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Author: CharlottePosted on: Format ImageCategories: Inspiration

Intimate Hen party

Hen party packages

We don't all want big affairs when it comes to weddings or hen parties. If you are looking for a more intimate hen party with a few special friends you can build a package just for you. From spa treatments to crafty workshops, gin workshop and goody bags along with  some delicious foodie treats.

Don a fluffy robe, pop a bottle of bubbly and settle in for a day of treats.

If you're in Porthleven, you might start the day with a chilly dip in the sea, or at Elsies a brisk walk, we can arrange a grazing platter whilst you get creative with one of our crafty kits.

End the day with a home made pizza and soak in the hot tub at Elsie's or  maybe book a private chef . Or if at Anchor cottage pick one of the gorgeous restaurants to eat at.

Either choose our Hen package which includes a bottle of English Sparkling wine, Pamper Goodie bag per guest, Decorations in the cottage and a crafty workshop kit. £15pp

Alternatively why not design your own package designed for your little party. Here's a few ideas...

massage and treatments

A pamper and Wellness treat

If your intimate party of hens would prefer a proper pamper. Book an in cottage massage or an indulgent treatment. Maybe go home with new nails or lashes, we have some wonderful beauty and wellness providers who can come and deliver yoga or sound bath in the cottage for you. Find out more

photo collection of out door adventure activities to book at secret bolthole

Outdoor Adventure Hens

Out door adventures might be more your hen.

  • Get out on the water with a fun Hen party paddle,  Float downstream on the Wye, with a little bit of water fun at Elsie's Cottage or go on a kayaking safari adventure in the sea at Anchor.
  • Hire electric bikes and explore ht coat at Porthleven, or go off road in the Forest of Dean at Elsie's cottage.
  • Book your own private shooting party at Elsie's with a coach to go try your hand at clay pigeon shooting.

There's plenty of options so drop us an email or check out what's available HERE

collage of crafting experiences

Crafting Hen

How about getting your hands dirty with a pottery workshop, Both Elsies and Anchor cottage have places nearby to try throwing or just decorating,

Maybe you want to get a little hotter with a blacksmithing experience. Make a little momento of your stay or even something to decorate at your wedding with bunting making or printing.

We'll provide aa crafty kit to create a little something as part of our Hen package, but if you'd prefer to make a day of it you could try making your own gin, or even a little silver ring.

Explore the crafting experiences near our cottages

The possibilities are endless and you can bespoke your stay as much as you'd like.

Author: CharlottePosted on: Format ImageCategories: InspirationTags:

Spa and pamper experiences

spa experience with massage, pamper products and grazing platter

Build your own Private spa experience

Many of us love a spa. Soaking in a tub, a good massage or facial and feeling utterly pampered.

Elsie's will help you relax as soon as you walk through the door. There's aromatic oils and the hot tub is warmed for your arrival soak. For that full spa experience we can arrange a massage at home, or a guided meditation session, yoga or a facial. You really will feel utterly pampered and rejuvenated after a spa stay with us.

  • In house massage - choose from full back, facial or neck and shoulder massage
  • Guided meditation - Your tutor will take you through a meditative process to help you wind down and repair.
  • Personal yoga session. Your teacher will deliver an hours yoga session designed for you at the cottage. either indoors or our on the terrace.
  • Goodie bag full of locally produced sustainable products to use and try during your stay.
massage and treatments

Massage and treatments

Book yourself a massage or treatment. Our lovely  practitioners will visit you in one of our cottages with everything needed to deliver a wonderful experience.

Choose from a menu of massages - back, shoulder, neck and more. Maybe treat yourself to a special beauty treatment.

Snuggle up in your fluffy robe, and be ready to be properly pampered in your own space.

Here are a list of our wonderful masseurs and beauty therapists who can deliver - choose your location and your chosen treatment simply email the lovely provider and they can arrange a time with you.

Massage and Beauty Treatments at Elsie's Cottage

Clare's Beauty - Based in Ledbury. Clare can provide a range of massages, manicure, and pedicure and facials.

Contact

Living Well With Milly - Based in Hereford

 

Milly offers a range of incredible massage, including back, neck, facial and head massage.

Contact:

 

Anchor Cottage

Yolana Philpott offers a wonderful range of massages and treatments. From deep tissue to soothing hot stones, Aromatherapy facial, foot and head massage.

  • Website
  • Email: yolandamobilemassage@gmail.com
  • Call: 07814 729809
  • Facebook

Home spa Cornwall

For a whole range of services you can contact home spa cornwall, who have a curated list of local providers and can help find the right provider for you.

pamper products and goodie bags

Goodie bags and treats

Book a special pamper package and we will add a lovely goodie bag. We have put together some little goodies like facial oil Gua Sha massage stone, silk scrunchy, journal and a few surprises!

There is incense to use in the bathroom too.

We are able to source and build a gift bag for your special occasion, just email us with time to put it together for you.

Goody bags are from £10 pp or will be included in your pamper package.

 

journaling with. view of the sea

Journaling kits

Have you always wanted to take the time to jot down your thoughts, create a new habit of  reflecting on your  affirmations and manifest a future you dream of.  Journaling promises to effect change, create new habits and reflect on your daily life and habits.

We add a lovely journal, prompting cards to help the ideas flow. With special sets for taming your inner critic, or developing your creative mind.

Take a little time to sit with yourself and let your ideas and thoughts flow out.

Journaling kits are an extra at the checkout and cost £10 pp

collage of crafting experiences
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Creative crafting workshops

collage of crafting experiences

Disvover your new passion

Our everyday lives are full of routines and commitments, whilst holidays are time dedicated to doing things that time doesn't seem to allow for at home.

So why not try a new hobby or discover your creative streak. We have built our own little crafting box with kits for flower pressing, sketching, star watching and gardening.

There are binoculars and books to encourage you to spot nature so find a little nook and watch or make without any of the distractions of home.

Nature inspired creative workshops

Book a tailored workshop in the cottage for you and your guests.

Our workshops include silk printing, block printing, flower pressing, and many more. A great way to learn a new skill, lose yourself in the moment and really switch off.

Plus you get a momento of your stay to take home.

Our workshop guide will come to Elsie's cottage and guide you through a workshop, collect nature items from the woods and garden and settle down to make.

Workshops last about 2-3 hours. All equipment is provided.

Just contact us for a bespoke package.

Prices from £25 pp.

Local craft workshops

Ever fancied your hand at some new crafts, addicted to pottery throwdown or sewing bee on TV, then why not have a go.

There is nothing better than booking an experience to look forward to on your hols.  There are some wonderful crafts people who offer courses in using the potters wheel, iron work at a forge, natural perfume making and woodcarving. The possibilities are endless.

We have a number of sites where there are plenty of options to choose.  Here are A few recommendations in a couple of locations.

Elsie's Cottage Malvern Hills:

 

Porthleven

 

For a range of courses on offer in both our regions search on the website below;

CRAFT COURSES

 

Journalling

We'll provide you with a kit with a Secret Bolthole Journal,  pens, flash cards and tips on started your path to journalling.

Holidays are a gret time to start a new habit, make plans and reflect on your life.  So why not pen it all down, so when you return home you remember all those thoughts that were whizzing around your mind, and why you loved your time away.

Add a Journalling kit for £15pp

photo collection of out door adventure activities to book at secret bolthole
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Outdoor Adventures

photo collection of out door adventure activities to book at secret bolthole

Get outdoors and adventure

Holidays are as much about experiences as the accommodation.

For this reason, we've curated a menu of experiences for guests to help them explore more.   From guided walks, to peddling lanes, paddling rivers to cold water swimming, trying your hand at clay shooting or foraging in the woods. There are plenty of experiences available to enjoy at our cottages.

The country side around Elsie's and the Lizard offer some amazing walking with gorgeous views. Or choose a bike ride and explore lanes or get off road with electric bikes. Or maybe you;d prefer to get out on hte water with paddle power. Kayaks, canoes or boards, with rivers, seas and harbours to play on - there's plenty of options.

For something more high octane, try your hand at clay shooting, high ropes or coasteering!

experiences

Paddling adventures

Whether you are staying in Anchor cottage or Elsie's, there's water ways obviously the ocean to play on.

If you fancy getting out on the water and see the world from a new perpective, there are a number of options to choose from canoeing, kayaking, paddlboarding, and coasteering to open water swimming.

Share a canoe and drift downstream on the Wye river. Stop off for a picnic along the way, spot Red Kites and maybe even cool down wit ha dip in the shallows.

Canoe hire is available in many places. Choose from full or half days or just an hour.

We suggest Canoe the wye from Symonds Yat, Ross-on-wye and Hoarwithy.

Paddleboarding

Alternatively you could try paddleboarding. If you have some experience then join one of Paddleboarding Adventures tours, or if you've always wanted to learn, then book a beginners session or a one to one.

Elsie's in Worcestershire also has the Avon and Severn on its doorstep.  Try Wittering Sup who work on the Avon, for a little play in the water.

Porthleven

Vertical blue in the harbour offer kayak and paddlboarding tours on sea and in the harbour.  Alternatively just hire the equipment for an hour or two for a play.

They also offer coasteering experiences if you fancy something a little more adventurous.

cycle hire for out door adventure in the malvern hills

Turn the peddles and explore

If you would prefer dry land, but would like to explore a little further than on foot, then why not hire a bike.

Elsie's

The forest of dean has a huge number of tracks and trails to follow.  Pedalbikeaway offer push, electric and mountain bikes depending on what you want to do. There are also uplift services for those looking for some downhill trails.

Porthleven

The harbour is home to Ride on, they offer cool fat tyred e-bikes to explore around the coastal path, and on roads.

shooting coach supporting their client in learning to clay pigeon shoot with a shotgun

Take a shot

Looking to try some real country pursuits.

Why not immerse yourself in the rural wold with a country side pursuit. If you have been inspired by watching the odd costume drama, or the TV series Gentlemen, or maybe the  olympics, then why not take the opportunity to try your hand at this sport.

Your private fully qualified coach Haydn Coley, will pick you up or meet you at a local shooting ground, provide all the equipment needed, including safety attire. He will patiently coach you through taking a shot- and hitting your first clay. Or maybe if you have shot before, instruct you on how you can improve your technique.

Contact~: Haydn Coley

Tel: 07713 670504

Prices from £80 pp

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Special occasion extras

Celebrations with soul

Special moments are what define and punctuate our lives, they are our significant moments  to celebrate with our closest and most precious people. To help you do this with meaning we have celebration packages which will ensure your moments really stand out.

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Little additions can make an occasion feel special - its always lovely surprising someone too with some little treats. We've put together a little collection of upgrades which you get when you pick one of our special occasion packages.

  • Turn up to a special cake with candles 🎂
  • We'll add a celebration neon banner, bunting to dress the cottage
  • Upgrade your wine to a bottle of Prosecco or English sparkling wine.

       Special occasion upgrade £35

You can also add extras from our menu of Hampers, or Experiences. Or we can tailor something to your special occasion.

Little hen party stay

We don't all want big affairs , so gather a few special friends and we'll build a hen party just for you. From spa treatments to crafty workshops, gin workshop and goody bags along with  some delicious foody treats.

Choose our Hen package £35 pp to include:

~ Sparkling wine, Pamper Goody bag, Decorations and crafty workshop kit

Build your own personal hen do, from our menu below:

  • Arrive to goody bags filled with personal pamper treats - from £10 pp
  • Bootle of local English sparkling wine - £25 Bottle
  • Cocktail kit - Mojito, Gin Fizz,
  • Book a massage or treatment at the cottage for your girls - From £35 pp
  • Try your hand a making with a crafty workshop - £20 pp
  • Venture out and become a gin mixologist with a workshop -
  • We'll decorate the cottage with bunting and flowers ~ £15

Build your own party just email us with your preferences and we will arrange it all for you.

Mini-Moon

Whisk your new love off for a cottage escape. Arrive to chilled bubbles, a few pamper treats, with essential oils , book a massage and indulge after all the excitement of the wedding.

Relax with couples massage or treatment, or make a momento of your stay with a creative kit or workshop.

We can add breakfast packs or pizza kits, so you never have to leave your honeymoon home.

Prices from £45 to include sparkling wine, pamper goody bag and decorations.

or build your own package

Choose from

~ pizza kit, breakfast hamper, grazing platter

~English sparkling wine, Cocktail kit,

~ pamper goody bag, journalling or creative kit for two.

~ book a massage or treatment, or other experience from our menu

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A summer of festivals

Discover a summer of festival fun

When the summer months arrive the festival season descends with it. Celebrating all types of music, food, drink, Arts and crafts -  the choice is huge.

The laid back feel of summer days lazing in fields or on the beach chilling with a cold brew  listening to a live music - discovering new activities and people watching is one of the joys of the summer.

We have pulled together a few to look out for this summer around our cottage locations.

Festivals around the Malvern Hills

The Malvern hills and surrounding counties are blessed with a host of festivals over the summer.

Upton hosts a number of music festivals, smaller affairs are the folk and Jazz events whilst the The Iconic Blues and Sunshine festivals are much larger.

The blues is a free festival, where live bands play pubs, on street stages  and in courtyards  - not all strictly blues but the atmosphere is friendly with many midlanders making the annual pilgrimage.

Upton Blues weekend is usually Mid July - 2024 it runs from 19th-21st July

The  showground hosts a number of events across the summer including the Three counties food and drink festival on 28th-29th July. There will be chefs demo's plenty of goodies to try and stalls to buy from celebrating much of what the region produces.

If you are into cars then both Shelsley Walsh and Prescott are within an hour. Enjoy the action of cars all shapes, age and sizes compete for the fastest time up the hill. pick a spot and enjoy a picnic whilst watching all the action

20th-21st - Nostalgic event Shelsley walsh

11th August - supercar event at Prescott

For garden lovers the RHS Malvern's Autumn show celebrating kitchen garden produce. It is a quieter affair than the spring show and perfect for those who love growing food.

Lakefest is hosted by Eastnor castle and puts on some headlining bands with plenty of stages to dip into.  Eastnor has a number of other events for families throughout the summer too.

Or for an 80's throwback weekend then try App-Fest Gloucestershire, just 10 minutes drive from Elsie's cottage, with plenty of live music, with day and weekend tickets available.

Just across the Border is also Tewkesbury Live a free festival of music hosted in the towns pubs. A great way to explore the town and enjoy some entertainment by the river.

Keep an eye out on the visit Worcestershire website for more events throughout the summer.

Festival of fun by the Cornish coast

Many of the festivals in Cornwall run slightly out of season to attract visitors at less busy times and because of logisitcs.

We always try to visit the Porthleven food festival - a weekend of great music, plenty of street food and Chefs demos, feats and much more. It usually runs at the end of April.

 

Falmouth Shanty festival is a real treat, watch fishermen harmonise and have a right knees up by the quay with plenty of beer and cider flowing. It runs in the middle of June 13th-15th in 2025

Every town has its own festival in spring time, with dances and music, beer and celebrations of everything local. The Helston Flora Day is a real spectical with the whole town dressed up dancing through the streets. Penzance has its Golowan / Mazey Day festival at the end of June with parades, and street parties.

Over the summer there are a number of regattas as you'd expect. Helford Passage is a lovely place to visit to get away from the crowds and in August they hold their regatta. in 2024 its on 10th. Later in the month Falmouth hosts The Tall Ships - always impressive - 16th-18th

Throughout the summer The Watering Hole at Perranporth beach hosts many bands and event and is a great spot to soak up the festival vibe on the beach

Having shared all of these amazing events, its worth adding that there are weekly events held in the pubs and bars in Porthleven, with live music at The The Shoal Brewery, and open mic night weekly on a Thursday. The Atlantic Inn hosts bands on a weekly basis. Whilst the Harbour inn often has the Porthleven Brass Band perform outside the pub.

Wherever you decide to hang out, have a great summer of fun.

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Take the plunge, best cold water swimming spots near our cottages

Why cold water swim?

In a world which is being lived more and more online where we are insulated in warmth and comfort. This seems at odds with the growing trend for swimming in cold water.  The attractiveness of dipping into lakes and seas any time of year often in just a swimming costume, does seem a bit extreme, so why is it so popular?

Full disclosure, I love a cold water plunge. I've tried rivers, lakes and always take a dip in the Atlantic when I'm visiting Porthleven.

There is something all encompassing about getting into cold water. It impacts your whole body. Impacting our breathing, focus and it makes us tingle from head to toe. It's no wonder that people report reduced anxiety, improved mental health and less inflammation amongst many other positive affects.

I'm lucky enough to live close to water, with three epic rivers winding their way through the three counties . Yet poor water quality and safety can be off putting to many. So here's a few recommendations for lovely safe spots where you can try cold water swimming with life guards and knowing you won't go home with a dodgy tummy.

If you feel you need it, there are introductions to cold water swimming too, so you can take your new experience home and try it where you live.

Read on for some great places to dip near our cottages.

Try dipping in a Lake in Worcestershire

We are blessed with a host of swimming lakes around us, which have been certified for swimming in the last few years. A number have lifeguarding and safety measures in place, as well as other facilities and activities on site. Book for a retreat, or introduction to cold water swimming, or just book a session and share the moment with others or friends and enjoy a lovely cup of chai or hot chocolate to warm up afterwards.

Escape to The Lake - Set in farmland, at the North end of the Malvern Hills. Open for social swims at set times through the week and at weekends, Booking essential. Prices from £7.50

Watersedge Club - Set in open countryside near Evesham, with retreat offerings and training camps, as well as a a cute coffee hut and seating to enjoy a hot drink and cake by the lake. There's plenty of parking and full lifeguarding on site and changing in. the stretch tent. Prices from £7.50

Barefoot & Bower - just into Herefordshire, this stunning wooded spot offers swimming, without lifeguarding, but you can book to go with a friend for safety. Book via NOWCA, this one is for the more experienced wild swimmer.

Lake swimming is a wonderful serene experience, with nature in and around you, as well as the sounds of wild life. It is calm without the noise of a public pool or the chlorine, why not give it a go.

 

Book a stay at Elsie's Cottage

Plunge into Cornish seas for a cold water dip

When visiting Cornwall I pretty much always take a dip in the sea. There's plenty of choice from harbour swims, or sandy beach dips, rock pools and rivers the Lizard has so much choice and the waters are dreamy.

Swimming in Porthleven - From Anchor cottage you can potter down to the beach and take a swim anytime. The best place to access the water is below blue buoy steps - where the lifeguard station is. Here offers a softer shelving entry to the water and a large section of sand. Take care and choose hours after high tide and low tide when currents are weaker.

Alternatively you can take a dip from the harbour, either accessing by the steps around the harbour or by the slope near the Ship Inn - this can be slippery so take care and never swim across the mouth of the harbour as boats use this channel. The Atlantic is very chilly, so take it easy and have a warm robe or clothing to change into afterwards - luckily Anchor cottage is close enough to nip home for a warming brew.

Praa Sands - is a lovely sandy beach, just 15 minutes drive from Porthleven. Safe to swim with kids there's  is plenty of parking and The Welloe cafe offers food and drink too.

Gwithian, Porthkidney and Hayle Estuary- these stunning beaches really have it all, huge stretches of golden sand, shallow waters and crystal clear. Just take care in the estuary when the tide is on the turn, there are lifeguards, and if you choose the Gwithian end, there are cafes too. This stretch feels warmer than Porthleven, and is definitely less rough so a great place for more tentative swimmers.

Kynance Cove - A really beautiful spot with granite stacks. Head here when the tide is more out than in, there is a NT car park and cafe, and the waters are just stunning.

Helford - This river swimming spot, is a little cove which you can access via a wooded walk from the Helford car park. After a lovely hike through the trees, stop off at one of the coves along the way and have a dip in clear waters, it is a real treat. Choose a high tide as the water recedes and there is a lot of seaweed on the shores, and always take care of marine traffic. On your return stop off at the Shipwright arms or Mackerel Cafe for a well earned  treat.

 

Book a stay at Anchor cottage

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Plunge into wild swimming lakes in Worcestershire

Take a dip in clean swimming lakes of Worcestershire

Wild swimming has become really popular especially with the growth of cold water immersion therapy and a growing desire to get out in nature as much as possible.

Worcestershire has many epic rivers winding their way through the county and that of its neighbours. The Wye and Severn touch the edges of the county whilst the Avon goes through the heart of the city of Worcester.

However with many f us being less than confident in water, and the unfortunate demise of water quality in our rivers, swimming lakes with bathing quality waters are a great alternative. Plus many have life guarding on site and ensure you are safe in the water.

Luckily we have a fair few new and established lakes  in and near the county which offer not only swimming but also yoga, sound baths and meditation activities which offer a retreat  experience to your visit.

Here are our favourites.

The benefits of mind and body of cold water swimming

There is a great deal written of the benefits of wild swimming. Some maybe more anecdotal rather than proven, but who cares if it makes us feel better and poses no harm, its worth giving it a try.  Here are a few of the many feel good factors attributed to wild swimming.

  • Helps to calm inflammation, relieving headaches, aches and pain
  • promotes mindfulness helping to quiet negative thoughts
  • Helps with sleep
  • Improves circulation and metabolism giving us an energy boost
  • Reconnects us with nature and others improving our happiness hormones

Above all, the feel good glow that comes from trying something new, along with all the giggles along the way makes it worth giving it a try.

Watersedge club

From Elsie's cottage this is about a 50 minute drive, but worth the trip. Watersedge Club offers social swims, swim coaching and training. So perfect if you are feeling a little out of your depth.

It is wonderfully managed and organised with social swims throughout the week. But much more than that, their stretch tent is the perfect spot for yoga, sound bath and meditation sessions which run regularly on site.

There is plenty of parking, pus toilets and rubber matted entry to the water. Choose from a leisurely half circuit or the full 800 metre route.

You will feel thoroughly looked after here, with rescue Kayaks, and registration bands. You'll get scanned in and out of the water too.

It is worth packing a changing robe - The stretch tent is shared with all swimmers. Also pack crocs or similar to leave by the water and save you walking barefoot on gravel and mud.

 

After your swim warm up with a hot drink and piece of cake from their horse box watering hole.

Escape to the lake swimming Worcestershire

Just 30 minutes from Elsie's cottage Escape to the lake lake offers social swims Tuesdays and at the weekend. With well organised sessions to enjoy dipping in the wild with the safety of knowing there's a lifeguard to look out for you.

They also offer a range of activities from painting classes to yoga and meditation in a stretch tent.

A smaller lake but lovely for a leisurely swim in gorgeous Worcestershire countryside.

Take a changing robe - After your swim warm up with a hot drink and piece of cake.

Other swimming lakes in the three Counties

There a re a few other alternatives to choose from in and around Worcestershire for wild lake swimming.

Just into Gloucestershire on the foot of May hill is Barefoot and Bower. A stunning lake set in thick woodland.

A stunning secluded spot where you can buy swim slots for two or more.  You will have to be registered with NOWCA which is an open water swimming association, where you register and book swim slots at a number of lakes in their network.

Drop a pin and share it with the owner and nearest and dearest for safety then enjoy a quiet paddle in the cool waters of this magical spot.

Or if you would prefer tuition with a guide then Angel Jones offers open water swimming tours in Usk and on the River wye

a mix of images showing local produce including wood-fired pizza, scotch eggs, pastries and produce
Author: CharlottePosted on: Format ImageCategories: Food lovers, Uncategorized

Shop like a local

a mix of images showing local produce including wood-fired pizza, scotch eggs, pastries and produce

Shop local for sustainable tourism

We all know planning for a holiday can be a pretty fraught, from packing to directions and organising others. So food can often be a little forgotten.

A self-catering holiday does make many think of having to order bags of supermarket food, drink to ensure you can eat well and save a little on the essentials.

I am definitely a last minute merchant. I think of all the amazing things I should organise weeks ahead, and then let it all slip into an abyss, procrastination winning over getting it done.

Now, I know that will fill many with dread.  But I can honestly say that it has on many occasion led to better holidays with more rich experiences especially when it comes to food.

Food and drink are one of life's pleasures. I know I get stuck in a rut when it comes making meals for the household, and I definitely don't love the supermarket shop.

So when on my holibobs, I indulge a little, allow shopping for food to become a little more exciting and let myself be led by what is available, because holidays don't have the same pressure of routines and structure that everyday life imposes on us.

So this little journal is all about some of the most gorgeous little haunts to find ingredients, enjoy local produce and indulge in some eating out.

Visit Ledbury for brilliant Indie shopping

We've had the tough job of doing the research to find the best bakery, or amazing deli, where to go for the best morning coffee and breakfasts or tea time treats, so you don't have to.

These are our recommendations of where to buy local ingredients from farm shops to markets. We'll recommend some of the best places to shop for food, ingredients, gifts and hand crafted items as keepsakes from your stay.

Ledbury's got a wonderful array of shops for picking up everyday ingredients there are super markets - Tesco's, Lidl, and Co-Op.  If you are looking for a few local treats then head for Ceci Paolo - with amazing cheeses, deli salads, quiche, local sourdough breads and cakes. Its where we pick up our goodies for grazing platters for Elsies cottage.

Handley Organics has some wonderful locally grown produce as well as cakes, salads and whole foods - perfect if you are looking for a vegan or wheat free treat. They have a cafe too!

If you adventure about 5 miles out of Ledbury on the Hereford road you will discover The Nest, so called as it is the home of the Scotch egg company. With a little deli, cafe and nursery as well as wildlife walks and orchards,  all styled with rustic charm, well worth a mooch.

Staying in Ledbury there are plenty of lovely shops for inspiration. If it is a little gift for yourself, try Juice Collection for jewellery and leather goods or maybe something for your home, try Tinsmiths for fabrics, pottery and soft furnishings - tucked down the alleys are Roger Oats - wonderful rugs and worth a visit of the architecture. If its more scandi-design you are after then Hus and Hem will be right up your street.

Therer is so much more in the town, that it is difficult to mention everything here, so just enjoy a wander, and don't forget to wander the alleyways, they are full of great little shops and cafe's.

We particularly recommend The Malthouse - with a cute little courtyard and great produce. but beware it gets very booked up.

Shop Local on the Cornish coast

You'll always arrive to the basics at one of our cottages - everything to make a brew, eggs and toast for morning breakfast as well as a few treats.  When we land in Porthleven its usually with very little in hand. So our first stop is at the local shop Pengellys.

Whilst it carries co-op items it also has lots of  locally grown farm produce, Cornish milk and cream, cheeses and hams as well as pretty much anything you might have left behind. Plus it stays open really late!

If you are looking for a few treats for your stay head for The Corner Deli. It carries some great Cornish produce as well its own produced cakes, deli salads and cheese and you could pre-order your wood-fired pizza for later.

Porthleven Markets  Run throughout the week. There are stalls in the harbour, as well as in the Shipyard market.  Perfect for picking up a gorgeous gift, or keepsake, as well as delicious treats with a huge variety of products including Poke bowls, bubble tea, smoothies and delicious bakery items. I love a lazy wander around the markets, chat with young local  producers learn a little local history and catch the Cornish vibe.

Tourism offers great opportunities for enterprising young entrepreneurs but only if they are supported. So rather than ramming your car full of super market bags, your holiday is a wonderful opportunity to support sustainable tourism by shopping local.

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