10 Reasons to holiday in Noss Mayo this Easter
Easter in Noss Mayo is a magical time. The wildflowers are adding brilliant pops of colour through the verdant woodlands. The birds are singing to you from the river banks and the sun is making the waves sparkle beautifully. So a simple walk to the beach with a picnic is joyful, you can even grab a BBQ and watch the sunset….
Here are my top 10 ideas for you and your family to try this Easter:
1. Kayaking up the Yealm
Anchor Cottage has two kayaks that you’re welcome to use during your stay. The shared private slipway makes getting in and out of the river is super easy. You can head down past The Swan and The Ship and then either head out towards the sea and find yourself a cove to park up and do a spot of swimming or turn right at the main Yealm and head upriver, you can pootle at a gentle pace until you find a river beach to do some sunbathing.
2. Woodland Wildlife Walk
You’ll find loads of great maps and walks at Anchor Cottage. There’s nice easy hour long circuits that are perfect for little legs or flatter walks for those who aren’t so fond of hills. Take your time and grab the wildlife guide from the bookshelf and see how many animals and birds you can identify. My boys used to love collecting sticks and shells and I often find a great pile of them when I come to do the changeover cleans!
3. Wild Swimming
We are blessed with a plethora of places to swim with nature. You can just get straight in outside the cottage but if you want some waves then there are two great beaches that are only a mile from Anchor Cottage. You’re only a short drive from Dartmoor which is one of my favourite places to swim in the summer. From a nice hike to a natural pool to a park and swim in the fast flowing River Dart. You’ll find all my best tips in the Anchor Cottage Guide Book.
4. Cycling the South Hams
Now I’m going to be 100% honest with you, I’m not the world’s greatest cyclist, you can probably hear my brakes squealing as I come downhill! But I have lots of friends who adore getting on their bikes and think that the South Hams is the best place in Devon for a peddle so I’ve co-opted them into putting together some of their favourite rides and these are in the guide book too.
5. SUP Yoga on the Yealm
SUP simply means Stand Up Paddleboarding and Noss Mayo is the perfect place to learn as it’s a tidal river so you’ll only have to cope with your balance and the odd dinghy rather than any waves. It’s also really safe for kids as it’s not deep outside the cottage so they can gain their confidence and if they fall off it’s only waist deep for you to help them out. Once you’re standing up it’s lovely to head down the Yealm and maybe stop at one of the three great waterside pubs for some lunch or a drink. If you’re confident on your board I can book you in for an SUP Yoga Session, I think it’s one of the best things I’ve done in the last two years. Doing yoga on the water will have you feeling zen in next to no time.
6. South West Coast Path in Noss Mayo
We’re proud supporters of the South West Coast Path and are official Wayfarers. The work that this organisation is doing to conserve the abundance of flora and fauna as well as vital access to one of the most beautiful walks in the British Isles – yes I’m biased – is heroic. Their guide book is in the cottage and gives you the opportunity to tick one of the most picturesque walks off your bucket list, if you haven’t seen Gara Point, you haven’t lived…
7. Eating Out in Noss Mayo this Easter
The kitchen at Anchor Cottage is well equipped so you can easily rustle up breakfast, lunch and dinner in its sociable 1st floor space complete with balcony for riverside views. Or you can fire up the BBQ and sip a beer or two whilst you eat. But if you fancy a break from the cooking you have definitely come to the right place. Anchor Cottage is in kayaking/Paddleboarding/walking distance of three brilliant waterside pubs. The Swan is cosy & intimate with a newly refurbished outdoor seating area overlooking Pope’s Quay, the new chef is cooking up some fabulous new dishes. The Ship is an old favourite that has plenty of seating inside and out with traditional Devon fare and some great beers. The Dolphin in Newton Ferrers has an excellent outdoor kitchen serving simple family favourites as well as indoor dining and you can cross the Voss from Noss at low tide to get there. And we have a wonderful new café that is serving cakes to die for as well as Shoreditch standard coffee that is roasted right here in Devon.
8. Britain’s Ocean City
Plymouth is only a 20 minute drive from Noss Mayo where you can indulge your inner history geek. Standing on the shore where they lit the beacon to warn of the Spanish Armada still sends shivers down my spine. Grab your fish and chips and head down to where the Mayflower set sail and then head to the museum where you can dig deep into Plymouth’s impressive maritime heritage. More of an art lover? Check out Anthony Gormley’s Look II or visit the Arts Institute. And there’s loads to do with the kids of all ages from the National Marine Aquarium to a live performance by Bastille (17th April 7pm) at Plymouth Pavilions. All my favourite places to eat, drink and hang out are in the guidebook and I’m always happy to chat through any ideas.
9. Shopping, Eating and Picking like a local this Easter
With Ben’s Farm just up the road it’s hard to resist stocking up on all sorts of locally grown goodies. From freshly baked bread to handmade scotch eggs there is so much to choose from and I’ll bet now that you’ll take home prezzies from here to thank the neighbours who have fed the cats/watered the garden! Sharpham Vineyard are just moving across the river to Sandridge Barton and will hopefully be open in time for Easter. They offer tours and tastings and there’s also lovely cheese to sample too. We’re awaiting confirmation from Pip as to whether the pick your own will be open in time for Easter, my kids used to love picking strawberries although not much of the punnets ever made it back home! I’ll keep you posted.
10. The longest independent retail street in the UK
I know people from Bristol will argue that the Gloucester Road owns this title but that wouldn’t have been possible without the independent shopkeepers of Totnes. Go on a Friday and sample the delights of the weekly food market, there are loads of vegan and vegetarian options that are packed full of taste. But a visit to Totnes is always worthwhile, there’s a castle, a river for paddleboarding and great shopping & eating, what’s not to love! Again all my best tips are reserved for my guests so book now!!!
Wherever you decide to go this Easter, even if it’s not Easter in Noss Mayo, let’s be grateful for being able to travel and enjoy being with our friends and family at long last, it’s been a long time coming.
Much love
Kaz
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