Morwellham Quay

Morwellham Quay is an award-winning, evocative museum and visitor centre in the heart of the newly inscribed World Heritage Site and Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just four miles west of Tavistock the historic port, mine workings and Estate, border the beautiful River Tamar. Amidst towering cliffs and gently rolling farmland, a lost world lives again.

So that's the official description. But we reckon this is one of the nicest tourist attractions in Devon - mainly because it is so low-key and uncommercial. You can pay if you want to experience things like the underground mine train. But it's completely free if all you want to do is wander around this remarkable heritage site. The mini hydro-electric power station, powered from the Tavistock canal, is worth a visit if nothing else. And there are miles of lovely walks around the site and along the River Tamar.

For more info visit http://www.morwellham-quay.co.uk/

Transat race starts from Plymouth

On Sunday 11th May, Plymouth saw the start of the Artemis Transat single-handed transatlantic yacht race, following a fabulous week of warm-up for the event in the specially created Transat Race Village within the historic environs of Plymouth's Sutton Harbour.

We were fortunate enough to be able to experience a close-up view of the race start from a boat in Plymouth Sound. An awesome sight as the fleet of Imoca 60 and Class 40 yachts headed out for their transatlantic adventure.

A few useful links:

For a gallery of photos featuring the run-up to the start of the race, and the race start itself, visit the Sutton Harbour Group photo gallery on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sutton_harbour_group

To follow the race live on-line visit the official Artemis Transat website: http://www.theartemistransat.com/