We have just been told that the month of November is ‘Togetherness’ month!
A month that’s all about putting aside some quality time to be together. It could be together with a lover, with friends or with family. It’s about making time to spend with your tribe!
No matter who you are or what your relationship status, togetherness is a hugely important aspect in all of our lives. It unites us, gives us security, support and a sense of belonging. Being with people that care about you encourages, empowers and enables you to be happy, happy in the moment.
Life is so busy. You wake up on a Monday and before you know it, it’s Friday! Your habit of saying ‘I’ll just do this first‘ before you text back worsens and, before you know it, you’re living a hermit’s existence with the Saturday night TV guide and a frozen pizza!
Even if you are good at keeping in touch; sending the odd message in a WhatsApp group chat or liking a Facebook post, when you really think about it, when was the last time you truly connected with the people you love the most?
Strathmore House Apartments…
Here at Strathmore House Apartments we know how important time together is. Our Four Bedroom apartments are most popular with friends and family coming together. Hanging out in big open plan spaces, with your own private space for when you want to escape or have a nap!
kitchens that can easily accommodate all the chefs, prepping the feasts whilst being part of the conversations. Whether you want a couples retreat, so you can all regroup, a friends weekend away to bond and gossip or a family break to connect again. Strathmore House Apartments are the biggest advocates for togetherness.
So, don’t ‘just do that first‘, open an App and start a group-chat! Work out what month will be YOUR together month. Have fun planning, make time chatting and then come together at Strathmore and make memories with your tribe. Officially November may be ‘Togetherness Month’ but as long as you come together, it doesn’t matter what month you do it! Just do it!
We all know that no Christmas is complete without a trip to the pantomime for a helping of high camp festive cheer! So, when the Theatre Royal Plymouth announced a sensational Musical would be donning The Lyric stage in November, our winter Cockles started warming instantly!
Tuesday 26th – 30th November 2019…
There is nothing quite like an evening at the theatre. Weather it’s a small 100 seated auditorium or in one of the 1,300-seats in The Lyric. An evening of entertainment and escapism is what we all crave’ and that’s just what’s on offer!
This November there really is the perfect treat. From just £16 a ticket you can be sure of a night of laughs with Nativity! The Musical.
A Very Special cast…
This is not just a show on the stage, this is now part of Plymouth too!
Every child in every school has one Christmas wish, to star in a Nativity. And, following hugely successful open auditions, children from Plymouth will star as the students of ‘Oakmoor School’.
Back …
It’s not just us that sings the Musical praises of this amazing show. This highly acclaimed show wouldn’t be here for a third year if it wasn’t a smash-hit show!
The show is also bringing Dani Dyer to Plymouth! The actress, author, TV personality, designer and everyone’s favourite girl next door will play ‘Polly Parker’. At just 23 years old, Dani Dyer has already established herself as one of the UK’s brightest young stars, and this will be the perfect opportunity for her to shine even more brightly as Polly!
There are Matinee Performances, Access Performances and all will be Terrific Performances! So if you are in Plymouth for the last week of November go and check availability NOW!
You will not regret purchasing a ticket to share in the wonder of this sensational story on a stage at the Premier Arts Organisation in the South West.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas…In Plymouth!
Plymouth is a remarkable city, so it’s unsurprising that Christmas in Plymouth is extra special.
With just EIGHT Friday’s left before Christmas, we are all getting excited, especially the little ones! To make things even MORE exciting this Festive season is full of family fun in Plymouth’s city centre.
Stay with us here in Plymouth this Christmas 2019 and see the return of three sensational family-friendly events from Plymouth City Centre Company…
Christmas Lights Switch-on, Thursday 14 November
The Christmas Lights Switch-on marks the start of the festive season. This year, the evening will be hosted by Radio Plymouth.There will be performers and groups, including local schools, choirs and Plymouth Party Princesses. The stage on the Piazza will be full of Christmas cheer!
The lights will be switched on at 6.30pm by Santa himself! The Mayflower 400 Town Crier will also be there to assist! Once the city centre is illuminated, there will be a local four-piece indie, rock and pop band, The Sound. They will be performing popular tracks from bands such as The Killers, Kings of Leon and Oasis!
Thursday 14 November also marks the start of late-night shopping in the city centre. Many of the shops open later on Thursday evenings in the run-up to Christmas.
Plymouth Christmas Market, Thursday 28 November to Thursday 19 December
From Thursday 28 November, Plymouth Christmas Market will return to the city centre for three weeks (until Thursday 19 December). More than 50 traditional wooden cabins will fill the Piazza, with stallholders from across the South West. Here you can find a great range of products from handmade jewellery and homewares to artwork and clothing.
Some of the region’s favourite food and drink producers will also be in attendance too. Including the English Spirit Distillery, South Devon Chilli Farm, Roly’s Fudge Pantry, Retro Shotz, Ventons Devon Cyder and Loco About Cocoa.
What’s more the Bavarian Bar will return! There will also be a number of street food stands offering delicious treats such as traditional hotdogs and melting cheese raclette. The giant illuminated bauble will also be located at the entrance to the market, acting as the perfect background prop for festive photos.
Every Thursday to Sunday, there will be entertainment to enjoy in the heart of the market too, including local choirs and bands.
Penguins: A LEGO® brick trail, Saturday 30 November to Sunday 5 January
Back by popular demand, Penguins: A LEGO brick trail is returning to the city centre this Christmas. The trail will run from 30 November to 5 January, with 19 Rockhopper penguins and one Emperor penguin! They are all life size and made out of LEGO bricks!! The penguins will be hiding all over the city, and if you find all the penguins you can be in with the chance to win incredible prizes! These prizes include a weekend family trip to LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort courtesy of Plymouth Citycoach, or a penguin feeding experience at Living Coasts in Torquay for four people.
Steve Hughes, Chief Executive of Plymouth City Centre Company, said:
“There is so much for everyone to enjoy in the city centre this festive season. Not only is there brilliant shopping, with everything from big brand names to unique independents in the West End and Plymouth Market, but there’s so much to keep the entire family entertained.
“Enjoy one of our brilliant festive events, hunt for LEGO brick penguins, take in a show at the Theatre Royal Plymouth or head to Drake Circus The Barcode to enjoy the new restaurants, adventure golf and cinema.”
For more information about Christmas in Plymouth, including full event details and travel information, keep an eye on our News, Views & Reviews Page or head to Visit Plymouth for more information!
Can you imagine! Long ago, people actually found their way around a new area or the great outdoors without Google Maps! Here at Strathmore House Apartments, we challenged friends to explore Plymouth WITHOUT the aid of a mobile device!
It was so much fun hearing all about their day. They went out and about, exploring Plymouth’s beauty by chance!
Using only natural directional signs and the tourist information signage around Plymouth we asked them to set aside their mobile maps and just ‘get lost’ in the beauty of Plymouth!
Meet John & Margaret…
John and Margaret boldly took on the challenge, and we sat down with them the next day to see how they found their adventures in Britain’s Ocean City…
“We decided to leave our phones at home! Although in our 60’s we do tend to lean on them more often than not. We ask hundreds of questions a day using Google; normally to appease a disagreement! John mostly wins – he was a History teacher for 40 years so has the winning hand most of the time!
We LOVED this challenge! So much so, we decided that we would do this more often as it felt so freeing! Don’t get me wrong, technology is advantageous and we wouldn’t be without it, but to escape it and truly explore is a remarkable experience. Armed with just Johns watch (to keep an eye on the dinner reservation) we were off!
We left at 10.15, just after breakfast and headed out of the apartments up to the Hoe. I must say, the signage and information boards are a real asset to Plymouth; we loved learning about the area and just looking. The vista is breathtaking.
The Liner Lookout…
As we were walking towards the sea we stumbled across a beautiful little cafe. It’s called the Liner Lookout. They were just opening and Ann (I believe she was called) really made us feel welcome. The coffee was spectacular, and the view breathtaking. They do food too, but we had just had breakfast, so will go back as the prices were VERY reasonable. We learnt that it was a watch tower in the 1870’s, looking out for the big ships coming in to Plymouth. We will be doing more research; this was just what we picked up in our conversation over coffee!
We then left and walked down to the sea, it was a clear day and the view really was incredible. We decided to turn right and walk down through the park. I love gardening and so we wondered around looking at the amazing splashes of colour – and of course watched the children eating ice-cream and having goes on the little bright train!
We went on looking at the amazing architecture and the odd shapes of the buildings that had obviously been bombed in the war.
The Beauty Of Plymouth…
We came to Millbay Park, you had to really hunt for any plaques and signage here, but it’s worth it when you find them! It was a little bit of a letdown and one of the only times we wished we had Google! Luckily we met a gentleman walking his dog who told us where we had to look, and that the area was home to an old prison site and the Soap Factory and that Chris Robinson does some great books on the history of Plymouth – so John is very excited about that!
Then we took a gentle stroll down to the Royal William Yard. We have been before and love the atmosphere. There is a lovely clothes shop called Identity Fashion, we had a coffee in Ocean Studios and then a glass of wine in the Seco Lounge. Walking around the buildings was captivating; we decided that if we were ever to move to Plymouth then this would definitely be a place to consider!
Our stroll took us up some steps and on to Devils Point Park. The view was spectacular and the signage was brilliant. We were able to look out and know what we were seeing! Again, we got chatting to the lady in the cafe, she told us that the area by families to say goodbye or welcome to loved ones on naval ships as they made their way to and from the dockyards. You could really feel that in the air. There were public toilets here too, so it made a great pit-stop after the copious beverages that fueled our footsteps!
The Walk Home…
We left and walked down back to the roundabout outside the Royal William Yard and down by the Cremyll Ferry. They are really regular, every thirty minutes, but we had to make our dinner reservation so decided not to explore this time.
We took a mosey on down to Union Street, and then stopped off at a lovely little shop which did the most amazing coffee. Then back to Strathmore House Apartments, it was just after 4pm.
What an amazing day we had! John got straight on Goggle to look for Chris Robinson books and I called our daughter to tell her of our adventures! We then got ready leisurely for dinner on the Barbican in the Pasta Bar, it was divine and the service amazing.
Happy is said to be the family that can eat onions together. –Charles Dudley Warner, author
August always feels like a significant month within the year. For many of us because this really highlights a time of perfect family fun … and the fondest of family memories. This was the month when the weather was better, school was out and the days felt long and sunny.
Family get togethers were held. The picnic blankets and ball games came out of the garage and the car boot was loaded with the excitement of summer!
The day was planned and every family unit brought Tupperware full of boiled eggs, pickled onions and corned beef sandwiches! Whilst competition was rhyf because everyone wanted to win at the rounders!
Today, it can be a little more challenging to get the entire family together. Much more planning is needed – but boy is it worth it when we do!
Strathmore House Apartments …
Strathmore House Apartments are the perfect space to get everyone together for a few days of family fun. We have apartments that can accommodate 2 – 8 guests, in our 1-4 bedroomed apartments. Every month has amazing things happening in Britain’s Ocean City and August is no different!
This is the the month that is always full to the brim with events, activities, festivals and more in Plymouth – with lots of wonderful free fun things too. What’s more, with our fabulous kitchens it’s so easy to prepare an alfresco heaven of more than just a pickled onion or two!
August In Plymouth …
August brings an array of fabulous activities in a city that really blossoms in the longer days.
It’s not just the events themselves that bring colour to Plymouth, the entire city shines with energy and passion.
Drakes Circus brings colour to our amazing indoor shopping centre with ‘Drakes Circus Pride’ this week, whilst St Luke’s have their heard of elephants brighten our streets with Elmers Big Parade.
Plus you have the stunning Tinside on your doorstep; offering a perfect slice of the quintessential British seaside, where laughter ripples as much as the waves.
Plan your family fun today; stay with us and explore Plymouth whilst making memories that will last a lifetime.
Plymouth is etched in the heart of everyone that has visited, who lives here and who works in our beautiful city by the sea.
Like a stick of rock, they say if a ‘Plymouthian’ was to be cut open, there would be Plymouth Pride running through their veins!
So this summer, we will be asking our amazing team here at Strathmore House Apartments to give a chapter, in less than 500 words, on what Plymouth means to them.
First up…
Elinor Eaton, Development Manager at Strathmore House Apartments, Plymouth.
The power of a Plymouth holiday isn’t just what it gives you; it’s what it takes from you too!
The Perfect holiday destination…Plymouth. And perhaps the greatest natural anti-depressant the world has to offer.
In a life that is far more hectic than ever before there is, in my humble opinion, nothing quite as relaxing, refreshing, revitalising or releasing as escaping to the sight of the sea and to Plymouth.
Picture this if you will…
The sun shining on your skin and warming it gentle as the breeze clips your curls. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore, gently brushing the pebbles. Seagulls chanting overhead. The smell of perfectly brewed Devon Coffee beans and freshly baked pastries from the pier side cafes. The clinking of ice in a tall glass of Plymouth Gin & Tonic … and the thought of a few blissful days of nothing but this … on repeat!
Tell me. Could there be anything better?
United, your senses become alive and your hectic everyday a thing of the past. All you have threaded through your next few every days is the release of your tense shoulders, your clenched teeth and your worry frowns. Nothing will be more real than having a darling time by our seaside. Nothing will be more freeing that what our seaside gives but what it takes away too!
Imagine life as a deep sea dive. Coming to the surface for a deep intake of air, filling your lungs to then duck your head back under again.
We take the air to survive, but we forget how to thrive.
A common occurrence in the 21st century. Our previous generations before us working only to live, now it feels as if we live only to work.
How do we get the balance right?
We get the balance by not just visiting Plymouth, but learning from it too. It may feel like a break, an escape from the frantic city pace, into a less rapid way of life. But thanks to our amazing city, we can all learn how to bring the sea spirit – back to the city streets.
How we can take a moments breath not just for survival but to appreciate the view, the moment and the time. All precious and all too often forgotten.
A holiday in Plymouth isn’t just a holiday.
Our rich past is in every footstep we take. Our amazing vista on every corner we turn. The sea air in every rich breath that we take.
We can all learn something from Britain’s Ocean City, but don’t just come here to find something. Come to Plymouth to lose something too. Lose the tight chest. The panicked soul and the stress in your veins and let Plymouth wash it all away.
There really is a little magic in the Plymouth air!
The fun of the circus is almost upon us – we can not wait!
It will be in Plymouth City Centre on Saturday 6 July. It really will be all the fun of the circus and what’s more; IT’S FREE!
There will be a stage and an aerial rig in the Piazza; with a programme packed full of fun between 11am to 3pm on Saturday 6 July. The NEW Plymouth Summer Circus event will have sensational performers. There will be trapeze artists, jugglers, sword swallowers, fire breathers, and unicyclists. You will be entertained for HOURS!
Throughout the day, Higher Beings will also be offering circus skills workshops so you can give it a go for yourself! The workshops will give you the chance to have fun and test yourself on a free-standing tightrope and a freestanding slackline. Or choose to stay with your feet firmly on the ground with their circus equipment.
A SUMMER FULL OF FUN…
Plymouth Summer Circus marks the start of Plymouth Summer of Fun. This welcomes the start of a wide range of family friendly events that are taking place in the city centre every weekend during the summer holidays.
Activities taking place throughout the summer include free ping pong sessions, street entertainers, dance performances and so much more. Plymouth is coming alive for the entire family to enjoy in our City By The Sea This Summer.
As the sun begins to beat down on Plymouth, we are all thinking about our summer holidays!
Spending time away from home; simply chilling out and relaxing; escaping from the normal everyday and exploring new scenery. That is the perfect holiday and is exactly what we all need every so often.
Plymouth is the perfect city for any holiday break. With so much to see and do, and of course our lovely central apartments, you can have the best summer holiday.
No matter where you are travelling from or to, or what you are doing; we all wish we could bypass the packing! It’s stressful, it can be expensive and you always forget something!
So, to help you find your packing mojo, we ask our Finance Manager, Nikki Field to share her Holiday Packing Top Tips in our latest edition of #HolidayMatters.
From Shower Caps for Shoes and sneaky tips on taking your favourite perfumes – Nikki has all the #HolidayMatters know how when it comes to your packing!
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!
