We’ve had some beautiful weather in Devon the last few weeks, prompting people to head to the beaches and countryside for walks, fun and outdoor adventure. Happily it looks like there’s more sun to come too, with forecasters predicting warm temperatures this Easter, and one of the hottest summers on record.  Holidays in Devon offer countryside and coastline, ancient ruins and modern shopping centres, and it's perfect for families or couples. So don't delay - book today! 

If you’re after adrenaline-filled things to do then you can find out the best places for climbing, white water rafting, horse riding and a host of white-knuckle fun across the county.  Discover the great Devon outdoors with watersports, cycling, adventure sports, walking, climbing, fishing, riding ... and more. Why not try your hand at surfing or sea kayaking – we’ve got two coastlines and miles of beaches after all. We’ve also got two national parks, making a spot of climbing or hill walking on Exmoor or Dartmoor a must-do Devon experience. And if cycling's more your thing, our network of cycle trails means we’ve got that covered too. 

But, if your idea of bliss centres around peace and quiet, tranquillity is something that Devon’s not short of. Hit one of the glorious beaches, ramble in miles of unspoilt countryside, visit ancient castles, browse art galleries, take a boat trip, visit some awe-inspiring gardens or simply while away the hours in a quiet café. 

There really is something for everyone, and we know that by staying at Waves or Top Deck you'll really enjoy having your very own "home from home" and simply won't want to leave.  

The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta 2013 offers you many exciting new events as well as the traditional ones.  Dartmouth Royal Regatta is steeped in history and is one of the oldest in Britain, and every year thousands of people come to our beautiful river and town.  

Ever since the visit of Queen Victoria on her Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert the Regatta has enjoyed strong Royal connections that continue to this day with the current Patron the Duke of York. 

The Royal Navy is always an important part of the Royal Regatta and the sight of the Guardship sailing into the mouth of the river past the two castles always brings a lump to the throat. This year in 2013 the Guardship will be HMS Blythe. The Britannia Royal Navy College is at the centre of the Dartmouth community and the Regatta is no exception. This year is the 150th commemoration of the establishment of the college with the wooden walled ships HMS Britannia and Hindustain and there are a number of special events planned.

Regatta means the water, that is why we are here and that is where it all started. Here in Dartmouth we have some of the most exciting and competitive racing on the South Coast, and we wish all the competitors the best for 2013 and hope they have an enjoyable and memorable event.

This year there is a large mixture of events throughout Regatta week, from the Regatta Ball to the Family Regatta Shindig, Rowing and Sailing Races, to the Tennis Tournament,  International Trolley Grand Prix to the internationally famous Red Arrows There is a Shopping village, two Grand Regatta Firework Displays, Water Polo, and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.  There is so much to offer all ages young and old alike. It is a time when no matter your age, you are you are again young at heart.

The Dartmouth Regatta Air Display is one of the best in the country, and we look forward this year to the return of Red Arrows and The Blades, as well as all the usual favourites.  The Dartmouth Royal Regatta has been called “the most beautiful regatta in the world” and “the Best in the West”, so make sure you come and join us in 2013 and see why it is so special. The people of Dartmouth will give you a very big welcome!

The 168th Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta takes place from Thursday 30th August to Saturday 1st September 2012 and it promises to be the best one yet!

The Regatta is based around a programme of rowing and sailing events, but also incorporates a busy programme of activities including air displays, fireworks, a large fair, sporting events and many other smaller events that happen in and around the town centre which will ensure that visitors to Dartmouth will never want for spectacles to watch. 

For those who wish to actively participate there are sports of every description, including tennis, swimming, rowing and running, and there are plethora of other events ranging from pavement painting, a photographic competition, a crab fishing competition the infamous "Spot the Oddity".

The two firework displays, which will take place on Thursday 30th August and Saturday 1 September at 21:00 are expected to be watched by approximately 50,000 people who line the viewing points on both Dartmouth and Kingswear banks, so please make sure to utilise the park & ride arrangements when coming to the town as there is no parking in the town itself.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Red Arrows, the RAF Aerobatic Team, have been tasked to display at the Regatta on Friday 31st August.  This year the Red Arrows will learn to fly in an unusual seven formation.  The team usually flies with nine aircraft but its first female pilot moved to a ground-based role earlier this year following the very sad loss of two Red Arrows pilots last year.

Nearly 100,000 people visit Dartmouth during the Regatta period, swelling the town’s population of approximately 6,000 and making Dartmouth Regatta one of the largest public events in the South West, and the second largest Regatta in the UK after Cowes Week. 

Please click HERE for more details on the 168th Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta.