GETTING THERE
First Great Western
From London take the train which passes through the great English countryside. Travel with fanfare and order a gourmet Pullman’s luncheon: red pepper and Corinsh Yarg tart, a glass of wine and the West Country cheese selection.
DEVON
Devon: Coastal English countryside including moors and pastureland, with a strong maritime history and west country charm.
See
Plymouth
With a longstanding maritime heritage, the coastal city’s main attractions are steeped in history and include Sutton harbour operated since the medieval era, the quayside from which Sir Francis Drake sailed to circumnavigate the world aboard the Golden Hind, and the famous Mayflower Steps from which the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for North America in 1620. For history buffs the Mayflower museum is worth a visit.
Do
Letterboxing in Dartmoor National Park
A unique way to see the national park, letterboxing incorporates treasure hunting, puzzle solving and orienteering. Explore the landscape of granite tors (capped stones), rivers and woods. The 368 square mile park offers ample opportunities to spot wildlife like pink sheep, native flora and to hike the highest point in Dartmoor, High Willhays.
Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company
Antique trains from the early 20th century take passengers through the countryside of South Devon and along the coastline of the English Riviera on the Paignton to Kingswear line. The company also operates a steam ship which takes passengers from Kingswear across the river to Dartmouth.
Greenway Ferry
Departs from Town Quay, Dartmouth to Agatha Christie’s home Greenway. greenwayferry.co.uk
Greenway Estate (Agatha Christie)
Tour the private holiday home of the famous crime author Agatha Christie and her family (2015 marks the 125th anniversary of the birth). Set amidst woodlands on the banks of the River Dart, the cream columned main house includes a collection of archaeological objects, Tunbridgeward boxes, silver, botanical china and books.
Eat and Stay
The Old Boathouse Café
Inspired by its location in the fisherman’s arches on the Mayflower Steps, this award-winning café and restaurant specializes in sustainably caught fresh fish and seafood from its own boat, the Southern Star. 2 – 4 Commercial Wharf, The Barbican, Plymouth, Devon PL1 2NX; +44 (0) 1752 600560;
Plymouth Gin Distillery
Operated since 1793, take a tour to see how the spirit is made and what differentiates this regional gin distillery. 60 Southside Street, The Barbican, Plymouth.
Boringdon Hall
With a prime location near Dartmoor National Park and minutes from Plymouth, this 16th century manor house hotel makes a great base for exploring the area. Colebrook, Plympton, Devon; +44 (0) 1752 344455
The Treby Arms
Michelin starred country pub from executive chef Anton Piotrowski winner of UK’s Masterchef in 2012. Sparkwell, Plympton, Devon.
Riverford Organics
Experience one of the most successful and famous organic farms in Great Britain which grows, packs and delivers vegetable boxes to homes across the country. Buckfastleigh, Devon.
The Riverford Field Kitchen
Taste the produce that has made Riverford Organics so successful in an array of delicious dishes.
CORNWALL
Cornwall: Land’s End, the southernmost point in Britain lies in Cornwall. Picturesque fishing villages, cliffs, surfers, mystical castles and the ever present Atlantic Ocean give this quiet county a captivating allure.
See
Tate St Ives & the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
Sister of the famous museum in London, Tate St Ives displays British and international modern and contemporary art and includes the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.
Tintagel Castle
Books and stories perpetuate the fame of this “King Arthur” castle which juts into the emerald Atlantic coast. The cliffside ruin overlooks beach side Merlin’s cave. Beside its mythical associations, the awesome views make it a worthwhile stop.
Do
Padstow Cookery School
This cooking school from one of Britain’s most famous chefs, Rick Stein, overlooks the Camel Estuary in the waterside town of Padstow. Head chef lecturer Mark Puckey guides attendees in preparing seafood dishes which they later sample. Riverside, Padstow, Cornwall.
Eat and Stay
The Lugger Hotel
Situated in a rugged landscape of cliffs and headlands the 17th century inn located in the coastal village of Portloe lies alongside teal waters with easy access to the Cornish Coastal Footpath. Portloe, Truro, Cornwall.
The Old Inn & Restaurant
Pub serving a British menu and ales in an 11th-century house. St. Breward, Bodmin.
Camel Valley Vineyard
Award-winning Cornish wine maker since 1989. Tour the vineyards bordered by rosebushes and finish with a wine tasting. Nanstallon, Bodmin,Cornwall.
The Seafood Restaurant (Rick Stein)
Rick Stein’s first and most famous restaurant features dishes inspired by his travels.
The Headland Hotel & Spa
Victorian hotel with imposing red brick exterior perched on Fistral Beach in Newquay. An excellent restaurant, modern rooms and five-bubble rated spa make this a luxury getaway on Cornwall’s premier surfing beach. Newquay, Cornwall.
The Sloop Inn
One of Cornwall’s most historic inns, with stunning views of St Ives harbour.
The Godolphin Arms
Stunning views of St Michael’s Mount at this hotel restaurant.
Mount Haven
Situated in the coastal town of Marazion with a bird’s eye view of St. Michael’s Mount, this boutique hotel features a sub-tropical garden, restaurant, comprehensive spa treatments and serene atmosphere.
The St. Moritz Restaurant
Minutes from Daymer Bay near Trebetherick village, the restaurant is part of the St. Mortiz hotel and specializes in seafood from head chef Jamie Porter.
Beach Club Restaurant at Carbis Bay Hotel
Beachside dining in a relaxed atmosphere, don’t miss the handmade pizzas.
This article first appeared in the Fall 2015 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
