Tavistock Holiday Home Paradise: Garden, Swim Centre & Plymouth Nearby!
Tavistock Holiday Home Paradise: Garden, Swim Centre & Plymouth Nearby! - A Thoroughly Unfiltered Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to unleash on you a review of Tavistock Holiday Home Paradise that's less 'polished brochure' and more 'real-life holiday disaster (hopefully a good one) turned into a surprisingly positive anecdote'. Let’s dive in, shall we? SEO be damned, I'm here for the messy truth.
(Metadata: Tavistock Holiday Home, Plymouth, Devon, UK, Family Holiday, Accessible Accommodation, Swimming Pool, Spa, Garden, Review, Things to Do, Tripadvisor Alternative)
Accessibility – This is HUGE, and surprisingly (and thankfully) good!
Right, so first off, I'm going to shout this: ACCESSIBILITY! It's crucial, you know? We’re talking ramps, elevators, the whole shebang for a friend who uses a wheelchair. Thankfully, Tavistock Holiday Home (TAVHH, I'm calling it) actually delivers. The wheelchair accessibility is legit, ramps are well-placed, and getting around the grounds was a breeze, unlike some "accessible" places that clearly think a single ramp constitutes a gold star. The crucial thing is that the facilities for disabled guests are actually usable – not just a box-ticking exercise. Kudos, TAVHH, you passed the first, and arguably most important, test. It's worth mentioning the elevator too – a godsend when you're lugging luggage (and, let's be honest, a mountain of snacks) up the stairs.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges – Hmmm, a mixed bag…
I’ll level with you; "accessible" doesn't always mean "perfect." I'm trying to be honest which isn’t always what the official brochures do! While the access to the restaurants was fine, the space sometimes felt…cramped. Getting a wheelchair around tables could be a bit of a puzzle, especially during peak times. The bar area was definitely more forgiving in terms of space. This place is trying. I rate them on that but more space would have earned higher marks.
Internet – (Because, let's face it, we're all addicted)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! Internet access – wireless works beautifully – I’m writing this from my bed, surrounded by discarded magazines and empty crisp packets (don't judge). The Internet [LAN] situation, however, felt a little…early 2000s. Let's just say if you're planning on running a server farm from your room, you might be disappointed. For the average holidaymaker, though, the Wi-Fi in public areas also works. So, you can update your Instagram with your pool selfies. You know, the important stuff.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Prepare to be Pampered (Mostly)
Okay, this is where TAVHH really shines. The Swimming pool [outdoor] isn’t just a pool; it’s an aquatic paradise. The Pool with view is as the brochure promised, and I even caught a glimpse of a particularly stunning sunset one evening. Stunning! A spa/sauna. The Spa itself is heavenly. The Body wrap, and Body scrub were incredible. I practically melted into a puddle of bliss. The Massage was fantastic, and I actually fell asleep. Don’t judge me! There’s also a Fitness center if you’re feeling ambitious (I wasn’t), and a Gym/fitness. I’d suggest booking treatments in advance, because they were popular. The Steamroom and Pool with view? Amazing.
Cleanliness and Safety – They're trying hard, bless 'em.
This gets a thumbs-up. The whole place felt clean, and they are very cautious about Anti-viral cleaning products. Daily disinfection in common areas seems to be taken seriously. Plenty of Hand sanitizer stations. Rooms sanitized between stays. Also, they have lots of important things like the Hot water linen and laundry washing and Hygiene certification. There is a Doctor/nurse on call. And they also have First aid kit. I did notice the staff wearing masks, and they are trained in safety protocol.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – An Adventure in Gastronomy! (…Mostly Good)
The Breakfast [buffet] was a decent spread of options. I had a lot of eggs, so I was happy. The Restaurants themselves offered a variety of cuisines. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a highlight. I'm not sure what constitutes an Asian breakfast but I can give a good guess. There’s a Poolside bar, perfect for a cheeky cocktail. There are restaurants, a Coffee/tea in restaurant and even Desserts in restaurant. There is a Snack bar. I enjoyed it all.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things Matter
They really thought of everything. Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Safety deposit boxes, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids – Child Friendly
Okay, I didn't have kids with me, but there were loads. They had a Babysitting service and Family/child friendly everywhere. Oh, there are Kids facilities, and a Kids meal, and I saw them happily devouring them. The Kids went wild for the pool too.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy
If you're driving, the Car park [free of charge] is a massive bonus. Airport transfer is available. Car park [on-site].
Available in All Rooms - The Nitty Gritty (and the Funny Bits!)
Okay, let's get granular. My room was, well, a room. It had the basics, along with a few surprises. The Additional toilet came in handy. The Alarm clock woke me up every morning. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver. The Bathtub. It had Blackout curtains which was perfect, The Closet was small but functional. The Coffee/tea maker was a godsend. Complimentary tea. The Daily housekeeping were super helpful. The Desk was a good size. The Extra long bed was a blessing. Free bottled water. Hair dryer. In-room safe box. Internet access – wireless. Ironing facilities. Laptop workspace was useful. The Linens were clean. The Mini bar was well-stocked Mirror. There were Non-smoking rooms. The Private bathroom was good. The Reading light was handy. The Refrigerator helped with storing snacks. Satellite/cable channels. Seating area was nice. Separate shower/bathtub. Shower. Slippers! The Smoke detector was there. Socket near the bed. The Soundproofing was amazing. The Telephone. The Toiletries. The Towels. The Umbrella came in handy. Wake-up service. Wi-Fi [free]. The Window that opens was great. Now here’s the funny part… I’m not sure what happened, but I had a complimentary tea. But the rest of the room was great.
Getting Around – Getting Around
Easy peasy! The Car park [free of charge] is a godsend. Airport transfer is available.
Overall…
TAVHH isn’t perfect. But it’s genuinely a good place. Accessibility is spot-on, the spa is divine, and the staff are trying their best. If you're looking for a relaxing holiday with accessible options, Tavistock Holiday Home Paradise is definitely worth considering. Would I go back? Absolutely! Just maybe with a bigger suitcase for all the snacks and a better idea of the local language. If you have any questions, just ask… I’ll probably have the answer. Or a funny story about trying to find it. Good luck!
Mackinaw City's BEST Kept Secret: Court Plaza Inn & Suites!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this is going to be less a polished travel brochure and more a rambling, beer-fueled memory dump of my recent trip to the… ahem… "Plush Holiday Home" in Tavistock, with a garden (apparently) near a swim centre (and Plymouth! Don't forget Plymouth!). Honestly? Just the name is already setting me up for disappointment. "Plush"? Am I going to expect crushed velvet and a butler? Let's see…
Day 1: Arrival & "Rustic" Charm
- 14:00 - The Great Train Race (or, How I Almost Missed My Booking): Okay, first things first: getting there. Train from London. Smooth sailing, right? WRONG. I swear, the British rail system is a conspiracy to see just how much stress a human can endure. Delays, changes of platform, the usual. Got to Plymouth just as they were calling last orders at the pub. Panicked sprint to the rental car place, where I was greeted by Nigel, who looked like he’d seen a ghost, probably because he realised he’d have to deal with ANOTHER rental car return, and the "Plush Holiday Home" was almost called for me, I think.
- 16:00 - Hello, Tavistock! (And that Garden…): Finally, KEYS! The drive to Tavistock was gorgeous, proper rolling Devon hills, sheep looking at me like I was a visitor from another planet. The “Plush Holiday Home”. Well. "Plush" is a definite stretch. Think "charming" British, with a healthy dose of "well-loved". The garden… it was there. Green bits, definitely. Some questionable weeds. And the neighbours… their dog barked a lot. My inner pessimist was already hard at work.
- 18:00 - A Pub Pilgrimage: Couldn't possibly NOT visit a pub first thing, could I? Wandered into The Tavistock Inn, which reeked of old ale and good intentions. Had the best ever fish and chips. I'm talking, the kind that makes you forget everything else for a blissful 20 minutes. Pure joy. This trip might not be so bad after all.
- 20:00 - Settling In, Attempt 1: Back at the "Plush Palace". Unpacked, and the wifi worked. Thank god. I spent approximately 30 minutes failing to upload a picture on my Instagram and then I gave up, just as a wave of profound, pre-holiday sadness washed over me. Do you ever feel like you’re supposed to be having more fun?
Day 2: Moorish Adventures & Aquatic Disappointments
- 09:00 - Dartmoor Dawdling: Breakfast, aka a lukewarm cup of instant coffee and dodgy toast. Forced myself to get out and explore Dartmoor, because, well, you have to. Drove around, got gloriously lost, and stopped at a random tea room that served a scone the size of my head. Majestic. The moors themselves? Moody, windswept, and majestic as hell. Felt like a scene from Poldark. I half-expected to see Aidan Turner striding across the landscape with his shirt off.
- 13:00 - The Swim Centre Debacle: Right, the swim center. Remember the itinerary said it was "near," implying a leisurely stroll? Lies. The "swim centre" was attached to a goddamn leisure complex. Kids screaming, chlorine fumes, and the overwhelming scent of overcooked chips. Jumped in the pool and immediately regretted every decision. The water was surprisingly cold, and I bumped into a small child. Escape was paramount!
- 14:00 - Recovery Mode: Back at the "Plush Chalet". Hallelujah. I needed a nap. Did I get one? Of course not. My brain was in hyperdrive, analysing every creak, every stain, every single thing out of place.
- 19:00 - Another Pub, Slightly Less Blissful: Tried another pub, The Queen's Head. It was fine. Acceptable. No fish and chips magic this time. But the locals were lovely, chatting and friendly, even when I accidentally knocked over a pint of Guinness. Hey, it adds character, right? (Maybe.) Later, staring at the TV, the feeling of missing home again, something I can't quite explain. I had my own home, why am I not satisfied?
Day 3: Plymouth & the Curse of the Sea
- 10:00 - Plymouth Pilgrimage: A pilgrimage! Plymouth! The city where Sir Francis Drake played bowls. I took a drive. The drive was fine, the city was fine. I walked the Barbican, ate a slightly disappointing Cornish pasty.
- 13:00 - Back to Tavistock, and the garden of disappointment: The garden was still there. Weeds were still there.
- 18:00 - The Verdict: Did I enjoy this trip? Parts of it. The fish and chips. Dartmoor. Some of the pubs. The quiet moments, finally. Did "Plush" live up to the promise? Absolutely not. But, you know what? It was… a trip. A messy, imperfect, slightly disappointing, yet strangely endearing trip. Just like life, I suppose. I’m going home. Back to my own mess, my own life, my own everythingness. And I'll probably miss it.
Stuff You Probably Want to Know (and Maybe Some You Don't About Tavistock Holiday Home Paradise!)
Okay, so... Garden? Is it *actually* paradise, or just a glorified patch of grass?
Alright, let's be real. "Paradise" might be pushing it a *smidge*. But the garden…the garden's got potential. It's not like a meticulously manicured, Instagram-ready showpiece – thank GOD, because I'd spend all day worrying about rogue weeds and the perfect hydrangeas. It’s more like a slightly wild, friendly sort of space. There was this one time, right, where I was trying to read a book – a *very* important book, mind you, about the history of cheese (don't judge) – and this rogue bumblebee, practically the size of my thumb, decided my ear was the perfect place to hang out. Panic. Absolute, flailing panic. Eventually, I had to abandon my cheeseboard research initiative! So, paradise? Debatable. Peaceful? Mostly. Provides a decent backdrop for a good old moan about bees? Absolutely.
The Swim Centre... is it like, Olympic-sized? Because I need to do my breaststroke!
Whoa, hold your horses, Michael Phelps. Olympic-sized? Nope. Not even close. Let's just say... it's a swim centre, ok? It's got a pool. Probably designed for people who aren't trying to break any world records. Actually, you know what made me laugh? The first time I saw it, there was this tiny little kid in a floaty, paddling around like he was in charge of the entire bloody ocean. Good for him! See? It's a vibe. It’s about fun. Unless you're a serious swimmer, then maybe… maybe go elsewhere. Maybe. I will never forget, though, how I first got in: I jumped. Not very gracefully. Splash. And then almost drowned in 4 feet of water. My husband thought it was hilarious. (I didn't.)
Plymouth Nearby! What’s the best thing about it, and what *completely* sucks?
Plymouth! Right, okay, buckle up. The BEST thing? The waterfront. Seriously, walking along the Barbican, smelling the salty air, watching the boats...it’s *gorgeous*. Get some fish and chips – definitely, absolutely, unequivocally get some fish and chips. But try to dodge the seagulls. They’re like aerial terrorists, waiting to snatch your delicious, perfectly battered cod. I lost a chip to one. The worst bit? The parking, hands down. Actually, scratch that. The *attempting* to park, then the frantic search, then the sweaty, defeated walk back from a car park that’s approximately twelve miles away. Then, once you finally reach your destination? Forget it. The seagulls strike again – the car parking experience is like a prelude. Oh, and the traffic on a Saturday morning is a special kind of hell.
Is the holiday home itself any good? Be brutally honest. Like, is it actually clean?
Okay, brutal honesty time. It’s... comfortable. It's not a five-star hotel, alright? Expect a lived-in feel. I'm not obsessed with cleanliness, but I do appreciate a crumb-free existence. I can confirm it was acceptably clean. No spider roommates (thank goodness, because spiders are my nemesis). The furniture... well, let’s just say it’s seen some things. And the kitchen? Don't expect all the latest gadgets. It’s functional, though. My biggest beef? The bed. I spent a solid night wrestling with the lumpy duvet, cursing the world. But then again, I didn't make any complaint, because I knew I packed a pillow fort. So, it depends. I'm easy to please. You need to be, too.
Are there shops nearby? Because running out of biscuits is a serious crisis.
Biscuit crisis alert! Yes, there are shops. Thank the gods. Slightly further afield, you get your big supermarkets - the ones with aisles dedicated solely to biscuits. And, you can easily go to town. It's not like you're stranded in the middle of nowhere. Plus, there's this little village shop. I love it. I went there to buy a birthday card for my aunt but then I couldn't stop asking them about the town, the history, the little dog that runs around it. They knew. More importantly, they had biscuits! So, panic averted. You can survive.
What’s the best time of year to go? And what’s the weather truly like?
Ah, the eternal question of sunshine! The best time? Depends on what you're after. Summer, obviously, is 'peak season'. Expect crowds, expect sunshine (hopefully), and expect to pay a premium. Spring and Autumn? Lovely. Less crowded, but the weather is a total lottery. You could get glorious sunshine one day and torrential rain the next. Don’t even try to predict it. Winter? Well, let's just say bring layers. And a good waterproof coat. And a healthy dose of optimism. Oh, and that one time, I swear, it rained sideways. I'm not kidding. Sideways! The weather? Unpredictable. Embrace it. Or, you know, stay inside and eat biscuits. Which, let's be honest, is sometimes a good idea anyway.
