The Cornwall Blog

October has definitely brought the cold! Our Indian summer is sadly over but this time of year holds it's own romance. With Covid restrictions still in place there's no reason why we can't still enjoy the great outdoors. If there is one thing 2020 has taught me then that's to be resourceful, and to make the most of what we have.  The fresh air provides an extra layer of safety when we are out with friends, keeping that 2 metre distance of course with those not in your household. I have to say woodland walks are some of my favourite.  Where I live we have lovely patches of woodland to explore but sometimes I like to go a little further afield. The likes of Bodmin's Cardinham Woods is always a favourite. You do need to pay for parking but the cafe serves warming drinks and tasty cakes, ideal after a bracing stroll. I still haven't explored all this wood has to offer yet but the views as you climb higher over the treetops are truly rewarding. Also in mid Cornwall

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

We have all spent a lot of time in homes of late, thanks to Corona virus and lockdown. For some that has been a welcome opportunity to be a bit of a recluse! Many of us have turned to home improvement, making the most of the space we have available. I felt particular blessed having a garden during that sunny spell we had in May.  Now we can have work men and women in our homes and gardens again we are not constrained purely by DIY (thankfully!) My attempts were pretty basic but it didn't stop me dreaming, sketching ideas here and there.   We have a wealth of artisans and crafts people in Cornwall who help bring our scribbled ideas to life. One Cornish company I particularly like are Coast Creative Joinery. More than just carpentry, having one of the South West's few CNC machines means the possibilities are pretty endless! From intricate fretwork to bespoke kitchen units, flat-pack and ready to go. Lovely colours and finishes.  I would love to re-think my kitchen, I have spent s

We have just had a beautiful October half term with warm sun and golden leaves. Sadly this can't always be guaranteed in Cornwall! There is still plenty to see and do in November. I think the real benefit to living in somewhere as picturesque as Cornwall isn't just those balmy summer days, but the rogue and surprising sunny moments gifted to us out of season. Walking on the beach as the sun dips behind the gently bobby horizon is truly special. Or exploring the ancient woodlands and wild moorland with those slightly hilarious long-haired cows, not a soul in sight.  As well as Cornwall's natural benefits, the cultivated ones are a treat in November too. True, many of our gardens are at their finest in spring or early summer, but Pinetum gardens in St Austell was actually designed as a winter garden and well worth a visit. With leaves a blaze with autumnal colour, bright berries, stunning bark, colourful foliage and sweet smelling

Today is a particularly stunning Spring day in Cornwall. Birds are singing, the sun is shining and the air is perfectly crisp. If I wasn't sitting here typing away I think I would like to be on my bike heading down the Pentewan Cycle Trail. We have a few of these in Cornwall and it really is a great way to see the countryside and coast. The Pentewan Cycle Trail takes in the wonderfully varied south Cornwall with shorter flat routes through the valley to more challenging routes to some of Cornwall's most famous sites. Pentewan village is lovely with a beach, pub, cafe. Its quiet and charming and there you will find Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire. They offer bikes to rent for or for sale at reasonable rates for adults and children, with hybrids and accessories available. One of the most popular routes on from Pentewan is to the fishing village of Mevagissey. Quintessential Cornwall with fish and chips and olde worlde pubs! Watch the fishing boats bob around in the harbo

Cardinham Woods capture that childhood magic. Just outside Bodmin you can find the beautiful tall trees of this Cornish woodland. There are four walking routes of varying challenges, ideal for taking the dogs or exhausting hyper children. Mountain bikers too flock here for the three clearly marked cycle trails of different difficulties, you can even hire bikes on site (though you do need to book in advance). The highlight for me is the Woods café, delicious home made food and tempting cakes are just what you need after being oh so healthy and tiring yourself out in the fresh air. If you would rather sort your own food then by the river you can find picnic areas and static BBQs, ideal for family or group gatherings. One of the trials, Lady Vale, is pushchair friendly and there is a little play area that kids will love too. You do need to pay for parking but we always find a day at the woods puts a smile on everyone's face! You can find out more about Cardinham Woods

St Austell Brewery are hosting their 18th annual Celtic Beer Festival in the depths of their ancient cellars. There will be almost 200 beers to sample, along with favourites Tribute, Proper Job and Korev. Live bands will be playing day and night and 100% of the profit goes to the breweries charities in the South West. Taking place on November the 26th it proves to be a must for beer lovers out there. The brewery itself was founded in 1851 by Cornishman Walter Hicks, and the company is still family owned and independent. According to their website - and it is changing all the time - they have produced 981,792,168 pints since 1851! Find out more about the festival here.

Starting tomorrow, the 9th of June, and running until the 11th June 2016 is the Royal Cornwall Show. This annual event really draws the crowds! Every year the visitors are around 120,000, not bad for the show that starting in Truro over 200 years ago as a ploughing competition between farmers! Today, alongside the best livestock and animals you will find Cornish wrestling, flower shows, the food tent (with free samples!!), show jumping, a steam fair, dog show, local businesses, health and beauty, the list goes on! Located at the show ground just outside Wadebridge, the RCS often boasts a royal appearance. A great place to head if you want to see the cream of Cornwall and enjoy the buzz of a crowd! Find out more about the Royal Cornwall Show .