Back to South Devon

It was bank Holiday at the end of August when we returned to one of my favourite campsites, 'Hillhead' between Dartmouth and Brixham.

We were really fortunate that we had timed our visit with the Dartmouth Regatta. There were no worries about parking because there was a 'Park and Ride' right across the road from the camp site that took us down to Kingswear. From here we could catch the passenger ferry over to Dartmouth. But on the evening of the Red Arrows display we didn't bother crossing the river. Instead we stayed on the Kingswear side of the river, as did many other hundreds of people.

The air display was just brilliant, not just from the Red Arrows, but also the Typhoon. But how wonderful to see the 'Battle of Britain Memorial Flight' unfortunately minus the Spitfire. (See my other post about Derbyshire) The Lancaster and Hurricane were amazing, has to be said that they brought a lump to my throat.

I should probably make more mention of the boats seeing this event was a Regatta. But we didn't get down to the Regatta Guardship, maybe next year.

To see what else I do in my spare time. Please visit my craft website

Lake Garda without the Caravan!

This was our second visit to Lake Garda, we even went back to the same hotel. The Hotel Le Palme is situated in Limone at the north end of Lake Garda. Le Palme is a smaller hotel and is actually the oldest hotel on the lake, having formerley been a Gentlemans residence.

The hotel is right next to the ferry port in Limone which might annoy some people, but we just found it all the more interesting. After all where better to do some people watching.

 The hotel is that close to the lake that you can peer over the railings whilst eating breakfast and see the huge fish, ducks or swans.

It is worth taking the Cable Cars to the top of Monte Baldo, the views are spectacular! However be warned that the queues for the Cable Cars are horrendous in peak season. In July and August be prepared to queue for anything up to 2 hours.


Lake Garda from Monte Baldo

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013

Cars, Cars, and more Cars and a few bikes thrown in for good measure

Day 1 From Devon to Bere Regis

We decided our best option was break up the journey a bit. So on day 1 we travelled from Devon to Bere Regis in Dorset. A fairly straight forward journey from Exeter along the A35, but unfortunately there had been a major traffic accident on the A35 that day and we had to take a major detour. A minor inconvenience for us, but life changing for the people involved in the accident.

We finally arrived at our site Rowlands Wait Touring Park a lovely small park set away from the main road. It was peaceful, well kept and not too busy. The owners were very friendly, and on our arrival (we had called ahead to let them know we had been delayed) tried their very best to help us settle in.  And supplying take away menus for the local pub.

 

 

 

Shower and Toilet Block

 

 

The shower and toilet facilities at the park were kept very clean and there was even a small play park for children. We left this park and travelled onto the Chichester Camping and Caravan Club Site.

 

On the way there we called at some Motorway Services how frustrating to read the signs about improper parking resulting in fines. Unfortunately there were no caravan parking places left. Why? because they were being used by motorists that didn't need them.

 







Leaving Devon and Cornwall!! but only for a few days

Watch this space because next week we are off to Chichester with the caravan. Will probably write loads about it, because we are going to Goodwood Festival of Speed

Can't Wait !!

I should add at this stage that being fairly new to caravanning we don't really mix in circles that discuss Campsites, good or bad. But we have found Alan Rogers Campsite Guide invaluable. We have only stayed at one camp site that we didn't like. And needless to say in wasn't in Alan Rogers Guide.

Bude for the Craft and Gift Fair

This weekend we were in Bude, North Cornwall. A chance for us to stay at one of our favourite sites Wooda Farm Holiday Park. We have stayed at this site many times, in good weather and bad and have never been disappointed.

It has to be said that this site is quite open and can be a bit exposed and windy. On one of our stays we actually saw someone chasing a tent down the field. But all the facilities are kept really clean, there is a park for the children, a small shop, woodland walk, golf and of course the Courtyard Bar.

Empty pitches at Wooda with Bodmin Moor in the background

This was a relaxing weekend with a meal at the Courtyard Bar and a walk along one of the local cliff paths.

Well worth the climb, fantastic views from the top!!

Rock and Padstow

Last weekend 31/5/2013 we finally took the Caravan out again. It was just for a short trip out to Padstow in Cornwall for a couple of nights.

This time we stayed at The Padstow Touring Park, our first time at this site. It has to be said that we were very impressed. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the site itself was well kept and cared for. And all the facilities were clean. There was a small play area that my daughter spent some time on, and a small shop. The site is not far away from Padstow, or the nearest Tesco.

While we were in the area we visited Rock, Padstow and a favourite beach of ours Porthcothan. A few years ago we rented a house in the area with friends for Christmas. On Christmas day we walked on the beach at Porthcothan, it was magical.

Porthcothan

We also visited Rock during our brief stay. I always find it too busy and too difficult to park. However there are fantastic views across the Camel Estuary to Padstow.

Looking across the Estuary towards Padstow from Rock