The winner of July's writing competition is Dorothy Tiernan, from London, who visited Newquay in Cornwall with her husband after her trip to India was cancelled by the Icelandic eruptions.

For her husband on leave from Afghanistan this became a holiday to remember for all the right reasons... 

Those lucky enough to be enjoying a holiday in Watergate Bay next month will be treated to a rare sight along the shoreline!

The beautiful Watergate Bay beach will play host to Veuve Clicquot Polo on 16^th September, with free admission to the public.

Watergate Bay’s golden beach will be the setting for an evening game of Veuve Clicquot Polo, and the match is sure to be a spectacular sight. More than twenty ponies and a selection of the sport’s top players will play on a small pitch close to spectators, making an exhilerating spectacle for visitors to Watergate Bay.

The tranquillity of Badham Farm, near Looe, is set to be shattered this September as steam trains whistle through the peaceful valley beside it!

Vintage Trains will mark the 175^th anniversary of Great Western Railway with two special events on 19^th and 26^th September - which will see steam trains run along the line directly behind Badham Farm.

This will be the first time steam trains have operated on this original branch line for nearly half a century.  The events, on two consecutive Sundays, will mean that lucky guests of Badham Farm will have the opportunity to board the steam train at Causeland Station as it journeys between Liskeard and Looe.

We are offering a fantastic £960 off half-term in Falmouth at Nightingale House, a stunning four-bedroom, waterside property set in the heart of Falmouth overlooking the harbour.

This traditionally styled house sleeps up to eight and is perfect for a large family or two sharing. 

Old Lanwarnick Farm is a stunning new collection of five beautifully restored, boutique, luxury self-catering cottages near Fowey, Polperro and Looe, Cornwall.  Set in 34 acres of countryside within the charming 1,000 year-old hamlet of Old Lanwarnick, each property welcomes dogs and horses free of charge.

Recently the focus for Discovery Real Time’s House Wreck Rescue, this collection of 5-star, Gold Standard Award self-catering barn conversions are now available for bookings though Blue Chip Vacations. 

Blue Chip Vacations is offering holidaymakers worried about flight cancellations over the next month an extended 20 per cent discount across its entire portfolio through to 04 June!

The special offer includes 20 per cent off stays at Manor House, near Torquay, which sleeps ten.  Having only recently been cut in price by £470 per week, the combined discount comes to a saving of £725 for a seven night stay from 21-28 May, (now just £105 per person). 

The opening races of the Zapcat powerboat season will take place in Newquay, Cornwall on 24 and 25 April.

 Up to 16 heats of racing will take place culminating in two divisional finals each day.  Each daily round will earn the competitors vital points towards the prestigious National Championships, the Services, Rookie, and Team, Mixed, Home Nations and Surf titles, all of which will come to their tense finales in October.

National Pet Month (03 April - 03 May) is almost upon us, and to celebrate Blue Chip Vacations has released its top ten dog-friendly holiday homes close to year round pro-hound beaches.  With over 170 coastal and rural pet-friendly properties to choose from, dog owners will be spoilt for choice whenever they choose to take their four legged friend away for fun and frolics this year.

10 Zinc has a special offer in a special apartment for Easter.  The 2 bedroomed apartment features a 30 foot balcony with sweeping views down to Fistral Beach and Newquay golf course.  And being within 200 yards of the beach itself, this must be one of the most enviable positions for an Easter break in Cornwall.
The apartment itself has contemporary decor throughout with luxuries including Sky+ and a Nintendo Wii with the 42 inch plasma TV, JBL iPod dock.  En-suite master bedroom, luxury fitted kitchen and secure underground parking complete an amazing base for an Easter break.

The 6 night stay arriving on Sunday 4th April and departing on the following Saturday, the 10th, is offered at £499, or less than £21 per person per night. Call 0844 5612001 to book.

 With less than a week to go before the start of the Easter school holidays, we have a selection of over 200 lovely South West self-catering properties still available, now at a 25 per cent discount for seven night stays, and a 10 per cent discount for short-breaks.