A family weekend in Devon: Totnes, Dartmouth and Blackpool Sands beach

I adore my student life in Bristol (not exactly breaking news, I know), but a weekend away truly is a delight.

Last weekend my sister (who also has a hilarious blog, by the way), parents, dogs and I escaped to a cosy cottage by the sea in Devon, and it was a real treat.

This was hanging in our bedroom in the cottage – isn’t it great?

I think I definitely did all those things. Except 'see the sunrise'. Because that would clash with 'sleep in', silly. And I don't like getting up early. *shudders at prospect*

So anyway, my dears, I loved exploring a new part of England - we mustn't forget to be tourists on our own doorsteps - and I thought I’d share some highlights from our trip with you.


Totnes

It may not be a huge place but Totnes is an utterly charming little town. It was bustling with life on the Saturday morning we visited, and the blue sky was the perfect backdrop for exploring.

We wandered up the main street, browsing in lovely independent gift shops and peering through the windows of the many enticing-looking tea-rooms, cafes and bakeries.

OK, so we may have stopped off to buy a little summin’ summin’ at one of them, but the above date-banana-cashew slices were too good to resist! May have to try and recreate them myself. I'll keep ya posted.

I also spotted an amazing number of vegan/veggie cafes which was super cool.


Dartmouth

Next stop: Dartmouth!

Bigger than Totnes and full of life, the town was looking beaut in the sunshine.

How incredible is this view!?

I’m all about the colourful houses. I also love that the town has a port - there's something lovely about being by a large body of water, don'tcha think?

Dartmouth definitely had charm and was perfect for a little lunch stop.

As we left the town a couple of hours later we spotted the most incredible view and, like the diva I am, I insisted my chauffeur father pull over so I could take a quick snap or two.

Too pretty.


Blackpool Sands beach

To the beach!

This name is confusing on multiple levels: firstly, the beach is not in Blackpool. It's actually not far from Dartmouth. And secondly, if I'm going to be picky it's more stony than sandy.

However I can forgive the beach for that because it was looking stunning! Don't these pictures look like they're of somewhere far more exotic than Devon?

Ahhh, don't you just love the beach? I haven't been to many coastlines lined with cliffs and really appreciated the bright colours of the sea, sand and hills all drenched in late-afternoon sunlight.

Needless to say, the dogs were loving it even more than we were.

Sis working the colour pops

However, it was cold. I mean coooooold! Hence these facial expressions:



And then, seemingly literally out of the blue, the heavens opened. I actually watched the rain make its way across the beach towards us which was both cool and terrifying in equal measures.

A mad dash to the car ensued, and boy oh boy, were we glad to get back to our cosy cottage.

Love this pic of Tippy taken by the sis.

Our relaxing weekend culminated with a stop-off in Exeter. We went for luncheon at Urban Burger, and oh ma days, I just have to tell you about it because it was diviiiiine!

My burger (the top one) was actually veggie: layers of halloumi, grilled peppers, aubergine and courgette, houmous, tzatziki and salad in a gluten-free bun with sweet potato fries on the side. It was so so good, but I think I'm going to have to go back for a meaty affair too.

There was just time for a snood selfie - all knitted by my extremely talented mother - before we said goodbye to Holly and hit the road again, dropping me off in Bristol soon after. 

Family, food and exploring new places. Oh yes indeedy. That's the stuff.

Have you been to Devon? Do let me know where else I should visit!