The Cornwall Blog

There are so many different types of beach on the Cornish coast. Ones where you can hit the shops if you’ve forgotten your flip-flops, and ones where you can hike to a quiet cove and commune with the seals. If you want rock pools, competition-worthy waves, miles of golden sand or giant pebbles and seashells, Cornwall has it all! What can feel a little trickier is knowing which beaches are accessible. There are actually quite a few Cornish beaches that could tick that box, but we wanted to focus on five of the best in our experience. Accessibility needs vary, of course, and sand, tides and temporary facilities can all affect how easy a beach is to use. We’ve concentrated on beaches with relatively straightforward access, nearby facilities and beach wheelchairs, but it’s always worth checking the latest information before making a special journey. 1. Perranporth Starting on the north coast, we’ve chosen Perranporth because of its relatively easy, level...

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...

I so love May in Cornwall. It’s like a taste of summer before the madness descends! Though this year, the weather has kept us guessing. I have been both sunburnt and blue with cold! Half term is starting soon, and we have our second bank holiday of the month, so I thought I would share some of the shenanigans going on around Cornwall that are worth rocking up to. Starting with food... Falmouth Food Festival Falmouth Food Festival is a delicious affair. I found it by chance a few years ago while having a long weekend away, and we were really spoilt for choice. Local favourites shine, and good music brings those festival vibes. It runs from 22 to 25 May. The Great Estate For something to take you through the looking glass, Scorrier House hosts The Great Estate , known as ‘the most rambunctious garden fête’. It’s a ticketed festival full of music, art, theatre and comedy, with some big headliners too. It runs from 29 to 31 May. Wild W...

The unbelievable joy of seeing spring blooms after a rather grey winter is almost indescribable! Here in Cornwall, we have always been a little bit smug that spring seems to arrive first. Our budding gardens are a triumph, so this month I thought I would share six of my favourites for a full array of colourful blooms. 1. Caerhays Castle Gardens I mean, it’s a castle, so it’s exciting already. Caerhays Castle Gardens is a spring favourite, with more than 140 acres of woodland garden and an enviable position by the sea. Its impressive magnolia collection includes around 90 species and more than 500 hybrids! You’ll find it near St Austell, and it is a real treasure at this time of year. 2. Trelissick Perched above the Fal estuary, Trelissick is a riot of colour come spring. Magnolias, daffodils and rhododendrons all proudly put on their fine displays, with some beautiful maritime views thrown in too. 3. Trebah Garden Trebah Garden i...

I am almost too scared to say it, but the sun is actually out, and it’s half term. Of course, it might be short-lived. We’ve had rain and wind and mizzle and fog galore of late. In little Cardinham, it’s rained every day since the start of the year! But come rain or shine, there is always something to enjoy in Cornwall this half term. Here are just five... Screech Owl Sanctuary Opens Just for this half term week, the sanctuary welcomes visitors to see these majestic birds in flight. And it’s not just birds. They are passionate about other wildlife too, and their resident fox is a beauty. It’s a lovely day out, just outside Indian Queens. The Tide Climbing Centre If the rain does persist, this is a great option. Near Wadebridge and Padstow, the centre has more than 100 bouldering problems to try, suitable for beginners and experienced climbers. If you're spending some time in the area, our guide to things to do in Padstow has a few ...

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. If you're heading to Harlyn, our Padstow guide has plenty more ideas for things to do nearby. 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...

For this month's blog story I wanted to share some of the great places in Cornwall where you can meet animals. From sanctuaries and farms to wildlife parks, they all have education and conservation at their heart. These are just a few of the places we love to visit in Cornwall... Paradise Park, Hayle Located in Hayle in West Cornwall, Paradise Park is a firm family favourite. It's great for kids, with a little train, soft play and a lovely array of colourful birds and small animals to see. All in all, a fun family day out. Newquay Zoo This little zoo has a real passion for conservation and you can really see how much the team love their animals. Zebras, sloths, penguins, red pandas and brown hyenas are just a few of the animals you can see. Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek A firm favourite, the seals are such characters! It's best for a dry day as most of the sanctuary is outside, and it's more than just s...