There’s not much explanation needed for this one, with only 10 days to go until we’re reaching for our New Year’s outfits we’ve listed our ten favourite events across the South West. They say it’s always the quiet ones, and some of the sleepiest towns and villages in Devon and Cornwall come into their own on 31 each year!

Dartmouth

Dartmouth’s celebrations are so renowned that it was featured in The Guardian’s Top 5 New Year Parties poll. The winding streets of the port fill with thousands of revellers in fancy dress, and the fireworks light up the River Dart.

The winner of July's writing competition is Dorothy Tiernan, from London, who visited Newquay in Cornwall with her husband after her trip to India was cancelled by the Icelandic eruptions.

For her husband on leave from Afghanistan this became a holiday to remember for all the right reasons... 

Plymouth’s skies will be ablaze on 10th and 11th August as the city hosts the Plymouth Firework Championships from Plymouth Hoe.

Six of the UK’s finest firework companies will set the sky alight as they compete to win the championships, creating a spectacular event for those on Plymouth holidays on 10th and 11th August this year.

The displays will start around 9.30pm each evening, and there will be entertainment – including a fairground – on Plymouth Hoe.  

Fans of the Chelsea Flower Show can indulge themselves with a break at a specially discounted Devon Manor House this month, which boasts landscaped grounds created by an internationally renowned garden designer. The Manor House, near Torquay enjoys sweeping grounds, immaculately presented lawns, blooming flower beds and a wisteria display to wow.

Guest staying up until 26 June can prune 20 per cent off the cost of their visit with Blue Chip Holidays by quoting SB20 when booking.  This brings a seven night stay between 04 June and 11 June down to just £1,339.20 (was £1,699), saving £329 (£134 per person).  A five night stay is also available from 14-19 June, reduced to £1,072.80, saving £263 (£107 per person).

We are offering a fantastic £960 off half-term in Falmouth at Nightingale House, a stunning four-bedroom, waterside property set in the heart of Falmouth overlooking the harbour.

This traditionally styled house sleeps up to eight and is perfect for a large family or two sharing. 

Blue Chip Holidays is offering holidaymakers worried about flight cancellations over the next month an extended 20 per cent discount across its entire portfolio through to 04 June!

The special offer includes 20 per cent off stays at Manor House, near Torquay, which sleeps ten.  Having only recently been cut in price by £470 per week, the combined discount comes to a saving of £725 for a seven night stay from 21-28 May, (now just £105 per person). 

When the sun shines and the temperatures begin to climb, South Devon is a great place to be.  The unspoilt rolling countryside leads down some beautiful beaches flanked by cliffs to provide stunning vistas.

And late April, early May is a great time to visit with quieter roads and beaches plus a widespread feeling of complete peace and tranquility.

4 Pottery Cottage offers fine accommodation to match the natural beauty of the area.  Positioned in an exclusive waterside setting on the River Dart in Dartmouth, the property offers an excellent, five star rated standard of accommodation, just a short walk from Dartmouth Castle on the river estuary.  The town centre is a pleasant walk along the river where some of the most noted restaurants in Devon can be found on the waterfront - The New Angel and The Seahorse Restaurant.

The opening races of the Zapcat powerboat season will take place in Newquay, Cornwall on 24 and 25 April.

 Up to 16 heats of racing will take place culminating in two divisional finals each day.  Each daily round will earn the competitors vital points towards the prestigious National Championships, the Services, Rookie, and Team, Mixed, Home Nations and Surf titles, all of which will come to their tense finales in October.

10 Zinc has a special offer in a special apartment for Easter.  The 2 bedroomed apartment features a 30 foot balcony with sweeping views down to Fistral Beach and Newquay golf course.  And being within 200 yards of the beach itself, this must be one of the most enviable positions for an Easter break in Cornwall.
The apartment itself has contemporary decor throughout with luxuries including Sky+ and a Nintendo Wii with the 42 inch plasma TV, JBL iPod dock.  En-suite master bedroom, luxury fitted kitchen and secure underground parking complete an amazing base for an Easter break.

The 6 night stay arriving on Sunday 4th April and departing on the following Saturday, the 10th, is offered at £499, or less than £21 per person per night. Call 0844 5612001 to book.

 With less than a week to go before the start of the Easter school holidays, we have a selection of over 200 lovely South West self-catering properties still available, now at a 25 per cent discount for seven night stays, and a 10 per cent discount for short-breaks.