How to Survive a Heatwave in Cornwall

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 face, there are plenty of water-based activities for you and the kids to enjoy. Bude has a Monster Slip and Slide, while Retallack Resort near Newquay boasts a FlowRider, wakeboarding and an Aqua Park assault course where you are bound to get wet!

Another wet wonder near Newquay is Cornwall Slip and Slide. You need to book your slot, and wetsuits are available to hire.

Further west, Kernow Adventure Park is set in the disused Kessel Quarry. It is a beautiful place to tackle the obstacles and inevitably fall into the crystal-clear water. At Giant Slip and Slide Cornwall near St Columb, you can even battle it out with water pistols. Think paintballing, but with water guns.

Go Deeper Underground

For those who prefer to stay dry but cool, look no further than Carnglaze Caverns. This underground attraction stays at a wonderfully cool 10ºC throughout the year.

You can walk through eight acres of ancient woodland and explore the caves and their stunning underground lake. They also hold concerts here, ranging from ABBA tributes to raves. Yes, raves in a cave! You’ll find them near Liskeard.

But What About Food?

In this weather, my mind turns to ice cream, as you can see in my Pickle Blog post. We have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to ice cream in Cornwall.

Moomaid of Zennor is one I discovered while on holiday in St Ives, so it will always conjure up the sweetest memories. Often topping the polls, you can also find its parlours in Porthtowan, Lelant and St Just.

Roskilly’s on the Lizard is a Cornish staple with Italian roots. You can explore the farm too, and it is idyllic.

When it comes to purveyors, I am a little biased because it is on my doorstep, but I love The Little Ice Cream Shop in Lostwithiel. You can come by train, stroll over the medieval bridge, join the kids splashing in the river and visit the tiny shop on the Parade.

You can borrow a chair and sit under the trees licking some of Cornwall’s finest ices, made just up the road by Treleavens. The sorbets and vegan offerings are delish.

Another Cornish classic that comes to mind, sampled during my Falmouth student days, is a Cornish Hedgehog from Swanpool Beach Café. It is indulgence to the max: Cornish clotted cream ice cream slathered in yet more clotted cream and rolled in honey-roasted hazelnuts. It has to be tried at least once!

And Beverages

Just for the grown-ups, of course, a cool cider on a hot day or a sparkling cocktail can refresh the most melting of souls. Head to Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm to sample some of Cornwall’s best-known drinks.

The best way to enjoy the sun is to rise early, then nap like they do in the Med, and make the most of the long evenings as the sun sets.

For a sundowner, perhaps try The Old Coastguard in Mousehole, with far-reaching views over St Clement’s Isle. Alternatively, head to Charlestown, where the streets have a lovely buzz as evening comes. The Pier House is perfectly poised for sunset sips.

Finding Some Shade

Nature’s answer is the canopy, so seek out shade in some of our beautiful woodlands. Cardinham Woods, with its little café, helps bring the temperature down.

There is also Golitha Falls on Bodmin Moor, next to the famed Inkie’s Smokehouse. The pleasant shady trails around Pentewan can provide a little respite from all that sun too. If you have the energy, you can even hire a bike to navigate the pathways.

When Only Air Con Will Do

If you just need cool air, you can always do your supermarket shop. I have been lingering in our local Co-op for far too long.

If you would rather team that cool air with a little culture, head to one of our museums. National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth is a great place for all the family.

If you want to shop and pan for gold, Cornwall Gold at Redruth is climate-controlled. It can also be best to help little ones avoid the sun, so take them to Kidzworld Adventure Play near St Austell, where the temperature is thankfully kept cool.

I hope this helps you ride out the heatwave. If you have any more unorthodox ideas, do share them in the comments!