The Cornwall Blog

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 house

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

If you find the ocean fascinating, above or below the sea line, this is the event for you. Touring round the UK, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour comes to Cornwall in October, the 9th to the 11th 2019 at the Regal Theatre in Redruth. Ideal for these more chilly autumn nights, the festival showcases a diverse collection of short films featuring amazing footage of the ocean with fascinating stories to tell. See A Peace Within , a 6 minute short about 'extreme artist' Philip Gray who paints under the surface of the sea, below where the ancient Mayans lived. Surfer Dan follows Dan Schetter as he surfs his local landlocked Michigan - on Lake Superior. Be that in ice, with deadly currents or on actual waves. To find out the other films showing and to get your tickets head to the Ocean Film Festival website.  

There is still loads of events on for September, the schools may go back but holidays are still in full swing down here. From the St Ives September festival to the Perranporth World Belly Board Championships , but this month I wanted to focus on the Tin Mine Clay exhibition at Geevor Mine. An interesting place to visit, Geevor Mine unlocks an important part of Cornwall's not so distant history. The exhibition was created by Dominique Fuglistaller, a Penzance sculptor and Alison Cooke, a London ceramist. Running from the 18th July to October 2019, you can see the artworks they created to mark the centennial of two tragic events - the sinking of Victory shaft at Geevor Mine and the Levant mining disaster that claimed 31 lives. These artists have produced a series of ceramics made from the clay found within the mines. A variety of different clays were uncovered, none easy to work with! Prone to collapsing, cracking and melting it posed quite a challenge. T