The Cornwall Blog

The unbelievable joy, after a rather grey winter, to see Spring blooms is almost indescribable! We in Cornwall have always been a little bit smug that Spring seems to come here first. Our budding gardens are a triumph, but this month I thought I would share 6 of the best to catch a full array of colourful blooms.  1) Caerhays Castle Gardens I mean it's a castle so it's exciting already. It's a Spring favourite with over 140 acres and an enviable position by the sea. Plus there are over 500 varieties of magnolias on display! You'll find it near St Austell, a treasure this time of year.  2) Trelissick Perched on the Fal Estuary this garden is a riot of colour come Spring - magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons all proudly exhibit their fine displays.   3) Trebah Garden Trebah is world famous, a true Cornish gem. The rhododendrons are over 100 years old and the garden just feels magical as you wind your way down to the private beach at the bottom. Ideal in the Spring s...

I am almost too scared to say it, but the sun is actually out, and it's half term. Of course this 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, 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 then this is a great option, near Wadebridge and Padstow the centre has over 100 bouldering problems you can try, suitable for beginners or the experienced.  Eden Project - Hangloose I've mentioned Eden a few times on here, but never the sky wire that crosses above. For the brave an...

It really is a sight to behold, and a throwback to a wonderful summer, the Cotehele flower garland . With everything feeling a little glooming at times, shorter evenings, endless rain and the wind feeling rather relentless, this Tudor National Trust house brings a colourful array of sunshine through their annual garland of dried flowers. It's a tradition that goes back to 1956, this year managed for the first time by head gardener Kay Lyle and her wonderful team. Being such a bumper year for flowers, the team believe they have used 38,000 of them to make the garland which hangs in the Tudor hall .  It is simply stunning, 18 metres long and taking a whole year from seed to create and about 10 days to assemble. Although the house is wrapped up for the winter (when most of the repair and conservation work is done) the estate is still beautiful to explore. Especially when the grass is crispy underfoot and the afternoon sun is at its most golden at the quay below.  Perched high ove...

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 the beaches have a ban in effect for dogs in the summer months, but they are still a few you can exercise your canine friend.  Harlan Bay near Padstow, Watergate Bay at Newquay and Mexico Towans to name a few. Best for little ones If we are talking amenities, easy access and safe waters then we love Gyllygvase in Falmouth. With the cafe 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 to build castles with, perfect.  We also like Bude's Summerleaze beach with its sea pool offering a little protection from the tides. Very close to the town centre too, and you could always rent a beach hut!  Best for surf I mean after all, that is what our beaches are prett...

For this month's blog story I wanted to share some of the great places in Cornwall where you can go to interact with animals. From sanctuaries and farms to wildlife parks, all with education and conservation at their heart. These are just a few of the places we love to visit in Cornwall...  Paradise Park Located in Hayle in West Cornwall, Paradise Park is a firm family favourite. It is great for kids with a little train, soft play and a lovely array of colourful birds and small animals to see. A family fun day out.   Newquay Zoo This little zoo has a passion for conservation and you can really see they love their animals. Lions, zebras, sloths, penguins and red pandas are just a few of the animals you can visit.  Cornish Seal Sanctuary A firm favourite, the seals are such characters! Best for a dry day as most the pens are outside, and it's more than just seals - beavers, sea lions and some farm animals too. You can actually bring dogs on a lead which can be handy, it's a...

It feels like we are powering through this year, I don't know about you. I thought for our February blog story today I would look at some of the great things happening in Cornwall over this coming February half term break. Although many things in Cornwall don't really seem to get going until Easter, there is still plenty for families to enjoy, here are a few suggestions. A good idea whatever the season, cycling the Camel Trail , a favourite for families young and old. In Summer the pathways that line the estuary can become a little congested which is one of the reasons why this route is great to enjoy at this time of year. Perhaps the most popular stretch is from Wadebridge to Padstow. There something quite motivating about the reward of fish and chips on the harbour at the end! There are great cycle hire places to choose from as well. Heading the other way, towards Bodmin and beyond to Wenfordbridge provides a quieter stretch with beautiful scenery to soak up when you pause to...

Considering it's not that far from me, I hadn't really explored Mevagissey. It's a classic Cornish fishing village that still feels authentic and alive rather than perhaps just existing for holiday makers. I had a recent Monday off work and decided to make the most of the stunning winter's sun with my mum and sister, exploring the streets and enjoying the bobbing boats. I found my wander around the harbour all the more poignant when my mum let me know this was one of my Grandad's 'most favourite places in the world'. He had travelled with the Navy but had lived most his life in London. I loved imagining him here, with his hanky knotted on his head tucking in to a pasty and fending off seagulls. I felt close to him, and I could see his smile in my mother's face. Honestly the best thing I can do for my mum is take her somewhere that has little boats to draw, plenty of dogs to adore and the odd seagull. She just loves this kind of place and it was wonderful...

Autumn is all about golden leaves, woodland walks and making the most of the fleeting daylight. There is something about the shorter days makes me want to squeeze all I can out of the golden light and (very) fresh air. But rather than the coast, this month I am taking you inland, to Cardinham Woods .  One of Forestry England's gems, this tranquil place is just outside of Bodmin and has multiple trails for all kinds of walks. My friends who are more limited in their ability, or those with children and pushchairs, love the largely flat Lady Vale walk. You can cut across the river making the shortest route just 0.9 miles (1.45km) or 1.7 miles (2.75km) if you take the whole flat route. It's great for kids with the Gruffalo characters along the trail and activities little ones will love. This season they also have a 'Forest Walkies' with Wallace and Gromit which looks great fun. You download an app and complete challenges with your dog, the £5 pack gets you a bandanna for y...

Cornwall is a county famed for its coasts, on its highest points you can see the waters stretch from both north and south, as far as the eye can see. But I thought this month I would consider a different kind of water, as well as the salty waves that crash our shores, Cornwall is also home to some beautiful lakes. Still, serene but if you want it, fabulous active fun. One I often frequent, mainly because of the very tasty cafe on site, is Siblyback lake on Bodmin Moor. As you drive down the little road to enter this tranquil spot you are treated with a great view of the lake, actually a man-made reservoir. The sun hits the waters and shines silver bright, often in the fields surrounding you can find those fabulous hairy cows I am so fond of.  Truth be told this is a popular spot, at least at the entrance, so you are sure to find plenty of families making the most of the fresh air, play park and those afore mentioned fabulous cafe treats.  Olive & Co have a refreshing menu...