This weekend sees the return of the annual Devon County Show at Westpoint Showground, Exeter. The three day event takes place from 17^th-19^th May 2012, and features everything from farming events like sheep shearing and cattle showing, to shopping stalls, food marques, craft tents and a fun fair! This family day out is not to be missed … why not tie in a visit to the show with an impromptu short break or longer holiday on the South Devon coastline? Make the 45 minute journey onwards from the show to the South Hams, the Southernmost tip of Devon, and enjoy a break in a self-catering property with Coast & Country Cottages (www.coastandcountry.co.uk).

1 Edith Mews, Prospect House, Hallsands (sleeps 4) Part of the Prospect House development, this VisitEngland Four Star Gold awarded stylish duplex cottage is in a stunning location, perched high on a cliff top above the ruins of a tiny fishing village. 1 Edith Mews offers modern, well-appointed accommodation finished to a high standard, styled in a contemporary New England theme. Enjoy a game on the tennis court, take a swim in the outdoor pool, or head out for a stroll along the stunning South West Coast Path, which is ‘on the doorstep!’

Due to cancellation week commencing 19^th May is available to book at a reduced rate of £417 (applies to a couple staying only) saving £150.  For further details or to book please call 01548 843773.

The beautiful beaches of South Sands, in the popular sailing town of Salcombe, and Blackpool Sands on the Start Bay coastline, have both been awarded their Blue Flag award for another year. The list of Blue Flag awarded beaches, announced today, features 27 beaches in the South West, 12 of which are in Devon. The South Hams, the Southernmost tip of Devon, is home to two of these award winning beaches, each offering countless watersport opportunities, safe waters for swimming and the perfect environment for a safe trip to the seaside. 

With self-catering holiday properties within easy reach of both South Sands beach and Blackpool Sands beach, why not book a holiday with Coast & Country Cottages (www.coastandcountry.co.uk) this Summer. Call the team on 01548 843773 today for information on properties close to these beaches.

This weekend sees the return of the annual Dartmouth Music Festival. Taking place from Friday 11^th –Sunday 13^th May, this fantastic three day event is a must for music fans! With a mix of orchestral, rock, choral, blues, opera, folk, jazz, the festival has music for all tastes. Venues range from The Bandstand in the Royal Avenue Gardens, to The Flavel and The Guildhall. With acts including The Military Wives Choir, New Devon Opera, The Martin Harley Band, The Bucket Boys, and Kitten and the Hip, this popular event is no to be missed - for full details of acts, visit www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk.

Coast & Country Cottages are delighted to sponsor the Dartmouth Music Festival. For those looking for a last minute break to enjoy the festival, why not book a self-catering property in Dartmouth or the surrounding countryside. Visit www.coastandcountry.co.uk or call 01548 843773 today.

Keepers Cottage 1, Hillfield Cottages and Country House, near Dartmouth (sleeps 4) Keepers Cottage 1 is one of five delightful properties that have been designed and furnished to the very highest standards, with sumptuous settees, rustic pine furniture and hand-crafted kitchens. Guests also have the use of a private deck area, with barbeque equipment available for each cottage. The cottage is part of the stunning Hillfield Cottages and Country House development of 28 properties nestled near historic Dartmouth, in the idyllic South Devon countryside. Facilities include acres of beautiful gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, all weather tennis court and children’s play area

Book a three night short break at this stylish property from 11^th May for just £279 (or £237 for a couple), and enjoy the Music Festival this weekend! For more information visit http://www.coastandcountry.co.uk/cottage-details/KEEP1

Between 4^th and 7^th May 2012, the second annual Endurancelife Festival is taking place at the Flete Estate in South Devon. At this weekend long festival, visitors can enjoy a mix of endurance and adventure, taking part in sporting challenges including Coastal Trail Series trail runs, Adventure Racing, a brand new Aquatrail event plus a great selection of taster activities. There will also be two inspirational evenings of talks from athletes and adventurers with extraordinary stories to tell.  For more information visit www.endurancelife.com/event

With the early May Bank Holiday just over a week away, now is an excellent time to start planning a last minute break with a loved one, family or friends, to take advantage of the three day weekend. Why not enjoy a break in South Devon with Coast & Country Cottages? Spend a relaxing few days walking along the South Devon coast path, dining in award-winning restaurants and exploring the interesting towns and villages. With countless sandy beaches, perfect for rockpooling, watersports and dog walking, there is something for everyone along this magnificent stretch of coastline. With a fabulous choice of self-catering properties sleeping 2-12, Coast & Country Cottages have accommodation for all tastes and budgets… visit www.coastandcountry.co.uk or call 01548 843773 for more information.

1 Garden Apartment, Prospect House, Hallsands (sleeps 4) This VisitEngland Four Star Gold awarded apartment is part of the stunning cliff top Prospect House development. Enjoy a relaxing weekend in this peaceful retreat, with outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and gardens offering breathtaking views out to sea. The week commencing 4^th May is £509, and a three night break is £356.

Walfords Barn, Kingston (sleeps 7) Walfords Barn is a very well presented VisitEngland Five Star awarded semi-detached stone barn conversion. Relax with a book whilst the children play in the sunshine on the lawn, or head to the nearby beach for an afternoon flying kites and playing on the sand. The week commencing 4^th May is £697, and a three night break from 4^th May is £488.

25 Burgh Island Causeway, Bigbury-on-Sea (sleeps 4) New with Coast & Country Cottages for 2012, this delightful top floor apartment is finished to an exceptional standard, offering wonderful, panoramic views of the sea and famous Burgh Island. Relax on the sunny, South facing balcony with a glass of something chilled, or head to the newly refurbished Burgh Island Causeway Leisure Club. The week commencing 5^th May is £695, whilst a three night break is £500.

Keepers Lodge, Hillfield Cottages & Country House, Dartmouth (sleeps 10) This luxury property has its own private hot tub and is set within the beautiful gardens at Hillfield Cottages and Country House. Enjoy the use of the outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and children’s play area, or make the short journey to the historic maritime town of Dartmouth. The week commencing 5^th May is £1049, whilst a three night short break is £734.

On Sunday 29^th April 2012 a wild food gathering event is taking place at Beeson, Kingsbridge. The event is in conjunction with South Devon AONB and is hosted by Liz Turner from Trees for Health. Forage for wild foods in the season of fresh spring leaves, learning about the edible plants that lie in the woodland and meadows around us. At lunchtime cook the harvest over the fire & prepare baked potatoes, soup, salad and teas to share together. For more information visit http://www.southdevonaonb.org.uk/event

Adult £5, Child £2 Family ticket £10. Booking essential, call 0845 4569325 or email info@treesforhealth.org

Coast & Country Cottages are delighted to announce the launch of their 2012 New Properties brochure, available to download now! Due to a high demand for self-catering accommodation of exceptional quality, the agency has now added over 20 new properties to its portfolio. These range from cosy cottages and stylish waterside apartments in Dartmouth, to spacious family friendly houses in Salcombe. Coast & Country Cottages offer over 425 properties exclusively in the South Devon countryside. To download the brochure visit www.coastandcountry.co.uk - one of these new properties could meet all your holiday requirements this Summer!  Here are just some of the latest properties to join the South Devon based agency:

25 Burgh Island Causeway, Bigbury-on-Sea (sleeps 4) New with Coast & Country Cottages for 2012, this delightful top floor apartment is finished to an exceptional standard, offering wonderful, panoramic views of the sea and famous Burgh Island. Relax on the sunny, South facing balcony with a glass of something chilled, or head to the newly refurbished Burgh Island Causeway Leisure Club and enjoy the use of the swimming pool, spa pool, gym and sauna. The challenging coastal golf course is two miles away, whilst the popular sailing waters of Salcombe are just a 15-20 minute drive away. Prices range from £575-£1785 per week.

Heatherdale, Salcombe (sleeps 10) This fabulous large detached property offers stunning sea views. Situated within walking distance of central Salcombe, Heatherdale is the ideal base for a family looking to explore the South Devon countryside.  Guests can enjoy the views out to sea whilst relaxing on the wooden swing seat in the garden, or dining alfresco on the terrace. Or why not walk in to town and enjoy a spot of crabbing on the quayside? North Sands and South Sands beaches are also close by, perfect for sandcastle building and sailing. Prices range from £825-£1850 per week.

Diddly Squat, 43 Dart Marina, Dartmouth (sleeps 4) A tongue in cheek name, this luxury apartment in the exclusive Dart Marina development is anything but a ‘diddly squat’! Situated in one of the most sought after locations in the West Country, the apartment is on the edge of the River Dart, with a short walk of Dartmouth’s boutique shops, art galleries and award winning restaurants. Finished to an exceptional standard, this duplex apartment offers luxury accommodation for a couple or family. Guests can also enjoy the use of the Dart Marina Health Spa, with indoor pool and Jacuzzi. Prices range from £575-£1500 per week.

Clotted Cream Cottage, near Dartmouth (sleeps 4) Clotted Cream Cottage is a cosy, pet friendly country retreat, within easy reach of Dartmouth. Enjoy relaxing in the attractive garden laid mainly to lawn, with lovely country views, or enjoy a delicious Devonshire cream tea on the decking! Situated within easy reach of the Start Bay coastline and South West coast path, those looking for a walking break with their dog will love staying in this cottage – head out for a long hike through the countryside, or a relaxing stroll along the coast, and enjoy breath taking views. Prices range from £375-£875 per week.

Coast & Country Cottages have over 425 self-catering holiday properties exclusively in Salcombe, Dartmouth, and the beautiful surrounding South Devon coast & countryside. The experienced team will be delighted to help you find the ideal family friendly holiday property for your holiday or short break. Call 01548 843773 or visit www.coastandcountry.co.uk  today. If you would like to find out more about letting your holiday home, you can also request a free Owners Guide by visiting our website - we would be delighted to arrange a free property visit without any obligation or ‘hard sell’.

Today, 17^th April, the beautiful historic maritime town of Dartmouth is being featured on ITV1’s new food show called The Great British Taste Tour. The programme is on at 4.00pm and showcases a number of local businesses including Coast & Country Cottages’ Planning Your Stay partner The Picnic Boat (www.thepicnicboat.co.uk). For more information about the programme or to watch the episode visit www.itv.com/food.

Fish is the ultimate fast food.  Healthy, easy to prepare and quick to cook, it is ideal in our modern busy lives.  But which fish to choose and how do you cook it? In ‘Fish Easy’, one of the UK’s leading seafood chefs, Mitch Tonks, offers 100 simple recipes that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes!  This brilliant new book, launched on the 16^th April 2012 is published by Pavilion and offers some great ideas for you to try at home!

We are delighted to exclusively offer our customers the opportunity to win a copy of this fabulous new book, signed with a personal message by Mitch Tonks.

To enter simply send your name, address, telephone number and email address with the subject line Fish Easy Competition to: marketing@coastandcountry.co.uk or send a postcard to Fish Easy Competition, Marketing Team, Coast & Country Cottages, Hannaford’s Landing, Island Street, Salcombe, TQ8 8FE.  The first person drawn at random will win the signed book.  Closing date: 1^st June 2012. Alternatively the publishers, Pavilion, are offering Coast & Country Cottages customers Mitch Tonk’s new book ‘Fish Easy’ at an reduced rate of £18.00 including FREE UK Postage & Packaging.  Call 0844 576 8122 and quote reference CH1645 to order

For those visiting South Devon on holiday this Spring, why not get your break off to a fantastic start with a relaxing beauty treatment at Haven Spa & Therapy in Kingsbridge or Dartmouth. Offering fabulous facilities why not book a facial or massage to help you unwind. Alternatively, book a pedicure and manicure to help you feel at your best! Coast & Country Cottages customers receive a 20% discount on spa and beauty treatments, when quoting CCC12. Call 01548855922 or visit www.havenspaandtherapy.co.uk.