1. Self-cateringholidaysdon’thavetobebasic.We’vefoundthe
verybestfamilyaccommodationwithoutthemassivepricetag
Luxury
For less
55WOMANSoWN.co.uk
What’s
on offer?
There are 10 apartments to
choose from of all sizes and bed
combinations. The smallest has
one bedroom while the grandest
sleeps eight. All boast a different
wow factor, such as walk-in
showers, freestanding baths, giant
beds and big armchairs to curl up
in with a book. Every cushion,
light and ornament has been
tastefully chosen to create
a real sense of tranquillity.
Great for
families
Children are very welcome at
Pickwell. Every little detail has
been thought through, from the
cupboard for wellies in the lobby
to the hideaway games room in
I
n a hidden corner of North Devon, perched on the
coastline between Croyde Bay and Woolacombe, sits
historic Pickwell Manor. This magnifcent building, which
dates back to the 10th century, has been carefully and
tastefully refurbished. Climb the grand wooden staircase to
your rooms or stroll through the six acres of gardens and
grounds and imagine yourself as lord and lady of the manor
– at least for the length of your stay. Glorious!
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and about
The village of Georgeham is where Henry
Williamson lived and wrote his novel, Tarka The
Otter. The Tarka Trail sweeps around much of North
Devon, but you can enjoy parts of it on a walk or bike ride
through landscape that has little changed from when the
book was published in 1927. Vast sandy surfng beaches are in
abundance along this coastline. one of the best is Croyde Bay,
where you have the wonderful combination of lots of space, sand
dunes and rock pools. Afterwards, pop into the Blue Groove in
Croyde village for scones
the size of saucers. For
those after a bigger
beach, Woolacombe
has all the traditional
entertainments of a
seaside resort, such
as crazy golf and
walks along the
promenade.
You can make your own meals in your apartment’s well-equipped
kitchen – just arrange for an online grocery shop to arrive on
the frst day. or there are plenty of local places to try. Just a
20-minute cross-country stroll from Pickwell to Georgeham –
it’s all signposted! – and
there are two great pubs.
At the Kings Arms you can
sit in the sunshine and
enjoy the live music on
offer on a saturday night.
or tuck yourself away in
The rock Inn, where you
can feast on fat chips, steak,
burgers and fresh crab.
What’s to eat?
WOMANSoWN.co.uk54
friends for
years, made
the bold move to
give up their lives in Sussex
to relocate to Devon and
restore the house. Pickwell
is their passion, and as both
families live on site, there’s
always someone on hand to
help if needed.
Watch out!
On 29 December, if there’s a full
moon, three headless horsemen
are said to gallop from Pickwell
to the beach! Legend has it that
after Thomas Becket’s murder in
1170, the knights who killed him
were captured at Pickwell and
beheaded in front of the house.
sT BrIDes VIllAGe
APArTMeNTs, sAuNDersFooT,
PeMBroKesHIre
The seaside village of saundersfoot has a wide sandy
beach and lots of opportunities for scenic walks.
These apartments
are packed with
everything
you need
for a break,
including a
dishwasher, hob
and fridge, plus
Wi-Fi with access
to Netfix. And
facilities at the
st Brides spa Hotel
are just a two-
minute walk away.
PRICE: one bed apartments from £100 per night.
BOOK IT: 01834 812 304 or see stbridesspahotel.com/
village-apartments.
oDDFelloWs APArTMeNTs,
CHesTer, CHesHIre
one of Chester’s most chic hotels has launched its
own luxury self-catering apartments, handily located
for the sightseeing and shopping this historic city
offers. each apartment has two bedrooms, two
bathrooms, a fitted kitchen and a parking space.
PRICE: £175 a night.
BOOKIT:01244 345 454 or see oddfellowschester.com.
eAGle BrAe, sTruY, BeAulY,
INVerNess-sHIre
Get away from it all at one of seven handcrafted Canadian-
style log cabins in the Highlands, near Inverness.
Features include
wood-panelled
ceilings, energy-
effcient kitchen
appliances and TVs.
PRICE: From
£208 per person
based on six sharing.
BooK IT: 01463
761 301 or see
eaglebrae.co.uk. u
Welsh
Wonder
sty
3othersmart
self-cateringspots
What does
it cost?
Apartments start from
£400 for a seven-night stay.
Call 01271 890 110 or visit
pickwellmanor.co.uk to book.
the grounds. With table tennis,
table football, a Lego corner,
dressing-up box and big sofa, it’s
the perfect den for youngsters
of all ages. In the grounds, there’s
a treasure hunt laid through the
woods. And there’s a safe area
for campfires and barbecues.
To help your kids enjoy the
countryside, there are rucksacks
to borrow for nature spotting
and all the bits and bobs you
need to go den building. For the
adults, there’s a fab tennis court,
where you play looking out
across the sea to Lundy Island.
Alternatively, take up a game of
croquet on the front lawn or play
giant chess on the outdoor board.
What makes
it special?
In 2008, two families, best of
WordsJoCheckleyPhotosShutterstock,Getty,Alamy
CroydeBay
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sandybeach
Getaways
CITY
BreAK
sCoTTIsh
JAUnT
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