West Country self-catering specialist, Helpful Holidays, have put together a collection of places to stay within easy reach of some of the region's delicious dining venues and food and drink outlets, encouraging holidaymakers to indulge in the wonderful local produce on their doorstep.  

The tasty attractions and 31 inviting places to stay nearby, which sleep three to 16 guests, are detailed in Helpful Holidays' new West Country Food and Drink Trails supplement, which is available free from the cottage agency. 

The region offers a fantastic larder, from freshly caught fish, seafood and fine meat to early soft fruits and vegetables, dairy products and artisan baking; there are also several excellent breweries and vineyards producing award-winning wines. Buy from a farmers' market or farm shop, or pick your own fruit and vegetables, and conjure up your own culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your well-equipped cottage. Then sit and relax in your garden with a glass of chilled wine from a nearby vineyard.

For a special night out book a table in one of the region's top Michelin-starred restaurants, while for everyday treats go people-watching in a cool beach café or relax in a country inn and admire the long views over meadows and farmland. There is no shortage of culinary inspiration at the many foodie festivals and events or indulge in some professional tuition at a cookery school, where you can discover how to make the best use of the local provenance. And for a night off, book a professional chef to cook in one of Helpful Holidays' larger houses.

Sheppy's Cider Farm Centre at Bradford-on-Tone, Somerset is close to both the unusually shaped hexagonal, thatched Gingerbread House (ref E66), near Ilminster, which sleeps six priced from £370pw (£62pppw), and the much larger Hay Loft (ref G40) at Kentisbeare, East Devon. Sleeping 12 and ideal for families or a group of friends planning a break together, this light and roomy barn conversion is on a five acre organic small holding. Priced from £816pw (£68pppw), it's a member of Helpful Holidays green cottages scheme and welcomes pets.

Peacefully set beside the river Dart, near Ashprington in South Devon, the Grade II* listed Georgian Bathing House (ref L270) is within the 550 acre Sharpham estate, renowned for its award-winning vineyard and classic English cheeses. Sleeping three, a week's stay is from £435pw (£145pppw), while Dean Cottage (ref A83) at nearby Buckfastleigh has space for four from £269pw (£68pppw). Set around a shared courtyard, this attractive modern house is just 10 yards from shops, cafes and pubs. For those looking to buy fresh, farm produce to take back to their holiday home, both places are also a short drive from Riverford Organic Farm, shop and restaurant.

Helpful Holidays have a selection of contemporary apartments sleeping four to seven guests at Bigbury-on-Sea with use of a private indoor pool and leisure facilities overlooking the sandy causeway to Burgh Island; prices are from £469pw (£118pppw), pets welcome at some. All are within ambling distance of the Venus Café and Watersports Centre, which offers wholesome, locally sourced food, much of which is organically produced.

 One of the UK's top cookery schools is based at Ashburton on the southern edge of Dartmoor. Holidaymakers staying in Blackberry Lodge (ref A249) can book a course to brush up their culinary skills and enjoy some great scenic moorland walks; sleeping four, it's priced from £509pw (£128pppw).

 Camel Valley Vineyard in North Cornwall can be easily reached from Meadowside Cottage (ref P24), a 300 year old detached family home for six at Burlawn, and Swallows Barn (ref P42), near Wadebridge. Sleeping four, it's attached to an 18th century cottage which was once a hostelry for travellers along the Pilgrims' Way route from Padstow to Spain. A week's stay at either is priced from £370 (£62pppw at Meadowside and £93pppw at Swallows Barn).

 For a copy of Helpful Holidays' West Country Food and Drink Trails and their main brochure call 01647 434063 or visit www.helpfulholidays.com. Their full portfolio includes nearly 700 special places to stay sleeping two to 47 guests in a variety of scenic locations throughout Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

 Helpful Holidays is a recommended provider by Which? Travel, having come top in their members' survey for 2012 and 2013, and won The Sunday Times 2013 travel editor's choice award. In addition it won the 2013 British Travel Award in the Best Cottage/Self Catering Booking Company with between 600 and 2,000 rental units (UK properties).

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