The Cornwall Blog

It may be back-to-school time and technically the end of the summer holidays, but Cornwall feels like it holds on to its summer rays a little longer than the rest of the UK. There is still plenty to coax us outdoors and many would say September is their favourite month in Cornwall. Eke out those summer days with our six picks for your entertainment this month. Penzance Food Festival 3rd–6th September 2026 The setting is Penlee Park , and the focus is firmly on real food and the people who grow, catch and create it. Of course, good food needs good music and this festival won't disappoint. Now in its third year, among the organisers are the duo behind Falmouth and Newquay's popular food festivals. Lizard Sea Shanty Festival 4th–6th September 2026 Keeping it west, hark back to times gone by and hear Cornwall's maritime history ringing out across The Lizard Sea Shanty Festival . Free to attend, this annual celebration is all...

There are so many different types of beach on the Cornish coast. Ones where you can hit the shops if you’ve forgotten your flip-flops, and ones where you can hike to a quiet cove and commune with the seals. If you want rock pools, competition-worthy waves, miles of golden sand or giant pebbles and seashells, Cornwall has it all! What can feel a little trickier is knowing which beaches are accessible. There are actually quite a few Cornish beaches that could tick that box, but we wanted to focus on five of the best in our experience. Accessibility needs vary, of course, and sand, tides and temporary facilities can all affect how easy a beach is to use. We’ve concentrated on beaches with relatively straightforward access, nearby facilities and beach wheelchairs, but it’s always worth checking the latest information before making a special journey. 1. Perranporth Starting on the north coast, we’ve chosen Perranporth because of its relatively easy, level...

If I’m honest, this is far more sun than I’m used to! I was actually grateful for the smattering of rain that crept in the other night. It got me thinking about the best ways to enjoy this heatwave or, at the very least, survive it. First, the sensible things: avoid the midday heat, slather yourself in sun cream, drink plenty of water and stay safe around the coast. Did you know there are even some Cornish sun cream brands? The RNLI also has some excellent water-safety advice. The Sea Let’s start with the obvious: the sea! We are surrounded by 422 miles of coastline, giving us more than 300 beaches. At this time of year, the sea is about as welcoming as it gets. Sea swimming can, of course, be a little risky, so the best bet is to seek out a lifeguarded beach or opt for a sea pool. You can also discover Cornwall’s tidal pools and lidos dotted around the coast. Water Parks and Attractions If you prefer your water thrown in your fa...

I don’t think we quite realise how many there are in Cornwall. Up and down the county, our wild and rugged scenery, as well as our elegant old houses and gardens, have played an important role in entertaining us for decades. The unsung supporting cast to A-listers, costume dramas and more than a few National Treasures. Where to start? How about the quintessential ‘if walls could talk’ setting of Charlestown. Charlestown Famed for its tall ship harbour, Charlestown near St Austell has long been a favourite with both the small and big screen. The popular series Poldark filmed many scenes here, as did the BAFTA-winning Cornish film Bait (2019). If you cast your mind back a little further, then Doctor Who , The Three Musketeers , Hornblower and The Eagle Has Landed have all made use of this wonderfully atmospheric location too. It is one of those places that barely seems to need a set designer. Bodmin Moor Head up onto the moors and the mood turns a li...

I so love May in Cornwall. It’s like a taste of summer before the madness descends! Though this year, the weather has kept us guessing. I have been both sunburnt and blue with cold! Half term is starting soon, and we have our second bank holiday of the month, so I thought I would share some of the shenanigans going on around Cornwall that are worth rocking up to. Starting with food... Falmouth Food Festival Falmouth Food Festival is a delicious affair. I found it by chance a few years ago while having a long weekend away, and we were really spoilt for choice. Local favourites shine, and good music brings those festival vibes. It runs from 22 to 25 May. The Great Estate For something to take you through the looking glass, Scorrier House hosts The Great Estate , known as ‘the most rambunctious garden fête’. It’s a ticketed festival full of music, art, theatre and comedy, with some big headliners too. It runs from 29 to 31 May. Wild W...

Is there anything better? Local produce, scrummy food and fab locations. We all love a farm shop. Today I wanted to share five of my favourites from across the county, all well worth a visit. 1) Tre, Pol & Pen Edging our way towards the border, near Launceston, we have Tre, Pol & Pen . The food is delicious, the restaurant is spacious and they host great events. It is a real hub for the local community. 2) Boscastle Farm Shop Another popular choice is Boscastle Farm Shop . Set amid stunning scenery, the food is honest, local and has travelled very few miles. 3) Colwith Farm This one is just down the road from me, and it is lovely to see how the business has grown. A family-run potato farm, Colwith has expanded from a simple honesty box into a lovely little farm shop, with some great gifts, alongside a distillery offering tours and tastings. The café has beautiful countryside views and serves very tas...