Ah fabulous February. First and foremost known as the month of love, it’s also unquestionably the one that hints at the onset of spring.

With drier brighter days and a lot more daylight on offer it’s around this time that most of us feel desperately in need of a dose of fresh air and a bit of fun! If that’s you, our little guide should inspire you to shake off the cobwebs and embark on fresh adventure.

Discover a hidden pub

With many fantastic pubs peppering the region,  the South West is undoubtedly a tour de force when it comes to excellent gastro grub. From thatched taverns in seaside towns to atmospheric country inns on the moors, wherever you find yourself jaunting on the weekends, you’ll most likely be within a stone’s throw of somewhere terrific to enjoy your Sunday roast and favourite tipple.

There are also a good many that are off the beaten track and slightly harder to find though, so if you’re looking to try somewhere new, these are well worth hunting down. Places like the Who Would’ve Thought It Inn in Yelverton – a 16th Century pub huddled off a village street along the Otter Trail in Devon. Expect open fires, delicious ales, fine wines and a gorgeous menu.

Stay in a cosy coastal cottage

Few things feel more exciting than escaping to the coast when the weather’s wet, cold and dreary. It’s a chance to leave the grey behind and embrace sea air, sample local food and drink and get away from it all. Lulyn in Newlyn is the perfect place for a wintry weekend by the sea.

Cosy yet spacious, you’ll have plush sofas to sink into and a log fire to keep you warm and toasty. The cottage sits in the heart of the town right by the harbour, so you can pop out for a local brekkies and be tucking into it within minutes of leaving your front door. The cottage welcomes dogs too.

More about Lulyn

Visit a stately home

Be transported to another era and imagine life without central heating, just open fires to warm you. Of course, you’d have a plush drawing room and perhaps a posh tipple to keep the cold out, not to mention all the trappings of a Lord and Lady’s lifestyle. There are … stately homes in the South West of England – most of which are owned and managed by the National Trust. So wherever you find yourself galivanting this February, why not enjoy a bit of other-worldly escapism with an afternoon spent meandering the halls of a beautiful big period home.

Our top picks:

Powderham Castle – Exeter in Devon

Belonging to the same family for over 600 years this fascinating place offers a peak into the past with an extravagant ballroom and extraordinary views over the countryside.

Click here for more about Powderham Castle

Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum – Barnstaple in Devon

A beautiful Regency house and impressive collection of horse-drawn vehicles, set in extensive, picturesque gardens.

Click here for more about Arlington Court

Lanydrock – Bodmin in Cornwall

A magnificent late Victorian country house with stunning gardens and extensive woodland.

Click here for more about Lanhydrock

Hestercombe House and Gardens – Taunton in Somerset

Set within 50 acres and famous for its unique collection of gardens which span three centuries of garden history and design.

Click here for more about Hestercombe 

Walk the South West Coast Path

Wild seas, windswept dunes, and hardy coastal blooms. The beauty of our coast is just as awe-inspiring during the winter months as it is in the spring and summer. Pick out your favourite seaside spot whether it be a beach, town or village and take to the coast path nearby for fresh air, exercise and fabulous views. You’ll most likely have it all to yourself too so this is a great way to relax and reset while nabbing some winter sun.

Visit the South West Coast Path website for winter walks in Devon and Cornwall.

Take a cookery course

Enjoying home bakes and hearty meals is something we all look forward to during the cold season which is why now may be the best time to hone your cookery skills.

If you’re planning to holiday in Devon or Cornwall this February, why not try your hand at creating something new like perfectly authentic pasties, beef Wellington, sushi, pasta or curry.

Places like Devon Cookery School in Cullompton, Devon and Philleigh Way Cookery School in Truro, Cornwall offer a range of cookery skills courses covering every style and culture you can think of. Both are run super professionally from their own premises…and you’ll get to sample as well as take home your own creations.

You have to sea this

@luxurycoastal
ocean 1, newquay

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