Final insiders guide

INSIDERS’ GUIDE

We’re true to our roots. We grew up here. Literally.

Our firm – and often our people too – were born and raised in the South West. This is, and will always be, our home.

The beach huts at Branscombe, Tom Moore

St Ives, Claire Burt

Exe Estuary trail, Tom Moore

Polzeath, Jo Maher

Helman Tor, Peter Marshall

The Point in Falmouth, Ben Jones

Widemouth Bay, Sam Dunstan

Charisse Crawford at Turf Locks, Sian Lloyd

St Agnes coastal path, Sarah Atkinson

Dartmoor, Justin Butt

Pedaloes at Exeter Quay, the marketing team

Teign Valley, Harriet King

Bodmin Moor, Jo Maher

Killerton, Nigel Coveney

The Cheesewring on Bodmin Moor, Claire Burt

Newquay, Sian Lloyd

Falmouth, Tammy Platow

Rough Tor, Alison Morden-Hawke

Branscombe to Beer walk, Sian Lloyd

West Portholland, Mark Stubbs

Like everyone at Stephens Scown, I call the South West home. I love the region’s heritage and I’m proud of the way this corner of the world spread its influence around the globe.

But it’s not just me. Our team has over 250 people, playing an active role in communities throughout Devon and Cornwall, and working for the interests of local people and businesses.

Of course, you don’t live here without learning a thing or two – whether it’s the local legal landscape, or the best place for a really fresh cod.

Clip ‘n Climb in Exeter, Mandy Reynolds

Watergate Bay, Carol Healey

Eden Project, Sue Boyer

Carclaze, Peter Marshall

Juno at Hellsands, Tom Moore

So, along with the team, I’ve shared a few of my favourite tips: places and activities across the region we think you’ll enjoy. If you have suggestions of your own, please do share them on our Facebook page.

Robert Camp Managing Partner, Stephens Scown

Photo: Louise Waters

With hundreds of miles of glorious coastline to choose from, how do you pick just five beaches? These ones scored highest among our colleagues…

Karenza Graham

OUR FIVE FAvOUrITE BEACHES Q Crantock Q Exmouth Q Gwithian

& Godrevy

Q Perranporth Q saunton sands

“This beach is absolutely beautiful, with an island light house that’s rumoured to have inspired Virginia Woolf. The beach is so long you can always find somewhere away from the crowds, even in the height of summer. The curve of the bay means it picks up any surf going, and you can almost always find a decent, uncrowded wave.”

Karenza Graham, from our private client team in Truro, enjoys Gwithian and Godrevy

Many of our team members think Devon and Cornwall are best enjoyed with man’s best friend. But finding dog-friendly beaches in the summer can be tricky. Our own dog lovers recommend these…

Alison Sutton

Five best dog-friendly beaches Q Bigbury-on-Sea Q Crantock Q par Q Perranporth Q teignmouth

“Perranporth has a long beach for the dogs, giving them a great chance to run about and have fun. And for their owners, it also has the Watering Hole beach bar which is dog friendly, and just as important serves good cakes and a great Sunday roast.”

Alison Sutton, from our corporate team in Truro, is a fan of Perranporth

The great debate: cream teas

We love Devon and Cornwall… so talking about cream teas puts us in a difficult position. To keep things fair, here are three jam first recommendations...

...and three more with the jam on top.

Gillian Mably

Cornish Cream Teas Q Trebah Garden, Falmouth Q Trevaskis Farm, near Hayle Q Trevathan

Strawberry Farm, St Endellion

Mike Northcott

Tom Moore

Devonshire Cream Teas “Trevathan Farm has a wonderful cafe and farm shop. The food is great – good, honest home cooking. It has great views too and you can sit inside or out depending on the weather.

Kids will love the outdoor play area too!”

Gillian Mably, from the residential property team in St Austell, loves Trevathan Farm

Q Angels Tea Rooms, babbacombe Q Tea on the Green, Exeter Q The

Walled Garden, Dunsford

“The gardens are truly lovely, with loads to discover. The staff in the tea room are great and I always get a little extra jam and cream on my scone!”

Mike Northcott, partner and head of our Exeter office, reveals why he loves The Walled Garden

But our team’s top recommendation…?

“Homemade… it’s cheaper – plus no-one can criticise you for putting the jam on first or last!”

Tom Moore, from our corporate team, isn’t letting on which way he likes best (but he is based in Exeter!)

Home is where the heart is.

We’re not distracted by chasing after bigger and supposedly better things elsewhere; we’re completely focused on supporting the region we love… and that includes you.

Photo: Fifteen, Cornwall

Devon and Cornwall are blessed with some amazing – and varied – places to eat.

Here are five restaurants our teams really love…

Sam Dunstan

FIVE great places to go out for a meal Q HUBBOX, Truro (also in Exeter and St Austell) Q Jack in the green, Rockbeare Q Jamie

Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, Watergate Bay

Q The Lazy Toad, Brampford Speke Q Porthminster Beach Cafe, St Ives

“I had the best fish I’ve ever tasted there.

They source their ingredients locally, the staff are really knowledgeable and friendly and the view of the beach at Watergate Bay is incredible – a perfect recipe for a great meal out!”

Sam Dunstan, from the commercial property team in St Austell, loves Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall

Cornwall and Devon may have some of the world’s finest seafood restaurants, but sometimes only fish and chips will do. Here’s where we go…

Charisse Crawford

Where to find the best fish & chips Q The

FISH SHed at Darts Farm, Topsham

Q Hanbury’s, Babbacombe, Torquay Q Holmbush Fish Bar, St Austell Q Sole Plaice, Truro Q Stein’s Fish & Chips, Padstow

“Without question, the Fish Shed serves up the best fish and chips in the region by some margin. All the produce is fresh and the fish can either be grilled or fried.

They also do amazing fish cakes with chilli sauce. It is my absolute favourite!”

Charisse Crawford, from the dispute resolution team in Exeter, votes for The Fish Shed

Photo: Sian Lloyd

It’s a tricky balancing act the date venue: individual enough to be interesting, memorable and fun, but with time to talk, too.

We asked our top romantics for some ideas…

It’s never easy, finding that perfect present. Here’s where our team look when they need a little extra inspiration…

Thea Bennun

Five ideas for a first date Q The Hour Glass, Exeter Q Kennick, Tottiford & Trenchford Reservoir Q Lewinnick Lodge, Newquay Q Paignton Zoo Q Regal Cinema, Wadebridge

Victoria Thomas

Good places to shop for a gift “The Hour Glass is quirky and original, with a nice relaxed atmosphere and great food – perfect for a first date.”

Q Exeter

Thea Bennun, from our family team in Exeter, is a true romantic

Q St Ives

Q Padstow Q Truro Q totnes

“I like walking around little fishing villages and finding individual shops with local crafts. Padstow has lots to offer; Mevagissey and Port Isaac are another two of my favourites for buying nice gifts. I always manage to find something special and unique and feel good about knowing I’m supporting local businesses and crafts people.”

Victoria Thomas, from our commercial property team in Truro, likes the individual approach

You’re part of the family.

We care about the South West – its communities, its businesses, its welfare and its people. This place is our home, and we’ll always have its interests at heart – and you’re part of that.

Photo: Kerry England

Can you keep a secret? We had to really coax our team members into sharing their own special corners of Devon and Cornwall. Mum’s the word…

Photo: National Maritime Museum

Kerry England

Our top five hidden gems Q Decoy

Country Park, near Newton Abbot

Q Fingle Bridge, Dartmoor Q Kennall Vale Nature Reserve, Ponsanooth Q Pentewan Valley Trail Q West Penwith

For parents, it’s always handy to find fun new things to do when the weather’s bad. Here are our favourite indoor activities for the youngsters…

Catherine Lillie

FIVE RAINY DAY OUTINGS WITH THE KIDS “Decoy Country Park has it all: a beautiful setting, with a great park, woodland walk, watersports, BMX track, ranger’s events and easy parking.”

Kerry England from our marketing team, enjoys Decoy Country Park.

Q Clip ’n Climb, Exeter

Q National

“The Maritime Museum in Falmouth is perfect for kids on a rainy day, with so many fun things for them to see and explore. We have a yearly pass and my son never tires of visiting and playing on the lifeboat and helicopter. They also have lovely arts and crafts activities for children to get involved in.”

Q Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter

Catherine Lillie, from the commercial property team in St Austell (and her son!), recommend the National Maritime Museum

Q DairyLand Farmworld, Newquay Q The Eden Project, Bodelva

Maritime Museum, Falmouth

We’re not just in the South West – we’re part of it.

With over 250 colleagues across Devon and Cornwall, our people are active in dozens of local communities.

And we pull our weight as a company too – with sponsorships, charity work, and getting involved in local events.

Photo: Alison Morden-Hawke

When all’s said and done, where’s your favourite place to be?

Here are the parts of our region our teams hold closest to their heart.

Simon Trahair-Davies

Our five favourite places in the South West Q Croyde Bay Q Dartmoor Q The

Isles of Scilly

Q The North Coast of Cornwall Q St Ives

You’d be surprised how many surfers there are among our Exeter, St Austell and Truro legal teams. When they’re not at work, you’ll find them in the water here…

David Culshaw

Five must-try surfing spots

“Bryher, Isles of Scilly is without doubt my favourite because there are no cars, no mobile signal and no hassle. It’s like walking into an Enid Blyton novel: kids play in rock pools and eat fudge, you don’t need to lock the door and everything is sea, sand and sky. I can’t think of anything better.”

Q Bantham Beach

Simon Trahair-Davies, from our commercial property team in Truro, shares his favourite place

Q Watergate Bay

Q Croyde

Bay

Q Fistral Beach Q Gwithian & Godrevy

“Croyde usually has the best surf around.

Top that off with amazing bacon sandwiches at the café on the beach and you have my recipe for a perfect day!”

David Culshaw, from our corporate team in Exeter, shares Devon’s best break

Let’s be honest, the bar’s set high for this one; in our beautiful region, gorgeous landscapes everywhere you look. But for us, these have something extra special…

Sian Lloyd

Five breathtaking views Q Carn Brea QC oast

path, Beer to Branscombe

Q Dartmoor Q Rough Tor QS t Mary’s Garrison, Isles of Scilly

“This must be one of the most dramatic sections of the South West coast path. The scenery is stunning and the geology fascinating – a must see!”

Sian Lloyd, from the dispute resolution team in Exeter, says the best view is from the coast path between Beer and Branscombe

When you’re proud to live here all year round, it’s only natural to want to show the region off when guests come to stay. These days out will fit the bill…

Richard Baker

Five places to take weekend visitors Q Dartmoor Q The Eden Project Q Fowey Q

St Ives

Q topsham

“Our perfect trip for guests is to take the train from St Erth to St Ives.

Coffee in the station cafe at St Erth is one of our best-kept secrets; it’s like something out of Miss Marple! Then enjoy one of Britain’s great train journeys with views up the coast to Godrevy and down to St Ives where there are four beaches to choose from, great galleries, shops, cafes and restaurants. You can even see some amazing wildlife – turnstones are lovely little birds that are making a name for themselves darting around on the promenade! Our guests have never gone home disappointed!”

Richard Baker, head of our Truro office, has the whole day planned

Cut from the same cloth. Like you, we’re Devon and Cornwall through and through. Our values are your values: integrity; plain speaking; good, honest hard work… and a sense of humour, too.

Photo: Michael Beadel

It seems as if everyone has their own favourite walk – with no fewer than 74 suggestions from our team, we had a hard time choosing just five… so we cheated a little bit and grouped the many moorland walks together.

Catherine Mathews

Five lovely walks QB odmin Moor

Q E xe Estuary Trail Q F lushing Village to Mylor Harbour

Wildlife enthusiast Catherine Mathews, from our dispute resolution team in Exeter, gives us her tip for a great walk

Otterton

Salterton to

QD artmoor

Andrew Barton

Five reasons why we love where we live “There are hundreds of lovely walks in Devon so it is tricky to choose just one – but the walk from Budleigh Salterton up the river Otter to Otterton is really special.

There is always loads of wildlife, from wading birds to grey mullet which migrate upstream quite a long way from the sea! I‘ve even seen a kingfisher on this walk. It is a must, whether you love wildlife, or just enjoy being in gorgeous countryside.”

Q Budleig

h

And finally… just what is it that makes Devon and Cornwall the place we love more than anywhere else? We asked our colleagues, and they gave us five, clear answers.

Q The awe-inspiring scenery Q Having the best of both worlds Q Lots to do outdoors Q The sea QT he

warm, friendly people

“To live in this region is to love it – the people here have a raw and honest passion about this incredible place and its way of life. There is a vitality here that is hard to find elsewhere.”

Andrew Barton from our family team in Exeter, sums it up perfectly

We know where you’re coming from.

Being local doesn’t just help us to know the best hidden beaches and ways to miss the traffic; we know Devon and Cornwall’s legal quirks, too. Whether it’s mining, mundic, coastal paths or dealing with Estates, we know our way around.

Photo: Porthtowan, James Burrows

# lovewhereyoulive Phone: Exeter 01392 210700 | St Austell 01726 74433 | Truro 01872 265100 | www.stephens-scown.co.uk Stephens Scown LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (OC356696) and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.