The Cornwall Blog

I am almost too scared to say it, but the sun is actually out, and it’s half term. Of course, it might be short-lived. We’ve had rain and wind and mizzle and fog galore of late. In little Cardinham, it’s rained every day since the start of the year! But come rain or shine, there is always something to enjoy in Cornwall this half term. Here are just five... Screech Owl Sanctuary Opens Just for this half term week, the sanctuary welcomes visitors to see these majestic birds in flight. And it’s not just birds. They are passionate about other wildlife too, and their resident fox is a beauty. It’s a lovely day out, just outside Indian Queens. The Tide Climbing Centre If the rain does persist, this is a great option. Near Wadebridge and Padstow, the centre has more than 100 bouldering problems to try, suitable for beginners and experienced climbers. Eden Project: Hangloose I’ve mentioned Eden a few times on here, but never t...

Welcome to 2026, and to a cold but beautiful January! On the last day of 2025, I took my mum to Par Sands to soak up the sun and really just be thankful for the year. Par is actually one of the beaches I head to most, and it’s becoming a favourite. It’s not the kind of beach where you sit and sunbathe all day, or even really gaze at the view, but it’s definitely a great beach for a refreshing walk on a bright, sunny day. As you drive in, you have a choice of car parks. I tend to pick the middle one so I can say hello to the geese and ducks at the lake on the other side of the road. Then you get to walk through the sand dunes, which is a great approach. You can hear the sea but not see it yet, making the reveal all the more special. Or perhaps park right at the end. If it’s a cold day, or I have been out doing errands in St Austell and just want to gaze at the sea for a bit, I head to the far end. I can sit on a bench, or stay in the car, wind down the ...

It really is a sight to behold, and a colourful reminder of a wonderful summer: the Cotehele flower garland . When everything feels a little gloomy, with shorter evenings, endless rain and a rather relentless wind, this Tudor National Trust house brings a glorious burst of sunshine into winter with its annual display of dried flowers. A record-breaking garland The tradition dates back to 1956. In 2025, the garden team at Cotehele grew, picked, stripped, dried and prepared a record-breaking 38,000 flowers on the estate. The finished garland stretched 60 feet, or around 18 metres, through the Great Hall. Every flower was prepared by hand. The whole process took almost a year, from sowing the first seeds to hanging the finished garland, with assembly taking around 10 days. It is simply stunning. Exploring Cotehele in winter While parts of the house close over winter so essential conservation work can take place, the estate is still beaut...

I do always seem to find myself in Mevagissey in the Winter, but I love it though. So quiet and peaceful with just the most wonderful light. It's just down the road from another favourite place, Pentewan beach and near the famous Lost Garden's of Heligan. This was an impromptu trip with lovely friends, a chance to bring comfort and beauty into a tough time. The sea didn't disappoint.  I always leave wanting to linger longer, to explore more. This time we took in a few shops, filled with enticing treasures (gloves in every colour!) and delicious fish and chips. We went to Ben's Plaice, nice vibe and I happily found it gluten free.  Really it's just the chance to dip your toe into the atmosphere. Fishermen getting on with their work, boats bobbing safe within the harbour walls and seagulls sitting in puddles. People-watching and of course greeting every dog that joyfully comes our way. It's a calmness that can only really come from this time of year.  Mevagissey ...

Well October is here and I am definitely feeling all the Autumn feels. Golden leafy walks, stunning sunsets and the nip in the air which has me reaching for my favourite jumpers. Today though, I have Yorkshires on my mind, that and glazed carrots, cauliflower cheese and the British staple that is a Sunday roast. So where is best to head in Cornwall for such a treat? These are a few places where I would book to secure a seasonal feast this weekend. Last checked July 2026: We’ve checked that the venues and links in this article are still current. Sunday menus and serving times can change, so booking ahead is always recommended. 1) St Kew Inn, Bodmin A roast here is truly something to write home about. Nestled in a little Cornish village, St Kew is a firm favourite with visiting foodies and locals alike. You can taste the quality of the ingredients, and the vegetarian option is tempting even for a carnivore like me. Award winning too! ...

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 ...

This is tricky, how do you compile a cafe list in the foodie haven that is Cornwall! There are so many I haven't tried yet, and many I can't wait to sample. So this is far from an exhaustive list, but here are some suggestions for your next caffeine fix... The Harbour Light in Boscastle A relatively new venture, opened this year, but Proper Vintage who run this walkers refresh are old hats at bringing the delicious. Doug and Hannah have been converting vintage vehicles to sell their tasty cakes and ice cream from for a good few years. Check out the beautifully restored Beryl ice cream van at Bosiney Cove. 2025 found them opening a fully-fledged cafe in the beautiful village of Boscastle. Definitely worth a visit.  The Peacock Cafe at Pencarrow House and Gardens Such a perfect setting, the gorgeous historic home of the Molesworth St-Aubyns is just a fab day out, with guided house tour and acres of ancient woodland for dogs to roam and tidy Italian gardens to explore. The cafe, n...