countryside

I dropped in on a bustling village that fringes a busy roundabout – and every corner leads you to beautiful green spaces

While I thoroughly enjoy residing in the city of Plymouth, I equally relish the opportunity to regularly escape the hustle and bustle to find somewhere I’m enveloped by woodland and birdsong. I recently discovered a destination offering respite from urban life – and it’s an ideal “traditional” location with several thriving independent retailers alongside excellent walks and scenery.

Being based in Plymouth means I’m generally spoilt for choice when it comes to escaping the concrete and cobbles of city life. Within easy reach is the South West Coast Path, stunning beaches or coves, plus numerous other small towns and villages to discover in the rest of Devon or neighbouring Cornwall.

I recently paid a visit to a village situated right on Plymouth’s edge, and it’s an underrated treasure of a destination. Yelverton, particularly the Yelverton Roundabout area, is straightforward to reach (I travelled there by bus) and it boasts a flourishing collection of shops plus beautiful countryside in every direction.

This well-loved village sits on the outskirts of the city. I appreciated the journey, travelling through Plymouth, then, abruptly, the urban landscape was left behind, giving way to Roborough Down.

After crossing the heath, golden with gorse and scattered with Dartmoor ponies, you encounter the Yelverton Roundabout – and this spot even has its own Facebook page with more than 7,000 followers, reports Plymouth Live.

Now, having spent several hours there, I can understand why it’s so beloved. Yelverton village has preserved its village character despite housing developments emerging around it over the years.

The locals were welcoming, and the independent shops and businesses offer something truly special, including a proper butcher’s, a deli, a cafe, a gift shop, and plenty more. Even the Post Office is packed with useful and intriguing items.

There’s also a classic red telephone box still standing at Yelverton Roundabout, directly across from the picturesque church on the green.

My first stop was the Dartmoor Bakery, a brief stroll from the roundabout over at Leg O Mutton Corner on Roborough Down.

I sampled a savoury swirl with honey-garlic roasted tomatoes and brie, and it was absolutely delicious. I enjoyed it while sitting on a bench that was “erected in 1968” by the Yelverton District Residents Association, in “memory of Winston Churchill”.

Afterwards, I wandered across to the shops and green space beside the roundabout, where I chatted with three residents, Belinda Gardiner and husband-and-wife duo Ian and Liz Marshall.

Ian revealed there’s a “thriving set of shops” around the Yelverton Roundabout, and while they’ve “changed over the years” they remain all “really well used”.

The three residents reflected that overall, though, since the 1980s, the area has altered “very little” despite there being “more cars” and a “few more surrounding houses”.

“We’ve also lost two pubs”, Ian noted, “the Leg O Mutton pub and the Devon Tors hotel are gone, but we still have The Rock Inn, which is great and well used”. The three residents described it as a marvellous place to call home, boasting abundant wildlife, including owls and bats, excellent walking and cycling trails, alongside “a reliable bus route” connecting passengers to Plymouth or Tavistock every 20 minutes.

I then ventured into Hearn’s Dartmoor Butchery and Meatbox, a sizeable independent establishment offering an impressive selection of locally-sourced meats.

Behind the counter, a staff member was preparing some particularly appetising-looking pasties, and I was also delighted to discover a vegetable stall within the premises.

I chatted with proprietor Richard Hearn, aged 40, who has practised butchery for over two decades. He’s also a devoted local and “sixth-generation” farmer’s son.

Richard shared: “I love it, the customers, the trade, I wouldn’t do anything else, it’s what I know. We push the local side of things, purchasing a lot of the meat from a farm in Meavy.

“I first worked here aged 22, then eventually started it up as my own business, the customers are fab, friendly and smiley – and it’s a slower pace of life here than Plymouth.”

Equally flourishing enterprises neighbour Hearn’s Dartmoor Butchery, including the highly-rated gift shop, Cards and Moor, characterised as a “beautiful shop full of treasures” by patrons.

I stopped by for a browse, and it’s certainly brimming with charming gifts, cards and some delightful-looking Easter goodies. I’ll undoubtedly remember these Yelverton retailers when I need to purchase a birthday present or another gift.

Residents informed me that this thriving cluster of shops is “getting busier”, and everyone I encountered was courteous and welcoming, with the area buzzing with activity.

Another outstanding shop, The Larder Yelverton, is an absolute must-visit if you find yourself in the area, offering a selection of unique cheeses, Cornwall-made pottery, and much more. I can’t wait to return.

Henry Smith, aged 46, is one of the proprietors of The Larder Yelverton, the deli which opened its doors in September 2020. Since then, the distinctive store has proved a hit, with its cheese selection proving particularly popular amongst locals and visitors alike.

Henry told me: “It’s a nice area to live and work in, it’s the people, and it’s so great to see the community supporting all the shops here.

“We have a lot of regulars along with walkers, cyclists, visitors and people on holiday – we even had a celebrity visit the shop yesterday.

“The only slight issue is parking and traffic flow in the area at times, but it’s great that it’s free to park for up to 2 hours at the Yelverton Roundabout.”

Debra Dewinne was enjoying lunch at another flourishing establishment in the same location, Scarlet’s Kitchen. Having relocated to the area a few years ago, Debra spoke highly of the local bus service, while acknowledging that traffic congestion can occasionally pose a problem in Yelverton.

“The car park is always full”, she said, “but it’s a sign that the shops are well supported here”.

Nearby, you’ll also find Ochre Hair Lounge, The Rock Inn and a host of other independent businesses at The Rock Complex on Dousland Road, just a short stroll from the other shops.

Despite being a modest cluster of shops and businesses, it’s undeniably a flourishing area; Yelverton Roundabout has almost everything you could need, it’s fair to say.

Also speaking to us was parish councillor and local resident Alastair Cunningham, an Independent Councillor on West Devon Borough Council representing Buckland Monachorum Ward.

On the subjects of parking, planning notices and traffic concerns, he said: “Our parish council meetings are open to anyone local; if people have any issues or problems they’d like to discuss, they can come along.”

Cllr Alastair noted that notices of these meetings are displayed on the noticeboard next to the red telephone box.

He went on to say: “It’s a good area to live in, there’s a lot of community, and the village halls and businesses are thriving here. The people and the shops are great; people tend to pick up their litter here, but we also have volunteer litter pickers.

“The butchers transformed the area, and we’re really lucky to have the community we’ve got in Yelverton. It’s a unique and traditional area.”

THERE’s a pretty hotel hidden in amongst the Buckinghamshire countryside which is perfect for a staycation.

Read on to find out more about Burnham Beeches Hotel and the nearby known for its royal connections that’s just a 15-minute drive away.

Where is the Burnham Beeches Hotel?

Tucked down narrow and windy roads in Buckinghamshire is this beautiful countryside escape.

The huge mansion was once a private Georgian home – and, quite frankly, I’d even go as far as to call it one of the county’s best-kept secrets.

You would never realise it’s there until you turn into the driveway and it opens up to the sprawling hotel with manicured gardens and a tennis court.

Burnham Beeches Hotel is a short drive away from Windsor, Slough and Maidenhead, but its location completely out of the way means you won’t hear any traffic.

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In fact, I couldn’t hear much aside from gentle cooing of pigeons, and the hoot of an owl after nightfall.

What is the hotel like?

The main building at the Burnham Beeches Hotel is grand, kept in the style of a manor home.

Inside, there’s a huge contrast in room design, each varying from deep blues with thick orange velvet curtains in the Arden dining room, to light and airy spaces like the pretty Evergreen Tea Room.

On the more modern side of the building, the first thing you’ll notice is the calming scent, which makes sense as it’s where you’ll find the main spa area.

The reception has modern check-in tablets that are very easy to use – but there is always staff around if you need any help.

What is there to do there?

Thanks to its location, the hotel is a great base for those wanting to see more of Windsor which is a 15-minute drive away.

Here, you can see the castle and take a stroll down The Long Walk. The pretty village of Burnham is just down the road as is Ascot Racecourse and Legoland.

Guests can also make the most of the facilities in the hotel too. Use of the Temple Spa is included with an overnight stay, and guests get complimentary robes, towels and slippers.

The spa has a gym, small pool, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi.

Spa treatments are available too from 30-minute relaxing massages to hour-long facials, manicures and pedicures. 

You can also hire out equipment to have a go in the tennis and pickleball court.

Or borrow one of the bikes free of charge, to explore the grounds and surrounding countryside.

What is there to eat and drink there?

When it comes to dining, eat in the plush Arden Room. Here, I tried the sharing Gambas al Ajillo, which is Spanish-style prawns, followed by a crispy duck salad.

The king prawn and chorizo linguine (which has a slight chilli kick) and smooth coconut and lime panna cotta was also delicious.

Whether you’re a pre-dinner drinker, or fancy a post-dining tipple, the sleek Verdure Lounge Bar is where you want to be.

There’s a huge range of drinks from cocktails to wine and a refreshing pint of Mahou on draught.

In the morning, find your way to the Brasserie where there’s a generous breakfast buffet waiting for you.

It has everything you could want, from continental options like yogurt and fruit, along with classic English breakfast offerings.

At each table was a Tiptree jam stand, and I’d recommend enjoying a pot with a thick slice of sourdough. You can refill your juice, tea, and coffee as often as you’d like, too.

A traditional afternoon tea is popular here, where guests can sample a selection of sandwiches, cakes, and scones alongside a cup of tea, or upgrade for a glass of Prosecco or champagne.

What are the rooms like?

There are 79 rooms and suites at the hotel all varying in size and design. Each comes with free Wi-Fi, heating, a hair dryer, television, tea & coffee making facilities and an ensuite.

I was lucky enough to stay in one of the beautifully designed Oak Character Rooms, which had nature-inspired wallpapers with an enormous dark blue velvet headboard with green cushions and a burnt orange throw.

Its two large windows looked out onto the gardens and let in lots of natural light.

The modern ensuite had a large shower with White Company toiletries.

For those who are bringing fluffy members of the family, you can book for your dog to come along too, from £35 (max weight of 15kg per room).

Is Burnham Beeches Hotel family-friendly?

Yes. The Hive Family Rooms can sleep two adults and either two children under 10 years, or two adults and one child over 10. You get all the normal amenities, as well as 24-hour room service.

Children are allowed in the swimming pool but must be accompanied by an adult if under 16.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

The hotel offers accessible ground floor rooms, and while the spa facilities are not currently wheelchair accessible, a selection of treatments can be brought directly to the room.

To book an accessible room, call the hotel in advance.

Room rates start from £149 B&B based on two sharing. 

See here for more.

FOR some, upping sticks and moving to another country is just a pipe dream – for others, it becomes a reality.

In 2023, Rob and Lisa took the plunge and swapped life in the UK for one in south- western France – they got their new home for a bargain price and say it still feels like a holiday.

Rob and Lisa have starred in the latest episode of A Place in the Sun: What Happened Next? which showed their progress 10-months after moving to France.

But talking to Sun Travel, Rob revealed he and his family have been living there now for two and a half years after ditching their life in Hastings.

They now live in a rural hamlet in a three-bedroom barn conversion with two-acres of land.

Rob explained: “We bought our house in France for £137,000 – but back in the south of England, for a property this size, you’d be pushing north of £2million.

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“Our life now is completely different to the one we left behind – everyday feels like a holiday.”

The retired couple live in the French region of Charente with their two young children Robbie, 11, and Evangeline, 4.

Not to mention all their pets; three ponies, chickens, a dog and a cat.

One major difference that the family found when starting their new life is that the culture is very different, and it’s not a bad thing.

Rob said: “The French work to live rather than live to work.

“I found that they take two hour lunch breaks very seriously. You have to be careful if you go to the shops because they will be closed for a few hours from midday.”

Lisa added: “Everything moves a little slower and things take longer to go through than they do in the UK, but you need to embrace the lifestyle.”

Rob continued: “We’ve been having the time of our lives since we moved here, it still feels like a holiday – and we never set an alarm.

“You can be spoiled very quickly in France, and you can get used to life here – but I don’t want to get used to it.”

Lots of Brits move to find better weather than the UK offers, and Charente is generally much milder.

Summers can see highs of 30C, but can get even hotter – Rob said that the day the family moved in it was a scorching 39C.

In the winter, it rarely gets into the negatives but it does take a while to warm up the house when it’s chilly as there’s no central heating – their home has a log burner instead.

As for other costs, the couple said that the cost of living in Charente is cheaper than in the UK.

Rob said: “Our equivalent of council tax in France is called Taxe Foncière and I pay €1,500 (£1,296.07) a year.

“Whereas in the UK I’d be paying north of £2,000 – utilities are little cheaper too.”

When it comes to food, it’s generally like for like – unless as Rob says “you want to live off a diet of beer and whisky.”

But one upside is that you can pick up a quality bottle of wine for a couple of euros.

Rob revealed you can buy a bottle of J.P. Chenet for as little as €5 (£4.32).

While there aren’t necessarily bars in the surrounding French villages, there are plenty of local restaurants.

Rob said: “You can’t go wrong with French food, they don’t know how to do a bad meal.

“Everything is so exquisite and with real passion.”

The language barrier hasn’t been a problem either.

Rob said: “Well, I’m four years into Duolingo. I can go into a shop or a hairdressers and hold my own. My French isn’t perfect, but I can get by.”

“Our children speak the language, and they have such a great accent that even the French can’t believe they’re English.”

Speaking of the English, there’s a large expat community in the region with around 16,000 Brits living there.

Although in the hamlet where the family live they say their neighbours are split with around half being English, and half French.

The region is generally quiet off-season, but when summer arrives, it gets much busier with visiting British tourists.

Rob confessed that when that time arrives, he tries to avoid the holidaymakers.

He said: “If they hear my English accent in a shop they’ll come over and ask questions, so Lisa and I start speaking French to each other to avoid that.

“It’s sad as well, sometimes local restaurants can seem more like Wetherspoons because it’s full of loud English people.

“I think when tourists come over, they need to try and blend in more with the locals – the French are much more quiet, but very friendly.”

Thanks to their new life in France still feeling like a holiday, the family haven’t taken an official break yet, but plan on visiting Disneyland Paris later in the year.

The country’s capital and the theme park is a five hour drive north of Charente.

Or, if they fancy the beach, La Rochelle is less than two-hours away by car and the city of Limoges can be reached in an hour and a half.

As for leaving life in the UK firmly behind them, Rob and Lisa confess there’s nothing they miss, apart from family members.

But one-way flights to where they are in France can be very cheap, with the closest airport being in Limoges.

In May, you can get one-way tickets from London Stansted to Limoges for as little as £13 with Ryanair.

A Place in the Sun: What Happened Next? airs weekdays from March 16, 2026 on Channel 4.

You can catch up on Rob and Lisa’s episode on Channel4.com.

And if you want to keep up with Rob and Lisa’s home renovation and hear more about taking on the move from the UK to France, check out their YouTube channel Escape to France – Charente.

For more on A Place in the Sun success stories, one woman bought her dream home in Spain for £45k.

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As we inch closer to spring, the best UK destinations for a day out have been revealed, thanks to their sprawling gardens, historic landmarks and charming riverside walks

The UK boasts stunning cities that provide a perfect day out, especially as we edge closer to spring, with the prospect of brighter days and milder weather.

Organising a day out, whether it’s with your partner, family, or on your own, can occasionally feel daunting. Some destinations are just around the corner, others require a road trip, and many can be reached by train, which only enhances their appeal as we get to relax before arriving.

In an effort to help Brits make the most of the sunnier weather and the magnificent locations the UK has to offer, LNER has revealed the ‘UK’s best spring days out’ that can be reached by train, reports the Express.

To identify the best UK destination for a day out during spring, the train operator examined historical weather data, the proportion of green and blue spaces, land and woodland, and the number of walking trails available in each area. From Norwich, Colchester and Plymouth, here are the UK destinations that could be the ideal getaway during spring.

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Dundee

Recognised as one of the sunniest cities in Scotland, Dundee tops the LNER list. One of its standout attractions is the University of Dundee Botanic Garden, featuring beautiful gardens that flourish in spring, along with water gardens and glasshouses brimming with tropical plants.

There’s also the Dundee Law landmark that offers a steady climb where you’ll be rewarded with views across Dundee and the River Tay, and the over 400-acre park, Camperdown Country Park – perfect for a picnic! Or perhaps a trip to the V&A Dundee is more your cup of tea to explore Scotland’s design museum.

Maidstone

Kent’s largest town, Maidstone, is, somewhat surprisingly, among the destinations LNER suggests visiting. This is largely thanks to its Mote Park, which boasts expansive green spaces and a peaceful lake. It provides waterside walks, pedal boat hire, plus climbing walls and high ropes – perfect for keeping youngsters occupied.

Telford

This delightful Shropshire town truly comes into its own during springtime when over 170,000 daffodils burst into bloom at Telford Town Park, which also features 450 acres of green space, gardens, and lakes. LNER highlighted that guests can pick up a coffee and enjoy a leisurely walk whilst taking in the vibrant colours that transform the park.

Aberdeen

This Scottish port city has plenty to discover on a day trip, from its seaside panoramas and period architecture to the Cruickshank Botanic Garden in Old Aberdeen. The park covers 4.5 hectares and includes rose gardens, water features, and tree-lined pathways.

There’s also one of Scotland’s most cherished gardens, Duthie Park, to explore, alongside the impressive St Machar’s Cathedral. However, a visit to Aberdeen wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its breathtaking coastlines at Greyhope Bay, where bottlenose dolphins can occasionally be seen.

Edinburgh

It comes as no shock that the beloved capital of Edinburgh has secured its place on the LNER list, given its wealth of attractions and beautiful landscapes that come alive with colour throughout spring. There’s the famous Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat offering sweeping views across the city, the Royal Botanic Garden and Princes Street Gardens.

For those wanting to delve deeper into its past, there are the Georgian House and Lauriston Castle. The Union Canal is also an ideal location to discover the tucked-away corners of the city, whether strolling along the waterfront or cycling along the dedicated path.

Lincoln

The East Midlands city boasts plenty to discover during a spring day out, from Lincoln Castle and Hartsholme Country Park to the Whisby Nature Park. However, Lincoln Arboretum is unquestionably a highlight, with its refurbished gardens, fountains, duck pond and play area, all paying tribute to its Victorian heritage.

Norwich

The vibrant city of Norwich is another destination absolutely worth visiting, whether for a day trip or weekend getaway. The Cathedral Close has been praised as ‘one of the best places to spend your spring day out’ with its magnolia trees, daffodils and verdant lawns coming into bloom beneath the city’s medieval skyline.

There’s also the opportunity to take in panoramic views across the city and explore the hilltop landscapes surrounding the Norman keep.

Colchester

The UK city is distinctive for its Roman Walls, described as the ‘longest and best-preserved town walls in Britain’. There is a circular route stretching back almost 2,000 years, providing a picturesque spring walk amongst the ancient stonework, with Castle Park the ideal spot to stop for a picnic.

Ipswich

Characterised by LNER as ‘slow and scenic’, the Suffolk town boasts low rainfall and the ‘highest spring sunshine hours’. It’s home to a waterfront that sparkles in the sunshine, where there are cafés and bars to savour a drink or lunch outdoors, or to simply observe the activity of the harbour.

Plymouth

Last but not least is the Devon port city, with The Hoe overlooking Plymouth Sound as its most recognisable landmark. This makes an excellent starting point for a day in Plymouth, with its expansive lawns and seafront promenade providing the ideal spring walk, before treating yourself to an ice cream or scaling Smeaton’s Tower.

For further information or to book your spring day trip, you can visit the LNER website.

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