Escape World Cup Fever…with the girls when you Visit Devon

As a nation prepares for the world cup, not everyone in the UK is excited by the prospect of 63 football matches in a month on TV. For those wishing to escape world cup fever, Visit Devon can offer some exciting alternatives, see: www.visitdevon.co.uk. Head for the North Devon coast and get a taste of the great outdoors with the Girls on Waves weekend (12th-13th June) which is organised by the award winning Surf South West. Discover the thrill of surfing with one of the UK’s top female surfers, British surf team member Karma Worthington. She and her colleagues at the British Surfing Association surf school at Croyde will teach you all you need to know about surfing in an all female environment, whatever your ability, in the stunning location of the North Devon coast. After a weekend of fun, exhilaration and calorie burning you can then enjoy one of Devon’s famous indulgent traditions, a superb cream tea. Visit: www.surfsouthwest.com, Tel: 01271 890400 and for more details of accommodation and cream teas see: www.northdevon.com. If pure luxury, glamour and indulgence is what you are looking for then Bovey Castle, located in the Dartmoor National Park, has to be the destination of choice for the Carrie Bradshaw wanabee. Leave Mr Big at home by the TV and take your girl friends away for a weekend of pampering and pure bliss at the Bovey Castle Spa. Enjoy the luxurious surroundings and kick off your Manolo Blahniks for the ultimate quality time with the girls. Check out: www.boveycastle.com. Carrie and the girls would also approve of the fabulous shopping at Princesshay in Exeter, while stopping for a skinny latte at Carluccio’s delightful café and deli, www.carluccios.com/caffes/exeter or drop in for lunch at Michael Caine’s restaurant at the Royal Clarence Hotel overlooking the magnificent medieval Cathedral. www.michaelcaines.com. For the first time ever visitors to Exeter this summer will be able to enjoy a unique and awe inspiring view of the city from Exeter Cathedral’s roof. Tours are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting in June until September (and on Saturdays in June, July and August). Booking is essential. Contact: The Visitor’s Office, Tel: 01392 285983 or email: visitors@exeter-cathedral.org.uk. The Exeter Summer Festival (June 25th- 10th July) has 40 events to delight and entertain, from comedy, street opera, classical and contemporary music, exhibitions and a party and firework finale on the 10th of July. Log on to: www.exeter.gov.uk/summerfestival for more details on accommodation www.exeterandessentialdevon.com. For art lovers, a work by one of the UK’s most controversial artists Damien Hirst will stimulate debate at the stunning medieval Torre Abbey Historic House and Gallery, in Torquay from July 6th. Hirst’s Mother and Child exhibit, comprises of a cow and calf preserved in formaldehyde in glass tanks. It is being lent by the Tate for the free exhibition in the Spanish Barn at the Abbey. Check out: www.torre-abbey.org.uk and www.englishriviera.co.uk. If getting in touch with your spiritual side is more your thing then the Sharpham Trust at Sharpham House on the banks of the River Dart near Totnes can offer tranquillity and meditation. Hatha Yoga, mediation courses and retreats will restore your inner peace in the most beautiful of locations. See: www.sharphamtrust.org.uk. Say goodbye to Motty and his chums and say hello to the giants of the literary world at the Ways with Words Festival (9th-19th July) at Dartington Hall in South Devon. Martin Amis, Ian McEwan, Lynn Barber, Margaret Drabble, Fay Weldon will all be appearing at the festival located at one of England’s finest medieval houses. www.wayswithwords.co.uk or www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk. And they think it’s all over…. If England do make it to the final of the World Cup (July11th) the match will be shown in the Great Hall at Dartington with analysis from Blake Morrison, John Lanchester and Brian Moore. And if it goes to penalties, head for the glorious gardens at Dartington and keep everything crossed! About Visit Devon Visit Devon is the destination management organisation responsible for promoting Devon to the world. The organisation acts as a voice for tourism in Devon and its aim is simple - to increase the number of visitors to Devon by promoting the county as a year-round destination for business or leisure. The organization brings together, adds value to and enhances the work and activities undertaken by the six Area Tourism Partnerships across the county. Visit Devon is committed to growing the tourism sector sustainably, increasing the skills within the industry, and raising the quality of the visitor experience. Visit Devon is a public-private partnership limited by guarantee. The not for profit company comprises of nine member organizations including the six Area Tourism Partnerships (Exeter and Essential Devon, Visit Plymouth, North Devon+, The Dartmoor Partnership, The English Riviera Tourist Board, and Visit South Devon) Devon County Council, The Devon Association of Tourist Attractions (Data), and Devon Farms. Visit Devon is the trading name of Destination Devon Ltd. For further press information please contact: Gail Livingstone: T/: 01823 252415; M/:07767 055595; E/: gail@aheadforpr.co.uk

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