The Cornwall Blog

In North Cornwall, Bored Lizard Surf Shop based on the Bude high street, has seen its business grow year on year, and have taken steps with each passing season to change the look of the shop and stock. Owner, Laurent Calvez, a surfer from Brittany in France, recently had this to say: "We've seen a lot of new improvement with a new Weird Fish designed wall and new wooden stand from Black Salamander. Two popular surf clothing brands that we have been pleased to stock alongside our own clothing. "Thank you to everybody involved in helping the shop look so good this year. "Bored Lizard has done very well in the early part of this year, and we are looking forward to the rest of the season. We've also had a celebrity shopper: Vic Reeves (from Shooting Stars). All in all, very exiting!" So make sure you drop in next time you are in Bude to see the friendly owner and shop. You can also buy Weird Fish, Black Salamander and Bored Lizard surf clothing onl...

The final preparations are being made for the 2010 RNAS Culdrose Air Day (Wednesday 28th July). With the ‘Vulcan’ making a rare appearance, thrilling flying displays, an action packed military arena and a chance to get up close with the world of Naval Aviation, organisers hope that the public will experience ‘Fly Navy’ whatever the weather. Visitors will be able to see breathtaking displays from some of the worlds most advanced aircraft as they twist, loop and soar through the skies at terrifying speeds. Almost 70 aircraft will give flying displays full of daring manoeuvres and precision flying and further aircraft will be available for static viewing on the ground, allowing the public to get up close to the aircraft and talk to their crews. Culdrose will show off its resident aircraft, there will be helicopter role demonstrations, an appearance from the Great War Display Team and a variety of fast and noisy jets (including a Vietnam era F-86 Sabre and a joint Strike Master/Hawker Hun...

If you are considering a visit to North Cornwall this week, you cannot fail to notice that the County show - The Royal Cornwall - is in full swing. Based on the outskirts of Wadebridge, the show draws in the biggest businesses in Cornwall, showing their wares on stalls and in marquees. In addition, there are numerous livestock competitions, craft exhibitions, games, rides, bars and cafes. The show runs for three days, on June the 11th, 12th and 13th. However, as is often the case, the main event obscures many smaller, more interesting stories. If you prefer to avoid the show crowds and venture down a few country lanes, you will find that Cornwall will give up its secrets to the discerning traveller. The region has always been steeped in myth and legend, which has inspired much of the creativity that has always thrived here. For example, Menabilly, a fifteenth Century manor on the South Coast, just outside St.Austell, provided the inspiration for Manderley in Daphne Du Maurier...

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s RNAS Culdrose Air Day which will be held on Wednesday 28th July 2010. The event, which has become a firm favourite in the Cornish Events Calendar, enables the general public to experience the sights, sounds and smells of one of Europe’s largest helicopter bases. Every day life for Royal Navy Pilots could include hunting for enemy submarines or aircraft in state-of-the art helicopters, flying fast jets armed with air-to-air weapons, transporting troops of Royal Marines Commandos and their equipment or rescuing casualties from sunken vessels. Air Day enables budding fighter pilots and those who once dreamt of flying, to learn about this exciting ‘world of Culdrose’ and see what happens behind the security gates. The organisers of this year’s event are working hard to make it a day to remember. As fast jets, helicopters and military aircraft zoom across the skies, visitors will be able to meet Aircrew who have served on frontline Squadrons all over ...

Originally published in 2010, when Brookfields Bed and Breakfast was under its previous ownership. The accommodation has since changed hands. When you are in need of a peaceful haven and a tranquil escape, the countryside of North Cornwall is hard to beat. Brookfields Bed and Breakfast was set in a quiet rural location within easy reach of Port Isaac, Padstow, Wadebridge and Rock. The house stood within generous grounds and lawns, with wide countryside views for guests to enjoy. Grass paddocks, geese and ducks around the pond helped make Brookfields feel a world away from hectic everyday life. At the time this article was written, the rooms were fresh, bright and comfortably furnished. The breakfast room made the most of the surrounding views, giving guests a peaceful base with good access to some of North Cornwall’s best-known towns and villages. It was one of those hidden places that offered the best of both worlds: rural seclusion and easy access to t...

There is something strangely absorbing about a webcam. One quick look can tell you whether the sea is calm, whether the surf is up, how busy a harbour looks or simply what the weather is doing on another part of the Cornish coast. We have been sharing webcam views of Cornwall for years, and they remain one of the simplest ways to get a little glimpse of the county from wherever you happen to be. Fistral Beach, Newquay Fistral is a particularly useful place to have a camera pointing at the sea. Conditions can look completely different from one day to the next, and a webcam gives surfers, walkers and visitors an immediate idea of what the Atlantic is doing. Eye on Cornwall has a collection of Newquay webcams , including views around Fistral and other beaches in the town. Falmouth Harbour Webcams are just as enjoyable away from the beaches. A view across Falmouth gives a constantly changing picture of harbour life, with yachts, working boats and larger vessels coming and goi...

I want to draw you attention to a true find. Steppes Farm is a 14th Century farmhouse offering 3 self catering barn conversions. The standard of the accommodation is high, a true home from home. With views that wrap around, a spa including sauna and hot tub and even the opportunity to go horse riding. Steppes Farm creates an idyllic getaway, I personally love the idea of being on a farm - all that country charm; geese, lambs, chicks and ponies! Set in a truly romantic situation, on the edge of Bodmin Moor and close to the dramatic, captivating North Coast, Steppes Farm is ideally situated. The accommodation comprises of three cottages, Dove, Owl and Goose all comfortably furnished with log burners for those chilly Winter evenings. There are private gardens, a barbecue area and endless walks around the 20 acres of farm land. Of course in our recent snow this turreted retreat is picture post card material! Emma Julian