Short Winter Break

My family and I enjoyed a great short break to Devon in February. I booked a cottage for a three-night escape in a small village called Langtree, near Torrington. It was ideally located for exploring north Devon (an area I hadn't explored up to now).

The cottage had two bedrooms and was really well set up - they even provided milk, tea/coffee and a bottle of wine on arrival! The cottage was cosy and had been decorated and furnished very well; it really was a home from home. A five-minute walk up the road was a village pub serving home-cooked food and we ate there on the first night of our holiday.

We explored Ilfracombe one day, which was only just over an hour up the road. Although it was a little quiet at this time of year (we liked it this way), I have no doubt it would also be lovely in the summer months for a family beach break, as it was well set up with cafes pubs and a nice beach.

Another day we headed to Port Isaac. Port Isaac was so beautiful and was exactly what I picture in my mind when thinking of a Cornish fishing village. It also happens to be where they film the TV show Doc Martin! Here, we had a wonderful cream tea at the Chapel Café and enjoyed wandering the quaint alleyways of the town. We are already planning to come back and visit Port Isaac again soon. The dramatic landscape makes for stunning views and really takes your breath away!

Further on lies Padstow, where chef Rick Stein has his restaurant - we didn't eat there but I've heard good things! Padstow was very busy for a rainy February day, so I imagine it gets even busier in the summer months. I would recommend visiting here off season to make the most of your time there. We enjoyed an ice-cream and a wander along the harbour, peering into art galleries and boutiques (it has a very upmarket feel).

All too soon it was time to head home after a wonderful few days away.