The Cornwall Blog

The Beach below the Hidden Hut, Porthcurnick on the Roseland © Emma Julian If there is one part of Cornwall that feels like an escape, to me it's the Roseland. Even the name given to this peninsular feels romantic! About 40 minutes from me but a world away, life stands still and I feel I'm immersed in the beauty of Cornwall.  There is still plenty of nooks I am yet to explore, and I do tend to stick to my favourite haunts, but it truly feels like the sun always shines and cares are cast away. Of course the sun is no guarantee, especially as we breeze in to October, but I spent an idyllic afternoon walking round some coastal path with my friend recently. The sun on our face, the waves lapping and the bunnies leaping. Yes bunnies, as we took a short cut over the fields, treated by a panorama of ocean view.  Delicious Spanish inspired chicken with chorizo and a warming tomato sauce. I had a gluten free roll instead of couscous, lovely. © Emma Julian The menu changes daily and is ...

One of my closest beaches is the postcard-perfect Readymoney Cove at Fowey. A favourite of mine for its charm, to me this beach is the perfect family spot with a tiny but well stocked shop selling delicious ice creams and crafty keepsakes. There is a handy loo too and a quirky structure that provides shelter when the weather is less obliging, with a grassy roof complete with turrets giving a sandcastle feel. An idyllic spot to sit and gaze at the sea.  Up until recently I had mainly been here on winter days (see my photos above), where a mug of hot chocolate was gratefully purchased. We sheltered under the covered terrace and watched the brave swimmers charge fearlessly into the freezing sea. However my most recent trip was a spontaneous thing, I had an hour spare and the sun was warm and my mum keen, so we headed to Fowey in search of ice cream with a perfect view. Parking in the carpark up the hill we walked down the little path flanked by wild flowers and swaying grass. When you...

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 f...

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 ...

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 ...

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...