The Cornwall Blog

    That nip is in the air and its official, October is here and we are feeling decidedly autumnal. I just love seeing the seasons change and as soon as the golden leaves turn I just can't wait to get to the woods. There are plenty to choose from, but a place where I always find peace is Luxulyan Valley and in particular the industrial heritage that is the Treffry viaduct. You can follow a circular route with iWalk Cornwall, they even have an app. The path I often take follows the old water way, down past the remains of what was an impressive waterwheel and along some very giant boulders! The viaduct that spans the valley was built in 1844 by Joesph (Austen) Treffry who had big ideas on developing the area. It was the most advanced engineering project in the western peninsula and carried both water and rail across the valley. For such a peaceful spot its hard to imagine it as a bustling industrial site but the traces of man-made feats are still visible, albeit cl...

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 hou...

Why do I love the north coast of Cornwall? Could it be that it is the best of both worlds. Its a stunningly varied coast with the buzz of surfer's beaches and quiet coves as well as that much sort after rural idyll. Take Chapel Amble for example, a tiny village nestled in from the sea where you can find hidden gems like Rooke Cottages, ancient Duchy farm buildings converted into luxury self-catering cottages. A perfectly peaceful situation with rolling green hills and the odd baa from the sheep. Just down the road you have some of our best beaches - Daymer Bay, Polzeath, and the likes of foodie havens such as Padstow, Rock and 'film stars' like Port Isaac. What more could you ask! Rooke Cottages is a perfect example of the kind of accommodation on offer in this corner of Cornwall. Cottages just made for two right up to The Courtyard which sleeps eight. With a children's play area, owl cam to watch the barn owls from the comfort of your cottage, option of a pri...

This glorious sunshine shows no signs of leaving, and I am loving it! Cornwall is spoiling us with long sunny days finished with epic sunsets. I imagine this must be good news for all our award winning food and drink, like Camel Valley which often graces the menu of the Palace! Camel Valley Wines, just outside Bodmin are producing delicious beverages fit for the Queen. Wining awards left right and centre, last year their wines were served to the Spanish King and Queen at a State Banquet. You can also enjoy a glass of Camel Valley Brut on British Airways First Class, and the Pinot Noir Rosé Brut won The World's Finest Glass of Bubbly awards - in the category of Summer Days. If you are down our way you can visit the vineyard itself and enjoy the wines in their idyllic location. This is not a snobbish vineyard, just run by people who love the county and are passionate about their wine. There is just so much to commend Cornwall in the summer - clotted cream teas, ever...

Travelling to the Lizard is like experiencing the old Cornwall, you feel your troubles melt away and the beauty of this coast really hits you. A favourite beach of mine, and many others, is Kynance Cove. There's stacks of stones and silky sand, with a hidden beach revealed at low tide -  and a tasty cafe all making this a must visit. The walk down from the carpark (National Trust) allows you to really appreciate the ancient coastline. Such a dramatic vista, it is stunning whatever the season. Of course this stretch of Cornwall is more than just one beach. Hidden coves frequented by smugglers and pirates are a plenty, and quaint fishing villages too. Coverack is just such a place, so steeped in history. If you are looking for perfectly restored Cornish cottages to while away some vacation time then Lizard Holiday Cottages are a real gem. In Coverack they have four self-catering cottages all with sea views and right in the heart of the village. It's just what you...

A recent trip to Marsh Villa Gardens in Par made me think I should highlight the beauties of this part of Cornwall. Although right on my doorstep, I hadn't properly visited Marsh Villa gardens until the recent Bank Holiday. It worked out really well, its such a peaceful garden owned by a lovely family. They took over the three acre plot in the Eighties and have transformed the over grown valley into a tranquil paradise. I went with my dad and we meandered around the paths before the sun got too hot. This was the creek mentioned by Daphne du Maurier in 'House on the Strand'. You can help yourself to home made cake for a couple of pounds but we went just further along the road to the popular Yummy Scrummy Bakery. They do marvellous pancakes and as the name suggests, yummy cakes. I often meet friends here for breakfast but today it was a smoothie and cake. Par has a wide and windswept beach that I think is often over looked. Granted, at one end you have ...

A much loved business in the heart of Cornwall, Stable Art, are on the move. Currently residing in Bodmin town, the bespoke picture framers are renovating a derelict chapel just on the outskirts. Speak to artists up and down this county and they all talk highly of Stable Art. They have a 1,000 strong beautiful selection of off the peg frames and can frame your slightly weird sized or wonky art pieces too. The art supplies collection keeps on growing, everything you didn't know you needed. The new premises will include an exhibition space and house art and craft workshops. Such a peaceful location and one I am sure their many customers will be happy to visit.