The Cornwall Blog

Photo by Maria Spencer  Welcome to June, a bit of a confusing month all round! Slowly businesses are opening up starting with zoos and open air markets, shops to follow soon. Gradually life is returning to normal, or at least our new normal. What I have noticed recently is a real influx of hedgehogs, have you seen them out and about? My parents found one in their garden that they had to rescue from their over enthusiastic dog, and Maria, my boss's wife, found this handsome fella by Anneka's bridge in Wadebridge. So cute.   Wildlife has had a bit of a boom over lockdown it seems. The hedgerows have been overflowing with grasses and flowers and the bird song seems all the more beautiful. The lack of sound pollution has helped us all connect with the beautiful sounds of nature, especially the dawn chorus. I know in my garden the birds have been so loud I've had to shut the windows on Zoom calls!  Zoos can open soon, so check out Newquay Zoo 's website t...

    Hello, it has been a little while since my last post so I thought I would show you some of beautiful things I've seen whilst on lockdown. Cornwall along with the rest of the country is respecting the stay at home advise because of COVID-19. We are being encouraged to stay home, and rightly so, which makes bringing you the beauty of this county far and wide not possible right now. Events, exhibitions and festivals may have been suspended but there is still plenty to revel in right on our doorsteps! Many businesses are still offering slightly tailored services or are available online so I would encourage you to support this beautiful place and its entrepreneurs where you can. I thought today I would share some pictures I've snapped on my daily exercise walks. I live in Lostwithiel and am blessed to have woodland right on my doorstep. Steep country lanes, farmland and forests, I have really enjoyed taking the time to explore what my corner of Cornwall...

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 .

Trerice  December has got off to a cracking start here in Cornwall, with stunning pink sunrises and burning gold sunsets. There is a different feel to the county in the Winter season, a combination of bracing walks with family and friends, empty beaches and very happy dogs (so many beaches become available to dogs out of season) coupled with the cosiness of traditional pubs and the plentiful craft markets. The Longstore, Charlestown Last weekend I headed to Trerice, a National Trust house near Newquay. Despite being mainly closed for the winter you can go on a guided tour of the house with the conservationists. This is quite fascinating, seeing a different side to the grand operation and hearing the more recent history of this ancient home that inspired the writer of Poldark. learning about the centuries-year-old-clocks and precious paintings was a lovely way to spend a grey day. Most of the National Trust houses have events going on through the winter, the private h...

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...