We’re down to our last 16 properties for the Easter period, as eager guests have booked out nearly all of our 825 properties across the South West.

The English Riviera has proven as popular as it’s been for generations, as we’re fully booked for Torbay so we look forward to welcoming many of you tomorrow.

We’re also sold out in Dorset and Somerset, so the South West it’s going to be the more the merrier in the west country this weekend!

Torbay, on the English Riviera, will see its sheltered waters come alive with activity for the Torbay Sailing Regatta in August. The annual Torbay Sailing Week will take place between Friday 20th and Wednesday 25th August.

The fun-filled regatta will include many events and activities throughout Torbay - in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham – so those on well-timed Torbay holidays will be treated to various displays and spectacles!

Torbay’s excellent conditions for sailing make it the perfect location for the annual regatta, and those who prefer to enjoy the festivities from dry land will have plenty of opportunity to watch the thrilling races from various locations throughout the Bay.  

Anyone who has ever visited the picturesque Devon seaside town of Brixham will be only too aware that it has many secret sides just waiting to be explored. Well now this status has been officially confirmed within the June edition of Lonely Planet’s “5O New Travel Secrets” feature.

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. 

Congratulations to Kate Singlehurst, the March winner of our writing competition, who wins a £50 Marks & Spencers voucher and the chance to win a short stay at one of our finest properties! She and her husband enjoyed a stay at the charming Linden Court, Brixham, and managed to take in some of the spectacular scenery and attractions that the English Riviera has to offer. During their spring break in the South West they managed to enjoy the quaint charms of Dartmouth, took in the fantastic coastline and even found time to enjoy one of the legendary cream tea’s that this region is so famous for! If you would like to be in with a chance of winning the aforementioned fantastic prizes, simply email around 500 words on your favourite activity in the South West to ewan@bluechipholidays.co.uk. To read more of Mrs. Singlehurst’s break in Torquay, click here.

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.

National Pet Month (03 April - 03 May) is almost upon us, and to celebrate Blue Chip Holidays has released its top ten dog-friendly holiday homes close to year round pro-hound beaches.  With over 170 coastal and rural pet-friendly properties to choose from, dog owners will be spoilt for choice whenever they choose to take their four legged friend away for fun and frolics this year.

 A great way to get a feel of the true beauty of this wonderful region is by watching the fascinating Great British Railway Journeys. Presented by Michael Portillo, this great series follows a route around the country through the striking scenery that many railway lines traverse.

 

 Eagle-eyed viewers of the fascinating ‘Country Tracks’ programme on BBC 1 on 14th January would have spotted the beautiful surroundings of stunning Somerset, which plays host to Blue Chip Holidays’ pioneering eco-homes.  If you missed the Country Tracks programme, or simply want to enjoy the splendour of this enchanting region again, then click the link below to enjoy presenter Joe Crowley’s journey across Somerset. He begins with rock climbing at Cheddar Gorge, visits a cider auction and takes part in a gruelling orienteering time trial on the shores of Wimbleball Lake, all activities you could enjoy during your holiday.

This week, Environmental Coordinator Jon Pressling was off to the charming East Devon attraction Escot Gardens, with its fantastic maze. Luckily he made it out in time to write this, here's an account of his latest adventures.

Stored somewhere in the back of my mind is a list of places that I've always felt compelled to visit but have never quite found time. Each year I try and make the effort but each year it just gets longer.