The Cornwall Blog

It's been a busy summer! With my sister's wedding and plenty of guests (living in Cornwall you are guaranteed a constant flow of house guests). It's been lovely but I am looking forward to quieter times and that balm to the soul - a golden September. Hope so! Looking back though I wanted to share a favourite place we love to visit in all seasons, Golitha Falls . It's actually where our little Lostwithiel river runs through, the River Fowey, but nearer to its source, on Bodmin Moor. This is the ancient woodland of Draynes Wood, mentioned in the Domesday Book. The river cascades over giant rocks, best to visit after heavy rains because then you see these falls in all their beauty.  This year was rather dry but the river was still a beautiful walk. You follow its path as momentum builds, the drop is more than 90 metres in total. The area is a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, partly due to the stunning wildflowers ...

Last checked July 2026. Opening times and menus can change, so it is worth checking with each café before travelling. This is a tricky one: how do you compile a café list in the foodie haven that is Cornwall? There are so many I haven’t tried yet, and plenty more I can’t wait to sample. This is far from an exhaustive list, but here are seven suggestions for your next caffeine fix. 1. The Harbour Light, Boscastle The Harbour Light opened in 2025, but Proper Vintage, who run this walker-friendly stop, are old hands at bringing the delicious. Doug and Hannah have spent years converting vintage vehicles into places to sell their cakes and ice cream, including the beautifully restored Beryl at Bossiney Cove. Their fully fledged café in Boscastle is definitely worth a visit. 2. The Peacock Café at Pencarrow House and Gardens The Peacock Café has such a perfect setting. Pencarrow is a lovely day out, with guided...

We are having a lovely summer so far in Cornwall, and with 422 miles of coast to explore, beaches are firmly on my mind! This month I thought I would pick out some of the best... Best for dogs In Cornwall, a lot of beaches have a dog ban in effect during the summer months, but there are still a few where you can exercise your canine friend. Harlyn Bay near Padstow, Watergate Bay at Newquay and Mexico Towans are just a few. Best for little ones If we are talking amenities, easy access and safe waters, then we love Gyllyngvase in Falmouth. With a café on the beach, toilets and close parking, it’s a no-brainer. East Looe Beach is another great option. Safe swimming, that cool Banjo Pier and golden sand for building castles. Perfect. We also like Bude’s Summerleaze Beach, with its sea pool offering a little protection from the tides. It is very close to the town centre too, and you could always rent a beach hut! Best for surf I m...

For this month's blog story I wanted to share some of the great places in Cornwall where you can meet animals. From sanctuaries and farms to wildlife parks, they all have education and conservation at their heart. These are just a few of the places we love to visit in Cornwall... Paradise Park, Hayle Located in Hayle in West Cornwall, Paradise Park is a firm family favourite. It's great for kids, with a little train, soft play and a lovely array of colourful birds and small animals to see. All in all, a fun family day out. Newquay Zoo This little zoo has a real passion for conservation and you can really see how much the team love their animals. Zebras, sloths, penguins, red pandas and brown hyenas are just a few of the animals you can see. Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek A firm favourite, the seals are such characters! It's best for a dry day as most of the sanctuary is outside, and it's more than just s...

This is why I love living in Cornwall: a routine appointment can turn into a beautiful adventure! I had to take my mum to the hospital for a check-up. As it was early in the morning and already a bit of a trek for us to get there, we thought, let's make a day of it. Mum wanted peace and tranquillity, so the Helford River came to mind. It really is that perfect escape, a little bubble of old-world beauty that I just love to explore. I did my studies in Falmouth at the art college and had popped across the water to explore this area a little then, but it had been a while. This corner of Cornwall boasts the beautiful Trebah and Glendurgan gardens, both stunningly cultivated landscapes with little beaches of their own. Glendurgan has a wiggly maze as well, which is as captivating to adults as it is to children. Helford Passage After following the winding roads, we decided to stop off at Helford Passage. My thinking was to find a way Mum could enjoy o...

Last checked July 2026. For this month’s story, I wanted to highlight a lovely local business at the heart of its community. Cycling is a popular pastime in Cornwall. Although our county isn’t particularly flat, we have some wonderful bike trails. Routes run across Cornwall, allowing you to explore scenic landscapes and immerse yourself in the county’s history with the freedom of a bike. One place to hire them is in the beautiful village of Pentewan on the south coast. Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire is run by Rachel and Andy. Their friendly approach and invaluable advice have made the business a real draw for experienced riders and complete novices alike. For more ideas around the county, take a look at our guide to cycling in Cornwall . Cycling the Pentewan Valley Trail Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire is ideally located, with something for every level of skill and fitness. You can keep to the flat, tree-lined trails that follow the water’s edge and enjo...