Tuesday 20 December 2016

No Room at the Inn....

It's such a shame that you'll be missing all the fun of a Traditional Family Christmas at Stoke Lodge Hotel - the Mayer Family would have really loved to welcome you to join them but there really IS no room at the inn this year...





Christine, Stephen, Sam, Chelsie and Sigourney - and of course their partners and staff - really look after you from the minute you walk in from the cold into their warm, cosy and comfortable family-run 
'Hotel by the Sea'.




With full board and afternoon tea you won't have to even think about cooking, just sit back and enjoy all the wonderful meals and let yourself feel relaxed and pampered for a few days.







There's  a walk to the beach or Dartmouth Castle on Christmas Day - optional, of course! - and a fun Boxing Day Treasure Hunt with clues hidden in nearby Dartmouth (where you can meet at the end for coffee and cake).




If you yearn to get out on the water for a breath of bracing sea air, there's a Boat Trip on December 27th - then a warm fire awaiting you at 'home'
followed by a sumptuous Seafood Buffet.


There are evening quizzes if that's what takes your fancy, and with the comfortable atmosphere and all those little extras it's plain to see that the Meyer Family & Co do everything they can to make your Christmas stay really special and one to remember.




That's why so many guests return there for their Festive Christmas Fix every year - so if you don't want to miss out next year make sure you book early..

 oh and here's a link to show you what you you've been missing! https://goo.gl/pAq18I





 STOKE LODGE HOTEL - THE COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL BY THE SEA. 
Merry Christmas!




.

Monday 12 December 2016

What a Starry Starry Start to Christmas..!


Stoke Lodge Hotel's 'Starry Starry Night' entry at the Christmas Tree Festival.

This weekend we were lucky enough to visit the 10th annual Christmas Tree Festival at Stoke Fleming Church, and what a peaceful, friendly and enjoyable start to Christmas it was - despite the cold and rain.

Upon receiving a warm welcome into the church, we were told there were thirty beautifully trimmed trees to admire - and admire them we did!

We really enjoyed wandering around doing the Spot The Oddity competition, sipping comforting mulled wine and listening to the church organ playing - it was just delightful.




All who took part in decorating their trees had obviously put so much effort into it and the trees were simply stunning - and it was a joy to take time out from all the weekend chores and great to know that all proceeds will be donated to St Peter's Church and Rowcroft Hospice.



Thank you to all concerned for a most enjoyable afternoon.



Friday 9 December 2016

Stoke Fleming Christmas Tree Festival

It's that time of year again, and Stoke Fleming is celebrating Christmas with its 10th Christmas Tree Festival.

This popular  annual event is  in held in St. Peter’s Church, Stoke Fleming from  December 9th - 11th, with all money raised to go to the Church and Rowcroft Hospice.

St Peter's is open 10am and 6pm and 10am on Sunday finishing with a carol service at 5pm.




Entrance to the Church is free, and there will be a welcome glass of mulled wine for all  and refreshments on Saturday.

The trees are kindly supplied at a discounted cost by Gardentime, with local clubs, schools and organisations buying a tree each and decorating them with a different theme.







There are usually between fifty and sixty trees, and Stoke Lodge Hotel's theme this year is 'Starry Night'

 
There is also a 'Spot The Oddity' on each tree so keep your eyes peeled for anything untoward lurking in those fragrant pine branches..!



  


The Green Dragon Inn (opposite the Church) will as usual be hosting the ever-popular Christmas Fete on Saturday afternoon, so come along and enjoy the festive fun - everyone is welcome!



Monday 28 November 2016

New Defibrillator for Stoke Fleming

The local residents of Stoke Fleming are working hard to raise funds for a defibrillator - and they are getting closer...


This essential, life saving equipment will cost over £1700 to purchase and install and will be situated outside Stoke Fleming Village Hall.
 


The whole village has been rallying round to help reach the target...so please help them get a little bit closer to the finishing line!




Stoke Lodge Hotel is holding a Fundraising Coffee Morning on Thursday 1st December from 10.00am until 12.00 noon... 


...so come along in out of the cold and enjoy a cosy hot coffee or two - it'll warm your heart!





Stoke Lodge Hotel - the country house hotel by the sea. 

01803 770523


Tuesday 15 November 2016

Wine Pairing Night at Stoke Lodge Hotel

As part of their forthcoming Wine and Food Lovers' Weekend, Stoke Lodge Hotel is hosting a Wine Pairing Evening on Friday November 18th.




Come along and enjoy a talk from local wine merchant Eddie Capper from Dartmouth Wine Company in Duke Street, Dartmouth.

He will be sharing his expertise to give recommendations and tastings of his favourite wines to pair with the best of Devon meats and produce.

Interested? Call the nice people at Stoke Lodge on 01803 770523


And for more info on the Wine and Food Lovers' Weekend follow this link:






STOKE LODGE HOTEL - THE COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL BY THE SEA...

Monday 14 November 2016

Stoke Lodge helps to raise £400 for Rowcroft Hospice!


Stoke Lodge Hotel  held a coffee morning in aid of  




last Wednesday and I am delighted to report that they helped to raise over £400!



 If you missed this one, look out for their next Fundraising Coffee Morning to be held on 

November 30th








This will be in aid of the purchase of a Defibrillator which, it is planned, will be situated outside Stoke Fleming Village Hall.

For more details contact Stoke Lodge on:

01803 770523 or e mail: mail@stokelodge.co.uk

Stoke Lodge Hotel - the Country House Hotel by the sea... 


Thursday 27 October 2016

Bye Bye Dartmouth Food Festival...

...and welcome Food & Wine Lovers Weekend!

18th -20th Nov 2016
Stoke Lodge Hotel

 
We hope all you foodies out there enjoyed Dartmouth Food Festival last weekend. It was great, wasn't it?


The bad, sad news is that we'll have to wait a whole year until the next one comes around - but the REALLY good news is that another Gourmet Treat is just around the corner!

Stoke Lodge is once again hosting its popular 
Wine and Food Lovers' Weekend

Treat yourself to a very special Winter Break, a relaxed weekend combined with Good Food  - using local produce wherever possible.

Stoke Lodge is offering a set Dinner on each night, and vegetarian options will of course be available if required:


 
Friday 18th November

Wine talk and Tasting

Local Dartmouth Wine Merchant Eddie Capper of Dartmouth Wine Company gives a talk on his favourite wines to pair with the best of Devon meats and produce.

6:45pm: Reception in Bar with Bucks Fizz and followed by a wine tasting by Eddie & dinner using locally sourced Devon produce.




Saturday 19th November

Seafood Extravaganza - an evening to celebrate our famous local wines and incredible (and very edible!) seafood

7.30pm:  Again using some of Devon’s wonderful locally caught fish and shellfish, showcasing our local wines!

Meat or Vegetarian options are available








Wines included both nights, with our suggested wines to accompany each course.
 


Please ring 01803 770523 for full details and to book, and for more information please visit:

http://www.stokelodge.co.uk/rf.cfm





STOKE LODGE HOTEL - THE COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL BY THE SEA


Wednesday 28 September 2016

Get fit and happy for FREE! Ten useful links to help you feel better

Fed up? Overworked? Stressed? Exhausted?
  
Well help is at hand... and it doesn't cost a penny.



Yes, it's official!

Getting out into the fresh air, walking, unwinding, relaxing, and just simply enjoying nature is FREE for all the family. 



Not only is it Brilliant for your Body... 

...it does Wonders for your Wellbeing...

...and is Marvellous for your Mind...


And South Devon's the place to be, with so many lovely walks and an abundance of nature to be enjoyed...


Ten useful links to help make your South Devon Escape even more enjoyable:



Health Benefits: 


1) Help reduce stress and anxiety:
https://goo.gl/A57EhM


2) Why the Great Outdoors is Great for Kids:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/aug/16/childre-nature-outside-play-health




3) Benefits of walking for all ages - 'The Miracle Cure we've all been waiting for':
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/Whybeactive.aspx

4) Why walking is good for you:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/jun/05/best-foot-forward-why-walking-good-for-you

5) Benefits of walking:
http://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/directory/w/walking-health



Walks and Nature Info:

6) Downloadable FREE Walks in Devon:
http://www.walkingindevon.co.uk/walks.php

7) South Devon Family Walks
https://goo.gl/I0g56s

8) Discover and Enjoy Nature:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature

9) Wildlife in Devon
http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/wildlife-devon

10) Seven Best Autumn Walks in Devon:
http://www.devonlife.co.uk/out-about/places/7_of_the_best_autumn_walks_in_devon_1_4691433



 Make your escape now and plan your own personal quick fix to help ease your worries and get back to nature as soon as you can. 
Go on - it'll make you feel better...


Stoke Lodge - the country house hotel by the sea.

Wednesday 21 September 2016

Walking in South Devon - get it while you can!

While the days are still warm and sunny - and before autumn really makes its appearance - why not grab the opportunity to pull on your walking boots and rediscover the benefits of getting back to nature and enjoying the varied wildlife to be found in the South Hams, before those cold, dark days of winter take over..?


Stoke Lodge is the ideal base for exploring.

Not only is it a designated 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty', it's also located right slap bang on the South West Coast Path. 







There is a whole host of interesting and special places just waiting for you to discover, and those nice people at family-run Stoke Lodge Hotel, with their wealth of local knowledge, can make things easier for you to help you get the best out of your stay.


Just say the word....

...and hotel owners Christine and Stephen - together with their daughters Sam, Sigourney and Chelsie - will be happy to advise you on walks, lend you books, maps and binoculars, and provide you with a lunch pack full of delicious local produce. 

Oh and should the weather turn nasty - perish the thought! - they can even dry off your boots and clothes for you when you return.





And what better way to rest at the end of your busy day than to relax in the hotel's two comfy lounges?  


Or have a drink in the bar or on the sunny terrace before enjoying a beautifully cooked meal in the Garden Restaurant? 







You can even have a pre-dinner swim in one of the two pools, relax in the sauna or jacuzzi, or visit the games room if you're still feeling energetic...

It's all waiting for you at Stoke Lodge so make sure you don't waste this lovely weather - once it's gone, it's gone..!





Some useful links to whet your appetite:

http://www.stokelodge.co.uk/wildlife_breaks.pdf

https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/

http://www.southdevonaonb.org.uk/explore/walks-trails

http://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/lots-to-do/outdoors-activities/walking

http://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/explore-south-devon/south-hams 

Thanks to By The Dart for all this very useful information:

http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/walk-%26-talk/

http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/dead-man-s-folly-walk-talk-greenway-dartmouth/

http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/dartington-garden-tours/

http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/south-west-coast-path-challenge/

http://www.bythedart.co.uk/things-to-do-in-dartmouth/walking--outdoors


Stoke Lodge - the country house hotel by the sea





Tuesday 16 August 2016

August events - the last gasp...

A round up of events, activities and attractions in the Stoke Lodge Area until the end of August. Better get down here and make the most of them - the nights will be drawing in soon..! (sorry...)

A very big Thank You to those lovely people at By The Dart for all the useful information. 

There's still lots happening in the area at the moment, right up to the end of August and beyond. Check out the previous blog posts for full details of the many ongoing events to make sure you don't miss out...

Here's a sample of just some of the other fun and interesting things to do from now until the end of August:


August 16th & 17th - British Firework Championship

Started in 1997, this annual competition allows professional display companies to demonstrate their skills.

Plymouth Hoe became the favoured location providing a natural amphitheatre where large scale pyrotechnics can be used safely and watched from a variety of points around the harbour and Sound.  
The Championships have grown hugely and are now recognised as the premier annual display in the UK, attracting tens of thousands to the city.
- See more at: http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/british-firework-championships-16-17-august/#sthash.7AUhnIBN.dpuf




August 15th - 20th - Totnes Carnival Week

Totnes Carnival Includes traditional events throughout the week: Children’s Fancy Dress, 5-a-side Football, Picnic in the Park, Bingo and the challenging but fun ‘Odd Object Competition’. 

Grand Carnival Procession on  Saturday 18th August. Starts around 6pm.




 August 18th and 30th - Dartmouth Indoor Pool Fun Fete

An event for all the family with food, crafts, children's activities and much more.

Royal Avenue Gardens 10.00 - 4.00 

Help to raise funds for the Dartmouth Indoor Pool!





August 18th - Dog Awareness Day. 

10.30 - 3.30 Royal Avenue Gardens

An Educational Roadshow with The Dog Trust on hand to answer any questions you may have - and more...





 August 19th - Berry Head Bat Walk 7.45pm - 9.15pm

A unique opportunity to see the rare Greater Horseshoe bats at Berry Head National Nature Reserve, a Geopark Gateway Site.





August 21st - 23rd - Tribal Clash at Blackpool Sands

Whatever you do this summer - don't miss the Tribal Clash! - See more at: http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/tribal-clash-blackpool-sands-dartmouth/#sthash.rwaSck2y.dpuf
Whatever you do this summer - don't miss the TRIBAL CLASH!



Taking place just a stone's throw from Stoke Lodge Hotel (well, almost), comes this awesome annual Tribal Clash event with teams of men and women from all across Europe battling it out in a series of gruelling, high-intensity challenges in the beautiful and natural environment of Blackpool Sands.



 August 21st - Totnes Good Food Sunday 10.00 - 3.00

The biggest monthly producers' and farmers' market in the Westcountry. Held on the 3rd Sunday of every month - See more at: http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/totnes-good-food-sunday/#sthash.Tkke2PQP.dpuf
The biggest monthly producers' and farmers' market in the Westcountry. Held on the 3rd Sunday of every month.









August 22nd - 26th - Hands on History at Dartmouth Castle

Get set for a summer packed with time-travelling fun! With lots to see and do, the Hands on History Crew will be bringing history to life throughout the holidays. 11am - 5pm - See more at: http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/hands-on-history-pirates-dartmouth-castle/#sthash.duHDrz6A.dpuf
From 11.00 until 5.00, get set for some time-travelling fun!

There will be lots to see and do with the hands on History Crew who will be bringing history to life.





August 22nd - 30th - Sail on the Pelican Tall Ship
Get set for a summer packed with time-travelling fun! With lots to see and do, the Hands on History Crew will be bringing history to life throughout the holidays - See more at: http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/hands-on-history-pirates-dartmouth-castle/#sthash.Dq1KCu5q.dpuf

A unique opportunity to board and sail on this historic tall ship during Dartmouth Regatta.
A unique opportuntiy to board and sail upon the historic tall ship, Pelican during Dartmouth Regatta - See more at: http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/sail-on-the-pelican-tall-ship/#sthash.uc3WqUf1.dpuf


Plymouth became the favoured location providing a natural amphitheatre where large scale pyrotechnics can be used safely and watched from a variety of points around the harbour and Soun - See more at: http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/british-firework-championships-16-17-august/#sthash.i9PNcGmB.dpuf

More info about the Pelican: http://www.adventureundersail.com/ 

 
tarted in 1997 this annual competition allows professional display companies to demonstrate their skills. Plymouth became the favoured location providing a natural amphitheatre where large scale pyrotechnics can be used safely and watched from a variety of points around the harbour and Sound.  
The Championships have grown hugely and are now recognised as the premier annual display in the UK, attracting tens of thousands to the city.
- See more at: http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/british-firework-championships-16-17-august/#sthash.7AUhnIBN.dpuf

August 25th - 27th - Dartmouth Royal Regatta

Dartmouth's Big Event, this year's Regatta has a packed programme of events both on and off the water, from rowing races to river activities, fun events to fireworks, crabbing and kids competitions, air displays, crafts, funfair, stalls - oh and much much more!

There's so much going on - make sure you don't miss a single thing!  

Visit the Regatta website for details of all events going on over the weekend, plus Regatta Jump and Jive on 22nd, the Regatta Royale Ball on 23rd, and Regatta Rock on 24th.





 
August 26th - 27th - Sea Change Festival  

A new Festival based in Totnes for the August Bank Holiday weekend, with films, literature, talks - and plenty of music across five venues.

Curated and presented by the award winning Drift Record Shop.





August 27th - Dartmouth Artisan Market, Market Square 9.00- 3.00

A range of goodies from local artisans: designers, craftsmen, artists, jewellers, furniture makers - and makers of beautiful bags! 

A chance to see what our local artists do and to purchase an original gift...






August 29th - Stoke Fleming Horticultural Show - 12.30 - 4.30

Held in the grounds of Stoke Fleming Village Hall, the 140th annual Stoke Fleming Show is a real village and family event with fruit and veg displays, many different stalls, BBQ, bar, tea and home made cakes - and lots of fun activities for all.





N.B. Life doesn't stop at the end of August in the South Hams - honestly! 

And the brilliant thing is you can enjoy all the good stuff going on from Stoke Lodge Hotel - the perfect base from which to explore, escape and discover...

It's often lovely weather here in September and even October, and there are loads of other interesting things going on throughout the year. 

Check out the By The Dart What's on Calendar for more details of things happening in what we hope will turn out to be be an Indian Summer - fingers crossed...


STOKE LODGE - THE COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL BY THE SEA



140th Annual Stoke Fleming Show  - a real village and family event with stalls, BBQ and lots of family activities - See more at: http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/stoke-fleming-show-dartmouth/#sthash.KbzOfybr.dpuf




A range of goodies from local artisans - designers, craftsmen, artists, jewellers, furniture makers and beautiful bags.... - See more at: http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/dartmouth-artisan-market/#sthash.wcDHa4cC.dpuf

A chance to see what our local artists do and to purchase an original gift for you or a friend and even your mother! - See more at: http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/dartmouth-artisan-market/#sthash.wcDHa4cC.dpuf


CURATED & PRESENTED BY THE AWARD-WINNING DRIFT RECORD SHOP. Films, literature, talks and plenty of music across five venues.
- See more at: http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/sea-change-festival/#sthash.UOvBeIH9.dpuf
Regatta once again has a packed programme of activities on and off the water - See more at: http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/dartmouth-royal-regatta-2016/#sthash.cWXMoj8J.dpuf
The 2016 Regatta once again has a packed programme of activities on and off the water. - See more at: http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/dartmouth-royal-regatta-2016/#sthash.cWXMoj8J.dpuf
tarted in 1997 this annual competition allows professional display companies to demonstrate their skills. Plymouth became the favoured location providing a natural amphitheatre where large scale pyrotechnics can be used safely and watched from a variety of points around the harbour and Sound.  
The Championships have grown hugely and are now recognised as the premier annual display in the UK, attracting tens of thousands to the city.
- See more at: http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/british-firework-championships-16-17-august/#sthash.7AUhnIBN.dpuf
  

Wednesday 10 August 2016

Ongoing summer events and things to do in the South Hams

Ongoing events in August and beyond for all the family

There are still loads of interesting events, attractions and activities going on in the area this summer.

 
Make Stoke Lodge your ideal base from which to Explore, Experience and Enjoy them...
..and then relax in comfort at the end of the day!
 

Thanks to those lovely people at By the Dart for their brilliant information. 
 
 
Until 3rd September 2016 - Dartmouth Heated Outdoor Pool
 
The swimming pool is a 25 metre by 8.5 metre outdoor pool and is heated to a heavenly 28 degrees C!
 
During the summer season it is staffed by filly qualified lifeguards who are there to ensure that your experience of the pool is safe and enjoyable at all times. 
 
Info and timetables:
 
 
Until September 25th - Illustrating Harry Potter
 
A Summer of Magical Events at Hannah's at Seale-Hayne! 
 
There will be much to see Hayne during the exhibition - including the Willow Dragons Maze, Harry Potter’s Birthday Picnic, Open Air Cinema, Astronomy, The Magic Express Steam Train, Quidditch Lessons and much more.

Info:  http://www.discoverhannahs.org/events/current/illustrating-harry-potter/


Until September 4th - Devon Guild of Craftsmen Summer Exhibition 

Daily from 10.30am until 5.00pm, FREE exhibition in the Jubilee Gallery of the best new work from DGC Members.

Devon Guild of Craftsmen is an acclaimed exhibition space for contemporary craft and design as well as a leading charity for craft education. Located in Bovey Tracey, their large craft centre offers inspiring exhibitions and events for people to buy, make and learn about contemporary craft.

Info:  http://www.crafts.org.uk/Events-(1)/Summer-Show-new-craft-by-Guild-Members.aspx 


Until August 31st - The WOW Wondrous Occombe Wildlife Trail

Kids! Would you like a wild adventure this summer? 

Then take part in our super-fun WOW trail and solve hidden clues to win a prize. See if you can be as sly as a fox, understand the secret language of a bat, or be as nimble as a stoat!



https://www.countryside-trust.org.uk/events/details/340/the-wow-wondrous-occombe-wildlife-trail


Until August 31st - Slapton Ley Drop-In Beach Activities. See previous blog posts for full details.

Fun activities, craft and trails at our Beach Activity Trailer in the Middle Car Park on Slapton Sands.

Info:
 http://www.slnnr.org.uk/whats-on/beach-activity-trailer-events.aspx



Until August 29th - Britannia Royal Naval College Tour. See previous blog posts for full details.

Info:
http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/britannia-royal-naval-college-tour-dartmouth/


Until October 12th - Brixham Fish Market Tours. 

See previous blog posts for full details or visit:

 http://www.bxta.co.uk/

 http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/brixham-fish/





Until Sept 28th - Dartington Hall Garden Tours 

Join one of the volunteer-led Garden Tours to learn more about the heritage, beauty and historical features of the Dartington Hall Gardens. - See more at: http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/dartington-garden-tours/#sthash.YzvfSCdg.dpuf
Kids! Would you like a wild adventure this summer? Then take part in our super-fun WOW trail and solve hidden clues to win a prize. See if you can be as sly as a fox, understand the secret language of a bat, or be as nimble as a stoat! - See more at: http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/the-wow-wondrous-occombe/#sthash.iIYIq0aT.dpuf
Join one of the volunteer-led Garden Tours to learn more about the heritage, beauty and historical features of the Dartington Hall Gardens.

https://www.dartington.org/whats-on/garden-tours/





Until October 13th - Dartmouth Walk and Talk.

Weekly walk around Dartmouth and environs - for full detail see previous blog posts or visit:

https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/south-west/dartmouth-walk-talk


Weekly guided Thursday morning walks around Dartmouth environs. - See more at: http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/walk-%26-talk/#sthash.RtOIFIEZ.dpufhttps://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/south-west/dartmouth-walk-talk




Hopefully something for everyone - will that be enough to keep you all entertained for the time being..??

STOKE LODGE - THE COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL BY THE SEA

Weekly guided Thursday morning walks around Dartmouth environs. - See more at: http://www.bythedart.co.uk/events/walk-%26-talk/#sthash.RtOIFIEZ.dpuf