Cornwall - Top of the British Holiday Destinations

It's long been a belief of those who live and visit the county but hard facts are now available to prove it - Cornwall is Britain's favourite holiday destination. TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel community, conducted a poll of over 500 British travellers to find out what they think are the best and worst of Britain's coastal resorts, lakes, mountains and cities, and Cornwall come out as the clear winner. Not only did the county scoop the top title as favourite destination it also featured in all, but two, of the 'Best for' categories outshining the likes of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.

Cornwall pulled in most votes in the 'Best for Families' category and came in a close second in the food, accommodation and value stakes. Teresa Timms of VisitCornwall couldn't be happier with the results: "The quality of Cornwall's tourism industry has never been better and this survey shows that we are leading the field. Not only does Cornwall have some of the best accommodation and places to eat in the country but we also rank highly for our warmth of welcome which is really great news. The industry should be really proud of themselves!"

Favourite Destination
1.Cornwall
2.Scottish Highlands and Islands
3.Lake District

Best Food
1.London
2.Cornwall
3.Scottish Highlands and Islands

Best Accommodation
1.London
2.Cornwall
3.Lake District

Best for Good Value
1.Blackpool Pleasure Beach
2.Cornwall
3.Scottish Highlands and Islands, Yorkshire Dales

Best for Getting Away From it All
1.Scottish Highlands and Islands
2.Lake District
3.Cornwall

Best for Families
1.Cornwall
2.Blackpool Pleasure Beach
3.English Riveria

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Helsbury Park Dog Photo Competition 2008/09 Entry 10

Richard and Sarah Topps sent these great shots in of Gertie, their labrador enjoying her week here at Helsbury. Sarah emailed to say "Thank you again for another super holiday at Helsbury!"

Its GOLD for Helsbury...

We're delighted to announce that we picked up the top award at the 2008 Cornwall Tourism Awards last week. Standards are extremely high in these competitions nowadays so we're particularly pleased to have pulled it off. We've since learnt that we also made it into the top 6 self catering estabishments in the whole of the south west region. This shows that we're investing in the right areas and that our business model is sound so we're alread looking forward to next year!

Solly running up that hill...

A lovely Autumn morning, watch closely as he's a bit quick!

Helsbury Park Dog Photo Competition 2008/09 Entry 9

Some absolutely stunning shots of Willow, who came to stay in Broadview with her family over the summer. Anita Hope said: "She had a wonderful doggie holiday!"

Helsbury Park Dog Photo Competition 2008/09 Entry 8

Lesley and Colin Gentle stayed with us this Summer [we use the term loosely!] and sent these great shots of their dog Mole. Lesley added: "We’ve been home for some weeks now, and I’ve been suffering badly from Helsbury withdrawal symptoms!"

Helsbury Park Dog Photo Competition 2008/09 Entry 7

Nick and Emma Schelsinger stayed in Westhayes in August and took some lovely shots of Archie, their Irish Terrier. Archie definitely enjoyed the fresh air and open fields at Helsbury, he also got along to Daymer Bay, but did have to shelter from the rain too!

Our dog whisperer...

Shona has done a number of visits now with our guests and is getting some great feedback, check this comment out from Anita Hope who saw Shona last week:

"Whilst staying at Helsbury Park, Shona Moon came to have a two hour session with our Hungarian vizsla, Willow. The session was extremely interesting and it was great to see Shona interact with Willow in a calm way (she is a very excitable dog!) We now have a number of techniques to use to help with Willow's behaviour. I would definitely recommend Shona to anyone who wants to add an extra dimension to their doggie holiday."

For more information check out Shona's web site.

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