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We have sponsored a Pride in Brixham Bench!

02Oct

We have sponsored a Pride in Brixham Bench!

Forget-Me-Knot Cottage are very proud to have sponsored a Pride in Brixham Bench at Brixham harbour! Funds raised go to support ‘Pride in Brixham‘ who are a group of volunteers. They do wonderful things to upgrade and maintain the environment in and around Brixham harbour from painting to beautiful gardening schemes.

 

Charley’s Approval

On our recent trip to stay in the cottage we went to find our sponsored bench! Charley comfort tested it, she said the bench is a perfect pit stop to rest up and watch the coming and goings of harbour life, in particular the seagulls whom she is quite fascinated!

She then celebrated by picking a toy in the Animals in Distress Charity Shop, which she proudly carried around town whilst we done some shopping. 

 

Helping Reduce Plastic Waste

We had a wonderful trip down carrying out minor repairs from a busy spring/summer season. A new addition to the cottage was a filter tap, to help do our bit to reduce plastic waste. Now our guests can refill their bottles with filtered tap water and not buy bottled water for days out around South Devon.  

 

Delicious Brixham Food

We ate like kings whilst on our trip, including a delicious meal in The Old Markethouse, fish & chips from The Rockfish (or just chips in my case being vegan!) and on our last day after a busy few days I treated myself to a delicious vegan friendly chocolate orange cake from The Curious Kitchen!

 

Doggy Holiday

As always the dogs had a great time in Brixham, they enjoyed lots of fuss every time they went out and yummy biscuits from many of the shop owners who are very kind and make doggy visitors feel welcome as Brixham is so very dog friendly!

Another lovely trip down to Torbay, we are already looking forward to the next time! 🙂 

 

 

 

 

Vegan Friendly Brixham

03Jul

VEGAN FRIENDLY BRIXHAM

With the rapid rise in veganism in the UK, many restaurants  in Brixham have some really great vegan options popping up on their menus, which makes me very happy being vegan myself!

Whilst on my trips to Brixham staying at Forget-Me-Knot Cottage I try to get out to as many eateries as possible, I am a self proclaimed foodie and nothing makes me happier than discovering a new restaurant serving a tasty vegan dish.  

I have noted below the Vegan friendly Brixham Restaurants I have visited and I hope you enjoy trying them as much as I did!

 

Curious Kitchen

Almost every visit to Forget-Me-Knot Cottage I visit the Curious Kitchen, normally for tea and cake and sometimes lunch, the menu changes seasonally as do the cake options available but they have things like avocado on toasted sour dough bread with toasted seeds, roasted lemon & coriander or harrissa baked beans on sour dough toast with spring onions, dairy free milkshake, brownies & cakes. It really is a great place for a tasty brunch or lunch.

 

The Rockfish

On a visit earlier this year to Brixham I discovered where I could get vegan friendly chip shop chips!  The Rockfish restaurant have a fryer dedicated to chips which makes them vegan friendly and gluten free, I happily devoured 2 bags from the takeaway on that trip! On my next visit I went into the restaurant upstairs where I had the vegan burger and chips which was nice although I’m not personally big on meat replacements which the burger was, if you like that you won’t be disappointed! And when you run out of chips they bring more over!

 

On The Rocks

One of my favourite places to eat whilst in Brixham is ‘On the Rocks’ which is just down the steps opposite the cottage and one of the first places you come to on the harbour side.  They always have some really delicious options, I never know what to have! The accompaniments that come with them too are always really tasty!  The chips are seasoned well (and have their own fryer), the burgers are always good, on my last trip down I had the vegan tacos with violife cheese – they were excellent! Good views of the harbour if you are near the window and really great food, perfect Brixham dinner spot!

Vegan Tacos at On The Rocks, Brixham

Vegan Burger at On The Rocks, Brixham

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Old Market House 

The Old Market House on the harbour didn’t have any vegans options when I first became vegan back in 2016, however this year they have some really nice options on their menu, I have had the sweet potato and chickpea curry with rice and garlic naan which was absolutely delicious and the burger with chunky chips and houmous which again was really nice.  There are amazing views of the harbour from here and the option to eat on the upstairs balcony if the weather is good and if its winter time a cosy log fire downstairs.

 

The Guardhouse Cafe 

The Guardhouse Café on Berryhead has a good selection of vegan cake and some vegan lunches, I recently went walking on Berryhead with a friend and her lab, we stopped off before heading to St Marys Bay.  I had vegan chocolate cake and a cup of tea, even Ben the lab was given dog biscuits from the counter – absolutely perfect on a long walk to keep you going!

 

Bombay Mix

Bombay Mix Indian takeway, when I visit with my mum and my cousin we always have Indian takeway one night – I explain to them I am vegan and what  cannot eat on the phone, I usually have vegetable curry with vegetable rice, chapati and maybe a chana dish, it’s always really tasty and nice if you want dinner delivered at home (these guys are take away only).

Vegan Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry, The Old Market House, Brixham

Vegan Chocolate Cake, The Guardhouse, Berryhead, Brixham

Vegan Curry, Bombay Mix, Indian Takeaway, Brixham

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Railway Inn

The Railway Inn (was Weary Ploughman) just outside of Brixham has some good vegan options although the chips are not vegan friendly, they do a really nice vegan Sunday roast; it includes a spiced apple nut roast, herb roasted potatoes, spiced red cabbage and seasonal vegetables with a cider gravy. They also do pizzas and some other tasty sounding vegan meals.

 

The Breakwater Bistro 

The Breakwater Bistro is another one I have only just noticed have vegan options, food is pretty good although the chips aren’t vegan friendly so you get a jack potato instead, great views from here and your doggos are allowed in too! 

 

Oats Healthy Living Store

Oats Healthy Living Store, I always visit here for some vegan and organic shopping, grab my teas and nibbles for my stay. They also do vegan lunches and cream teas which I haven’t tried yet but I hear they are good and are on my vegan hitlist! 

 

Simply Fish

I have also heard that Simply Fish Takeaway & restaurant (in front of you to your left when you come down the steps) are going to have a dedicated chip fryer soon so another place to enjoy a bag of vegan chips in Brixham! I was also told they currently serve a vegan curry in their restaurant which is meant to be really nice.

**update – sadly they kitted out their new restaurant but still no dedicated chip fryer so Rockfish for chips still!

 

I am sure there are plenty of other places I haven’t yet discovered that have delicious vegan options on their menus, I shall write about those as and when I find them, if you find them before me please do let us know 🙂 

 

Happy eating in Vegan friendly Brixham!  🌱

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dog Friendly Brixham

11Jun

Dog Friendly Brixham

Enjoying the Brixham sunshine on the patio

 

Having 3 dogs of my own who are a massive part of the family I know how important it is to bring your dogs on holiday and find completely dog friendly holiday accommodation, eateries and places to visit.  Forget-Me-Knot Cottage is a Dog Friendly Cottage in Dog friendly Brixham!

Many shops you enter your dog will be allowed in and even asked if your pooch wants a biscuit, Animals in distress charity shop is always a favourite for my dogs as they know a biscuit will come their way!

I recently visited Brixham with a friend and her black lab, he came everywhere with us, we walked for miles each day on the South West Coast Path exploring coves and admiring the beautiful scenery, he even came to dinner at The Old Market House & Rockfish restaurants at the harbour and even experienced his first ride on a bus!

At my last count 14 restaurants/cafes/pubs in Brixham are dog friendly!

The Guardhouse Café on Berryhead is certainly worth a visit after a nice walk taking in all the fresh sea air and views, they have biscuits on the counter for your pooch and is a great place for Breakfast and Lunch.  They have great cake and a good vegan and gluten free selection too!

 

 

Breakwater Bistro looks over the beach and has magnificent views out to sea, it’s a great stop for breakfast, lunch & dinner and not forgetting Devon cream teas!

If you are at Fishcombe Cove, the beach café there is a great pit stop while walking and they serve a special doggy sausage treat for your pooch too!

 

Dog Friendly Restaurants in Brixham

All of the above eateries are great places to eat and take your doggy companion.

 

Swimming

At the beginning and end of season (May and September) Shoalstone Outdoor Pool has a puppy party where the pool is open exclusively for your dogs to splash around in, they provide toys and human and doggy snacks are available to buy.  Its £3 entry and all proceeds go to maintaining the pool.

If swimming is your dogs thing, there are lots of beaches open all year round for your dogs to enjoy, some of the coves and the walks to them are breathtaking!

 

Dog friendly beaches and coves open all year round in Torbay

Brixham

  • Fishcombe Cove
  • Churston Cove
  • Shoalstone Beach
  • St Marys Bay

Paignton

  • Goodrington North Beach
  • Saltern Cove
  • Elberry Cove
  • Oyster Cove
  • Fairy Cove

Torquay

  • Meadfoot Beach (North end)
  • Livermead Sands
  • Institute Beach
  • Beacon Cove
  • Peaked Tor Cove
  • Ansteys Cove

 

Many castles are also dog friendly, The Donkey Sanctuary in East Devon is always a great day out, your pooch can even join you on the South Devon Steam Railway.

With award winning beaches and coves, the South West Coast Path to explore, many shops allowing your dog in to browse and most restaurants allowing your dogs to join you, Brixham truly is Dog Friendly and an amazing holiday destination for humans and hounds alike!

xxx

 

 

 

South West Coast Path Adventures – Brixham & Beyond

23May

South West Coast Path Adventures – Brixham & Beyond

 

I recently had a stay at my lovely Cottage in Brixham ‘Forget-Me-Knot Cottage’ with my friend Susan and her black lab Ben, we explored the South West Coast Path over 2 days and I have shared our adventures below!

 

The adventures of two female intrepid explorers and a black lab named Ben…

Brixham Pirate Festival

We arrived in Brixham on a sunny but cloudy Tuesday afternoon and after a cup of tea and me giving Susan the grand tour of pretty ‘Forget-Me-Knot Cottage’ we quickly unpacked our things and took Ben the Black Lab out for some fresh sea air and exploring in the sunshine. We headed down to the harbour via  Temperance place steps, meandering past the remnants of Brixham Pirate Festival weekend which had ended the day before, we stopped and grinned at the skeleton figure hanging in a basket over the harbour – ‘poor dear soul didn’t make it out’ we joked as we made our way around the quayside.

Susan my holiday companion hadn’t been to Brixham in some 20 years so it was a trip of memories and discovering the changes over the past 2 decades.  We wandered past the marina, admiring the beautiful boats and yachts, onto breakwater beach marvelling at the crystal clear waters lapping up at the shore and on past Shoalstone outdoor swimming pool which was about to be renovated ready for another busy summer season.  We decided as it was approaching tea time it would be nice for a refreshment and walked onto Berryhead hotel where we sat outside with Salcombe South Devon Gin & tonic watching the beautiful clear waters glistening below and taking in all the lovely fresh sea air.

 

Brixham Marina

G&T at the Berryhead Hotel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That evening we (and Ben the lab) all enjoyed a meal at the Rockfish restaurant at the end of Brixham harbour, sampling some Plymouth Devon Gin and the first chip shops chips I have had since becoming vegan some years back!

 

Berryhead & Beyond

On our first morning we woke to glorious sunshine, we packed our rucksack and set off for a day of exploring the south west coast path, we walked south through Brixham and on to Berryhead National Park.  Ben loved running around the ruins and the views were just spectacular, the highlight being the lighthouse built in 1906 at the end of the cliffs where you can see out to sea for miles in every direction (Dogs need to be on leads at this point for obvious reasons!).  Walking back with slightly rumbling tummies we decided we would head to The Guardhouse Café which is situated on Berryhead, after learning about local wildlife from the lovely lady in the information centre we went into the café, I was delighted to find they had several vegan cake options for me and even biscuits on the counter for Ben the lab!

Doggy treats at The Guardhouse Cafe

Vegan cake at The Guardhouse Cafe, Brixham

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After our elevenses we headed on for St Marys Bay, enroute we saw Guillemots nesting on the rocks. It was quite some walk with some stunning views and as we finally made our way down a fair few steps we arrived at beautiful St Marys Bay, Ben had a celebratory run round the empty beach and whilst we were looking out to sea we were lucky to see porpoise in the waters!

Enroute to St Marys Bay

St Marys Bay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arriving back to the cottage Susan tells me from her fitbit we had walked some 7 miles!  We decided this deserved a hearty meal so we (and Ben) headed out to The Old Market House on the harbour for a lovely meal to round off a lovely day.

 

Vegan Curry at The Old Market House, Brixham

 

Fishcombe Cove

Waking up on Wednesday to another lovely sunny day, it was our last day to explore so decided to go north on the south west coast path, we had a route semi planned and after breakfast we set off.  We walked to the other side of the harbour and headed for Fishcombe Cove, Susan teaching me names of trees, plants and birds all the way.  Once we arrived it was as beautiful as I had remembered, we sat at the Beachside café and had a hot drink and they made Ben a hot doggy sausage snack following his swim.  The wind was up a little so we decided to carry on to our next destination.

 

Fishcombe Cove

Swimming at Fishcombe Cove

Brixham Battery Gardens

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting Lost!

We had planned to go to the next cove around the coastline which is Churston Cove however we got ourselves completely lost in ancient woodland (which was not a bad thing as it was truly beautiful!) and somehow ended up on Churston Golf Course! After a nice chat with the greenskeeper who sent us in the right direction we finally ended up at Churston Cove, I think this has to be my favourite cove – it is so very beautiful and peaceful with crystal clear waters.

Ancient Woodland Churston

Churston Cove

Ben admiring Churston Cove

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elberry Cove

Heading onto Elberry Cove surrounded by woodlands and fields and the Elberry Bath house ruins built for Lord Churston in the 18th century, we strolled past Broadsands beach and headed for our final stop ‘Goodrington Beach’, this final trek required a degree of fitness as you encounter more steps than I have ever seen! But it was certainly worth it, it was a great walk, we sat and rested while watching the steam train come past, saw some very unusual flora and finally after 5 hours and 9 miles we made it to Goodrington Beach where we sat at the Inn on the Quay Pub and shared a late lunch, we decided as we didn’t want to be walking back until dark that we should catch a bus back to Brixham – Ben’s first Bus journey!

 

How many steps..?

Dartmouth Steam Train passing through

Elberry Cove

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We rounded the final night off with a truly delicious meal at ‘On The Rocks’ at Brixham harbour, sadly Ben the lab wasn’t allowed into this restaurant, although after such a busy day of walking many miles, he was more than happy to curl up and have a nap at the cottage.

Vegan Burger and chips at On The Rocks, Brixham Harbour

 

Something I haven’t mentioned which I think I should is that Susan is in her 70s!  We walked lots of miles (at her request), she has more energy than me in my 30s – she is just amazing!  Also every Brixham restaurant and eatery mentioned caters for vegans very well which made refuelling for me after all the trekking a culinary pleasure!

A wonderful trip with amazing memories x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 2017 Visit

04Apr

Last week we finally got our first trip of the year to Forget-Me-Knot Cottage!

We visited the Otter & Butterfly Sanctuary in Buckfastleigh – otters rescued from zoos, car accidents and many places, all happily being cared for by Tim the keeper who works 7 days a week to care for these lovely animals, what an inspiring guy!

A trip to Totnes, walked the high street and a around the magnificent St Marys church just as the church organist arrived to practice, amazing!

Strolled along the harbour and down the breakwater to the lighthouse, followed by chips at the harbourside whilst listening to mellow sounds of the busker alongside us.

Finally a short drive out to Churston Court Manor House for a cup of tea and admire the 12th century surroundings and then it was time to go home.

Until the next visit…. 😉

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School Holiday Dates

04Feb

Bookings have already come in thick and fast throughout January and we only have a few school holiday dates left at the cottage!

  • Half Term 15th -19th Feb -Long weekend special £250
  • Easter 1st-17th April – still available
  • Summer holidays 23rd-30th July – Only week left!
  • Half Term 20th – 27th October
  • NYE 29th December onwards – Long weekend or week break

Book your holiday to the English Riviera today to avoid disappointment!

Fishcombe Cove

Fishcombe Cove

 

 

Brixham Spring / Summer Events 2017

14Jan

Events

With the New Year upon is its time to think holidays!

Brixham plays host to many festivals, trawlers races and nautical fun throughout the spring and summer! 

Stay with us and join in the maritime fun! 

29th April – 1st May

Brixham Pirate Festival – A swashbuckling mix of piratical fun and entertainment! The Brixham Pirate Festival is an annual gathering of the world’s most infamous pirates and lowly scallywags!

27th – 29th May

Brixfest – Music, Fireworks, Stalls, Trawler Regatta, Arts & Crafts & Childrens Day on Monday.

17th June

Trawler Race – Skippers dress the boats with bunting and battle it out with two lap race around the Bay and fun and festivities on the quayside all raising money for local charities.

14th – 15th July

Brixham, Hap’nin – Party in the Park

4th – 6th August

Brixham Steam Fair – View the wonderful working steam engines, vintage, and classic cars, lorries, military displays, market stalls and so much more.

9th September

Fishstock – The annual Fishstock Brixham festival returns to Brixham September 2016. Expect live entertainment, lots of scrumptious seafood and the chance to see working fishing boats up close and personal.

Harbour Hullabaloo – Brixham Arts & Theatre Society put the Fun into Fundraising on the Old Fish Quay, Brixham at Harbour Hullabaloo. The volunteers will be staging fun and games, as well as having all sorts of stalls and items for you to buy.

Torbay Lifeboat Week – Torbay Lifeboat Station based in Brixham close to the famous Breakwater becomes the centre of a series of events planned by the local volunteers and sponsors for the whole family.

And don’t forget every Thursday is pirate Thursday at the harbourside!

Mondays and Thursday play host to Brixhams Town Band

Fishmarket tours are held most Wednesdays

And many sailing championships held throughout the summer!

If you are lucky you will get to see the dolphins and seals that frequent the bay!

Doggy Holidays

02Oct

It’s October which means all the beaches are open for the furbabies to enjoy!  🐶

  1. Fantastic beaches for Fido

The first thing that comes to our minds when we think of dog-friendly Devon attractions is of course our region’s wonderful range of beaches.

With the highest concentration of Blue Flag beaches in England and winners of the Cleanest Beaches Award 2011, the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay, has some of the best beaches in the country.

The English Riviera has 22 miles of coastline, all of which can be discovered on the South West Coast Path, which runs along South Devon’s beautiful bay between Maidencombe in the north and Sharkham Point in the south.,

Visit the English Riviera Geopark! 400 Million years of unique geology all within the 22 miles of coastline. From Berry Head to Hopes Nose and beyond there is so much to see and do for all ages!

The below beaches are open all year round for our doggy friends;

Beacon Cove, Fishcombe Cove, Teignmouth River Beach, Ness Cove Beach, Shoalstone Beach, Babbacombe Beach, Shaldon Beach, Goodrington North Beach, Teignmouth Town Beach, Fairy Cove, Dawlish Town Beach, Dartmouth, Coryton Cove Beach, Goodrington North Beach, Elberry Cove, Livermead Beach

 

  1. Walks to get tails wagging

Back home, most of us tend to repeat a certain number of walks we know well. One of the delights of a holiday in the countryside is the chance to discover new trails, whether through woodland, along the coast, or across unspoilt farmland. Walking through our region, you’ll uncover unforgettable panoramas, hidden coves, ‘secret’ picnic tables and benches, and much more.

That’s why a simple stroll with your four-legged friend is number two on our list of dog-friendly Devon attractions.

 

  1. A pint with the pooch

Lots of dog owners comment that having a pet helps them appreciate the simple things in life – for example, fresh air and exercise, companionship and generally making the most of the moment. It follows that the best dog-friendly Devon attractions are about straightforward pleasures like beaches, walks and the humble pint in the pub.

Indeed, no holiday in the countryside is complete without a drink in a traditional, cosy old inn, whether that means relaxing in a beer garden on a sunny day or warming yourselves by an open fire in the winter.

Some of the most popular pubs in South Devon offer a warm welcome to customers bringing their canine companions. In one case, there’s even dog beer on the menu!

 

  1. The South Devon Railway welcomes Rover

The South Devon Railway offers a chance to step back in time to experience the golden age of steam. Ironically, what was once a symbol of the breakneck speed of industrial living has come to represent a gentler, more civilised way of life. Arrive early in Buckfastleigh to appreciate the quaint little station, with its museum, shop and café.

The scenic rail journey follows a beautiful stretch of the River Dart to Totnes, via the village of Staverton. Enjoy a cup of tea and a snack from the buffet carriage as you take in the views. The experience is made all the sweeter by the fact you can bring your four-legged friend along with you.

 

  1. Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat

Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company offers a range of dog-friendly trips. These include a steam railway ride from Dartmouth to Paignton and back – taking in some spectacular riverside, woodland and coastal views. Plus, there’s a range of boat trips, as well as the option of the ‘Round Robin’. This is a combined rail, river and bus journey, taking in Dartmouth, Paignton and Totnes.

 

  1. Canine-friendly castles

It’s probably a fair assumption that your dog won’t be particularly interested in the rich history of South Devon. But it will still appreciate being able to tag along with the family, getting the stimulation of new smells, sights and textures as you explore one of South Devon’s castles.

Dartmouth Castle

The castle’s purpose may have changed beyond all recognition – from keeping outsiders at bay to drawing them in – but it remains an impressive, imposing complex of buildings. Work on Dartmouth Castle began in the late 14th Century, and the fort remained militarily relevant right up to and including the Second World War. Discover the history of this fascinating building and bring your dog along.

Dartmouth Castle Ferry

A ferry runs from the Embankment in Dartmouth to just outside the castle and dogs are welcome to come for the ride. Since the Castle sits just on the edge of the South West Coast Path, why not take the ferry from the centre of Dartmouth? That way, you can reserve some energy for the walk to Blackpool sands.

Totnes Castle

There’s yet more South Hams history to discover with your dog. The motte and bailey castle in Totnes, worth visiting for the spectacular views alone, is happy to accommodate your four-legged friend. Perhaps if you’re completing the popular Round Robin, a visit to this glorious Norman castle could fit perfectly with your plans.

 

  1. Pennywell Farm – a Devon attraction with a day kennel

Understandably, South Devon’s many animal attractions are unable to permit dogs. But Pennywell Farm, a popular petting zoo particularly adored by younger children, offers free day kennels for visitors. So you can leave your dog in their capable hands as you discover a world of adorable animals, from miniature pigs to giant horses.

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Brixham Halloween & Firework Fun!

20Sep

Stay at Forget-Me-Knot-Cottage for Halloween and Bonfire night!

Visit Kent Caverns spooky cave tours and underground pumpkin hunt!

Or how about Halloween scary fun on-board the Golden Hind Ship, Spooktastic Halloween week in Brixham – there bee Walk the Plank, Spot the Skulls as well as a guest appearance from Shirley the Skeleton. Come Trick or Treat us if yee dare!

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