Where Can I Go Exploring the UK and Abroad
Totnes, South Hams, Devon
July 17th, 2010
The market town of Totnes has a unique 'hippy' feel to it and a relaxed atmosphere away from the bustle of nearby Torbay. Situated on the river Dart, it is an attractive, historic town with a Norman castle and was mentioned in the Doomsday Book. Norman, Medieval and Tudor buildings can be found in Totnes and more about the history of the town can be learnt in the museums. A narrow street uphill through the centre of the town passes below an arch/clock tower, unfortunately the original one was burnt down a few years ago, and is lined with small shops selling second-hand books, crafts, gifts, clothes and Conkers handmade shoes. My favourite shop is Roley's handmade fudge towards the bottom of the high street - don't miss it! There are outdoor markets all year round on Fridays and Saturdays, with an Elizabethan market on Tuesday mornings in the summer.
Totnes is a great starting point for walks along the river Dart in either direction. Starting from the bridge in the centre you can head to Dartington one way or or towards Dartmouth in the opposite direction. Boat trips take visitors to Dartmouth or to other places along the river. Totnes is a great base for exploring the South Hams, Dartmoor and Torbay. It has a mainline train station so is easily accessible.
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Dartington Cider Press, Dartington, South Devon
July 17th, 2010
Dartington Cider Press has been in existence for many years yet is still as popular with ever. Locals return for a day out, a bite to eat, or when looking for a special gift, and visitors make it a port of call when staying in South Devon. Selling a wide range of Dartington glass, crafts, stationery, toiletries, toys, quality kitchenware and various kinds of gifts, it has something for everyone and looking around the shops is an enjoyable exerience. Cranks cafe is always busy and serves delicious homemade lunches and snacks which can be eaten outside in the garden on a sunny day. A recent update has meant that the delicatessen has moved to a separate building to make way for a second cafe.
Open all year round, Dartington Cider Press has plenty of car parking, however an excellent way to arrive there and make it an afternoon out is by walking or cycling the 2.5 miles from nearby Totnes using the traffic-free cycle track / footpath which runs parallel to the river and adjacent to woodland and fields. It is a popular route with families and dog-walkers. [...]
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Porthleven, the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall
July 17th, 2010
It is easy to overlook the thriving port of Porthleven, but it is really worth a visit. The most southerly port in Britain, it has managed to retain its shipbuilding and fishing industries in addition to tourism. It is a lively place and bustling with locals and visitors alike. Apparently prone to bearing the brunt of bad weather on a stormy day, it was a beautiful sunny day when we visited and looked idyllic with coloured fishing boats in the inner harbour. Porthleven seems to be an up-and-coming place with seafood restaurants, art galleries, cafes and shops lining the harbour side. The Ship Inn, an old fisherman's pub, is recommended for a drink or food and offers lovely views over the port and town.
From Porthleven it is a short walk around the coast to Loe Bar, a long sandy beach separating the sea from the freshwater lake behind, although it is not suitable for swimming there. Loe Bar is owned by the National Trust and part of the Penrose Estate. [...]
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Mullion village, the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall
July 17th, 2010
The village of Mullion lies just 8 miles from Helston yet is a world away from the busy town and a perfect place to base yourself to explore the Lizard Peninsula, or just relax and enjoy the surrounding beaches and coast. Mullion has a long and interesting history and relied on agriculture, fishing and mining until the eighteenth century, with smuggling and wrecking supplementing their livelihoods. Mullion is fairly large as villages go but has a real sense of community with a post office, small supermarket, art galleries, pubs, restaurants and a cricket club. We recommend the Old Inn, opposite the thirteenth century church, with its lovely outside terrace.
Close to Mullion village are the beautiful sandy beaches of Polurrian Cove and Poldhu Cove, whilst just 1.5 miles further down the road takes you to Mullion Cove from where there are spectacular views of the rugged cliffs and Mullion Island. On the road to Mullion Cove, about 0.5 miles out of Mullion, you will find Mullion Meadows which is a small cluster of shops including Trenance Chocolate, where you can view them making the chocolate in their small factory and then buy it in the shop if you wish. [...]
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The Ship, Porthleven, Cornwall
July 17th, 2010
Having heard good reports of The Ship in Porthleven, we called in for a pint of local guest ale and found a pub steeped in history. Just about a mile from Helston, The Ship Inn is perched on the edge of the port, built into the cliff, and has been the favourite haunt of fisherman since it was built in the eighteenth century. In the summer there are a few tables outside on raised terraces where you can enjoy great views of Porthleven and the coast. Inside it feels snug and the walls are decorated with local pictures. Although we did not eat there, it has a good repuation for its home-cooked food and offers a promise of 'no chips' to continue its tradition of serving hearty food. Dogs are welcome in the bar and children in the family room. As The Ship is on the coastal path it would be a perfect stop-off for those walking the south-west coastal path. [...]
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Where Can I Go Exploring the UK and Abroad