Author: Strathmore House

Life’s A Beach!

Posted on by Strathmore House
people sat on a beach with wine

Beach Holidays In The UK…

We might not enjoy the sunshine of the Mediterranean or the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, but it’s easy to forget that the UK is home to some truly beautiful coastlines.

Plymouth for one is surrounded by golden sandy beaches. Beaches that are recognised for being some of the very best in the UK. Perfect for rock-pooling, swimming and surfing alike.

To add additional adventure to your beach day, you can get there by ferry! Just hop on and in a short ride from the city is Barn Pool at Mount Edgcumbe. It’s a highly popular place for families and tourists to visit and has the most amazing views across the Estuary and Plymouth.

Then there are the glorious sandy beaches of Bovisands and Wembury. Both just a 15 – 20 minute drive from Strathmore House Apartments.   Wembury is a beautiful beach, owned by the National Trust, which is just as beautiful on a misty winter’s day as it is in the summer heat and is great for rock pooling. Bovisands is a sheltered bay of yellow sand with cliffs either side, this popular beach has a large expanse of flat sand when the tide is out, making it perfect for games.

As areas of outstanding natural beauty, these destinations are very popular with locals and families.

Once a haven for smugglers, you also have the quaint twin Cornish villages  of Kingsand and  Cawsand. They are totally worth the half hour boat trip from the Barbican. You’ll find secluded beaches, delightful walks and a warm welcome in the pubs and cafes.

If beach holidays in the UK is your thing; then Plymouth and Strathmore House Apartments really do hold something very special!

Where should I stay when visiting Plymouth…

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sea and green grass

Alpaca & Llama Walks on Dartmoor, boat cruises and sea tours on Plymouth Sound and so much more!

“Where should I stay when visiting..?”  This phrase is one of the most typed in searches in Google for any holiday destination.

Probably as our holiday destinations are often chosen as we want to visit them because we have heard about the riches they have to offer. It could be perhaps an event we want to attend, an activity we want to explore, a building we want to see, the vista we want to breath in or to see our family and friends. But rarely, very rarely do we book a destination for the accommodation we will be staying in.

A home from home…

So, accommodation then becomes an urgency!! Our destination is chosen … but where will we stay?

Getting the right location; the right services; best price; a feel right for us … all things that can take top level planning and researching; especially if you aren’t familiar with the city or area you are visiting.

We have to hand the most amazing research tool going. We have the internet! Home to news, views, reviews and top tips on where you should stay and why you should stay there. But that doesn’t mean it’s always easy or straightforward.

Strathmore House Apartments; Serviced Apartments On The Hoe…

Here at Strathmore House Apartments, we know that your holiday (be it two nights, two weeks or two months) is one of the most important and cherished times of the year. We also know that our city is rather remarkable!

Within either walking distance or a short drive you have everything and more on offer. Everything you could wish for your holiday!

Alpaca & Llama Walks on Dartmoor, boat cruises and sea tours on Plymouth Sound and so much more!

We know Britain’s Ocean City won’t let you down, and we hope that with our location, our warm welcome and our amazing facilities – we won’t let you down either.

So when you ask “Where should I stay when visiting Plymouth”, make sure you consider our serviced apartments and all they have to offer.

Maximising The Micro – With Airbnb Experiences…

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Picture of a painted landscape

Experience Plymouth with a new lens…

Booking.com revealed that in a recent survey they found out that over half of global travellers (53%) reported they plan to take more weekend trips in 2019.

It’s a year that’s predicted to be all about made-to-measure, bite sized travel with more bespoke and tailor made curated travel itineraries. All squeezed into shorter time frames.

Less is most definitely more as travellers are offered a more bespoke experience.

Bespoke experiences have always played a key part of our holidays. In the past (before technology) we were guided by  recommendations from friends that knew us. By travel agents that could inform us and a great deal of hoping for the best!

Now we have the world quite literally at our finger-tips. Many of our guests tell us they use YouTube to watch peoples holiday videos that they have uploaded, TripAdvisor for reviews and recommendations and a host of other websites and social platforms (hash tags were a big part of our guests research tool belt!) to check out local areas and attractions.

Here at Strathmore House Apartments, we have been a host on Airbnb for some time; making connections and using it as a platform to connect not only our guests with our apartments…but also our guests with and our beautiful city.

Airbnb Experiences…

Airbnb experiences have been a great way for us to signpost and share local attractions with guests. What we love is that it’s not restricted to just guests who are booking through Airbnb. Anyone can use it! Even in your hometown. Search experiences in your city and uncover amazing trips and experiences on your doorstep. Many thank you may not even know about!

Airbnb experiences are one-of-a-kind activities. All designed and hosted by locals. So unlike a typical tour or workshop, these experiences really do go beyond the activities themselves and offer so much more. They take you on a deep-dive into the local host’s world through their passion for what they love but also their city.

Hosts offer their guests special knowledge, unique skills, and inside access to local places and communities that guests couldn’t find on their own.

They enable and empower guests to create lasting connections and treasured memories.  What we think is so powerful t about Airbnb experiences is that they go beyond typical tours or classes; they immerse guests in a host’s unique world whilst soaking up the locality and beautiful vista.

Plymouth…

From seaweed walks around the rock pools to Yoga, juicing and meditation classes. Or perhaps an introduction to natural dyeing or Gin schooling. There really is something for everyone to experience, to learn and to explore.

If you have booked with us and are looking forward to your Plymouth micro experience have a look at Airbnb experiences. See if there is something that tickles your fancy whilst exploring the beauty of Britain’s Ocean City.

#LYLM2019 – Love Your Local Market 2019

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fruit and veg

Loving Plymouth is easy; Loving our Local Market…even easier!

Plymouth is known so well for our history, our beautiful vista and friendly community. Perhaps what isn’t so well known (yet!)  is that Plymouth has enjoyed the retail therapy offered by a Market Stall since 1253!

1253!

In 1253 the town was granted the right to hold a market, indeed Henry VI himself sealed the deal in 1440 by granting a ‘Royal Charter’ to the then Mayor of Plymouth and Commonality for ‘fairs, feasts & markets’.

plymouth street and market

Fairs, Fests & Markets…

Our community loves our market. Recently it has been under the lens and had much support from local investors, advocates and organisations. With a brilliant new re-brand it has seen a new lease of life, with many new traders taking up the opportunity to share their goods and services in a time honoured trade.

Today sees the first day of a national two week campaign called “Love Your Local Market”. The eighth year of NABMA’s campaigns; which is now successfully embraced in 24 different countries!

canvas bags

So we wanted to join the #LYLM2019 celebration and say: “We LOVE our market”!

Like most things in Plymouth, it won’t surprise many to hear that history is very prevalent in our market! Held under a Grade II Listed roof with families that have shared their stall for generations.

Not only can you grab a unique bargain, you can also enjoy amazing street food and relax with an afternoon coffee and cake.

Located in Plymouth’s ‘West End’ since 1959, it is open six days a week and is a definite must see when you are exploring Plymouth’s shopping scene.

To all the traders and friends of our eclectic little Aladdin’s cave thank you; thank you for being so very brilliant and utterly unique.

The voice of the sea speaks to the soul…

Posted on by Strathmore House
lady jumping with green trees either side in the sunshine

Since 2001 the Mental Health Foundation have run an awareness week every May to highlight a specific theme for mental health.  This years theme is body image; running from today until Sunday 19th May.  

Here at Starthmore House Apartments, people really matter to us.

We spend a great deal of time talking about the beauty of our city and the many amazing reasons why escaping here is so truly wonderful. But rarely do we speak about a deeper reasons why sometimes it’s good to escape.

Today, thanks to #mentalhealthawarenessweek, we have decided to be brave ourselves and talk openly about how Britain’s Ocean City has spoken to so many people’s soul – and helped shine a light on positive mental health.

We talk to some amazing guests who retreat to Plymouth on a regular basis to recharge; and to be a little more mindful of their own needs.

This blog isn’t about us. This is us saying you matter. This is us sharing what others say about how much it means to them to spend time in our city by the sea.

It’s about why we all deserve to give ourselves moments and time; time to be more mindful of what WE need.

We also asked what they each bring with them on their break away. To help inspire us, be it during our lunch break or a short escape away. We hope you enjoy reading this blog as much as we enjoyed exploring why other love Plymouth as much as we do!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their honesty and time…

 

“The voice of the sea speaks to the soul…”

Guest One |

“I travel to Plymouth at least three times a year from London. It’s only ever for a few days, normally a long weekend.  It’s become exactly what I need; for me.

I studied in Plymouth for my degree, I enjoyed my time here but for me it’s not just about reminiscing or escaping to soak in the vista. It’s not just turning the out of office on – for me this has become my lifeline. My tonic.

I no longer feel guilty when people ask why I didn’t take the kids. For me it’s not selfish, it makes me better at everything I do – it make me a better version of me. 

I walk, I write and I read. A few nights and a couple of days that belong to only me.

I highly recommend getting away. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, or even for days.  Perhaps first  start by just scheduling a day which is just about you – no distractions!

My Item: “I take a note book and pen and my headphones. I listen to podcasts and I write lines I like or that inspire me. Then I keep going back to them when I’m home. It’s become a special journal to me, and I would be lost without it now!”

Guest Two |

“Plymouth is so unique. They say the best gift you can give someone is appreciating them for being in your life – yet how many times do we take the time to appreciate ourselves; our bravery, curiosity and determination. Rarely ever!

A walk around Smeatons Tower when I am in Plymouth, and it really helps me breath in life! It helps me appreciate the moment.

Whatever situation is causing me to feel anxious or powerless at the time – seeing the sea and feeling the wind on my skin really helps ground me, it lets me see a clearer path ahead.

My Item: Me and my thoughts!

Guest Three |

“A ‘beach summer holiday abroad’ is not for us! The thought actually throws panic in the air for me; suddenly a feeling washes over me like the greyest clouds on a winter’s day!  I don’t want to even contemplate donning a costume! In my 20’s it was all I longed for, now in my 50’s its just not!!!

But,  that doesn’t mean that I know that holidays with my husband aren’t important and we love Plymouth. With young grandchildren, life is busy and we both made goals to put our needs first and let go of the guilt and the negative thoughts that are sometimes attached to ‘getting away’ for some us time.

Plymouth is perfect for us. The sea, the moors the Theatre and the food! It has absolutely everything we need and want. We love having date nights, dressing up and walking around holding hands.

It’s the little things that become the big things; after 39 years of marriage, to want to spend time together is pretty remarkable! Next year is our 40th Wedding Anniversary and a big year for Plymouth – we have already booked our week away! “

Our Items: “We have always loved to read. So, when we go away we take two books each. One that we choose for each other to read, and one that we choose for ourselves. I’m not sure if it’s after so long being together or not, but ironically, we often prefer the book we choose for each other!”

More than just a weekend…

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lady looking at a rail of vintage clothes

Some say that a weekend consists of a Saturday and Sunday –not in Plymouth! A weekend is so much more!

A city steeped in history and packed full of fun action, events and things to be part of EVERYDAY!

This weekend is no exception:

Bohemian Rhapsody Outdoor Cinema Experience |Fri 10 May –  Saltram House

Pirates Weekend | Sat 11 and Sun 12 May 2019 – Plymouth Barbican

Cheese Fest |  Sat 11 May 2019 – Plymouth Pavilions

Performance: The View From Behind The Futuristic Rose Trellis | Sat 11 May 2019 – Barbican Theatre

Worth The Weight – Vintage Sale | Sat 11 May – Plymouth Guildhall

Plymouth Comic Con |  Sun 12 May 2019 – Plymouth Life Centre

We hope you enjoy your weekend in Plymouth if you are staying with us. Alternatively, if you have a stay planned and would like to know more about all the fun happening during your stay in the city by the sea, we would love to hear from you.

Simply comment with the dates you are interested in and we will be sure to send you all of the action!

2020 – Looking Ahead…

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pile of three books and reading glasses on a sofa with orange cushion

In hospitality, we are always looking ahead, making sure that we understand new trends and changes in the needs of our guests.

In January we are planning Christmas and in May we are looking to the summer … a year from now!

So, as 2020 edges closer in our ‘hospitality’ calendar, we take a look at how Strathmore House Apartments can align with shifts in the market and customer service.

Looking ahead to the future gives us the opportunity to prepare for any major trends and stay on point for our guests. We consider all new trends and challenges as opportunities to make experiences even better.

Here are two key areas that our guests tell us will continue to be essential for them in 2020, when choosing their holiday home away from home…

Sustainability & Environmental Impact |

We hear every day from guests that they value and expect our business choices to be as sustainable and ‘green’ as we can possibly make them; and that wont be changing.

Light sensors, recycling and up-cycling, using sustainable materials like locally sourced toiletries, and reducing single-use plastics are already outcomes of redeveloping our Environmental policy in 2017.

2020 will be much the same, and wherever and whenever possible we will ensure that our choices are as ‘green’ as they can possibly be without impacting or affecting our customer’s experiences.

Health & Well-being |

Increasingly, we know that our guests are seeking health and well-being benefits from their hospitality experiences; whether it’s through their food and catering choices or accommodation.

With our fully fitted kitchens, our guests have the ability to remain healthy and cook as they would at home. That coupled with the free use of Club Continental; a leisure complex with indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room and two air-conditioned gyms, means that looking after your health and wellbeing whilst staying with us is made easy!

We know that 2020 will bring new challenges and therefore opportunities for us to make experiences even better for our guests.

We can only anticipate so much, so we listen wholeheartedly to our guests and what they ‘need’ from Strathmore House Apartments.

If you would like to contact us about how you see the future needs of our guests evolving – we would love to hear from you.

Our City & Our Culture…

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microphone

We Are Proud Of Our City And It’s Culture…

 

Plymouth has been connecting, engaging and showcasing culture to audiences for years; it has become recognised by many of our guests as a rich and varied ‘Arts and Cultural Platform’.

Thought of to many like a waterfall; it both allows you to observe its beauty from a far (without getting wet!) or leap in with both feet, letting the water cascade over you whilst it takes your breath away.

Whether you class yourself as culturally aware or just enjoy the occasional show, exhibition or performance; Plymouth has something for everyone.

There is a large and ever evolving community in Plymouth that work passionately to create a programme of events and activities that both entertain, and cross boundaries; to help us escape from our ‘everyday’.   

Many of them also linked with a deep rooted commitment to use art and culture as a force of change; to aid growth and change lives; offering unlimited possibilities to all. So audiences become more than observers, but by their participation they too are creating a long lasting legacy.

Mime

No matter what day, night, week or even year you are staying with us, it’s safe to say that across the plethora of amazing settings there will be something sensational to see, to do or to be part of.

Plymouth’s natural beauty, heritage, cosmopolitan flavour and rich cultural diversity is exactly  what offers our guests such a variety of ways to experience the amazing city we are proud to call home; to explore and truly enjoy Britain’s Ocean City.