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, 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 ...