Boasting a wonderful setting overlooking the English Channel, the four- star Royal Duchy Hotel has been welcoming visitors for more than a century. Part of the family-owned Brend Collection, comprising nine hotels across Devon and Cornwall, this pleasantly refurbished Victorian property has a high number of loyal guests who return time and time again which, in our view, speaks volumes about the quality offered.
Here at Travellowdown, we always enjoy visiting Jersey and our recent trip was no exception. Despite measuring just nine miles by five, it’s the largest of the Channel Islands as well as the southernmost. A self-governing dependency of the UK, it has much to offer visitors, including splendid beaches, rugged coastline, myriad walking trails, inland valleys, military history and a fine collection of superb cafés and restaurants. In fact, Britain’s sunniest spot has something for everyone. So, to help plan your short break, here’s a summary of what we got up to…
Perched high above a seemingly never-ending stretch of golden sand on the rocky North Devon coast sits a gem of a hotel. Paula and I were fortunate to experience three nights at the Saunton Sands Hotel and would return like a shot, so impressed were we with every aspect of our stay. As the Saunton Sands’ glossy brochure states, this is “the hotel with everything” and no truer words were written.
Despite measuring just nine miles by five, Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands as well as the archipelago’s southernmost isle. A self-governing dependency of the UK, it has much to offer visitors.
This fabulous boutique hotel on the outskirts of Woolacombe in North Devon has recently been crowned Best Waterside Hotel 2024 by Condé Nast Johansen’s. As soon as you experience an overnight stay here, you’ll understand why. Paula and I were lucky enough to check out this four-star hotel which enjoys one of the finest coastal [...]
Over the years, working as a travel journalist and editor has meant I’ve been lucky enough to experience some fine hotels. Just two, however, have stolen my heart: one is situated on the island of Jersey while the other is the sublime VidaMar Resort Hotel in Madeira. I’ve stayed several times at the VidaMar and, [...]
Here at Travellowdown, we’ve recently returned from one of our best family holidays. Our destination was sunny Madeira, a beautiful island I’ve got to know so well over the years. Its bright colours, abundance of greenery, pleasant people, spectacular mountain ranges and myriad other delights make it an ideal destination for all ages. When it [...]
Despite measuring just nine miles by five, Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands as well as the archipelago’s southernmost isle. A self-governing dependency of the UK, it has much to offer visitors this autumn, whether you’re a daytripper or planning a week-long break. Known for, among others, its splendid beaches, rugged coastline, myriad [...]
The largest of the Channel Islands offers visitors myriad eateries, everything from shacks on the beach to top-end restaurants where deep pockets are recommended! Having just returned from yet another visit, here are some suggestions for anyone looking for somewhere to eat or drink… OCEAN RESTAURANT The Atlantic Hotel is, by far, my favourite hotel [...]
It was my last morning at the Atlantic Hotel, my favourite place to stay on Jersey, and a couple walked past as I headed to the restaurant. Pulling a hefty suitcase, the wife turned to her husband, saying: “Oh dear, I guess all good things come to an end!” Sadly they do, as I discovered [...]
