Author: gloversure

Walk through Porthcothan

porthcothan 7 1

Meander down flower-lined paths, across white sand and above tropic-like lagoons on this short scenic stroll.

Lowenna from our marketing team takes us on a walk-through from Porthcothan Bay to the mesmerising Trescoe Islands.

It’s the morning of April 13th, and the spring sunshine feels surprisingly warm on my face as I head through the gate into the National Trust fields overlooking Porthcothan, where this walk begins. The fields gently slope towards the strip of sea in the distance, and acres of yellow of gorse beyond contrast with the bright blue of the sky. This view would make for a perfect painting, with its pops of primary colours. I can smell the sea breeze from here, its salty whisper inviting me towards the sand. When you depart on this route, be sure to stop and indulge in this moment- the feeling of promise at the beginning of a walk, when you can see the ocean that awaits.

Visiting with a large group? Discover our large holiday homes perfect for big families or friend groups.

Crossing green grass, you will be led down a winding coastal path, the gap between you and the sand below marked with a row of white hawthorn blossom. You will then cross a small bridge onto the bay, or if you fancy it, bare your feet and paddle through the gentle river. I reach the main stretch of beach and delight in the serenity of it- the skies are clear and it’s a popular time of year for holiday makers, yet the bay remains almost empty except for the occasional dog walker in the distance.

The walk across the bay is the perfect time to delight in the little things- the ebbs and patterns that the tide has formed in the sand, the geometrical structure of the rocky cliffs that line the cove, the odd gull soaring high in the sky. Head towards the left-hand side of the beach, where you can follow the cliffs around the corner and find the hidden coves which lie tucked away.

Out to sea, you can see Porthcothan’s iconic rocks and islands, striking in their stand-alone structure. This part of the beach starts to feel more like a Greek island, with its rich turquoise water and rocky sea stacks. It’s crucial to do this walk at low tide, when the water grants you entry to the secret lagoon behind Trescore Islands. At high tide, the vast swathes of sand disappear but the headlands protect the sea from the ocean swell, meaning the water is generally calm.

Explore Cornwall’s best seafood restaurants, where fresh catches and coastal charm promise an unforgettable dining experience by the sea.
There is a footpath here which is only accessible at low tide and leads you towards Trescore Islands, the end destination of this walk. I clamber up, excited by what might await on the other side of the scattered cliffs. The coastal breeze which meets you as you stand atop the cliff is refreshing under the heat of the spring sun. This path joins the South West Coast path, and in just a few meters, the lagoon of Trescore islands comes into sight. The tide must be fully out to be able to access the pool at ground level and swim in the water, so clear that you can see patterns of rocks and sand on the seabed.

After taking in the tropical feel of this private corner of the beach, I begin to head back along the coast path. However, if the beauty of this scenery leaves you wanting more, the walk can be continued along the South West coast path, where you can head North to Constantine Bay or South to the iconic Bedruthan steps. Feeling hungry? Just follow the coast path inland to find Porthcothan Bay stores, where you’ll find fresh takeaway food alongside surf hire, local produce and gifts. Tuck into a hot, foamy coffee and flaky pastry to refuel and delight in the peace and quiet that Porthcothan has to offer.

Fancy staying in Porthcothan, discover our Porthcothan holiday retreats.

Out of hours at the beach…

nick

Where the magic happens

“The golden and unpeopled bays
The shadowy cliffs and sheep-worn ways
The white unpopulated surf…”
– Sir John Betjeman, ‘Delectable Duchy’ (1974)

When Sir John Betjeman waxed lyrical about Cornwall’s ‘golden and unpeopled bays’, he immortalised in words something that so many of us hold dear: that special feeling of being on the beach outside of ‘normal’ hours – and of having these elemental expanses all to ourselves.

Visiting Cornwall for a workcation? Have a look at our holiday lets perfect for extended stays and working.

Credit: Nick Pumphrey

Whether at first or last light, staying steps from the shore means freedom to explore the beauty of the coast without the crowds – taking in the sights, sounds and scents of nature undisturbed.

The gleeful liberation of a sunrise dip. The thrill of leaving the day’s first footprints in the sand. The peace of a sunset stroll in a sheltered cove. In these quiet, fleeting pockets of time at dawn and dusk, the magic of the beach feels magnified – bathed in a mellow golden glow and shimmering with promise.

But this glow isn’t just imagined, remembered through the haze of happy escapades. It’s a recognised phenomenon, and it has a name: golden hour. Prized by photographers and artists for the elusive but intense warm light it casts, golden hour refers to the window when day merges with night: the period shortly after sunrise or just before sunset, when the sun hovers at the horizon.

Out of hours Credit: Nick Pumphrey

Is there any science behind these seemingly gilded moments? When the sun is low in the sky, its rays have to travel much further through the atmosphere to reach us than they do at noon. This longer path lessens the amount of intense, direct sunlight we see, amplifying shadow-softening, scenery-illuminating, diffused light instead. Blue light becomes scattered as beams of sunlight hit molecules in the atmosphere, leaving warm, red-toned light in its place.

Depending on the season and where you are in the world, the time at which golden hour falls will vary (and it’s rarely exactly one hour long) – but its effects are universally enchanting. And while brief, the coastal golden hours we bask in leave their mark on us in memory.

Dive into the fascinating world of marine life with our Rockpools Revealed guide, and discover the hidden wonders along the shoreline.

Credit: Alicia Ray Wellbeing

For people who live by the sea, it’s the freedom of these peaceful, often deserted moments out of hours that really counts.

In our new OUT OF HOURS series, we meet three inspiring locals who know just how to make the most of these golden moments between night and day. From the ocean photographer capturing aquatic dawns to the beach yoga instructor teaching calm in the dunes and the artist using paint to evoke the essence of moving water, take a few quiet moments to dive into their stories with us…

• “The evening light here is especially magical,” says artist Nell Kerr, who captures the ever-changing nature of the ocean’s surface in paint. “There are fewer people around and often the wind drops and the water takes on a glassy languor that is so beautiful and ethereal.” Read Nell’s story.

• “I think what makes the sunrise and sunset special is the serenity,” says beach yoga instructor Alicia Ray. “There’s a magic when you sense that others are connecting to the same energy as you.” Read Alicia’s story.

• “The blue hour, just before sunrise, is when it all starts to wake up – you can have incredible colour, sometimes the best colour is before the sun comes up,” says photographer Nick Pumphrey, whose project ‘Dawn Days’ has captured every sunrise swimming in the sea since 1 January 2021. “A few mornings there were three different colour shows, it was incredible. I’d be floating there alone, literally just hooting out loud at these natural displays. No one else around. It was pretty special.” Read Nick’s story.

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

Out of hours Credit: Nick Pumphrey

Out of hours: At the beach with Nell Kerr

nell small

Cornish artist Nell Kerr evokes the ever-changing spirit of the ocean in paint. From roaring waves to sparkling ripples, her paintings get up close and personal with the surface of the water – exploring how the light interacts with it, how it swells and flows. Nell’s studio sits right next to a stream that feeds into the creeks of the beautiful Helford River, giving her unlimited access to the South Cornwall coast any time the mood takes her.

She downed brushes to tell us about the joys of having the beach to yourself, the hypnotic effect of the sea, and the art of capturing that magical last light, as part of our Out of Hours content series.

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

Nell Kerr Credit: Nell Kerr

When I start a painting, the first thing I look for is the light.

The same scene can be completely changed by the conditions minute to minute, which is what makes living close to the sea so inspiring. The water reflects what is happening around it, meaning it’s different every time you look.

Having the coastline close by brings so many opportunities, whether that’s swimming, surfing, boating, walking the coast paths, or just sitting by the water. I feel incredibly lucky to have the Falmouth Bay and Helford coastline on my doorstep. It really is a beautiful place, with so much variety of landscape.

“The same scene can be completely changed by the conditions minute to minute, which is what makes living close to the sea so inspiring.”

What I love most about Falmouth and Helford is that there’s always something new to see and to notice. It’s in constant flux. Tide, light, weather – it’s an endless resource for paintings.

Check out more of what Falmouth has to offer by staying in one of our bespoke retreats in Falmouth.

I spend a lot of time in, on and next to the water. I think we approach life through the prism of our interests, so where some people see a surfable wave, I see a painting opportunity.

Psychologists have studied the human response to natural fractals such as waves, and the evidence suggests that there is a stress-reduction effect that is somehow triggered by a physiological resonance inside the eye. In fact, a 1986 NASA study measured a significant decrease in participants’ stress response when they were viewing fractal images. I think it’s something we can all relate to – who doesn’t love gazing at the sea? It’s hypnotic. I wanted to replicate this effect in my paintings.

Early mornings before the beaches get busy are always an inspiring time, the sun still low in the sky and very few people about. There’s something really special about having a beach to yourself, even if only for a little while. It’s a real privilege.

The evening light here is especially magical. There are fewer people around and often the wind drops and the water takes on a glassy languor that is so beautiful and ethereal.

Nell Kerr Credit: Nell Kerr

“There’s something really special about having a beach to yourself, even if only for a little while. It’s a real privilege.”

On a practical level, the surface of water is a challenging subject to study and so provides myriad learning opportunities for me as a painter. I enjoy playing with micro versus macro, and the illusory nature of scaling up the tiny waves that break on the shoreline. I also love the meditative exercise of attempting to capture the light in a way that transports.

My studio sits right next to a stream that feeds into one of the Helford creeks, which is a constant reminder that the river and its beaches are right there whenever I need them.

I usually take photographs and make sketches outdoors and then work from them in my studio. But there is definitely a more immediate quality when working from life that I hope to take advantage of now that the weather is being kinder.

I love being out on the water in our Canadian canoe with my camera to hand. It’s a wonderful way to get really close to the water’s surface much further out from the shore where the water behaves differently. It’s also a really fun and non-intrusive way to explore the coastline and see it from a different perspective.

Immersing myself in the water gets my eyes on a level with the surface, which I love. That experience then informs my work; it’s an effect I enjoy trying to replicate in my paintings.

“The evening light here is especially magical. There are fewer people around and often the wind drops and the water takes on a glassy languor that is so beautiful and ethereal.”

Spending so long gazing at the water, I see lots of seabirds and the occasional seal. Also, dolphins last summer – that felt like a very good sign. Working with the sea has given me a real appreciation for how essential it is that we protect and preserve our precious marine environments.

Want a relaxing holiday in Cornwall? Check out our favourite spas and saunas for a truly relaxing getaway

Find out more:

nellkerr.com
@nell_kerr

Out of hours: At the beach with Nick Pumphrey

nick pumphrey

A 5am alarm – sometimes earlier. Pulling on the wetsuit, eyes half closed, as the first faint traces of monochrome light emerge. Rain, hail, raging gales or glassy calm, photographer Nick Pumphrey steps into the sea with his camera every morning while most of us are sleeping. Why? To get creative in the ‘blue hour’, connect with nature, calm his mind and capture the breaking dawn while floating in the waters around his home town of St Ives.

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

Nick Pumphrey Credit: Nick Pumphrey

Before the pandemic, Nick travelled the world shooting for publications and brands including National Geographic, The Guardian, Roxy, Surfdome and Wavelength magazine. But immersing himself in the ocean on his doorstep every morning has sparked a new energy and insight he’s eager to share.

As part of our Out of Hours content series, we caught him one morning once he’d dried off, made a coffee and posted his 10 daily ‘Dawn Days’ images to his Instagram account.

Credit: Nick Pumphrey

Dawn Days came about in the early stages of lockdown last year. I wasn’t feeling too good – not myself. I wanted to get rid of the anxieties that were clouding my thoughts. I read a few books on mindfulness and studied the Wim Hof cold water submersion breathing – and I had this idea that sharing pictures of the sea might lift people’s spirits.

There was no real brief, no expectations. I thought, I’ll get in the sea in the dark, see the sunrise, float, photograph whatever’s happening. Then share it. I wanted to keep the whole motive as simple and honest as possible.

I swim with my camera for my own sanity, I swim to share stories with fellow swimmers, I swim to be present and to connect with something much larger than myself. I share images on social media with the hope of inspiring others to be creative and to connect with nature.

Credit: Nick Pumphrey

With the dawn wake-up calls, there’s always a bit of stubbornness, a resistance, there. But ultimately, I know I’ll feel better when I’m up – that it’ll be worth it. Once I’m on my feet and the wetsuit’s on, I’m not tired anymore. I haven’t missed a morning yet this year.

“I swim with my camera for my own sanity, I swim to share stories with fellow swimmers, I swim to be present and to connect with something much larger than myself.”

In the summer, it can be a 4am alarm to be in there for the blue hour. It drives you crazy chasing that first light. You get up and look out, and it’s like, ‘Oh no, it’s getting light already!’

The ‘blue hour’ is the hour before dawn, when you often get the best colours in the sky. I float there, literally just hooting out loud at these incredible colour displays above. You know it’s a good day when you’re hooting while shooting.

Nick Pumphrey Credit: Nick Pumphrey

Various people have joined my dawn swims along the way, and it’s seriously improved their wellbeing. James Hardy – a great surfer, he’s been doing it with me every single day since January. When he started, he couldn’t sleep. He’d had really bad sleeping problems for years, but after 14 days in the sea at sunrise, they disappeared. Then there’s Lydia from Wild Swimming Cornwall. She was battling mental health issues, and then immersion in nature has completely sorted her.

We’ve been out in some pretty wild weather – sleet, snow, wind, big swells. No two days are the same. You’re connecting directly with nature – starting your day positively. Not to mention all the benefits of cold water.

Out of hours Credit: Nick Pumphrey

There was one Dawn Day experience that turned pretty heavy. I was at Godrevy, and there was a heavy sea fog. I couldn’t see the sea, but I could hear it. My ego was saying: ‘I have to do it, people are going to be expecting my 10 photos,’ when of course they’re not really. My gut was telling me no, but I kept going. Even in the water, the current was pushing me back towards shore. Eventually I got out there, but then I got caught in a current, and ended up 100 metres up by the cliffs. I looked in and thought, ‘the beach isn’t there anymore, it’s just a rock face.’ I was alright, the tide was OK and there was enough space for me to climb up and call it a day. But you know, I’m experienced, and I still got caught out. It taught me how important it is to listen to your instincts and respect the sea.

Nick pumphrey Credit: Nick Pumphrey

“The ‘blue hour’ is the hour before dawn, when you often get the best colours in the sky. I float there, literally just hooting out loud at these incredible colour displays above.”

Porthmeor Beach was my playground. We came to St Ives when I was 6 months old, so I’ve spent my life around the sea surrounded by creative folk. I started surfing at 12, and I’m 42 now. I suppose I’m naturally drawn to the water, because I always have this burning desire to be in the sea, or at least close by.

Discover our bespoke holiday cottages in Hayle, a short drive from St Ives and Pendeen.

I’ve wanted to be a photographer for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t have the confidence to go for it at first. So I kept doing the ‘safe’ jobs to bring money in. It was only when I was 35, 36 – that I decided to properly give photography a go, 100%, without any compromise. Over the last 6 years or so, I’ve lived purely off my photography. I really believe if you go with those gut feelings and trust that it will work out, then it probably will.

Credit: Nick Pumphrey

My sea photographs are a combination of intention and experimentation. On dark mornings, I normally start with slow exposure as that lends itself beautifully to the movement – the ‘whoosh’ – of the sea. There are days that don’t look particularly inspiring, but if you take a photo at half a second, or a second even, you get some unexpectedly beautiful results. I move the camera with the wave, take the picture – and give the camera a little jolt, and it just pulls everything up. I love the anticipation, the not knowing exactly how it’s going to turn out. There are no rules.

I enjoy going through my shots once I’m out and dry with a cup of coffee. The coffee, the edit and the music – I love it.

You get some mornings when the sun’s going crazy, the waves are pumping, the light is intense, and you’re just reacting to what’s happening in front of you. They’re the best days – when you’re totally present.

When I do the dawn swims there’s the connection to nature; to the energy of the sea and the power of the sunrise. You’re getting a big dose of natural light into your eyes first thing. These days, it’s usually the opposite, with people waking up and looking straight into a phone screen. I know I used to do that, but not now.

Credit: Nick Pumphrey

“I love the anticipation, the not knowing exactly how the image will turn out. There are no rules.”

There’s been an awakening during this last year. People have realised that being out in nature makes them feel better. Growing your own food, leaving the city – there’s been a huge shift, a move back to our roots. It’s positive, because when you appreciate and understand nature, you want to protect it.

Credit: Nick Pumphrey

We’ve had some incredible encounters with wildlife. Every morning two little seal pups would come up and hang with us. They’re so inquisitive and innocent. I got a photo of one rubbing its head on James’ swim fin! We also witnessed a few gannet feeding frenzies, and schools of dolphins swimming by too.

This morning there was a white sunrise. It had an exotic, hazy feeling. When the sun finally showed itself it was this bright white ball – a bit like the moon. I took a few shots and then just put my camera down and looked at it. It was so peaceful. Really calm, no wind. It was just the oily textures of the sea and this white sun, with its reflection coming straight to me.

I’m not religious, but there’s a spiritual dimension to being in the sea at dawn. It’s like coming back to source, tapping back into how we were, how we’re supposed to be. It’s easy to see life as school, study, get a job, make money, buy a house – but ultimately, we feel at our best when we’re in these natural environments. You absorb energy from nature. It makes sense.

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

Find out more:

nickpumphrey.com
@nickpumphreyphoto
Fine art prints available at nickpumphrey.art

Out of hours: At the beach with Alicia Ray

alicia resized

If you spy a group doing downward dog in the Gwithian dunes at dawn, the woman leading the way is likely to be beach yoga guru Alicia Ray. Channelling insight gained from years of experience as a clinical psychologist, therapist, fitness instructor and yoga teacher, Alicia brings a holistic approach to wellbeing that incorporates her love of the Cornish coast.

As part of our Out of Hours content series, we spoke to Alicia about sunrise sun salutations, the restorative power of the sea, and what a flock of Canada Geese has to do with beach yoga.

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

Credit: Alicia Ray Wellbeing

After 10 years of teaching high-intensity fitness classes, I needed something different. I was seeking space and a deeper connection with the outdoors. I found yoga through attending surf and yoga retreats in Portugal, Sri Lanka, and Costa Rica. My first yoga class was outside on a rooftop in Portugal. We practiced sun salutations at sunrise and after that I was hooked!

I don’t think I truly understood the value of connection with nature though until I spent six weeks doing my intensive yoga teacher training in Costa Rica. We’d start each day with yoga as the sun rose and I found there was something particularly magical about practising at this time of day.

I now teach beach yoga classes, surf and yoga retreats in Cornwall, yoga and wellbeing retreats in Sri Lanka, and advanced yoga and mindfulness training for aspiring young surf athletes in the Philippines.

The benefits of yoga for surfing are amazing, including increased strength and flexibility and a calm, focused mindset.

Alicia Ray Credit: Alicia Ray Wellbeing

“My first yoga class was outside on a rooftop in Portugal, we practised sun salutations at sunrise and after that I was hooked!”

The last 12 months have highlighted how essential the coastline is for my wellbeing. If I’m feeling stressed or low on energy then I find that being close to the sea restores me.

Living in Truro means I have both the North and South coasts within striking distance and so I’m utterly spoiled for choice. I love being on the South Coast for the sunrise and head there for sea swimming and paddle boarding in the calm waters; while I love the North Coast for its dramatic cliffs, amazing surf and epic sunsets.

Weekends are all about getting up super early, parking our van by the coast for coffee and soaking up the view. That time when there’s hardly anyone around is precious, breathing in the fresh air, the sea, the calm.

Credit: Alicia Ray Wellbeing

I like to hit the beach first thing and stay until that quiet time after sunset. I think what makes the sunrise and sunset special is the serenity. There’s a magic when you sense that others are connecting to the same energy as you.

“Weekends are all about getting up super early, parking our van by the coast for coffee and soaking up the view. That time when there’s hardly any people around is precious, breathing in the fresh air, the sea, the calm.”

I think the unpredictability of nature helps create perspective. It’s hard to worry about everyday problems when a sudden rainstorm erupts, or a glorious burst of sunlight appears from behind the clouds. There have been amazing rainbows out to sea during our beach yoga classes, and then there are incredible moments when someone spots dolphins in the waves. And there’s nothing like the sight and sound of a flock of Canada Geese flying overhead to snap you out of ruminating about work!

We can be so consumed by our devices and online commitments that we don’t see the beauty of what is already around us. Outdoor yoga enables a calming of the nervous system so that our full attention is present in the moment. Practising in nature allows us to absorb so much more of our environment, which we can easily miss when we’re rushing from one thing to the next.

Want to learn more about how to make the most of your travel? Read our blog on how to do slow travel.
Alicia Ray Credit: Alicia Ray

I would encourage everyone to try yoga at sunrise. During my Sri Lanka yoga retreats we’re on the beach at 5.45am each day – which can be a shock at first! But by the end of the week, everyone is hooked, and all agree that the magic you experience at this time of day is well worth the early start (coffee helps!).

“There’s nothing like the sight and sound of a flock of Canada Geese flying overhead to snap you out of ruminating about work!”

Gwithian was the first beach we visited when we moved to Cornwall and I have many fond memories of this amazing stretch of coastline. I love how open it is. You can get off the beaten track quickly, you can find a space for yourself, or share it with others. Everywhere you look there are inspiring views, ocean sounds – you really feel the entire landscape. The sand dunes are just stunning and I can spend hours amongst them walking, reading, practising yoga.

My favourite light for beach yoga is the golden sunset tone you get at Gwithian in September and October. This warm, low light is pretty special.

Every outdoor yoga class has a totally unique feeling as the light changes throughout the seasons. In spring, the colours are bright blues and then into high summer they change into vivid yellows and greens.

Our practice is often influenced by the change in energy from the environment around us and the changes in the ocean. Through the summer months the ocean is calmer and the energy picks up in our Autumn classes as the waves become stronger and more powerful.

It’s amazing watching the change in people from the start of a beach yoga class to the end. The walk back across the dunes is calmer, more zen – I notice that people pause to take in the scenery, listen to the sounds.

“I would encourage everyone to try yoga at sunrise. The magic you experience at this time of day is well worth the early start (coffee helps!).”

I’ll be teaching regular classes from Gwithian beach on a Saturday morning and Wednesday evening from this Spring to Autumn. From regulars to newcomers, everyone is welcome! We practise during all weathers and embrace the changes in the elements. I also offer bespoke individual and group yoga, surf and wellbeing packages so that people can enjoy a wellbeing retreat day or a surf and yoga weekend as part of their holiday in Cornwall.

Discover our bespoke holiday cottages in Hayle, a short drive from St Ives and Pendeen.

Find out more:

aliciaray.uk
@aliciaraywellbeing

April and May staycations

merryn 117 edit

It’s almost time for us to open the doors and welcome you back to the coastal life we know all love and have missed. Every place on our books has the beach less than a mile away,  everything you need nearby and a finish that will lift spirits the moment you walk in. Curl up in your favourite window seat, fire up the gas bbq while the waves roll in and put beach life back on your 2021 itinerary.

Here are our recommended retreats for an April and May staycation.

THE VILLAGE, WATERGATE BAY

Two and four bedroom lodges from £1,240.

A superb collection of two and four bedroom eco lodges, just a two minute walk from Watergate beach. Enjoy glorious views across the bay and out to sea, as well as reverse level accommodation where the living area is on the first floor to fully exploit these dramatic sea views.

Where to eat: Wax Watergate Bay will be opening their beer garden daily throughout April/May with hog roasts, cocktail bar, burritos and music.

Search holidays at The Village.

Levan
Breock

Merryn Watergate Bay

THE STRAND, PORTH

Four bedroom houses available from £1,479

The Strand development is a new collection of town houses beautifully designed over four floors. Each property has a private balcony, front and rear garden (front gardens are communal) and sea views in the distance. Step out of your door and stroll for two minutes down the road and you’ll find yourself on the family-friendly Porth beach – a wide expanse of sand flanked by rockpools and cliffs. Porth is located between Newquay and Watergate Bay, complete with a local pub on the beach and shop.

Search holidays at The Strand.

SKYLINE, MAWGAN PORTH

Six bedroom house available from £3,032

Nestled above Mawgan Porth, Skyline combines contemporary coastal living with boutique interiors to create a space perfect for self-catering family holidays. In just a five-minute walk, you’ll find yourself on Mawgan Porth’s golden sand and at the village centre with its perfectly formed mix of cafes, restaurants, pub, surf shops and surf school.

Head to the Merrymoor Inn beer garden for local ales, delicious Cornish food and a sea view.

Search holidays at Skyline.

1 PORTH SANDS, PORTH

Two bedroom apartment available from £684

Just a stone’s throw away from Porth beach; a wide sandy beach sheltered by two headlands, 1 Porth Sands is a contemporary two bedroomed first floor apartment with a private balcony and stunning coastal views. Nestled between Watergate Bay and Fistral headland, Porth is a charming waterfront village with a teahouse, cafe, restaurant, pub and boutique shop. The beach is popular with families for its flat golden sand and shallow waters, while surfers enjoy catching the Atlantic swells.

Enjoy take away pizzas from The Mermaid throughout April/May.

Search holidays at 1 Porth Sands.

THE COURTYARD, KINGSAND 

Four bedroom house available from £1,039

Positioned in the heart of a beautiful Cornish former fishing village, 100 metres from the beach, The Courtyard is perfect for an ‘escape from it all’ break. The Rame Peninsula, known as Cornwall’s forgotten corner, Kingsand and Cawsand are a pair of charming fishing villages untouched by time. With colourful wooden boats, shingle beach and woodland border, it is a popular destination for artists and those that wish to escape the crowds in this idyllic little bay.

The Courtyard is a duplex apartment on the ground and first floor, converted from a chapel to bring contemporary living to a historic building.

Search holidays at The Courtyard.

SEARCH ALL SELF CATERING HOLIDAYS IN CORNWALL.

lowenna watergate

Social distancing and these strange times don’t mean you can’t enjoy dining out in the foodie Mecca that Cornwall’s become. Here are our favourite places to tuck into a taste of Cornwall in an outdoor dining room.

Watergate Bay

Whether you’ve been surfing, walking the dog or simply basking on Watergate Bay’s two miles of golden sands, you’ll no doubt have worked up an appetite for a pit stop at Watergate Bay’s brand new pop up. Drop your surfboards and beach gear, and follow the smell of food, to fill up on seasonal takeaway dishes – From gourmet hot dogs and Napoletana-style pizzas to artisan ice cream, cold beers and cocktails for sunset. From May.

watergatebay.co.uk

Fox’s Revenge, Summercourt

FoxsClocking up huge applaud for its no fuss, flavoursome food and venue, the Fox’s Revenge has taken the changing face of dining out in its stride, with the addition of a large tipi dining area. What with Cornish weather being so unpredictable, and no one wanting to rub elbows at the dinner table these days, here you can tuck into no-fuss seasonal flavours from the barbecue and smoke shack, served with a breath of fresh air yet undercover. Genius. Booking essential.

thefoxsrevenge.com

Canteen Cornwall

Newquay Community Orchard & St Agnes
Since Canteen Cornwall started serving up their famous dhal, chicken dinners, cinnamon buns and delicious daily dishes at Wheal Kitty in St Agnes, their seasonal food and convivial dining ambience have lured hungry folk from far and wide. And now, with a second venue that’s just opened its doors, the same sustainable, seasonal fare will now be brought to the tables at Newquay Community Orchard. Taking the field to fork ethos even more seriously this time, much of the produce will be picked from the market garden just a pebble’s throw from your plate.

canteencornwall.com

The Slope, Great Western Beach, Newquay

Lap up the beach vibes and banging Cornish food at this popular surfers’ hangout harking back to the 60s. A menu tailored for barefoot beach goers includes family-friendly share platters, loaded fries and gourmet burgers. What’s more, it’s all served alongside locally roasted coffee and Cornish beers made by Sharp’s brewery. So, peel off your wetsuit and bask on a surf-side bench, or grab a takeaway and tuck-in with your toes in sand.

theslopenewquay.com

Poldhu Beach Cafe, Poldhu Cove

Bang on the family Mecca of Poldhu Cove, this buzzing little beach café serves breakfast baps, finger-licking lunches and Poldhutastic hot chocolates – all with a side order of eye-popping sea views from the beachside deck. So, whether you’ve been riding the waves, hunting for beach treasure or creating sand sculptures on the beach, it’s the perfect pit stop for rumbling tums. Every Friday in summer enjoy stone-baked pizzas served with Cornish cider or a glass of bubbly, while listening to live music and the beat of the waves.

poldhu.com

The Driftwood Spars, St Agnes

A historic inn serving its own micro-brewery ales under low-beamed ceilings, and delicious seasonal food in a contemporary dining room, The Driftwood Spars took the changing times in its stride. Now you can enjoy the same great food from local farms and fishermen, alongside the same quenching local ales, in a large outdoor dining area just footsteps from Trevaunance Cove.

driftwoodspars.com

The Cornish Arms, St Merryn

When foodie hero Rick Stein took the helm of this traditional country pub in 2009, The Cornish Arms turned into one of the North Coast’s foodie destinations. Within an easy hop of St Merryn’s seven bays and beaches, it really is the perfect place to fuel up after a surf, coastal stomp or even a game of golf. With a huge beer garden it’s always been popular when the sun shines, and now it boasts a huge outdoor eating area undercover, so you can enjoy Stein’s classic Cornish dishes, come rain or shine.

rickstein.com/restaurants/the-cornish-arms/

Prawn on the Farm, Padstow

For a little seafood bar and restaurant tucked in the cobbled streets of Padstow, Prawn on the Lawn made a very big name for itself. A pioneer of the alfresco foodie movement, it changed its location to Trerethern Farm (just outside of Padstow), tweaked its name and created an outdoor restaurant that proved a huge hit on the foodie radar. And it’s back this year with an even bigger outdoor restaurant under canvas, serving small plates and seafood platters with a focus on produce sourced directly from the day boats, all with a side order of divine countryside and estuary views.
prawnonthelawn.com

The Mariners, Rock

What better way to spend a summer afternoon than watching the boats go by from the terrace, while sipping local ales from Sharp’s brewery, alongside Porthilly oysters (plucked from oyster beds in view), lobster, mussels and catch of the day? With Paul Ainsworth and his team heading up this local pub beside the Camel Estuary, it’s little wonder that the calibre of the food and drink matches the divine views on the doorstep. Make a day of it by arriving on the Black Tor ferry from Padstow.

paul-ainsworth.co.uk/the-mariners

Sam’s on The Beach, Polkerris

Step straight off your SUP and tuck into steaming bowls of local mussels and other Cornish seafood, or enjoy a slice of artisan pizza fresh from the wood-fired oven, while casting your gaze over St Austell Bay. Once an RNLI station, at Sam’s on the Beach you can take a seat on the old slipway where boats used to be launched into the sea. A dab-hand at alfresco dining, you can now also enjoy Sam’s On the Roseland, serving award-winning burgers, gourmet hand-rolled pizzas and Bali bowls, from a freight box kitchen and bar on the Roseland.

samscornwall.co.uk

Search Beach Retreats holidays.

Slow travel in Cornwall

cawsand

On the upside, this crazy year has given us all many reasons to stay closer to home and slow down a little. And being a destination that doesn’t involve hopping on a plane to get to Cornwall’s culture, landscape and remoteness makes it a place that goes hand-in-hand with the art of slow travel. So, here are some of our favourite places to ditch the car and reconnect with yourself, with each other and with nature at your own pace.

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

Care free adventures in Cawsand

Cawsand

Once your feet hit the sand, these waterside villages and your pace of life will quickly re-adjust to the ebb and flow of the tides. Take a step back in time in this ‘forgotten corner’ of Cornwall, where you can wander the coast path to historic landmarks or hop aboard a ferry and witness the county’s maritime heritage from the water. Why not wake up with a sunrise sea dip, skim pebbles in the twinkling bay, then follow the cobbled lanes to The Old Bakery for a loaf of fresh sourdough that you can unpack on a picnic at Rame Head?

Search Cawsand holidays.

Soak up eye-popping scenery in Portloe

With little to do except stroll, swim, eat and gawp at its pristine beauty, the seaside hamlet of Portloe is an idyllic location to ditch your keys and lap up life in the slow lane. Get a mighty dose of Vitamin Sea, rub shoulders with local fishermen and dine on the their catch in historic smugglers’ hangouts. Flaunting Cornish culture and eye-popping coastal scenery in bucket-loads, for its diminutive size, you’ll feel a million miles away from the maddening crowds. In spring, wafts of coconut-gorse infuse the air as you stroll along the coast path to Portholland’s duo of beaches. Or you might prefer to castaway on a paddleboard to spot seals and seabirds.

Search Portloe holidays.

Crabbing and coastal rambles in Mousehole

Mousehole

Hang a crabbing line from the harbour wall and watch the watery world go by in a place dubbed ‘the loveliest village in England’ by Dylan Thomas. Tuck into potted Cornish crab accompanied by locally brewed ales in the The Ship Inn – a place frequented by Thomas – before rambling onto Lamorna Cove, where he also stayed with his girlfriend Caitlin. As you pass the iconic Tater Du lighthouse, tunnel through the enchanting Kemyel Crease woodland and emerge at Lamorna’s quayside. It’s easy to see why Dylan Thomas fell so deeply in love with the landscape – and indeed his girlfriend, who he subsequently married. Whether you walk the coast path, or take a cruise aboard where the skipper regales tales of smugglers, shipwrecks and pirates, you’ll no doubt fall head over heels for this place, too.

Search Mousehole holidays.

Shell-hunting and sandboarding in Holywell Bay

holywell

Get lost in miles of dunes and glide down their sandy peaks, onto a crushed-shell beach perfect for hunting sea glass. At low tide explore the sea caves in search of the ‘holy well’ that gave the beach its name, and when westerlies bring white horses scudding across the Atlantic, seek shelter in the towering dunes. As soon as you clap eyes on the twin peaks of Gull rock, you’ll recognise the bay for its part in BBC’s Poldark hit. And whether your toes are in the sand or you stomp the coast path to Kelsey head, it’s easy to imagine Ross Poldark galloping along the shoreline, and Demelza wistfully picking sea pinks on the cliff tops.

Search Holywell Bay holidays.

Cycle coast to coast from Portreath

Portreath

Exploring Cornwall under pedal power is a great way to get under the skin of the landscape and culture at your own pace, while cunningly avoiding the holiday traffic. There’s a web of mineral tramways criss-crossing some of the county’s richest mining heritage in West Cornwall, our favourite of which is the Coast-to-Coast trail. Freewheel along 11 miles of off-road trails from Portreath harbour on the north coast, ticking off sea views, woodland, engine houses and quarries, on the way to the sublime estuary-edge Devoran on the south coast.

Search Portreath holidays.

Rockpooling on Downderry beach

Kick off your shoes, grab a fishing net and bucket, and pad along Downderry’s sand and shingle shoreline on the ebbing tide. Here, in the shadow of the sea cliffs, you can squander hours searching the rock pools for the likes of starfish, anemones, crabs and blennies. Don’t lose track of time if you want to pad barefoot all the way to Seaton, as you don’t want to get cut off by the incoming tide. At the very eastern end of the beach you’ll find more than nature baring all, as it’s a popular naturist hangout.

Search Downderry holidays.

Chase waterfalls at Rocky Valley

BoscastleFeel the embrace of nature as you turn inland from the rugged North Cornish coast and follow a magical glen all the way to a thundering waterfall. Explore ancient woodland alongside the River Trevillet to reach the 60ft St Nectan’s Glen, serenaded by birdsong, the whisper of the water, and the mythical fairies and piskies believed to inhabit one of Cornwall’s most spiritual sites.

Search Boscastle holidays.

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

Search all holidays.

Want to learn more about how to make the most of your travel? Read our blog on how to do slow travel.

Eating out in St Ives

st ives

Unpack a gourmet picnic with your toes in the sand. Dine on fresh fish, gazing out to the ocean where it was caught. Graze on produce picked from sea-hemmed fields. Eating out in St Ives is a feast for the senses.

A fishing village turned artists colony, these days St Ives’ foodie reputation is fast chasing its creative legacy and the allure of its white-sand beaches. Whether you fancy Michelin-starred dining or fish and chips on the beach, these are some of our favourite places to eat out in one of Cornwall’s most popular seaside towns…

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

st ives

St Ives Liquor

Let’s start with a tipple at The Searoom. The family behind this seafront bar spent years experimenting with aromatic flavours plucked from the Cornish coastline, to produce their own St Ives Gin. So where better to sit back and sip handcrafted spirits, graze on tapas and watch fishing boats putter in and out of the harbour?

Porthgwidden Cafe

Tucked on the edge of a white-sand cove, the Porthgwidden Café is a divine setting to feast on fresh Cornish ingredients fused with flavours of Asia and the Med. While signature dishes include the fragrant mussels, crispy squid and leadoff curries, it’s also one of our favourite spots for breakfast. Fuel up for the day with views across the cerulean stretch of St Ives’ Bay towards the iconic Godrevy lighthouse – you might even spot a pod of dolphins.

Porthminster Cafe

Also nudging the town’s pearly sands is the Porthminster Beach Café, which boasts bucket-loads of accolades for its fish-based menu and beachside vibes. Frankly there are few better venues to take a seat on the terrace, sip a crisp white from a beach-bucket cooler, and devour ingredients flipped from the sea and picked from the kitchen garden.

Porthminster Kitchen

Prefer to dine on delectable dishes with a view over the hustle and bustle of the harbour? Take a seat in the light-bathed Porthminster Kitchen, and feast your eyes on views that have inspired artists for centuries. Another restaurant from the team behind the Porthminster Beach Café, the menu offers a light and creative twist on Cornish cuisine, with small plates and global flavours served in a chic urban-style venue.

One Fish Street

Bona fide seafood lovers should book a table for the tasting menu at the intimate One Fish Street. Here the small plates are tailored to what’s landed on the day boats, combined with ingredients from artisan growers and producers. The accompanying wine flight matches each course with hand-selected vintages, most of which are organic, bio dynamic and sourced from small growers.

Rum and Crab Shack

Even vegans can enjoy classic seafood-style dishes at the Rum and Crab Shack, where there’s Tofu Fish ‘n’ Chips on the menu (tofu marinated in lemon juice, wrapped in nori seaweed sheets and cooked in a vegan-beer batter). Whole crab and lobster are also on the menu of varied offerings from land and sea, served alongside a variety of rums from around the world.

Porthmeor Cafe Bar

If you’ve been visiting the Tate St Ives or riding the waves at Porthmeor beach, pause to tuck into tapas and Mediterranean-inspired dishes at the Porthmeor Café Bar. This retro-chic diner overhangs St Ives’ most famous surf beach, making it a prime spot to bag a window seat or heated alfresco booth. We love a ‘build your own’ breakfast beside the waves, or tapas and a glass of fizz as the the sun goes down.

Beer and Bird

A standout amongst the usual seafood repertoire, Beer & Bird is an independent and family-run joint specialising in craft beer and Cornish free-range fried chicken. Serving comfort food in style, you can also get your chops around Belgian waffles, monster burgers and meat-free dishes including vegan fried chicken. All complemented by more than 60 craft beers and ciders behind the bar.

Blas Burgerworks

If you want to eat barefoot on the beach, there’s an abundance of takeaway outlets – just beware of seagulls dive-bombing to steal your chips and ice cream. One of our favourite takeaways is Blas Burgerworks. This ethical take on a burger bar serves mouth-watering stacks of Cornish ingredients from a hatch beside the harbour. And it’s not just for carnivores; vegetarians can tuck into blackbean burgers with corn salsa and guacamole, or halloumi burgers with field mushrooms.

Thinking about staying in St Ives? Have a look at our luxury St Ives holiday properties.

Check out our recommendations on the best places to go for breakfast in Cornwall.

Become a seasoning pro with Cornish Sea Salt during your upcoming staycation

seasalt 16

Need a little cooking inspiration for your upcoming staycation in Cornwall? We speak to the team at Cornish Sea Salt to find out their favourite tried and tested, go-to recipes. 

Let us tell you a little about us first…

Cornish Sea Salt is sourced from Grade A Atlantic waters, eight metres from the shoreline on the Lizard Peninsula and hand-harvested in our eco-friendly salt house. Beneath Cornwall’s beauty is a totally unique geographical environment which defines the taste and high mineral content of Cornish Sea Salt. Our salt contains over 60 natural and essential nutrients and minerals which help your body and mind to function.

Explore our holiday lets in The Lizard Peninsula.

The combination of these minerals and nutrients means our salt really packs a punch, bringing zest and zing to your cooking so you can sprinkle less for the same impact – perfect for cooking up a storm in the kitchen on your staycation in Cornwall.

We’ve put together some tasty meal ideas for those slower days, snacks to take to the local beach and slap-up meals using a variety of our seasonings and flavours.

Want to go out for breakfast? Check out our recommendations on the best places to go for breakfast in Cornwall.

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

Brunchin’ 

Slower mornings and long lay ins are a must when you’re in holiday mode, and can only mean one thing – brunch! Once you’ve enjoyed your morning coffee soaking up the views Cornwall has to offer from the comfort of your holiday home, it is time for food.

We’ve got two very special brunch dishes on the menu that are super easy to cook, and will take you to your favourite café without having to leave the house. Our grilled figs on toasted brioche with ricotta, thyme and honey finished with Cornish Sea Salt Flakes is a thing of beauty. The sticky figs hits the spot for those who crave something sweet in the morning, balanced with thyme and flaked Cornish Sea Salt for a sweet and salty finish.

cornish sea salt

Or for something a little heartier, why not try our Australian-inspired potato cakes recipe which we serve with avocado and a poached egg (St Ewe of course) to satisfy that savoury pang. Finished with sea salt flakes, or add our Chilli hit for an extra kick.

cornish sea salt

A taste of Cornwall

During your staycation in Cornwall, give yourself a taste of the coast with our epic corn on the cobs smothered with Cornish seaweed butter. This recipe is SO easy and a taste sensation – believe us! Why not pre-prepare by making your butter with our Seaweed Salt and take to the beach with a portable BBQ!

cornish sea salt

A trip to Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without a scone. Our Smokin’ cheese scones using our Smoked Sea Salt Flakes are a perfect mid-afternoon snack and SUPER easy to rustle up. Eat warm from the oven, slathered in Cornish butter and your favourite chutney.

scone cornish sea salt

Next up is Cornish crab tacos by chef James Strawbridge using our Mexican Salt blend for easy cheat seasoning that packs in the flavour – best served with a cold beer in the sunshine!

cornish sea salt

Come dine with me

Cooking a meal on your staycation doesn’t need to be a chore – with a little added help and theatre! Try these Korean Chicken Wings with our Really Garlicky Salt and cheat a little using some Merchant Gourmet grains to go with them.

cornish sea salt

Finally, the pièce de resistance.. Pavlova with Sea Salt & Peppery Marinated Strawberries (stick with us on this one!) The sea salt and pepper enhances the strawberry flavour and gives this sweet dessert a delicious kick! This really is a dish that has to be tried to be believed – and you won’t regret it!

cornish sea salt

Why not try some of these recipes during your stay with Beach Retreats?

You can purchase all salts for your online food shop at Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Tesco, Asda and Morrisons.

Find out more on our website cornishseasalt.co.uk or always find out what’s on the menu on our Instagram.

Recipes and links