For many of us though, the thought of doing Christmas away from home feels somewhat underwhelming. After all, for many of us the best part of Christmas is not leaving the house, just being altogether in your family home.
But for others, Christmas away from home makes perfect sense. Whether it’s spending the festive season cosying up in a cottage in the country, or staying with us in our seaside apartments; jetting off to spend Christmas away from the ‘normal routines’ is what can make.
Trudi and Mike and their two children do just that, and we ask them what it is that they love about…
‘Being away For Christmas’
“It’s a well earned break away after a long year. We both have jobs that mean throughout the year we get very little time off altogether. Throughout the year we have to take alternate holidays to cover child care, so Christmas really is the only ‘real’ time all four of us have as one.
We never go to the ends of the earth, it’s always an hour or two away in the car, but for us it makes all the difference. We aim to be away for a day or two before Christmas Eve and then return home a day or two after Boxing Day.
Once there, we still have a tree, great food, songs and Christmas films; we FaceTime or Skype family scattered around the world on Christmas Day and we explore wherever we are on Christmas Eve. We wander around and look at the Christmas Lights and try and find Carol Services and a Panto.
When you are away from Christmas you are more focused on the people you are with, rather than things. For us it’s just how we like it and our very own, unique tradition.”
Our Tips For Having A Magical Christmas Away From Home…
Stay Connected:
When staying away from home, make sure you remember your chargers!! It may sound basic, but packing for a Christmas Road Trip can make you forget the most basic of things, write a list and check it twice!
Check that wherever you are staying has reliable Wi-Fi. It may be freezing outside; but you want to avoid screen freeze inside on Christmas Day when you are trying to Skype Aunt Mable!
Dec The Halls:
Check that the accommodation are happy with you putting up a tree and decorations. We are, but we have heard that some places prefer you not to decorate. They may suggest that you sign a waiver or give a larger deposit. That would be in case you caused any tinsel damage!
Local charity shops are great for decoration bargains, that you can then donate back – this saves lots of room in the car, perhaps just take a few items that are sentimental to take. Choosing them, filling up the basket together is great fun, what’s more, you can kit you home away from home up for less than £10!
Being Local:
You can find a lot out about the city/town you are visiting by following your accommodation provider on social media. Like us, many will share news and events. But also things like where and when local chemists are open over Christmas. Useful, local information.
Father Christmas:
If you have young children, a really nice idea is to send ahead a letter from Santa. The staff can have waiting on the pillow of their bed. It’s a magical way of them knowing straight away that he has the right address. We love getting involved and helping to make memories and often do these kinds of touches.
You could go one step further and wrap everyone matching pyjamas! It could be a welcome present or Christmas Eve gift. Why not post that ahead too. It could be there waiting for you when you arrive!
From Us To YOU:
Whatever you do, be you at home or away, we all wish you the most magical of Christmases. And a VERY Happy New Year.
Unite in song this Christmas at a truly amazing carol concert…
We are part of the New Continental Group. Included in this is our sister company, the New Continental Hotel. The New Continental Hotel was the first Dementia Friendly Hotel in Plymouth.
Something we are all very proud of.
Sadly; there are very few people now that have not had, seen or felt the impact of dementia. And we want to help, even if just in a small way.
So; join us and delight in the sounds of sensational choirs. Sing along to your favourite carols. Or simply be uplifted by our amazing community coming together this Christmas time.
Everyone is invited to attend; friends and family who wish to bring a loved one with Dementia; or simply to unite in song against dementia.
This brings us on to our proud announcement!
Plymouth’s annual Carol Concert will be held in the stunning St Paul’s church in Stonehouse on Wednesday the 12th of December between 3-4pm.
Whether you are here on holiday or a living Plymouthian; wandering really does unveil the true wonder of Plymouth…
Not John & Margaret – Actors taking their place!!
Living In Plymouth |
Sometimes, when you live in a city your only experience of crossing it is a hectic commute, some frantic shopping in the city centre or drinks on an evening out. We all have a scalextric that we all seem to stick too, and so the scenery around us becomes a little like wallpaper. If this is the case, then we are all missing out!
Visiting Plymouth |
Our Ocean city is divine. The twists and turns; the cobbled streets; the history and culture. What we have as a city is truly breathtaking. A patchwork quilt of marvellous pieces; pieces that together make our city so great.
When you wander around our city, it becomes evident of its richness. Walking through the centre you will experience a platform that to the naked eye looks rather grey; but this city centre represents a deep passion and determination of a community intent on rebuilding their ‘Plymouth’ as quickly as possible after the destruction of WW2.
Around the Hoe and Barbican you have the hidden alley ways, the cobbled streets and a vista like no other. The highest concentration of cobbled streets in England stitch together stories that include Sir Francis Drake, Scott Of The Antarctic and surrounded by beautiful and iconic buildings that date back to the 15th century onwards.
Wandering The City |
Wandering around Plymouth really is the best way to see its wonder. What’s more, getting lost is sometimes the best way to find what you never knew you were looking for!
Whimsical Wanderings & Moveable Feasts |
Some of us may like a more structured approach than simply getting lost on the cobbles. We may like some insider knowledge, interesting stories or just the company of other like-minded people.
That is where Whimsical Wanderings & Moveable Feasts makes for the perfect choice. There are other walking groups and tours in Plymouth, but what we love about Whimsical Wanderings & Moveable Feasts is that it is a bespoke walking, talking, feasting experience.
An experience that combines our cities culture and creativity; but also gives you a taste of our rich history and the amazing plethora of restaurants we have. This is all beautifully blended with the fabulous company of others. It incorporates not only the city but laughter and frivolity, interspersed with delicious food and drink!
Whether you are a seasoned walker – or simply looking for something new from your holiday; you will share with others (or alone if you’d rather) the perfect urban stroll.
Walking through the city, you will experience more than just a beautiful landscape. You will experience enchantment, tasty treats and memories that will last a lifetime.
For more information on a Whimsical Wander you can like them on Facebook or check out their website to hear more!
From mindful meditation to keeping a journal; through to healthy eating and fitness tips. Two of our staff share their habits on how they best deal with ‘life’ stresses during Christmas time…
Here at Strathmore House Apartments, we care about people. Not just their experiences whilst in our beautiful and charming city; but how they actually feel and how they look after themselves, even when they aren’t staying here with us.
We talk to our Development Manager, Elinor Eaton and Club Continental Manager, Adam Domyslawski about the magic of Christmas, but also the strain and stresses we can feel too.
Although a magical time, the energy that is needed can sometimes leave us feel a little out of sorts. Elinor tells us how she stays positive at Christmas Time.
“Trying to clear your inbox and finish projects ready for the New Year; planning the perfect Christmas and buying the right gifts; worrying you won’t fit into your Christmas jumper after all the office mince pies..! The list can feel endless! But you’re not alone! These are stresses felt by many of us in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
It can sometimes feel like a bit of a taboo subject! People expect a positive response to ‘how are you?’; the majority don’t really want to know if you are having a little wobble, let alone real life issues. We live in a social climate whereby we are used to seeing happy filters on photos and positive quotes on Facebook; and we have almost conditioned ourselves to feel envious of that ‘pretend’ life – yet unable to deal with the real one of others and our own!
The festive period is meant to be a time for getting together, enjoying each other’s company, exchanging presents and having a good time. But sadly it can be a time where life becomes really overwhelming. End of year targets have only weeks to be reached. You haven’t got that gift which is ‘ALL’ they wanted. You can’t remember the name of Bryan’s wife next door for the Christmas Card; and you have over committed to festive events and family gatherings!
It may sound like I am trivialising things slightly, but this time of year can honestly be the most stressful – for all manner of reasons – both big and small.
The first thing to say is, it really isn’t just you that might be feeling this way. Be it work, money, home or simply life, we all have our wobbles … and it really is OK.
I make sure I do certain things to keep my mental well-being in check and keep on top of the nagging voices and moments of sadness or worry. I know Adam is an advocate for exercise, being outdoors and a good diet, but I have always been a huge fan of meditation, keeping a journal and trying to keep a good work/life balance.
Strathmore House Apartments is perfect for this. It’s quiet and private for amazing meditation, and so light and airy. It also encourages you to put your life first, when you step out of the doors and almost straight onto the sea-front, you realise what is – and what isn’t important!
My biggest lesson, and one I will always keep pushing to learn, is to love myself. Even with the scars, the ones that people can see, but also the ones that people can’t see too. Because eventually those scars will heal and things will get better.
Secondly, I always make more time for being me during the festive period. Choosing getaways like Strathmore House Apartments gives you the perfect platform to reconnect with what matters.
If you haven’t planned a New Year break yet, then grab some amazing deals now and make time for you.
It really is so important that you grab happiness and realise that these wobbles are just part of the journey and Christmas, well Christmas is the perfect time to give yourself the most important gift; happiness above all else.”
It’s clearly important to feed your soul and although our favourite time of year Christmas, in addition to all the usual everyday related stresses, Christmas can bring with it a whole heap of additional challenges and obstacles that we have to smile through and make time for.
Adam Domyslawski from Club Continental shares his tips on how to stay ‘strong’, both physically and mentally this Christmas.
“An unhealthy diet and a lack of regular exercise and sleep can have really adverse consequences on your well-being; both physically and mentally at any time of the year; but at Christmas we indulge that little bit more, sleep that little bit less and find it hard to find the time for our usual routines. The ingredients to a disaster! ”
Stress isn’t just a state of mind; it really impacts your physical being too. It can exacerbate nearly every pre-existing condition and can lead to the development or worsening of anxiety, depression and much more, stress really isn’t something to joke about.
It’s a real chicken and egg situation though I know! The more you are stressed and the busier you are, the less likely you are to look after yourself. But it’s essential to find the time to think about you and your body this time of year.
When you get on an aeroplane and they do their safety procedure in case of an emergency; they tell you to put your mask on before assisting anyone else. Hard to do; as your instinct is to help others first – but what help will you be if you haven’t helped yourself first? It’s the same principle with health and fitness – if you aren’t healthy and fit both physically and mentally – no one will have a good Christmas and your work load for next year will simply increase.
The key is to remember that it is essential that you find enough time in the day for you. Plan your meals so that you don’t panic and hunger buy; but instead you have it with you and ready when you are. Also, take the time to think through a little fitness throughout your week. It can be parking a little further from the office or shops; taking the stairs or simply making the time for you to work-out. It’s really essential that you find a way. Even if during this crazy we weeks it’s less than normal – a little can go a long way!”
Club Continental is free for Strathmore House Apartments guests. It’s an amazing resource just a short stroll from the apartments.
With our city awash with beautiful sparkling Christmas lights, both in the city centre and on the beautiful Plymouth Barbican; there really is something magical about Christmas; no matter how old you are!
With only weeks away to the big day itself; the magic never seems to fade; even with the stress of finding the right gifts; making enough time for family and friends and emptying the inbox before the out of office goes on!
We all know that the stress, well it’s always worth it in the end!
We know that finding the right base at Christmas is no mean feat; being away at this time of year you require a little different touch to any other time. Space and privacy are top – but also location to maximise the time you have for visiting friends and family (or shopping!)
There are so many amazing, unique and quirky places to call home in Plymouth and that makes us even more honoured that so many people have chosen us.
We are overjoyed that we have the opportunity to welcome everyone to Plymouth this Christmas. All with differing reasons for their visit. We have one couple coming down to welcome their first grandchild, due on the 25th December! Another family coming for their first time away from home at Christmas. Then a mother and daughter coming to spend the Christmas and New Year in their home-town after 17 years of living away.
Christmas brings many wonders and so much excitement, and so to be part of the Christmas celebrations, festive fun and magical memories is totally heartening.
We love this time year. And Christmas at Starthmore House Apartments really does make perfect sense and the most amazing place to make your home from home at Christmas time.
What’s more, with our location, there’s nothing quite like a winter walk on the waterfront, or a wander around the Christmas market to get you in the festive mood…or perhaps just to walk off some of those pre-Christmas calories!
Plymouth is by far one of the best cities to enjoy Christmas and we are truly thrilled to be having the opportunity to be part of so many wonderful Christmas memories.
From All Of Us; We Wish You The Merriest Of Christmases And A Super 2019.
What we love most about our beautiful city is the people so passionate about making it shine…and shine it really will this weekend! And what’s more – you still have two nights to enjoy it!
Royal William Yard | FREE ENTRY | 17:30 – 22:00
Illuminate is a spectacular light-based festival that connects all of the Mayflower 400 destinations across the UK and internationally.
In 2017 Plymouth’s Illuminate celebrations saw parts of Royal William Yard turned into a spectacular display of light-based art installations and projections. This year, we truly believe, it’s even brighter!
In 2018 Illuminate has definitely grown; it’s showcasing projections and light art installations from local, national and international artists. It provides a vibrant, fun and inspiring experience for everyone. It has become a signature event in Mayflower 400’s programme; and an annual large-scale light festival that will be a highlight in Plymouth’s event calendar.
This weekend the Royal William Yard is lit up with light installations, immersive visual art and light projections. Illuminate, an event marking the anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower, has grown for 2017, and taken on a new location in Plymouth’s historic former victualling yard.
If you have yet to experience it, then it’s a real must see event in Plymouth. Crowds have the chance to walk around and see some fantastic light installations and projections around the yard as well as being entertained by music, food stalls, glowing candyfloss and the amazing settings offering food and fun around the yard.
Serviced apartments are an elegant alternative to hotels and perfect for business stays…
Whether you’re visiting Plymouth for work or play, our serviced apartments beside the spectacular Hoe and just a stones throw from the city centre are the perfect place to lay your weary head.
For Work…
With fully-equipped kitchens, spacious bedrooms, dining areas and comfy sofas, your apartment will feel like home. You’ll be close to Plymouth’s riches and within easy walking distance to all of Plymouth’s Central Conference Centres and the Business District. You are also a £4 taxi journey away from the Train Station or a 15 minute walk.
Bringing a car? We have parking on-site and plenty of alternative arrangements should you require.
Once work has been done; you have the sensational Shopping just moments away and the trendy Royal William Yard nearby. You’ll never be far from a quirky bar and you’ll have your choice of eclectic restaurants. PLUS – we have Plymouth GIN!
If you fancy learning a little about our history; the Mayflower Steps and all the beauty and historic greatness of the Barbican and Plymouth is not far away at all. Plus a quick bus ride on a City Bus will take you anywhere your feet don’t want to walk!
Is it possible to holiday on a budget in 2019..? YES!
We know we have something special at Strathmore House Apartments. First of all our location is perfect to have every aspect of Plymouths greatness on your doorstep.
Our apartments offer space, privacy and style. Our city offers a vista like no other; a history oh so inspiring and most noteworthy perhaps of all, people who are proud of their city.
Therefore, who wouldn’t want to come for a few days to chill out in chic apartment living, in a city with so much to offer? Perhaps the reason may be budget..?
Well, for the first time ever we have launched our January sale in NOVEMBER!
Here are the TOP 10 factors that we think makes our city GREAT …
Not John & Margaret – Actors taking their place!!
Many of the guests we talk to say that Plymouth is a great city and that they will be back. Although this is truly amazing to know and to hear, and of course can’t wait to welcome them back, we want to know…
What is it that makes a city great?
What is it that makes ‘our’ city great?
We look into the DNA of Britain’s Ocean City to discover just what it is that makes us feel that our home is one of the best in the world.
First of all, let’s look at the 10 things we are most proud of here in Plymouth.
It’s Exciting…
Never is there a day in Plymouth that can be classed as dull! Ok, sometimes the weather maybe, but this is the South West!
The sense of possibility is why Plymouthians seem to be so forgiving of the stresses and strains of city life. Certainly we work hard, but we also appreciate that our city is always evolving, enchanting and exciting.
There is ALWAYS something to do, and as a result always something new to see or be part of.
The buzz is what makes Plymouth GREAT!
It’s Beautiful
Beauty is everywhere in Plymouth. People say that Venice is the most beautiful city in the world; needless to say we think Plymouth should be up there too!
Described by many as breathtakingly unique and sensationally beautiful…
Each building is a work of art. Plymouth’s architecture may not at first be seen as beautiful, but when you take a city that was hit so hard by the bombs, then quickly rebuilds it with love, determination and pride (and yes, a little concrete too!) you see a very different side to the grey.
It’s sandwiched between the ocean and the moors, it’s nestled between the rest of Devon and Cornwall. Its beauty is within every aspect of its geographical location, its sea views, its thriving business community and the people that love it so.
Plymouth is truly stunning, that makes Plymouth GREAT!
It’s Tasty
We have everything and it’s ALL tasty!
Plymouth is alive with talent and our chefs are no exception. Our bars and restaurant scene has everything and more. Despite being hard to walk down the streets without feeling hungry, it’s a heavenly offering of tasty treats around every corner!
Furthermore, you don’t have to be a ‘Foodie’ to appreciate Plymouth’s food scene. It’s not all pompous, not all quirky and certainly not all pretentious. It’s just all about your food experience, and Plymouth’s desire to make that experience a great one.
You can grab great street food at places like Supha’s, fantastic Fish & Chips, food on the go from great bakeries like Friary Mill and mouth watering artisan breads and cakes from places like the Column Bakehouse.
Restaurants such as The Mission and others are amazing settings; all offering up great, fresh, local ingredient -with passionate people sharing their sensational offerings.
The food along with the people offering the food, that’s what makes Plymouth GREAT!
It’s Social
Plymouth people aren’t the only social things in our beautiful waterfront City.
Plymouth University was also the first university in the world to be awarded the Social Enterprise Mark. This was in recognition of working as a genuine social enterprise, caring for communities and protecting the planet.
Plymouth isn’t just about doing good business; the people in Plymouth are concerned with making a positive impact on the world as well as making a profit.
Plymouth is alive with purpose and passion. Many of the Plymouth’s advocates and stakeholders are brave, bold and curious leaders that inspire, whilst unlocking the potential and seeing the value in our community.
Plymouth is authentically growing a city that is about the why and the how, it’s not a gimmick or a marketing slogan, it’s just a fact!
Social Enterprise in Plymouth is a genuine mechanism to solve social problems while feeling connected to a higher purpose – that’s what makes Plymouth GREAT!
It’s Worth Exploring
Varied is something that is said about Plymouth all the time; but whats more, it’s so true. Perhaps one of the very best ways to describe our Ocean City is just that, varied!
It’s character is overwhelming, hence if the UK was a theatre production, Plymouth would most certainly be the star of the show!
The interesting places to visit, mostly on foot and many of which free lends itself to being one of the best holiday destinations in the UK.
Above all, the fun new developments fused magically with the rich and treasured history gives Plymouth an edge like no other.
Who wouldn’t want to explore something so divine..?
People love exploring Plymouth, that’s what makes it GREAT!
The origins of Plymouth can be traced back to Saxon times! It has a history that naturally reflects its maritime location but what’s more, a history everyone is proud to tell.
It’s not just the sensational people; the William Hawkins, Sir Francis Drake, Pilgrim Fathers and Lady Astor’s (to name just a few!) of our past that shine so brightly. It’s the iconic Plymouth Gin distillery, farmland referred to in the Domesday Book in 1086, the citadel, the Dockyard, the part Plymouth played in the Second World War and SOOOO much more!
It’s history combined with it’s tomorrow is what makes Plymouth GREAT!
It’s Friendly
In the words of R.E.M – we are “Shiny, Happy People”!
Cities can be a bit of a paradox sometimes – thousands of people, somehow all feeling alone. But Plymouth is awash with smiles, making it a great destination for a family-friendly city break, for lone travellers to enjoy their escape and just about anyone looking for a warm, friendly welcome.
A favourite quote of ours, from a guest visiting Plymouth is that it is a ‘Bubbly City’! So, for that reason, it goes without saying that our beautiful city has fun times written all over it!
Everyone in Plymouth is helpful, whether it’s offering directions, making recommendations or just simply offering a smile. Anyone can feel at home in Plymouth; with its storybook-like vista, colourful facades, cobbled streets and happy people.
Our happiness is what makes Plymouth GREAT!
It’s Culture
Plymouth Culture is rich, varied, of high quality and insanely sensational!
There isn’t a day that goes by that Plymouth isn’t hosting something great. Be it a festival, a fabulous production, an exciting performance, a fashion show, antiques fair … the list is endless!
There is not only a vibrant local music scene with some of the world’s best talent (made even more epic with the introduction of ‘Pavilions Introduces’) but simply the variety of culture on offer.
Plymouth is also home to the fabulous Barbican Theatre and The Box. The Box is a major project underway in the heart of Plymouth, a history centre like no other. But Plymouth is also home to so much more.
Theatre Royal Plymouth is the envy of many theatres; with its world premiers, award winning TR2 (the theatres production and learning centre) and their rich programme that offers something for everyone across their three stages.
What makes Plymouth great is not any one cultural activity; it’s the patchwork of all of them sewn together that makes Plymouth so GREAT!
It’s Happily Diverse
Plymouth is a city that welcomes change and diversity. It supports people to be their very best and achieve their objectives, passions and vision.
It really empowers and enables people’s goals, embraces their backgrounds and their culture whilst always seeing their individual value.
Because of this openness to embrace diversity, Plymouth is awash with an amazing calendar of events, sensational exhibitions, an amazing range of restaurants offering food from all around the world and some amazing small retailers selling their native products.
It’s this mixture of Plymouth’s classical heritage, cultural evolution and diversity , as well as new innovations that really does make it, in our opinion, one of the most diverse and exciting cities in the world.
Plymouth see’s diversity as an opportunity, not a challenge or problem and knows that all cultures can only thrive, when they are in contact with cultural diversity.
That’s What makes Plymouth GREAT!
That’s what we thing are the best 10 things about Plymouth, and to be honest we could have done 20, 30, 100! But we want to know, what is it about Plymouth that you think makes it so great..?
Strathmore House Apartments; stylish holidays in Plymouth, Devon…
We are so excited to announce that Strathmore House Apartments has been featured in DevonLife.
There is nothing quite like reading reviews, thank you cards and notes from people who have had a great experience in our apartments. It fills us with a warmth knowing that we helped people make great memories during their time in our beautiful city.
So, when we see our apartments featured in a beautiful magazine…WOW!
DevonLife have the very best lens over our region. They use a narrative that really showcases the wonders of Devon and all it has to offer. When we saw Strathmore House Apartments featured in their magazine, it was a truly tremendous feeling.
At the beginning of the months, we had so much fun telling the team at DevonLife all about our serviced apartments. Further more, we loved talking about the amazing guests that come and stay with us. From celebrities, families, couples having a romantic break away; to those just making the apartments their home from home.
We also shared our journey, renovating Strathmore Hotel, a 55 bedroom hotel, into what are now our family owned serviced apartments. Located in the heart of Plymouth we really believe we offer something unique to travellers visiting Britain’s Ocean City.
Above all, we really hope that if you’re planning a holiday in Devon and of course, Plymouth in particular, that Strathmore House Apartments might be a consideration. We hope to tick all the boxes in your search for the perfect accommodation, no matter what your holiday needs.
The article is nestled in the DevonLife Out & About section. You can read the article HERE to learn more about Strathmore House Apartments and how these stylish apartments could be yours for as little as just £80 per night!
