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When it comes to that perfect blend of excitement, action and comfort that makes a truly great holiday, Devon is a destination that's guaranteed to offer something for everyone - regardless of whether you're a family of five looking for adventure, a lovestruck couple with wining and dining on the menu or an elderly pair who just want to relax by the sea.

Considered the 'cultural capital' of Western England, the city of Plymouth boasts a fascinating mix of tourism, night-life and natural beauty. The National Marine Aquarium, situated in the picturesque Barbican region of the city, is an exciting and educational attraction for young and old visitors alike; and is just a few minutes' walk away from Plymouth's famous Hoe.

When it comes to that perfect blend of excitement, action and comfort that makes a truly great holiday, Devon is a destination that's guaranteed to offer something for everyone - regardless of whether you're a family of five looking for adventure, a lovestruck couple with wining and dining on the menu or an elderly pair who just want to relax by the sea.

Considered the 'cultural capital' of Western England, the city of Plymouth boasts a fascinating mix of tourism, night-life and natural beauty. The National Marine Aquarium, situated in the picturesque Barbican region of the city, is an exciting and educational attraction for young and old visitors alike; and is just a few minutes' walk away from Plymouth's famous Hoe.

The Hoe, a broad expanse of limestone cliffs, is a popular choice for coastal walks, barbecues and fishing. Plymouth Pavilions, the city's largest live performance venue, is located here, alongside such points of historical interest as Smeaton's Tower - the distinctive red-and-white lighthouse erected there in 1877.

In the evenings, Plymouth offers such activities as ten-pin bowling, swimming, ice-skating, a visit to the cinema, and even skiing or snowboarding, at a dry-ski centre just outside the city. If you're simply not interested in the hustle and bustle of adventure and activity, why not visit Plymouth's award-winning Gin Distillery? If you're looking for something a little more substantial than the celebrated cocktails and light lunch they have on offer at the Distillery Refectory, there are restaurants, cafés, takeaways and buffets in plentiful supply throughout Plymouth - the only problem you'll have is trying to choose between them!

It's not all about skiing and clubbing, though - Devon is also steeped in history. It was the Pilgrim Fathers' departure point as they set sail for the New World; Sir Francis Drake is believed to have played Bowls on Plymouth Hoe before sailing out to face off with the Spanish Armada in 1588, and the city had to be completely rebuilt after it suffered heavy damage during the Plymouth Blitz of World War II.

A holiday wouldn't be a holiday without a day at the beach - and whether you're looking to build a giant sandcastle, learn to surf like the pros, or just kick back and catch some sun, Devon's beaches are famous as some of the best in the country. There's a wide selection of pristine beaches surrounding Plymouth – many of them within easy reach by car, bus or taxi. For a longer day-trip, you can even catch the Torpoint ferry to Cornwall's beautiful Whitsand Bay.

Over the course of the year, Plymouth plays host to a vast array of seasonal attractions and cultural celebrations. Each Winter, a traditional German-cum-Christmas-Crafts Market sets up shop in the town centre, accompanied by a scattering of fairground rides for children. That's not all you have to look forward to in December either, the customary switching-on of the city's Christmas lights is always an exciting affair. Often featured on national television or radio, with appearances and performances from celebrity acts (not to mention Santa!), Christmas in Plymouth is a magical time for little visitors.

There are plenty of festivities for older visitors too. In November, Plymouth Council lay on a lavish firework display on the Hoe, which suddenly finds itself populated with fairground rides and attractions. The Plymouth Wheel, a recently-finished 53-metre ferris wheel (that's twice as tall as Smeaton's Tower!) has been constructed on the Hoe, commanding stunning views of the coastline as well as over the city.

With so much to offer, Plymouth is a holiday hotspot that's bound to keep you coming back, year after year. And for that home-away-from-home feeling, you really can't get better than exploring the city from the comfort of your own private holiday cottage. For more information on renting holiday cottages in Devon visit Hideaways.