The West Country Journal

09/08/2024

Looking for a peaceful escape in the heart of Somerset? 🌿 Discover our top 10 favourite spots for tranquillity and natural beauty, from the serene Brean Down to the mystical Glastonbury Tor.

Whether you’re seeking solitude or simply want to reconnect with nature, these stunning locations offer the perfect retreat. 🌳✨

Read the full story at https://www.westcountryjournal.com/post/somerset-top-10-places-for-peace

05/08/2024

🌊🏘️ Nestled on the North Devon coast, Clovelly is a village like no other, bursting with charm and history. Here are some lesser-known facts about this picturesque spot:

1️⃣ Clovelly has been privately owned since the 13th century, ensuring its preservation and unique character remain untouched by modern development.

2️⃣ Clovelly was once a bustling fishing port, and its harbour dates back to the 14th century. The village's maritime heritage is celebrated in the Clovelly Maritime Festival each summer.

3️⃣ Throughout history, Clovelly has inspired many artists and writers, including Charles Kingsley, who penned part of his novel, “Westward Ho!” while staying here.

Clovelly is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true Devonshire experience! 🌸🏡

22/07/2024

🌞 We are thrilled to present the summer edition of ‘The West Country Journal,’ your ultimate guide to the wonders of Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall!

🌿✨ Dive into a season of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and thriving local businesses. From outdoor adventures to serene wellness retreats, our magazine celebrates the unique charm of the West Country.

Explore insightful articles, local shopping guides, and more. Embrace the magic of summer with us! 🌸🏞️

👉🏼 https://www.westcountryjournal.com/monthly-magazine

09/03/2024

Somerset offers a delightful array of spots for those seeking the perfect blend of coffee and cake. In our latest piece, we explore some of the best places where you can indulge in these treats, whether you're a local or just passing through. ☕️🍰

Read it at https://www.westcountryjournal.com/post/somerset-s-finest-spots-for-a-coffee-and-cake-stop

You can read more like this in our latest Spring edition too. 🗞

04/03/2024

🌿 Unveiling The West Country Journal - Spring 2024 Edition 🌿

We’re over the moon to present the first issue of ‘The West Country Journal,’ your digital guide to Somerset, Cornwall, and Devon’s marvels. This edition is your passport to Spring in the West Country, exploring its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and spirited local businesses. ⭐️

Embark on an enchanting journey through scenic beauty and local tradition, celebrating the magic of the West Country. From insightful articles to local shopping guides, our magazine is a tribute to the region we adore.

Read or download your copy at https://linktr.ee/westcountryjournal

If you’d like to contribute, please drop us a message or email [email protected].

22/01/2024

Devon, with its picturesque landscapes and quaint towns, is also home to some of the finest bakeries in the UK. Whether you're a local or just visiting, indulging in the delectable offerings from these top bakeries is a must.

Here are ten recommended bakeries, each offering their own unique and mouth-watering baked goods ⬇️⬇️⬇️

There's something undeniably enchanting about stepping into a bakery, where the air is rich with the scent of freshly baked bread, the counters gleam with an array of golden pastries, and every bite promises a story of tradition and craft. Devon, with its picturesque landscapes and quaint towns, is....

16/01/2024

If you're searching for some new walks this year, look no further than Wimbleball Lake!

There is a short, linear walk to the dam which should take approximately 30 minutes or for the more adventurous walker, there is a challenging 9 mile hike around the lake perimeter.🚶‍♀️

You could even bring your dog (or cat) along on a lead and enjoy a walk with the whole family. 🐶

See walks here: https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/wimbleball-lake

16/01/2024

Are you feeling blue this Monday? 😞 Don’t let the winter blues get you down. There’s a simple cure: start to plan your next holiday or short break in Ilfracombe! 😍

Ilfracombe is a charming seaside town in North Devon, from where you can enjoy:

Beautiful award-winning beaches 🏖️
Amazing coastal views 🌊
Stunning sunsets 🌅
Thriving arts scene 🎨
Fantastic cafes, bars and restaurants 🍽️
Many family attractions 🎡
World surfing reserve 🏄‍♂️
Boat trips and water activities ⛵
Incredible wildlife, flora and fauna 🐬
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, a fun-filled adventure, or a cultural experience, Ilfracombe has something for everyone. 🙌

You’ll find a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget, including campsites, hotels, B&Bs, holiday lets and hostels. 🛏️

Visit www.visitilfracombe.co.uk now for inspiration and a complete directory of accommodation, activities and everything you need to know. 🌐

Make 2024 the year you and beat those blue monday blues. 😎

Book your holiday today and get ready to experience the magic of Ilfracombe. ✨

15/01/2024

13/01/2024

We're so lucky to be surrounded by such stunning wildlife at the Palace!

📸 Image credit: Tristan Martin

12/01/2024

A great, dog friendly spot in Somerset. 🐕

Keep your eyes peeled on our site for more dog friendly locations in the West Country… coming soon 👀

There’s endless fun for your furry friends at Brean Beach 🐾

Did you know, our beach is dog friendly all year round. With 7 miles of open space, it really is a dog’s paradise. 🐶 🌊

Find out more about Brean at https://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/brean-and-berrow

12/01/2024

Somerset offers a plethora of activities that can turn a rainy or grey day in January into an enjoyable experience. 🌧

Our latest article is your key to transforming a rainy day into an adventure filled with local culture, community spirit, and the best of Somerset's offerings. From quaint shops to historical haunts, get ready to explore the heart of the county in a way that not only entertains but also uplifts the local economy and embraces the richness of Somerset life.

Read all about it ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Somerset offers a plethora of activities that can turn a rainy or grey day in January into an enjoyable experience. This guide is your key to transforming a rainy day into an adventure filled with local culture, community spirit, and the best of Somerset's offerings. From quaint shops to historical....

08/01/2024

Have you noticed the amazing wave of plastic-free pantries sweeping through the West Country? ♻️

This isn't just a trend; it's a heart-warming embrace of a greener, community-focused way of life. And let me tell you, we've got some real gems in Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall! ⭐️

Find out more ⬇️

Have you noticed the amazing wave of plastic-free pantries sweeping through the West Country? This isn't just a trend; it's a heart-warming embrace of a greener, community-focused way of life. And let me tell you, we've got some real gems in Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall! Ditching plastic is like gi...

05/01/2024

January in Devon is a time of crisp mornings, serene landscapes, and an array of activities that cater to all tastes. 🧡

While exploring this picturesque county in the quieter post-Christmas season, there’s also a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the local economy through mindful spending at local businesses. 💰

Find out more about what to do in January in Devon in our latest post:

January in Devon is a time of crisp mornings, serene landscapes, and an array of activities that cater to all tastes. While exploring this picturesque county in the quieter post-Christmas season, there’s also a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the local economy through mindful spending at lo...

02/01/2024

In the midst of the cost of living crisis, many are tightening their belts and looking for budget-friendly ways to enjoy their free time.

Somerset offers a plethora of free activities that not only help in saving pennies but also provide immense well-being benefits. We've put together a handy guide to some of the best free things to do in Somerset ⬇️⬇️⬇️

In the midst of the cost of living crisis, many are tightening their belts and looking for budget-friendly ways to enjoy their free time. Somerset offers a plethora of free activities that not only help in saving pennies but also provide immense well-being benefits. Here's a guide to some of the bes...

23/05/2023

Living in the South West, we are blessed with an abundance of scenic landscapes and walking routes right on our doorsteps. Even if you live in one of our more urban areas, the likelihood is that you won't have to go far before you spot some nature. 🌿

Well, not only does it look beautiful, but getting outside in nature has a plethora of health benefits too. And the best bit? You don’t need a gym membership, transportation, or special equipment: you just need to walk right out your front door. ✨

To help you get started, we've put together a handy list of local organisations that might be able to help:

https://www.westcountryjournal.com/post/unveiling-the-benefits-of-walking-in-the-south-west-and-how-you-can-get-started

(Featuring: Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership - SASP, Quantock Landscape Partnership Scheme, Somerset Walking Club, theadventuregirlsclub, Q***r Hiking Bristol, Tamar Valley AONB, Devon Wildlife Trust, Blackdown Hills Aonb, Cornish Ramblings, Walk Kernow, Cornwall AONB, National Trust)

Living in the South West, we are blessed with an abundance of scenic landscapes and walking routes right on our doorsteps. Even if you live in one of our more urban areas, the likelihood is that you won't have to go far before you spot some nature. Well, not only does it look beautiful, but getting....

18/05/2023

The South West region is known not only for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture but also for its delectable cuisine. 🥓🥩🥔🥖🎣🍺

With an abundance of fresh ingredients, diverse culinary traditions, and a thriving community of local producers and businesses, the South West has established itself as a hub of gastronomic excellence.

In our latest piece, we explore why we believe that the UK's best food is produced in the South West and highlight the importance of supporting our local producers and businesses across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

https://www.westcountryjournal.com/post/the-culinary-delights-of-the-south-west-supporting-local-producers-and-businesses

28/03/2023

With Easter around the corner, we thought we'd put together some of our favourite Easter recipes on the web. 🐣

So whether you're entertaining loved ones, or simply fancy cooking yourself something indulgent - these recipes are for you:

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With Easter around the corner, we thought we'd put together some of our favourite Easter recipes on the web.