The lure of DARTMOUTH

On Saturday morning, we felt like having a fun and relaxing day out. We gave Miss P the option of choosing where. Much to our delight she suggested that we all go to Dartmouth in Devon.
We went there on holiday two years ago and ever since then, Dartmouth has a special place in Miss P's heart.



Upon arrival we had a picnic in the park. We had the perfect weather for it, sunny but not too hot.



Lunch over and off we went in search of a bucket and a net for Miss P to do
some crabbing.



Whilst Miss P was crabbing, I was very happy sitting on the bench watching the boats and yachts go by. Although there isn't any maritime blood in my family (as far as I know), I have always had an interest in maritime history, archeology and sailing. Eventually, I would like to learn how to sail and then go around the River Dart and the River Helford.


"The Spirit of Adventure" cruise ship


A day out at the seaside would not be complete without a whippy ice cream with strawberry sauce and hundreds and thousands sprinkled on top!

For me, the lure of Dartmouth is the Dart estuary, the boats and the architecture. If Dartmouth didn't have any shops, I would be perfectly content. As Dartmouth does have shops, I had a little wander around. I topped up on some of my favourite soaps (Nesti Dante) from a beauty shop called The Cove and always call in to a French patisserie called Saveurs.












This shop had lovely chandeliers

Back to the sea and the boats







Two of my favourite seafront houses in Dartmouth














We left Dartmouth at around 19.00 hours and drove to Ashprington near Totnes to have a meal at The Waterman's Arms Country Inn. I had been there several years ago with my parents and my sister. I was nice to be able to go back there again, this time with Alan and Miss P.



After a lovely meal, we went and watched the ducks by the river. The evening had a magical feel to it as the sunset shone through the trees and reflected on to the flowing water.



Goodbye Devon...for now...




Today I am going to relax and read my copy of Devon Life which features an interesting article on The Beach Hut Caravan Company and another one about Mary Berry in a Salcombe home.

I hope that you are all having a good weekend or holiday!

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

DEVON BLISS Part 1

Hello again! I hope that you are all enjoying the summer holidays.



We have just returned from a holiday in South Devon. It is an area which I have visited on many occasions and could easily live in as I enjoy being close to the sea. The scenery all along the River Dart is exceptionally beautiful! I particularly enjoyed the various boat trips that we went on, such a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

My first stop was Totnes to visit Amanda's stall. I was not disappointed, not that I thought I might be! There was plenty to tempt me. Unfortunately, I left my camera in the car packed with all our other holiday things so couldn't take a picture of Amanda's beautifully displayed stall.


Jar covers, a tablecloth, union jack bunting, cards... bought from Amanda's stall


and a very pretty night dress for Phoebe also bought from Amanda


I found this lovely 1930's plaster statue of the Virgin Mary on an antique stall at the Totnes market


After our journey down to Devon via Totnes, we arrived at our holiday accommodation

Here is where we stayed in Venn, the setting is beautiful and peaceful. The barn has only just finished being converted and is only a 5 -10 minutes drive from Dartmouth. The owners live just behind it. They were very friendly and ensured that our stay was a pleasant one.


The view from our accommodation

As we were not far from Dartmouth, we popped over there on most days. There are some lovely shops, art galleries and a wonderful French patisserie!


The Quay, Dartmouth


Dartmouth Museum & shops


Bought from a vintage shop called Second Love in Dartmouth


I love the scent of this soap!! I bought it from The Cove in Dartmouth


All aboard




Boat that takes you to Dartmouth Castle


Dartmouth Castle


View from Dartmouth Castle





Back in Dartmouth


Can we do more crabbing please?


The next day....and what happened to the sunshine? A day out at Woodlands (an adventure park for children) We were soaked as it rained the whole day! Why choose that day to visit the Park? Well some of Phoebe's favourite TV characters were visiting on that day only!

During the holiday, the weather was mixed but that did not stop us from doing things. On one of the days we took at trip on the steam train from Kingswear to Paignton and back






View approaching Dartmouth on the way back from Paignton




The cafe at the Kingswear Station

Another place I love visiting is Salcombe. It is colourful and a vibrant place in the summer.



Always have to get a few sweets from here

I also popped in to Amelia's Attic. The interior is lovely and full of gorgeous gifts, jewellery, bags etc.. For some reason I forgot to take some pictures...too busy browsing!




One of the many pretty houses to be found in Salcombe


And another one, both these houses overlook the water

There are many pretty little pubs to discover around the area. We stumbled across this pub, The Trademan's Arms in Stokenham by accident after having taken a wrong turning and ended up having a lovely lunch there. It had been closed for several months and had only just recently re-opened, it is fully refurbished and redecorated.






We went to this little cove near Dartmouth Castle

Despite it being in summer, we still managed to find some areas which were not crowded.


Part 2, soon....which will feature a visit to Greenway, Agatha Christie's holiday house.


Isabelle x