Helsbury Dog Photo Competition 2012 Entry 19

Tom Cumming sent these great shots of Tolkein the Weimeraner, he said: "We spent a great week with you and our dog Tolkien loved the space and even playing in Tintagel. It was our daughters first holiday (at four months old) and despite the weather we had the best of times."

2012 Calendar now LIVE!

OK, it's been live for some time now which is why we've had so many bookings already, but we've shut down our 2011 bookings now so it's all systems go for 2012!

Helsbury Dog Photo Competition 2012 Entry 18

There are times when we get feedback which just blows us away, and this is one of those times, some lovely photos and a poem no less!!

Helsbury Park – a piece of Doggie Heaven,

We are used to lovely place as we live on the coast in Devon!

But at Helsbury Park, WOW, what can we say,

It had everything and more for us to do each and every day!

We’d be up bright and early - first ones at the door,

Out through the paddock, eager to explore!

Running through the meadow, roaming the woods, splashing in the river,

Mum taking lots of photos, something about a ‘competition winner’?

Back to the cottage for a drink and some cookie treats – a gift from Leza and Dave,                     

We both agreed that they were yummy and now our definite fave!

Off out to the beaches to frolic in the sand and sea,

Daymer Bay and Rock were amazing and Padstow had plenty to do and see!

Sleepy and content by the fire while the girls went to the pool for a swim,

Either Mum preparing dinner or we all dined out at the local Inn!

Every day an adventure, even better than the one before,

We loved every minute and wanted to stay for more!

Then sadly, we watched Mum pack our things away,

Our holiday had come to an end, a very very sad day!

But now we are happy and full of celebrations,

We’re coming back next year – hurray – love Esmee & Lyra the Dalmatians!!

P.S

The humans loved it too and walked around Helsbury with smiles on their faces,

For doggies and their owners it really is the very best of places!

Helsbury Dog Photo Competition 2012 Entry 17

Jayne Robinson sent this lovely shot of Stanley waiting to go for his morning walk, looks like the humans are taking a bit long to get ready! Jayne sent us this lovely review:

"As we approached our cottage at Helsbury Park on a gloriously sunny afternoon, the view was breathtaking. My children squealed with delight as they spotted the ponies in front of the lake. My dogs howled in anticipation as they spotted the miles of open fields to roam and woodland to explore. On entering our cottage we were immediately at ease with the pristine cleanliness and the quality of comfort. My girls quickly rushed to put on their swimming costumes, eager to display their new found talents in underwater swimming, while I took my dogs for a ramble in the woodland.

After a long and tiring day we all transferred into our pyjamas, stoked up the fire and settled on the deliciously comfortable sofas to watch a film with the smell of a pot of chilli simmering in the kitchen. The following day we awoke to dense fog, turning into drizzle, hiding the beautiful view we had only just become accustomed to.We were disappointed and our plans for a busy day on the beach rapidly disappeared. After a stroll with the dogs and a dip in the pool we made our way to Padstow for a mooch in the local shops. Whilst there, we managed to secure a table at The Seafood restaurant which was a delight and it took our minds off the gloomy weather.

Once we had returned to the cottage the temperature had dropped and the rain set in. Again we transferred to our pyjamas and stoked up the fire. Very few holidays do you pray for bad weather but at Helsbury Park the worse the weather got the more relaxing and cosy our cottage became. With a swimming pool to tire the girls and acres of land to tire the dogs, this was one of the most relaxing holidays we have had in a long time!"

My Personal Sanctuary Comes to Helsbury!

We're really thrilled to announce our tie up with My Personal Sanctuary (MPS) to provide a whole range of organic spa treatments in the comfort of your cottage. The lovely folks at MPS are keen to answer any questions or queries about their services and are itching to get on site to show you what they can do. It's a lovely enhancement to our overall offer and we hope you get a chance to enjoy it.

Read more about it on our web site or go straight to the MPS web site to find out more. And do let us know your feedback on this service.

Follow us on Twitter...

Our twitter feed has just gone live, sign up to pick up our updates as you go along!

Follow @HelsburyPark

Helsbury Dog Photo Competition 2012 Entry 16

Janice and Andy Koy came back again this year with their lovely rescue greyhounds Kane and Nikita, Janice said: "We've just come home from a lovely week at Helsbury. Thanks for having us again. Here's a picture of Kane and Nikita on Little Tor and one of Niki after a hard day's fun!"

Visitors Book 012

We get as lot of lovely comments, but not many of them come hand written so it's nice to see that the art form still exists, here's a lovely letter we received recently. Click on it to see it full size.

New Interactive Booking Form

We've given our pdf booking form a bit a facelift and also made it interactive which means when you download it you have a choice. You can print and fill it in by hand or you can type into the form fields and select the options as you go, save it and then print it or email it to us. Which means that you get a copy of what you've sent us and it saves you time.

Here's the new booking form.

Has your Dog got the X-Factor?

The folks who publish K9 magazine are running a competition to find Britain's craziest dogs! It's simple to enter, go to this page:

http://www.totalpetpublishing.com/crazy-dog-habits-what-makes-your-dog-unique/

1. Answer a few questions about your dog and your most memorable moments
2. Press submit
3. Be in line to make your dog a star!

And you might even win a FREE membership to K9 Magazine or Total Dog Magazine!

New bench by the river...

Some of you will have noticed that we have a lovely new granite bench by the river at Helsbury, this has been recently installed as a tribute to one of the previous owners of Helsbury who died recently. This was his favourite spot on the river and his family hope others can enjoy it too.

Does the sky get any bluer?

This is Widemouth Bay last Thursday - wow!

Helsbury Dog Photo Competition 2012 Entry 15

Jo Lockett sent us this lovely review: "I just wanted to say what a wonderful time we had in the Farmhouse at the end of August.  I booked the holiday as a treat for my 40^th birthday, but the whole family enjoyed a little taste of luxury.  The pool was stunning, visited everyday, keeping the kids more than happy and to be honest, we could easily have just stayed put all week, walking in the grounds and taking in the breathtaking views.  We were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some deer on a couple of evening strolls and our 1 year old retriever, Tilly, had her first venture into the river and showed us what a good swimmer she is!   The attention to detail was amazing and we could have sat relaxing and admiring the views from the breakfast room all day, if only the kids would allow!  We would love to return sometime in the not too distant future – just hope I don’t have to wait until I’m 50!"

Helsbury Dog Photo Competition 2012 Entry 14

Sue Ward sent these shots of Murphy and Lola who look like they are loving the sunshine, Sue said "We spent a lovely week with you this August with our two dogs, Murphy and Lola. They had a fantastic time running through the fields, splashing in the sea before collapsing happy and exhausted at the end of each day. Their every need was catered for so thank you once again. Attached are several photos which best captured the sheer joy on their faces!"

Christmas Still Available...

Although we've had 100% percent booking this year so far, with our next available week in November we still have some availability for Christmas 2011. Check our latest availability for more information. The 2012 availability is also filling up fast, check it out here.

Helsbury Dog Photo Competition 2012 Entry 13

Allan & Elaine McEachen stayed recently: "We had a really great time at Helsbury last week. It was our second visit and if anything we enjoyed it even more second time around. We will definitely be back again for a third visit in 2012."

Quality in Tourism Report

We're very happy to announce that Helsbury Park has been awarded 5 Star Gold for the 3rd year on the run, this year's report saw some of our highest ever marks, with the Farmhouse scoring 96% overall, here are some of the key comments:

"A very thorough standard of cleanliness and housekeeping standards to all properties, which is credit to the efforts of the team."

"Helsbury Park is an accommodation gem offering superb quality standards throughout. Guests are able to enjoy the excellent leisure facilities and access to the accompanying extensive pasture land. A real highlight is the dog friendly holiday experience, which has been very carefully considered to offer outstanding service in this field."

Our web site is down...

Few technical glitches on the web site at the moment, hosting gubbins, I don't pretend to understand it but it should be back up and running in the next few hours. It means we're not getting emails either so if you need to get hold of us please use the phone number above.

Sorry for the inconvenience!

Visitors Book 011

We received some lovely comments from Helen Crawford, who stayed with us this Summer: "At last someone who understands that just because we want to bring our dogs on holiday it doesn't mean that we want to stay in a hovel! It's the first time we have stayed in a self catering home and not wanted to return home immediately! Dogs loved it too, we loved your dog friendly touches. We've been coming to this part of Cornwall on and off for the last 20 years and have increasingly thought of buying something here but i think we would rather stay at Helsbury Park now. Very impressed with all your eco efforts and the maintenance standards of your gardens and grounds."

Helsbury Dog Photo Competition 2012 Entry 12

Sally and Adam Lees came recently and they said: "We had a fantastic time staying in Westhayes for our honeymoon with our son Ethan and our two labradors, Murphy and Molly. Helsbury lived up to all our expectations for the whole family. Ethan at 14 months old loved exploring the beautiful barn and toddling up and down through the downstairs area. The swimming pool complex was so special for us as he learnt to 'jump' off the side and got so excited when he knew we were going swimming every day! Molly and Murphy had the most amazing week because if they weren't running through the park, swimming in the river or walking through the woodland, they were digging holes on the beach and helping Ethan! We can't wait to return."

Helsbury Dog Photo Competition 2012 Entry 11

Mark Lewis and his family came this summer, which turned out to be a pretty good one overall weather wise. Mark said: "Very much enjoyed Marhayes and the great standards you have set. The pool was great and the views and peace making it a very decent break. Lots to do locally, enjoyed walking your stunning grounds...think we will be back!". Here are some pics of their lovely dogs Penny, Hetty and Molly.

Visitors Book 010

Lovely comment here from one of our guests: "We were lucky enough to be invited to stay at Helsbury Park last week, with my daughter and family. I want to express our thanks for a wonderful stay.It was our first holiday in 12 months since my husband's illness so it was special. The accommodation and facilities were excellent and the walks in the grounds were most enjoyable. I do hope that we will be able to return sometime in the future. I shall recommend Helsbury Park to all of my friends and acquaintances."

Cornwall Hosts a Feast of Food Festivals in the Fall

Cornwall has one of the finest reputations for food and drink in the whole of the UK which it celebrates in a feast of food festivals. For many, our celebrated harvest of the sea is at the heart of the festivals with Newlyn, Newquay and Falmouth Oyster Festivals showcasing the freshest fish and shelfish caught from around our coast, with cookery demonstrations from top local chefs and samples to tempt the taste buds.

Celebrate all things fishy on August Bank Holiday Monday in one of Cornwall's most distinctive and original fishing ports. Newlyn Fish Festival is the biggest of its kind in the country where you will find a huge fish display, six cooking demos from top local chefs, two fish auctions, a lobster workshop and the Big Fish Filleting Challenge. You can buy fish fresh, cooked or smoked from the best of Cornish seafood merchants.

Newquay Fish Festival runs from 9th to 11th September and grows in popularity each year with more and more to see and sample. Try delicious fish dishes, watch local chefs rustle up amazing food from local produce, purchase a range of Cornish food and produce. The Chefs are the characters of the Festival using their flamboyant demonstrations to show off their culinary skills - and you get to eat the results!! As well as live cookery, smoked fish, a pilchard BBQ, on site fish sales, crab sandwiches, oysters, fish filleting demos and all sorts of other ‘fishy'  will be on offer. There will also be Cornish a range of food and craft stalls as well as family fun and entertainment over the weekend at The Harbour, Newquay's hidden gem.

The imposing city of Truro is the venue for Cornwall Food & Drink Festival which draws thousands of visitors to the event which takes place from 23rd to 25th September.  The festival is the biggest celebration of Cornish food and drink in the county attracting artisan producers from chocolate to chutney; bakery to butchery; ice cream to clotted cream; or pasties to paella - whatever your fancy, this festival has got it licked, with the finest quality produce from all over Cornwall.  If that’s not enough, come and see at least a dozen of the county’s top chefs in action and learn new tricks and hot tips from selected food experts.  Kids can get creative in the Funky Food Zone and, new for this year, the festival fun goes on after sunset with some special treats for true food lovers.

The first weekend in October sees the Boscastle Food, Arts & Crafts Festival with eight fabulous Cornish Chefs demonstrating over the weekend, including high rising stars such as Nathan Outlaw, proud owner of 2 Michelin Stars  from the St Enodoc Hotel, Andy Appleton from Fifteen Cornwall, winner of this year's desert course for the Great British Menu,  three chefs from outstanding restaurants in Padtow including Paul Ainsworth from Number 6, Paul Harwood from Rick Stein’s St.Petroc’s Bistro and Adrian Oliver from Margot’s, also Phil Thomas from Rosewarne Manor and Aaron Janes  from Silks Bistro at Newquay’s Atlantic Hotel.  A host of stalls will be selling and sampling Cornish food and drink and original arts and crafts in the huge marquees in this picturesque harbour side village.

Britains' No 1 Food Spot...

Lincolnshire, are you sure? Vote for Cornwall now before this poll turns into a travesty and embarrassment for the whole country.

http://www.lovebritishfood.co.uk/votefoodspot/

Helsbury Dog Photo Competition 2012 Entry 10

Sharon and Paul Murdy were with us in the Farmhouse in May and sent this lovely shot of their dogs, Sharon said: "We stayed in the Farmhouse in May 2011 and attach the favourite picture of our dogs Merlin and Poppy galloping in the meadow, don't they look happy? We were just looking at Farmhouse availability for 2012 and better get our skates on and book something!"

Helsbury Dog Photo Competition 2012 Entry 9

Graham bassett and his family stayed in the Farmhouse for the first week in July. Graham sent these great shots and said: "We all enjoyed ourselves but none more than Buffee our 15 month old Bichon Frise. The walks down to the river and along through the woodlands where she could run off the lead were a delight to her and a joy to us. The Farmhouse was a lovely place to stay, so homely and very well appointed. We'll be back."

Helsbury Dog Photo Competition 2012 Entry 8

Sharon Etzel and her family travelled all the way from Germany to be with us, she sent this lovely review of her holiday:

"We drove practically non-stop for 13 hours from South Germany to get to Helsbury Park for our first visit. We arrived, unpacked the car and went out for a dog-walk down the valley. Literally within minutes of arrival, after a pretty exhausting journey, we were agreeing that it was worth every mile and that we would definitely be coming back in the future!

We had a fantastic fortnight at Helsbury Park. Over the years, we have stayed many times all over Cornwall, but in terms of accommodation and location, we have never had it so good.

Thank you so much for providing such a wonderful place to stay. As I wrote in our feedback form: We loved it, our teenage boys loved it (and that's an achievement in itself!) and of course, our bearded collie Talisker loved it.

OK, the weather wasn't wonderful, but that certainly didn't stop us having a fantastic time, because Marhayes was so comfortable, the grounds so lovely to walk in - and the weather often improved as we drove the short distance to the north coast.

We had a magical experience one morning at Helsbury down towards the river: we were stopped in our tracks by the sight of a fox close by, ears pricked, intently watching some small animal in the grass, leaping into the air and diving after its breakfast."

Helsbury Dog Photo Competition 2012 Entry 7

Julia Woodcock and her friends stayed, with their dogs Charlie and Doris, in Broadview recently, she said: "We had another great visit, despite the weather.   Our friends thought it was amazing and couldn’t get over how dog friendly everything was, not just at Helsbury but everywhere we went in the area. Here are a few photos of the dogs I thought you might like."

Even Cats want to be Dogs...

Check out this superb bit of footage from YouTube:

Helsbury Dog Photo Competition 2012 Entry 6

These spectacular shots were set in by Neil and Bridget Davey, who had a great time here at Helsbury with their dogs Porthos and Lucy, and were definitely blessed with good weather. They're all looking forward to coming back and you can see why.

Helsbury Dog Photo Competition 2012 Entry 5

Laura Hill was with us again this year with her brilliant dog Alfie, they stayed in the farmhouse where A;lfie really made himself at home: "Alfie had a fabulous time at Rock beach and met up with old doggy friends from previous years. His favourite places in the Farmhouse were the breakfast room and family garden. The Farmhouse is a truly impressive property, the views from the breakfast room are just amazing and I’m now a proficient Aga cook."

Helsbury Dog Photo Competition 2012 Entry 4

Gill Goddard sent us these lovely shots of her dogs after having a "brilliant week" at Helsbury, she said: "Just a quick not to say how much we enjoyed our stay in Broadview last week. The bungalow is lovely and all the improvements you have made since we were there 5 years ago are amazing - especially that fantastic wet room. Apart from the weather, the week was really lovely and we had every comfort possible. We hope to come back again one day as it is definitely the very best place for dogs - our 2 had a great time and are still sleeping it off!!!! Thanks again for the wonderful cottage."

Helsbury Dog Photo Competition 2012 Entry 3

Suzanne Harris entered this lovely photo of her two dogs Bob and Charlie here at Helsbury, she said: "Sorry it has taken a while to drop you this email but just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful week spent at Helsbury Park in March. We are already looking at dates and hoping to stay again. Thought this one showed just how much Bob and Charlie loved the river at Helsbury Park and that they were very sad to have to go home. Hope to be back soon."

Helsbury Dog Photo Competition 2012 Entry 2

Our second entry of the year is from Julie Cooper, she was one of the first people to stay in the Farmhouse: "We stayed at the Farmhouse the first week in March and have sent pictures of our dog Bella chilling on the sofa in the sitting room and sniffing the sea breeze."