Hot for 2010

From a private beach hut with its own hot tub, to Europe’s first surfing museum, 
Visit Devon’s hot-list 2010 has just some of the reasons you need to head west this year.

For more what's on, where to stay and what to do in Devon, use the search options to the right or check out the area pages for a taste of Devon's diversity. 

Hut and hot tub

What: Is this the ultimate romantic mini-break? The Beach Hut from Carswell Cottages is, well, a beach hut in a secluded, private cove in South Devon available to rent for two-night weekend stays in warmer months. The hut hasn’t got electricity – there are wind-up lanterns for light – but it does have running water, double bed, gas hob, sink and a wood burner. But don’t bother with that - outside there’s a hot tub to jump in if you two need warming up.
Where: Holbeton, South Hams
When: May-October
Find out more: Two-night weekend break from £245. www.carswellcottages.com

Board game

What: Memorabilia dating back 200 years including vintage boards will be on display in the new home of Europe’s first museum of surfing, due to open at Saunton Beach next year if all goes to plan. Former ITV news reporter and surfing fan Peter Robinson is behind the project, backed by the landowners, the Christie Estate.
Where: Saunton Beach, North Devon
When: Late 2010
Find out more: www.museumofbritishsurfing.org.uk

Welcoming the Welsh

What: Pop over from Wales in just 50 minutes instead of three hours, thanks to the new Severn Ferry Link between Swansea and Ilfracombe, launching in time for Easter. Up to five services a day will operate, bringing an all-year-round boost to North Devon. Improvements to Ilfracombe’s seafront and infrastructure are also underway.
Where: Ilfracombe, North Devon
When: By Easter 2010
Find out more: www.severnlink.com  

Bow-wow boutique

What: Babbacombe Bay’s new boutique inn, The Cary Arms, from Lana de Savary, wife of entrepreneur Peter, welcomes even four-legged friends - and they get their own bed and dog bowl. Kids, also welcome, get a net and bait to go rock pool fishing. The ultra-chic, sea-facing little bolthole has eight rooms and three luxury cottages, as well as a restaurant serving simply gorgeous gastro-pub food.
Where: Babbacombe Bay, Torquay
When: Open now
Find out more: Rooms from £150 per night, cottages from £300 per night. www.caryarms.co.uk  

Crime wave

What: The scene is set for celebration of criminal activity on the English Riviera – or at least writing about it anyway. Torbay’s Festival of Crime Writing will play host to eminent authors, talks, plays, poetry readings, murder mystery evenings and films as well as crime-writing workshops for budding Agatha Christies.
When: April 21-24, 2010
Where: Venues around Torbay
Find out more: www.englishriviera.co.uk  

On your bike

What: Haldon Forest Park’s long-awaited, brand-new Ridge Ride technical bike trail is up and coming. The six-mile ride, which incorporates rock gardens, berms and steep descents, is suitable only for experienced mountain bike riders but Haldon Forest Park also has other bike trails, gentle strolls, horse-riding and wildlife spotting included in its 3,500 acres.
Where: Haldon Forest Park, near Exeter
When: Now
Find out more: www.forestry.gov.uk/haldonforestpark  

Party on, pirates

What: Ahoy there, me hearties! Set sail for Brixham this spring for a celebration of seafarin’ shenanigans and swashbuckling skulduggery at the ever-popular Pirate and Shanty Festival. Last year a staggering 1,469 would-be Captain Jacks turned up in fancy dress, breaking the world record for the most pirates in one gathering. Can it be beaten? Expect more pirate-themed fun than you can shake a wooden leg at, including the Aargh Factor, a sea shanty talent competition.
Where: Brixham
When: April 30-May 2010
Find out more: www.brixhambuccaneers.co.uk  

Under the pier show

What: See starfish, cuttlefish, sea anemones and cute seahorses up close at Living Coasts, in South Devon. The new exhibit, called Local Coasts, is themed to represent the underside of a seaside pier. Children will love the crawl-through tank that allows them to see the marine creatures from below. The tank, which also has a dump-bucket to make waves, is thought to be the first of its kind in the country.
Where: Living Coasts, Torquay
When: Now
Find out more: www.livingcoasts.org.uk  

Summer of fun

What: Plymouth Summer Festival runs from May through until the end of August 2010, offering a huge range of exciting maritime, music, arts and food and drink events as well as a massive variety of free entertainment on offer. Events this year include the British Fireworks Championships, Big Screen live screening from the Royal Opera House and Wimbledon, Barbican International Jazz & Blues Festival, Lobsterfest and the Honda 4-stroke Powerboat Race.
Where: Plymouth
When: May-August 2010
Find out more: www.plymouthsummerfestival.com  

Beautiful celebration

What: South Devon AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2010. Projects to mark the occasion will include research into how the AONB landscape has changed, a ‘Buy Local’ campaign supporting food producers, farmers, fishermen, and foresters, and events and activities such as rural crafts, demonstrations, visits, sports and the established South Devon Walking Festival.
When: August 2010
Where: South Devon
Find out more: www.southdevonaonb.org.uk  

Quay decision

What: The Quay House Visitor Centre in Exeter is undergoing a redesign and refurbishment, ready for a spring unveiling. The new interpretation will tell the story of the development of Exeter’s Quay and Canal and highlighting the importance of the woollen cloth industry in the city’s development.
When: Spring 2010
Where: Exeter
Find out more: www.exeter.gov.uk/quayhouse

Tournament two

What: Woodbury Park Hotel and Golf Club and East Devon Golf Club are hosting a new two-day, two-course golf tournament, The Jurassic Coast 500, this summer. Men and women competitors will play two full rounds of golf at two of the South West’s most prestigious courses.
When: June 11-12, 2010
Where: Woodbury Park Hotel and Golf Club (www.woodburypark.co.uk), and East Devon Golf Club (www.edgc.co.uk)
Find out more: Call 01395 234 735 or email golfbookings@woodburypark.co.uk