Category: Strathmore House Apartments

Club Continental Opening Times…

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New Continental Hotel’s leisure complex; swimming pool

Club Continental | Christmas Opening

Strathmore House Apartment guests’ have FREE access to Club Continental. Our sister company; the New Continental Hotel’s leisure complex.

With Christmas just weeks away; we’re all excited for the festive food, drink and gift sharing to come … but we don’t want you to lose your momentum!

With that in mind, Club Continental are going to try and stay open as much as possible for you.

See below for our festive fun opening times!

The team at Club Continental would like to wish everyone at Strathmore House Apartments a VERY Merry Christmas and ‘fit’ New Year!

 

A Magical Christmas Carol Service…

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Transforming Plymouth Together…

This time of year is traditionally characterised by tinsel-decorated trees; mince pies; present-giving; a turkey dinner (or two) and of course carols.

This year you can once again delight in the sounds of a fabulous selection of sing along classics at the Dementia Friendly Carol Service; it’s being held on Wednesday 11th December.

You can listen to your favourite carols and hear some lovely readings from some very special guests.

St Pauls Church in Stonehouse will be the host of this very special concert. Although everyone is welcome, it’s also perfect for people living with, or caring for those with Dementia.

The event starts at 3pm, and just as the songs used to bring people together many hundreds of years ago, the magic will be clear to see when you attend this amazing service.

Singing carols at Christmas with those that you love, brings families and friends together over Christmas time. But for some with Dementia, the music makes them feel connected to a time period or a memory that they can associate with that song. This then creates a magic with every note.

To find out more you can email: transformingplymouthtogether.org.uk or call: 07710096210

 

A Special Day In Plymouth…

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lady nancy astor
Image from Sky News

A Proud Day…

As a city, Plymouth has proudly played a key role in many historic moments. With the 28th November 1919 one of those moments in history. It was a monumental day for both Plymouth and Women. The day marks Nancy Astor being elected to represent Plymouth Sutton in Parliament. Nancy Astor won her Plymouth seat in 1919. She was still then the only female MP in the Commons for two years after.

The 28th November 2019 will now also go into the history books. It was a truly emotional day, even the weather couldn’t rain on the cities parade. A statue honouring the first female MP,  Lady Nancy Astor, was unveiled. Just moments away from Strathmore House Apartments on Elliot Terrace, a century after she was voted in.

In honour of the pioneering MP, former prime minister Theresa May unveiled a bronze statue near Lady Astor’s former family home.

On the same day, Lady Astor was also commemorated with a Great Western Railway. A train was named after her and travelled from London Paddington to Plymouth. Plymouth City Bus also now has a bus which not only celebrates her in it’s fine art work on the outside; but inside celebrates all the great women in and around our city thereafter.

Mrs May told the hundreds-strong crowd that she was “honoured” to be unveiling the statue. She also said she was “especially pleased to do so, as our country’s second female prime minister”.

The statue was sculpted by artist Hayley Gibbs after £125,000 was raised through crowdfunding by the Nancy Astor Statue Appeal. Practically in the ‘back-yard’ of Strathmore House Apartments it is a truly magnificent work of art; but also telling a truly gripping tale. Well worth a see!

Top Picks In Plymouth This January 2020

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Royal William Yard in Plymouth at sunset - photo by Michael Chapman

Plymouth in January is beautiful. It’s rugged, romantic and occasionally stormy; making it perfectly matched with our homely apartments, where you can snuggle in after a blowy walk along the ocean.

The Barbican and its cobbles are lined with cafes serving warming hot chocolate. There are bars for a glass of red wine and Plymouth Gin offering amazing tours of their distillery.  The shopping district is full of high street brands as well as cute boutiques, with exceptional January sales. Restaurants serve seasonal dishes and it’s a relaxed time of year to enjoy every mouthful. Plymouth in January has a sense of calm and new beginnings in the air as an exciting New Year starts.

Contrary to what many people believe about Plymouth  in winter, there is so much beauty this time of year not to be missed, fuse this with our lowest rates of the year and you have the perfect break away!

Here are just two of our favourite things about Plymouth in January:

On The Sea

Plymouth is a city which although in Devon, is just a stones throw from Cornwall. January is the perfect month to explore and enjoy both counties, using the sea!

Torpoint Ferry

The Torpoint Ferry connects Plymouth with Cornwall, a service that has stood the test of time! Smaller boats used to ferry people and goods across from Cornwall to England and although the ferry shares no resemblance to the old ones; the journey is like going back in time.

The toll aboard the Torpoint Ferry is payable one way, on the trip from Torpoint (Cornwall) to Plymouth (Devon) except for motorcycles which are tolled from Plymouth (Devon) to Torpoint (Cornwall). There is no charge for pedestrians or pedal cyclists. For anyone exploring this part of the county by car, it is well worth a visit to the nearby Kingsand and Cawsand Bay, with many other breathtaking stops along the way.

Cremyll Ferry

Take a trip on the historic foot ferry from Stonehouse to The Rame Peninsula, known as, Cornwall’s forgotten corner. Loved for centuries by all who have travelled on her, the Cremyll Ferry is one of Plymouth’s true gems and provides a gateway to discover this beautiful part of the South West.

Our eight minute ferry journey crosses the River Tamar, against the spectacular backdrop of Royal William Yard and Plymouth Sound. (The winter timetable runs from October-March)

Mount Batten Ferry

The Mount Batten Ferry operates between the Barbican and Mount Batten all year round.  Operating every 30 mins, departing from the Barbican quarter past and quarter to the hour, Mount Batten on the hour and half hour.

Whilst in Mount Batten you could visit the Mount Batten Watersports & Activity Centre. It is one of the foremost Outdoor Education centres in the South West. The Centre commands stunning views looking out towards Plymouth’s historic Barbican area, the Hoe and across to Mount Edgcumbe. It is perfectly situated on the tidal estuary of The Sound, making it an ideal, and safe, location for the thousands of people, of all ages, that use the Centre each year – whether for recreational or professional use.

(Re-opens after the Christmas Break on the 2nd January) 

Coastal walks and sunsets

(Image: Penny Cross)

There’s something about sunsets.They are romantic, inspiring and utterly Instagram-able! So why don’t we make more time to watch them? Make that time this January and witness the calming, beautiful moments here in Plymouth.  As a city by the sea, we are so fortunate to be able to watch the changing colours in the sky, all with the sea as its very own personal mirror.

Restaurants with decks, balconies and floor to ceiling windows allow those who are not so up for braving the elements, to view in the warmth but still not moss a thing.

You will be overcome with those moments where you think to yourself ‘the best things in life really are free’. Every city gets them, yet each one is unique in its own way. Plymouth is by far our favourite city by the sea to enjoy walks and sunsets a plenty!  So, pack your walking boots and a camera, you don’t want to miss out on these natural beauties!

Check our rates and availability for January now, and make your plans to start 2020 the right way.

The Perfect Gift This Christmas…

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travel size make up

Sometimes, one of the hardest questions you have to answer is that big annual one:

‘… so, what do YOU want for Christmas?’

We of course all answer ‘Oh nothing, just good health and happiness for my family’. Perhaps then followed by: ‘and the children to stop fighting!’ Yet here at Strathmore House Apartments we think we have come up with the perfect gift, that keeps on giving!

Travel Size Gift Sets!

There really is nothing quite like the treat of opening the perfect makeup gift set, face masks or serums to perfect your holiday! It may be a family week in the sun, or a romantic weekend for two at Strathmore House Apartments. Opening up a brand new little cosmetic treat is the perfect addition to any break away.

This time of year is perfect for them too. Beauty brands bring together their best products – and occasionally some limited edition versions, too.

Whether it’s a friend, family member – or you just fancy treating yourself; Travel Size Treats are perfect to pop away and bring out when you’re packing your overnight bag or suitcase.

So, we suggest that you add your favourite brand to your Christmas list this year, pronto! Get some Travel Gift Sets and then get travelling!

**Our 2020 rates are some of the best we have had at Strathmore House Apartments. If you’re looking to give the perfect gift, why not book Strathmore House Apartments for the people you love, get together and make some sensational memories.

Togetherness Month Got Us Thinking…

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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!

STOP! Don’t Abandon The Basket…

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Are you ONE of the 8/10..?

Did you know that one of the highest abandonment rates for online bookings is for travel, that includes accommodation…

The last figures shared by Statista in September 2019 showed us that over 80% of online shopping orders within the Travel & Hospitality sector were abandoned. That’s a whopping eight out of ten people start the booking process, get distracted and then abandon their experience.

Life’s Distractions…

For some of us that could be because the pizza person is at the door, interrupting our purchase! Perhaps that much needed romantic break away is postponed because your partner filled their glass and not yours!

All very plausible! Yet for the majority of us, the booking is abandoned for fear that there could be a better deal elsewhere!

Peace Of Mind…

That’s where we come in! Here at Strathmore House Apartments we are independently owned. We have just one person who sets all of our rates – on all of our platforms. This means they make certain that our website offers the best possible rate at the time of purchase when you book direct.

We all get distracted! By the pop-up notifications, crying babies, over-flowing baths and the empty wine glasses; let’s not get distracted by the fear you could get a better rate. Just head straight to strathmorehouse.co.uk  and book now. With all the distractions in our everyday, you deserve a special day to look forward to (even if you leave the baby and partner at home!)!

A one bedroom apartment that sleeps two starts from just £70 a night in the heart of Britain’s Ocean City – a city that will distract you but by its extraordinary beauty!

 

Break A Leg!

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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.

 

Fun For Everyone This Christmas…

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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!

 

What’s In A City..?

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Welcome to Plymouth.

A green, blue, yellow and grey dazzling patchwork city. A pioneer of marine, culture, engineering, tourism and enterprise. A platform for beauty and eccentricity.

Welcome to our exhilarating and endlessly intriguing city by the sea!

If you haven’t been before, perhaps you are wondering what all the fuss is about! Let us let you into the secret of our city by the sea…

Let’s scratch the surface…

With one of the world most impressive natural harbours and the Mayflower Steps on the blue side. A city regenerated with passion and pride after WW2 bombing on the sparkling grey side. To miles of craggy, beach-fringed coastlines.  Along with heady hills, moody moorland and wonderful woodlands on the green side; Britain’s Ocean City is more than just one colour – it’s a never-ending feast for the eyes and soul!

There is a lot to see and do, but there is just one perfect base to see all of it; Strathmore House Apartments!

Location

Just moments away from our 1,2,3 & 4 bedroomed serviced apartments are the Barbican’s cobbled streets. Then, a stone’s throw stands Smeatons Tower, proudly watching over The Hoe. There are trendsetting shops on the high street, with cafés and restaurants filling the air with the aroma of fresh, seasonal ingredients being cooked to perfection.

Living History

Plymouth’s story stretches back to the Bronze Age! Between now and the so much of Plymouth’s make-up has been pioneering. For instance, in 1254 it gained status as a town and in 1439, became the first town in England to be granted a Charter by Parliament. The city is also awash, both from our past and in our present of inventors, eccentrics, dreamers and entrepreneurs. We are a city that is in constant pursuit of opportunity, survival but also revival.

It’s fascinating to think that Plymouth connects to some of the all-time greats; Charles Darwin, Lady Nancy Astor, John Foulston, Brunnel and Sir Francis Drake – these name just a few!

It’s not the biggest city in the world, but it packs a rich and impressive history into its pint-sized shores!

Urban Experiences

Our city centre is also not to be shunted; yes our vista is exceptional but our shopping and food offer is amazing too. The Barbican and City Centre encompass everything from top name brands to quirky and impressive independents. Plymouth is a trend-setter, a history-maker and game changer when it comes to fashion and style, in parts thanks to the amazing creative scene. There is a varied urban landscape to explore in and around Plymouth too, with clusters of smaller areas like Plymstock, Stoke and Devonport that offer their own history and amazing opportunities for unique and bespoke retail therapy!

Wherever you find yourself in and around Plymouth, expect urban adventures aplenty.

Cultural Everywhere  

Art is seen by some as a luxury. To Plymouth, Art and Culture is seen as an everyday in every way!

2020 is a big year for the cultural scene in Plymouth. It commemorates the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s journey to America. Plymouth is using this milestone to connect education, military, sports, tourism and business sectors to the core of many of the celebrations; and the Plymouth Culture scene is right there too!

The Mayflower 400 commemorations have many partners who are working together to help artists and arts organisations in Plymouth’s cultural sector create projects which explore the Mayflower 400 story.

Plymouth really is the cultural centre of Devon and Cornwall and there is always something to enjoy in Plymouth no matter what the day, week, month or year! From amazing art to family fun, brilliant music to fabulous festivals and plenty of historic attractions.

Plymouth has been the home to legendary artists such as Beryl Cook, Robert Lenkiewicz and Sir Joshua Reynolds. It’s a platform and springboard that connects young, fresh new talent to the world and not forgetting that Plymouth has a thriving art scene of its own.

There are independent galleries, regular public events including outdoor theatre productions, open-air cinemas, and arts and crafts markets. Upon every twist and turn is a cultural explosion of Art, Theatre, Live Performances, Galleries and more. An offer so diverse and eclectic you can’t be anything but amazed.

Our city is truly inspiring and beautiful, with kindness and pride at the core. If you haven’t been to Britain’s Ocean City that you really need to plan your trip now! Stay with us; we’ll help you explore and fall in love with our city by the sea.