Posts

Summer Entertainment in the Great Outdoors

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I am writing this on a stunningly warm June day, the perfect backdrop to dream about long summer evenings and outdoor cocktails with fab entertainment. Of course, in reality, Cornwall can have truly cold and wet summers, but right now lets dream we can enjoy the outside lifestyle just as much as our European neighbours.  There are so many events opening up which is lovely to see, some restricted but well thought through, to cope with Covid. Outside really does seem to be the way to go, so here are 5 events up and down the county that look to bring those summer vibes we are all longing for after a trying year.  Sterts Theatre on Bodmin Moor have announced their summer season. My younger brother used to be involved with them when he was little and he loved it! Their open air auditorium provides shelter as well as ventilation to enjoy the family friendly entertainment. We have the likes of Shrek, The Wolf From the Door, Romeo and Juliette as well as Alice in Wonderland. Check out their w

Art for the Soul

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There is so much we have missed this last year, but today as I write finally May is glorious, finally the sun is warm and finally this feels like a little slice of normal. One thing I love about our county is the abundance of creatives, wonderful art and talented artisans. So, as galleries open up and exhibitions commence, here are a few places to go and feed your soul. Wheal Martin are celebrating the heritage of our clay country with an exhibition from contemporary artist Kurt Jackson. His works are vibrant and loose but with a real affinity to this man-made but beautiful landscape. Running until the 5th of September, find out more .  Something a little different, ' Lights out for Darker Skies ' seeks to highlight the negative impact artificial light pollution can have on us and our environment. West Penwith have applied for International Dark Sky status and this exhibition involves stunning dark sky images, nocturnal wildlife footage and local artist collaborations.  Only ru

Best Pub Gardens in Cornwall

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We are having a real spell of gorgeously Spring weather, barely any of those April showers which is pretty handy as its all about eating outdoors at the moment in England. All be it a little fresh out (bring those jumpers), it feels good to be a bit more social again.  Many have missed a good pint at their local so I thought it might be nice to highlight some of the best places in Cornwall to sit and take in the outdoor atmosphere.  I may be biased, as this one is near me! I just love watching the sun set at Polkerris beach enjoying some chips at the Rashleigh Inn (pictured above), not sure I should be promoting one of my happy places, so don't tell anyone ;)  The Pandora Inn was a favourite in my student days in Falmouth. Full of character, a thatched roof and wobbly walls, the inside is perfect escapism. Outside though you can sip a cold beer or glass of wine on the pontoon over looking Restronguet Creek. Perfect. If you want to get even closer to the beach, then The Watering H

Outdoor Dining Ideas This Spring

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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

Digital Distractions This Lockdown

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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 one is the 2

Revelling in Local Beauty

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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

December is Full of Possibilities

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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, Eden are opening up their ice rin