The Cornwall Blog

Amy Cooper When I first wrote about Rooted in 2022, the exhibition was still showing at Wheal Martyn. Coming back to it a few years later, I realised that these images are worth keeping as a little record of the show in their own right. Rooted brought together artists and makers with very different approaches, but all responding in some way to Cornwall's china clay landscape, its materials, history and atmosphere. It was a fascinating idea then, and looking back at the work now, I think it still is. Rooted at Wheal Martyn Rooted ran at Wheal Martyn in the autumn of 2022 and brought together 17 makers rooted in Cornwall. Ceramics were at the heart of the exhibition, but there was also jewellery, photography, metal, film and other work. The starting point was the china clay industry and the extraordinary landscape it has created around St Austell. The artists responded to the material itself, the history of the industry, its effect on the land and the peopl...

Autumn walks are what this season is all about! I recently popped down the road to Lerryn with my mum as the last light was fading. Such a calm and peaceful place, and one I always enjoy visiting. We just managed to grab an ice cream before the post office and shop closed (yes, I know, weird in autumn, but that's just how we roll!). We sat by the river watching the water sparkle in the golden light. We didn't have much time, so we just wandered a little way along the riverbank, pausing to watch the swans and admire the boats. Lerryn is the kind of place that feels as though you are stepping into a storybook. The village is even said to have helped inspire The Wind in the Willows , following Kenneth Grahame's holidays in this part of Cornwall. Walking around Lerryn There are woodland walks on both sides of the river, and at low tide you can cross by the stepping stones. There is...

Autumn is a season I truly love, and Cornwall seems to glow at this time of year, from woodland walks to those long, low sunsets. As the evenings draw in, there is another sight I start watching the skies for: a murmuration of starlings. What is a starling murmuration? A murmuration is the name given to those extraordinary flocks of starlings that gather together and move almost as one, twisting and folding into constantly changing shapes across the sky. There are thought to be several reasons for these huge gatherings. Flying together can make it harder for predators to pick out an individual bird, while gathering at a communal roost can help the birds keep warm and exchange information about good feeding grounds. Whatever the science behind it, watching one still feels a little bit magical. Birds were particularly on my mind when I first wrote this post in 2022. I was working on our 2023 poster calendar at Pickle Design, which had a distinctly o...

The Gribbin Daymark near Fowey Originally published on 6th September 2022, updated October 2026. Emma picked five Heritage Open Days events around Cornwall that caught her eye that year. We’ve kept her original choices, dates and images below, and added current information so you can see what is happening at those places now. Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture, with thousands of free events and special openings each September. The festival returns from 10th to 19th September 2027 , with the 2027 event directory due to open on 1st June 2027 . Our island nation is a rich hotch-potch of culture, history and heritage. There is so much to explore, especially in Cornwall. Back in September 2022, these were five of the county’s Heritage Open Days that caught my eye. They were all free, and there was lots of opportunity to get involved. Gribbin Daymark This instantly recognisable landmark is in my neck of the woods, and...

Cornwall may be renowned for its spring gardens, but for summer colour I think we still shine brightly. For truly stunning displays of flower and foliage check out these few favourite places...  Lamorran is a garden that feels like a holiday. Italian inspired with epic views of the coast beyond, you will find this little gem near St Mawes on the Roseland.  Cotehele House and Gardens is actually one of my favourite in Cornwall, down Plymouth way. A lovely one to visit in winter time as well, as they display dried flowers in a giant garland in the great hall. In the summer time there is still plenty to interest, with tranquil walks down to the river (and a cool manor house to explore, a bonus in the heat!)  Glendurgan may be famed for its wiggly maze but the gardens near Falmouth are also a joy for their summer florals. Splashes of colour abound with hydrangeas and foxgloves dappled here and there, plus there is a beach at the bottom - what's not to like!  Hidden Va...

Starting off July in style, the Sea Salts & Sail Festival  takes place in the picturesque fishing village of Mousehole. Running from the 1st of July to the 3rd this biannual event is a sight to behold.  From the Friday the horizon begins to fill with historic vessels, some the last examples of their kind. Crews skilfully navigate 'the gaps' fitting into the narrow 500 year old entrance.  Its a wonderful day out for all the family, with music, poetry, crafts, food and drink.  I love this little corner of Cornwall, though I don't make it down there as often as I would like, had my first taste of crab here! When the sun shines it really is quite breath-taking.  If you don't make it for the festival never fear, Mousehole is a great place to visit regardless, and they have a brilliant village hall packed full of year round events to tempt you!