Treat mum to an exciting hands-on cookery course this Mother’s Day with a gift voucher from the new Ashburton Cookery School in South Devon. Designed to inspire, there are over 40 courses from which to choose such as Express Dinner Parties for home entertaining, Chef Skills for the more advanced and family dinners – a new one-day course ideal for busy mums juggling work with looking after the home.

With a gift voucher mum can select a course and date to suit her lifestyle. Valid for nine months, they can be purchased for the one, two or five day courses, which are priced from £99 per person. Alternatively, vouchers are available in denominations of £25 upwards and can be put towards the cost of any course. You can choose to have a printed voucher sent to either yourself or the recipient direct, while for last minute gifts you can send a voucher via email from the school’s website.

Ashburton Cookery School has just moved to a new, ultra-modern building with three superbly equipped teaching kitchens. The hands-on courses, which are split into five levels of ability, teach fundamental techniques that can be applied when cooking at home, entertaining family and friends or working in a professional kitchen. The popular one and two day course include canapés, desserts, fish and seafood, gastro and modern vegetarian. There are also courses inspired by a country’s cuisine such as Italian, French and Thai.

To order a gift voucher call the Ashburton Cookery School on telephone 01364 652784 or visit www.ashburtoncookeryschool.co.ushe sk. B&B accommodation is available at the school from £59 per night.

HELPFUL HOLIDAYS NEW COLOUR SUPPLEMENT FEATURES 40 WEST COUNTRY PROPERTIES

The new colour supplement from West Country specialists, Helpful Holidays, features forty self-catering cottages and country houses increasing their existing portfolio to nearly 650 holiday homes. Sleeping two to twelve guests in a variety of scenic locations throughout Devon and Cornwall, with a smaller selection in Somerset, many have stunning views across rolling countryside or out to sea.

Highlights include a stunning house for twelve beautifully converted from stone barns on a working farm near South Tawton and a contemporary house for ten with sensational sea views at Bigbury-on-Sea. There’s also a great choice of smaller places such as a 17th century thatched cottage sleeping six two miles from Branscombe in East Devon and the curious gothic-style gatehouse at Dartmoor’s Bovey Castle, which has space for four guests. And for those seeking total privacy, a lovely detached holiday home for ten is hidden in two acres of woodland gardens deep in Exmoor. Prices range from £205 up to £2,825 per week.

Everyone taking a break with Helpful Holidays will receive a free ‘What shall we do today?’ booklet containing around 80 savings vouchers for use at a huge range of attractions throughout the West Country. It also gives information on local farmers’ markets to ensure you can get some of the top quality local produce to enjoy in your holiday home, plus recommendations for the best beaches, coast and country walks and special places to visit.

For those short of time, Helpful Holidays have now introduced two-night weekend breaks with a late 6pm check-out available from October to Easter 2010, as well as three and four night stays. Two night breaks can only be booked within 28 days of departure.

For a copy of the new supplement and the main brochure call Helpful Holidays on 01647 434063; or search, check availability and book online at www.helpfulholidays.com.

The Pick of the Best:
Here are some of the finest examples from the new supplement across a range of sizes:

Amongst the larger houses is Rock Barn near South Tawton in mid-Devon, which sleeps twelve in five bedrooms. Converted from stone barns which once served as a grain store, the interior of this huge property has been stylishly decorated using white with contrasting darker browns and blacks, while vaulted ceilings, oak beams, a real open fire and bright red and pink accessories give it the wow factor. A week’s stay at Rock Barn starts from £531, pets welcome. (For details, see page 11 of the colour supplement or visit www.helpfulholidays.com and search for ref J22).

Just 350 yards from the vast sandy beach at Bigbury-on-Sea with panoramic sea views over Burgh Island in South Devon, Hillcrest is a stunning contemporary house for ten. Inspired by the beach houses in Sydney and furnished with flair, it has sliding walls of glass, lime-washed walls and exposed wood. A four-person sauna is accessed through the master bedroom ensuite, while outside the lawned garden, decked terrace and hammock are finely positioned to enjoy the ever-changing sea view. A week’s stay at Hillcrest starts from £995, (For details, see page 17 of the colour supplement or visit www.helpfulholidays.com and search for ref L114).

About half a mile back from the coast path near Branscombe, East Devon is Dunscombe Cottage, a picture-postcard Grade II thatched cottage for six. Dating back to the 17th century, it has white cob walls, low lintels, heavy beams, huge inglenook with woodburner and the original backened oak spiral staircase. A week’s stay at Dunscombe Cottage starts from £376. (For details, see page 12 of the colour supplement or visit www.helpfulholidays.com and search for ref G33).

The detached, gothic-style gatehouse to Bovey Castle Hotel on Dartmoor, Devon is just inside the main entrance gates with views over the 18 hole golf course. Built in 1907, Rose Cottage now sleeps four in two bedrooms. The quirky interior has been decorated with bold dark colours in the living rooms and jet black walls with down-lighters in the kitchen, while upstairs there are two light, bright bedrooms. Guests can enjoy the pool, gym, sauna and steam room at the hotel and all those over 16 also receive a complimentary round of golf; other activities are available at extra charge. A week’s stay at Rose Cottage starts from £415, pets welcome. (For details, see page 23 of the colour supplement or visit www.helpfulholidays.com and search for ref A104).

Hidden in a deep Exmoor valley near Parracombe is Cowley Wood, a lovely detached house for ten set within two acres of private woodland gardens. A beautiful and tranquil place to stay with no visible neighbours other than visiting deer and badgers, the house has recently been renovated and refurnished. A week’s stay at Cowley Wood starts from £366, pets welcome. (For details, see page 7 of the colour supplement or visit www.helpfulholidays.com and search for ref F44).

Sleeping five, Wassail Cottage near Stoke Gabriel in South Devon has been cleverly converted from a Grade II listed cider barn – it still overlooks neighbouring orchards. Insider the large circular stone pillars have been retained and complemented by fresh modern decor. A week’s stay at Wassail Cottage starts from £285, pets welcome. (For details, see page 14 of the colour supplement or visit www.helpfulholidays.com and search for ref L119).

VISIT SOUTH DEVON IN 2010 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF AONB

The 2010 South Devon Holiday Guide highlights the region’s impressive environmental credentials, together with its glorious natural playgrounds of coast and countryside, and the numerous attractions and activities that may be enjoyed across the region. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of South Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

In excess of two-thirds of South Devon is protected either by the AONB or as part of the spectacular Dartmoor National Park. What’s more, eight new cultural trails have been introduced, making it the perfect destination for walking, cycling, horse riding and wildlife spotting holidays.

Since it is said to have more ‘green’ businesses than anywhere else in the UK and has established the Green Tourism Business Scheme, holidaymakers can be sure that their visit will have minimal impact on the county’s breathtaking environment.

With a coastline amongst the most spectacular in the South West, complete with over 90 miles of the South West Coast Path, plus safe, award winning beaches, many of them such as Bigbury, Salcombe and Teignmouth offering popular water sports activities for all the family, South Devon’s natural allure is plain to see.

And, if that wasn’t sufficient, 180 miles of pretty country lanes wind through hilly agricultural land leading to picturesque hamlets, villages and towns, 13 of which are historic market towns.

Among them are the former wool trade centre of Buckfastleigh and Bovey Tracey, a cob and Dartmoor granite-built town which is home to the internationally famous gallery of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen.

Beyond the sea and the rolling countryside, the formidable heather clad moors stretch into the distance, with unique granite tors rising almost 2,000 feet above sea level. These provide stunning panoramic views from their tops over the dramatic landscape, with its famous Dartmoor Ponies and prehistoric archaeological settlements.

Other attractions include a model village, several National Trust properties such as Agatha Christie’s holiday retreat Greenway, adventure parks and several steam railways. There are also some fine English Heritage castles, including Totnes, one of the best surviving examples of an early Norman motte and bailey castle.

For animal lovers, there are farms, a zoo, sanctuaries and wildlife centres, and even a hospital for hedgehogs!

Whatever the time of year, there’s always a show or special event to enjoy, with options ranging from conservative to quirky, among them an Easter Egg Hunt, an air show, a walking festival, orange rolling, an apple pie festival and worm charming!

With milder winters than anywhere else in the UK, combined with long, warm autumns, South Devon is a perfect holiday destination all year round.

To obtain a copy of the 2001 South Devon guide, complete with map, events listing and information about accommodation and attractions call the South Devon holiday line on 01626 215674 or request online at www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk.

ASHBURTON COOKERY SCHOOL, SOUTH DEVON

Treat mum to an exciting hands-on cookery course this Mother’s Day with a gift voucher from the new Ashburton Cookery School in South Devon. Designed to inspire, there are over 40 courses from which to choose such as Express Dinner Parties for home entertaining, Chef Skills for the more advanced and family dinners – a new one-day course ideal for busy mums juggling work with looking after the home.

With a gift voucher mum can select a course and date to suit her lifestyle. Valid for nine months, they can be purchased for the one, two or five day courses, which are priced from £149 per person. Alternatively, vouchers are available in denominations of £25 upwards and can be put towards the cost of any course. You can choose to have a printed voucher sent to either yourself or the recipient direct, while for last minute gifts you can send a voucher via email from the school’s website.

Ashburton Cookery School has just moved to a new, ultra-modern building with three superbly equipped teaching kitchens. The hands-on courses, which are split into five levels of ability, teach fundamental techniques that can be applied when cooking at home, entertaining family and friends or working in a professional kitchen. The popular one and two day course include canapés, desserts, fish and seafood, gastro and modern vegetarian. There are also courses inspired by a country’s cuisine such as Italian, French and Thai.

For  those  hoping  to  grab  a  bargain  on  their  summer  holiday  this  year, South Devon  self catering  specialist  Coast  &  Country  Cottages  has introduced  some  sensational  savings  of  up  to  £200  for   limited time only on selected summer weeks.

Coast  &  Country  Cottages  can  offer  the  perfect  solution  for  couples  and  families  alike  looking  for  a  Devon holiday in 2010. Whether it’s a ‘chocolate box’ thatched cottage near Dartmouth, a luxury waterside apartment a stunning barn conversion in a rural location or a large coastal property in Salcombe,  the locally based team can help find the perfect property and location to suit all.

With the South Hams, the Southernmost tip of South Devon, boasting unspoilt sandy coves for sandcastles an  swimming, miles of stunning coastal paths to explore and traditional past times such as crabbing, rock-pooling
sailing  and  surfing  hugely  popular,  the  area  continues  to  be  a  favourite  destination  for  a  seaside  summer holiday.

For all bookings made before 31 January 2010, Coast & Country Cottages has a number of sensational savingFor all bookings made before 31 January 2010, Coast & Country Cottages has a number of sensational savings  including the following stunning properties:

Kirkdale, Thurlestone – £200 OFF selected weeks in June and July 2010
A stunning six-bedroom contemporary detached house with delightful sea views, just a few minutes’ walk from Thurlestone beach and the South West Coastal Path. Ideal for families, adult groups or those simply looking for five-star luxury in the heart of this popular village. Sleeping 11, discounted prices between 18 June and 17 July start from £1,750 per week.

Broadsands, Thurlestone – £200 OFF selected weeks in June and July 2010
This  six-bedroom  elegant  country house  overlooking Thurlestone’s  famous  golf  course  and with  views  out  to  sea, boasts a bar/conservatory area, a day/games room with table tennis table, board games, TV, DVD Player and Sky+, plus there’s a magnificent kitchen with orangery.   Sleeping 12, discounted prices between 18 June and 17 July start from £2,300 per week.

14 Dart Marina, Dartmouth – £100 OFF selected weeks in August 2010
Located  in picturesque Dartmouth,  this  stylish  two-bedroom property  is  situated on  the edge of  the beautiful River Dart and comes with stunning water views. Guests have full use of the nearby luxury health spa including
indoor pool, Jacuzzi, steam and gym and 10% off Elemis beauty  treatments. Sleeping  four, discounted prices on selected weeks in August start from £1,600 per week.

Jack’s Cottage, Harberton – £50 OFF selected weeks in June and July 2010
A  two-bedroom  newly  converted  barn  located  in  the  grounds  of  a working  farm  near  the  pretty  village  of Harberton and a short drive to the historic market town of Totnes.    Boasting beamed ceilings throughout, an Inglenook  fireplace and stylish country kitchen. Sleeping  four, discounted prices between 18 June and 17 July start from £620 per week.

South Devon self-catering specialist, Coast & Country Cottages, has invested significantly in a complete re-design of its already successful website www.coastandcountry.co.uk. Launched this week, the new-look website includes many updated features to make the site easier for customers to navigate, find the property that suits their needs and make the online booking process even quicker. The home page now also features sections to read Blogs, client Testimonials, as well as highlight New Properties, Virtual Tours and much more.

Karen Jones, Partner of Coast & Country Cottages comments, “With more and more customers opting to book their South Devon holiday or short break online, we are confident that our new simplified three-step booking process will result in a significant increase in online bookings over and above our already successful site.”

With dedicated, easy-to-use features for luxury, baby-friendly, dog-friendly and VisitBritain four and five-star rated properties, plus holiday homes ideal for couples breaks, the site also features advanced search and property quick search functions for quick-site navigation.

A Key Developments section showcases local groups of properties within the same complex or building, which are ideal for groups of friends or family get-togethers, including the seven luxury apartments and townhouses at the award-winning Dart Marina waterside development in Dartmouth. The New Properties feature highlights the latest additions as they arrive and is well worth keeping an eye on. With properties added to the portfolio throughout the year, late bookers can often find a fabulous holiday home is newly available to book, even at the last-minute and with tempting introductory offers.

For the very latest availability and special seasonal discounts, the site’s Special Offers section includes the latest deals, currently including sensational Christmas & New Year savings of up to £400, added value promotions such as ‘free seasonal organic hampers’ and reductions for those thinking of a break in early 2010. Watch out too for fabulous offers for Summer 2010 coming in January!

Highly visible online and No.1 Google-rated for many relevant searches, Coast & Country Cottages has worked closely with website experts to ensure the smooth transition to the new site.

With over 425 carefully selected properties, sleeping two-12, all within the beautiful South Devon coast and countryside, Coast & Country Cottages is the largest agency marketing properties exclusively within this area of outstanding natural beauty. With offices locally in picturesque Salcombe and the historic naval town of Dartmouth, and a successful and extensive national and international advertising and PR campaign resulting in another record year for the business, Coast & Country Cottages compete successfully in the national marketplace but also have a great reputation for a local hands-on service.

Visit www.coastandcountry.co.uk or call 01548 843773 for bookings and further information.