Author: gloversure

Watergate Bay to Porth Beach walk

View Watergate Bay in all its glory with its exceptional facilities including the Extreme Academy, which offers a great range of adrenaline sports, great lifestyle shopping, and the legendary Beach Hut. After a bite to eat, strike out along the South West Coast Path and head to neighbouring Porth beach. 

Miles: 1.7
Time: 0:37 minutes
Moderate

Porth Beach

Start off on the coast path above Watergate Beach, a two-mile stretch of golden sand. Warm and cold Atlantic currents converge here, giving rise to a wide range of marine plants and animals. Herring gulls and fulmars nest above the high water mark, and clumps of tufty pink thrift abound on the cliffs.

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The rock pools are home to many molluscs and algae, as well as the astonishing shanny fish, which can survive out of the water for brief spells. Look out for bottle-nosed dolphins and harmless basking sharks out in the bay.

Fancy staying in Watergate Bay? Check out our luxury holiday properties in Watergate Bay, Newquay.

Turn left on the Coast Path and follow it back to Whipsiderry, where some of our favourite north Cornwall views, never disappoint.

The island near the steps on Whipsiderry Beach is Black Humphrey’s Rock, which is riddled with old iron mine workings. A couple of adits emerge near the steps, and some of the boulders on the beach contain iron ore.

There are some impressive caves this side of Trevelgue Head. White marble was once quarried in the pillared Cathedral Cavern, which has a number of tunnels leading away from it, and it is still possible to see a shaft in the roof and drill holes in the walls. Another large cave is Banqueting Hall, also known as Concert Cavern, where candlelight concerts have sometimes been held.

Check out our top 5 restaurants in Watergate Bay.

There is also a spectacular blowhole, just opposite the island, which can be reached by crossing the bridge. Around the time of half-tide the air in one of the caves is so violently compressed that it forces a jet of water through a blowhole in the cave with a thunderous roar that sounds like an old steam train suddenly emerging from a tunnel.

Fuel up on coffee and deck yourself out in the latest coastal style at Roo’s Beach and stroll along the golden sands of Porth beach before heading back to your swanky abode. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, head to the pub on the beach – The Mermaid, where they serve pizzas in the beer garden, local ales and a full lunch and evening menu.

Search self-catering holidays at Porth and Watergate Bay.

Paddleboarding in Cornwall

What better way to explore the craggy coastline of Cornwall than afloat on a paddleboard?

Tone your core and hone your balance as you glide from bay to bay, via smugglers’ caves, hidden coves and secret lagoons, peering down into the blue abyss to see jellyfish, crabs and shoals of fish. You might even snag a mackerel on a hand line or spot a seal on your tail.

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Far from being solely a sublime summer sport, stand-up paddleboarding can be enjoyed all year round in Cornwall. In fact, autumn is one of our favourite times to launch from the crowd-free beaches, while the ocean is still warm and teeming with wildlife. Even on a crisp mid-winter’s day, in a decent wetsuit you can enjoy a paddle in a sheltered cove. Whether you pack your own inflatable paddleboard, or hire one or set out with an expert guide, paddleboarding is the perfect way to twist your perspective on the stunning Cornish coastline. Look from the outside in, and get your fill of fresh sea air, as you propel yourself across the water, interacting with your natural surroundings.

All of our Beach Retreats are a pebble’s throw from the coast, making it easy to enjoy a stand-up paddleboarding adventure from your doorstep. And in these crazy times, it’s more vital than ever to immerse ourselves in nature, embrace the seasons and stay active, in order to boost our mental health and happiness. As soon as you cast away from the stress of the daily grind on a paddleboard, your mind and body tunes into the sights and sounds of the coast, and the rhythm of your paddle, while developing your strength, endurance, balance, coordination and agility.

Expert SUP coach Dom Moore, of the Surf Sanctuary at Fistral beach, waxes lyrical about the benefits of paddle boarding in Cornwall: “SUP tours are a great way for newcomers and families to experience paddleboarding and discover the beautiful wilderness of our coastline.” Get away from it all and get to grips with the basics on a two-hour tour, or learn everything you need to know about paddle boarding on a two-day Atlantic Expedition. On the latter not only can you explore different routes and take your skills to a new level, you will also learn about the tides, the wind, the moon, how to read maps and apps, and safety and rescue techniques.

With over 400 miles of coastline to explore in Cornwall, there are so many paddleboarding routes and beaches to choose from. Make sure you take a dry bag, a picnic, and a mobile phone, and always check the weather, wind and swell forecast before you go. Never launch a paddleboard in offshore winds.

5 OF OUR FAVOURITE PADDLEBOARDING SPOTS

Gorran Haven

Launch from the historic harbour at Gorran Haven and nudge around the coast to the deserted Vault beach. If you’ve got enough paddle power and the wind and currents are in your favour, push on around Dodman point, where you’ll often encounter seals on the way to Hemmick beach.

Cast away with Haven Kayaks.

Holidays near Gorran Haven.

Gorran Haven

The Helford Passage

Time your trip with the tides and float along the Helford River, exploring hidden creeks and spotting plenty of wildlife on route. Families might like to try a 2.5-hour tour onboard an 8-man Mega SUP.

Cast away with Ocean High.

Cawsand Beach

The calm and sheltered waters lapping Cawsand are the perfect territory to get your balance on a stand-up paddleboard. Nail the basic techniques with a SUP lesson, or join a full- or half-day guided trip to explore sea caves and secret coves.

Cast away with Cawsand Kayak Hire.

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Carbis Bay, St Ives

The sheltered, sub-tropical Carbis Bay is a divine location to cast off on a stand-up paddleboard. Explore the nooks and crannies of the coastline, gaze out to Godrevy lighthouse, and moor up on the St Ives’ beaches for food and refreshments.

Cast away with Ocean Sports Centre.

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The Gazzle and The Gannel, Newquay

Discover crabs and blennies hiding in the nooks and crannies of Newquay’s sheltered ‘Gazzle’ area, or float along the serene River Gannel spotting little egrets, greenshanks and other birds that flock to the rich pickings of the salt marshes.

Cast away with The Surf Sanctuary.

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Want to stay in Fistral? Have a look at our luxury holiday cottages in Fistral.

Wildlife to spot while paddleboarding in Cornwall…

Seabirds – lookout for the black and white feathers of Guillemots clinging to the sea cliffs the distinctive orange beaks of oyster catchers, the graceful shags and cormorants perched on the rocks, and gannets diving deep below the surface for fish.

Mackerel – the blue and green tiger strips of mackerel can be seen shimmering beneath the water in huge shoals in spring and summer. Throw out a hand line and catch one to put on the barbecue for dinner.

Spider crabs – easily recognisable by their red shells and long limbs, spider crabs have a claw-span up to 80cm and live up to 40 years.

Seals – the most frequently sighted mammals in Cornwall, seals are playful and inquisitive, s they’re likely pop up and eyeball you as you paddle by.

Dolphins – the most magical sight is a pod of dolphins, their fins dancing above the waves.

Discover adrenaline-pumping adventures and unforgettable experiences with Newquay’s wild activities.

Find your place by the sea with a self-catering holiday in Cornwall.

 

What to do when you see a seal pup in Cornwall

grey seal credit caz waddell

Cornwall is teeming with grey seals, but in winter you might come across seal pups stranded on the coastline in difficulty.

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On your rambles along the South West Coast Path, it’s always a delight to spot the whiskered nose of a grey seal break the surface. You might even be lucky enough to have a close encounter with one of these majestic mammals when you’re swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking or surfing. Or spot one in the wake of a fishing boat chugging into a harbour with fresh catch.

Seals are one of the most frequently sighted marine mammals in Cornwall. However, as winter approaches, large numbers of seal pups are found stranded on Cornwall’s beaches or hauled out on rocks, due to malnourishment, injury, or being washed up in stormy conditions. And while it might be your natural instinct to herd them back into the sea in the hope of re-uniting them with their families, many of them need care and attention before being able to survive back in the wild Atlantic Ocean.

For over 60 years the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek has been a rescue facility for seal pups and injured seals. Much more than a visitor attraction where you’re guaranteed a close encounter with seals, here you can witness them dipping and diving their way to recovery, learn all about the species, and see lots of different marine wildlife including sea lions, otters, penguins, crabs and starfish. As well as seeing the seals in all stages of recovery, you can watch a practical demonstration about handling and rescuing seal pups – which is a starting point if you do come across one stranded on your beach wanderings.

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary rescues more than 75 pups in need every winter. Adopting decades of experience, a team of experts administer care, lifesaving medication and even vital surgery, to enable the seals to recover and be released back into the wild when they are ready to fend for themselves once again. The sanctuary also provides a permanent home to any seals with ongoing medical issues that prevent them surviving in the ocean.

A day out at the Seal Sanctuary is an eye opening, entertaining and educational day out for the whole family. Here you trace the steps of seals in recovery – from the most recently rescued pups undergoing care in the seal hospital, to those in their final stages of rehabilitation in the convalescence pool. You can also come nose-to-nose with seals, sea lions and penguins in the underwater viewing areas.

Discover our Porthleven holiday properties. Just 20 minutes away from the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.

While you can support the charity by visiting the sanctuary and donating to support the seal pups, you can also help by taking the right steps if you do come across a stranded seal pup on the beach. Firstly, do not approach the seal – and make sure you keep dogs and children away from it. Seals are wild animals and will defend themselves aggressively if they feel threatened, so keep your distance and observe the seal pup to assess whether it is in need. Seals regularly haul out on our coasts – it is part of their normal behaviour and therefore finding a seal on the beach does not mean there is necessarily a problem.

Discover five places to spot wildlife along the Cornish coast, where nature thrives amidst stunning landscapes and coastal beauty.

Signs that a seal needs assistance include:

Abandonment or separation
If you see a seal with a white, long-haired coat in the autumn/winter, then it is probably still suckling from its mother. Check the sea regularly for any sign of an adult seal.

Malnourishment
Signs of malnutrition include visible ribs, hips and neck and baggy, wrinkled skin.

Bad health
Signs of ill health can include coughing and sneezing, noisy and rapid breathing, or thick mucus coming from the nose, wounds or swellings.

Injury or entanglement
Seals often get tangled in fishing gear and other debris. While heavy commercial gear is obvious, monofilament nets and line are hard to see when they are caught around the neck, flippers and body.

If you do find a seal pup in distress or need, these tips from the Seal Sanctuary and the British Divers Marine Life Rescue will ensure you do all you can to facilitate its safe and effective recovery:

Keep your distance
Take a good look to ascertain if the pup is alone, unwell, malnourished or injured.

Don’t touch the pup
It is a wild animal with sharp teeth. A mother may reject her pup if it smells of people, so keep downwind and (if possible) out of sight.

Don’t chase the seal back in the sea
A white-coated pup spends most time out of water. All seals haul out onto land to rest, digest and socialise all year round.

Do something about it
Phone the Cornish Seal Sanctuary for expert advice on 01326 221 361, or British Divers Marine Life Rescue on 01825 765 546, giving an accurate location.

More information
Seal Sactuary

Put Seal Pups First
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is part of the SEALIFE Trust charity and couldn’t do their vital work without the support of the public.

Each seal pup costs, on average, £2000 to rehabilitate, not including special cases. Due to difficulties faced following the Covid-19 pandemic, the sanctuary has launched a Put Pups First campaign to supporting the seal pups through a difficult situation, provide advice and information to the public, and help the Cornish Seal Sanctuary continue their work.

Donate here.

Cornwall in Autumn

Autumn in Cornwall

Things to see and do in Cornwall this Autumn…

The ocean’s still warm, the surf’s pumping, the beaches are crowd-free and the gardens are aglow with golden hues. We love autumn in Cornwall. From coast path rambles and blackberry picking, to action sports and ales by crackling log fires, here are some of our favourite activities for autumn breaks by the beach.

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a log burner? Check out our cottages with a log burner for a cosy getaway.

Go blackberry picking on the coast

Breathe in the fresh sea air, soak up the stunning coastal scenery and forage for the juicy fruits of autumn. Whether you take punnets full back to your Beach Retreat and conjure up a crumble, or snack on them as you stroll, you’ll find hedgerows everywhere packed with wild blackberries throughout September and October. Some of our favourite places to fill our buckets with nature’s bounty include the dramatic, calf-busting terrain between Bude and Morwenstow, the coastal trail stretching from Cawsand to Rame Head, and the lush flanks of the Roseland Peninsula.

Find out more about foraging in Cornwall.

Suit up and take the plunge

It’s taken the whole summer for the ocean to warm up – and it’ll take a good few months for it to cool down again. So autumn is a great time to hit the waves – whether you go surfing, swimming or make a splash on a coasteering adventure. Tap up one of the experts in Cornwall, we love the Extreme Academy at Watergate Bay and Kingsurf in Mawgan Porth. There you’ll get kitted out with super-warm wetsuits, snuggly surfing booties and high-tech boards, so there’ll be no stopping you riding the waves whatever the weather.

If you fancy a close-up, adrenalin-fuelled view of the coastline, book a session with King Coasteer and swim, climb and cliff-jump your way around the coast in the safe hands of a coasteering guide.

Discover coastal bliss in Cawsand, South Cornwall, where tranquility meets adventure

Sip on local ales beside a crackling log fire

When you’ve had a blast outdoors in the autumn breeze, there’s nothing better than hunkering down by a log fire in a cosy local pub. One of our favourite autumn walks is from St Ives to Zennor – an eye-popping six-mile stomp ending at the cosy Tinners Arms, where you can sip a well-deserved ale under low beams beside the roaring fire. Not many pubs in Cornwall can match the 700-year history of this traditional inn, which was built in 1271 and much loved by author DH Lawrence. However, a couple of other places we love to warm our cockles by the fire include the Driftwood Spars brew pub tucked beside Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes, and the 13th century Pandora Inn, with its port holes looking out to Restronguet Creek.

Visiting Cornwall in the Autumn? It’s the perfect time to visit our favourite Sunday Roast locations.

Get lost in Autumn gardens

Crunch through the golden leaves, swing through the trees and follow tunnels of autumn hues that tumble to the water’s edge. Just in the National Trust stable you can explore the magical woodland of Lanhydrock, the sub-tropical landscape of Glendurgan and Trelissick’s stunning 500-acre estate on the banks of the River Fal – and that’s just for starters. Another favourite with families – and dogs, too – is Trebah Garden, where you can follow colourful foliage to a sandy cove. Or tunnel through bamboo, banana palms and gigantic rhubarb plants, to ancient woodlands and water meadows at the historic Lost Gardens of Heligan. Out of all the county’s garden wonderlands, the Eden Project is still the mega-star, where you can wander through a rainforest, bask in the Med and visit a Western Australian garden in the iconic, sky-scraping biomes.

Explore the English Heritage

From the twin castles of Pendennis and St Mawes, to mysterious stone circles such as Chysauster, there are plenty of English Heritage sites to discover across Cornwall. One of the attractions topping our radar this year is Tintagel Castle, where you can step across the new bridge from the mainland, to reach the castle ruins perched on a rugged island. Indulge your imagination in tales of King Arthur’s magical conception here, listen to your echo in the eerie Merlin’s Cave, and discover the history of a place that has posed as a major trading port, a prosperous Dark Age settlement and a magnificent fortress. Regardless of its enthralling past steeped in myths and legends, it’s also a gob-smacking location to roll out a picnic rug on the headland, spot seals and seabirds, and explore sea caves and rock pools.

Find out more about English Heritage sites in Cornwall.

Find your perfect Beach Retreat this Autumn.

Walk through Portloe

portloe

Flaunting buckets full of Cornish charm and enveloped in eye-popping coastal scenery, Portloe well deserves its reputation as one of the ‘least spoiled and most impressive Cornish villages’. Here are some of our must do’s while staying in any of our Portloe self-catering cottages.

A true hideaway, even the likes of Dawn French and David Cameron have been know to squirrel themselves away here, rubbing shoulders with the local fishermen as they unload their catch or enjoy a pint after a day at sea. With a historic harbour and a sheltered little beach that exposes a small stretch of sand as the tide ebbs, there’s simply no reason for the crowds to descend on this picture-postcard village, making it a genuine escape from the tourist honeypots.

You could bring a picnic and hit the sand at low tide, but why not treat yourself to a front-row view of this Area of Outstanding Beauty from The Lugger, where you can dine on the likes of lobster, fresh fish and other finger-licking Cornish produce? Now one of Cornwall’s finest restaurants, The Lugger was once a smugglers’ haunt, and in the 18th century the innkeeper was sent to the gallows for smuggling French brandy.

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

While you dine overlooking the harbour where many of the ingredients are landed, you might also recognise the scenery from classic films including ‘The Camomile Lawn’ and ‘About Time’. If you prefer a valley view in a more casual pub atmosphere, bag a table in the garden at The Ship Inn, originally a 17th century fisherman’s cottage that’s still decked out with maritime memorabilia.

Once you’ve set eyes on the stunning surroundings, it’s only natural that you’ll want to get out and explore. Sheltered by Nare Head and Dodman Point at either end of Veryan Bay, the water is usually calm enough to castaway on a paddleboarding or kayaking adventure. Paddle around Nare Head into Gerrans Bay, or spot seals on your way around Dodman Point, to land on the paradise (and naturist spot) of Vault Beach.

Check out our properties in Portloe and explore our luxury holiday cottages.

If you prefer to explore on foot, strike out south along the cliff tops for 2.5km to Nare Head, rambling past a restored Cold War Nuclear Bunker and soaking up panoramic views of the Roseland Peninsula and out over the Whelps Reef. If you nudge on a little further you can bask on the perfect crescent of sand and shingle that’s Carne Beach, making sure you have a pit stop for homemade cakes at the Tea by the Sea van if it’s open. Other beaches nearby include Gorran Haven as pictured below and Hemmick beach.

Heading north along the South West Coast Path from Portloe, it’s also about 2.5 miles to Portholland’s duo of beaches, backed by the only surviving mediaeval coastal farmland in Cornwall. Rest on the secluded grey-stone and sand coves, and tuck into a slice of cake served from the kitchen of one of the waterside cottages. If you’re looking for a longer coastal route, keeping going to the tip of Dodman Point, spotting seabirds and looking out for the whiskered noses of seals popping up between the rocks below.

Explore The Old Store in Portloe, our staff pick of the month for a perfect holiday cottage experience, blending comfort with coastal charm in Cornwall.

While there’s little to do except eat, stroll, soak up the scenery or get your fill of Vitamin Sea, that’s the beauty of Portloe. It really is a low-key and divine little corner that’s been left to its natural charms. Yet while it’s tucked away, it’s not inaccessible from some of Cornwall’s more popular attractions. Being on the Roseland it’s only a short drive to the sailing hub of Portscatho, the much-lauded foodie hotspot of the Hidden Hut at Porthcurnick Beach, and the historic Caerhays Castle. Or, if you want to stray from the beaches, you’re not far from the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project.

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Bringing our favourite Whistlefish artwork to life

Have you been to any of these Cornwall locations?

Chances are, you’ve stepped into one of our Beach Retreats and spotted a beautiful piece of artwork from Whistlefish. Whistlefish supports artists locally and nationally, handpicking a selection of their favourites in traditional, contemporary and modern artistic styles.

Below we will be sharing some of our favourite pieces, pairing them with our must do activities in the locations painted. If you like any of the artwork shown, click the photo to each print and head over to their online shop or visit one of their galleries across Cornwall and Devon.

How many of these locations have you explored?

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

Camel Estuary

We just love walking the coast path that follows the Camel Estuary. Start off in Rock (home to two of our luxury Beach Retreats) and walk around to Daymer Bay and onto Polzeath. For a truly unique experience, like no other, jump on the ferry that pulls into Rock Road, and sail over to the opposite side to the estuary to the picture perfect Padstow Harbour. Here you’ll find a wonderful collections of shops, galleries (including our go to Whistlefish store) restaurants and bars. Tuck into some fish and chips on the harbour wall, but be sure to watch out for those pesky seagulls.

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Camel Estuary – Whistlefish

 

Porthcurno

If we could show you what paradise looks like in Cornwall, this would be it. Porthcurno is located in west Cornwall, close to Land’s End and is an artists dream to paint. It’s azure blue waters, wild flowered clifftops and rock formations attract visitors all year round. Walk the clifftops over to Pedn Vounder and Treen, if you’re lucky you may even spot the wild ponies that roam here.

The famous Minack Theatre is located opposite the beach, perfectly carved into the cliffs. Take a seat in the cliff-side amphitheatre to watch one of their plays, a unique experience you’ll never forget.

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Cornwall Path – Rick Smith

Want to explore more of Cornwall? Have a look at our Sennen holiday properties.

Mother Ivey’s Bay

Soft powder sands, turquoise waters and the most stunning surroundings. Mother Ivey’s Bay is a quiet beach all year round, tucked away behind Trevose Head near Padstow, with the headland to the north and cliffs to the rear providing this beautiful beach with plenty of shelter from the wind. Parking is a mile away at Harlyn Bay, making this a little more difficult to get to, but if you have time, the coastal walk is breathtaking and having a beach to yourselves is certainly a reward for the walk.

Grab a photo of the lifeboat station that is located here.

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Mother Ivey’s Bay – Whistlefish

 

Fistral beach

You should have all heard of the world famous Fistral beach in Newquay. Described as Cornwall’s surfing capital and home to some of the most popular surfing competitions in the world. Ramble along the coast path to neighbouring Little Fistral and home to where Newquay Activity Centre offer a fantastic selection of activities.

For some fun that involves the whole family, we recommend the Family Fistral Rangers, a unique exploration of Newquay’s incredible coastline, pitched to suit all ages. They combine the skills of surfing, bodyboarding, eco coasteering, rock pooling and beach safety on the stunning shores surrounding the Fistral coastline, to create a family adventure like no other. The coastal weather and sea state dictate the activities but our instructors are fully qualified in delivering super-fun sessions with embedded ocean safety, heritage and wildlife lessons.

Find out more on what Newquay Activity Centre have to offer.

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Fistral Beach – Whistlefish

 

Marazion

Oh sweet Marazion, home to the majestic St Michael’s Mount, our favourite National Trust attraction. Take the journey over to the unique tidal island and breathe in the sea air. Scented with springtime blossom or summer herbs, view the collection that includes puya, aloe, and agave rearing out of the bedrock, with succulents forming hot spots of suprise throughout the garden.

The castle itself has shades of the past in every room and new discoveries waiting around every corner, dig deep into the Mount’s history, experience a different kind of family home or simply let your imagination run wild.

Book tickets online ahead of your visit.

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St Michael’s Mount – Simon Harmer

 

Watergate Bay

With two miles of golden, wave-lashed sands flanked by cliffs flecked with sea pinks and gorse, it’s little wonder that surfers, dog walkers and beach lovers flock here for the fusion of wild scenery, rolling waves and beachside restaurants.

A true haven on the edge of the UK’s surfing capital, Watergate Bay was once a hot spot for dedicated surfers awaiting the Atlantic swells. But in recent years it’s stepped up to cater for the well-heeled wannabe surf gang, who can hit the waves and return to the creature comforts of swanky beachside accommodation, and dine in some of the region’s foodie hotspots.

Here our go to activity is to dine at Emily Scott Food, watch the waves roll in and grab an after dinner cocktail at the iconic Beach Hut.

View our Watergate Bay Beach Retreats.

Watergate Bay – Whistlefish

 

Wheal Coates Mine

For a real Cornish experience we highly recommend a visit to Wheal Coates Mine in St Agnes. Located on Cornwall’s rugged north coast, this is the most photographed former tin mine in Cornwall. Park at Chapel Porth Beach car park and step onto the coast path following the ebb & flow of the ocean. If you have time, pack up a picnic and perch in front of the mine with a traditional Cornish pasty or a cream tea (jam first of course).

Love ice cream? The beach below is famous for its ‘Hedgehog ice cream’. Enjoy a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, with a large dollop of clotted cream rolled in caramelised hazelnuts or fudge. Sounds delicious right?

View our St Agnes Beach Retreats.

A Sunny Day at Wheal Coates – Georgie Harrison

Capture Cornwall’s beauty with our guide to the most Instagrammable locations!

View the full collection of Beach Retreats in Cornwall.

To see more artwork from Whistlefish visit their online shop. 

Walk through Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay Resized

Surfing hub and stylish beach resort, Watergate Bay effortlessly flaunts the chic coastal lifestyle.

With two miles of golden, wave-lashed sands flanked by cliffs flecked with sea pinks and gorse, it’s little wonder that surfers, dog walkers and beach lovers flock here for the fusion of wild scenery, rolling waves and beachside restaurants.

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

A true haven on the edge of the UK’s surfing capital, Watergate Bay was once a hot spot for dedicated surfers awaiting the Atlantic swells. But in recent years it’s stepped up to cater for the well-heeled wannabe surf gang, who can hit the waves and return to the creature comforts of swanky beachside accommodation, and dine in some of the region’s foodie hotspots.

Watergate Bay

View Watergate Bay in all its glory when you walk from neighbouring Porth beach. Fuel up on coffee and deck yourself out in the latest coastal style at Roo’s Beach, then strike out along the rugged promontory of Porth Island – where you can find the remains of an Iron Age castle and witness the sea spraying from the blow hole at mid tide.

Fancy staying in Watergate Bay? Check out our luxury holiday properties in Watergate Bay, Newquay.

At low tide you can descend the steep cliff staircase at Whipsiderry and make sandy footprints all the way to Watergate Bay (just be careful not to get cut off by the tides). However, the best views are captured from the coast path, which hugs the cliffs and boasts breath-taking views of Newquay and the North Cornish coast.

Once you get to Watergate Bay, there are plenty of places to pause and immerse yourself in the surfy vibe. Try an array of watersports – from surfing to hand planing – at the Extreme Academy, and pop into the Shop on the Beach to get all the kit you need for a day at the seaside.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes down to places to eat with a sea view. Local food hero Emily Scott will be serving locally sourced produce in rustic dishes at Emily Scott Food. For something more laidback, grab a table at the Beach Hut for seafood and extreme hot chocolates with sandy toes. Or for a fusion of American cuisine and classic Cornish ingredients, opt for Zacry’s at Watergate Bay Hotel. Also in the hotel is the Living Space, which is a divine spot for coffee, sharing platters and classic dishes with expansive ocean views.

Hot chocolate at Watergate Bay

Keep your eye on the local events calendar during your visit, as Watergate Bay has become a buzzing venue for all sorts of events and entertainment. As well as being the site for Boardmasters – Europe’s largest surfing and music festival, it’s also host to a drive-in cinema, SUP championships, a speed hill climb and a pumping New Year’s Eve party.

Being a vast, dog-friendly beach there’s plenty of space to stretch your legs and get away from the crowds. Wait for the tide to ebb and walk to the North end, where you’ll find turquoise rock pools teeming with blennies, crabs and other sea critters. Take the South West Coast Path north and you can follow two miles of eye-popping scenery to the next sandy runway of Mawgan Porth. Keep your eyes peeled for rare seabirds and dolphins at Beacon Cove – coastal wildlife flocks to this pristine and inaccessible beach.

Experience the magic of the season and discover festive nights at Watergate Bay.

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Taste of Cornwall

A veritable foodie paradise, Cornwall is home to an array of ingredients hailing from the land and sea, as well as artisan producers and talented chefs. Many of Cornwall’s best restaurants have adapted to the new ‘normal’ by providing takeaway and delivery services. So you can tuck into the finest foodie experiences without having to eat out in busy restaurants. These are our favourites:

North Cornwall

Fees Food, Rock
Delivery

Kickback in the comfort of your luxury holiday home and tuck into home-cooked dishes without having to lift a finger. Choose from zingy curries to a hearty Cornish fish pie or classic lasagne ready for the oven, or order a delicious feast ready for the barbecue – from marinated lamb to seafood flipped straight from the fishing boats. For the ultimate treat you can even order a three-course Summer Menu cooked and ready to eat, which is the perfect option for a no-fuss dinner party in your Beach Retreat.
feesfood.co.uk

fees food

Saltbox Street Kitchen, Wadebridge
Takeaway

Love street food? Grab a takeaway from a hub of foodie vendors serving global dishes from a hip shipping container venue in the centre of Wadebridge. Craftworks serves up classic American favourites from burgers and burritos to dirty fries, and Woody’s serves up artisan Italian pizzas, while SpiceSea serves curries made from Cornish ingredients and the Laidback Coffee Company takes care of coffee and cake.
saltboxwadebridge.com

Trevisker’s Kitchen, Padstow
Takeaway

You can’t come to Cornwall without having fish and chips on the beach; so why not make it the freshest catch from local fishermen that’s cooked by talented chef Henk de Villiers Ferreira? You might also like to include a bottle of Cornish sparkling wine or locally brewed lagers and ales with your order. And if you’re not in the mood for fish and chips, Trevisker’s Kitchen also serves up curries, steaks, pizzas and delicious deserts. Not forgetting the gin jugs made with locally distilled gin.
treviskers.com

Wild Bake Pizza and Street Food, Wadebridge, St Columb, Bodmin, Nansledan
Takeaway

Less is more, and that’s certainly the case with Wild Bake street food, which uses simple ingredients and methods that go back to nature. Take a seat in nature’s dining room, and tuck into a pizza made from natural ingredients and cooked over a wood fire. Popping up in town locations across North Cornwall, you can take your pizza home to enjoy by the fire, or to the local beach to dine with the sunset.
wildbake.co.uk

The Taco Boys, Polzeath
Delivery

Burritos and beers on the beach sound like the perfect recipe for summer? From hangover cure breakfast burritos to stuffed tacos and sweet treats, The Taco Boys have got it all on tap in their trailer at Baby Bay in Polzeath. If it’s high tide or raining you can pick up a takeaway from their base at the Portreath Bee Centre, and home delivery is available in the Polzeath, Rock, Wadebridge, Port Isaac and Bodmin areas.
thetacoboys.co.uk

Mor Grazing, Newquay
Delivery

Strike out along the coast path to a secret beach, armed with a backpack stuffed with the finest picnic produce. Mor Grazing deliver breakfast boxes, cheese and grazing boxes, as well as sweet treats and other freshly picked foodie delights. So all you have to do it stroll to a picturesque location, roll out your picnic blanket, pop the cork on your favourite tipple and feast on the finest foods while enjoying the scenery.
Insta: @morgrazing

The Cornish Food Box
Delivery

As an alternative to a supermarket shop, arrive to a smorgasbord of fresh Cornish ingredients plucked from the coast and countryside. From just-picked veg and salads to ready meals and deli produce, The Cornish Food Box selects and delivers an authentic taste of Cornwall to your holiday home. And you can get £5 off any order over £50 by using the code: BEACHRETREATS
thecornishfoodboxcompany.co.uk

The Cornish food box delivery

 

South Cornwall

The Pier, Falmouth
Takeaway

Make a pit stop on the pier in Falmouth and enjoy the best pancakes in town while watching the boats sail by. What looks like an average breakfast café from the outside, flips out takeaway boxes stuffed with American-style pancakes, served with artisan coffee. Choose from favourites such as Nutella, berries or banana pancakes – a finger-licking start to any day by the ocean.
Insta: @thepierfalmouth

Philleigh Way, The Roseland
Delivery

Drawing on the rich produce from its surroundings, Philleigh Way lures foodies from all over the nation to its cookery school where you can get to grips with Cornish farmhouse-style cooking, using recipes and techniques handed down through generations. Now you can cook the ‘Philleigh Way’ in the comfort of your Beach Retreat with a DIY recipe box, or scrap the cooking process entirely and order one of their pre-cooked meal box, which include full Sunday roasts.
philleighway.co.uk

Sam’s on the Beach, Polkerris
Takeaway

Sam’s on the Beach is famous for its huge bowls of steaming Cornish mussels and delicious stone-baked pizza, served with a view over the glassy waters of Polkerris beach. There are few better locations to come to shore after a swim, kayak or paddleboarding adventure, and enjoy a toes-in-the-sand takeaway. And if you’re out exploring further afield on The Roseland Peninsula, keep an eye out for the Sam’s on the Roseland pop-up that’s opening this summer.
samscornwall.co.uk

The Mussel Shoal
Delivery and takeaway

Based on the harbour in pretty Porthleven, The Mussel Shoal is a simple café kiosk serving delectable French bistro-style cuisine including squid, clam chowder and moules frites. As well as crisp white wines perfectly matched to the food. Dine on the harbour wall and soak up the scenery, book to eat out on a pontoon in the harbour, or simply relax and enjoy the treat of having your food delivered to the door. Also, look out for their pop-ups in St Ives.
musselshoals.co.uk/delivery-service

West Cornwall

Blas Burgerworks, St Ives
Takeaway

Possibly the best burger takeaway in Cornwall, the legendary Blas Burgerworks hasn’t had to change much to fit in with the ‘new normal’. Call ahead and collect mouth-watering stacks of fresh Cornish ingredients from a little hatch beside the harbour. This isn’t just a café for carnivores – there are veggie and vegan options galore, with the likes of blackbean burgers, halloumi burgers and mushroom burgers.
blasburgerworks.co.uk

Tolcarne Inn, Newlyn
Takeaway

It’s a few years now since celeb chef Ben Tunnicliffe transformed this waterside boozer into a prime location to tuck into seafood flipped straight off the fishing boats in Newlyn harbour. What’s more, in the process it’s retained in the fuss-free ambience of a traditional village boozer with local ales and ciders on tap. However, if you don’t want to huddle in under the low ceilings or bag a seat on the terrace, there’s also a modest takeaway menu, changing with the freshest catch of the day.
tolcarneinn.co.uk

Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar, Newlyn
Takeaway

Footsteps from where much of Cornwall’s fish is landed, you can expect to find the freshest seafood takeaway in town. Choose from crispy sole with Katsu curry sauce, to crab nachos or classic fish and chips, and dine on the promenade looking out to the ocean where the star ingredients were caught. There are always a couple of delicious deserts to choose from, too.
mackerelskycafe.co.uk

Scarlet Wines, St Ives
Delivery

Fancy the finest world wines being delivered to your door by bike? If you’re staying in and around St Ives, Scarlet Wines will deliver your favourite tipples by e-bike or mini van. Simply browse the wine list, email your order and relax in the comfort of your garden or luxury accommodation, ready to pop your cork.
scarlet-wines.co.uk

Memories that last a life time

Make memories last a lifetime and capture those special moment with photographer James Darling.

 

All Beach Retreats guests will receive a unique 20% discount on his family photography packages to all clients.

In a normal year as a photographer James would be booked up all summer photographing weddings in Cornwall and large corporate events – but 2020 is anything but a normal year. Large gatherings are still prohibited so major corporate events have been cancelled and his weddings have moved to 2021, giving him unusual availability this summer. A positive from Covid-19 (and you’ve got to take the positives) is that 2021 is already shaping up to be super-busy.

So this is the chance to book James as your 2020 photographer for that family shoot and have a lasting memory of that precious family time in sunny Cornwall. That longed-for holiday at the beach here and an escape from the restrictions of the long spring Coronavirus lockdown. James can be there to record all those little moments as beautiful timeless photographs. A mix of natural portraits, lit portraits, action, moments…and of course the ubiquitous group photographs.

His family photography packages include 2-3 hours coverage, around 50-100 7×5 inch prints, high resolution USB and/or online gallery with image download facility – and a book-style album if required. He asks for full payment to book the date, which is transferable if required due to weather/illness etc (and his diary permitting) until the end of 2021.

James will adhere to current restrictions and the photoshoot must be in Cornwall. He’ll also maintain social distancing – even on a normal photoshoot he doesn’t generally get closer than two metres (and don’t worry, he has telephoto lenses!) The photography shoot should ideally be outside and he is happy to wear a face covering for your safety. He will of course update this as restrictions are (hopefully) eased.

It’s been a long and difficult time being trapped in lockdown and watching the pandemic spread across the world. But surely this period has shown how important family time is and how precious childhood is. Holidays have never been so important – or needed.

Please get in touch with James on 07799 674826 or visit jamesdarlingphotography.com if you’d like to find out more or to book your family photoshoot and he’ll see you on the beach!

Give me space

Personalised itineraries for your self-catering holiday in Cornwall.

Do you want to immerse yourself in Cornwall’s carefree coastal lifestyle with a range of unique experiences that easily adhere to social distancing measures? Family Surf Co. creates bespoke GIVE ME SOME SPACE itineraries, which take care of everything from your food deliveries to outdoor adventures. Activities range from private surfing lessons and SUP surfaris to coasteering and mountain biking, alongside foodie experiences from a full grocery shop to pop-up restaurant experiences in the comfort of your Beach Retreat.

Experts in the local area and in the business of creating tailor-made holiday experiences focussing on the beach lifestyle, Family Surf Co. recognised a need to change what’s on offer for your self-catering holiday in the aftermath of Covid-19. “Surfing and beach life remains at the heart of what we offer”, states founder Hayley Lawrence, “but our new GIVE ME SPACE itineraries focus on keeping your distance and staying safe while enjoying the best of Cornwall.”

give me space

Perfect for families coming on holiday to Cornwall, all of the activities enable you to have maximum fun in the Great Outdoors, while adhering to social distancing guidelines and staying away from the crowds. Think private surfing lessons followed by a gourmet picnic delivered to the beach, or a coasteering adventure to reach the lesser-explored terrain where the land meets the sea.

With self-catering properties being the perfect space to enjoy Cornwall’s smorgasbord of delicious food without going out, Family Surf Co. will deliver the finest food to your property – from grocery shopping (picking on the best local produce where possible), to home-cooked dinners, perfect picnics and pop-up restaurant experiences in your accommodation. From fizz and chips to brilliant barbecues, your menu is covered.

Each itinerary is tailor-made for your requirements and location, and will also suggest self-guided ideas from secret beaches for wild swimming, to wide-open spaces where you can make the most of your self-catering holiday while staying away from the crowds.

View a 3-day sample itinerary here.

Get in touch with Family Surf Co. for the perfect itinerary for your holiday in Cornwall.
familysurfco.com/family-holiday-experiences-cornwall
[email protected]
07497 456156

Top tips for staying away from the crowds:

Get up early to explore Cornwall before everyone else. Or have a lazy day and head out to later to enjoy an evening adventure and sunset on the coast.

Don’t head to the usual spots – get out a map and discover places off the beaten track.

Leave the car at home and venture out on foot or bike. This way you’ll avoid the busy car parks and find footpaths and coves away from the busiest attractions.

Stay local – don’t feel like you have to explore the whole of Cornwall on your visit, you’ll find plenty to do right on the doorstep. This year is all about micro adventures.