SALCOMBE
The fantastic weather we're having seems set to continue to why not come & spend some time on the English Riviera? The kids have gone back to school, so the tourist attractions are quieter and it's easier to park everywhere.
We had a rare day off recently and visited Salcombe in the morning. It is beautiful and there's some boutique shops, gift shops and eating places to reward your walk into the bay. There's not much parking down in the bay so most people park just outside and walk the half a mile down into the bay - however - be warned - the walk up is quite steep in places so you'll be warm by the time you get back to the car.
To break the journey back we sat in this delightful spot enjoying the view whilst we ate our warm pasty and enjoyed the milkshakes made from ice cream that we'd just purchased in the town.
Ferries depart from the bay too so we could have ventured over to South Sands beach where there are coastal path walks as well as estuary walks. There's more information on their website: www.southsandsferry.co.uk
OVERBECKS
In the afternoon, the sun was still shining so we ventured over to Overbecks - a National Trust property. Before I go any further - I must warn you that the journey is not for the faint hearted! The roads are narrow with few passing places and as it zig-zags across the steep hill the bends are very tight in places.
However, you are rewarded at the top by stunning views and a beautiful oasis of gardens which include palm trees and tropical plants, and even bananas growing outside.
The house itself is interesting, having belonged to an inventor and collector. There's the usual tearoom and shop so we were able to enjoy tea & cake on the terrace in the sun - everything we do needs to include food or drink - or both.
A couple of hours or so is enough time to do Overbecks justice so we headed back with just one more stop on route home.
CHINA BLUE
China Blue is a shop located just outside Totnes near the railway station. Lots of our guests have been there and suggested we should go so we popped in as we were passing it.
It's a vast place and sells all sorts of things like gifts, candles, kitchen items, vases, ceramics, decorations and so on. It's a good place for a mooch round and Julian had to stop me from buying several things!
There's an area where you can paint your own ceramics if you're into crafts and there's also a cafe if you haven't already had enough food! We were going out for a meal that evening so we resisted for a change.
So - a lovely day was had by all. We'd had a walk, seen some views, done some shopping, had some culture, learnt some things, eaten well and were yet again feeling blessed that we live in such a stunning area of the country. You really can't beat Devon for things to do and see, and the weather on the English Riviera is the icing on the cake. Ooh...cake!