Author: gloversure

Autumn at EWWines

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We speak to Ellis Wharton Wines, a Cornish company that selects the finest wines to accompany your beachside evenings.

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Introducing Ellis Wharton Wines

EWWines started in 2006, selling fine wines and spirits to Hotels and Restaurants all over the Southwest. Our premises at Indian Queens, just one minute off the A30, allow us to sell restaurant-quality wines to the public at competitive prices.  We offer an extensive hand-selected range of wine, spirits, beer and food, with express delivery across the UK or Click and Collect from our large shop open Monday to Saturday.

Beach Retreats carefully select the best locations for your beachside Cornish holiday. Why not allow us to take the same care and hand-select your holiday wines, delivered straight to your cottage doorstep?

Want to stay in Newquay? Have a look at our luxury holiday properties in Newquay.

Autumn wine recommendations

As the nights draw in and we adjust to the Autumnal changes around us, our taste buds also attune to the season. You may find yourself craving darker fruits and warm spiced flavours beside the warmth of a cosy wood burner. These flavours also work well with earthy Autumnal root vegetables and hearty stews, best enjoyed with great company after an active Autumnal Cornish day, whether you walked the coast path, played in the sea or strolled along the water’s edge.  Life’s all about decisions, let us guide your wine selections so you can concentrate on maximising your adventures!

Marques de Murrieta 2016 Blanco Reserva Capellania Rioja (Spain) 2016

The perfect Autumnal white.  From one of Rioja’s oldest Bodegas, produced from a single plot in Rioja Alta, this is a wine of superb balance with well-managed, French oak giving a smoky, toasty character with fresh pear, quince, camomile and dried apricots.  A truly versatile wine, favourite pairings would be with smoked fish or a sweetcorn chowder.  Works well with spiced Asian food too.

La Mascaronne Provence Rose (France) 2020

This wine proves Rose is for all seasons, not just summer! In the words of previous owner Tom Bove, “La Mascaronne has one of the finest terroirs in the Côtes de Provence appellation”.  In a short time, award winning wines were being produced and they are now served in many restaurants in Paris, London and the South of France.  In 2019 RobertParker.com said that La Mascaronne is an organic producer that “clearly merits more attention”.  Pairs well with roast rack of lamb in a redcurrant jam.  Also delicious with grilled prawns, or try with Provençal roast vegetables.

Gran Cerdo “Tempranillo” Rioja (Spain) 2020

One of our favourites at EWWines for sheer quality, quaff ability and the story behind the bottle!  Gran Cerdo Tempranillo is all about the purest expression of fruit with minimal sulphur. The winemaker, Gonzalo Gonzalo Grijalba is a legend (and not just for his name). He has proved that you can make a fantastic Rioja, following Organic & Biodynamic practices, at an affordable price.  Pairs well with most dishes- we love it with a Monkfish succotash or an autumn crown prince squash dish with toasted nuts.

Sons of Kennedy Barossa (Australia) 2018

Hailing from Eden Valley in Southeast Australia, the wine is made from nearby old vine Barossa Grenache (50%) giving concentrated red cherry, with a good helping of Barossa Shiraz (30%) to support with powerful, ripe blackberry fruit with 20% Mourvèdre which adds classic structure.  There is a firm focus on quality with the winemaking here.  Pairs well with a vegetable lasagne, goulash or a smoky rib of beef.

Box wine offer

Let us introduce for you either superb six or tasty twelve.  We select either 6 or 12 wines for you with free delivery to your holiday cottage for £150.  No nonsense, 6 or 12 outstanding wines for your holiday or delivered as a subscription service to any mainland UK address as a monthly (optional) wine box club.

Mixed cases and hampers 

Also do please browse our ever-changing mixed case and hamper deals.  A firm autumn favourite is our mixed Rioja case for £64.  1 Rose, 2 whites and three reds from around the well-known region, probably the UK’s favourite.

Click HERE for directions to the Ellis Wharton store, or browse online HERE

Indulge in coastal vibes with our shoreside-inspired drink recipes!

Where to Eat in Cornwall? | Detailed Guide

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From tucking into crispy battered fish and chips with mushy peas and a sea view, to fine-dining on seared lobster and creamy mussels, Cornish food is made to put a smile on your face. Created from a culture of fishing, farming and foraging which is integral to the identity of the land, Cornish cuisine excels in its unique flavours and its local-is-best ethos.

We’ve hand-picked our favourite places to dine in Cornwall, selecting restaurants that celebrate fresh Cornish produce. Whether you’re seeking the taste of the ocean’s seafood, locally reared meat or foraged veggie dishes, these restaurants have something for everyone. Here’s our guide of where to eat in Cornwall.

Interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

The Mariners, Rock

A chef’s take on pub grub, washed down with the finest of Cornish beer. This loved-by-locals pub overlooks the Camel Estuary and serves up the likes of crispy pollock hot dogs, Porthilly oysters and market fish of the day from Cornish waters. A must go to spot when visiting Cornwall.

The Peterville Inn, St Agnes

A traditional pub set in the heart of St Agnes, the Peterville Inn is the perfect place to dine at the end of a blustery coastal walk. Their menus evolve daily in order to make the best of the local, seasonal ingredients, so you’re guaranteed to be tasting the freshest of Cornish produce.

Paul Ainsworth No 6, Padstow

The reputation of this restaurant speaks for itself. With a Michelin star and celebrity status founder chef, you can expect the very finest of modern British food, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. No 6 is situated in a Georgian townhouse in the centre of Padstow, and offers a friendly, warm and sophisticated service.

Fancy looking at other areas of the North Coast? Explore our holiday properties in Padstow, just a short drive away from Port Isaac and Polzeath.

Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant, Padstow

This prestigious restaurant on the waterfront of Padstow is where Rick Stein’s culinary journey began. It has an international reputation born from its fresh seafood and shellfish dishes, which never fail to impress with their delicate layering of flavours. Dine on the sun-soaked terrace, overlooking Padstow harbour.

Porthminster Beach café – St Ives

This acclaimed beachside restaurant combines Asian and Mediterranean influences in dishes showcasing the freshest seafood, garden grown produce and foraged coastal ingredients. Recently awarded a 2 Rosette award for culinary excellence, this is a go-to destination for the finest of Cornish cuisine.

Prawn on the Lawn, Padstow

This exquisite seafood eatery changes their menus daily and even hourly depending on what the fisherman catch and land at their doorstep. Specialising in the freshest of fish and shellfish, every dish on their menu is a small slice of heaven.

Star & Garter, Falmouth

Fish directly from the boat and meat straight from the farm. The Star & Garter in Falmouth take a no-fuss approach to food, cooking up honest local produce paired brilliantly and served generously. From the fisherman’s catch of the day to mouth-watering Sunday roasts, this restaurant is your go to for a truly Cornish supper.

Kota, Porthleven

Kota means ‘shellfish’ in Maori, and head chef Jude is half Maori, half Chinese Malay. In this 300 year old building, right on Porthleven’s harbour front, you will find dishes of local produce with Jude’s signature Asian twist. From oysters, scallops, pigeon and duck, your taste buds will be delighted with his careful experimentation of flavours and textures.

We have retreats by the best beaches in Cornwall, near all the best foodie spots. Browse our locations to find your place, by the sea. Or, search by retreat here and taste the flavours of the ocean.

Looking for other fantastic restaurants in Cornwall? Check out some of our favourite restaurants with stunning sea views.

10 Restaurants for a Christmas Dinner

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Christmas is all about gathering around the table to enjoy the culinary delights of the season, whether it’s a home-cooked feast or a sumptuous restaurant meal. From herby roast potatoes, succulent meats, steaming organic veg and velvety gravy, a Christmas dinner is best spent with loved ones and your choice of wine.

If you’re spending Christmas by the coast, why not take the stress out of the cooking process and tuck into dinner at a beachfront eatery? From cosy family pubs warmed by roaring log burners to classy restaurants overlooking the ocean, here are our top picks of places to eat during the Christmas period.

Find out why December is the best time to visit Cornwall and some of our favourite December retreats.

The Colonial, Tolcarne beach

A slow paced, lavishly designed restaurant and bar positioned right on the sand of Tolcarne beach in Newquay, The Colonial is the perfect dinner spot for those looking to unwind and indulge. Their menu is inspired by the colourful flavours of the Caribbean, but you can expect seafood and traditional hearty dinners during the festive season. Storm watch on the terrace with an invigorating cocktail or settle by the open fire for a full three courses and wine.

Oceanside, Fistral

Soak up the ocean-infused atmosphere at Oceanside, a bar and restaurant on the salty shores of Fistral beach. Adorned with surf-inspired artwork, Bali-style lampshades, comfortable sofas and an open fireplace, this restaurant is ideal for those looking for a laid-back approach to the festivities. Its prime location means it is walking distance from Newquay town centre and many of our Fistral properties, so enjoy a glass of wine or two before strolling back along the beach.

Wax, Watergate bay

Dine in saltwater style at Wax, a popular family friendly restaurant and bar on the shores of Watergate bay. This is a hotspot all year round for beachgoers, and they don’t disappoint during the festive season too, acting as the perfect shelter from the bracing weather. Head here after a blustery walk along the South West Cost Path from Porth beach or Mawgan Porth and warm up with a hot chocolate.

Fort Inn, Newquay

A welcoming pub and restaurant in the heart of Newquay, the Fort Inn comes complete with beautiful sea views. Designed to cater for all members of the family, from little ones to grandparents, the Fort even has its own indoor soft play area. If you are holidaying with the kids in tow, this much-loved locals spot is the place to go for a hearty Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

Old Success Inn, Sennen

This serene spot in Sennen Cove is perfect for those looking for a comforting, lazy lunch after a morning spent in the sea air. With stone walls, sea views and an open fireplace, this landmark pub invites you to dine to the sound of the waves crashing outside. Head here to enjoy the festivities, coastal style.

Travellers Rest, Trevarrian

You’ll find this village pub nestled between Mawgan Porth and Watergate bay. Dating back to the 17th century, the ‘Travis’, as it is affectionately known locally, serves the best of seasonal, local produce, set amongst swathes of rural greenery and fresh sea air.

2 Fore Street, Mousehole

If you are looking for the fine dining experience this Christmas, 2 Fore Street offers just that. Set just off Mousehole harbourfront, this intimate restaurant bistro-style restaurant serves up freshly caught crab and bubbling prosecco. Book in for a Christmas dinner and follow the moonlit cobbled streets back to your retreat.

Lewinnick Lodge, Fistral

Lewinnick is the ultimate coastal restaurant. Situated on Pentire headland, you can soak up sweeping vistas as you eat, the perfect viewing spot for striking sunsets. With a bar area, pool tables, fireplace, plush carpets and sofas, you can wind down with a glass of something bubbly before heading to the sleek and sophisticated restaurant room for a truly Cornish Christmas supper.

Cove24, Newquay

One of the town’s newest eateries, Cove24 has had visitors in awe from the first bite. The dimmed lights, leafy plants and velvet seats give indication of what is to come: perfectly balanced, delightful dishes which are crafted and served to perfection. This restaurant is situated on the buzzing high street, just moments from Newquay bay. Head here for Christmas dinner in style.

Merrymoor Inn, Mawgan Porth

Let the flavours of the ocean be your winter warmer at the Merrymoor Inn, Mawgan Porth’s seafront pub and restaurant. Enjoy locally sourced food and drinks to the beat of the ocean, relishing in the warmth of the indoors as the sea foam flies. This pub can be reached via an invigorating walk along the coast path from Porth or Watergate bay, or is just moments from our Mawgan Porth properties.

Fancy staying in Mawgan Porth? Have a look at our Mawgan Porth holiday properties.

Thinking about staying for the New Year as well? Find out the best way to celebrate and spend the New Year in Cornwall.

Space to breathe

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“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir

As the temperature drops and the seasons shift, it can be tempting to spend your break indoors. But if you really want to feel your shoulders drop and your breathing slow, you need to venture into nature. With a surprising diversity of landscapes, including river banks, ancient woodland and rare heathlands, Cornwall offers a unique natural environment to explore.

“There’s something hugely freeing about being in open space,” psychotherapist and founder of the Nature Therapy School, Beth Collier, told The Guardian recently. “The part of the brain that is responsible for ruminative and negative thoughts – the subgenual prefrontal cortex – has been shown to quieten when we connect with nature, which gives people more space to process their problems.”

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This feeling of mental space, cultivated by time in nature, is something forager Rachel Lambert seeks out regularly. “When my mind is too busy, I step out on a walk and my worries drop away and things naturally prioritise themselves,” she says. “There’s always something to take your attention in nature, but it’s not searching for it. It’s those things you don’t need to cognitively understand: the breeze on your skin, the rain on your face. It awakens but also settles your whole system.”

Natural healing

Running wild food foraging walks across Cornwall, Rachel is well acquainted with being out in the elements. Based in Penzance, she loves the rugged romance of where the moors meet the sea. But Rachel believes nature is more than a beautiful backdrop. “Interaction with nature is really important,” she says. “It’s not a museum to stand back and admire. Foraging for me is about being able to see the landscape through a different lens. It’s a way to help us understand the environment and see that everything is interconnected.”

“Foraging for me is about being able to see the landscape through a different lens.”

Autumn is especially rich in pickings, with abundant hedgerows all around. “I’ve done some group walks recently between here and Marazion, and we’ve found sea spinach, burdock, yarrow, rock samphire, black mustard, beach roses, blackberries.”

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Rachel sees foraging as an antidote to the sadness of the fading of summer. “For lots of people, it’s a melancholic moment, so I think things like autumn berries can act as a marker and help us appreciate the new season.”

As Rachel explains, foraging is a mindful activity that uses all the senses. It’s hard to fret about work when you’re swerving the spikes of a sloe bush, or admiring the vivid orange skin of sea buckthorn berries.

Credit: Elliott White

“Our lifestyle is changing a lot quicker than our bodies,” says Rachel. “We simply haven’t been in modern houses for that long. But I think stimulating the senses outdoors is a great way of feeling alive – and feeling like a three-dimensional human being.”

Into the forest

Founder of Forest Bathing Cornwall, Paul Simmons, agrees that getting into the wild is key to wellbeing. “Stress is an understandable reaction to contemporary life, because historically we’ve spent so much time outdoors,” he says. “It’s in our DNA. It’s called biophilia – this affinity to being in nature.”

“When you go into the forest, you’re in a different time zone. It’s about slowing down, switching off and being present in that moment.”

A practitioner of the Japanese phenomenon of shinrin-yoku, Paul leads woodland walks across Cornwall, helping people to reconnect with the healing rhythms of nature.

“Forest bathing is the literal translation of ‘shinrin-yoku’, and it’s a clinically proven therapy,” says Paul. Defined as absorbing the atmosphere of the forest, forest bathing “is playful and intuitive. It’s about going back to a child-like state and using all the senses; looking at the light, listening for sounds, feeling the movement of the wind, seeing what you notice.”

“I always say it’s the forest that’s the therapist. As the practitioner, I’m the conduit.”

Paul’s assertion that forest bathing “helps with stress, it helps with sleep, it works with the cardiovascular system,” is supported by studies that show how forests can reduce cortisol, lower blood pressure, and increase parasympathetic nerve activity.

“When you go into the forest, you’re in a different time zone,” says Paul. “It’s about slowing down, switching off and being present in that moment. I always say it’s the forest that’s the therapist. As the practitioner, I’m the conduit.”

While he’s forever on the lookout for Cornish woods to work from, Paul has a few favourites. “On the northern side, Tehidy Woods is a good place to go. Then there’s Penrose Estate near Porthleven, and Coosebean Woods in Truro. We have lots of little rivers in Cornwall too, which are great for forest bathing. Being next to running water is so restorative.”

Off the beaten track

For author Sophie Pierce, whose book Wild Swimming Walks Cornwall showcases less-visited but spectacular routes for a stroll and a dip, walking in nature is a therapeutic activity.

“Walking gives you a sense of journey – you feel you’re going somewhere,” she says. “Then there’s the rhythm of the steps. The experiences you have along the way distract you, so that anxious thoughts fall away. And being out of your domestic environment – it’s liberating.”

“It’s exhilarating, watching the waves and being battered on the clifftop by the weather.”

For a walk with a unique mix of landscapes, Sophie heads to Frenchman’s Creek. “You start in the village of Helford, and pass a lovely beach called Penarven Cove. Then you walk around a bit further until you get to Frenchman’s Creek, then come up through the woods, passing a beautiful gallery with a garden called Kestle Barton.”

“If you go to the North Coast, where you’ve got amazing surf, that can be mindful in a different way,” says Sophie. “It’s exhilarating, watching the waves and being battered on the clifftop by the weather.

“There’s a circular walk in our book near Tintagel which involves all sorts of environments and feelings. It starts in the village of Bossiney, before heading through the enchanting woods of St Nectan’s Glen, where there’s a little river with an incredible waterfall, which has long been a place of pilgrimage for Pagans. Then the walk goes past an old mine and through Rocky Valley, where the river flows out to sea.”

“Beautiful landscapes stay with you. They nurture the soul.”

In 2017, Sophie’s life changed forever when her 20-year old son Felix died suddenly. Her new memoir, The Green Hill, will chart her navigation of the tides of grief – and the consolation of the natural world.

“When you lose somebody, you’re desperately trying to gain some kind of understanding,” says Sophie. “And there’s something eternal about nature. It feels permanent and so much bigger than us. I believe we are all part of nature, so if I’m somewhere where I feel in harmony with nature, then I feel there’s a connection back to my son.”

For Sophie, Paul and Rachel, natural beauty is an unbeatable tonic. “Beautiful landscapes where you feel a sense of infinity – moorland where you can see for miles, or a cliff above the sea – it’s almost like a connection with time,” muses Sophie. “Those places stay with you. They nurture the soul.”

Experience tranquillity with yoga on a Cornish beach, where the serene coastal backdrop enhances your practice and rejuvenates your spirit.

Find out more about foraging courses with Rachel Lambert
Book a forest bathing session with Paul Simmons
Buy a copy of wild Swimming Walks Cornwall and learn more about Sophie Pierce.

Natural Signs at Sea

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We spoke to sea watcher and Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeguard and supervisor Andrea Harvey about how we can decipher the signs of the sea: its waters, winds and swells, and the wondrous creatures that swim beneath…

When you imagine spending your holiday by the beach, you’re probably thinking golden sand, cerulean skies, and the distant murmur of lapping waves. It’s a picturesque image, but it’s just that – an image.

The real sea, the one that exists outside of postcards and holiday brochures, is far more vibrant and shifting. As Andrea, RNLI beach lifeguard and supervisor in Perranporth, Cornwall, tells us: “It’s not a cookie-cutter paradise place.”

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The sea is beautiful, yes, but it’s also “rustic and rough”. The winds, waves and tides are constantly changing, and strange creatures emerge from its watery depths. “Everyone wants to be near the sea in Cornwall,” adds Andrea with a wide smile. But can we learn how to read it?

See the swell, watch the wind
Being a lifeguard means constantly monitoring the sea, even when you’re at home. “You look up the conditions the night before to assess the individual beaches you’re working on to prepare for the day ahead,” Andrea says, “using apps like Magic Seaweed and Wind Guru” which report and forecast wind and swell directions.

“If it’s really windy, there’ll be lots of broken messy waves…less wind means cleaner, more defined waves”

The waves that you see breaking on the beach are influenced by several factors including the strength and direction of the wind, and the characteristics of the sea bed. The swell refers to a series of large waves travelling across the ocean before they reach the coastline and begin to form the waves that break on the beach. “If it’s really windy, there’ll be lots of broken messy waves and white water all over the place, and less wind means cleaner, more defined waves that break from a point and peel all the way along,” explains Andrea.

To know if a swell will affect the waves on the beach you’re going to, you’ll need to take into consideration the lay of the land and the swell direction: “If a beach is facing north and there is southerly swell the land mass will restrict the swells access to the beach; however there may still be waves due to the wind,” Andrea says.

“You can tell an awful lot just by sitting and looking at the water for a while.”

There aren’t any objectively ideal conditions: it all depends on what you want to do. “Light offshore winds and medium size swells are ideal for surfers but dangerous for kitesurfers, windsurfers and bodyboarders,” notes Andrea. If you’re just going for a dip, “light winds and 2-3 feet of surf are the best conditions to go in to have fun!”

Written in the waves
But with your feet sinking into soft sand and your eyes drawn out to sea, you might not want to interrupt the moment by checking your phone. The appeal of a beach holiday is partly in immersing yourself in your surroundings: “You can tell an awful lot just by sitting and looking at the water for a while,” says Andrea.

If you’re itching to jump in the water after a long walk, cycle or car journey, try to resist the urge for a moment: instead, sit on the beach, soak up the sun and interpret the signs you see.

If you are heading in for a swim, learning to read the moments of calm can be more important than reading the waves. “Quite a lot of the time, people come down to the beach and they see lots of waves everywhere, then they see a nice seemingly calm tranquil patch in the middle and think ‘oh that would be the best place to swim’ – but actually, that’s straight into a rip,” says Andrea.

A rip is a fast, current running out to deeper water, which can reach speeds of 4-5mph; you might spot a rippled surface where no waves are breaking, darker coloured deeper water or bits of seaweed or debris floating on it, being pulled out to sea. Instead, Andrea advises to swim “where the waves are.”

“It’s not just the water itself that you can read; the sea and skies are home to creatures that even the locals are still learning to recognise.”

If you do find yourself in a rip current, the key thing is not to panic. Don’t try to swim against the current as you may become exhausted. Instead, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float on the water. If you need to, gently move your arms and legs to help you float. Once you can control your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.

“With the sea temperature in the UK averaging just 12 degrees most of the year, there’s a chance you’ll feel the effects of cold-water shock when you first get in,” adds Andrea. The resulting increased heart rate or gasps for breath pass quickly, so relaxing and floating on your back is also a good tactic when the water is a little colder. That’ll reduce the chance of inhaling water and panicking.

Species spotting
It’s not just the water itself that you can read; the sea and skies are home to creatures that even the locals are still learning to recognise. Out at sea one day, Andrea was surprised by a “little fin coming through the water.’’ What she saw, however, was not a shark but a sunfish: a silvery, billowing orb of a fish that measures an incredible 11 feet and weighs up to 2.5 tons.

Their tendency to “lie on top of the water and sunbathe” means they are frequently mistaken for sharks. “They’ve got a really long floppy fin that looks a bit like a shark fin when it’s up in the air,” says Andrea.

“As a lifeguard, you quickly notice when things change and there’s new things going on”

Fortunately, sunfish are harmless. They like to feed on jellyfish, another creature that beachgoers may spot: strong winds and currents bring jellyfish to shore, explains Andrea, making their presence a marker of the recent conditions. And it’s not just surfers and jellyfish that are affected by the wind and currents: if it’s been stormy, you might stumble across a fluffy, whiskery little seal pup. “They’ll just come up to the beach for a little break,” grins Andrea.

Soaking up the landscape
Sitting quietly on a patch of sand and taking in the skies and sea can be a surprisingly exhilarating experience. “As a lifeguard, you notice when things change and there’s new things going on,” says Andrea.

You can tune into the human and nonhuman life around you; this season alone Andrea has seen “a minke whale, dolphins, seals, a jumping tuna fish – usually they’re in shoals so that’s an exciting sight – and quite a few Cornish choughs.”

“Seeing how the tides, waves and winds affect beaches differently is a fascinating glimpse into the powerful forces that shape coastal environments.”

As an endangered species, spotting a chough takes patience, a true sign that you’re immersing yourself in the coastal landscape. These crow-like birds with red beaks and feet are literally the stuff of legend: it’s said that when King Arthur died, his soul left in the form of a chough. Even if you’re on a short break, try to give yourself the peace and quiet to stare out to sea as a lifeguard might: you never know what might emerge.

Coastal adventures
If you wake up one morning wanting to explore somewhere new, simply going from beach to beach can be an adventure. “It’s shocked me how different they can be on the same day. Some of them can catch quite a lot of surf, and some of them can be quite flat,” explains Andrea.

Seeing how the tides, waves and winds affect beaches differently is a fascinating glimpse into the powerful forces that shape coastal environments. It also means you can try out different activities; why not swim and sunbathe at one, and surf at another?

“Really, though, just being by the sea is the true adventure, even for those who know it well.”

But while it’s fun to celebrate the variety of beaches, it’s always best to try and stick to those that are lifeguarded, especially if you are planning on going in the sea. RNLI lifeguards operate on over 240 beaches across the UK during the peak summer season, so there’s plenty of choice: “Lifeguards have done all the thinking beforehand,” says Andrea, meaning that any potential hazards have been noted. There’ll be red and yellow flags showing you the safest place to swim, and you can chat to the lifeguards about any concerns you have.

Really, though, just being by the sea is the true adventure, even for those who know it well. If you stay alert to what’s around you, something unexpected is bound to appear – in water, on the beach or up in the air.

To find out more about the RNLI, how to stay safe and where to find your nearest lifeguarded beach, please visit: rnli.org/safety/beach-safety

Experience the captivating beauty of dawn and dusk along the Cornish coast, as we compare and contrast these magical moments in nature’s theatre.

Fairer fishing in Cornwall

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Freshly landed catch for dinner might be hard to beat when you’ve escaped to the sea and headed out for the evening. But how do we know that the seafood we’re enjoying has come from a sustainable sea?

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Fishing boats setting off in the early hours, returning in time for kitchen prep. Yellow-wellied ship’s crew battling the elements to bring in the freshly landed produce. It’s hard-won and highly valued catch, and often at its best when you’re close to the source.

Credit: Phil Lockley

But with the spotlight on how the mass fishing industry is causing devastating effects on our oceans – from plastic pollution to harming other sea life – how can we be sure that that the fish sizzling up for dinner by the beach comes from a sustainable, local source?

The chances are that if you order cod and chips in Cornwall, it’s not going to be local. “Swapping your cod for hake or pollock can be the first step to making a more sustainable choice,” explains Marine Conservation Biologist Matt Slater.

“Gradually we’re working to close the loop between those catching it and those eating it.”

Slater now runs the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide – an initiative that encourages people to make sustainable seafood choices. Its website rates the 60-plus species landed in Cornish harbours from 1 to 5 (1 being the most sustainable, 5 being the least, and everything from 1-3 being recommended).

Taking your pick from the recommended list means eating seafood with a healthy population, that’s well looked after by the local fishing industry and is caught with little impact on the environment, no dredging or accidental by-catch.

Safely caught

Slater is quick to highlight that much of Cornwall’s fishing industry is small scale and sustainable. He also emphasises the need for us all to be more adventurous and to try something different when we buy or order seafood, avoiding imported fish from less sustainable sources.

Credit: Phil Lockley

“Historically, much of Cornwall’s seafood was exported to the continent, while much of what we buy in supermarkets is imported,” explains fisheries scientist and line fisherman Al Kingston. “But gradually we’re working to close the loop between those catching it and those eating it.”

“Cornwall’s fishing industry is considered much lower impact than in many parts of the globe…home to a vibrant shore fleet of day boats, whose impact is much less than that of the commercial vessels.”

We can all help close that loop, which means getting our hands on some the freshest and highest quality seafood available, in some cases straight from the fishing community landing their catch in Cornish harbours.

Direct from the source

Joe Emmet has been fishing since he was a child, and uses sustainable potting and hand-lining methods to land brown crab, spider crab, lobster, pollock and mackerel, from his small boat moored on the North Cornish coast in Newquay.

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Credit: Abby Crosby

“We’re truly passionate about sustainability, running our family business, Newquay Fish, as close to zero waste as possible, as well as trying to get people to try species that are in season and local to them,” explains Emmet. He’s just one member of the fishing community listed on the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide, alongside others from Sennen to Padstow.

While many of us have seen documentaries slating the fishing industry and persuading us to avoid seafood for the good of the planet, Kingston is quick to reiterate that “Cornwall’s fishing industry is considered much lower impact than in many parts of the globe, and for a long time it’s been home to a vibrant shore fleet of day boats, whose impact is much less than that of the commercial vessels”.

“Megrim has just been rebranded as Cornish Sole. A delicious alternative that’s becoming more popular.”

Al has spent 20 years looking at how fishing can affect protected and sensitive species, from seabirds to sharks, and witnessed a huge shift towards better fishing practices, with Cornwall leading the.

In balance with the wildlife

Take hake, since the 90s, when hake was in massive decline, a recovery effort has seen stocks return to safe levels across northern Europe. The majority of hake landed to Cornish ports is caught using gill nets, and all vessels over 12m long use pingers that scare dolphins and other cetaceans away from the nets.

Fishing boats are now helping sole and Dover sole in a similar way. So, what else should we be eating that lands in abundance on Cornish shores?

“Megrim has just been rebranded as Cornish Sole”, says Slater, “and is a delicious alternative that’s becoming more popular.” Other sustainable choices we can opt for range from rope-caught mussels farmed in St Austell Bay and the Camel Estuary (think steaming pot of moules marinière), to line-caught mackerel (perfect thrown on a beach barbecue).

Cornish sardines are landed in huge numbers by sustainable ring-net fisheries and a small fleet of only 15 boats. Mega shoals are found off our shores from July to January, attracting other marine life too, from dolphins to humpback whales.

“The Wheelhouse Crab and Oyster Bar in Falmouth thrives on the authentic seafood experience, serving up platters of shellfish with bibs and finger bowls.”

“There are many understated local species that are being used more now – namely turbot, gurnard and spider crab,” says Al Kingston. “Spider crab is delicious – it’s just a bit of a faff to eat. But people need to embrace and enjoy the process of eating seafood – not just expect it served up ready to eat in batter, with no thought to its provenance.”

The Wheelhouse Crab and Oyster Bar in Falmouth thrives on the authentic seafood experience, serving up platters of shellfish with bibs and finger bowls. Its success proving that we just need to get stuck in when it comes to crab, crawfish and oysters. It’s all part of the real-deal seafood experience.

And if you’re not prepared to get a bit messy, then seek out the eateries where they serve local seafood dressed up as easy-to-eat dishes, such as at the Verdant Seafood Bar down the road from the Wheelhouse in Falmouth, and Catch Seafood Bar & Grill in Mawgan Porth, on Cornwall’s north coast.

Wherever you eat out, just ask the right questions: how was it caught and where was it caught?

Credit: Matt Slater

So, before a trip to the supermarket or the nearest chippy for dinner, checkout the list of places to buy local Cornish seafood – from fishmongers and fisherfolk, to restaurants and wholesalers, and look out for the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide recommended logo on packaging and menus.

Find out more on cornwallgoodseafoodguide.org.uk

Embark on a culinary journey with our freshest spring recipes, celebrating the vibrant flavors and seasonal delights of the season.

Walk through Polly Joke

polly joke 1

Follow the path between wildflower-bursting meadows and endless fields towards this secluded cove.

Lowenna from our marketing team takes us on the walk down to Polly Joke, a peaceful beach just ten minutes from Crantock village.

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Its only half past nine in the morning but the sun is high in the sky above this stretch of coastline, as I set off on my walk towards Polly Joke beach. A lesser-known gem tucked away in a valley of sheep-dotted hills, this cove is walkable from nearby Crantock village and also can be visited by car, with three car parks nearby.

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Starting on a bumpy path on the West Pentire side of the cliffs, this route takes you through wooden gates, colourful fields and unruly hedgerows on the gradual decline down to the sand. On my right as I begin is Crantock beach, its crescent of sand separated by a stretch of ocean. Immediately to either side of me lies fields of yellow and red wildflowers. If you visit in late spring to early summer, these fields will be blooming with vibrant poppies, filling the space with a dazzling burst of scarlet.

At the signpost, turn left down towards the beach. As you wander down, delight in the uninterrupted sounds of bees buzzing in and out of the meadows, the low rumble of the ocean becoming audible in the distance. This walk to the beach is one of the most peaceful in the area- with no roads or buildings and few people, you become cocooned by the sounds, sights and smells of nature.

The moment that the beach comes into clear view is always special. White waves gallop onto the sand, curling around the shapes of early morning swimmers. Down on the beach, you can cross a trickling river by a small footbridge or paddle through it, letting the water lap onto your feet. At this time in the morning, the beach is relatively quiet, the perfect time to secure a sheltered spot tucked into one of the nooks of the cliff for a day of sunbathing. Polly Joke is dog friendly all year round, and it has no lifeguards so be sure to be careful if going in the water.

Discover the scenic walk from Crantock to a mystery location, exploring hidden gems and stunning coastal vistas along the way in Cornwall.

In just under ten minutes, you have reached a waterside haven. However, if you would like to carry on the walk, you can climb up onto the other side of the cliff, where uninterrupted coastpath leads you round to Holywell bay. This route takes you past sheep which populate the fields, so be sure to keep dogs on leads. If you look down you may spot the colony of grey seals who bask down on the cliffside coves at low tide.

If a day down on the beach leaves you feeling peckish, head back into Crantock village where you will find an array of tearooms and pubs serving light snacks, hearty meals and everything in between. Our particular favourite is Jam Jar Kitchen, a courtyard café tucked underneath a canopy of grapevines which serves superfood smoothies and bagels by day and wood fired sourdough pizza with rosé by night.

September Retreats

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Warm waters, gentle swells, quiet beaches and rich sunsets… September in Cornwall embodies the best of all seasons. With the summer holidays having drawn to a close and kids back to school, the coast is significantly more peaceful than in former months, yet the autumn climate still allows for BBQs and sea swims galore. In fact, September is when the ocean often reaches its peak temperature, having been warmed by weeks of summer sun. Here’s our list of retreats available in September, inviting you to enjoy a post-summer stay within arm’s reach of the beach.

Watergate Lodge, Watergate Bay

20% off 7 night September stays.

Just 400 metres from Watergate Bay sits this unique eco house. A haven of natural light and energy, this retreat thrives off the environment, from its wildflower grass roof, innovative curved design and countryside surroundings. Watergate Lodge sleeps twelve and is available for a discounted stay in September.

4 Karn Havos, Bedruthan

20% off 7 night September stays.

4 Karn Havos is a coastal house situated in an area of clifftop near Bedruthan Steps known as a “Dark Sky Discovery Site”, where the lack of light pollution means you can spot shooting stars, constellations and planets. September in particular is a perfect time for this, with the climate still warm enough to allow for night-time stargazing out in the sea air.

11 The Liner, Falmouth

20% off 7 night September stays.

Situated moments from the sub-tropical gardens and glimmering water of Falmouth, 11 The Liner is the dream spot for a September retreat. Just footsteps from this seafront apartment you can delight in Gyllyngvase Beach during its quieter season. Falmouth is also an excellent choice for September due to its lively array of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Crooklets House, Bude

20% off 7 night September stays.

Crooklets House is a large and spacious family home brimming with the promise of sandy mornings, shorefront days and moonlit nights. Situated just moments from the shorefront of Bude, this retreat sleeps twelve is perfect for large groups or families looking for a September stay.

Trevornick Farmhouse, Holywell Bay

This Grade II listed Georgian Farmhouse sits in 1.5 acres of private land, tucked inside Trevornick Holiday Park. You will have use of the holiday park facilities just next door, including a bar and eateries, swimming pool, golf course, fishing ponds, BMX track and a forest trail- all of which will be significantly quieter than over the summer months. Not to mention, the retreat itself has its own enviable features such as a sunken hot tub, separate outdoor kitchen with a BBQ and wildflower gardens.

12 Cannery Row, Hayle

Available 17 – 23 September

Live to the rhythm of #Hayle estuary at 12 Cannery Row, a waterfront townhouse beside the ebb and flow of the river. Here, you will be so close to the port that you can watch the fisherman going out to sea, and sample the fresh lobster that they bring back in. This retreat sleeps six with a private tidal mooring adjacent to it, perfect for those wanting to kayak, paddleboard or have a small boat (prior consent from the Harbour Master required).

Seven Gates, Widemouth Bay

If you’re seeking the peace and quiet which September offers, Seven Gates is a retreat which won’t fail to provide. Situated in luscious green countryside on the rugged coast of Widemouth Bay, the surroundings are as calming as the beach house style interiors. This retreat sleeps eight and is available for the second half of September.

Chy Lowen, Mousehole

Tucked away in one of Mousehole’s winding lanes is Chy Lowen, a cosy cottage with beach chic décor and a garden bursting with leafy plants and colourful flowers. In summer, this sleepy village is a tourist hotspot, but beyond the peak season it regains its reputation as a serene harbourside town. Six can settle in here for the last week of September.

4 Ocean Walk, Perranporth

This contemporary retreat is part of a new development just a few minutes’ walk from the dramatic seafront of Perranporth. A colourful town known for its selection of boutique shops and eateries and its vast expanse of sand lined with golden dunes, Perranporth is the perfect town for a September visit. You may even get to see some live music during your stay, regularly hosted at the famous Watering Hole, a venue directly on the sand.

Bol Y Maer, Bude

Save 20% on 7 night stays in September

Take your pick from eight modern apartments with a rustic beach feel, from distressed wood cabinets, glass fronted balconies to use of a heated indoor swimming pool. The Bol Y Maer development sits just moments from Crooklets Beach in Bude. Hire boats and pedalos to enjoy the quieter waters or visit the farmers’ and craft market which runs throughout September.

16 Waves, Watergate Bay

20% off 7 night stays in September

16 Waves sleeps four and is situated just moments from the shoreline of Watergate bay. The beat of your heart in the surf, the taste of fried fish and juicy burgers, the sea salt on your skin, the sight of people dotted about, lively and smiling, in and out of the topaz blue sea. It’s all part and parcel of Watergate Bay, the adrenalin junkie’s paradise which embodies the spirit of the North Cornwall coast.

 

Experiencing Skyfall

skyfall balcony

“So close to the beach that you can hear the fizzle of water as it drags back over the pebbles”.

The Beach Retreats team recently stayed at our newest penthouse apartment overlooking Gyllyngvase beach in Falmouth – Skyfall. Hear from our Content Coordinator Lowenna Merritt on how we got on.

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When I was offered an overnight stay at Skyfall, I jumped at the opportunity. Being the jewel in the crown of the brand-new The Liner development in Falmouth, this two-story penthouse apartment has been the talk of the town since it was completed this year. Sitting proudly in a prime position at The Liner, it gazes down on the beach below, and the sky reflects in its large, duplex windows. The Liner itself was designed and inspired by a classic cruise liner, and thus Skyfall is the bow of the ship, a sight to behold from the surrounding streets below.

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Arriving at this development, I just couldn’t wait to get inside. The calm shoreline of Gylly beach is already a treat for the eyes, so I just knew that the view from above would be even better. The lift took me up to the fifth floor, where I stepped into the hallway, greeted by the haze of blue sea beyond the windows.

This open plan living, dining and kitchen space was everything I imagined and more. Smooth wooden floorboards, a huge comfy sofa, remote control fireplace, leafy green plants, marble effect worktops and of course, the expanse of ocean and sky through the floor to ceiling windows that grasps your attention from the get-go.

The first thing I did was step out onto the large balcony and simply soak it all up. The smell of the sea air, slightly tinged by the tang of seaweed, the sound of the gentle waves murmuring and the hum of beachgoers below, and of course, the irresistible turquoise moana which dominates the view, a vista stretching from Pendennis castle on the left to the distant cliffs of the Helford passage on the right.

So close to the beach that you can hear the fizzle of water as it drags back over the pebbles, yet simultaneously so high up in the sky that you have a complete sense of seclusion and privacy is a truly special feeling. As the evening sun began to paint the sky with softer tones of pink, we opened a bottle of wine and enjoyed a glass looking out towards the sea, before preparing dinner.

Gylly Beach Café is directly below The Liner and is an excellent option for an evening bite, but we couldn’t drag ourselves away from the comfort of this apartment.

Prawn linguine, white wine, olives and a dazzling sea view, can you ask for anything more? After dinner, as sunset approached, the sky was slowly warming in colour, so we took a blanket and dessert onto the balcony to watch it unfold. Gyllyngvase beach is on the south coast, so it benefits from beautiful sunrises directly over its horizons, whilst the sun sets to the east, in the distance behind its tropical gardens. However, as Skyfall benefits from a 270 degree balcony wrapping around the front and side of the apartment, the vivid orange of the sunset is still visible from the other side. Having a space like this to watch the sun go down was truly a unique experience. Curled up in a blanket, we had all the comfort and warmth of an evening in, yet could still enjoy the uninterrupted expanse of sky perform its nightly display of colour and light.

We sat outside until the sky had completely darkened, the moonlight gently lighting up the sea. Crawling into bed after an evening in the fresh sea air made the bedroom feel even more cosy. We all fell asleep to the distinct sound of the waves, something I don’t think I have ever experienced before.

In the morning, we awoke early, grabbed a towel and swimwear and headed straight down to the beach for a dip. The Liner is literally footsteps from the sand, so there’s no need to even get changed on the way back from the beach, just wrap up in a towel and walk barefoot. At just gone seven in the morning, the beach was fairly quiet except for the occasional fellow swimmer. The water felt cold at first, but as soon as I dived under I felt wholly refreshed, and delighted in this natural way of waking up. Who needs a morning coffee anyway?

Heading back to the apartment from the beach took seconds, and I jumped straight in the shower before taking breakfast out onto the balcony. That morning could not have been more blissful; so simple yet so perfect.

Skyfall is a retreat that you won’t want to leave. It embodies that beach feeling, an irresistible pull towards the ocean which leaves you unable to take your eyes off the view.

Explore our other retreats and discover tranquillity at Gaia, a serene Beach Retreats property.

Change of Pace: Deep

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Whether you’re exploring on a single breath, or stealthily seeking your supper, taking your ocean activity beneath the surface is the ultimate in water time contradictions – giving in to the calm surrender of the deep even when your pulse is jumping…

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Breathless discoveries

Credit: Aquacity

Hold your nerve, take a breath, dive. Freediving – diving beneath the surface on a single breath – is not a sport for the faint hearted. With no scuba or air tank to rely on and only your instinct as your guide, it’s at the more demanding end of the watersports spectrum.

“Freediving has the reputation of being an extreme sport,” says Georgina Miller from freediving outfit Aquacity in Porthkerris, “but really, it’s all about relaxing and exploring your relationship to the sea. It’s actually vital that you relax while challenging yourself and pushing your body to its limit.”

“It’s quiet and you’re in such a different environment – you can lose a sense of yourself and relax into it peacefully. But this only comes with patience and practice at being calm and present.”

A competitive free diver and instructor, Georgina explains that the breathing techniques freediving uses are useful for staying calm in any situation. But if you are brave enough to venture under the waves, the sport is even more of a stress buster, says Georgina. “Being underwater, for most people, allows some peace in an otherwise hectic world,” she continues, “It’s quiet and you’re in such a different environment – you can lose a sense of yourself and relax into it peacefully. But this only comes with patience and practice at being calm and present.”

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Credit: Aquacity

There’s no doubt that competitive freediving brings more of a heightened edge to the discipline. Freedivers can regularly swim down to depths of more than 100 metres on a single breath. It’s a very specialist, highly skilled world, where technique and ability juxtapose with mindfulness and calm. Freediving is not without its risks so it’s important to never dive alone and let qualified instructors lead you safely into the deep.

But even at the leisure pursuit end of the sport, there are thrills to be found. Though more often than not, they come from the interactions that happen under the water, rather than the depths reached.

In addition to dolphins and seals, Georgina regularly sees lobsters and spider crabs hiding in the cracks, magnificent shoals of pollock, wrasse and mackerel, and majestic basking sharks drifting through the depths.

“We had a training session recently where a pod of dolphins came to check us out – they looked like they felt sorry for us not being able to swim too well!” she concludes. “When you’re being checked out by marine mammals there definitely seems to be a connection, they’re curious, even playful. It’s pretty incredible.”

aquacityfreediving.com

Steady stealth

Credit: Chris Moakes

Add the pursuit and excitement of the hunt and catch into your deep water time and you’re taking it up a gear. Spear fishing, freediving’s faster-paced cousin, is one of the most sustainable ways to fish and requires, skill, dexterity, speed and patience, all in one.

This balance of quick action and absolute calm is something Laith Dajani from Spearfishing UK knows all too well, as he explains, of a recent dive. “On one breath I went down to 13 metres, to fish. It took roughly 17 seconds to get to the bottom. I found and speared a 9lb Pollock in seven seconds, and then came back up in another 17 seconds,” he says. The whole experience was just 41 seconds in total. But with that level of excursion and concentration, diving to and rising from the ocean floor all in the smallest window of time, staying relaxed is an epic task in itself.

“It’s all about stealth and tactics. Sometimes fish are curious…Alternatively, stalking works just as well, hiding or moving as slowly as possible through seaweed, not making a sound.”

For Laith, it’s the unique mix of control and quick thinking that gives spearfishing its appeal. “You want to remain as calm as possible. If you’re stressed, the fish will be stressed, and they won’t be comfortable around you,” he continues. “It’s all about stealth and tactics. Sometimes fish are curious, so making grunting noises can attract them, or throwing up sand can bring them in. Alternatively, stalking works just as well, hiding or moving as slowly as possible through seaweed, not making a sound.”

But when the time comes to fire the speargun, you have to think fast. “You need to be in the moment with no hesitation,” he says, “otherwise the fish will scatter and you’ll be swimming to the surface empty-handed.”

Credit: Chris Moakes

If the speargun isn’t for you, you can hunt for lobster, brown crabs, scallops and mussels by hand. For Laith, catching a 9lb lobster off Cornwall’s south coast was an unbeatable experience. “Lobsters like to hole up and can be found as shallow as one metre. You just need to look in as many holes as possible and eventually you’ll stumble across one.”

From combing the sea floor for shellfish to plunging into the deep, underwater ocean time is all about finding the right pace for you and working with the ocean. As Georgina says about freediving, “it’s not about an application of your will over the water, you have to consider the environment and work with it.” And what a magical environment the Cornish coastline has to offer, shoreline, surface or deep. Now, who’s for a dip?

spearfishing.co.uk

Read about adventures of every pace: on the shoreline or on the surface too…

Experience transformational moments with Beach Retreats as you explore new horizons and enrich your soul.