Holidays in Devon are still tops
DEVON is among the destinations still able to attract visitors for a traditional two week holiday, although new research shows an increasing number of families are choosing multiple short breaks throughout the year.
According to statistics gathered by Holiday Inn Express, the average family now takes approximately four short breaks a year to help them deal with the stresses of everyday life.
The nationwide poll of 5,000 people revealed that 72 per cent believe that shorter breaks are a more affordable way of treating the family. And, with a large number also shunning air travel, UK based short breaks are on the up.
Devon caters for all holiday timescales and tastes. With World Heritage status, two fantastic coastlines, heaps of history, outdoor activities and top rated attractions, it appears to have a universal appeal and the ability to refresh visitors soon after arrival in “England’s Greenest County”.
Destination Devon representative Angela Wright, MBE explained: “The family holiday is alive and well in Devon and we’re confident that those who choose to spend their two weeks with us have a fantastic time and return year after year. In fact the current average stay in the English Riviera of Devon is a healthy seven days so we must have that extra factor that makes people want to stay for longer!
“Devon is also perfect for those wanting the multiple shorter breaks as, unlike many areas of the UK, we can offer visitors a totally different experience each time.
“Children can discover a whole lot of history in a half term break with trips to castles and stately homes.
“They could spend a summer week on the fabulous sandy beaches and all weather attractions and then mum and dad could try an autumn gourmet weekend sampling our fine local organic produce in our many restaurants.”
Nearly 70 per cent of respondents said that their children get excited about short breaks and four in 10 people said taking time out with the family on a regular basis helps them feel less guilty about spending so much time at work.
Angela added: “This research shows that getting quality time with children and partners is the main focus for a short break together with seeing the sights, escaping work and reality and getting some fresh air. We’re pleased to say that Devon can offer them all this and more for however long they want to stay.”
Treetop action at Go Ape
GATHER the family for the Bank Holiday weekend and take them on an unforgettable outing to Go Ape High Wire Forest Adventure at Haldon Forest, Exeter, where you can enjoy around three hours of adrenaline-fuelled fun up in the forest canopy.
Go Ape allows the whole family to explore the great outdoors from an exciting new perspective high up in the forest canopy. You will be able to swing through trees, cross rope bridges, tackle Tarzan swings and fly down a zip slide.
The Go Ape course is made up of five different sections linked by natural footpaths. Each one begins with a rope ladder climb into the treetops, where an assortment of spectacular obstacles awaits and Tarzan swings lead to an exhilarating zip slide back down to the forest floor.
Of course, you will be fitted with a climbing harness and given instruction before trekking from tree-to-tree.
The Go Ape course is set on two neighbouring hills, and so there are two fantastic zip slides that cross between them, clearing the valley below at over 15 metres. The longest of these zip slides is 203 metres, making this an unbeatable family day out.
To experience this award-winning adventure telephone 0845 643 2034 or visit www.goape.co.uk to book.
Family Fun Day at Tedburn
TEDBURN St Mary Family Fun Day has plenty of events and activities organised for the whole family at The Recreation Ground, Tedburn St Mary, on Monday, May 5.
The fun will begin at 2pm and will include games, stalls, fancy dress competitions (themed groups and individuals) and an “It’s a Knock Out” competition.
There will be a car boot sale (£5 for booters) and a table top sale (£5 a table).
There will be cream teas and jelly and ice cream available.
Entry will be £1, adult, and 50p.
Quirky items on display at La Ronde
THIS season visitors to A La Ronde will be able to see items not normally on display. Staff at the 16-sided National Trust property, on the outskirts of Exmouth, have been choosing the most quirky or interesting items in the collection.
As the house is stuffed full of the many objects and mementoes collected by the Parminter cousins during their grand tour of Europe in the late 18th century, there are a good many from which to choose.
The first item to be shown is the engraving of the tomb of Madame Laughans. It is normally out of sight within an inner compartment of a table decorated by Jane Parminter in 1802. Inlaid with semi-precious stones, marble, glass, gems and seals, the somewhat macabre engraving is of Madame Laughans, who died in childbirth.
The engraving will be on display until Wednesday, April 30, during normal opening hours.