tourism

Winding up for a busy winter at Knightshayes

If you go down to the gardens at Knightshayes this half term, you’ll be in for a big surprise.

With giant spiders, ghostly figures and busy gardeners, the National Trust team on the outskirts of Tiverton have lots on to see the summer out and the winter in.

Along with the popular annual trail around the gardens from 26 October to 3 November, there will also be craft activities and a face painter from 29 to 31 October. Both children and adults will have the chance to get their hands dirty in the formal garden, as the team attempt the mammoth task of planting over 10,000...

Bumper Bank Holiday for the tourism industry

The South West tourism industry was today celebrating a bumper Bank Holiday weekend after an estimated £172,524,363 was spent in the region.

Beches were bustling and parks packed as people soaked up the last of the summer sun.

Carolyn Custerson, chairman of Visit Devon, said: "Tourism is one of the leading industries in Devon – and we have proved this year that we can really deliver economically for the region."

National Trust properties were reporting an eight per increase year on year.

Laura Holt, deputy chairman of Visit Devon, said: "It's a tribute to...

Planning bid launched to change the face of Exmouth seafront

Plans to change the face of Exmouth seafront for residents, visitors and businesses alike have been formally put forward for consideration.

Elements of a new £10 million ‘Queen’s Drive Leisure Zone’ could include a Waterports Centre, a large indoor and outdoor play and recreation area, retail areas, a public square and parking for over 200 cars.

East Devon District Council has submitted the planning application following months of study and preparation, including a public consultation which gathered views from over 500 local people and organisations.

The application...

Is The Quay underappreciated and undervalued by tourists and locals?

The Quay has a whole host of activities on offer for both tourists and locals alike. It offers food and drink to those who fancy a relaxed break from the daily grind, a delightful range of independent shops for those looking for a bit of retail therapy, and it also offers activities such as bike riding and boat trips for those who like to be active and on the go, not to mention the fantastic facilities on offer at Devon's new world class outdoor education centre opened by HRH The Earl of Wessex and Clip'n'Climb centre.

With all The Quay has to offer, why is it that shopkeepers feel...

Help name Paignton Zoo's orang utan baby

Authored by Paigntonzoo
Posted: Tue, 07/09/2013 - 12:44pm

Paignton Zoo is inviting visitors to help name its baby orang utan. The female baby was born on Thursday 11 April.

“Her keepers have chosen a shortlist of names. We have a collecting box in the foyer with eight slots – people can vote for the name or names they like the best. This way, everyone gets to vote and we raise money for conservation at the same time.”

The names are: Bethari, meaning goddess; Elok (beautiful, awesome, jewel); Intan (diamond); Kes (patience); Lintang (star); Ratih (goddess of beauty); Tatau (a place in Sarawak where the baby’s great grandmother...

No water restrictions likely as South West prepares for bumper summer

South West Water today confirmed its reservoirs are ready to cope with the millions expected to head west this summer and it expects no water restrictions for the 17th consecutive year.

That's good news ahead of the first May Bank Holiday, which tourism chiefs are hoping will be the first of many sun-baked weekends. Eight million tourists visit the region every year, raising the demand for water by up to a third during the busiest weeks.

Total storage in the region's 21 reservoirs now stands at 94.7% - with five completely full - compared to 88.5% at this time last year....

£3m eco­development will promote Widemouth Bay tourism

Exeter-based property developer, Grenadier Estates, has secured planning permission to develop an innovative new scheme of eco­ cottages at Widemouth Bay in north Cornwall.

Built on the site of a redundant holiday complex in Bude (Atlantic View Bungalows), the £3m development will feature six three­bedroom beach holiday cottages. The unique scheme was developed with professional consultation from Bell Cornwell Chartered Town Planners, and designed by award­winning Cornwall­ based architects, The Bazeley Partnership.

Mr Iestyn John, Associate at Bell Cornwell, stated: “...

English Riviera and South Devon Tourism & Business Exhibition to Build on Olympic Legacy

A premier coastal resort in South Devon is fighting back against the recession and targeting new international markets for 2013.

New initiatives to be launched by the English Riviera Tourism Company and partners at a major conference to be held during English Tourism Week have gained the support of VisitEngland as part of a national campaign building on the opportunities for tourism growth presented by the Olympic legacy.

English Tourism Week runs from 16 – 24 March 2013 and James Berresford, Chief Executive, VisitEngland has agreed to be a keynote speaker at a special...

Speed mentoring supporting Devon tourism businesses

Authored by DeirdreDevon
Posted: Mon, 02/25/2013 - 12:36pm

South Devon based experts in tourism, hospitality and marketing have signed up to offer a FREE speed mentoring service in English Tourism Week in 2013.

The Speed Mentoring event forms part of the English Riviera Tourism and Business Conference at Torquay’s Riviera International Conference Centre on 21st March 2013 being organised by the English Riviera Tourism Company.

The mentoring team will be giving bite size chunks of information about hot topics, delivered on a one to one basis, to tourism businesses who just want to pick up new tips or ask a few critical questions....

Historic Dartmoor town launches new destination website

The Chagford and District Business Association announced the launch of its new destination website, ‘Visit Chagford’.

Chagford is a beautiful Stannary Town on the edge of Dartmoor but it’s also a powerhouse of history, legend, creative activities, art galleries, delightful independent shops and quirky attractions like the river-fed ‘wild’ swimming pool.

Plus it has truly remarkable foodie credentials with world-famous Gidleigh Park Hotel with Head Chef Michael Caines MBE, and 22 Mill Street, a two AA Rosetted restaurant with rooms, plus a...

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