Tuesday 10 November 2015

Things to do when staying at Stoke Lodge in Autumn & Winter

Although it is a fantastic place to stay in Summer when the sun is shining, there is a ton of stuff to do through the Winter. Here are some suggestions:



Find a great cafe and enjoy a hot cuppa or soup to warm you up. Not to mention really good Devon food. There are some amazing cafes such as Cafe Alf Resco in Dartmouth, the Venus Cafe at Blackpool Sands (but check opening times) and many many more to explore.



In Plymouth you will find the National Marine Aquarium a wonderful destination for all the family.




We love walking on beaches in the Winter, there's just something a bit wild about it. And we are close to some really fantastic award winning ones. 



How about a trip on a real steam train? We are close to the Dartmouth Steam Rail and Riverboat Company line that comes to Kingswear. This runs through the most spectacular countryside and coast lines of South Devon. 




Candlelit Dartmouth is an annual event where children and parents turn out 'en masse' with paper lanterns and a full parade winds through the heart of the town. There are market stalls and the children meet Santa who arrives at the Boatfloat in a boat instead of a sledge.


There are really good river and sea trips throughout most of the year so you can wrap up warm and enjoy being on the water.


Interested in history? Then a visit to Dartmouth Castle is a must. Guarding the mouth of the River Dart you can take a tour and then buy souvenirs in the gift shop. Fabulous views out to sea.




We know that lots of our guests are members of the National Trust. There are dozens of venues to visit in Devon of course and we are lucky to have two of the best right on our doorstep: Coleton Fishacre (above) near Brixham and...


...the home of Agatha Christie, Greenway House, up the river towards Dittisham.


For those of you who love walking we offer a tremendous selection of wonderful Devon to see. Dartmoor is less than an hour away and is breathtakingly beautiful...


...and of course Stoke Lodge is situated right on the South West Coast Path voted the best part of the whole of the UK Coastal Path. Don't forget to wrap up warm!

Did we mention steam? Well it's not just trains of course. Dartmouth is famous for being the birth place of Thomas Newcomen, inventor of the atmospheric steam engine (original full size working model in the Tourist Office in Dartmouth) so we also have a Paddle Steamer, the Kingswear Castle.



Fancy something inside in the warm? Then the Flavel Art Centre, Library and Cinema in the middle of Dartmouth is for you. Exhibitions, theatre, live screenings, Comedy Festival, Music Festival venue, Digital Cinema, live music, talks and lots more offer a really full programme year round.


Sometimes though, you may want to just curl up in the lounge with a mug of tea and a book and that can be as enjoyable as anything!














Monday 20 July 2015

South West Coast Path - Dartmouth to Stoke Fleming

Stoke Lodge Hotel sun terrace – perfect end to a perfect walk..!

We've just had the most marvellous day walking from Dartmouth to Stoke Fleming.


Living as we do in the middle of a busy town, I can’t think of a better way of relaxing and connecting with nature than a walk along the coastal path – especially as it wasn't really planned but turned out to be really rewarding and enjoyable. Nerves had been feeling slight shredded and we needed to unwind so this really did the trick - returned feeling quite refreshed and rejuvenated, I can tell you!





It was lovely to leave the hustle and bustle of Dartmouth and head for the hills – or in this case Dartmouth Castle where we took the SWCP.

We started with a gently undulating walk through sunny woodlands with the sight and sound of the turquoise sea always on our left, and followed the path around the headland with spectacular views of the soaring cliffs, craggy rocks and the sparkling sea –speckled all along the way with the white sails of a whole host of boats by courtesy of the Classic Sailing Regatta, which we hadn't even realised was on that day!  Very accommodating of them to arrange this for our entertainment, we felt…

The weather too was rather accommodating for us - the sun shone most of the time but we still had the pretty fluffy white clouds in the very blue sky, and a lovely sea breeze was thoughtfully provided to cool us along our way.

We saw swifts and swallows as we were walking along the paths, and on one of our many stops to enjoy the view we caught sight of some gannets, and a little further along admired the shags and cormorants on the rocks, just sunning themselves and drying their wings and - such a lovely sight to see.


We made a short detour from the main path about half way through the walk to visit Compass Cove. Sitting there on the small, almost-empty beach – with just one other quiet couple collecting pebbles and shells – we enjoyed our simple picnic of French bread, cheeses and a bottle of chilled beer.

We could literally feel the tension draining out of us as we sat against the warm rocks, gazing at the waves landing softly on the beach and watching a rock pipit hopping in and out of – well, the rocks! Didn’t realise they were such pretty little birds and luckily we had our binoculars with us so we could see its lovely markings really clearly. We agreed with the friendly pebble-collectors that sitting quietly on this secluded beach on a sunny day watching the sea was surely the closest thing to paradise you could get!



We rather reluctantly left the Cove, promising to treat ourselves to a return very soon, and continued along the path through green fields and always with within sight and sound of the sea, coming out onto a wide grassy area directly overlooking the coast where there were skylarks singing high above us.


We spotted Stoke Fleming village in the distance and – more excitingly – were lucky enough to see a peregrine hunting and soaring over the cliffs.





This was our personal highlight for the day and quite a sight to behold - he entertained us with his aerial displays for more than ten minutes…and all less than a mile from Stoke Lodge Hotel!



With this and thoughts of chilled lager in mind, we continued along the rest of the path tired but happy, and once reaching the village turned left out of Redlap Lane for the short walk down the hill to the Hotel.

Sitting with the aforementioned chilled lager on the lovely sun terrace overlooking the sea to recharge our batteries before catching the Dartmouth bus, we agreed that this was just about the most perfect way to end what for us had turned out to be a perfect day.

In fact so much so, I felt compelled to write and tell you about it - hence this blog post!

Guest Blogger - Nature Walker

Monday 15 June 2015

Exploring Wildlife on the local South West Coastal Path (SWCP)

The SWCP by the Erme Estuary


Following the road down the East side of the Erme Estuary past the village of Kingston we came to a dead end and parked the car. From there, we walked ahead and just before the small beach turned left off the path and joined the SWCP

Walking along the wooded section it then opened up along the headland. After about 30mins walking we arrived at an area between Muxham Point and Fennycombe Point. We were walking along there when we spotted a Peregrine flying about 50 feet away over the sea and parallel to us on the path. It swept along and was soon out of sight around the headland but gave us a great view and we were thrilled. Thinking that was all we would experience we carried on.

Then, around 2 or 3 minutes later, it re-appeared behind us over the fields. It stopped in mid-air and hovered, holding it's wings straight out. It was quite gusty and the falcon manoeuvred 'on the spot' mainly by adjusting its tail
feathers. It then proceed to entertain us with a wonderful display of flying and hovering for around 5 minutes or more, all within 100 feet or so.  Through the binoculars it was a magnificent sight and looked to be a tiercel or male Peregrine. It put up quite a few herring gulls during this time and they seemed quite anxious, understandably. 

Eventually the peregrine flew off inland working its way across the fields
evidently hunting but without catching anything. This was a brilliant sighting of my favourite British bird and means we will be back along this lovely stretch of coastal path quite often in future to catch more sightings.

The coastal views are pretty good as well! Well recommended. 

Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve

A walk around the Ley!



First up, what is Slapton Ley

It's a National Nature Reserve which is based at the largest freshwater lake in South West England being 1.5 miles long. It is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Geological Conservation Review Site. There is a Field Centre just up the road from the Ley. 



Where is it?

It is located just a few minutes down the road from the hotel. Just off the A379 between Kingsbridge and Dartmouth and lies within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. (AONB)


What's it like?

It is a peaceful wildlife sanctuary with a footpath around one side that allows you to connect directly with nature. Follow this link to find out more.





Why should I visit?

Well we like to go there to unwind. Just strolling around the footpath with a pair of binoculars, listening and looking at the birds in amongst the reeds, out on the open water, in the air above or in the trees and woodlands is just so relaxing. Certain times of year are particularly special. In the Autumn, Starlings gather just before dusk to roost in the reed beds. Tens of thousands of them swirl in a murmuration that is a true spectacle and not to be missed. At other times it is chicks and ducklings to see or just passing visitors. 
Surely something for all bird and nature lovers all year round.




Tuesday 28 April 2015

Visit to Devon Bird of Prey Centre

A 'must visit' place for your Wildlife Break!


This week we drove to a very special nature attraction at Ipplepen just outside Totnes. This is home to the Devon Bird of Prey Centre owned and run by Karen Andriunas and a small band of enthusiastic helpers. Karen is amazing with so much passion for these birds and unlimited energy. The Centre is set in beautiful rolling Devon countryside with views across to Dartmoor.

We arrived just after lunch on a very cold grey April day but as soon as we saw the amazing collection of birds we were captivated.
Galahad




 Ranging from Golden Eagles to Merlins and almost everything in between there was a bird for everyone to admire. Over 40 birds are normally kept on site. As well as British birds of prey there are birds from all over the world. 

Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, Vultures and Owls are all on display and birds are flown every day, weather permitting.




'Wisp' the Barn Owl







We were very lucky to be introduced to Wisp the female Barn Owl, one of the most attractive of our British Owls. 

Having been raised by Karen Wisp was entirely at ease being
held by all of us in turn and totally comfortable. 


The colouring and feather patterns on this little predator are amazing and she was adorable.

It was a good job we were issued with a proper stout leather gauntlet though, her talons are formidable (and it kept our hands warm!)
 Karen works hard to continually improve the visitor experience and recently has been asked to work with  Paignton Zoo Environmental Park and provide regular flying displays indoors to rapt audiences (please click on the link to check times of displays). In addition to this the birds are displayed and flown at Powderham Castle near Exeter and Escot, just outside Honiton.

Chelsea with 'Wisp'

The thing that impressed us all on our visit, apart from the gorgeous birds, was the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm not just from Karen but all the staff. They clearly love being there and it is not regarded as work!
Chris with 'Wisp'

 The DBPC has a strong educational programme and visit local schools and run courses for students. They especially like to work with special needs children as it is so rewarding both for the students and staff.
Sam with 'Wisp'


This wonderful attraction is entirely self funded and relies heavily on donations and sponsorship. They are open daily and have no entrance 'fee' they just ask for a donation. 


Jalad

We all had a great time and want to thank Karen, staff and the volunteers we met that provided such a lovely experience with these beautiful birds. 

You really will experience an almost magical feeling being so close to these birds and the atmosphere on site is just so positive and uplifting, it makes you want to keep going back, to connect with nature.




Wednesday 22 April 2015

The Peregrines of Plymbridge Woods

How to see Peregrine Falcons up close!



A few days ago my wife and I drove to Plymbridge Woods at Plympton which is about an hour from Dartmouth. We decided to visit the woods because of the Peregrine Falcons who nest there. It is the start of the breeding season and I had seen online that the first egg had been laid. 

We first visited the woods a couple of years ago after reading about the Peregrines who just happen to be my favourite bird and the most exciting of all birds of prey, in my mind. 

In the middle of these charming and picturesque woods is an old disused railway viaduct. Built in Victorian times from wonderful bricks the viaduct stands at the site of an old slate quarry: Cann Quarry.. It has been turned into part of a brilliant cycle path and is now tarmacked. 

In addition to this new function the viaduct also acts as a rather grand observation platform for the nesting falcons. They started nesting on this site many years ago and Plymouth University took an interest. They have installed a webcam to overlook the nesting site. This entails more work than you might imagine as the birds move the nest almost every year, necessitating a relocation of the camera. As Peregrines love nesting on cliffs and rock faces this makes the work rather precarious but regular.

Back on the viaduct the RSPB have set up an observation site complete with monoculars, trained onto the nest or individual birds. The results are stunning. When we were there our first view of the nest was a little disappointing as the male Peregrine was sitting on the single egg and was almost completely obscured by a gorse bush. We left and carried on our walk through the woods, stopping next to the river for a picnic lunch in the sunshine, peace and quiet.

On our return through the woods we climbed up to the RSPB site and once more looked through the monoculars which had been re-positioned since lunch. The sight was fantastic. There right in front of us was the larger, female Peregrine taking the sun on a rocky outcrop not far from the nest. As clear as day. She stayed there a long time and seemed oblivious to the small group of fans watching closely from the bridge. It really made our trip worthwhile, the best and clearest sighting ever! 

YouTube -  watch the Plym Peregrines flying!

The visit to Plymbridge is always enjoyable because it is a wonderful location, in a valley with footpaths alongside the shallow river. This time there were lots of fallen trees along the valley floor and in some cases into the river but as this is a National Trust site the whole area is managed. By that I mean that most of the trees are allowed to stay where they fall, only being tidied up to clear access or pathways. They all add to the almost magical quality of the woods.


We were also lucky enough to spot a pair of Dippers fly up the river following the twists and turns through the sunlight. 

In a few weeks time the eggs will hatch and then the parents will begin serious hunting to feed the hungry chicks so definitely a good reason to return. The thing is we never need a really good reason to return, the woods are special and worth a trip in their own right.

Monday 20 April 2015

Dartmouth Marine Wildlife with Monty Halls Great Escapes

Exploring the wildlife of the River Dart Estuary





Last week we were invited by those awfully nice Monty Halls Great Escapes people to go for a boat ride out of the estuary on a wildlife boat trip that they run regularly throughout the year.

We really wanted to find out what their boat trips were like. Marine biologist Emily took us out as to the Mew Stone and gave an excellent commentary on wildlife, birds, mammals and local history, it was fascinating.

The trip started by meeting in their wonderful shop in Market Square to run through a safety briefing and be fitted with our life jackets. Safety at sea is an essential aspect of any trip and this was handled very well and our group then set off confidently for the South Embankment and the awaiting bright orange Rib called Jason.

As we 'poodled' our way to the mouth of the River Dart, Emily entertained us with her local knowledge of places and facts about our wonderful town and this was both unexpected and welcome. We all love to hear about things about the place where we live and Dartmouth of course, has a particularly rich history.

The weather was fantastic for mid April and the sea was calm enabling us to make great progress out towards the Mew Stone. We were all hoping to see Dolphins and Porpoises which are regular visitors to these waters but not today! Instead we were treated to a great variety of bird life including Cormorants, Shags, Great Black Backed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Oyster Catchers and loads more. The highlight of the trip however were the Seals basking on the rocks in the late morning sun. Females and cubs were in evidence and we were able to get really close up without disturbing these wonderful creatures in any way. 

As we navigated around the Mew Stone we were treated to great displays of flying from the resident Cormorants who were inquisitive and a little bit wary about our presence. 

All too soon our trip was coming to a close, hastened by an approaching bank of sea mist we really wanted to avoid. So we headed back to Dartmouth harbour and on the way back learned about Dartmouth Castle, Kingswear Castle and lots more.

Emily also mentioned there were Peregrine Falcons nesting just around the headland and she had seen them, albeit briefly, in flight quite regularly. Another good reason to re-book this enjoyable trip. Every trip is different and unique and whatever wildlife you get to see there is always the wonderful boat ride out along our gorgeous river and coastline to soak up.

Thanks guys, we will be back.

Tuesday 24 March 2015

Wildlife Breaks - Welcome Pack

Wouldn't it be good to -

Disconnect the Digital and Re-connect to Nature..?



Don’t you just long to escape the Technology Treadmill, concentrate on recharging your body’s batteries rather than your mobile’s, switch off your addled brain along with your laptop and relax..?
Maybe it’s time to make a little bit of time for yourself, enjoy the many benefits of nature and discover for yourself how much better you can feel after just a few days break away from it all.
Tune In to Nature, Turn On your Senses, Drop Out of the Rat-Race…
…And wouldn’t it also be great to find a quiet, peaceful haven where you could spend your days exploring the nearby coastal and countryside walks, rivers and nature reserves to your heart’s content and your evenings relaxing with delicious home–cooked food and perhaps a swim, sauna or Jacuzzi to round off the day perfectly..?
Sound too good to be true?
You can rest assured that not only is Stoke Lodge Hotel in the idyllic South Hams the ideal location for exploring and unwinding, but we’re all geared up for helping to make your Back-To-Nature Escape as easy and enjoyable as it can be.
Located on the South West Coast Path, our family-run Hotel is the perfect place for a Wildlife Break. Just five minutes’ drive from the historic town of Dartmouth, secluded coves and key nature reserve Slapton Ley as well as many nature-centred attractions and activities, it’s situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a whole host of natural delights to discover.  From the starlings that flock and swirl in the winter to the celandines, violets and primroses that herald spring, the area has wildlife and nature in abundance. 



A Stoke Lodge Wildlife Break is great for families, too…
With its comfortable family rooms and close proximity to the fabulous Blackpool Sands and Slapton Ley – National Nature Reserve - our Hotel is perfect for families.
The beach is always a winner, Blackpool Sands is in walking distance and Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve is just a few minutes down the road and boasts many events for children with a brilliant waterside walk where they can spot birds and minibeasts, let off steam, leave their phones, iPads and iPods behind and generally behave like kids again!
Check the links for interesting info:
When you join us for a Wildlife Break, not only do you start to relax with nature but we can help enhance that process by supplying the following:

·         Local knowledge and friendly help.

·    Optional packed picnic lunch, using local produce, for your mid-day refreshment. We pride ourselves on the quality of our food and can provide organic yogurts, cold meats from Devon farms and Luscombe fruit juices. 

·         After a day in the fresh air guests have the luxury of a relaxing swim, sauna and Jacuzzi in the hotel's pool suite.  All followed by drinks in the bar, a four-course dinner and a blissful night's sleep.

·         FREE loan of a large selection of wildlife books, local walking guides and maps.

·         Loan of binoculars, for a small deposit.

·         FREE entry to monthly prize draw for the best wildlife photo.

·         Exclusive special trips & talks with Monty Halls Great Escapes

·         Discounts with local wildlife attractions, centres and trips

·         £25 prize voucher each month for the best comment about your Wildlife Break left in our Visitors Book

See nature, be nurtured

·         Nature brings our senses alive.

·         Nature bonds families and friends.

·         Nature heals in the great outdoors.

·         Nature can reduce depression and improve psychological wellbeing.

·         Nature gives an interest, a focus, a new zest.  It's literally awesome!


The Daily Express recently published an article on the benefits of walking in nature, and we think they could be on to something… Read all about it here: link

We’ve also found six scientific facts that tell you just how good a stroll surrounded by peace and fresh air can be for your health: link


More info on Health/Nature Benefits:


The Area - for a preview  click the links



Suggested activities - click links
Take a Sea or River boat trip to see marine and bird life
 Wildlife Organisations
 Transport
The car could also have a holiday and stay put on arrival!  Part of the joy of this area is hopping on a ferry or a local bus. 

To Book your Wildlife Break :-

Call reception on - 01803 770523 
or e mail:-  mail@stokelodge.co.uk 
Website:- www.stokelodge.co.uk

Stoke Lodge Hotel, Stoke Fleming, South Devon, TQ6 0RA