All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in Devon or Cornwall, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Platos is Plymouth's hottest new opening
Set inside Plymouth's oldest building, the medieval Prysten House, Platos is Plymouth's latest new opening by chef Benjamin Palmer and his wife Frankie. Celebrating all things sunshine, the two-storey restaurant marries The Med and the medieval serving full-flavoured, colourful and exciting Mediterranean-style small plates, wines and cocktails in a dramatic and historical setting with private dining rooms available for special events. Benjamin tells us, "Lockdown gave us the perfect opportunity to work on our ideas for Platos and refine the concept into something we both love. We knew that we wanted to serve small plates and give our diners colour and variety, and our love of holidaying in the Mediterranean made everything slip into place. This is the food we love to eat when we travel. Our holiday home in Greece offered inspiration, not only in terms of food but also generous and warm hospitality and we wanted to inject a bit of that into Plymouth – Britain's Ocean City."... read more
Posted: 28 September 2021
Flapjackery wins four Golds at Taste of the West Awards
Flapjackery, offering artisan flapjacks handmade in Devon, has just received four Golds at the Taste of the West Awards, the South West's prestigious food, drink and hospitality awards. The four luxurious products awarded were a lemon drizzle flapjack, peanut butter brownie flapjack (made using Freda's 'Gold' award-winning peanut butter), traditional flapjack and burnt caramel and sea salt-flavoured flapjack. Co-founder Carol Myott tells us, "We set up Flapjackery six years ago following lots of comments about how good our flapjacks tasted. The last couple of years have not been easy because of the lockdown, but we have kept going and are delighted to have received these awards which are testament to the team's hard work and determination." Fellow co-founder Sally Jenkin adds, "These flapjacks are hugely popular at our new Flapjackery stores in Wells and Minehead as well as our first shop in Tavistock."... read more
Posted: 23 September 2021
National Trust reveals blossoming ambitions for Plymouth
The National Trust reveals blossoming ambitions for cities, including Plymouth, as Project Blossom starts to take root around UK. The ambition of Project Blossom is to create inspirational green spaces in and near urban areas to connect more people to nature and to create more spaces for hope and reflection. The local National Trust team have been working with Plymouth City Council on ideal places for the project to take place in the city. The Plymouth site will be located on the coast at Devil's Point, overlooking Plymouth Sound, the region's first National Marine Park, and adjacent to Barn Pool bay, where Charles Darwin set sail from in 1831. The site is on the South West coastal footpath and has local significance as it's the place where families come to wave off members going to sea on naval operations. The trees will be planted in a semi circle design and will be used to highlight the blossoming meadows below the waves in the seagrass beds just offshore. Native wildflowers will be planted around the site, along with hardy blackthorn to withstand the harsh coastal weather and more ornamental trees providing colour and floral-framing for the stunning Plymouth Sound views. The aim of the design is to create a beautiful, landscaped space on what is currently an area of exposed coastline,connecting people with nature on the land and within the National Marine Park.... read more
Posted: 21 September 2021
Gifting etiquette for wedding guests this season
Attending the wedding of a friend or family member is one of life's privileges, so choosing an appropriate gift to honour their big day is an important task. Of course, being a wedding guest comes with its own list of wed-min, from booking accommodation to selecting outfits and more - particularly if you find yourself in the 'inner circle' or bridal party! So, that all-important gift is often left until the last minute. This is why the gifting experts at hampers.com have put together their ultimate guide to finding the perfect wedding present for the happy couple. Spoiler alert: It's not essential to stick to the gift list!... read more
Posted: 17 September 2021
Ellie Sanderson and Rackleys host exclusive bridal fashion show
Brides in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and across the South West take note...luxury bridal boutique Ellie Sanderson, together with Chiltern Hills-based wedding venue Rackleys, are delighted to host an exclusive evening event at Rackleys on 14th October to raise funds for The Pink Ribbon Foundation that supports a huge number of breast cancer charities with grants. This exclusive evening event is centered around an exciting 30-minute runway show, featuring some of Ellie Sanderson's most exclusive designer brands. Ellie has two studios, one in Beaconsfield and the other in Woodstock.... read more
Posted: 16 September 2021
Your chance to win a honeymoon of a lifetime to the Maldives
Courtesy of the luxury Maldivian resort brand, Coco Collection, is hosting a competition for all those couples that tied the knot in 2020 but were unable to celebrate with a honeymoon due to the pandemic and travel restrictions. The honeymoon competition, launching on 14th September at 12 noon Maldives Time, ending two weeks later on 27th September (also noon MVT) is open to anyone who married in 2020 (proof required) and missed out on a honeymoon; the prize includes: seven nights in a Coco Residence on Full Board including return airport transfers,a refreshing welcome cocktail on arrival, a bottle of Champagne & a tropical fruit platter on arrival, special bed decoration, choice of a complimentary, in-Villa Champagne breakfast or a romantic three-course candlelit dinner,15% discount on all treatments at the Coco Spa and a special gift.... read more
Posted: 15 September 2021
Boots Photo ultimate wedding day gifts
After the last 18 months, when the big day finally arrives you're going to want savour every moment and capture it on camera. After all the hardwork of wedding planning, and spending wisely on your wedding photographer, what more can be done with those memorable wedding pictures? Boots has a new wedding range of photo gifts perfect for newlyweds. From the hen do, to the pre-wedding photo shoot, to the big day and even the honeymoon there will be hundreds of pictures to utilise and make the most of these products...... read more
Posted: 15 September 2021
Sharpham Wine and Cheese celebrate 40 years
Multi award-winning Sharpham Wine and Cheese is celebrating a phenomenal forty years in business at the South Devon-based Sharpham Estate. Forty years ago, Maurice Ash brought his herd of Jersey cows down from Essex to the Sharpham Estate in Devon and set to work crafting his first creamy brie cheese. He then planted the first vineyard overlooking the River Dart in a bid to produce wine. With humble beginnings, Ash unknowingly established Sharpham's globally acclaimed cheese and wine businesses. Family member Mark Sharman and partner Debbie Mumford then took over the dairy and vineyard. They launched new cheeses with exceptional goats' and sheep's milk, which are still winning global awards today.... read more
Posted: 14 September 2021
Wedding photographer Martyn Norsworthy wins awards
Local photographer Martyn Norsworthy of Norsworthy Photography has achieved the distinction of winning four Bronze Awards in the Guild of Professional Photographers' Image of the Month competition, which attracts more than 1500 entries. This highly respected national photographic body and its members are dedicated to enhancing their skills in the art, craft and profession of photography. Those in business are also committed to achieving the highest standards of professionalism for the benefit of their customers. They pledge themselves to delivering the highest standards of customer service and to a journey of continuing professional development.... read more
Posted: 10 September 2021
The Bucket & Spade cafe, kitchen and bar reveals new chef and menu
True to its name, the Bucket & Spade cafe, kitchen and bar in Shaldon, Devon exudes a distinct holiday ambience as soon as customers walk through the door. It boasts spectacular panoramic views across the South Devon coastline from its terrace and has recently appointed a new chef, Graham Coomber, and tasty new menu.Situated on the Coast View Holiday Park, it's a popular destination for breakfast, lunch or dinner or a mid-morning coffee and cake, or afternoon tea for residents and non-residents.... read more
Posted: 7 September 2021
Calling all newlyweds and nearlyweds - County Wedding Magazines need you!
As our wonderful world of weddings adapts to the new normal, eagerly looking to the roadmap ahead, County Wedding Magazines is here to share our readers' beautiful wedding days whatever the size of their guest list. From pre-Covid nuptials to post-lockdown micro-weddings, we want to feature them all, and we need your help! If you would like to see your wedding day featured across four entire pages of one of our magazines then please do get in touch following the link below.... read more
Posted: 3 September 2021
Porthmeor Beach in Cornwall among the best dog-friendly in the UK
The UK has an abundance of wonderful beaches to take your pooch to on a staycation honeymoon or mini-moon, and the team at dog-friendly Canine Cottages has collated the six best dog-friendly beaches across Britain - with Porthmeor Beach in Cornwall being one of the best. Porthmeor Beach, located in the popular hotspot of St Ives, is the pawfect place to take a pooch off-season, as dogs are allowed on the beach from 30th September until 15th May.... read more
Posted: 2 September 2021
Three Mile Beach unveils glamping and food and beverage offerings
Three Mile Beach in West Cornwall, located a stone's throw from Gwithian Beach, has introduced a collection of 15 characterful beach houses offering stylish self-catering with a difference and the property is also set to unveil a glampsite home to four rustic yurts, plus a host of foodie offerings that celebrate the very best Cornish produce. Each of the three and four-bedroom houses stand out with bold exteriors painted pink, turquoise and yellow. Light and airy interiors reflect the coastal location with lobster-pot willow lampshades, plant hangers made from recycled fishing materials and hand-painted decorative surfboards adorning the walls. Spacious kitchens and living areas allow space for group brunches and dinner parties, and sundowners and barbecues can be enjoyed on the private outdoor deck, home to a hot tub and sauna.... read more
Posted: 31 August 2021
What's that? Even MORE wedspiration from CWM!
Here at CMW HQ we're literally never satisfied when it comes to providing our readers with enough wedspiration. Because, really, what is enough? We'd go on forever if we could. So, with that in mind, we've created our very own County Wedding Magazines YouTube channel, just for you. Find tons of big-day ideas from venue tours to dream dresses. Catch up on beauty reviews and how tos from our beauty editor and peek behind the scenes of styled shoots featured in our titles past and present. You can even be a fly on the wall at some real weddings - after all, if we're honest, who doesn't love being a bit nosey! And we haven't stopped there, as you'll also find local supplier interviews packed with tips and tricks.... read more
Posted: 27 August 2021
Instagram hashtags reveal the ten most romantic places in the UK to propose
Whilst the likes of the Eiffel Tower and Walt Disney World were the go-to spots to propose, it now appears that Brits are making the most of the countryside on their doorstep for romance. Highstreet clothing retailer TOG24 analysed the frequency of hashtags used on Instagram in the past six months containing 'romantic' and 'proposal' and filtered these by location to find out where the best places for popping the question are in England and Scotland.... read more
Posted: 26 August 2021
Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling opens at Carbis Bay Estate
Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling has opened at Carbis Bay Estate in Cornwall this August offering British dishes inspired by the region with a strong focus on sustainability. Located in a stunning coastal setting, just one mile from St. Ives, the restaurant and bar offer spectacular views through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The creation of an open kitchen provides the renowned Adam Handling touch and the restaurant, and spacious bar area offer 65 covers with two private dining tables situated in the main dining area.... read more
Posted: 24 August 2021
Devon is the best staycation destination
From beaches and rock pools to Devonshire cream teas and ice cream, the summer holidays are in full swing and with foreign travel limited, Devon is seeing a revival of love having been voted as the best staycation destination. The latest research by hotel booking platform hoo has looked to settle the debate of which is better when it comes to a staycation destination - Devon or Cornwall. The research shows that when it comes to a short-term staycation, Devon wins. The average hotel room rate for a long bank holiday weekend in Devon comes in at £155 per night. The same stay in Cornwall will cost you £172 per night, 10.6% more expensive. 98% of Cornish accommodation is also already booked up, while in Devon it's just 96%, meaning you have a better chance of finding somewhere to book in the first place. Cornwall is home to a respectable 10 Blue Flag-awarded beaches, but in Devon, this number climbs to 13. Finally, the latest data shows that just over 3.2million holidaymakers head to Cornwall in a single year but Devon takes the crown as the busiest tourist hotspot with over 3.4m visitors per year.... read more
Posted: 19 August 2021
Enjoy a gin festival staycation across a selection of hotels in the South West
Warner Leisure Hotels has curated a series of events at all 14 of its UK-based properties, including Littlecote House Hotel on the border of Wiltshire and Berkshire, combining botanicals and live entertainment to give staycationers a gincredible getaway.The Warner Festivals of Gin promises to bring together up to 30 gins at each of its indoor and outdoor festival bars. With old favourites such as Gordon's Gin alongside artisan and craft gins such as Roku Gin from Japan and Brooklyn Gin from the USA, the team has scoured the globe to hand-pick the best on the market. Each carefully curated tipple will be accompanied by tasting guides packed with tons of ginformation, as well as vouchers and discounts throughout the festival.Live music and comedy are also set to return at Warner, with daily performances. A huge variety of acts have been booked for the 25-event series, including Strictly Come Dancing favourites Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag, 80s icon Toyah Wilcox and stage and screen favourite Darren Day.... read more
Posted: 17 August 2021
Locations in Devon voted among ten most romantic proposal places
With international travel still off the agenda for many, the UK's romantics have been forced to get a little more creative when it comes to popping the question. Whilst the likes of the Eiffel Tower, Disneyworld, or Bruges' Lake of Love might once have been the go-to spots for romance and to seal an engagement, it now appears that Brits are making the most of the countryside on their doorsteps for a little love. High street clothing retailer TOG24 analysed the frequency of hashtags used on Instagram in the past six months, containing 'romantic' and 'proposal' and filtered these by location, to find out where the best places for popping the question are in England and Scotland.... read more
Posted: 12 August 2021
Tarquin Cornish Gin launches new yuzu and lime Japanese-inspired gin
Tarquin's Cornish Gin has recently unveiled its yuzu and lime flavour, a limited-edition Japanese-inspired spirit with Yuzu zest and fresh lime for a vibrant flavour. There are tasting notes of wild pomelo, cherry blossom and candied lime, and flavours of zesty yuzu, orange blossom and soft juniper with a finish of lime sorbet, eastern spice and fresh tangerine. The exotic yuzu citrus fruit adds a beautiful and exotic edge to gin and when balanced with whole limes. Tarquin Leadbetter, founder and master distiller at Southwestern Distillery tells us, "I enjoy trying new things and pushing the boundaries of taste and flavour, it's one of the reasons I fell in love with making gin in the first place, anything is possible!" Tarquin continues, "Yuzu is such a remarkable fruit, this very special gin makes an outstanding gin and tonic or yuzu spritz garnished with fresh mint and cucumber!"... read more
Posted: 10 August 2021
Much-loved TV personality Joe Swash shares what's new in his life, including his wedding plans!
Joe Swash and Stacey Solomon are a TV power couple and seem to be everywhere right now. Warm, friendly and always making the day brighter when they are on screen, they too have had their fair share of wedding heartache this year. Along with the rest of the country, their wedding too was affected after lockdowns one, two and three! Here, Joe talks about their big-day plans, his oh-so exciting news that he and Stacey are welcoming a baby girl to their brood of boys and his new snack campaign with Peperami... read more
Posted: 10 August 2021
Celebrate National Rum Day on 16th August with Hattiers Rum
Celebrate National Rum Day on 16th August with one of the finest, Hattiers Rum 'Eminence'. It's a blended aged white rum that was recently awarded Gold at the 2021 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) and retails at £37.50. It has been blended on the coast of Devon with pure Dartmoor water and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, with a mixer or as the base of a cocktail. Aromas of vanilla pods with a delicious creme anglaise along with creamy fudge and ripe pineapple are what gives this spirit its flavour. The finish is light, with a soft fruity profile and it benefits from no added colourants. Hatters Rums are blended to be versatile - It comes after the Easter launch of Hattiers Resolute Navy Strength Rum, £56, blended and bottled in Devon.... read more
Posted: 5 August 2021
National Trust properties in the South West voted some of the most Instagrammable in the UK
With the easing of lockdown restrictions bringing greater opportunity to explore our nation's treasures, property experts HeatingForce.co.uk were eager to find out the most Instagrammable National Trust houses in the UK. Waddesdon Manor (pictured) stands as the most Instagrammable National Trust property with a whopping 40,784 hashtags, the highest quantity by 25%. Located in Buckinghamshire, this country estate is home to stunning grounds, paintings and sculptures. Cliveden, in Berkshire, ranks second with 30,669 hashtags on Instagram. This country estate is steeped in history having been home to Frederick, Prince of Wales (1737) and serving as a hospital during World War I. Cliveden's formal gardens and woodland are open to explore alongside tours of its grand interior and this property stands as the most popular pay-for-entry attraction.... read more
Posted: 3 August 2021
Heaven in Devon - Harbour Hotels opens its first Resort Hotel
Following on from our news earlier this month about the opening of Harbour Beach Club & Hotel on South Sands Beach, Salcombe, we can now reveal that it's open! Customers can enjoy a little piece of heaven in Devon at this first resort hotel for the chain. This year-round beachside retreat is home to 50 chic bedrooms and suites, including a penthouse suite, an all-day dining restaurant boasting magnificent views, a beach bar offering a laid-back vibe and it provides access to an array of water sports and local experiences. Nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, every element of Harbour Beach Club & Hotel is inspired by its surroundings – with many of the hotel's bedrooms boasting seaside views and balconies overlooking the banks of the Salcombe Estuary.... read more
Posted: 29 July 2021
Darts Farm launch new artisan food subscription
Darts Farm located near Exeter in Devon has recently launched its new artisan food subscription boxes containing delicious seasonal farmhouse cheeses, mouth-watering charcuterie products and top-quality beverages crafted by small-scale brewers, cider-makers and winemakers from some of the best food and drink producers nationwide. Prices start from £30 with free delivery and each box contains tasting notes and producer stories. They make a great thank you gift for loved ones who helped with the wedding planning, and are the ideal treat to deliver to guests who can't attend a micro wedding to enjoy on the same day as the celebration.... read more
Posted: 27 July 2021