South Devon has a lot of things to offer. Dartmouth is one the places I visited during my stay there. It is a delightful place with its own unique beauty and style, And a great place to visit during spring, summer or be it any time of the year.
Whoever you are and whatever you like, Dartmouth has something for everyone. From a family holiday, romantic weekend getaway to a spring break with colleagues or friends, Dartmouth is always a good idea. One can explore the Elizabethan streets, bustling markets, independent shops, and enjoy the gourmet restaurants, art galleries, bistros, cozy cafes and bars.
I stayed in Stoke Fleming and we easily drove into town for a day out or even a quick bite in the evening. Thoug you can easily take a bus to Dartmouth as well. The bus ride is comfortable and short, since the travel time between Stoke Fleming to Dartmouth is only 10 – 15 minutes.
Dartmouth is a port with lots of options with boating. One can fish, sail and explore by boat. You can also laze around in the parks nearby or mooch around the river dart and the quayside. There is an activity for everyone including wakeboarding, crabbing, coastal wildlife exploring, kayaking or a ferry ride on the river or steam train ride. Dartmouth also has a lovely market and play areas or parks for children. I truly enjoyed shopping in the market and also had a chance to visit a few good restaurants like Spice Bazaar, George and Dragon Pub and more.
Dartmouth also has a vibrant culture and festivals and events happening all year round. You can explore the heritage of England at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth Castle, Agatha Christie’s National Trust house and more. A fun fact, the Queen met her future husband at the Britannia Royal Naval College.
Even though we were staying in Stoke Fleming, there are a lot of hotels available in Dartmouth. One can stay in any style, from a luxury spa hotel to historic inns, B&B’s to self catering cottages.
During my visit to this wonderful place I was wearing a cold shoulder printed top with white capris. I preferred keeping my accessories and makeup minimal as I wanted a more natural and sun kissed look.
This is definitely a place to visit if you are travelling to Devon.
Category: City Guides
Stoke Fleming and Blackpool Sands Beach – South Devon Series Part 1
Travelling, it leaves you speechless and turns you into a storyteller. Here’s my story of my travelling expedition to Devon, located in South England. Devon also known as Devonshire is a county of England and is gifted with both cliffs and sandy shores on it coasts. A coastal part of the country, known for its beaches, green farms, seaside resorts, ports and fishing towns. For me it is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city,.
One of the places I visited during my stay in Devon was the Stoke Fleming and Blackpool sand beach. Stoke Fleming is a small village in South Devon and Blackpool Sands is a private beach with Venus Café. The beach is surrounded by pines and evergreens. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Devon. The only downside for me personally was that it is pebbly beach and not a sandy one but has lovely turquoise blue sea.The water is clean and clear and superb if you love swimming. During the summers the beach is cleaned regularly.
The beach has various activities like rafting, wet suits, kayaking and stand up paddle boards for hire. You can also enjoy a range of delicious cuisine at Venus café. The Café offers locally produced and organic food which is delicious and also has a beach shop where one can buy beach games and goods. The beach is also equipped with refreshing shower facilities, toilets and disabled facilities.
The beach also hosts several summer events and the cafe is open in the evenings for dinner for July & August, making it a perfect summer getaway. Overall Stoke Fleming and Blackpool Sands beach has something for everyone. It is definitely a must visit if you are in Devon.
Now talking about my outfit. I wore a dark pink dress with a floral head band. I was aiming for a very bohemian and beachy look. Bright colored dresses are perfect for a day out in the sun. One of the most important things that you should wear when going to the beach is sunscreen. Also sandals and slippers are a great option for the beach. I tried to keep my makeup minimal and let my outfit do the talking. PS:- forgot to click pictures during the day, got so busy enjoying the sun and water games
Outfit Details:
- Sundress – Dark Pink Dress
- Floral Headband – Monsoon
- Scarf – Oasis
Later in the evening, I went to Radius 7 Restaurant for dinner and wore an off shoulder lace top with a white Capri. It was a semi casual look which is appropriate for most occasions and places. I also kept my accessories to bare minimum. Off shoulder tops and cold shoulder are in this season. Also this semi-casual look is perfect for a dinner date.
Outfit Details:
- Off Shoulder Blouse – Oasis
- Scarf – Zara
Best Places to Visit in Oxford UK
Oxford is the name which reminds us of the prestigious Oxford University, but there is a lot more to this quaint old city that promises to make a visit to it an experience of a lifetime. The amazing history, culture, architecture, markets and culinary delicacies are just a few of the attractions it has to offer.
Here are the 10 places you must visit in Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires:
Oxford University’s History Colleges
The historic Oxford University dates back to the 12th century and it comprises of more than 30 colleges, which span the medieval city. The colleges boast of architectural diversity and cultural richness. Some of the most famous amongst these are University College, Magdalen College and Christchurch College.
Blenheim Palace
A World Heritage Site, the famous Blenheim Palace is the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill ad also the residence of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough. The glorious palace stands as an ovation to the 18th century Baroque Architecture. In addition to the magnificence of the palace itself, the beauty of the 2000-acre gardens that surround it is a great attraction for the visitors.
Bicester Village
If you are an avid shopping enthusiast, a trip to the famed Bicester Village in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside can be the highlight of your tour. This happening shopping destination is home to sophisticated boutiques which showcase top fashion brands such as Gucci and Chanel. Bicester Village promises a unique retail experience, along with amazing food and drinks at its restaurants and cafes.
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
Another must-visit attraction in your Oxford itinerary is the University of Oxford Botanic Garden, one of the oldest in the world and the oldest in Great Britain. Founded in 1621, the 1.8 hectare sprawling garden houses more than 8000 plants species, making it one of the most diverse collections in the world. A true wonder for nature lovers!
The Bodleian Library
Also famous as “The Bod”, the Bodleian Library is the home of each and every book that has been published in the UK and Ireland. The library stores countless books, not only above the ground but in its vast underground networks. The crests of all the colleges of Oxford adorn the massive wooden doors of the library.
The Sheldonian Theater
Just adjacent to the Bodleian Library is the Sheldonian Theater, a famous concert venue named after the Archbishop of Canterbury Gilbert Sheldon. The theater also conducts the customary Matriculation Ceremony, which involves induction of new students to the Oxford University as its official members. The Graduation Ceremony marking the end of the academic year of the students here is also held at the Sheldonian Theater.
The Ashmolean Museum
The Ashmolean Museum holds the credit of being the first-ever public museum, making it another impeccable attraction of Oxford. The contents of the museum are truly amazing, with the likes of Lawrence of Arabia’s robes, ancient Greek statues and Egyptian mummies.
The Oxford Castle
Oxford Castle is the oldest building in the city, which continues to be a relic despite the fact that most of it was devastated in the English Civil War centuries ago. Built in the 11th century, the castle’s ruins were used as a prison after its initial destruction. Later, they were rebuilt from 1785 onwards and then transformed into a luxury retreat in 1996.
The Grand Café
An instance of old-world opulence is the Grand Café, which is located on Oxford’s High Street. The café is popular for its elegant high teas as well as sumptuous cocktails and is loved by students and tourists alike. It dates back to 1652 and stands just opposite to another famous café, the Queen’s Lane Coffee House.
Ancient Pubs
Oxford is not only known as the educational hub but also for its ancient pubs, which happen to be amongst the oldest establishments in the city. The Bear and the Turf, which date back to the 13th century, are the most famous of these pubs.
The picturesque appeal as well as the historical magnificence of Oxford has made it a favorite location for the film industry. Harry Potter series has been shot at the locales of the Bodleian Library, parts of Christ Church and New College.
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens – Day Out Diary
Today I have and exciting treat for the travel bug in you. I recently visited the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens in Burford and had a lovely time there with my family, so I thought of sharing my experience with all of you who love to travel and visit hidden gems rather than the overly crowded tourist spots.
Everyone loves taking trips to major destinations like London, Scotland or Oxford when it comes to visit United Kingdom, often visiting mainstream spots like the London Eye, Madam Tussauds, the Buckingham palace and other such popular places. However, UK has a lot more to offer than these traditional destinations. Through my blog I aim to showcase the eccentric but real and culturally rich English destinations on my blog, because UK as a country is full of beautiful places to see.
The Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens showcases over 260 different species of animals and is the biggest privately owned zoological collection with most extravagant gardens in Burford, Oxfordshire, England. The park is set in 160 acres of landscaped parkland and gardens, and is located 2 miles south of Burford on the A361.
The wildlife park and the gardens have something for every age group. It has several exciting exhibits like; The reptile house, Madagascar, the Walled Garden, The wood walk, Tropical House, Train, Adventure playground, and Bat House among a few other attractions.
Nestled in Cotworld, the park is surrounded by serene beauty. The drive to the location is really pleasant and filled with natural beauty, since it is located away from the hustle and bustle of city lights. It’s a great place to spend the weekend with family or spouse, and have a picnic in the midst of nature. The best part about this place is that it is not a proper zoo. The animals are kept in lovely enclosures which were well maintained and clean with plenty of space for them to move around. The walk around the attractions is exquisite and you can get up close to the animals.
You can see Turtles, Rhinos, Lions, Giraffes, Zebras and other magnificent creatures. The giraffe enclosure has a ramp, where you can walk up and be at eye level with the animal. The farm animal section is also lovely and reminds me of old countryside farms. The park also has a nice play area for the kids with a small helter skelter. I decided to let the child in me out and enjoy the ride, it was probably my first time on such a ride and I was scared to death. But enjoyed none the less, also I love mini trains as it always reminds me of my childhood days. The park has an entrance fee of £ 15 for adults, which is reasonable for the experience they provide.
Overall, I had a really positive experience and would recommend anyone visiting UK to spend a nice sunny day having a picnic in Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens.
Have you ever visited any eccentric places in UK? Let me know in the comments below.
And travel bugs, stay tuned as next on my list is to visit Burton on Water.