The Cornwall Blog

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...

We are of slowly emerging out of winter, March is here, but for this month's blog post I wanted to revisit a special weekend last November at Marazion. It has to be one of the most magical places in Cornwall, an adorable village with a famous view that is ever changing as well as being ancient and immovable. A dear friend took me off to the lovely Godolphin Hotel for a weekend treat, and it really was perfect. The beauty of the colder months in Cornwall is the quietness, and it was just that, still, poignant and memorable. As you arrive in this little village, all attention centres on the island castle across the bay, and rightly so. The hotel itself is little but stylish, has a laid back charm and a playful feel. The kindest of people, they upgraded our room to one with a balcony and that fabulous view. The restaurant area was the perfect place to have a pre dinner cocktail and watch the sun sink into the horizon. I chatted with a chilled dad, who had snuck away while his kids we...

Despite the rather undulating nature of Cornwall, discovering our county by bike is a really great way to explore. Whether you are thinking mountain biking through forest trails at Cardinham Woods or a more gentile pace stoping off to enjoy the estuary views towards Padstow on the Camel Trail - there is something for everyone. Here are a few of our favourites... In November, it's true, you do need to pick your days, the weather isn't always on our side. However, on a cold crisp morning with golden light streaming through rust-coloured leaves, this can be the perfect time of year to cycle. Popular routes will be calmer and you don't have to contend with the intense heat summer can bring.  Lanhydrock House and Gardens, just outside Bodmin, have some lovely trails. Specifically reserved for bikes only, they can be great for all the family. In fact this year, Sunday 19th of November, Lanhydrock are hosting their first Mountain Bike Cycle Race !  The estate also has a cafe and p...

Autumn walks are what this season is all about! I recently with my mum, popped down the road to Lerryn as the last light was just fading. Such a calm and peaceful place, and one I always enjoy visiting. We just managed to grab an ice cream before the post office and shop closed (yes, I know, weird in winter but that's just how we roll!) We sat by the river watching the water sparkle in the golden light. We didn't have much time so we just wandered a little way by the bank of the river, pausing to watch the swans and to admire the boats.  Lerryn is the kind of place that feels like you are stepping into a story book, understandably though, as it is said to have inspired The Wind in the Willows stories as Kenneth Grahame holidayed here.  There are woodland walks on both sides of the river, and at low tide you can cross by the stepping stones. There is a small free carpark just by the green, a charming village school and a friendly pub. With a well kept public toilet and a beauti...

With the shorter days and darker evenings it can feel like the animals have it right, time to hibernate! There are some things worth venturing out for though, take The Lost Garden's of Heligan and their annual Night Garden event. Such a great idea, the famous Liverpool Lantern Company create these amazing displays throughout the garden taking you on a trail of 'oohs' and 'aahs'.  The lighting helps you appreciate this varied garden in a completely different way. The natural planting is transformed by striking projected images while owls, hares, butterflies, robins and foxgloves all play their part in capturing imaginations. It's brilliant for kids, wheelchair friendly and outdoors, so handy when it comes to reducing covid risk too. You can book a slot at their website, ensuring everyone can wander at their own pace.