The Cornwall Blog

It's Monday morning and as with each time I sit to write our monthly update, everything has changed again! From today in England we can meet in groups of six or two households outside. Such a welcome development as we move into Spring. My mind turns to alfresco dining, open fires and the good old barbecue. So I have taken a look around at some great Cornish inspired ways to commune outdoors this Spring. I've not yet had my first barbecue of the year yet, an oversight I am sure! Cornwall is positively bursting with brilliant suppliers, from The Cornish Food Box Company who have a fine selection of meats for all budgets to lovely local butcher James Kittows showcasing a truly carnivorous box packed to the brim. Fresh fish from The Cornish Fish Monger looks particularly good. For those who prefer something a little more elegant, how about an afternoon tea? We are spoilt for choice  in the county with our favourite venues diversifying brilliantly and sending delicious treats to ...

As well as enjoying the great outdoors, the recent lockdowns have meant many attractions having to go online. Screen time is probably off the chart right now with home schooling and work Zoom calls but if you fancy taking in some culture from your living room, here are some Cornish suggestions. Until the 22nd of February the Museum of Cornish Life in Helston are holding Facebook live crafting events on Mondays at 11.30am. You can follow along and get involved for free. It's really tricky to network at the moment and make connections, on Saturday the 20th Feb there's an online event for those passionate about film. It's free but places are limited so you need to book, but a great opportunity to be a part of the Cornwall Film Festival .   For £10 the whole family can get creative along with the St Ives School of Painting. Their Sunday Art Club , aimed at kids between 7 and 12, is a brilliant way to spark creativity when it can get really boring at home. The next ...

Bren the Border Terrier at Par Beach It's a Wednesday morning and we find ourselves in England in our third lockdown. As previously we have to stay home and only go out for essentials, thankfully this includes exercise. I have never been more grateful than this past year for living somewhere so beautiful. Although many of the gardens and establishments are closed to visitors there is still plenty of parkland to explore. Near me we have Lanhydrock House, although the house and garden are closed the estate remains open with a lovely walk at Respryn also still available.  Last light at Lerryn Woods After the storm at Polkerris Beach Best of all we can access the coast, last week I took a stroll at the little beach of Polkerris. Love it there, the harbour wall hugs the beach like a warm embrace. Though it has to be said not much was warm that day! Bitter wind softened slightly by the beautiful sunshine. There was sculptural driftwood strewed here and there and a fair amount of dogs hap...

For now, as we find ourself in December, Cornwall is in tier 1. This does mean we have more freedom as we come out of our second lockdown in England, with businesses opening up and restaurants able to serve. For the more cautious thankfully our spacious county provides plenty of outdoor fun for all the family. As I type the sun has come out, it is so much easier to handle the restrictions when the weather is fair! Winter in Cornwall though I have always thought is actually a real treat. Many attractions are opening up and although most require booking, taking a little more fore-thought than before, brilliant days out are still possible. Here are a few of attractions I'd like to highlight for December, including the re-opening of the Jubilee Pool in Penzance. Maybe not your first thought for winter, but Britain's first geothermal pool is an Art Deco gem. Tickets are expected to sell out fast, so to book yours head here .    An annual favourite, Ed...

Well, it's November, and for England that means a new month long lockdown. 2020 has been an eventful (is that even the word?) year! As we will be restricted to what we can do for the next month I thought today we'd take a look at what you can get delivered to our home, so you can enjoy a taste of Cornwall even if you can't actually go out.  There are plenty of the usual suspects of course, delicious Indian restaurants and yummy Chinese, and good old fish and chips. In my local town of Lostwithiel the pubs are getting involved, delivering to those in need, and fine dining restaurant Asquiths has a lovely menu to choose from. Jordan Cook, the chef from Trewithen, has been providing delicious meals in his new venture, Restormel Kitchen - this months menu looks particularly mouth-watering! Famous names like Rick Stein have found ways to bring their culinary treats to those in lockdown. Perfect to help make an occasion special, everyt...

October has definitely brought the cold! Our Indian summer is sadly over but this time of year holds it's own romance. With Covid restrictions still in place there's no reason why we can't still enjoy the great outdoors. If there is one thing 2020 has taught me then that's to be resourceful, and to make the most of what we have.  The fresh air provides an extra layer of safety when we are out with friends, keeping that 2 metre distance of course with those not in your household. I have to say woodland walks are some of my favourite.  Where I live we have lovely patches of woodland to explore but sometimes I like to go a little further afield. The likes of Bodmin's Cardinham Woods is always a favourite. You do need to pay for parking but the cafe serves warming drinks and tasty cakes, ideal after a bracing stroll. I still haven't explored all this wood has to offer yet but the views as you climb higher over the treetops are truly rewarding. Also in mid Cornwall...

After a lovely sunny bank holiday here in Cornwall, today, although filled with golden light, has Autumn's familiar chill. The first of September marks a change. Most children will be heading back to school soon which helps at least give this part of 2020 some familiar structure.  My family and I managed to successfully find some quieter corners of Cornwall to explore over the weekend and it is really lovely seeing more of our favourite places opening up. The world has changed, how we socialise, how we holiday, how we unwind. It just takes more planning, more consideration but wonderful memories can still be made. So what can you do in Cornwall in September? Plenty! My little town of Lostwithiel never really felt that empty over lock down, I think people stayed local and small which has benefitted many of our independent businesses. Plus business owners have been quick to adapt in rather brilliant ways. So all those little quirky towns and villages are still there, still fabulous p...