Autumn Escape | South Devon

Thurlstone Hotel | Luxury Hotel & Spa in Kingsbridge, South Devon

If you ask me what my favourite season is, hands down I would always say winter, but I think I’ve changed my mind! I am all for Autumn nowadays. The beaches look so beautiful with the autumnal colours in full swing! Even in the wind and the rain Devon looks amazing. (Yes, we were in Devon when storm Callum hit!) The bad weather didn’t stop us though, we had a lovely spa to look forward to after the blowy-beach-madness!

Firstly, I need to tell you how beautiful Thurlstone is. It’s just the cutest little village. It’s nestled in-between Bantham and Hope Cove (two v.pretty spots!) The drive into Thurlstone is really pretty; imagine thatched cottages, winding roads, a typical English pub….and you’re in Thurlstone! The walks are all stunning too, it is the best location to explore Bantham Beach, Thurlstone Beach and Hope Cove. We drove over to Salcombe (20 mins) & South Milton sands (10 mins) too – They’re really close! There are just so many options to choose from, you’ll be totally spoilt for choice!

We spent the first day exploring Kingsbridge, Bantham & Thurlstone beach. I would definitely recommend getting a national trust parking pass if you plan to drive, as otherwise you will end up paying quite a lot in car parking. Each beach is around £5, even if you only want to go for quick walk!

We spent the second day exploring Salcombe and Hope Cove – WOW THEY’RE PRETTY PLACES! It is places like these that make us wish we lived by the sea! Just so beautiful and that was in the rain too, imagine in the sunshine!

Where did we stay?

We stayed in The Thurlstone Hotel. It’s just everything you need and more. We really wanted a weekend to relax and that’s what we did!

There are so many cute, cosy spots around the hotel. The lounge has sea views, a bookcase of dreams and a cosy sofa with tea and cake on tap….That’s a winner for me! I could have easily spent all day in there.

They have SO many festive activities coming up, I will seriously have to keep coming back!

November 24th: Festive Murder Mystery Dinner £50pp

December 6th & 13th: Ladies Lunch & Christmas Wreath Making (THE DREAM!) £24.95pp

December 1st – 21st December: Festive Afternoon Tea £19.95pp

The rooms are incredible, we had such a pretty room with a sea view. The bed is SO comfy too, we were in bed by 7pm ready for XFactor to start! (Could it get any better?!)

Pretty much wherever you go in the hotel you will have amazing views. The restaurant is no exception! It’s such a beautiful setting. They’ve been voted ‘South Devons Best Restaurant’ – You can really see why.

They have lots of different menu options, including an amazing 7-course taster menu.

They also have the Village Inn next door, it’s a little more casual. It has a real gastropub kind of vibe. They serve great local ales too…Which of course Quinn loved! (Whilst I sat with my afternoon cuppa!)

We spent lots of time together in The Voyage Spa. It has a really lovely atmosphere. Quinn made the most of the sauna and steam room, whilst I sat reading my book and having a little occasional swim! It is so nice to switch off from the world!

Quinn went for a Swedish neck, back and shoulder massage (£39) and I went for a manicure. I haven’t had my nails done for soooooo long so I fancied a little treat! I had the express mani, which is £28. You get to keep the nail varnish they use too which I think is a really lovely touch! Quinn loved his massage, he has never had one before. I think we’ve started something new, he is obsessed!

                                                                                                                                                        

We’ve had such a lovely weekend away. We only had time for one night over the weekend this time, but it has certainly left us wanting more!

Enjoy! Hannah xo

                                                                                                          

Blog post in collaboration with The Thurlstone Hotel & Voyage Spa.. All views my own as always!

 

Follow:

20 Comments

  1. Sarah Cole
    October 13, 2018 / 6:50 pm

    Have the best weekend!

    • HannahSwancott
      Author
      October 15, 2018 / 4:16 pm

      Thanks Sarah – I have updated the post to include all of the detail now too!

  2. Rachel Finder
    October 13, 2018 / 6:51 pm

    That looks like a stunning hotel. Can I come!!

    • HannahSwancott
      Author
      October 15, 2018 / 4:15 pm

      It really is, it is so cosy! They have so many facilities.

    • HannahSwancott
      Author
      October 15, 2018 / 8:24 pm

      Yes! It really is. It was really quiet which was perfect ✨

  3. October 16, 2018 / 1:20 pm

    Oh wow, what a gorgeous place to visit. I haven’t been to Devon for quite a few years now but this makes me want to go back. I love a deserted beach when it’s outside high season.

  4. October 16, 2018 / 7:29 pm

    Ohh wow, that looks a fantatsic stay, the views form your balcony is lovley. I’d definitely like to explore Devon more. Mich x

  5. October 17, 2018 / 10:44 am

    I’m always on the lookout for nice spa hotels to get away as a couple. And the seaside is always a good idea, no matter the weather!

  6. October 19, 2018 / 1:48 pm

    That hotel looks gorgeous! I recently visited Plymouth and as a Londoner I was so impressed with how beautiful the beeches were, I definitely need to travel more!

  7. October 20, 2018 / 12:38 am

    What a lovely hotel! The pool looks so inviting. There are so many places to explore in South Devon, we visited earlier in the year and loved the area

  8. October 20, 2018 / 3:22 pm

    Wow the views from the room are amazing and I really like the fact that they have their own spa! I should maybe plan another trip to South Devon only to enjoy the hotel and these views!

  9. October 20, 2018 / 8:10 pm

    Autumn is absolutely my favourite season! Wherever you are, it’s just such a beautiful time of year. I really love the sound of your trip, windy beach trips are the best! Plus your hotel looks absolutely gorgeous x

  10. Helen Clark
    October 21, 2018 / 1:38 pm

    The Thurlstone Hotel sounds a lovely place to stay, the beds look so comfy and cozy! I love visiting the seaside in Autumn and Winter. It really changes the look and atmosphere of them doesn’t it.

  11. October 22, 2018 / 11:45 am

    Aww it looks like a lovely break, very peaceful and relaxing!

  12. November 4, 2018 / 2:01 pm

    Yes, I agree! Beaches in the autumn are totally underrated. The wild winds and the privacy/sense of being alone is so awesome. It totally helps to have such an incredibly beautiful and luxurious hotel to come back to after a cold day at the beach! Beers at the pub are also always a good idea haha

  13. November 4, 2018 / 6:01 pm

    This looks like a super cute place to stay! I love the thatched roof look. And yeah…the beach looks so pretty even with the fog and rain, I can imagine how it would be with the sunshine! Great place to be!

  14. November 4, 2018 / 7:26 pm

    I love England’s countryside architecture- I havent been to this part of Devon tho! Your photos are gorgeous too! I think every nails spa should start giving away their nail polishes, maybe we can create a demand for that hehehe!

  15. November 11, 2018 / 9:49 am

    Oh wow, this looks amazing. It’s looks so peaceful and the perfect place to escape too

  16. Monidipa Dutta
    November 12, 2018 / 5:47 pm

    A beautiful, luxury hotel which hasn’t lost it’s traditional feel of a bygone era. The evening menu is changed daily and the food is outstanding. Even on a dull and rainy day, the hotel is still charming and welcoming.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *