May News from the Village for the friends & guests of Hillfield's
Looking to escape from the depressing news, volcanic dust grounding all flights, BA strikes, railway strikes in the UK and France, our politicians attempting to endear themselves to us before the May elections. Moving on to happier thoughts, we’re right on the start of what must surely be, our favourite time of the year by a mile, let’s give a warm welcome to spring!
Spring has arrived and there is May Day madness a foot in the South Hams. Time and money are precious, that's why all our fabulous properties are available at Low Season prices for the imminent May Bank Holiday. This means you can book one of our charming holiday cottages to enjoy the peace and quiet in the Village and the exciting local events and attractions! Still looking for excuses?
Now the clocks have gone forward let the lighter, longer and sunnier evenings work their magic. Try beautiful beaches, unspoiled moorland, mile upon mile of coastal paths, stunning golf courses and limitless things to see and do. Picnics in the park, lambs in the fields, buds on the trees and a riot of colour from the daffodils, tulips and bluebells that carpet the ground make getting out and about such a delight. And with two Bank Holidays in May, now is the opportunity to squeeze in a short stay in a holiday cottage or why not come down for the week?
phone Caroline for late availability on 07816 074387.
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"Dart Music Festival" The 2010 Dart Music Festival (7th to 9th May) will be the 13th annual event since the Festival's inception in 1998, it's eclectic mix of orchestral, rock, choral, blues, opera, folk, jazz etc., has won the hearts of both locals and visitors alike and become one of the star events in Dartmouth's calendar. The Festival includes almost every type of music from rap to folk, from rock to orchestral, and from jazz to opera, and music is performed in venues all over the beautiful South Devon harbour town of Dartmouth, as well as on the main stage of the bandstand in Royal Avenue Gardens. The Festival is now one of the established features of the Dartmouth calendar, alongside Shakespeare Week and the Royal Regatta, and attracts great support from local residents and visitors. One of the headline acts this year is Ruby Turner. Soul, Gospel, and R&B : Ruby Turner is truly the genuine article. Blessed with a voice that can breathe life and meaning into any song, whether it be a passionate ballad or a fast groove" |
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"Alice' meets Antony" 2010 will be a year like no other for Antony. Director Tim Burton chose National Trust Antony House to be a key location for the new Disney adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, which was released in cinemas on 5 March 2010. Since filming took place at Antony, they have been inspired to create a magical wonderland. The house, garden and estate have been transformed so you can enjoy tea parties, walk through scenes from the dream-like stories of Alice, and even meet their own Mad Hatters. Mad Hatter’s tea parties every weekend and bank holiday On weekends and bank holidays you're invited to join Alice on an interactive theatrical performance round the garden. Meet some familiar characters and finish in the marquee with more games and lots of party fun. Primarily aimed at the 5 to 12 age group, the parties start at 11am and 2.30pm, and last for about an hour. Explore Your Own Wonderland Monday 31 May to Thursday 3 June Four days of Alice-themed children’s activities. Sign up as you arrive or book in advance for workshop-based activities where you can get creative. Sessions at 12 noon, 1pm and 2pm for up to 20 places each time. Workshops are aimed at 5 to 14 year old but can be enjoyed by children of all ages. Booking essential on 01752 812191 Animation workshops with a professional Saturday 3 and 10 July Full-day animation workshops run by Tanya Morel. Follow the full process from story board to final clip – a must for all budding Tim Burtons. Limited to 12 people and aimed at 11+ age group. Booking essential on 01752 812191 Daylilies Day Wednesday 7 July Come and enjoy a walk and talk around the garden, and find out about Antony’s National Collection of Hemerocallis. Plant in Time workshops Tuesday 13, Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 July Linked to a travelling exhibition, which is based at nearby Saltram House between 3 and 17 July, you're invited to contribute to the exhibition by creating a flower out of recycled materials to ‘plant’ within it. As the season develops, so will the flower display. A plant-focussed trail will also be on offer. Drop in sessions throughout each day. Normal admission applies. Because of high demand, pre-booking is advisable on 01208 |
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" Why not enjoy a break in South Devon. There are plenty of activities for your next trip. See what's on" Blackawton International Festival of Worm Charming Sunday May 2nd from 11.00 Dart Music Festival 7th May - 9th May 2010 Music for All - don't miss one of Britain's most popular music festivals! For a few days in May each year the town is full of happy people enjoying of a huge range of music in venues all over town - from rock to jazz, folk to opera, blues to choral, classical to steel bands, with kids' workshops and much much more. With a brilliant atmosphere and feel good factor there really is something for everyone, so come along, relax and enjoy the buzz. For further information our whizzy new website www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk is now available. It's still under construction but will now be updated regularly. New Mini Ninja Playtime at Woodlands Coming soon the new Mini Ninja Playtime has endless fun for little adventurers with two totally different experiences. The 15 metre Panda Adventure course has 13 mini challenges which the tiniest tot will want to finish. Crossing the shaky bridges, balancing on panda pawprints and crawling through the tubes are confidence building play exploits. The colourful Japanese Fan Houses are a delightful mix of energetic slides, 'I spy' balconies and quiet interactive play and multi surprises. Woodlands now has 8 play centres for the under fives giving them an incredible range of indoor and outdoor activities. Day Out With Thomas™ 1st - 3rd May 2010Join Thomas and Friends on 1st - 3rd May 2010 at the South Devon Railway! Ride behind Thomas - Watch Thomas stories - Meet the Fat Controller - Ride on the miniature railway - Enjoy the fairground rides - Thomas face painting - Ride around the town with Bulgie and Thomas's friends - Ride on Toad - See and cuddle friendly animals at the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm - Visit the Imagination Station with Thomas story telling, Thomas wooden play railway and Thomas colouring fun - Balloon modeler - Butterfly Farm & Otter Sanctuary. Peppa Pig and George will be trotting over to Woodlands twice this year. Monday 3rd May 2010 & Wednesday 18th August between 11.00am & 4.00pm. Peppa & George will be appearing at various times throughout the day so you will have plenty of time to see your favourite piggies at Woodlands. DARTMOUTH Dartmouth Castle – open daily 10 to 5pm. Tour the Castle and visit the Tea Rooms looking out to sea. Dartmouth Museum in the Butterwalk. Open 10 – 4pm Boat Trips: Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company – harbour cruises, trips to Totnes, coastal, wildlife and historic cruises plus the famous ROUND ROBIN including steam train and open top bus ride. Check timetables at kiosks on Embankment or in TIC. Dittisham Ferry – look for the red and yellow boats 07818 001108 – half hour trip to Dittisham village; Anchorstone Café on the river bank and two Sailing Schools. Stoke Gabriel Ferry – red and yellow boats again, this time to beautiful village with mill pond. Check timetables 07935 091681 Steam Railway; from Kingswear to Paignton. Fantastic views of river, Torbay and beaches. 01803 555872 The Flavel – Check their Programme for regular Film and Theatre listings. 01803 839530 African Queen – Fishing trips out to sea 07885 246061. Falcon II – River and Coastal and Diving Trips 07970 759172 Canoe Adventures – for all ages – have fun paddling on the River Dart. Try the 12 seater! 01803 865301. Dartmouth Boat Hire Centre – Be Skipper for the day – Kiosk on the Embankment 07850 118920. Luxury Day Charters - Explore the coastline – anchor for a picnic or visit local pub by dinghy. 09000 488607. NEAR DARTMOUTH Woodlands Leisure Park – for fantastic all weather family fun. On Totnes Road. 01803 712598. Blackpool Gardens open daily April – September. 19 Century subtropical garden. Coastal views. Park at beach. Watersport at Blackpool Sands – Windsurfing, Stand up paddle boarding, Kayaks etc 07849 758987. Greenway House & Gardens - Agatha Christies Summer Home is open Wednesday to Sunday and the best way to visit is by Greenway Ferry. Timetables in TIC or at Greenway Kiosk on corner of the BOAT FLOAT. To book car in call 01803 842382. Sailing School at Dittisham – 07973 520515 OR 01803 722365 Coleton Fishacre – D’Oyly Carte family Art Deco holiday home and beautiful grounds leading down to the sea near. Kingswear. Open Saturday – Wednesday. 01803 752466. Dartmouth Art Society Art Exhibition 2 – 21 April Sharpham Vinyard – Open March 1st to December 24th. Tours and Wine Tasting and Café. 01803 732203 Riverford Field Kitchen –tour of the organic farm and see where your lunch has been grown. 01803 762074. SRS Riding Stables – pony trekking, hacks or lessons, any age (over 6yrs) 07974 813389. Pennywell Farm & Wildlife Centre - Interactive, hands-on experience with animals: feed the piglets, milk the goats, go egg collecting, follow the treasure hunt, pony or donkey rides; get close to the animals. Falconry displays. 01364 642023 Dartington Hall & Gardens - Beautiful garden with great trees, sweeping lawns and woodland walks, a combe with terraces flowing into a wide river valley towards the sea. Japanese gravel garden, and restored courtyard garden with sculptures. 01803 862367 Paignton Zoo – committed to the conservation of plants and animals throughout the world. 01803 697500 Torquay Coastal Zoo – the best place to ‘sea life up close’. On the front at Torquay. 01803 202470. Ash Tree Farm – Local nursery specialising in Plants to Encourage Wildlife. Open Sun- Weds 07792 525070 Ocean Adventures - Bay Blasts – 50 mph super-fast power boat. Or more relaxing wildlife cruises 07900 953658. China Blue - Visit the Ceramic Studio and make all your creative dreams come true. Then come and chill out in the deliciously cool and tempting cafe and outdoor patio. 01803 860900. FORTHCOMING EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED Blackawton Worm Charming & Beer Festival 2 May Music festival 7 – 9 May Canoe Race & Beer Festival 23 May Salcombe Rowing Club Regatta 6 June Salcombe Music Festival 11 - 13 June Dartmouth Art & Craft Weekend 19 – 20 June Way with Words Dartington 9 - 18 July Salcombe Yacht Club Regatta 1 - 6 August Dartmouth Shakespeare Week 3 – 7 August (The ‘Scottish Play’ this year!) Dartmouth Regatta 26 – 28 August Torbay Sea Angling Festival 3 - 12 Sept South Devon Walking Festival 25 Sept - 3 Oct Food Festival 20 - 24 October |
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"Our Favorite place to relax and unwind!"When we have a few moments to spare we love to take a walk around the grounds of Dartington Hall. You will feel refreshed and calm once you have enjoyed an afternoon here. You can watch a film at the Barn Cinema, an independent Cinema situated in a renovated 14th century barn within the grounds of Dartington Hall. The Barn runs a wide-ranging film programme including independent art house, world and mainstream cinema, seven days a week as well as a children’s matinee programme on Saturday afternoons. They also serve lovely food at the White Hart set in the grounds of Dartington Hall Spring Menu. So on your next visit to Hillfields give Dartington Hall a try and see if you think it is a special place too? Caroline & Michael Dartington Hall was originally built in 1388 for John Holand, Earl of Huntingdon and half brother to Richard II, He was beheaded in 1400 after an unsuccessful rebellion against Henry IV. Dartington then belonged to the Crown and a number of individual owners until it was purchased in 1559 by Sir Arthur Champernowne. Sir Arthur Champernowne was Vice-Admiral of the West under Elizabeth I, a man of energy, ambition and fearless self-reliance. His successors lived at Dartington for over three hundred years, until the estate was purchased by Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst in 1925. |
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"You Can Now Book Online at Hillfields"New for 2010, you can now book 24/7 on the Hillfield Village website. Once you have decided which accommodation you prefer, you will need to check availability on the dates and prices page. You will need to click on the start date, specify the length of stay, number of adults, children and infants. When you have decided, simply click on the link to "Book Now" which will take you directly to our agents on line booking page. Fill in your details and follow through to the payment section, fill in all your credit card details in the appropriate boxes and your done! |
Court lodge, Vantage Point, and Court Cottages have recently been successfully assessed under the nationwide quality assessment scheme achieving 5 Star and 5 Star Gold. |
phone Caroline for late availability on 07816 074387..
Michael & Caroline and the Hillfield Village Team.
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