At West Wing Cottage on Devon's coastline in Torquay http://www.torquay.uk.com/ the driveway has just been repaved with brindle pavers and it is lined with daffodils, shrubs and trees emerging from Winter into Spring. The lawns are greening and the flowers in the borders appearing. I never fail to be bowled over by the expansive view of the water that unfolds as you walk through the French windows onto the terrace.

Up near the Brecon Beacons, in Carmarthenshire, on the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate the carp pond is fed by spring water and at this time of year the water iris are starting to grow around the edge, protecting the fish from the heron. They should be starting to come to the surface soon to feed. http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ The pond is also home to a myriad of wildlife including a couple of frogs who languish in the shallows enjoying the spring sunshine. When you walk by they hide under the nearest stone or just freeze, thinking that you can't see them if they don't move, floating suspended in the water.

On Anna Maria Island in Florida http://www.amisland.com/ it is time for the white flamingos to arrive in the bay. They don't stay around for long and the flock is an incredible sight to see. Take aboat trip with Captain Don Meilmer out around the island and explore the intracoastal waterway. Ask him to take along a barbeque grill and cookout on a sandy beach or small island. Just pick up a few steaks, a salad and some crusty white mountain bread and you have a feast to enjoy in the sunshine. Washed down with a cold beer or a glass of Californian wine, this is outdoor dining at its best. Anna Maria Island is all about the sunshine and the water.

The sun is shining on the water, the sea is blue is Torquay is the best place to be in the UK. Daffodils are delightful and some superb narcissi. Both of the lawns are really greening up with the fine weather. Walked along the beach in the bright, crisp morning air - today is going to be really warm. www.torquay.uk.com

Time to think about that long weekend away down by the sea. There is nowhere better than Torquay on the South Devon coast. Super beaches, a great array of award winning restaurants, the best fish and chip shop in the UK for picnics on Babbacombe headland, theatres, the coastal walks and a lively culture set around the picturesque marina. http://www.torquay.uk.com/

Torre Abbey is the oldesy building in Torquay. It has a story spanning 800 years and was once the most important abbey of its kind in England. During your stay at West Wing Cottage http://www.torquay.uk.com/, walk just a few minutes along the seafront and call into the Abbey to while away some fascinating hours delving into Torquay's past http://www.torquay.uk.com/

Announcing the imminent opening of this exciting new holiday rental in South Devon’s elegant restort of Torquay down in the West Country. It is the place to go for a long weekend or to spend long lazy weeks in the Spring and Summer. Sure to attract its fair share of visitors from the United States this year as the dollar is so strong against the UK pound, so book There has never been a better time to visit Britain, so come on Americans, visit the Bwlch Tre Banau Country Estate in Wales and The West Wing Cottage in Torquay to experience a little of our British hospitality. http://www.torquay.uk.com/ European visitors will also have great value for their Euro over here in Torquay. Fly into nearby Exeter, Bristol or Plymouth airports. Pick up a hire care and come on down to experience this delightful resort. The West Wing Cottage is a five star destination and incredibly good value, even for us Brits who are experiencing the credit crunch. Renting a cottage allows you flexibility of deciding whether you want to prepare a picnic to take to the beach, cook a light lunch, prepare a salad or visit one of our local eating establishments. Received a postcard from America this morning. Received an email from guests who stayed at the gorgeous Villa Serena on Anna Maria Island http://www.amisland.com/  telling us they will be reserving a long weekend in a few weeks time at the West Wing Cottage in Torquay and also booking Wheatsheaf Cottage in Carmarthenshire http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/the-estate-views.html for a week in the Summer.