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!
Plymouth is a city that is never short of things to do…
No matter what time of the year you visit, there will always be an array of wonderful events, activities and celebrations to join in with. Strathmore House Apartments make the perfect setting; it doesn’t matter what time of year, what the weather and no matter what the occasion!
This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to come along and show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community; from currently serving troops to reservists, veterans, cadets and their families.
It’s an entire day packed with fun. The start of the day will see the Parade of Standards. Throughout the day, visitors will be able to watch the Field Gun competition as well as performances from bands including the City of Plymouth Pipe Band and the marching band of the Royal Marines, Plymouth.
Then from 6pm, a free evening concert sponsored by C&G Catering, will entertain the crowds with a fantastic range of live music. The night will be headlined by One Step Behind, the UK’s leading Madness tribute band. Also taking to the stage is Scarlett Lee, last year’s X Factor runner-up, a Tom Jones tribute act and the Royal Marine Function Band.
Elmer’s coming to town and he’s bringing some new friends… For 10 weeks this summer a parade of 40 fabulously colourful, unique elephants will be taking you on a trail around our beautiful ocean city and surrounding areas. From the hustle and bustle of the city streets to the peace and grandeur of the Hoe, Elmer’s Big Parade will navigate you around Britain’s Ocean City.
There is so much to see, do and be part of. Whilst having a colourful time you will also be adding colour to people’s lives. At the end of the summer each of the beautifully designed Elmers will be auctioned to raise funds for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, to enable them to continue to provide outstanding compassionate care to those that really need it.
The historic Rolex Fastnet Race will once again finish in Plymouth this summer. Yachts come from all over the world to compete in the race which starts on Saturday 3 August 2019 in Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
The first yachts are expected to arrive in Plymouth in the early hours of Monday 5 August.
The Plymouth race village will be located at Yacht Haven at Mount Batten and will be open to the public from Tuesday 6 to Thursday 8 August, with live music, family friendly activities and opportunities for local people to try their hand at on-water activities like sailing, kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding.
The Ocean City Blues N Jazz Festival returns for a third year to The Barbican, and we really can’t wait! The weekend will be full of sounds of blues and jazz and the event is free to attend. It’s one not to be missed; enjoy a drink and a bite to eat while listening to the music. The Barbican and Waterfront is full of amazing restaurants, take-aways, bars and seating – this really will be a tune-tastic weekend!
From 11am on Saturday 10 August the Parade will start…
The colourful loud and proud Pride Festival returns to Plymouth celebrating and promoting the diversity that exists within the LGBTQ communities. All are welcome to join us to show your support and acceptance of our diverse people and talent. The atmosphere is bright, the celebrations are clear and the message is – FUN!
The world famous British Firework Championships is returning to Plymouth’s Waterfront for everyone to enjoy the spectacular pyrotechnics that will illuminate Plymouth Sound. Six top firework companies battle it out over two nights, each putting on an awe-inspiring ten minute display in an attempt to be crowned the winner.
Head to Plymouth Hoe for the best view and enjoy the show.
It’s back for its 8th year; Plymouth Seafood Festival will once again bring The Barbican and Sutton Harbour alive with entertainment, activities and dishes to celebrate the city’s fantastic caught seafood.
Plymouth is the first city in the world to be awarded the Fish2Fork Blue City status for its commitment to sourcing sustainable fish.
There will be opportunities to watch inspirational, regional and celebrity chefs who will delight you with their tantalising dishes at the Cookery Theatre. Wonder the array of local food and craft stands and be entertained. You will have a ‘whale’ of a time!
This is just a small highlight!
Scattered in between is so much more! From amazing theatre productions like; Kinky Boots, Calendar Girls, Bodyguard and Buddy; through to visiting artists like Brian Cox, Alled Jones and Eddie Izzard
There is ALWAYS something going on in Plymouth and the best bit it; it’s all on Strathmore House Apartments door step!
On the one hand; when you think about holidays the last thing that springs to mind is being a slave to the stove!
Eating out when you are on holiday is the best way to avoid cooking. Yet this can end up being pretty expensive if it’s done every night. It can sometimes feel rushed and less personal. Plus for many, after consecutive nights out, it can leave you craving a simple home-cooked meal.
So, the question is:
How Do We Add FUN Into Holiday Food?
Picture By: Guy Harris
In order to get some top tips and great advice we seek the help of the Executive Chef who works for the Family portfolio in which Strathmore House Apartments is part of.
Paul Doidge has been cooking up a storm in Plymouth for many years and so knows only too well what a great addition sensational food can play in any experience; especially holidays.
“One of the greatest attributes of a serviced apartment is the kitchen facilities. I’m obviously an advocate for eating out, especially in one of our three restaurants: Steve’s Brasserie,The Dock, Kuku Sushi Bar and Robata and The Mission, but I also know the sensational feeling of feeding friends and family and creating those amazing dining room table moments. These moments then lead on into an evening of laughter and fun. Then they become memories that last a lifetime, creating stories that come out year after year!”
Paul Doidge
A Full Kitchen Doesn’t Automatically Mean A Fun One!
Our serviced apartments boast a full kitchen; from pots, pans; utensils, fridge, freezer, microwave, oven and everything else you might possibly need to become a holiday chef. Yet although you have everything you need to hand; the real question is: how do you stop getting caught between wanting to create an archive of memories through your food and not wearily churning out meal after meal, day after day like we do at home?
“For me, I enjoy every aspect of cooking. But that doesn’t mean I don’t understand being a ‘slave to the stove’ isn’t on the top of everyone’s holiday itinerary! The thing is; you don’t have to be a Michelin star chef to enjoy making tasty meals that everyone will enjoy, with a delectable array of quick and healthy dishes. If you want to have a truly triumphant summer holiday cooking experience, take my 5 Top Tips to gain haste over effort; to have fun and to perhaps even change the way you feel about cooking as a whole.”
Paul Doidge
Get The Top Tips Now!
So – it would seem if we can nail holiday cooking, we can perhaps have a new relationship with cooking in our kitchens at home! Who knew we could get so much from our serviced apartment experience!
Click HERE for Paul’s 5 Top Tips in our printable, screenshotable help sheet.
The experiences that you have whilst staying with us really matter. So does your time in our beautiful Ocean City. If we can give you any further news, views or reviews that you think will help; we would love to hear from you.
Strathmore House Apartments are in a city that is often talked about for its contrasting beauty. The wild colours of nature in and around The Hoe. With the rich greens and primary colour from the infamous children’s play area.
Then, when you look out you see the turquoise sea and the branded ferries crossing the shores. Not forgetting the famous red and white of Smeaton’s Tower of course!
Travel inland and you will see the glittering grey of the city centre and sensational stone work in and around The Royal Citadel. Royal William Yard and The Millfield’s. Parts of which date back 1665 and earlier!
Yet, if on this grey day in the middle of summer you still feel a little gloomy; Plymouth has got a solution.
Let your imagination stray to the vibrant colours gifted by amazing artists adding an array of beauty and vivid richness to the corners of Britain’s Ocean City:
Here you will find a recent post outlining the beautiful creations and murals that have been created all over the city – with artists having one common purpose: making our city more colourful…
With an array of fantastic cultural offers, visitor attractions, stunning views and excellent shops; Plymouth is a lovely city for visiting…but also for shopping!
Whether it’s for things to wear, to hang on your walls or collections pieces to add to your interiors; shopping in Plymouth has it all.
It’s not just the city centre that has some great finds either; scattered around the city in placed like Stoke, Millbridge, The Barbican and Mutley are some great little streets packed with beautiful independent boutiques and interesting finds.
Whether for a city break or for a week long stay; you will find some of the best shops, stalls, vintage outlets, quirky pop-ups and of course Drakes Circus, our mall.
Enjoy your city break in one of the most beautiful destinations and treat yourself to a new wardrobe while your at it!
Strathmore House Apartments are in the perfect location to really make the most of Plymouth…with plenty of wardrobe space to hang your fabulous new finds!
There is nothing like a city with pride and a city with purpose. Here at Strathmore House Apartments we take great pride in celebrating our beautiful city and its successes.
The success today comes in the form of a very big cause for celebration. Plymouth has once again been on a mission to create positive change for the future. We are always striving to make tomorrow better than today. Yet again through hard work, collaboration, willpower and passion our city by the sea has realised another goal.
It’s not just the amazing campaigners in Plymouth that have been celebrating this week; the entire community was filled with pride when it was announced that Plymouth had been awarded Plastic Free Community. This is a status that really recognises the hard work of partners across the city who have made it their mission to reduce single use plastics and tackle plastic pollution.
As a city we pride ourselves on our ability to engage with cross-sector collaboration. The Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City Plastics Task Group is a great example of how this form of collaboration brings such richness to a city. The Task Group has been made up of a wide range of partners, from across all sectors including the voluntary, statutory, public and private sector.
Great British Spring Clean…
The news also followed a successful Great British Spring Clean. A clean that included almost 600 volunteers, they all took part in litter picks and beach cleans across Plymouth. Together they collected 1079 bags of litter on the way. The events were coordinated by local community groups Clean Our Patch and Plymouth Beach Clean Volunteers. Interestingly, the oldest item found was a crisp packet dating back to 1973!
The campaign to raise awareness of the misuse of single use plastics has been warmly welcomed by everyone involved to date … and shows no sign of slowing down!
We hear from our Development Manager, Elinor Eaton, on why solo travelling in Plymouth is a wonderful thing…
Nomadic Desires…
When you talk to some people about your travel bugs and nomadic desires they look confused by the concept. Especially when you add ‘solo travelling’!
Why would you? Does no one want to go with you? What will you do?
This is definitely not a generational thing, more just about lifestyle choices and personal preferences. When it comes to choosing where, when and how you holiday – well it really doesn’t get more personal than that!
Whether its time or money – we are investing in our holidays. If you’re lucky you get one or two a year and so we REALLY should choose what’s best for us. The choice is limitless today. In hours we can be anywhere, exploring, adventuring and filling our mind with memories that will last a lifetime.
For some it will be a sunny holiday package, lazing by the pool and soaking up the sangria! For others it will be an adventure that is not fully planned but that is, without doubt, an exploration and a step into the unknown.
From discovering more about yourself, testing your being or finding new friends (after all, strangers are just friends you haven’t made yet – right!?) these reasons, along with many more, are why I choose and chose to travel alone.
The Thrill…
From 1999 to today, there is little I enjoy more than travelling and exploring alone. Be that for months with a back pack or a simple day trip – exploring a place, and yourself at the same time, is one of my favourite things to do.
Although I may sound bias, as it’s my home town, Plymouth is probably one of the best destinations for solo adventures: friendly people, amazing food and so much to see and do. Plus there are so many other beautiful towns and cities all within close distances.
Why Plymouth…
Plymouth is also quite possibly one of the easiest cities to explore thanks to its excellent public transport system, be that on the water, on the road or on tracks!
Walking around Plymouth is also one of the best ways to really see how diverse Britain’s Ocean City truly is. There’s ‘The Yard’ which is home to the largest collection of Grade 1 Listed Naval buildings in Europe. The Millfields; which from the Battle of Trafalgar to the Falklands conflict was the site of a Royal Naval hospital for almost 250 years. Then of course Plymouth Sound; the award winning marinas; the Hoe; Barbican and so much more!
It’s impossible to get bored in Plymouth and really easy to refuel with numerous coffee shops, shacks and restaurants.
Our city by the sea really is a great destination for both the seasoned solo traveller and those wanting to embark on their very first adventure. Whether you are lovers of nature or into urban living, there are tons of reasons to fall in love with solo travelling in Plymouth.
Stay With Us…
No matter what your travelling preferences, here at Strathmore House Apartments you can be sure of a warm welcome and a safe place to rest your head after your wonderful adventures in Plymouth.
Booking a holiday apartment offers the chance to save money on costs whilst experience a unique property in a beautiful city.
But with so many to choose from, in a market saturated with opportunity, how do you know which one to choose?
Here are some handy hints and things to look out for when looking for the best apartment in Plymouth…
Keeping Your Costs Down:
With prices starting at just £70 a night in many serviced apartments, they can be great value for money. At Strathmore House Apartments we have 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom apartments; so anything up to 8 adults can share the cost of their stay. Making it a super and cost effective way to holiday.
Look Out For: Apartments with a fully fitted kitchen like ours are a great bonus. You can save on those meals out and drinks bills that soon add up!
Space To Play:
It’s certainly not uncommon to have lots of space in a serviced apartment. All of our apartments are full units – so you get bedrooms, living spaces, dining areas, kitchens and bathrooms. The rooms and layouts offered differ between apartments, but they are all light and airy with plenty of room.
Look Out For: Check what your apartments come with. Inside our apartments we cater handsomely for all of your needs; fully fitted kitchens, linens and towels, TV’s and hairdryers – we offer the perfect home from home service. Check before you leave what you will and won’t need to take. Also be aware that some (not us!) have additional charges for towels and linens.
Privacy Matters:
Serviced apartment buildings as a rule will typically be smaller than hotels. This means that the overall number of people in the building will be far fewer. There obviously then isn’t the same amount of public areas, or additional functions happening, so this also reflects a more home from home experience. This is a great way of feeling like a real local in your new city! Our apartments all have their own entrance, so you really can close yourself away and have your own private piece of Plymouth!
Look Out For: If privacy is important always check if you have shared access to any facilities. If it’s not clear, always contact them before you book – just to double check. It’s also really good to look at the apartments Frequently Asked Questions. You sometimes find questions you haven’t thought of that are really useful to know.
Airbnb It:
As a ‘Superhost’ on Airbnb it has become a great tool for us to connect with our guests. Airbnb’s impact on the way we travel has been huge over the last few years, so much so that some city authorities are starting to clamp down on private rentals.
What we love about Airbnb is that it now features great local experiences too.
Look Out For: On Airbnb, when you are ready to book, you are sending a request to the host to book a reservation – you are not making a booking at this time. Make sure you are fully aligned with where you are with your reservation and booking.
Booking online has never been easier, with great access to the very best deals available and reviews at your fingertips. Don’t forget, when booking your apartments, like any bookings, you will always get the best value when you book direct.
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!
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.
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’.
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!
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.
