Author: gloversure

Five Cornish Sea Pools

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There’s nothing like a swim in the wild Cornish ocean- fresh saltwater kisses your skin, seaweed-tinged coastal air fills your nostrils and endless blue fills your vision. Yet the sea’s unpredictable nature means some days see a raging swell and visceral currents, making even the most sheltered beach non-swimmable. So, we have compiled a list of five Cornish sea pools, some hidden behind rocky shorelines or existing only at low tide, which provide the perfect spot for a dip, sheltered from the Atlantic surges.

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a swimming pool? Check out our cottages with a swimming pool for a relaxing getaway.

Chapel Rock Pool, Perranporth

Nestled amongst the rockpools on the far side of Chapel Rock, this small tidal pool is easily missed unless you know where to find it. Replenished by the sea twice a day, this pool fills with water which is often warmed by the sun and is the perfect spot for children to frolic, safe from the swirling pull of Perranporth’s main waters.

Dive into the fascinating world of Cornwall’s rockpools.

Check out our other holiday lets in Perranporth.

Children’s Pool, Priest’s Cove

In this rugged, rocky cove in Cape Cornwall, a small pool has been carved out, the perfect spot for dipping your feet and splashing about amongst the shingle-dotted shoreline. This pool was built in the 1950s and is only accessible at low tide. The surrounding currents of Cape Cornwall can be strong, so this pool offers provides solace for younger ones to safely play.

Porthtowan Tidal Pool

Tucked away between cliff faces and secret caves to the north of the main beach, this swimming spot can only be reached at low tide. During powerful swells, waves will crash into the pool, but on a calm day as the tide drops this pool transforms into a haven to bob about in, taking pleasure in the largely undisturbed environment. Previously, there was a set of ‘secret’ steps leading down from the coast path, but these have eroded away over the years. This means that there is a chance of getting cut off at high tide so do take care when visiting and always check the tide times.

Bude Sea Pool, Summerleaze beach

At the base of the cliffs of Summerleaze beach you’ll find a large, unique tidal swimming pool. Built for bathing out of the waves, this pool is especially spectacular on stormy days where you can gaze out to the raging swells from the serenity of your protected spot. This pool is popular all year round yet its generous size allows for plenty of space to breathe in the fresh sea air and listen to the gulls as you swim uninterrupted.

Jubilee Lido, Penzance

Proudly sitting on the sea front of Penzance, you will find the Jubilee Lido, an art deco sea water lido. As the UK’s largest and most celebrated sea water pool, it is famous for its contemporary design and seaside location. Head here for a sunbathe on the sun-trap poolside before enjoying the calm of the natural sea water, generally two degrees warmer than the water of Mount’s Bay just beyond the walls.

Ten tips to help you take better photos

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This week we are talking to Damian Bailey, an award-winning wedding and family photographer, on how you can take better photos and make the best of your family holiday memories.

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

“I have been a professional photographer since 2003 and photographing kids and families it is my single favourite thing to do with my camera.

Between July 11th and 31st I shall be in North Cornwall for The Beach Sessions; family photography shoots, morning or evening, at the location of your choice. Relaxed, fun and natural and all done in an hour because you don’t want it to take over your day.

Check out our locations and retreats across North Cornwall.

On holiday with friends? No problem – multi-family shoots are really popular.

On holiday with pets and well-behaved grandparents? Bring them too!

The tips below will help you take better photos of your kids and family this Summer. Or, why not take the stress out of it and let me capture your happy holiday memories, now that you are all finally together on holiday after a hell of a year?

Full details of The Beach Sessions can be found here: damianbailey.com

Explore Instagram-worthy escapes in Cornwall, where breathtaking landscapes and picturesque retreats create perfect moments for your feed.

Ten Tips to help you take better photos

Don’t zoom in – GET CLOSER!

Zooming in on a phone will reduce the quality of the photo. Instead, actually move towards or further away from the subject until you can see what you want to see in the photo. If you can’t do this then you’ll have to use the zoom but try and avoid it if you can.

What are you photographing?

Think really carefully about what is in the photograph. This is called composition or framing the photo. Sounds simple but it’s fundamental to taking good photos.

Law of Thirds

This is a good rule of thumb when taking photos. Depending on your phone/camera, you may be able to turn on a grid created by two equally spaced vertical lines and two equally spaced horizontal lines.

When taking a photo try to place the subject on one of the points where the lines intersect. This will help your composition and make the photos more engaging. It’s not a hard and fast rule but it’s worth thinking about.

Don’t say “Smile!”

Asking people to smile doesn’t work. It just ends up with an awkward half-smile that looks weird. If you want happy expressions in your photos you have to try to make people laugh. You can also ask someone off-camera to help you make them laugh.

Beware! There is no dignity in this! Do whatever it takes to make people laugh whilst taking their photo.

Don’t just stand there!

Don’t just stand there! Try different angles. Shoot from above or below your subject. Lie down, stand on something. Create silhouettes, create movement and variety in your photos, even when photographing the same subject. Shoot in landscape (horizontal) and portrait (vertical) too, to give you maximum choice.

See the light!

Light; it’s the natural resource of all photography and how you use it is the single most creative element at your disposal when taking photographs.

If you are outside, try putting the sun behind your human subject or in the shade. This is counter-intuitive to everything you’ve ever ‘learnt’ about photography, but it is the way of the professional and means that there won’t be any harsh shadow on the faces, no squinting and a lovely halo of light around their head and shoulders. You can also create amazing silhouettes! Of course, sometimes the location and required photos mean your subjects have to face the sun but try to keep it to a minimum of you can.

If it’s cloudy, anything goes!

When indoors, get your subject facing a source of natural light like a window or an open door. Avoid having a window behind your subject as this will often cause your camera to underexposure the photo.

Check out my little video on this subject.

Take LOTS of photos

Practice makes perfect and you’ll never regret taking photos. So take lots of them! I use an app called 1 Second Everyday which is a great way of getting into the habit of recording your surroundings on a daily basis. Also, when taking photos of your kids, for example, take lots at one time. Move around your subject as you are taking photos. Each will be subtly different as their expressions change etc. It’s all about playing around and practising.

Edit your photos

Go through them regularly, delete photos you don’t want to keep, edit the ones you do. Use apps like Snapseed, Blackie and even your phone’s built in editing function. Don’t overdo the filers, cropping and editing but your photos will benefit from some editing.

Do something with your photos

Get them framed and on the wall, upload them to a digital photo frame, make albums. Anything except leaving them on your phone where you’ll never see them.

Back them up

Imagine losing your phone and all your photos with it. Nightmare, right? So, make sure you back them all up. The easiest way to do this is to back your photos up to the cloud. Google Photos is a great option for this. Dropbox also works well. Detachable hard drives are also a good idea.

A Full Guide to Falmouth’s Beaches | Insider Information

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When we picture Falmouth, we see sailing boat masts bobbing on the harbour and cruise liners slowly rolling along the horizon. The town is famed for its connection to maritime heritage, and this is integral to its identity. Yet on spending a day in Falmouth, it is easy to get sucked into the allure of its clothing boutique and eatery-dotted streets, whiling away the hours in the busy hub of the town whilst barely catching a glimpse of the ocean beyond.

So, we’ve created this handy guide to Falmouth’s 5 bays, helping you to drift away from the chatter of the main strip and towards the serenity of what are some of south Cornwall’s finest beaches.

Want to stay in a luxury holiday house with a view of the sea? Check out our cottages with sea views.

Castle beach

Greenery sways in the gentle sea breeze at this peaceful and sheltered cove. At high tide, Castle Beach is mainly shingle, but as the water stretches out a map of barnacle-dotted rockpools are revealed, perfect for any little explorers you might have in tow. Looking out to the sea, which glitters under the heat of the midday sun, you have views of Falmouth Bay in one direction and Pendennis Castle and St Anthony headland in the other. Head to Castle Beach for a ramble along the rocky shoreline before joining the South West Coast Path to explore further afield.

Gyllyngvase beach

Neighboured by sub-tropical gardens, Gylly beach is a haven of the beachside lifestyle. Sitting on the soft white sand, you can gaze out at the ships and sailboats dotted along the water. Its crescent shape harbors a gentle pool of sea water which is mostly flat, making it perfect for activities such as sea swimming and stand up paddleboarding. Gylly Beach Café sits right on the sand and serves hot food and drinks all day and evening long. Taste the chilli kick of panko breaded squid or the zest of fresh lemongrass seabass with the buzz of the beach in the background.

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

Swanpool beach

Time rolls at a slower pace at Swanpool Beach, a serene sand and shingle bay on the outskirts of Falmouth. Its adjoining lake is a Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Its glassy clear water reflects the colour of the sky in the summer sun, the sheet of blue only breaking as you submerge into its icy water for a dip. Looking to get your heart pumping? Head to the beach’s watersports centre to try your hand at kayaking, dinghy sailing, windsurfing or coasteering.

Nansidwell beach

This beach is often known as Woodlands, and this is because of its surroundings- walk the footpath between Maenporth and Mawnan Smith through green woodland and you will come out at the hidden cove, an area looked after by the National Trust. Nestled out of the wind, the beach is a sun trap where you can listen to the rustle of the trees behind you as your eyes rest on the topaz blue moana ahead.

Maenporth Beach

Green rolling headlands curve down towards Maenporth Beach, an adorable cove dotted with the pink and blues of parasols and beach towels across its yellow sand. Slightly further out from Falmouth town, this beach is lined with sub-tropical trees which stand tall around the perimeter of the bay. Head here for a family day out or a solo sunbathe, hearing the birds chirping in the sub-exotic foliage.

Check out our other locations and other retreats across South Cornwall.

Browse our beach locations in Cornwall to explore further, and keep an eye out on our special offers page for discounted stays in Falmouth.

Dawn vs Dusk

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The magic hours. Which is your favourite?

“A sculptor’s landscape is one of ever-changing space and light where forms reveal themselves in new aspects as the sun rises and sets.”

– Barbara Hepworth in Barbara Hepworth: Drawings from a Sculptor’s Landscape, 1966 barbarahepworth.org.uk,

 

Want to stay in a luxury holiday house with a view of the sea? Check out our cottages with sea views.

 

The sun rose just after 5 o’clock this morning; it will set just before 9.30pm. We’re in the daylight month and each day the summer sun creates stunning, relaxing and inspiring skies in those early or late hours. Staying steps from the shore means the freedom to enjoy those moments even more.

Coastal skies don’t hold claim to the most spectacular dawns and dramatic dusks but they’re undoubtedly among the best. Sharing an image by Kirstin Prisk (@kirstinprisk) of a sunset sky in St Ives this month, the Tate St Ives nodded to the unique light the sun creates there: “The town of St Ives has long been an artistic hub, attracting artists since the time of J.M.W Turner because of the beauty of the landscape and quality of natural light.”

That corner of coastal light has inspired artists since the 1930s, and around the British coast early risers and evening explorers are rewarded with colour shows to take the breath away.

Which are you, an early riser catching the first light or an out of hours dusk seeker?

We asked members of the Beach Retreats team to share one of their favourite phot0s out of hours at the beach. As you’ll see below, dusk comes out on top.

And if you’ve captured a great shot at the beach out of hours, why not share it with us on Instagram or Facebook ­­– tag us @beachretreats and add #beachoutofhours ­– to be in with a chance of winning a land&water bathtime bundle and luxury Cornish hamper.

Lingering light

Lowenna in the Beach Retreats marketing team likes to catch the fading light as it disappears over the horizon. There’s no better place to watch the day slip away over the horizon than the sweeping vistas of the north Cornish coast.

This shot was captured on the sand dunes that lead down to the breaks at Fistral beach in Newquay. “I like to wait until the sun has completely dropped, to see the lingering glow on the horizon,” says Lowenna.

Open ocean

There’s no denying the sunlight on the sea creates some of the most awe-inspiring views of all. Steve, in our portfolio management team, also prefers the dusk light on the waves.

This photo was taken from Pentire Headland with the sun hovering just above the line of the ocean. “From here, you can see the entire stretch of the horizon glowing and the wide expanse of sea looks truly amazing at this time of day,” says Steve.

pentire

Low in the website team finds the lure of the water difficult to resist when the sunset colours the sky. This image was taken on Little Fistral beach in Newquay. “My favourite time of day is dusk, especially the moments just after the sun has set where the whole sky turns shades of pink, purple and orange.

“That day, the setting sun lit up the whole beach in these colours. It looked so magical we just had to go in for a swim at 10pm!”

Explore the wonders of sea and skies with our blog on how to make the most of your holiday with stargazing.

Dawn vs dusk

We’re asking our followers on Instagram and Facebook to choose their favourite #beachoutofhours time. Which will you choose, dawn or dusk?

Explore outside of Cornwall, with the coastal charm of North Devon with Beach Retreats, where relaxation meets adventure.

Natural signs

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In the quiet hours on the beach, reading the signs of the sea, the fauna and the sky can make nature your ally.

It’s early morning, you’re up, and first to the beach. When you get there, you realise, you’ve forgotten to check the tides. Is the sea coming in or going out? How can you tell? One answer is to watch the birds.

Look at the sand around the tideline. If there are gulls, dippers and oystercatchers pecking around, odds are you’re looking at a falling tide. Lugworms, molluscs and other burrowing critters come up to feed as the tide recedes, and the seabirds are taking advantage of an easy feast.

Visiting Cornwall with an electric car? Check out our holiday lets with electric car (EV) charging points.

Reading the land (and sea)

If you know what to look out for, Cornwall’s coast is full of fascinating little clues like this. With a little knowledge, it’s possible to decipher everything from sea conditions to the weather forecast.

“Everyone comes to Cornwall to enjoy the view, but often they don’t look at the story behind the scenery,” says Hetty Wildblood, a kayaking guide who runs expeditions along the Helford River and around St Agnes. “It’s a skill you have to practise. But there’s so much information if you know where to look: geology, industry, biology, natural history.

“One example I often use is the cliff colours around St Agnes; all those vivid oranges, browns and reds. They’re caused by mineral deposits, especially from heavy metals like iron and tin – a visible reminder of the mining riches that once sustained Cornwall.”

Check out more of our locations and explore our St Agnes holiday cottages.
Wheal Coates St Agnes

Dunes (or towans, as they’re known here) are a common feature of many Cornish beaches. They’re an important coastal habitat – but they’re also weather vanes.

“So if you want to be sure of keeping your feet dry, pitch your blanket higher than the second, rather than the first, strandline.”

Dunes form perpendicular to the prevailing onshore wind, and their presence indicates a strong, persistent breeze: the greater the dunes, the greater and gustier the winds. The dunes can also tell you about the direction of the prevailing wind; the slope on the windward side will be shallower and easier to walk on, while the sand on the ‘slip’ side will be steep, softer and more unstable.

Prince of tides

You’re out on a brisk morning walk and it’s time to sit down to brew a morning coffee. How do you know where to pitch your picnic blanket?

Strandlines – the line of seaweed and ocean debris left behind by tides – are your friend here. There are usually at least two strandlines on most beaches. The one nearest to the sea marks the high point reached by the most recent tide. The second one, higher up the beach, marks the point reached during the last spring tide (sometimes, there’s also a third line, even further up the beach: this indicates the extent of the last storm surge).

So if you want to be sure of keeping your feet dry, pitch your blanket higher than the second, rather than the first, strandline; that way, even if you’re visiting on a spring tide, the water won’t reach you (unless you’ve decided to picnic in the teeth of an Atlantic storm, that is).

Another useful way of determining tidal range is to look at the rocks near the sea. Lichen grows in bands of colour; black at the bottom, orange or red in the middle, grey-green at the top. Only the black lichen is happy to grow underwater, so it’s also a natural signpost that indicates the high water mark.

Moon movements

How about the phenomenon of spring and neap tides? Contrary to what many people believe, spring tides actually have nothing to do with the season of spring: they refer to the extra ‘spring’ in the sea’s tidal range, which can be more than 20% above and below the average.

“If you’re close to a new moon or a full moon, you know the tide will be both lower and higher than usual.”

Spring tides occur twice a month (throughout summer, autumn and winter too!). They are caused by the extra gravitational pull that occurs when the sun and moon both line up with the earth – a phenomenon called syzygy. This happens at new moon (when the moon moves between the sun and the earth) and full moon (when the moon is on the opposite side of the earth). Neap tides occur (approximately) seven days either side.

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So if you want to know what the tide is up to, have a look at the sky at night. If you’re close to a new moon or a full moon, you know the tide will be both lower and higher than usual. Since much more of the coastline is revealed during spring tides, you’ll also know that it’s the best time for a spot of rock-pooling or a long beach walk the next day.

Whither the weather

“I think it’s so important for people to learn these skills,” says Matt Slater, a marine biologist for the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. “Understanding the weather and the tides isn’t just useful, it makes your time on the beach safer, and more fun.

“One example I always give is that if you want to go snorkelling, go at low tide when the wind is blowing offshore. That way, you’ll be able to get down there and have a good look at the sea-bed. Likewise, if you want to go paddleboarding or kayaking safely, pick a beach where the wind is blowing onshore (towards the land); otherwise there’s a chance you’ll get blown out to sea. It seems obvious, but you’d be amazed by how few people understand it.”

“Mackerel sky, mackerel sky; never long wet, never long dry.”

Another useful clue about sea conditions is given by the glitter path – the line of light cast by the sun on the water. If the sea’s really calm, the glitter path will be narrow (no broader than the sun is wide). But when the sea’s rough, the high, choppy waves reflect more light, causing the glitter path to spread out and become more triangular.

If you’re deciding how to spend your beach hours for the day, the calmest conditions for swimming and paddleboarding will be the days when the dawn sun is lighting a narrow glitter path.

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Signals in the sky

Seabirds also foretell what the weather has in store. If they’re flying inland in numbers, chances are there’s bad weather brewing out to sea; if they’re heading in the opposite direction, it’s a sign of more settled conditions.

But for the clearest weather forecast, turn your eyes to the sky. “Red sky in the morning, sailor’s warning; red sky at night, sailor’s delight” chimes the old adage – and surprisingly, more often than not, it’s true.

Red skies at dawn are caused by light bouncing off high cirrus clouds, often an indication of an approaching weather front. Red skies at sunset usually indicate clear skies in the west; and since the UK’s weather systems generally move in from the Atlantic, a scarlet sunset is a good bet for fine weather tomorrow.

Lastly, there’s that most Cornish of cloud systems – a mackerel sky, in which bands of clouds run across the sky like the markings on a mackerel’s back. Here, another old saying comes in handy: “Mackerel sky, mackerel sky; never long wet, never long dry.” The pattern is usually caused by cirrocumulus clouds, which appear at the edge of weather fronts – meaning change is on the way.

So if it’s sunny now, the sudden appearance of a mackerel sky might mean it’s a good time to pack up and head for shelter. But if it’s raining where you are now, and a mackerel sky materialises, then you might be in luck – that dinner on the beach you’ve been hoping for may still be on the cards.

Discover more of Cornwall with our favourite places to watch the ocean and go sea spotting.

Find out more with:

korukayaking.co.uk

cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

What's your best #beachoutofhours moment

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Being footsteps from the beach means being able to make the most of the coast at dawn and dusk, the magic hours. Share your favourite shots of golden moments at the beach to be in with a chance to win the full reset and restore experience from land&water before delving into a luxury Cornish hamper.

We’ve loved exploring all that spending time out of hours at the beach has to offer. From the freeing experience of coastal running at sunrise to the art created from the unique light at sundown.

Post your photos from dawn or dusk at the beach on Facebook or Instagram (tagging @beachretreats and using #beachoutofhours so we don’t miss them!), along with a few words about why you chose the picture and where you were.

Sunset over Watergate Bay

We’ll choose our favourite shots to share on Facebook and Instagram, and the Beach Retreats team will vote for the overall winner.

We’ll send the competition winner a land&water Bathtime bundle. Soak, glow, breathe, moisturise…reset and restore, to light up the day’s downtime and emerge lifted – and softer all over.

The bundle includes one Bath Salts 250g, one Candle 220g, one Bath & Body Oil 100ml, and one Body Lotion 250ml.

You’ll also receive a luxury Cornish Hamper to pack-up for a long day out, or to kick-back with when you get home.

Competition deadline: midnight, Wednesday 28 July 2021. The winner will be notified by 4th August 2021. Good luck!

Full terms and conditions:

    • There’s no limit to the number of entries per person. By entering, you give Beach Retreats and land&water permission to share and reproduce your pictures on our website, and social media channels.

 

    • If your photograph features any person or people, they should be aware that they are being photographed and permission should be obtained from all involved.

 

    • You must be the sole author and owner of the copyright for all images entered. You will retain copyright of your entries at all times and always be credited alongside your picture.

 

    • No cash alternative for prize winner.

 

    • The winner will be notified on Facebook or Instagram.

 

    • The winning photo will be chosen by a judging panel.

 

Six places to watch the sunrise in Cornwall

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Its 6am and you’ve stepped, still bleary eyed, out of your door and down towards the empty stretch of sand. Soft amber light appears to float in the atmosphere- it is not like the harsh mid-day sun which causes you to squint, rather, this light is gentle, inviting, warm. Slowly becoming more awake and alert, you look at the ocean, glimmering in the morning haze as the large orange ball of the sun steadily rolls itself up into the sky.

The magic of the sunrise hours can’t be overstated- it is a peaceful time, before the crowds flock to the sand, where you truly feel like the shoreline belongs to you alone. With all of our properties positioned footsteps from the beach, we have compiled a list of the six best places to see the sunrise, to tempt you out of bed and towards the golden glow of first light.

Want to stay in a luxury holiday house with a view of the sea? Check out our cottages with sea views.

Carlyon Bay

With its south-facing stretch of soft sand, Carlyon Bay, near St Austell, is the place to capture a picture-perfect sunrise. The sun paints the sky with tones of pink and orange which perfectly contrast with the pale blue of the sea in the morning light. The beach will be largely empty at this time in the morning, the only company being the birds wandering around freely as you leave the day’s first footprints in the sand.

Want to stay in Carylon Bay? Check out our luxury Carylon Bay holiday properties.

Whitsand Bay

Whitsand Bay runs from Rame Head to Portwrinkle, and its sheer cliffs, long stretches of beach and panoramic scenery make for a dramatic sunrise. Head onto the clifftop to capture the purple sky as the sun bursts its first light above the sloping fields. You may even be joined by some sheep, who populate the clifftop, to watch it with you.

Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth

Falmouth’s Gylly Beach is famed as a swimming spot, stand-up paddleboarder’s dream and for its vibrant beachfront café. Yet head down at dawn and you will experience a different atmosphere. As the sun rises, the water takes on a glassy effect and mirrors the kaleidoscope of colours spread across the sky. Spot the daisies that line the beach complimenting the pink hues around them.

Fowey

To catch the sun breaking into the sky admist a serene harbour setting, try Fowey. The masts and sails of harbour boats will point upwards towards the orange splash of colour that rises above the seaside town. The sunrise here is the perfect time to enjoy the sights of Fowey in peace before the lively chatter of the working harbour life takes hold throughout the day.

Mevagissey

Cobbled streets usually packed with beachgoers and fisherman alike are empty in Mevagissey at sunrise, touched only by the soft sun rays which fill the atmosphere. Wander the harbour walls as if they belong to you alone at the calmest point in the day, experiencing this classic Cornish village in a new and ethereal light.

Coverack

Situated on the Lizard Penninsula, Coverack is one of the most Southerly points in Cornwall to watch the suns first light greet the land. Its small pebbly beach is like a secret haven, kissed by the first rays of light which will soon awaken the rest of Cornwall for a lively day of beach trips and water sports. Listen to the trickle of the water as it runs down the rocks which line the shore.

Explore the captivating contrasts of dawn and dusk along the Cornish coast, each offering its own magical ambience and breathtaking views.

Cook & Carry from your Beach Retreat

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Longer days full of spring sun, perfect for outdoor evening dining with your toes in the sand, even if it’s not quite barbecue weather. Living to the beat of the ocean, a pebble’s throw from the shore, a Beach Retreats kitchen is the perfect place to whip up a gourmet feast you can take to the beach. Tempted?

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

cook and carry

Cook up one of these recipes from chefs around Cornwall and carry down to the beach for an end of the day alfresco meal beside the waves. There’s something for everyone, from a Cornish crab centrepiece to beach-ready pizza. Just remember, leave enough room in the bag for beach blankets and wine.

SMOKED CHICKEN WITH SALSA VERDE POTATOES

Canteen

Newquay Community Orchard; St Agnes
canteencornwall.com
@canteencornwall

Who said roast chicken is best enjoyed at the Sunday dinner table? With his sociable dining, seasonal ingredients and sustainable ethos, chef Ben Quinn has a firm following. Taking field to fork to a new level at his new venue in Newquay Orchard, much of the produce comes from the market garden just footsteps from the kitchen.

“Cold smoked chicken is one of my favourite dishes. On holiday you’ve got time to smoke this on the BBQ or even roast it in the oven the day before. Then tear and share it on the beach with crusty bread and salsa verde potatoes. It’s a real feast that doesn’t need to be eaten at home.” Ben Quinn

Elevate your beach BBQ game with expert tips and tricks on perfecting a beach BBQ with our guide!

Smoked Chicken

You will need a BBQ with a lid or simply roast in the oven.

Ingredients

  • Whole chicken (the best quality you can afford)
  • 100g table salt
  • 50g caster sugar
  • 3kg decent charcoal (if you’re barbecuing)
  • 150ml cider vinegar
  • 30g soft brown sugar

Cook it up

Get the chicken out of the fridge and season liberally with salt and caster sugar.
Leave at least an hour at room temperature or overnight back in the fridge, if you’re
organised.

Get the chicken out an hour before cooking and set up the barbecue in an offset
position (fire on one side so the food can go on the other side), or warm up the oven
to 180C.

Once the oven is hot, or the coals are white and hot, add the chicken (in the BBQ on
the side with no direct heat. The indirect heat will cook the chicken with the flavour of
the smoke.)

Put the lid on the BBQ and leave it alone. Or pop it in the centre of the oven and do
the same.

Salsa Verde Potatoes

Ingredients

  • 50g basil (picked)
  • 50g mint (picked)
  • 50g flat-leaved parsley (picked)
  • 20g tarragon (picked)
  • 1 tsp capers
  • 1 gherkin (diced)
  • 1 clove garlic (crushed with salt)
  • 150ml olive oil
  • 50ml cider vinegar
  • 800g new potatoes

Cook it up

Chop up the fresh herbs finely and put them in a bowl that will fit all the ingredients
including the potatoes.

Add the rest of the ingredients and stir. Taste, then add more oil, vinegar or salt until
it is popping inside your mouth.

Add the potatoes to boiling, salty water and boil for 20 minutes.

Check the potatoes with a sharp knife (in and out, and we are all good), then drain
and allow to steam and cool a little.

Add them to the salsa verde until well coated and the room smells like herbs.

Repeat after me: “I dress my potatoes when they are hot.” When you do this, it will bring joy.

MACKEREL FLATBREAD – ‘The Mac Dough’

Ansum

Roaming food from the fire – Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth and across Cornwall.
ansumfoodco.com
@ansumfood

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

Photo credit: ANSUM

Ansum Food Co started out in Mawgan Porth in 2016, when Amie and John converted a French horse truck into a wood-fired kitchen. Passionate about keeping things local, since then they have been cooking on the fire all over Cornwall. Often parked up footsteps from the beach, favourite spots include Watergate Bay and Mawgan Porth.

“This dish was one of the first meals that left the hatch of our truck, and it went down an absolute storm. You can get fresh mackerel in abundance in Cornwall in spring and early summer – catch your own or visit a local fishmonger for the freshest available.” John Stamp.

Makes 4

Ingredients

4 mackerel fillets – ask your fishmonger to fillet your mackerel, unless of course you
have caught your own, in which case, find the sharpest knife and a steady hand.

Dough

Don’t be daunted by making dough. It can be fun, everyone can get involved, and it doesn’t have to be perfect.

  • 500g bread flour – we use The Cornish Mill House, St Newyln East
  • 300g warm water
  • 20g salt
  • 20g fresh yeast (5g dried yeast can be used)

Pickles

  • 1 cucumber – slice thinly/mandolin
  • 100ml cider vinegar
  • 50ml water
  • 50g sugar
  • Pinch salt
  • 2 sprigs of dill

Tartare Sauce

  • Mayonnaise (we make our own but it’s not a sin to use shop bought)
  • 1 tbsp gherkin – chopped
  • 1 tbsp capers – chopped
  • 1 shallot – finely chopped
  • 1 lemon – zest and juice
  • Flat-leaf parsley – chopped
  • 4 handfuls of rocket
  • 4 slices of lemon

Cook it up

Dough

To make the dough, combine all your ingredients in a large bowl and get kneading.
15 minutes by hand should do it.

Split the dough into four portions, make into a ball, dust with flour and leave covered
with a tea towel until doubled in size (approx. 2 hours.)

Use plenty of flour and start to shape your dough – you can use a rolling pin at this
point.

Fry each flatbread in a medium hot pan for a couple of minutes on each side (you
can let them cool and finish them on the BBQ).

Pickles

For the pickles, make your brine by combining the vinegar, water, sugar and salt.
Simmer on a low heat for five minutes.

Meanwhile slice your cucumber thinly and add to a kilner jar (or jam jar).

Pour over your pickling brine and add the dill, leaving the lid ajar until completely
cooled. This can last in the fridge for a week.

Tartare sauce

Chop up all your ingredients for your tartar sauce, stir them up and season with
salt, pepper and lemon juice.

Mac Doughs

Light a BBQ and start to heat your flatbreads – they won’t take long so keep an eye
on them.

When they are hot, pop them on a plate and add a good spoon of tartar sauce and a
handful of rocket.

Cook the mackerel skin down on a very hot BBQ, flip them if needed after a couple
of minutes.

Add your mackerel fillet on top of the rocket, throw on some pickles with a squeeze
of lemon and a pinch of salt.

Fold it up, pack it up and head to the beach to tuck in!

HENK’S BEACH BUNS

Trevisker’s Kitchen Padstow

treviskers.com
@treviskerskitchen

Photo credit: Trevisker’s Kitchen

While known for his succulent steaks, building on decades of know-how from his cattle-farming grandfather, South African-born Henk de Villiers Ferreira – based at Trevisker’s Kitchen on the outskirts of Padstow – is now very much part of the culinary landscape of Cornwall.

“My beach bun is where pizza meets the Chelsea bun! They’re simple but delicious, and the best part is, you can put whatever you like in there. Bake them up at home then share them round at the beach. Forget the cutlery, just enjoy.”

Photo credit: Trevisker’s Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 1 pizza dough (shop-bought is fine)
  • Tomato purée
  • Grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • Olive oil
  • Oregano
  • Salt & pepper

Cook it up

Roll out your pizza dough.

Smear on a layer of tomato purée.

Sprinkle with grated cheese.

Roll up your pizza dough.

Slice into rounds – these should look like little pizza swirls.

Place the rounds into an oiled up roasting tin.

Leave to prove for about 30 minutes.

Sprinkle a little cheese on top.

Season with oregano, salt and pepper.

Bake at 180C for 25 minutes.

Head to the beach.

Photo credit: Trevisker’s Kitchen

CRAB SAFFRON AND TOMATO TART WITH KOHLRABI REMOULADE

The Packet Inn, Roseudgeon, Penzance

thepacketinn.co.uk
@thepacketinnsmokehouse

Photo credit: The Packet Inn

Ben Tunnicliffe and Matt Smith are making the most of The Packet’s rural location, with meat and fresh produce from the surrounding farming country, as well as seafood from Newlyn. Local sourcing and seasonality dictates, with a tempting array of small plates that evolves on a daily basis.

“This is a tasty Cornish take on a savoury tart and a great way to enjoy local crab meat. Cut the tart into slices and store in an air-tight container, add a tub of the kohlrabi remoulade too and pop in a cool bag – you’ll have a special centrepiece for your picnic!”

For the pastry:

Ingredients

  • 12 inch fluted loose bottomed tart ring
  • 300g plain flour
  • 170g cold diced butter
  • 1 egg beaten
  • Pinch of salt

Cook it up

Pre-heat the oven to 175C.

Rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs (or blitz in a food
processor). Add the salt and the egg and bring the mixture together as a dough. Rest
the dough for approx. 20 mins.

Roll out to the thickness of approx. a 50p

Line the tart case, pressing the pastry into the edges of the tart ring. Rest for 20 mins
in the fridge.

Then either dock using a fork or line with silicone and baking beans. Bake in the pre-
heated oven until golden brown and cooked, around 12-15 mins.

Remove from the oven and brush with some beaten egg, then return to the oven
until the egg has set which should take about 3 – 4 mins (this provides a barrier to
the pastry to keep it crisp).

For the tomato sauce:

Ingredients

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • Sugar
  • White wine vinegar
  • 400g chopped tomatoes
  • Picked and chopped fresh thyme

Cook it up

Fry the onions and garlic in a little oil until softening and starting to colour.

Add sugar and caramelise. Deglaze with the vinegar and reduce until almost dry.

Add the tomatoes and cook until thick and intensely flavoured, then taste and season
with salt and pepper.

For the tart:

Ingredients

  • 5 tbsp tomato sauce (see above)
  • 4 oz brown crab meat
  • 6 oz white crab meat
  • ½ pt double cream
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 1 egg yolk
  • A good pinch of saffron
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh herb such as dill, tarragon, chervil

Cook it up

Pre-heat the oven to 140˚C.

Bring the cream to the boil with the saffron and leave covered to infuse for 20
minutes or so.

Mix the brown crab meat with the tomato sauce and adjust the seasoning if
necessary. Spread over the base of the tart.

Scatter the white crab meat over the top of the tomato and brown meat base and

scatter with fresh finely chopped herbs.

Re-boil the cream and whisk the eggs and yolk together – add the hot cream to the
egg mixture and mix thoroughly. Season to taste and pour into the tart case, then
bake at approx 140C for about 20 minutes or until the custard is set.

Kohlrabi Remoulade:

Ingredients

  • 500g kohlrabi cut into matchsticks
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 4 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp grain mustard
  • ¾ pt vegetable oil
  • ¼ pt extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped capers
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped gherkins
  • 2 finely chopped anchovies
  • Freshly chopped parsley, chervil, tarragon and chives

Cook it up

Emulsify the egg yolks with the mustard and vinegar and season.

Continue to whisk while slowly adding the oil until all the oil is incorporated and is the
consistency of mayonnaise.

Add the herbs, capers, gherkins and anchovies and mix thoroughly.

Add the kohlrabi and stir in – taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Enjoy a Stein’s meal at your beach retreat

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Stein’s at Home boxes deliver the excitement of a chef’s kitchen to your doorstep, inviting you to simply finish off the cooking process and tuck in to these classic dishes in the comfort of your own home or holiday retreat. In a time where going out to eat is not quite what it once was, the lavishness of fine dining can now be replicated in your home, your kitchen filling with the aroma of Cornish-sourced seafood and fragrant herbs and spices. We tried and tested the boxes ourselves and the process couldn’t be easier- with the dishes all pre-prepared, all you are required to do is finish them off using a hob, oven, grill and microwave (watch us in action on Instagram at 12 270 North, Fistral).

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a swimming pool? Check out our cottages with a swimming pool for a relaxing getaway.

 

All Beach Retreats guests will be sent a unique discount code ahead of their arrival.

Scallops sizzle under the grill, hazelnut and coriander butter melting and bubbling down the cracks of the shells. You plate them up, directly onto a bed of seaweed, before tasting the salty flavour of the sea that cuts through the richness of the butter as you mop the scallops up with a serving of crusty sourdough bread.

steins

Up next, lobster thermidor meat soaks up the creaminess of a Vermouth sauce as it cooks. Topped with the twang of Parmesan cheese, you tuck in straight from the shell, alternating rich mouthfuls with the zestiness of new potatoes and locally picked salad leaves.

steins

You finish the meal with a chocolate pavé, the softness of clotted cream wrapping around the crunch of crystallised hazelnuts.

The boxes are an amalgamation of fresh Cornish & British seafood and Rick’s classic dishes, providing you with a flavour-enriched experience which matches that of restaurant dining. The three-course options serve two and range from the lobster menu, with grilled scallops to start, the Indonesian curry menu with a fish and shellfish soup, to a classic steak menu with a smoked salmon starter and vegetarian menu featuring a cashew nut curry and pau bhaji. Other options include mains of turbot and St Edenoc asparagus, hake, coq au Riesling or sea bass, and you can also order a Breakfast Box, Fresh Fish Box or Rick Stein’s Cornish Charcuterie Box. Each menu is carefully crafted by Jack Stein and fellow chefs, using seafood from the Cornish coast wherever possible and always including the freshest ingredients.

If your retreat has a balcony, take your dishes outside for an al-fresco dining experience. With all of our properties just moments from the beach, admire the scenery beyond your windows as you eat, with a glass of the Charlie Stein recommended wine to accompany your dishes. We know that there’s no better way to enjoy the comfort of your property than an evening in with some decadent cuisine, and therefore all of our Beach Retreats guests will receive an exclusive discount on any Stein’s at home box of choice.

If your box leaves you craving more of the Stein’s flavour palette, head out to one of his various restaurants around Cornwall to sample more of the menu in the stylish interiors of his award-winning eateries. Or, if the home preparation has left you feeling inspired, dive into Rick Stein’s very own cooking school in Padstow, where you can attend courses and workshops on how to recreate his foodie magic.

Fancy staying in Padstow and experiencing some of Rick Stein’s restaurants first hand? Check out our luxury holiday lets in Padstow.

Discover the best local eats during your self-catering holiday in Cornwall with Beach Retreats.

Photos taken at 12 270 North, Fistral.

Thing to do in Cornwall this Spring

hannah grab 1

Finally, the time has come. As April has arrived and spring is blooming, we are also slowly regaining our freedoms. This means that we can once again explore and enjoy Cornwall in all its glory.

Thinking of visiting in the February half term, check out what activities we recommend trying in February.

Yet despite the irresistible call of the ocean and the sunshine, this year will once again be different. We’ve put together this handy guide with some ideas on how to make the most of Cornwall this spring, whilst avoiding the crowds and embracing the new normal.

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a swimming pool? Check out our cottages with a swimming pool for a relaxing getaway.

Surfing

The expanse and variety of Cornwall’s beaches means that there is enough sea to go around for everyone, and what better way to enjoy the spacious outdoors than getting in amongst the waves? If you don’t feel super confident hitting the surf alone, Cornwall’s Women and Waves Society run group classes and trips to make surfing fun and accessible for all women.

women and waves

Wild Swimming

If surfing isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of ways to get a daily dose of H20 and enjoy Cornwall’s glittering oceans. Try taking a dip in a cove of your choice- there are plenty of popular spots to head to so you can ensure your swim is safe. Simply immerse yourself in the icy blue water, letting your body relax and restore as you leisurely float. Warning- it may take your breath away!

Find a secret beach

The beauty of Cornwall’s beaches means that in peak times, they can get very busy. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds this summer and carve out a more tranquil spot for yourself, why not try and hunt for a secret beach? Cornwall’s rugged coastline means that it is home to many hidden gems where you can soak up the sun in peace. Finding the perfect spot may take a bit of adventuring, but it is possible- start with the lesser-known treasures of Porth Joke beach in Crantock and Housel Bay in the Lizard.

Walk the Coast Path

Where in Cornwall could you find more open space and picture-book scenery than along the many coastal paths that line the county? With fresh air a key to reducing the spread of Covid, fill your lungs and walk along miles of uninterrupted clifftops. Check out the South West Coast Path website for directions on how to access the UK’s longest and best-loved National Trail. This 630-mile-long path is walking distance from all our properties, so leave the car behind and stretch your legs across a section of this magnificent walk.

Gyllyngvase

Dine With Iris

With dining in busy spots less of an option this year, bring the leisurely experience of dining out to an outdoor space with Dine with Iris’s personal pop-up picnics. She will supply you with a delicious seasonal grazing board, pillows and rugs, themed flowers, a Bluetooth speaker and much more. You don’t need to worry about setting up or packing it up, this is all taken care of. So, bring a few loved ones along and enjoy a Cornish picnic in style.

dine with iris

Outdoor Yoga

To fully embrace the more peaceful spring we will be having, away from large crowds, why not channel this energy into an activity devoted to tranquillity? Here in Cornwall, you will find many outdoor yoga groups, some offering beach sessions which will allow you to sync your breathing with the calming crash of the ocean waves. Check out Alicia Ray Wellbeing for private classes, or even just bring a mat and a calm mind and give it a go in a quiet corner of the beach.

Alicia Ray Credit: Alicia Ray

Visit a garden

Not only does it offer miles of untouched coastline, Cornwall is also home to some of the nation’s most exotic gardens, bursting with the colours and scents of summer. Many of these can be visited this spring abiding with social distancing regulations. Delve into the tropical terrain of Trebah gardens, where you will find acres of sweeping flowers, jungle-like trees and secret ponds, all leading towards a secluded and sunny beach at the bottom of the valley. Stray from the crowds and into the embrace of nature.

Watch the sunrise

The best way to avoid the crowds is to get up before them. All of our properties are walking distance from the beach so you can easily stroll down first thing in the morning, where you can enjoy the quieter hours. Early in the morning, you will see the first golden rays of sunlight which shine beautifully onto the untouched sand- you will truly feel as though the beach belongs to just you. If you are more of a night owl than an early bird, head out at sunset time to soak up the more peaceful atmosphere of later in the day.

BBQ on the beach

To enjoy a meal in your own space, why not head down to a secluded spot of the beach for a BBQ dinner? Many of Cornwall’s beaches allow private BBQ’s, so long as you leave no trace once you’re done. So, sit back and relax, with a sizzling burger and a bottle of something cold, as you dine al fresco. You can visit a nearby butcher or food store to source some fresh and organic ingredients to cook with. Just remember to bring a blanket to stay warm in the open air as the spring sun dips lower in the sky.

Travel by bike

Cornwall is home to many great cycle trails, and these can be a fun way to stray from the beaten path and explore away from the crowds and the holiday traffic. The Camel Trail, which ranges from Padstow to Bodmin, offers an 18 mile stretch of scenery and fresh Cornish air. Whilst cycling along the historic disused railway line, you can stop off at some quieter spots along the way where you may catch a glimpse at some fascinating Cornish wildlife. For more experienced cyclists, why not stray from the path and explore the many little villages and country lanes which lead off from the trail?

Fancy staying in Padstow? Check out our luxury holiday lets in Padstow.