DEVON & DORSET NEWS
These two counties are synonymous with seaside holidays, with good reason – from sandy beaches and surfing to superb seafood and scenic walks, this pair have it all. So what’s new this season?
A walk to the pub
An afternoon tea inspired by classic Roald Dahl children’s book Matilda was introduced at Luxury Family Hotels earlier this year, including Moonfleet Manor in Weymouth. The Matilda Afternoon Tea experience includes an adult and children’s menu created to celebrate the story’s many iconic food moments. From lavender macarons to blueberry ‘newt’ cookies and – of course – chocolate cake, the whole family is in for a treat. For those wanting to make the occasion even more memorable, Luxury Family Hotels is also offering a Magical Matilda Escape at all five of its properties. It includes the Matilda Afternoon Tea with activity sheets for younger guests, overnight family accommodation, a delicious breakfast in the morning before guests depart, and a Matilda book to take home. The packages are priced from £270 per night, based on two adults and two children sharing (luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk/news/matilda-afternoon-tea).
Afternoon tea time
Independent family brewer Hall & Woodhouse has this year launched its Woodhouse Walks, tailored circular pub walks for guests to delve into Dorset’s rich history from three of its iconic pubs. The walks have been designed in partnership with Tess of the Vale, a website providing easy-to-follow mapped routes. Each walk provides something for everyone, such as crumbling manor houses or a fossil forest, providing an educational and unique insight into the area. They’re all designed to work at any time of the year, too. We like the sound of the five-mile loop starting and ending at The Lulworth Cove Inn and taking in Bindon Hill – escape the crowds and see a different side of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, and tuck into the finest Dorset food and drink when you get back (tessofthevale.com/hall-and-woodhouse-pub-walks).
Something’s brewing
Devon’s Salcombe Brewery has relaunched its popular brewery tours for visitors this season, for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. Tours start with a welcome drink in the taproom, followed by a visit to the brewhouse and the chance to grill the experts on all things brewing. The tour ends in the taproom, where visitors will enjoy sampling Salcombe’s award-winning beers. Brewery tours cost £20 and must be booked in advance online at salcombebrewery.com. If you can’t go yourself but know someone who would love one, brewery tour vouchers can also be purchased as a gift at a price of £20 each.
A TOAST TO ENGLISH WINE
English wine producer Sharpham Wine has recently moved to a high-tech new winery with a new visitor centre and restaurant at the Sandridge Bar
