The Cornwall Blog

Considering it's not that far from me, I hadn't really explored Mevagissey. It's a classic Cornish fishing village that still feels authentic and alive rather than perhaps just existing for holiday makers. I had a recent Monday off work and decided to make the most of the stunning winter's sun with my mum and sister, exploring the streets and enjoying the bobbing boats. I found my wander around the harbour all the more poignant when my mum let me know this was one of my Grandad's 'most favourite places in the world'. He had travelled with the Navy but had lived most his life in London. I loved imagining him here, with his hanky knotted on his head tucking in to a pasty and fending off seagulls. I felt close to him, and I could see his smile in my mother's face. Honestly the best thing I can do for my mum is take her somewhere that has little boats to draw, plenty of dogs to adore and the odd seagull. She just loves this kind of place and it was wonderful...

Autumn colour at Cardinham Woods Autumn is all about golden leaves, woodland walks and making the most of the fleeting daylight. There is something about the shorter days that makes me want to squeeze all I can out of the golden light and very fresh air. Rather than heading to the coast, this month I am taking you inland to Cardinham Woods . A gentle walk beside the river One of Forestry England’s gems, this tranquil place sits just outside Bodmin and has trails for all kinds of walkers. Friends of mine with limited mobility, and families with children in pushchairs, love the largely flat Lady Vale Walk. The full route is 1.7 miles (2.75 km), but you can cross the river at Centenary Bridge to make a shorter 0.9-mile (1.45 km) loop. The trail is surfaced and generally wide and flat, although there is a slope on the return that can be avoided by crossing the bridge. Family fun among the trees It is great for children too, with Gruffalo sculptures alo...

The beach below The Hidden Hut at Porthcurnick on the Roseland © Emma Julian If there is one part of Cornwall that feels like an escape, to me it is the Roseland. Even the name given to this peninsula feels romantic. It is about 40 minutes from me but feels a world away. Life stands still, and I feel immersed in the beauty of Cornwall. There are still plenty of nooks I am yet to explore, and I do tend to stick to my favourite haunts, but it truly feels as though the sun always shines and cares are cast away. Of course, the sun is no guarantee, especially as we breeze into October, but I recently spent an idyllic afternoon walking along part of the coastal path with my friend. The sun on our faces, the waves lapping and the bunnies leaping. Yes, bunnies. We took a shortcut across the fields and were treated to a panoramic ocean view. The Hidden Hut and Porthcurnick Beach ...

I love local pottery. There is something quite wonderful about driving around Cornwall and spotting a maker’s sign beside the road. It doesn’t have to be pottery either. I am intrigued by anything homemade or handmade. I love the chance discovery of it all. I’m naturally nosey, I suppose. I want to peer in. Cornwall’s pottery tradition Cornwall has a rich ceramic tradition. The county has supplied china clay to the world for generations, an important ingredient in porcelain, and Wheal Martyn Clay Works tells the story of that industry. Then there is the Leach Pottery in St Ives, founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada, whose influence on studio pottery extends far beyond Cornwall. I prefer pottery where the maker’s hand remains visible. I like pieces that feel as though they could have been drawn from the ground itself, with glazes that sit somewhere between familiar shades and textures that make you want to stroke them, hold ...

One of the pleasures of a Cornwall holiday is not having to see everything at once. The roads are often slower than the map suggests, and some of the best days are shaped by a beach, a walk or an unexpected stop along the way. A campervan suits that pace beautifully. It gives you the freedom to explore different corners of the county while still having a familiar little home to return to each evening. Meet Pip, a vintage VW campervan Wild & Free Cornish Campers is a family-run business in Wadebridge, North Cornwall, offering vintage VW campervan hire in Cornwall with their much-loved 1974 Westfalia, Pip. She has all the character of a classic campervan, along with the practical touches that make a holiday comfortable. There is a cooker, sink, fridge and cooking equipment on board, as well as a table and chairs for meals outside. Pip sleeps up to four, making her especially suited to couples and small families. Well-behaved dogs can join the adve...

Readymoney Cove is one of my closest beaches and one of those places that feels instantly familiar. Tucked just outside Fowey, it has a sheltered sweep of sand, clear water, a tiny beach shop and a curious turreted shelter that gives the whole cove a slightly Famous Five character. On a sunny day it is a lovely family spot, with rocks to explore and boats slipping past the mouth of the river. When the weather is less obliging, there is still shelter, a hot drink and a very pleasant view of the sea. Readymoney in winter and summer Until recently, most of my visits had been on winter days. We would buy hot chocolate, settle beneath the covered terrace and watch braver people than us charge into the cold water. My first proper summer visit was more spontaneous. I had an hour spare, the sun was warm and my mum was keen, so we headed towards Fowey in search of ice cream with a view. The closest car park sits above the cove, so the journey ...

Summer in Cornwall seems made for outdoor events, especially when the setting is as lovely as Pencarrow House and Gardens. Tucked between Bodmin and Wadebridge, the historic estate hosts a changing programme of live music, theatre, fairs and family activities throughout the year. The calendar changes from season to season, but the setting is always part of the experience. Performances take place against the backdrop of the house and gardens, with plenty of space to settle in and enjoy an evening outdoors. Outdoor entertainment at Pencarrow Previous summer programmes have included tribute concerts, outdoor theatre and musical performances. The Live Queen Experience and The Upbeat Beatles brought familiar songs to the gardens, while productions such as Beauty and the Beast made the most of the atmospheric surroundings. That mixture is one of the things I like about Pencarrow. One visit might involve live music and a picnic, while another...