The Cornwall Blog

The unbelievable joy, after a rather grey winter, to see Spring blooms is almost indescribable! We in Cornwall have always been a little bit smug that Spring seems to come here first. Our budding gardens are a triumph, but this month I thought I would share 6 of the best to catch a full array of colourful blooms.  1) Caerhays Castle Gardens I mean it's a castle so it's exciting already. It's a Spring favourite with over 140 acres and an enviable position by the sea. Plus there are over 500 varieties of magnolias on display! You'll find it near St Austell, a treasure this time of year.  2) Trelissick Perched on the Fal Estuary this garden is a riot of colour come Spring - magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons all proudly exhibit their fine displays.   3) Trebah Garden Trebah is world famous, a true Cornish gem. The rhododendrons are over 100 years old and the garden just feels magical as you wind your way down to the private beach at the bottom. Ideal in the Spring s...

I am almost too scared to say it, but the sun is actually out, and it's half term. Of course this might be short lived - we've had rain and wind and mizzle and fog galore of late. In little Cardinham it's rained every day since the start of the year! But come rain or shine there is always something to enjoy in Cornwall this half term. Here are just five... Screech Owl Sanctuary Opens Just for this half term week the sanctuary welcomes visitors to see these majestic birds in flight. And it's not just birds, they are passionate about other wildlife too, their resident fox is a beauty. It's a lovely day out, just outside Indian Queens.   The Tide Climbing Centre If the rain does persist then this is a great option, near Wadebridge and Padstow the centre has over 100 bouldering problems you can try, suitable for beginners or the experienced.  Eden Project - Hangloose I've mentioned Eden a few times on here, but never the sky wire that crosses above. For the brave an...

Welcome to 2026, and to a cold but beautiful January! On the last day of 2025 I took my mum to Par Sands to soak in the sun and really just be thankful for the year. Par is actually one the beaches I head to most and its becoming a favourite. It’s not the kind of beach where you sit and sunbathe all day or even really gaze at the view but it's definitely a great beach for a refreshing walk on a bright sunny day. As you drive you have an option of car parks (all free as we are out of season at the mo), I tend to pick the middle so I can say hello to the geese and ducks at the lake the other side of the road. Then you get to walk through the sand dunes which is a great approach. You can hear the sea but not see it yet, making the reveal all the more special.  Or perhaps park right at the end, if its a cold day or I have been out doing errands in St Austell and just want to gaze at the sea for a bit, or sit on a bench, I head there. Wind down the windows and get a full dose of vitamin...

It really is a sight to behold, and a throwback to a wonderful summer, the Cotehele flower garland . With everything feeling a little glooming at times, shorter evenings, endless rain and the wind feeling rather relentless, this Tudor National Trust house brings a colourful array of sunshine through their annual garland of dried flowers. It's a tradition that goes back to 1956, this year managed for the first time by head gardener Kay Lyle and her wonderful team. Being such a bumper year for flowers, the team believe they have used 38,000 of them to make the garland which hangs in the Tudor hall .  It is simply stunning, 18 metres long and taking a whole year from seed to create and about 10 days to assemble. Although the house is wrapped up for the winter (when most of the repair and conservation work is done) the estate is still beautiful to explore. Especially when the grass is crispy underfoot and the afternoon sun is at its most golden at the quay below.  Perched high ove...

I do always seem to find myself in Mevagissey in the Winter, but I love it though. So quiet and peaceful with just the most wonderful light. It's just down the road from another favourite place, Pentewan beach and near the famous Lost Garden's of Heligan. This was an impromptu trip with lovely friends, a chance to bring comfort and beauty into a tough time. The sea didn't disappoint.  I always leave wanting to linger longer, to explore more. This time we took in a few shops, filled with enticing treasures (gloves in every colour!) and delicious fish and chips. We went to Ben's Plaice, nice vibe and I happily found it gluten free.  Really it's just the chance to dip your toe into the atmosphere. Fishermen getting on with their work, boats bobbing safe within the harbour walls and seagulls sitting in puddles. People-watching and of course greeting every dog that joyfully comes our way. It's a calmness that can only really come from this time of year.  Mevagissey ...

Well October is here and I am definitely feeling all the Autumn feels. Golden leafy walks, stunning sunsets and the nip in the air which has me reaching for my favourite jumpers. Today though, I have Yorkshires on my mind, that and glazed carrots, cauliflower cheese and the British staple that is a Sunday roast.  So where is best to head in Cornwall for such a treat? These are a few places where I would book to secure a seasonal feast this weekend.  1) St Kew Inn, Bodmin A roast here is truly something to write home about. Nestled in a little Cornish village, St Kew is a firm favourite with visiting foodies and locals alike. You can taste the quality of the ingredients, and the vegetarian option is tempting even for a carnivore like me. Award winning too!  2) The Peterville Inn, St Agnes   On the pricer end but a very popular choice in the coastal village of St Agnes. The produce is local, seasonal and the puddings are crowd pleasers too.  3) The Summerhouse, Pe...