The Cornwall Blog

The Standard Inn on The Roseland Visiting Cornwall in winter is definitely different to the rest of the year. Cornwall may be at its brightest in the warm summer sun, but I wouldn't discount our winter wonders. Granted, it is warmer (though we do get some snow, especially on the moors) but the magic of winter can still be enjoyed. Cosy pubs galore, watching storm waters rage with a frothy hot chocolate and a crackling fire can't be beat.  Ice skating at the Eden Project For a traditionally wintery experience, ice skating is a firm family favourite. The Eden Projects rink is a lovely space to twirl around, I also like heading to the domes when you need to warm up!  Perranporth Sunset shared on my Instagram for Pickle Design Walking along the sandy beaches , especially with a dog in tow (or is it me in tow), is a lovely past time in winter. Promenading the long sandy stretches as the sun sinks into the horizon is my idea of perfection. Perranporth on the north coast is great fo

I thought this month I might focus in on one the areas of Cornwall I love. If you are  coming down here on holiday then I think people tend to head to the coast, and with good   reason, our coastline is world-class. However, I think if you head a little in land you can   get the best of both worlds. Take Camelford for example, it's ancient market town with a   real community feel. From here you are on the doorstep of the brooding Bodmin moor and  within easy reach of some of Cornwall's best beaches.  Ideal for walkers, you can ramble a plenty along the river Camel. The name having nothing to do with those desert-dwellers, 'Camelford' is believed to be derived from ‘cam’ meaning ‘crooked stream’ in Celtic, and ‘alan’ meaning ‘beautiful’ with ‘ford’. It lives up to its name, the river is beautiful cutting through the valley providing calming places to while away the day. Many believe that Camelford might be connected to legend's King Arthur and his Camelot, though thi

We are having a real spell of gorgeously Spring weather, barely any of those April showers which is pretty handy as its all about eating outdoors at the moment in England. All be it a little fresh out (bring those jumpers), it feels good to be a bit more social again.  Many have missed a good pint at their local so I thought it might be nice to highlight some of the best places in Cornwall to sit and take in the outdoor atmosphere.  I may be biased, as this one is near me! I just love watching the sun set at Polkerris beach enjoying some chips at the Rashleigh Inn (pictured above), not sure I should be promoting one of my happy places, so don't tell anyone ;)  The Pandora Inn was a favourite in my student days in Falmouth. Full of character, a thatched roof and wobbly walls, the inside is perfect escapism. Outside though you can sip a cold beer or glass of wine on the pontoon over looking Restronguet Creek. Perfect. If you want to get even closer to the beach, then The Watering H

Bren the Border Terrier at Par Beach It's a Wednesday morning and we find ourselves in England in our third lockdown. As previously we have to stay home and only go out for essentials, thankfully this includes exercise. I have never been more grateful than this past year for living somewhere so beautiful. Although many of the gardens and establishments are closed to visitors there is still plenty of parkland to explore. Near me we have Lanhydrock House, although the house and garden are closed the estate remains open with a lovely walk at Respryn also still available.  Last light at Lerryn Woods After the storm at Polkerris Beach Best of all we can access the coast, last week I took a stroll at the little beach of Polkerris. Love it there, the harbour wall hugs the beach like a warm embrace. Though it has to be said not much was warm that day! Bitter wind softened slightly by the beautiful sunshine. There was sculptural driftwood strewed here and there and a fair amount of dogs hap

After a lovely sunny bank holiday here in Cornwall, today, although filled with golden light, has Autumn's familiar chill. The first of September marks a change. Most children will be heading back to school soon which helps at least give this part of 2020 some familiar structure.  My family and I managed to successfully find some quieter corners of Cornwall to explore over the weekend and it is really lovely seeing more of our favourite places opening up. The world has changed, how we socialise, how we holiday, how we unwind. It just takes more planning, more consideration but wonderful memories can still be made. So what can you do in Cornwall in September? Plenty! My little town of Lostwithiel never really felt that empty over lock down, I think people stayed local and small which has benefitted many of our independent businesses. Plus business owners have been quick to adapt in rather brilliant ways. So all those little quirky towns and villages are still there, still fabulous p

Photo by Maria Spencer  Welcome to June, a bit of a confusing month all round! Slowly businesses are opening up starting with zoos and open air markets, shops to follow soon. Gradually life is returning to normal, or at least our new normal. What I have noticed recently is a real influx of hedgehogs, have you seen them out and about? My parents found one in their garden that they had to rescue from their over enthusiastic dog, and Maria, my boss's wife, found this handsome fella by Anneka's bridge in Wadebridge. So cute.   Wildlife has had a bit of a boom over lockdown it seems. The hedgerows have been overflowing with grasses and flowers and the bird song seems all the more beautiful. The lack of sound pollution has helped us all connect with the beautiful sounds of nature, especially the dawn chorus. I know in my garden the birds have been so loud I've had to shut the windows on Zoom calls!  Zoos can open soon, so check out Newquay Zoo 's website t

Trerice  December has got off to a cracking start here in Cornwall, with stunning pink sunrises and burning gold sunsets. There is a different feel to the county in the Winter season, a combination of bracing walks with family and friends, empty beaches and very happy dogs (so many beaches become available to dogs out of season) coupled with the cosiness of traditional pubs and the plentiful craft markets. The Longstore, Charlestown Last weekend I headed to Trerice, a National Trust house near Newquay. Despite being mainly closed for the winter you can go on a guided tour of the house with the conservationists. This is quite fascinating, seeing a different side to the grand operation and hearing the more recent history of this ancient home that inspired the writer of Poldark. learning about the centuries-year-old-clocks and precious paintings was a lovely way to spend a grey day. Most of the National Trust houses have events going on through the winter, the private house

Why do I love the north coast of Cornwall? Could it be that it is the best of both worlds. Its a stunningly varied coast with the buzz of surfer's beaches and quiet coves as well as that much sort after rural idyll. Take Chapel Amble for example, a tiny village nestled in from the sea where you can find hidden gems like Rooke Cottages, ancient Duchy farm buildings converted into luxury self-catering cottages. A perfectly peaceful situation with rolling green hills and the odd baa from the sheep. Just down the road you have some of our best beaches - Daymer Bay, Polzeath, and the likes of foodie havens such as Padstow, Rock and 'film stars' like Port Isaac. What more could you ask! Rooke Cottages is a perfect example of the kind of accommodation on offer in this corner of Cornwall. Cottages just made for two right up to The Courtyard which sleeps eight. With a children's play area, owl cam to watch the barn owls from the comfort of your cottage, option of a pri

A recent trip to Marsh Villa Gardens in Par made me think I should highlight the beauties of this part of Cornwall. Although right on my doorstep, I hadn't properly visited Marsh Villa gardens until the recent Bank Holiday. It worked out really well, its such a peaceful garden owned by a lovely family. They took over the three acre plot in the Eighties and have transformed the over grown valley into a tranquil paradise. I went with my dad and we meandered around the paths before the sun got too hot. This was the creek mentioned by Daphne du Maurier in 'House on the Strand'. You can help yourself to home made cake for a couple of pounds but we went just further along the road to the popular Yummy Scrummy Bakery. They do marvellous pancakes and as the name suggests, yummy cakes. I often meet friends here for breakfast but today it was a smoothie and cake. Par has a wide and windswept beach that I think is often over looked. Granted, at one end you have