The Cornwall Blog

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...

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 up the sun and really just be thankful for the year. Par is actually one of the beaches I head to most, and it’s 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 in, you have a choice of car parks. I tend to pick the middle one so I can say hello to the geese and ducks at the lake on 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 it’s a cold day, or I have been out doing errands in St Austell and just want to gaze at the sea for a bit, I head to the far end. I can sit on a bench, or stay in the car, wind down the ...

We are having a lovely summer so far in Cornwall, and with 422 miles of coast to explore, beaches are firmly on my mind! This month I thought I would pick out some of the best... Best for dogs In Cornwall, a lot of beaches have a dog ban in effect during the summer months, but there are still a few where you can exercise your canine friend. Harlyn Bay near Padstow, Watergate Bay at Newquay and Mexico Towans are just a few. Best for little ones If we are talking amenities, easy access and safe waters, then we love Gyllyngvase in Falmouth. With a café on the beach, toilets and close parking, it’s a no-brainer. East Looe Beach is another great option. Safe swimming, that cool Banjo Pier and golden sand for building castles. Perfect. We also like Bude’s Summerleaze Beach, with its sea pool offering a little protection from the tides. It is very close to the town centre too, and you could always rent a beach hut! Best for surf I m...

The beach below The Hidden Hut at Porthcurnick on the Roseland © Emma Julian If there is one part of Cornwall that feels like an escape, to me it is the Roseland. Even the name given to this peninsula feels romantic. It is about 40 minutes from me but feels a world away. Life stands still, and I feel immersed in the beauty of Cornwall. There are still plenty of nooks I am yet to explore, and I do tend to stick to my favourite haunts, but it truly feels as though the sun always shines and cares are cast away. Of course, the sun is no guarantee, especially as we breeze into October, but I recently spent an idyllic afternoon walking along part of the coastal path with my friend. The sun on our faces, the waves lapping and the bunnies leaping. Yes, bunnies. We took a shortcut across the fields and were treated to a panoramic ocean view. The Hidden Hut and Porthcurnick Beach ...

Readymoney Cove is one of my closest beaches and one of those places that feels instantly familiar. Tucked just outside Fowey, it has a sheltered sweep of sand, clear water, a tiny beach shop and a curious turreted shelter that gives the whole cove a slightly Famous Five character. On a sunny day it is a lovely family spot, with rocks to explore and boats slipping past the mouth of the river. When the weather is less obliging, there is still shelter, a hot drink and a very pleasant view of the sea. Readymoney in winter and summer Until recently, most of my visits had been on winter days. We would buy hot chocolate, settle beneath the covered terrace and watch braver people than us charge into the cold water. My first proper summer visit was more spontaneous. I had an hour spare, the sun was warm and my mum was keen, so we headed towards Fowey in search of ice cream with a view. The closest car park sits above the cove, so the journey ...

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 ...