Devon Holiday Inspiration

As the weather warms up we’re looking forward to a hot, fun-filled summer at Ladram Bay and we’ve been pulling out all the stops to prepare for this year’s busiest period! In addition to the many improvements within our individual departments, we’re pleased to have developed Pebbles Restaurant Balcony, with the inclusion of new furniture and an extended roof to provide shelter/shade in all types of weather.  Our new Coastal landscaping planting scheme on park aimed to enhance our stunning location is well underway. The new car park entrance and brightly coloured flowerbeds are certainly looking 5 star. Our Team star of the Month awards are well underway and we’re pleased to announce the star employee for March was talented Chef Lucy Doyle, of Pebbles Kitchen team. Lucy worked very hard prior to the start of the season to assist Head Chef Matt in creating our menu (even developing some ideas while away on holiday!) She helped preparing the kitchen, assisting with front of house projects and Complex paperwork – all while encapsulating the Ladram spirit.   Top 100 sites We’d love to feature in the Top 100 sites for 2020 with Practical Caravan & Practical Motorhome. The Three Rocks We’ve had a sensational start to 2019!Our menu has been greatly received and we have been producing a number of exciting dishes, so keep a look out for the specials board. Favourites have included Hake, Seabass, Calzones and finally, Ladram Lobster, caught in our very own Bay. Hopefully you have had a chance to taste our stone baked pizzas. For increasingly daring toppings, look to Pizza of the Week. Additionally, our extensive range continues to grow. We are now also stocking the Old Mout Cider range and Samford Devon Red. Ask the team if you fancy trying something new! We are excited to announce the new addition of our extended balcony in Pebbles Restaurant – the finished product will provide cover on those wet and windy days! We have also had the great addition of the outdoor sofas and dog drinking station. Holiday Home Ownership An amazing opportunity has arisen …The Swift Toronto sits on a prime front row pitch within Portland View and boasts glorious uninterrupted sea and coastal views from its elevated position. The Swift Toronto’s internal colour scheme and décor fits in perfectly with Ladram’s seaside environment. The home offers high specification features & a generous living space.  It boasts an extended front and side decking area ideal for enjoying al-fresco dining with friends and family in the summer months, whilst enjoying the ever-changing landscape. The exclusive Lodge development within Portland View is accessed via its own private entrance and sits within lovely, well-tended gardens. The Swift Toronto offers the perfect holiday retreat on the Jurassic Coast.  To arrange a tour & request a personalised quote, please pop into the Sales Office or contact the team on 01395 568761. Sports and Leisure With the summer fast approaching, our splash zone is ready to keep you cool on a hot day or the sauna & steam room is available now to aid relaxation. Whatever the weather, we are all excited to see you.  We are always trying to add new offerings or equipment to the department and this year is no exception. We have just started taking bookings for our brand-new activity, Hover Archery! With our ambidextrous bows and soft tipped arrows, see if you can hit the bullseye or knock down the floating balls in the inflatable target range. Hover Archery is running throughout the summer and anyone aged 6 and above can come and try their luck at this fun & exciting new activity here at Ladram Bay.   Marketing & Design We’d absolutely love to share your old holiday photographs of memories gone by on social media for #ThrowbackThursday. Do feel free to send your best pictures to carlanewman@ladrambay.co.uk. Huge thanks to Mr & Mrs Spindler of FO27, who sent this brilliant photo of their daughter outside our Gypsy Wagons 35 years ago. Introducing Marie, our super-talented Graphic Designer and newest member of our fantastic 5-star team. With a plethora of experience in design and illustration she’s settling in well and making fantastic improvements within the Marketing & Design department.   Entertainment There is so much to look forward to this year including a brand new multi-tribute show with the Entertainment Team. Keep your eyes peeled for weekly performances. Don’t forget the fortnightly performance of our Electric Dreams show featuring Roger Parkes on live instruments.  Throughout the holidays we present Wacky Wednesdays in Waves Bar at 2pm. With a range of different acts to enjoy, we highly recommend that you join us for some superb entertainment. Don’t miss our 80s Weekend on the 21st and 22nd June, it is guaranteed to be a fun packed weekend. Friday night we have our Electric Dreams show and topping the bill on Saturday are the ‘Riviera Dogs’. An amazing band with a great following. For more information on our visiting acts check out our Programme. See What’s On   Shop and Beach Shack The Ladram Store is open for all your essentials, plus occasional treats. June opening times will be: Monday – Thursday: 8am – 7pm Friday & Saturday: 8am – 8pm Check out our new products in the #LobsterBlue range.  Beanies & Ladies hats: £8.99 Plastic water bottles: £8.99  Stainless steel water bottles: £14.95  New colours of our popular Hoodies are now available in black, cranberry and lemon drop. Children’s hoodies are priced at just £29.95 each (two for £50.00). Adults hoodies are £39.95 each (two for £70.00). The Beach Shack will be open between 8am – 5pm for Kayak, Paddle board and Boat hire every day throughout June (weather permitting). Refreshments including delicious burgers, cool beverages and tasty ice creams are being served now. Have you tried our new Mr Whippy Ice cream? Just £2.20 for a standard cone and £2.60 for a waffle cone – don’t forget the flake!    Coast Takeaway After a busy start to the season, we are now preparing for the summer, looking at new ideas to try within our menu. The addition of our Vegan Burger has gone very well, so if you haven’t tried it yet or fancy something different then why not sample it? It is a delicious Parsnip, Beetroot and Sloe Gin Burger served in a Vegan Brioche Bun (just £3.95). Our opening hours until the start of the summer will be: Sunday – Thursday: 5pm – 9pm (Closed Wednesdays) Friday & Saturday: 5pm – 10pm We are pleased to be entering the Good Food Awards again this year. We hope we can count on your votes again after an overwhelming response last year!   

Looking for an easy Carbonara recipe to keep up your sleeve for that quick fix for your next family holiday? Our latest holiday cooking guide will work a treat. Serves 4 people Easy to make   20 mins prep time 20 mins total We’ve used typically available ingredients, but we understand when your on holiday you need to be flexible & often work with what you’ve got. If for any reason some of the ingredients are hard to come by you can sub them with…. Spaghetti > linguine, fettuccine or vermicelli. Bacon > pancetta, lardons, prosciutto. Parmesan > pecorino romano / manchego or cheddar. Ingredients 350g (approx) of spaghetti Parmesan cheese 6-8 rations of bacon 3 eggs Olive oil Sea salt / black pepper A handful of chopped parsley (optional) 2 cloves of garlic (chopped) Cooking Tips Fill a large pan with water, a generous sprinkle of salt & bring to the boil. Cook spaghetti in accordance to the instructions – we’re looking for al dente. Drain the pasta & save a mug of pasta water for later. In a bowl whisk the eggs & add the parmesan. Using the now empty large pan cook up your bacon / lardons until crispy. Remove the bacon / lardons but keep the fat in the pan (the smoky flavour tastes great!) Add the chopped garlic to the pan & cook for 1 min / until it begins to brown off. Add your cooked spaghetti to the pan & stir – this will coat your pasta in bacon fat (yum). Turn off the hob & remove pan from the heat. Pour your parmesan / egg mixture into the pan & stir until creamy. Add the bacon / lardons into the pan, drizzle with olive oil & serve. Sprinkle with parsley & add more parmesan (if required). Enjoy! Ladram Bay Supermarket By now you’re probably wanting to try this recipe for yourself? For those staying with us you’ll be able to find all the ingredients used in this recipe at the Ladram Bay Supermarket

In recent years we’ve made several new additions to our beach facilities aimed at pleasing kids & big kids alike. So if you’re new to Ladram Bay or haven’t visited in several years, the following post covers things to do whilst on the beach, allowing you to make the most of your family getaway. You’ve just arrived at Ladram Bay, checked-in, ticked off the essentials shopping list & got your uniform inflatable primed. Firstly take a minute to appreciate your amazing parenting skills & then think about your next port of call, the beach. Use the bullet points (below) to navigate directly to a particular beach based activity. Should it take your fancy, simply click on it to skip to that section. Paddle board hire Kayak hire Motor boat hire Freshly caught seafood Rockpooling at Ladram   Paddle board hire… The relatively calm waters of the bay make Ladram an excellent place to try your hand (& balancing skills) at paddle boarding in East Devon. This activity is suitable for competent swimmers only. Cost: Paddle boards can be hired directly on the beach & cost £15 for an hour. Kayaking hire… Our stunning stretch of Jurassic Coast is best appreciated from sea & we can think of few better (or more gratifying) ways to take in the scenery than paddling out on a kayak. Cost: Single person kayaks can be hired on the beach & cost £12.50 per hour. Double kayaks cost £18 per hour.   Motor boat hire… Whether your feeling like a lucky fisherman or want to take the children on a maritime adventure, Ladram Bay have motor boats for hire throughout the season. Please note boat hire is weather dependent. Cost: Motor boats can be hired from the beach & cost £35 for 1 hour, £60 for 2 hours and £90 for 4 hours. Freshly caught seafood… Ladram Bay have several (very) seasoned fishermen & being situated by the ocean means we can offer some seriously fresh seafood for guests to cook up. If you are staying with us please ask a member of staff on the beach for quantities & availability – our fishermen might be good but they can’t predict what will be caught! Rock pooling at Ladram Ladram Bay provides the perfect rock pooling environment to bring out the zoologist in each of us & is best experienced when the weather is calm & dry as the rock pools will be still and therefore easier to spot creatures. As rock pooling is one of our favourite things to do at Ladram check out our top tips on our dedicated blog post. Within our ‘guide to rock pooling in East Devon‘ we outline when to go, where to look & what you can expect to find. If you’re lucky enough to find a pipefish, crab or starfish remember to return all creatures back to the area you found them.

Caravanning is one of the quintessential British pastimes and whether your a seasoned tourer or just getting started we hope you’ll find something useful & most importantly travel safely in the season ahead. Can I tow a caravan on my licence? Before you plan your next touring holiday (at Ladram Bay obviously!), there are certain legal requirements for towing a caravan. This comes down to weight or MAM (maximum authorised mass) of the load you plan to tow and the date you passed your driving test. If you passed your driving test prior to 1st January 1997 you can drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8.25 tonnes MAM, but it is also worth checking your license for the specifics. Drivers who passed their driving test after 1 January 1997 and have an ordinary category B licence (car), you can tow: Small trailers weighing up to 750kg A trailer over 750kg as long as the combined weight of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg MAM. If you want to tow a trailer above 750kg, when the combined weight of the towing vehicle and trailer is greater than 3,500kg, you will require an B+E entitlement on your licence. A little perspective.. Vehicles can vary depending on extras and specification but a Toyota RAV4 can weigh up to 1,445kg, a A VW Passat can weigh up to 1,735kg, while larger 4×4’s such as the Discovery can reach 2,311kg. The average caravan is likely to weight anywhere between 1,000kg and 1,400kg. In theory there will be car / caravan combinations that come in under 3,500kg, however you will also need to factor in your total weight, including passengers, luggage & crucially your caravans payload restrictions. Can my car tow my caravan? Working out your towing capacity is simply. The maximum weight your vehicle can tow (fully loaded car + fully loaded caravan) will be listed in the handbook. Alternatively this information is easily found on the internet, here is a comprehensive tow limit checker from TowCar.info to get you started. Width and length towing laws… The maximum trailer width for any towing vehicle is 2.55 metres. To put this in perspective the widest towing vehicle you will commonly see in the U.K will be something along the lines of an Audi Q7, BMW X6 or Range Rover Discovery’s measuring in at around 2 metres wide. The maximum length is 7 metres for a trailer towed by a vehicle weighing up to 3,500 kilograms. Safety tips for towing a caravan Tow bars have to be ‘type approved’, meaning they meet EU regulations and are designed for your car. This doesn’t apply to cars registered before 1 August 1998. Caravans (& any trailer) weighing over 750kg (including its load), are required to have a working brake system. Trailers without brakes may tow a maximum of 750kg or half the kerbside weight of the towing vehicle – whichever is the lower. Allow more time and space for everything, particularly taking corners and braking. Check your vehicle’s and caravans tyres before setting out on a trip. Never exceed 50mph on single carriageways or 60mph on dual carriageways. Do not carry passengers in the caravan whilst in transit. Ensure your car’s number plate is attached to the rear of your caravan, that the number plate can be illuminated at night and that it conforms to relevant British Standards.  Rear light panels must always be working. Check before setting off and check during your journey. When packing try to keep the caravan as light as possible. Place heavier objects low down and close to the axles. This will limit snaking.  To prevent snaking and pitching make sure you have a well-matched car and caravan and try using stabilisers. For a more in depth guide to caravan care please read our blog posts on ‘caring for your caravan this spring‘ or ‘a guide to caravan winter maintenance‘ Caravan packing checklist: We cannot stop your other half from packing dodgy swimwear, but we can provide you with a list of essentials that any caravan or touring vehicle should carry. So before you think about entering our postcode (EX9 7BX) in the satnav, work through this list and tick off the items you think you might need. Please remember you will need an allowance for payload (the difference between the caravan’s empty weight and its quoted maximum permissible weight), this prevents overloading. If you are travelling abroad (most commonly France) drivers are obliged to carry certain items by law, visit this link for a driving in France Checklist. What to pack in your car… Sat nav Stabiliser Jack Spare tyre Spare bulbs / fuses Towing mirrors Towball cover Tow rope Tyre pump Tyre pressure gauge Warning triangle Fuel can High vis top Thermals (in winter) First aid kit Battery Wheel clamps Spare keys Pillows Blankets Torch What to pack in your caravan… Spare wheel & tyre Spare bulbs / fuses Wheel clamp Wheel lock Corner steady tool Levelling blocks Wheel chocks Entrance step Spirit level Nose weight gauge 230v mains lead Mains adaptor Polarity tester 12v battery Battery charger Gas cylinders + spanner Windbreak + pegs / mallet / hooks Water contains (waste & drinking) Groundsheet Fire extinguisher The seasoned tourers among you will have built up impressive caravaning inventories over the years. Read our must-have caravan gadgets list, full of everyday items that will make your next adventure; more comfortable, safer, easier, dryer and tastier.

Dogs are a man (& women’s) best friend, many of us plan our holidays around them and dread the look on their faces when the holiday bags are being packed and they get left behind. To avoid disappointing your pooch Ladram Bay has put together a dog-walking guide. You’ll be enjoying your holiday while your canine counterpart is lapping up the best smells, swimming opportunities and chasing the odd rabbit. In the interests of keeping the beach as clean and family friendly as possible, dogs aren’t allowed to roam across the pebbles at Ladram. However dogs are free to enjoy all the delights of the local area, a bit like this guy did last summer his with his owner Danny James. Below we have put together 6 of our favourite dog friendly walks complete with an interactive map, so your dog will spend more time retrieving sticks and less in the boot of the car. Peak Hill Start: Ladram Bay – EX9 7BX End: Ladram Bay Distance: 5.1 miles / 8.3 km At Ladram some of the best dog walking routes are on our doorstep (literally). From Ladram take the Southwest Coast Path that leads (no dog pun intended) up Peak Hill and carry on along the footpath until you reach a lookout point , from here you’ll have incredible views East to Dorset and West towards Exmouth and the Exe Estuary. If you needed some inspiration before tackling the hills ascents to come back, rest assured that Taste in Sidmouth provides some of the best Ice Creams we’ve ever tried. Info: If you’re not a resident of Ladram you will need to pay £5 to use the car park. We would advise keeping dogs on leads when close to the cliff edge and in and around Sidmouth as it can get busy during the summer months. The River Otter Start: Otterton Mill, Budleigh Salterton – EX9 7HG End: Otterton Mill Distance: 4.4 miles / 7.1 km Just down the road from Ladram Bay, this dog walk will see you head south along the river to Budleigh beach. Along the way you’re dog is likely to find plenty of friends, swimming spots and potentially beavers. On your return you can stop off at the Otterton Mill to refuel before a short trip back to Ladram. Info: Leads are advisable for the start / finish of the route. Woodbury Common Start: Woodbury Castle – see Google Maps End: Woodbury Castle Distance: 2.4 miles / 3.8 km Another short journey from Ladram Bay, Woodbury Common is owned by Devon Clinton Estates and the castle (our start point) sits 550ft above sea level, the views over the Jurassic Coast and Exe Estuary are stunningly beautiful. Your dog is less likely to be concerned about the history and they can rest assured no leads are required and the choices of routes are huge. Follow the footpath signs depending on the length of walk desired. Local knowledge: Before you go looking for a castle – it’s a natural fortified position that dates back to the Iron Age, so not turrets or drawbridges. Info: Dogs, bikes and horses can roam free; all car parks in the area are free. Salcombe Hill Start: Salcombe Hill Car Park – EX10 0NY Finish: Salcombe Hill Car Park Length: 1.8 miles / 3 km From Ladram Bay look east beyond Peak Hill and beyond to the next big rise in the coastline, that’s Salcombe Hill. Ambitious dogs (& owners) could walk from Ladram, but we suggest starting at Salcombe Hill car park. Cross the Alma Bridge and you’ll soon be on the cliff path zigzagging your way up the hill. At the top of the hill you’ll have fantastic views of Ladram Bay, while your pooch will be more than content with the shingle beach (dog friendly) along the route. Info: Car park is free, less well-trained dogs might require the leads if you venture near to the cliff edge and around the quiet roads at the start / finish areas. Exeter Canal Start: A379 just off Bridge Road – EX2 6LT Finish: (above) Distance: North Route: 4.9 miles / 8 km | South Route: 6.2 miles / 10 km This location gives you 2 potentially lovely walks, go downstream and after 3 miles you’ll reach The Turf Locks (a dog friendly pub). Walk upstream and you’ll arrive at Exeter historic quay where there are a great variety of places to grab a bite to eat overlooking the water. Both routes travel along a canal footpath, downstream has a separate cycle lane, upstream doesn’t – with cyclists and fishermen scattered along the route its advisable to keep you dog on a lead unless they are very well trained. Info: The cark park is free however the A379 can be a busy road so have your lead ready when you open the boot. Hooken Cliffs Start: Anchor Inn, Beer – EX12 3ET Finish: Anchor Inn, Beer Length: 7.3 miles / 11.8 km Jump in the car and head 13 miles east towards Seaton. This circular route cuts through the picturesque villages of Beer and Branscombe, with impressive cliff-top views of the Jurassic Coast. Your dog will thank you once you reach East Beach (dog friendly) by going in the sea and then shaking dry in close proximity to you. Local knowledge: Branscombe beach allows dogs throughout the year however dogs are not allowed 150m east and west of the pole at the front of the café. Info: The car park is free and the route is steep in places. We would advise keeping your four legged friend on a lead when nearing the cliff edge.

Lobster Blue clothing is our newest arrival to Ladram Bay. Designed for kids and big kids alike! Read on to find out more about this exciting new range….. There have been lots of new developments at Ladram Bay this summer, from the Splash Zone opening to the new dog friendly beach shack. Lobster Blue clothing has been the icing on the cake of a very successful season so far. If you are staying with us this summer and want to look vacation chic, all Lobster Blue clothing can be purchased from our Ladram Bay Shop, Beach Shack and swimming pool complex. Adults & Kids T-Shirts Clothing Clothing Type Price (each) Price (for 2) Mens T-shirt  Light Blue £14.95 £25 Mens T-shirt Navy £14.95  £25 Mens T-shirt  White  £14.95  £25 Ladies T-shirt White  £14.95  £25 Ladies T-shirt Navy  £14.95  £25 Ladies T-shirt Pink Azalea  £14.95  £25 Ladies T-shirt Light Blue   £14.95  £25   Clothing Clothing Type Price (each) Price (for 3) Kids T-shirt Daisy £9.95 £25 Kids T-shirt Light Blue £9.95  £25 Kids T-shirt  Navy £9.95  £25 Kids T-shirt Light Pink £9.95  £25 Adults & Kids Hoodies Clothing* Clothing Type Price (each) Price (for 2) Adult Hoodies French Navy £39.95 £70 Adult Hoodies Dusty Grey £39.95 £70 Adult Hoodies  Lagoon £39.95 £70 Kids Hoodies Navy / Powder Blue £29.95 £50 Kids Hoodies Pink / Baby Pink £29.95 £50 Kids Hoodies Grey / Navy £29.95 £50 *Combine adults & kids – 2 for £60

We welcomed Exeter born three-time Swimming world champion Liam Tancock to Ladram Bay for the opening of our new Splash Zone. Gold-medallist Liam declared the new Splash Zone open it was quickly descended upon by it’s first excited guests. The 160-square metres of wonderfully wet activities and challenges is already proving a hit with grown-ups as well. Each area of the Splash Zone contains pressure sensitive floor pads, with the rotating water sprinkler proving especially popular for its ability to soak others around you. Liam described the Splash Zone as a “fantastic way to help kids enjoy and become confident with water”. The Splash Zone is part of a £1 million investment made by the family-owned park in the run-up to the 2018 summer season when its 75th anniversary is being marked. Ladram Bay director Zoe House, who is a member of the park-owning Carter family, said it was a great privilege to welcome Liam to Ladram Bay: “Although the Splash Zone is all about having fun, Liam knows that youngsters just enjoying themselves in the water can be a great introduction to swimming as a sport,” she said. “We have many guests which return here year after year, and we’re often told that one big reason is the wealth of things to do for all ages, no matter what the weather. Our main aim has always been to create amazing holiday memories with first-class facilities, and I think that our new Splash Zone comes right up to the mark!” added Zoe. If you are staying with us this summer the Splash Zone is located outside the Pool Complex and will excite all ages and is even suitable for toddlers and non-swimmers. The ocean themed area measures 18m x 9m and includes interactive water features, spray guns & a pirate ship, perfect for exploration and adventures.

Our latest post helps you plan dog walks around your 4 legged friends key requirements, open spaces, water and other dogs. The routes provided below have been kept relatively local to Ladram Bay (30 mins or less), with Haldon Forest being the furthest and Ladram the closest. We have also enlisted the help of Zelda (pictured right) who kindly modelled for this blog post. To meet advertising standards we must disclose she was paid in treats and sampled the Exmouth Esplanade route – giving it a resounding 5/5 rating. Below we have put together 5 of our favourite dog friendly walks complete with an interactive map. All walks recommended in this post are dog friendly all year around – that way you can spend more walking and less time working out where to walk. Peak Hill Lookout Point – Ladram Bay Start / End: Ladram Bay – EX9 7BX Distance: 2.5 miles / 4 km Pin: Blue Our first route is a convenient one starting at Ladram Bay and following the Southwest Coastal Path east. The seemingly short 2.5 miles route is packed with steep climbs on the ascent of Peak Hill, while the final lookout point provides panoramic views East to Dorset and West towards Exmouth and the Exe Estuary. Having conquered Peak Hill you may have worked up an appetite and our  Beach Shack is the perfect refuelling point. There you and your 4 legged friend will be able to enjoy the outside decking area, with refreshments in the sunshine overlooking the bay. In the interests of keeping the beach as clean and family friendly as possible, dogs aren’t allowed to roam across the pebbles at Ladram. Info: We would recommend that dogs remain on their leads when close to the cliff edge. Roundball Wood – Honiton Start / End: Roundball Lane – EX14 2BJ Distance: 1.1 miles / 1.86 km Pin: Green Roundball Wood is 150 to 175 metres above sea level, the land to its south rising steeply to 207 metres at the summit of Roundball Hill. To the north the River Otter flows from east to west through its sheltered valley on its way from its source at Otterhead in the Blackdown Hills near Churchinford to the sea at Budleigh Salterton. Starting at Roundball Lane head up the path sign posted Roundball Wood, from there you will enter the woods and see an interpretation board outlining the circular path – whether you go clockwise or anticlockwise is up to you. Info: The area is perfect for letting your dog run free and the wildlife packed woodland will allow your pooch to follow some scents. Walkers are advised to keep to the walkways as not to potentially disturb badger sets which are often hidden by grass. Shelly Beach & The Esplanade – Exmouth Start: Otterton Mill, Budleigh Salterton – EX8 1BQ Distance: 0.8 miles / 1.3 km Pin: Purple A short trip to Exmouth brings you to two areas of beach that are dog friendly all year around. The first is Shelly Beach, located on the west side of the marina, at high tide the beach offers less of a walking route – not that your dog will mind. At low tide it is possible to access a far larger area of beach. If you’re looking for more of a dog walk then the Esplanade starts at the slipway by seafood restaurant Rockfish with the year round dog friendly area ending at the Octagon Kiosk. We have marked this out on our map, however the area is clearly signposted. Info: Leads are advisable around the Marina and Esplanade. Be sure to check tide times as this will increase / decrease the usable beach areas. Butterfly Trail: Haldon Forest Park – Exeter Start / End: Haldon Forest Car Park – EX6 7XR Distance: 3 miles / 4.8 km Pin: Yellow Arriving at Haldon Forest you will find 5 different routes all clearly sign posted. Our recommended path (the Butterfly Trail) is moderate in difficulty and requires you to follow the yellow signs. The start of the trail snakes through the forest on a wide trail, before emerging into an opening over the Exe Estuary, Exeter and the Belvedere Tower. The trail then leads you back into the forest, here you will find a natural tunnel of rhododendron growing. After a long descent you will end up in the butterfly area which the Forestry Commission staff, in conjunction with Butterfly Conservation, monitors and manages the area to provide ideal conditions for the many butterfly species recorded here. From here you begin the climb back up the hill towards the car park. It is  fairly steep so make use of the bench half way up, to rest and enjoy the view over the Teign Valley. Local knowledge: Over 30 species of butterfly have been recorded within this small area. Info: You will be sharing the route with mountain bikes, walkers and dog owners. Butterfly Walk: Ashclyst Forest – Broadclyst Start / End: Forest Gate car park – EX5 3DT Length: 4.1 miles / 6.6 km Pin: Red Part of the Killerton estate and one of the largest woods in East Devon, with waymarked trails for exploring. A haven for butterflies, bluebells, birds & dogs. Info: Car park is free & well behaved dogs and owners always welcome. If it has rained recently we would suggest walking boots or wellies as the field and woodland paths sit on heavy clay.

As we get into the swing of peak season, we thought we’d share a recipe with you that’ll make you want to reach for the BBQ tongs. The latest instalment of our holiday cooking guide is super simple & mouthwatering, ladies and gentlemen its BBQ lamb chops. BBQ Lamb Chops BBQ or oven 25 mins cooking time Serves 4 people Easy to make Ingredients for marinade 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds 1 sprig of thyme 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds 2 tablespoons of olive oil A pinch of salt & black pepper TIP: Be organised & just add a mix of the dry herbs from your cupboard at home into a sandwich bag or small tupperware. Doing this before you go away and will save time, money & most importantly, packing space! Ingredients 12 lamb chops (available from Greendale Farm shop) Preparation Instructions Light your BBQ and give it 30 mins to get nice and hot – we want those chops crispy! If weather isn’t on your side then you can still rustle up this dish in an oven,  just crank it up to 200°C / gas mark 6. On a chopping board chop up the thyme. Put all the marinade ingredients together (minus the olive oil) and blend in a pestle and mortar. If you don’t have a pestle and mortar try using an empty salt / pepper grinder. Sprinkle all your spices on the chopping board and rub each lamb chop so it’s well seasoned. Once coated, drizzle each in a splash of olive oil – then pop on the BBQ! Turn every couple of minutes for 8-10 minutes in total until they look crisp & delicious! TIP: If you press the chop & the meat gives, it’s medium-rare. If it doesn’t move then it’s well done. This dish is best served with some grilled veg, salad and cous cous – super easy prep! By now you’re probably wanting to try this recipe for yourself? We’d recommend buying your chops from Greendale Farm Shop just 15 mins away from Ladram Bay. We’ve included a map below – that way you can spend less time driving and more time cooking.

At Ladram we’re rock pooling aficionados and love to indulge our inner child along the shore of Ladram Bay. Our latest guide is intended to aid those both young and old to discover some fascinating creatures. When to go rock pooling? You can go rock pooling at any time of the year however we would generally advise those with younger children to stick to March – September, this way you’ll avoid those cold fingers. Remember the sea is generally warmest towards the end of the summer.   Ladram Bay (pictured) provides a great family environment to go rock pooling however it is best experienced when the weather is calm and dry as the rock pools will be still and therefore easier to spot creatures. Where to look in a rock pool? In most rock pools you’re likely to find green seaweed (called gut weed) and this is not good for rock pooling. The ideal time to go rock pooling is when the tide is out as the pools closest to the sea edge offer the best locations. Try not to cast a shadow over the area you wish to rock pool in, your shadow will scare the creatures away. Who lives in rock pools? Eagle eyed and lucky rock pooler’s could be lucky enough to spot any of the following creatures at Ladram Bay or wider southwest; Butterfish Blenny Goby Lumpsucker Pipefish Crab Prawns & shrimp Star fish Sea hares (slug) In the bottom of rock pools you can see star fish, sea slugs and possibly a crab. Remember you’ll need to look carefully as hermit crabs might use a periwinkle for a shell. The most adventurous rock pooler’s will be no stranger to getting their hands wet, be it turning over rocks or looking under seaweed. Doing so could uncover keel worms, sea squirts or sponges – all prize finds for rock pooler’s. Remember to return all creatures back to the area you found them. Tools of the trade Any self respecting rock pooler requires a bucket (clear buckets are best), this way you’ll be able to get a good look at the creatures you retrieve. Traditionalists might bring along a net however please be aware that many creatures are very delicate and can get tangled/ hurt in nets. Avoid jabbing nets into pools. It is also a good idea to wear shoes with grippy soles as rock pools can be slippy places. Wetsuit boots, old trainers and welly boots will do. Tidal movements Always keep an eye on the tides and when they are due to turn, set an alarm if necessary. You are generally going to spend most of your time looking into rock pools and might be unaware of the tidal movements around you. For 7 day tide times for Ladram Bay visit the beach guide website.

Over the years Ladram Bay has been home to or visited by everything from dolphins, blue lobsters and Red Arrows. This post guides you through techniques you can use for capturing those special holiday moments (when they arise) on anything from an SLR to smart phone. To get an expert opinion we asked professional photographer Tony Cobley for 3 pointers would-be photographers can use to improve their technique. Tony is a professional photographer based in South Devon and specialises in commercial marketing photography and photography tuition workshops – he also knows Ladram Bay well having photographed here for the latest photoshoot earlier this summer. Get Close Photos have much more impact if you fill the whole frame with your subject whether it’s the kids, the dog or anything else! Higher or lower Try taking pics from super high or super low and you’ll be surprised how much “funkier” things look! Tiltage Try tilting the camera left or right when shooting close up portraits. It makes things look more dynamic! Photography Tips So you’ve got your technique on point, now its time to find the right surrounds, light, timing and equipment, these tips will point you in the right direction. 1. Your surroundings You’ve found a focal point to your picture but a great background adds context. Be sure to consider the background in which your subject is set. 2. The right light You will typically find your best pictures will occur when the sun is low in the sky (post-dawn / pre-dusk), this is because the suns light is softer. You can still take great photos in full sunlight but the chances of strong shadows make capturing photos slightly harder. This image also incorporates Tony’s tip of taking the photo from a low down position. 3. Patience Photographing sunrises, sunsets and low-tides is easy (ish), you just need to know what time they occur and with a helping hand from the weather you’ve got a great photo in the making. When it comes to wildlife a little more patience / luck is required and be prepared to capture nothing – the trick is not to give up. 4. Equipment You really don’t need an expensive SLR camera to take photos, in fact many of the best photographs are taken on smart phones because we’re always carrying them. Countryside, cliffs & coast Ladram Bay is set in 63 acres of coastal countryside meaning there is never a shortage of animals flying, swimming or being spotted in and around the park at various times of the year. This section of our photography guide teaches you a valuable lesson when visiting Ladram Bay – keep a camera on you at all times; you never know what you might spot! In the sea: If you’re at sea you might catch a glimpse of a dolphin- however not all are this sociable. Also look out for seals – they like to sunbath on the sandbanks in Exmouth. In the skies The Red Arrows typically fly over Ladram Bay en route to airshows along the south coast (Sidmouth, Dawlish and Torbay) every summer during August, this makes for some pretty colourful skylines. Not everything in the skies are as obvious and loud.  In May 2016 James Clews captured this incredible photo of a Peregrine Falcon flying above Ladram Bay. Falcons are not overly common at Ladram but if you do spot one you will need a steady hand to photograph it – they can fly at speeds of 200mph! The regulars at Ladram Bay can make for equally interesting photographs, this Instagram image of 2 gulls looking out to sea proves that. Just remember to keep one eye on your ice cream. Yay it’s Friday and later we are off to Ladram Bay to hang out with these guys. Loving the modernist table sculpture this seagull has obviously been making with stick and stones 😉 ~ #ladrambay A photo posted by Molly and the Princess (@mollyandtheprincess) on Apr 8, 2016 at 12:54am PDT Perfect walking adventures over the #jurassiccoast from #Ladrambay A photo posted by Ladram Bay (@ladrambay) on Dec 15, 2015 at 6:02am PST Staying at Ladram Bay? We want to see your favorite holiday photographs, please share your adventures via the Ladram Bay Facebook or Instagram accounts. Happy Snapping!

Holidays are a time for you to let your hair down and indulge, with the task of cooking often being one of the first things that gets shelved. Lets face it cooking can often feel like a lot of work when on holiday. You travel long distances, arrive with hungry children, need to operate in an often unfamiliar kitchen, with fewer ingredients at your disposal. This doesn’t need the be the case! Our latest recipe uses a single pan, can be put together in under 30 minutes, and serves 4. Bacon and Spinach Pasta Recipe:   Easy to make 10 mins prep time Serves 4 people 20 mins cook time Ingredients Required We understand when your on holiday you need to be flexible with ingredients. You can use different types of pasta, we would recommend penne or farfalle pastas as alternatives to fusilli pasta – just avoid spaghetti / linguini. 200g of bacon x1 white onion x1 chicken stock cube 200g grams of pasta 4 handfuls of spinach Parmesan /or/ cheddar Cooking Tips Cut the bacon up into small strips & fry on a medium heat in pan until crispy. Empty the pan (bacon) into a bowl, leave the bacon fat in the pan. Dice the onion & add to the pan, cook until the onion becomes soft. Add 500ml of boiling water & stock cube to the pan (stir the stock to dissolve). Add the pasta to the pan & cook for 8-1o minutes (unless using fresh pasta, in which case follow the packaging cooking instructions). Add the spinach to the pan & stir until wilted. By this time the pasta will have absorbed most of the water. Turn off the heat & add the bacon, sprinkle grated parmesan (or cheddar) over the pan before serving.