simple Christmas lights, a carnival parade and fair, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts really starting off the festivities in traditional fashion. With the lead up to Christmas seeming to start in many commercial centres even before the end of the summer holidays, the appeal of individual shops, local delicacies and a cosy spot in front of a log fire in a picturesque pub is the choice for more and more visitors every year!

With the arrival of Autumn often comes the decision of where to spend the Christmas and New Year festivities. For those who are fed up with arguing over which set of relatives they need to invite or who simply cannot face the thought of the same old routine, a Christmas escape to South Devon may be the answer! Avoiding the commercialism and the post-Christmas Sales, you can put colour in your cheeks and work off any over-indulgence with walks on empty beaches or along miles of coastal paths and then reward yourself with a cream tea in front of a cosy log fire – the best Christmas present you will ever receive.

Or if you cannot avoid the relatives at Christmas, enjoy the festivities with the thought of a New Year break waiting at the end of it. Nothing beats a New Year’s Day stroll on a nearby beach – the best hangover cure ever! New Year’s resolutions can also be kick started with local organic food and juices and the promise that you will treat yourself to more breaks in South Devon in the coming year……■

Coast & Country Cottages – Over 350 holiday properties throughout the beautiful South Hams coast and countryside. For details of Autumn and Winter Special Offers, a free brochure or Owners Guide call our Salcombe office on 01548 843773 or our Dartmouth office on 01803 839499 or visit www.coastandcountry.co.uk. To arrange a free property visit with no obligation or ‘hard sell’ or for helpful advice before purchasing or redesigning a home for holiday rental, contact Andrew Jones via the above local offices.