We packed up the family for a weekend away in Devon this past weekend and made a few notes of how it is a completely different experience from the peak of summer:

5 Reasons To Visit Devon in October.

Our Personal Beach

We stayed in a development of contemporary holiday apartments called At The Beach in Torcross. The quality of accommodation is up to Blue Chip's usual high standards and the location is as described - at one end of Slapton Sands within yards of the water. So on Sunday morning, we are sat on the breakwater with coffee and the occasional rambler for company. There was no wind - just the sound of the waves on the pebbles - very peaceful.

Preserving Our Wing Mirrors

The South Hams of Devon is not known for it's motorway infrastructure, but that's charm of the area with winding roads navigating the rolling hillside and picture perfect villages to explore. Which means the roads are narrow in places and giving way to oncoming traffic is part of the local etiquette. We drove to Bigbury-on-Sea and to Plymouth and really appreciated the quieter roads, being able to get around the area in a more relaxed manner - didn't even have to reverse once on the road down to Bigbury-on-Sea!

Lunch on the Beach at Bigbury-on-Sea

The first thing that strikes you when you get out of the car at Bigbury-on-Sea is the peace and quiet. It was a mild day and there were enough cars in the car park, but the sense of fresh air and the view across to Burgh Island and out to sea is just fantastic - a real get away from it all experience. The Venus Beach Cafe is an award winning experience on the beach - the sense of tranquility is amazing and recommended if you are looking to escape the stresses of every day life.

A Table in The Start Bay Inn

Everyone says "have the Fish and Chips" at the Start Bay Inn on the seafront about 200 yards along from our accommodation. So we did; even rising to the challenge of the large portion which was delicious and just about finished off with some help. Also on the table was a seafood salad platter which looked fantastic and tasted just as good. And then there was the dessert menu...

After a couple of pints of Otter (great choice of beers) it was time for what must be one of the best walks home from the pub in Devon. A straight 200 yards along the seafront with the sound of the waves gently crashing onto the shingle beach.

Ice Skating in Plymouth

Plymouth Pavilions offers a wide range of activities and events from national tours to the adventure pool and ice skating. Some of the more competent members of the party took to the rink for a spin and enjoyed the last session of the day.

Useful links:

At The Beach apartments.

The Start Bay Inn.

Blue Chip properties in Bigbury-on-Sea.

Plymouth Pavillions.