The Cornwall Blog

The National Maritime Museum have an exhibition opening in March that focusses on our fascination with the monsters of the deep. My film-buff brother always had a bit of an obsession with the B Movie, 'Creature of the Black Lagoon', but our cultural fascination doesn't stop there. In literature, film and theatre we are drawn to the uncharted world that lies beneath, and the monsters that may or may not inhabit it. Falmouth's great interactive museum is running an exhibition from the 20th of March allowing you to explore and discover the legends, folklore and science of these nautical heroes and villains. Find out more at their website.

February in Cornwall is full of surprises. From snow days to balmy sunshine and our famous Cornish mizzle, February can have it all. I feel it is a month filled with hope, with Spring just round the corner, Cornwall wakes up from its wintery sleep first. Here are a few events to encourage you out of hibernation this Winter season: Rick Stein's Charity Lunches - Padstow's most famous resident offers great deals at the end of January and the beginning of February. In aid of the brilliant Cornwall Air Ambulance charity, from Monday 20th January to Thursday 13th February you can enjoy a delicious 3 course set menu at The Seafood Restaurant. Eden Project Ice Skating - Always popular with families, the ice rink finishes its winter run on the 23rd of February. The biomes are a brilliant place to go whatever the weather, I especially enjoy the tropical warmth on a cold day! February Half Term Rockpool Ramble at Hannifore Beach, Looe - Sunday the 23rd at 11am sees their

I thought this was a brilliant idea when I saw it, worth sharing far and wide! One of Cornwall's fine museums, Wheal Martyn, are holding a ' Relaxed Session ' on January the 18th from 3.30 - 5pm. These relaxed sessions are a chance for adults or children with autism, anxiety or similar who might prefer the chance to enjoy the museum at a quieter pace. There will be ASD-friendly activities with plenty of objects to handle. Wheal Martyn is based at a real Victorian clay works and shares the stories of Cornwall's mining history. There's space to explore with nature trails, a discovery centre and you can see Cornwall's largest working waterwheel. Having grown up with a brother with autism I think it's great when attractions try and see things from the point of view of someone who might be overwhelmed by a normal museum experience. Find out more here .

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

I love the Lost Gardens of Heligan ! I need to plan another trip, it has been too long. I would normally travel by car but recently I realised there is another way. If you are a keen cyclist then there is a cycle route from St Austell or Mevagissey, and if you call in at the beautiful coastal village of Pentewan then you can hire a bike. What caught my eye recently is that they now offer electric bikes, and considering the hilly climb to these majestic gardens, that is a real temptation! For Cornwall bike hire Pentewan is pretty perfect, the friendly new owners have made a few changes, such as the addition of a great coffee machine. With ice-creams too, whether the weather is hot or cold the hire hut is welcoming and has a lovely picnic area by the river. There are a few different trails in Cornwall, the famous Camel Trail which although beautiful can be a bit busy. Further south you can travel around the old tram ways and see a more industrial but equally interesting

I visited the wonderful Restormel Castle at the weekend. Just outside the ancient statuary town of Lostwithiel, this Medieval ruin is a lovely and peaceful spot to wile away a few hours. We started our day at the Duchy Nursery coffee shop, with some delicious cakes and puds. You can see the castle from the cafe and it is a charming walk through the fields up to it, though because of the limited walking ability of my mum we decided to drive and save our energy for exploring! Rarely busy, (and free for Lostwithiel and Lerryn residents with some photo ID), this English Heritage treasure can provide a place of solace on hot day. When everyone heads to the coast I often like to wonder inland. The castle is in remarkably good nick considering it is from the 13th Century. You can walk almost all the way around the top and work out which room use to house what. The views down the valley to Lostwithiel are beautiful and with plenty of benches this is an ideal place for a pi

This was a favourite book with both Carl and I at Pickle Design ! It was my go-to read at school, I just loved the illustrations and how the story unfolded before my eyes. This weekend, 16th-17th March 2019, at Eden they are celebrating Eric Carle's classic with crafty workshops, a trail around the domes and a re-telling brought alive by Eden's excellent storytellers. From making butterfly wings to string puppets this well-loved tale provides plenty of inspiration for family fun. To find out more head to the Eden Project website.

September is here and its your last chance to make the most of a visit to  Pencarrow House and Gardens . This stunning Cornish Georgian house is open for tours until the 27th of September 2018, the gardens are a little longer, until the end of October. If you haven't visited Pencarrow yet you are in for a treat. It was only recently I took the guided house tour and it really is worth it. This is an ancient family home, still lived in and maintained by the  Molesworth-St Aubyns family and it is full of quirky objects and interesting tales. The guides are great, packing lots of history into a fresh and funny tour. You get to find out about where the Monkey Puzzle tree got its name, scout out secrets doors and see the oil paintings that watch you back! The house has been used for film locations as well over the years, and you can understand why. Every room feels rich with life and layered with stories. Of course Pencarrow is not only about the house, t

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