6 Last-Minute Easter Escapes

Lift your spirits with a last-minute Easter escape to the West Country!

Slapton-Sands-Beach

It’s been a long winter, but spring is finally coming, and with it the prospect of some extra days off work. If you haven’t already made plans, there’s still time to book a last-minute Easter break.

Whilst we can’t guarantee heat and sunshine (although you might be lucky!), there are plenty of other reasons to spend the Easter holidays in the South West.

You’re never far from the coast here, and it’s well documented that spending time near the sea is good for our physical and mental health. Crashing waves, big skies, fresh air and beautiful seascapes draw us outdoors, inspiring us to slow down and appreciate the natural scenery rather than rushing around at our usual mindless pace.

soar-mill-cove

The seaside is also the perfect place to get physically active. Whether you choose coast walks, wild swimming, water sports or family ball games on the beach – all of these are much more appealing than spending the long weekend catching up on DIY at home!

If the weather drives you indoors, there are plenty of cosy pubs – including dog-friendly ones – and renowned seafood restaurants where you can shelter from the elements whilst enjoying excellent hospitality.

Regardless of whether Easter weekend brings spring or a last blast of winter, here’s our pick of 6 cosy West Country holiday cottages (with availability at time of writing) for a refreshing Easter weekend break…

South Devon

1 Lower Sandbanks, Bigbury-on-Sea (sleeps 4)

A small but exceptionally delightful property offering luxurious, modern accommodation just minutes from some of the most beautiful beaches and coastal footpaths in England. Tucked away along a quiet residential lane in the heart of Bigbury-on-Sea village, this ultra-contemporary apartment has been designed to the highest specification. With two bedrooms, open plan living space, and a cedar decked balcony from where you can enjoy views across to the iconic Burgh Island. Surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, kite surfing and all your favourite beach activities can be enjoyed within minutes of leaving the apartment on foot.

1-Lower-Sandbanks-Bigbury

Neptune, Thulestone (sleeps 4)

This beachside end of terrace cottage offers modern holiday accommodation right on the glorious South West coastal path. With a balcony overlooking the pool (open May to Sep) and a private sun terrace from where you can climb straight down onto the sandy beach with rock pools to explore and plenty of opportunities to swim, surf, windsurf, or paddle a SUP or kayak. The cottage offers easy access to Thurlestone village and its renowned golf course and spa hotel, as well as its friendly village pub serving delicious food. The coast path provides beautiful walks to places like Hope Cove, with its popular pub and café bar just 15-20 minutes on foot. You also have the popular Beachhouse café restaurant right on your doorstep at South Milton Sands. The Ley Nature Reserve immediately to the rear of the cottage provides exceptionally good bird watching opportunities.

7 @The Beach, Torcross (sleeps 4)

Right on the seafront at Torcross, this apartment offers stylish modern accommodation featuring patio doors opening onto a sea-facing balcony with stunning views across Start Bay over to Start Point Lighthouse. The lively village of Torcross is situated at the southern end of the glorious stretch of pebbly beach known as Slapton Sands. The village has a shop, restaurant, thatched tea room and popular pub, The Start Bay Inn, which is renowned for its fish and chips. The beautiful freshwater lake, Slapton Ley, stretches behind the village leading into a nature reserve, and is a lovely place for walks and nature spotting. Meanwhile the bustling market town of Kingsbridge is 20 minutes away by car, and the picturesque yachting town of Salcombe is just another 15 minutes further on.

7-at-the-beach-torcross

Cornwall

Tudor Cottage, Looe (sleeps 4)

Tudor Cottage is a cosy Grade II listed cottage situated in the historic streets of East Looe. With its beautiful oak front door, large welcoming fireplace with woodburning stove and original beams, it offers characterful accommodation in the heart of this lively historic fishing port. There are plenty of seaside activities on your doorstep, including sandy beaches, rock pooling, crabbing, fishing trips and miles of scenic coast paths along the unspoilt Cornish coastline.

Dorset

5 Red Sails, Sandbanks (sleeps 8)

This modern four-bedroom, mid-terraced town house is located right in the heart of Sandbanks – just a few minutes’ walk from the award-winning sandy beaches and beautiful sea views. The property is stylishly presented, offering comfortable, family-friendly holiday accommodation for up to 8 guests. Sandbanks is a small peninsula that juts out into Poole Harbour – famed for its vast stretch of golden sandy beach that runs the length of the peninsula and beyond. There are also many amenities, with high quality bars, cafes, shops and restaurants on your doorstep, as well as the opportunity to partake in many water sports.

5-Red-Sails-Sandbanks

Rose Cottage, Bridport (sleeps 4)

Rose Cottage is one of four holiday cottages set in beautiful grounds, close to the vibrant market town of Bridport, the pretty harbour at West Bay and the lovely seaside village of Burton Bradstock. This former hay barn has been recently converted to provide comfortable and stylish accommodation, including an open-plan living area, 2 bedrooms and a private outside patio with beautiful views over open countryside. With so many lovely places to visit in the vicinity, this cottage provides the perfect base for a family holiday exploring the beautiful Dorset coast and countryside.

Book your perfect Easter holiday in the West Country