Family Holiday, Bude, Cornwall April 2010

We’ve just returned from a short break to Bude, Cornwall.  We were absolutely blessed with the weather and I can’t recommend the place we stayed at enough.  Just for the record I do not get any kick backs of any type for recommending this place.  We stayed at the Atlantic Cottages on the West Grove Farm just on the outskirts of Bude.  I originally found it on Friendly Baby Boltholes but I was a bit cheeky and went direct in the end.

To be honest it cost a wee bit more than what we budgeted for but was worth every penny.  We were only going to go for 3 days but husband managed to negotiate a great deal for two extra nights (£20).  Prior to arrival the communication was excellent.  We received a very warm welcome from Verity and her family.  The cottages are gorgeous and kitted out to a very high standard; flat screen TVs, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, TUMBLE Dryer and a wireless connection but I didn’t dare bring my laptop or I would’ve ended up in divorce court.

Bude itself is not spectacular but the beaches are.  You’re minutes away from Summerleaze, Crooklet, Northcott Mouth, Sandy Mouth, Widemouth and Crackington Haven beaches. The only downside is that we had to drive to the beaches but it really wasn’t a problem.  The bonus was being able to return to the farm after a day out and our 2 year old could run wild.  As it is a working farm there were loads of animals to chase around (dogs, cats, pigs, sheep, hens, geese and goats) and children are also invited to help at feeding times. The highlight of my daughter’s holiday was Tess the farm dog!

As the weather was so nice we really didn’t need more than the beaches but we did go on a couple of small excursions.

Boscastle

A stunning little port with a natural harbour. Make sure you go first thing in the morning or parking is a problem.  If you arrive early like we did you can always get a full English breakfast at the B and B on the corner.

Port Isaac

As we are fans of Doc Martin we had to make the short trip to Port Isaac to see the doctor’s surgery.  The scenery was stunning but the public car park sticks in my mind.  It wasn’t a problem if you remembered to move your car when the tide came in at 3pm!

Morewenstow

A gorgeous little hamlet with a church, tea room and a pub.  From the church you can walk a short way to the cliffs edge and see ‘Hawkers Hut’ the National Trusts smallest building.  It is tucked in the cliff edge and isn’t for the faint hearted.  I’m terrified of heights and nearly had kittens walking down to it.

Make sure you stop at the Bush Inn, a 13th Century Freehouse with stunning surroundings and good beer and food.

We had an absolutely amazing time and would definitely recommend a visit to the area.  There are so many things that we didn’t manage to see so we will have to go back!

Baby on Board!

Hate is too strong of a word, but I really don’t like these signs:

Firstly, I find them insensitive.  Whoopee! Well done, we managed to procreate and are enjoying all that comes with being a parent but do we have to flaunt it.  Imagine driving home after your 3rd failed attempt at IVF and all you see is these damn things everywhere.

Secondly, they don’t make me drive any differently around you. In fact, I may get even more aggressive and heaven help you if you get distracted by your children in the backseat and do something stupid like brake suddenly, forget to indicate or miss a green light.  Don’t even get me started on those mirrors you can put in the back so you can spend the whole time looking in the rear view mirror!

As you can tell I suffer a bit from road rage.  I do a lot of driving for work and turn into a bit of an animal behind the wheel.  Somewhere along the line, I’ve decided that I own the road and the rest of you are in my way.  Yes, if you are in the fast lane going 70 mph I will fly up behind you at 90 mph and if you don’t get out of the way I will flash my lights.  I don’t care if you’re a burly builder and I won’t hesitate to flip you the bird.

Maybe I should get one of these:

I’m a Grumpy Old Woman. Are you? Help yourself to a badge.

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