Author: gloversure

5 webcams to watch in Cornwall

Stay close to Cornwall wherever you are with some of our favourite beachside webcams

We appreciate you are missing our amazing Cornish beaches at the moment, so we’ve handpicked five webcams that allow you enjoy a sneak peek at some of your favourite locations.

To see more of your special place by the sea and to keep up to date with all things Beach Retreats follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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

Watergate Bay

Home to many of our contemporary self-catering holiday homes, you’ll find plenty to watch at Watergate Bay no matter what the season. See the local surfers catch a morning wave, watch wild swimmers take the plunge and spot wind surfers and dog walkers in abundance. This webcam is positioned at The Beach Hut, one of our favourite go to places to grab a bite to eat as the sun sets.

Watch Watergate Bay webcam.

 

Whitsand Bay

With its dramatic scenery, craggy cliffs and long stretch of golden sand, Whitsand Bay is located in south east Cornwall and is home to six of our contemporary coastal cabins. Surf brand Magic Seaweed have placed a webcam here for locals to check the surf before heading down the winding paths and cliff. This beautiful stretch of Cornish coast is bound by the Lynher and Tamar rivers, the Hamoaze and the sea. Known as Cornwall’s ‘Forgotten Corner’, Whitsand Bay is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Watch Whitsand Bay webcam.

 

Fistral Beach

If you miss jumping from bed to board and need a quick surf fix, this Fistral beach webcam will certainly do the trick. Known as one of Cornwall’s top surfing spots, Fistral is home to countless surf festivals, Rick Stein’s Fistral, The Fish House, Fistral Surf School and our luxury beachside apartments and houses. Watch the surfers head in at sunrise or catch a famous Fistral sunset. This large beach is dog friendly all year round, so you’ll certainly see some wagging tails.

Watch Fistral Beach webcam.

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

Interested in finding out more about Newquay? Discover what to do in and around Newquay.

Rock Beach

From bobbing boats, to kayakers and stand up paddle boarders, Rock in north Cornwall is an exclusive watersports destination giving you plenty to follow when missing your Cornish slice of heaven. The beach provides a long expanse of golden sand at low tide, leading round to Brea Hill and the popular Daymer Bay. Watch the world go by and start planning your next adventure to one of our brand new Rock properties, Bijou and Ferrypoint.

Watch Rock Beach webcam.

 

Minack Theatre and Porthcurno

Take a peek at Cornwall, way down west and watch the waves crash against the cliffs at the famous open air Minack Theatre. Its backdrop can’t be beaten with Pedn Vounder and Porthcurno’s white Caribbean like sand and crystal clear water. Keep your eyes peeled between May and September and sit back whilst a live theatrical play takes place.

Watch Minack Theatre webcam.

Book your break with Beach Retreats.

Cornwall’s Wild Larder

At a time when the seasonality and provenance of our food are becoming evermore important, people are opening their eyes to our edible landscape. Cornwall is a foodie haven renowned for its abundance of fresh ingredients plucked from the coast and countryside, so it’s little wonder that the shoreline and hedgerows are bursting with them. Cliff-tops are thriving with samphire, gorse flowers and wild garlic, boulders are strewn with edible seaweeds and hedgerows are bursting with all sorts of berries and herbs.

It’s not often that people compare Cornwall’s landscape with the shelves of a supermarket, but whether you want to make chutney or serve up a three-course feast, expert forager Caroline Davey can show you where to find an array of ingredients in nature’s larder. “It’s about using foraged foods like any other ingredients you would buy from the supermarket, and making interesting, delicious dishes with them,” says Caroline.

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

A keen cook with a background in ecology and botany, Caroline started supplying local restaurants with foraged ingredients back in 2007, and by 2008 she had launched Fat Hen – her own foraging and wild cookery school. Caroline’s renovated barns tucked in the wilds of West Cornwall are the perfect base to bring people together to enjoy the Great Outdoors, go foraging and create fabulous feasts from nature’s bounty. This isn’t foraging for survival’s sake. Greens, herbs, salad, veg, seaweeds, flowers, seeds and roots are cooked up into restaurant-worthy dishes, sometimes topped up with seafood from the local fishermen. “People start identifying edible plants in a bunch of greenery or seaweed and realise not only that they can eat them, but that they actually taste really good,” says Caroline. “The profile of wild food is changing. It’s not just eating wild food that’s important; it’s the process of foraging for our own ingredients that is emphasising our connection with food and the landscape. When you get down to the beach and you’re out foraging you’re living so much in the moment and everything feels so good.”

SEASIDE FORAGING

Anyone can go out and forage for ingredients along the shoreline – seashore plants are very distinctive and quite easy to identify with the help of a guidebook to wild ingredients. Caroline recommends River Cottage’s Edible Seashore.
The coastline is a great place to find seaweed, samphire and sea beet, all delicious served up with line-caught mackerel or foraged mussels. Then you can scour the woodlands and hedgerows for berries, edible flowers, three-cornered leeks and nettles.

Six wild ingredients to forage for in Cornwall

ELDERFLOWER – the taste and scent of English summer. The sweet flavour of elderflower makes delicious cordial and non-alcoholic elderflower champagne’, and can also be used in salads and dressings.

NASTURTIUM
Part of the watercress family, nasturtiums grows so vigorously in Cornwall that some people consider them to be a weed. The leaves and petals have a peppery, tangy flavour and add wonderful colour and punch to a summer salad.

APPLE MINT
A versatile ingredient for cocktails and summer barbecues. Apple mint adds a zingy flavour to salad dishes, cocktails and meat. Or you can simply pour boiling water over a sprig for fresh mint tea.

BLACK MUSTARD
The strong and peppery leaves can be used for frittatas, salads or as a cooked green. Use the flowers in a salad or a Bloody Mary.

ROCK SAMPHIRE
Named after St Pierre (the patron saint of fishermen), samphire is delicious pickled, in a salsa verde, in fritters or alongside fresh fish.

MUSSELS
Our favourite food to forage for has to be mussels. Pick them off the rocks at the lowest tide and steam them in white wine with garlic and cream. Don’t pick them after rain or near a river-mouth and only from September to April.

FAT HEN – www.fathen.org, 01736 810156

Check out our holiday properties in Mousehole to experience everything Penzance and the area has to offer.

Unearth fascinating finds and foraging adventures with Beach Retreats’ insightful guide.

Meet artist Jo Downs

Jo Downs

Jo Downs’ handcrafted glasswork of echoes the beauty and hues of Cornwall’s landscapes and reflects her passion for the coastline.

Imagine a lifestyle entrenched in the beauty of Cornwall’s spectacular coast. Well, for designer Jo Downs, that’s what the daily grind is all about – as she captures the light, colour and detail of this county in her beautiful, handcrafted glasswork. We meet Jo at her Launceston studio to discuss her endless creativity and 25 years of dedication to her craft.

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

TRUE PASSION

I never doubted I’d be an artist. From childhood, I sketched, drew, and had plans to be a potter. But glass, it seems, had other plans for me. I first tried fusing glass at university, and the glorious lump of colour I created got me totally hooked. I couldn’t get over the brilliance and beauty of it. A whole world of creativity opened up to me right then, and I’ve honestly never looked back.”

Jo Downs

BIG IDEAS

I started my career at the deep end, designing large scale installations for hotels and cruise liners. Creatively, it was thrilling, but technically it was very demanding and really taught me the art of perfecting fused glass. Big ideas are no good if you can’t make them a reality for your client. You need to perfect the skill and understand the science that brings the beauty out in fused glass. It’s such a unique material.”

MY INSPIRATION

I came to Cornwall in 2001 and it totally changed my life. The visual inspiration here is endless, and it’s something I’ve poured it into my work ever since. I walk and run on the coast, and my home looks out over the sea, so I’m surrounded by the details and textures of Cornwall every day. Anyone who loves my work loves Cornwall – their passion is the same as mine – and it’s a passion I really love sharing.”

MY GALLERIES

I opened the first Jo Downs Gallery in Padstow in 2005, and now have galleries in St Ives, Fowey, Tintagel, and Launceston (and also one in Surrey). They’ve become a real icon of the Cornish high street, with window displays that showcase all the dazzling colours of the coast, and I’m so proud of that. They’ve allowed me to showcase my large-scale work, and a range of smaller ‘take home’ pieces that celebrate the beauty of Cornwall.”

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

Jo Downs Padstow Gallery

MY STUDIO

My studio is my sanctuary. It’s state of the art – not like thefirst little kiln I had in my bedroom when I was a student – and that luxury allows me to really push the boundaries of what’s possible in fused glass. My work is about capturing beauty in glass, and my studio is the perfect space to think, to draw, and to test out ideas in the kiln, with the radio on and my Jack Russell, Izzy, by my side.

MY FAVOURITE THINGS

I’ve designed lots of collections, but of course I have my favourites. ‘Cornish Pilchards’ is the most recognised and perhaps the best-loved of my designs, and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year! And my wall-mounted Shoaling Fish and Leaf collections were a real game changer for me, and have led to so many wonderful spin offs and bespoke designs, including a stunning range of chandeliers.”

ONE TO ONE

Creating bespoke work is my favourite thing to do. It’s a special thing to design a one-off commission for a unique space. People express their individuality through their design choices, and a commissioned piece is the ultimate example of that. If I can spin my client’s aspirations into a spectacular glass installation or artwork, I will, and if somebody says it’s not possible, I’ll have tons of fun proving it is!”

Embark on an adventure chasing waterfalls in Cornwall, discovering the hidden natural gems and breathtaking cascades of the region.

jodowns.com

Images from an installation at Dragon House, Mawgan Porth.

#beherelater

After two weeks of reflection, worry and uncertainty, being humbled by the work of doctors, nurses and key workers, adjusting to the new norm, and contemplating what’s really important in our lives, we’ve turned our blog over to the Beach Retreats team, now working from home.

We asked them to share their exercise route from the weekend, be it walk, run or cycle.  No beach BBQs, no meeting up with friends, just a snapshot from their course while practising social distancing.

We hope you are all staying safe and we will see you in Cornwall some time soon. #beherelater

Porth and Lusty Glaze

This is Lusty Glaze beach perfectly framed by steep cliffs and the rolling surf, between Newquay and Porth beach. This area is close to Newquay centre, and home to some spectacular coastal views and beaches.

Lusty Glaze looking eastwards towards Watergate Bay

lusty glaze coast line

Porth beach

Fistral and Pentire

On the other side of Newquay centre sits Fistral beach and the Pentire headland. Little Fistral is a hidden gem at the end of the beach.

little fistral

From Pentire, Crantock beach sits across the Gannel estuary.

And for an early morning run, this is sunrise over Fistral beach.

fistral sunset

Mawgan Porth

A few miles along the coast Mawgan Porth remains one of Cornwall’s hidden gems.

the path

Mawgan Porth beach

Mawgan Porth beach

Trerice

It’s not just about the beaches though.  This is the view from Trerice House towards Newquay.

view of fields and trees

Stay safe and we hope to see you soon in Cornwall. #beherelater

Carbis Bay to Porthkidney Sands circular walk

Just a 5 minute walk from 4 Godrevy Court and 4 Seas Reach is Carbis Bay. Often described as the Caribbean with its white sand and turquoise water, this large sheltered beach boasts calm bathing waters, flanked either side by green woodland.

Awarded its Blue Flag status year after year due to its clean water conditions, Carbis Bay is the perfect base for families and water sport enthusiasts.

Below we walk you through our Carbis Bay to Porthkidney circular walk via the South West Coast Path. This particular route needs a low tide at the start of your journey.

beach with blue sky

Start your ramble by making your way down the steps in front of Carbis Bay Hotel towards the beach. The beach itself has a shop for a quick bite to eat or an ice cream, with restaurants nearby inside the hotel. Here you’ll often see the train passing by, voted as one of the UK’s most scenic routes.

picture of beach with blue sky

Walk barefoot along the shoreline and you’ll soon spot Godrevy Lighthouse in the distance. Now a famous lighthouse because of Virginia Woolfe’s novel ‘To the Lighthouse’, the white 26-metre octagonal tower is located 3 miles out to sea at West Cornwall’s St Ives Bay.

picture of beach with blue sky

The long stretch of golden sand at Porthkidney can be reached around the above rocky point from Carbis Bay at low tide, but be aware that the tide comes in very quickly, and strong currents make the water unsuitable for bathing near the estuary.

Porthkidney’s large expanse of sand is perfect for kite flying, ball games and letting the kids tire themselves out. Even in the height of summer there is room for everyone.

When you spot where the Hayle Estuary meets the sea, you’ll find some steps to the right leading you up to the South West Coast Path towards the rail line.

picture of beach with blue sky

Take to the path and begin your walk back, at a higher level offering spectacular views like this one.

picture of beach with blue sky

The stretch of Porthkidney is backed by a large area of dunes, dune grassland and dune scrub, exhibiting a wide range of unusual wildflowers.

picture of beach with blue sky

Follow the wooden posts with a yellow arrow, to keep on the South West Coast Path. Below was our favourite part of the walk and a real Instagram worthy moment. As the tide begins to flow back in, take a moment, rest a while and listen to the sound of the ocean.

picture of beach with blue sky

We take this walk in March, where the wild yellow gorse flowers are out in full. Depending on the time of year, here you’ll spot, sea pinks, bluebells and even the odd daffodil.

picture of beach with blue sky

We’re nearly back at Carbis Bay, where the water is a glistening turquoise. There are often benches along the way for you to take a moment and enjoy the breathtaking ocean views.

picture of beach with blue sky

You’ll now spot St Ives in the distance, known for its stunning beaches, art scene and foodie hot spots. When staying in one of our Carbis Bay self-catering properties, you can walk the coast path for 30 minutes in the opposite direction to St Ives, or take the 5 minute train ride.

picture of beach with blue sky

Known as one of the UKs most scenic rail journeys, we urge guests to experience this in full from St Erth to St Ives. The train comes every 20 minutes in peak season, with the last train returning at 10pm.

Hop off at the end of the line at Porthminster Beach, where you’ll see a large sandy bay backed by a wooded valley, with all the beach amenities you and your family will need.

picture of beach with blue sky

That’s it for the Carbis Bay to Porthkidney circular walk. Once you tick off this one, visit The South West Coast Path and to planning your next ramble along the coast.

Search Carbis Bay Self-catering Holidays with Beach Retreats. 

Spring Gardens in Cornwall

trebah gardens 1

Cornwall is home to an abundance of garden wonderlands thriving with sub-tropical species – and spring is a great season to explore them. Picnic in carpets of bluebells, tunnel through bamboo jungles, and play hide and seek in magical woodlands. These are our top six spring gardens in Cornwall.

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

Trebah Garden, Mawnan Smith

This sub-tropical garden tumbling down to the banks of the Helford River is one of our favourite destinations for a family day out – and dogs can come, too. Wend your way through magnolias and rhododendrons bursting into bloom, tunnel through bamboo jungles and giant gunnera, and emerge on a divine sandy beach where you can order a mug of tea from the Boathouse Café and skim pebbles to your heart’s content.

More info: Open daily from 10:00. Dogs welcome.
trebahgarden.co.uk

Trelissick, Feock

Whether it’s still cool and blustery, or a blue-sky day with wall-to-wall sunshine, Trelissick’s stunning 300-acre estate is the perfect place for a springtime excursion. Wander through woodland along the banks of the River Fal, climb magnificent beech trees and explore the gardens, then take afternoon tea in the cobbled courtyard, where you can nose around the gallery and second-hand bookshop. Ramp up the adventure by arriving by ferry from Falmouth or Truro, or why not hop aboard the King Harry Ferry and head on to explore the verdant Roseland Peninsula?

More info: Open daily from. Dogs welcome on the woodland trails, but not in the gardens.
nationaltrust.org.uk/trelissick

St Michael’s Mount, Marazion

Once home of a legendary giant, part of a pilgrimage route and an all-round enchanting spot to castaway to a fairy-tale castle, St Michael’s Mount is also home to stunning terraced gardens, where exotic plants cling to steep granite cliffs. Stand high in the castle turrets and look down upon stonework and lawns bursting with colour, or follow the trails through flower-lined paths beaten by the salty breeze. More info: The gardens are open from April to September; there are I Spy cards for children, and tours are available.

stmichaelsmount.co.uk

Fancy staying in Marazion, discover our Marazion holiday properties.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Austell

As we step into springtime, these ancient woodlands, water meadows and productive gardens burst into colour and scent. Daffodils and snowdrops line the paths, beneath tree ferns, banana palms and gigantic rhubarb plants. This historic sleeping beauty was re-awakened from the brambles in 1990 and is now Europe’s largest garden restoration project, with family-friendly trails, farm animals, adventure play areas and secret hides where you can spy on the wildlife.

More info: Open daily, except Christmas day.
heligan.com

Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, nr Penzance

Squirrelled away in a lush landscape close to Mounts Bay, art and nature merge seamlessly at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens. Climb trees, wander through woodland, and nature’s wonderland through a series of art installations including a camera obscura and a series of contemporary sculptures including a Minotaur and a brick throne overlooking St Michael’s Mount. Amongst a series of exhibitions and creative workshops held in the grounds and gallery, this spring you can catch Cousin Jack’s Theatre Company’s performance of Percy Pengelly and the Wibble Wobble. What with a kitchen serving scrumptious seasonal delights, a gift shop and nursery, it makes a great day out for the whole family.

More info: Open daily from February.
tremenheere.co.uk

Lanhydrock, nr Bodmin

One of the most magical times of year to visit Lanhydrock is during spring, when the woodlands of this sprawling country estate are carpeted with bluebells. Explore a labyrinth of footpaths winding through 900-acres of countryside, along the banks of burbling stream and into landscaped gardens where the rhododendrons and magnolias are coming into flower. Step into history in the Victorian manor house, take part in a range of family activities and freewheel along the bike trails – from easy-going family routes to demanding woodland tracks.

Lanhydrock gardens, nr Bodmin

More info: Open daily – see website for times and details.
nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock

 

Discover easter adventures in Cornwall with our guide to seven must-do activities, promising fun-filled experiences for the whole family.

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Instagram-worthy escapes in Cornwall

Let’s face it, we all want great Insta snaps from our holidays, so we can show-off on social media and share all the great places we visit. All of our properties are beautifully designed and will look great on your feed, but these are our top picks to really wow your friends and followers.

Visiting Cornwall for a romantic adventure? Check out our romantic cottages.

Strand Line, Porthcothan, sleeps 4

If it’s good enough to be featured in the stylish Coast magazine, then it’s definitely going to look good on your Insta feed. Most of the interior design that features in this cosy cabin is upcycled from materials found on nearby beaches, so it makes a great story too. Don’t worry, there’s no shortage of mod cons fused with the rustic feel, including a pod coffee machine, digital TV and a SONOS sound bar.

Modern wooden property with a pebbled outdoor area at dusk.

Find out more about Strand Line.

The Meadow, Whitsand Bay, sleeps 4

What this cosy and petite ‘beach hut’ styled cabin lacks in size, it more than makes up for with its massive views across the glittering expanse of Whitsand Bay and Rame Head. With double glass doors opening out from the living room to the sea-facing garden, you don’t even have to leave the comfort of the log fire to snap perfect pictures of the scenery. However, when the sun shines, you’ll no doubt want to enjoy the ocean views and briny air from the decking or the beach.

The Meadow at Whitsand Bay looks out over the sea

Find out more about The Meadow.

Fancy staying in Whitsand Bay? Have a look at our Whitsand Bay holiday properties.

 

12 AT 270 North, Fistral, sleeps 6

Surely overlooking the surfing capital of the UK is Insta-worthy enough, what with epic waves, pro surfers and a stunning sandy beach in view? This stylish apartment is tucked away from the crowds, yet close to the water’s edge. So you get the eye-popping panorama of the world-famous surfing beach, as well as a swanky abode with a full-width balcony, which is the perfect spot to kickback and enjoy the sublime sunsets.

Find out more about 12 @ 270 North.

The Tower, Praa Sands, sleeps 8

You’ll feel like royalty staying in this fairy tale castle, perched on the cliff tops overlooking Mounts Bay. Grade II-listed and built as a retreat for a marine biologist in 1775, it’s also rumoured to have been a hideout for one of Cornwall’s most famous smugglers – John Cater, a.k.a. the King of Prussia. The opulent interior and the commanding seascapes rival for attention, but the finest 360-degree views can be captured from the turrets of your private terrace.

The Tower, Praa Sands

Find out more about The Tower.

Ivy Cottage, Watergate Bay, sleeps 10

One of the most stunning surf beaches in Cornwall, the two-mile stretch of Watergate Bay is close to our hearts and high on the list of Cornwall’s top Instagram beaches. So it goes without saying that the pictures of you posing with surfboards or sipping cocktails in the swanky venue of the Beach Hut will look great on your profile. Footsteps from the enviable beach life, make yourself at home in a traditional family cottage that’s been revamped into a luxury coastal retreat, where you can hunker by the fire and let the kids run wild in the paddock.

Find out more about Ivy Cottage.

Oakfield, Widemouth Bay, sleeps 6

Sink into the hot tub and peer over rolling countryside to the ocean, and you’ll feel so relaxed that your social media feed will probably be the last thing on your mind. However, if you want to stoke your status with idyllic images, there’s plenty of opportunity from this designer retreat in a peaceful Cornish hamlet. It’s a challenging 30-40 minute stomp to reach the rugged beach of Crackington Haven, or a swift 10 minutes by car. However, with French doors to fling open in almost every room, you can let the outside in and clap your eyes on the ocean hues with no effort whatsoever.

Find out more about Oakfield.

Leeward House, St Agnes, sleeps 7

Staying here will make you feel more like you’re in a luxurious tree house than a beach retreat. Yet just 600-metres from the shoreline of Trevaunance cove, you can peer through the canopies to glimpse the Atlantic rollers on the doorstep. A serene location, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a hot tub on the decking and plenty of mod cons housed in the designer space, you’ll be spoilt for choice for striking images to fill your Insta feed.

Leeward House, St Agnes

Find out more about Leeward House.

Greenwaves, Perranporth, sleeps 8

When you stay in a property decked out by one of Cornwall’s top interior designers, you know there will be plenty of details worth capturing on your camera. So when three floors of contemporary design are teed with majestic views of Perranporth’s sweeping sands, it’s not going to be difficult to get some spectacular snapshots. Stepping straight out onto the three miles of sands hemming a surfy seaside town, your photo reel will be filled with memories of ice creams on the beach, splashing in the waves and maybe a round of golf by the sea.

Greenwaves, Perranporth

Find out more about Greenwaves.

Find an Instagram-worthy escape by browsing our special offers page, or keep an eye on our last minute availability and be by the coast quicker than you can say ‘cheese!’.

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

Search all Beach Retreats self-catering escapes.

Things to do in Cornwall During February Half Term

10 Things to do in the Great Outdoors for February Half-Term

February half term is a fantastic time for a break in Cornwall. And while there are plenty of indoor attractions – from the Eden Project to the Blue Reef Aquarium – we prefer to immerse ourselves in nature, embrace the elements and be outside. Here are our top ten outdoor activities for February…

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

Search February half term accommodation.

Hit the Surf

During winter the waves are more consistent and powerful, yet there are less surfers in the water – making it the perfect season to increase your wave count and work on your technique. Get lessons from the Extreme Academy in Watergate Bay, where the instructors promise to keep you as toasty during winter as they do during summer surf sessions. Using high-tech wetsuits, gloves, booties and hoods, you’ll barely even notice the cold air and water temperatures, so with expert tuition and no crowds to contend with, you’ll be riding waves like a pro in no time at all.

extremeacademy.co.uk/

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

Don your wellies and go down to the woods

For all-weather walking and biking trails, den building, a wildlife pond and plenty of trees to climb, head to Tehidy Woods. Whether you’re looking for an energetic stomp, a romantic stroll, or a family ramble, it’s a magical location come rain or shine. Follow the buggy-friendly routes, feed the squirrels and ducks, and tuck into cake and hearty Cornish food in the café. Dogs are welcome in much of the estate, except in the designated wildlife area.

Get moving on a Park Run

Get active on a 5km run in the stunning surroundings of Cornwall’s parkland. Join hundreds of other runners – and walkers – to kick-off the weekend on a fun run for all abilities and ages. Starting at 9am each Saturday, locations include the Penrose Estate (near Porthleven and Loe Bar), Trelissick (hemming the River Fal), Lanhydrock (close to Bodmin), the Eden Project, Heartlands and Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. There are also junior 2km events at some venues.

parkrun.org.uk

Follow the clues along a Treasure Trail

Who doesn’t love solving a mystery or searching for clues along a treasure trail? From a murder mystery trail through historic Hayle, to a secret spy mission in Mousehole, or hunting for buried treasure in Charlestown, there are lots of self-guided Treasure Trails that will take you under the skin of Cornwall’s heritage and landscapes. Simply choose your location, download your map and follow the clues – it’s a fun day out for the whole family.

treasuretrails.co.uk/things-to-do/cornwall

Slide down giant sand dunes

Six miles south of Newquay’s buzzing surf hub, Holywell Bay is the perfect setting for an active day in the Great Outdoors. Having scored a starring role in the BBC’s recent Poldark hit, its breath-taking beauty needs little introduction – with the iconic twin peaks of Gull Rock and towering sand dunes. We love exploring the sea caves and collecting shells, but our favourite thing to do is strap a sandboard to our feet and slide down the giant dunes as if we’re surfing a huge wave or snowboarding.

Encounter seals and sea life

Over winter there are large numbers of grey seal pups found stranded on the Cornish coast, unable to make it back into the wild due to injury or malnourishment. The Sea Life Trust offers a sanctuary for rehabilitation, nursing the seal pups until they are ready to head back into the ocean. On a visit to this picturesque setting on the edge of the Helford, you can see rescued seals dipping and diving their way to recovery, learn all about grey seals and other species, and encounter lots of marine wildlife including sea lions, otters, penguins, crabs and starfish.

visitsealife.com/gweek

Hike along the South West Coast Path

There’s nothing like a coastal walk to blow the cobwebs away and clap your eyes on Cornwall’s staggering scenery. Wherever you’re staying, you can pick a section of the South West Coast Path to suit your timescale and energy levels. For an easy-going two-hour stroll, wend through the woodland from Cawsand and trace the cliff path to the remains of the chapel perched on Rame Head. If you’re up for a challenge, some of the toughest sections of coastline await on the northern fringes of the Atlantic coast between Bude and Morwenstow, where calf-busting climbs etch the rise and fall of dramatic cliffs that collapse onto rocky beaches.

southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Get your skates on

While ice skating at the Eden Project isn’t entirely alfresco, we really recommend you visit this world famous attraction for a twirl around the ice rink before it melts on 23 February. While you’re there enjoy lots of outdoor attractions including gardens and a mini beast play tower. Throughout February half term you can explore the incredible world of colour, with craft workshops, a colour trail around the biomes, and get hands on with the creation of a giant collaborative art installation. If you need any more fresh air, fly half a mile along the SkyWire and take in the biomes from 100m above.

edenproject.com

Freewheel along the cycle trails

One of Cornwall’s most popular cycle routes is the Camel Trail, and February is one of the best months to enjoy it crowd-free. We love the easy section along estuary from Wadebridge to Padstow, stopping for fish and chips by the harbour of this foodie town. Our other favourite for off-road cycling is Lanhydrock, where a series of bike trails and skills areas are graded for all abilities. Plus, you can fuel up in the National Trust café, and take a twirl of the grand Victorian manor house on the sprawling country estate.

nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock

Drop in on your skateboard

If you can’t face the freeze of the ocean’s waves in February, head to the world-class concrete waves of Newquay’s revolutionary new skate park. Cruise around the retro pool, race along the street run, get air on the stairs and drop into the bowl. Making skating fun for all ages and levels of board riders, this is the place to head for guaranteed waves. And if when you’ve had enough of board life, it’s located right next to Newquay Zoo, the Trampoline and Play Park, and Waterworld swimming centre.

Find a retreat in one of our beach locations, and look out for special offers for your February half term stay.

Visiting in Easter? Explore things to do in Cornwall this spring.

What's on in Cornwall 2020

Get the low down on our favourite events in Cornwall…

World Pasty Championships, Eden Project, St Austell, 29 February

Celebrate the traditional Cornish pasty recipe, as well as some more unusual varieties. From the Americas to Australia, pasties derived from recipes passed down by Cornish emigrants over centuries, eaten and enjoyed by many millions of people around the world.

edenproject.com

Mexican Friday The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay 20 March

Feast on a two-course meze with dessert as you watch the Atlantic waves crash beneath you.

watergatebay.co.uk/gather/events

 

Cornwall Spring Flower Show Royal Cornwall Showground, 4-5 April

Explore flower displays and over 120 horticultural trade stands, with various activities to keep young ones entertained.

cornwallgardensociety.org.uk

 

Boscastle Walking Week, 19-24

April Enjoy a week of walking the Cornish coast and countryside with local guides in one of Cornwall’s most spectacularly scenic areas.

visitcornwall.com

 

Obby Oss Padstow, 1 May

Padstow at its best and good old Cornish culture by the bucket-load. Watch the Obby Oss make their way through the town.

visitcornwall.com

 

Tunes in the Dunes, Perranporth, 1-3 May

Set on the beautiful golden sands of Perranporth beach, experience live music with a backdrop of scenic cliffs and sand dunes.

tunesinthedunes.co.uk

 

English Nationals surf competition Watergate Bay, 1-3  May

The English Nationals surf competition returns to Watergate Bay for 2020. Spectators are welcome to watch the competitors battle it out for national titles.

watergatebay.co.uk/gather/event

 

Fal River Festival Falmouth, 22-31 May

A 10-day festival with something for everyone. From music, drama, arts and heritage, to gig racing, swimming, walking and more.

falriver.co.uk

 

The Great Estate Festival Scorrier, 29-31 May

The most rambunctious Garden Fête! Expect major international The most rambunctious Garden Fête! Expect major international headline acts, a mix of comedy, theatre, music and the arts, all within the headline acts, a mix of comedy, theatre, music and the arts, all within the beautiful grounds of Scorrier Estate. Look out for the vintage fairground, beautiful grounds of Scorrier Estate. Look out for the vintage fairground, woodland silent disco, secret gin garden and more. woodland silent disco, secret gin garden and more.

greatestatefestival.co.uk

 

Royal Cornwall Show Wadebridge, 4-6 June

The county’s biggest annual event filled to the brim with exhibits, activities, competitions, food and drink, and shopping.

royalcornwallshow.org

 

Lusty Glaze Sundowner Sessions,weekly from 17 June

For endless evenings, relaxation and music, head to Lusty Glaze for weekly music sessions within a picturesque oceanfront setting.

lustyglaze.co.uk/sundowner-sessions

 

Golowan Festival Penzance, 19-28 June

Enjoy a packed programme of artists in celebration of music, performing arts and theatre. Events include a fireworks display on the prom, Mazey Day and spectacular parades through the streets.

golowanfestival.org

 

Lobster Friday The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay, 26 June

How does a four-course lobster feast sound to you? Let The Beach Hut take you on a tour of the lobster; a night to celebrate the king crustacean in all its delectable glory.

watergatebay.co.uk/gather/events

 

Mevagissey Feast Week, 28 June-4 July

The week-long event features exhibitions, demonstrations, live music and lots of fish dishes to eat.

mevagisseyfeastweek.org.uk

 

Lafrowda Festival St Just, 3-18 July

From hip hop to harmony, folk to funk, there are hours of free entertainment to suit every taste, alongwith street performers, stalls, refreshments, bouncy castles and, of course, spectacular processions.

visitcornwall.com

 

Rock 2 Rock, Let’s Rock Watergate Bay, 18 July

Join visitors and locals alike at Watergate Bay’s music festival and sunset beach (2km or 5km) run. The night finishes off with fireworks.

rock2rockletsrock.co.uk

 

St Endellion Summer Music Festival Near Port Isaac, 28 July-8 August

See the beautiful church of St Endellion become a concert venue for some of the most prestigious soloists and musicians in the UK.

visitcornwall.com

 

Charlestown Regatta Week, Charlestown, 1-7 August

Regatta week is an annual tradition bringing together the local community and visitors alike to enjoy a variety of live music, competitions, pasty demonstrations, craft stalls, raft races and more.

visitcornwall.com

 

Boardmasters Watergate Bay and Fistral beach, 5-9 August

This world-famous surf and music festival is one of the coolest dates in This world-famous surf and music festival is one of the coolest dates in the Cornish festival calendar. By day international surf pros battle it out the Cornish festival calendar. By day international surf pros battle it out to be king of the waves, while in the evening big-name bands hit the to be king of the waves, while in the evening big-name bands hit the stages overlooking Watergate Bay. stages overlooking Watergate Bay.

boardmasters.com

 

Bude Carnival, 15 August

Expect dance displays, live music, stalls, fancy dress, awards and of course the main event of the procession itself.

budecarnival.org.uk

 

Bude Jazz Festival, 1-5 September

Putting a swing in the step of the town each year, the lively four day Bude Jazz Festival features a great bill of both local and national jazz musicians.

visitbude.info

 

Newquay Fish Festival, 18-20 September

Any trip to Newquay should include a seafood feast and trip to the historic harbour to Any trip to Newquay should include a seafood feast and trip to the historic harbour to see the fishermen landing fresh catch. If you’re here in September, celebrate the area’s see the fishermen landing fresh catch. If you’re here in September, celebrate the area’s fishing heritage and enjoy street bands, seafood cooking demos and, of course, plenty fishing heritage and enjoy street bands, seafood cooking demos and, of course, plenty of fresh fish dishes to sample. of fresh fish dishes to sample.

newquayfishfestival.co.uk

 

St Ives Food Festival, 12-26 September

See top chefs from Cornwall and beyond demonstrating mouthwatering dishes in the Chef’s Theatre, or head to the beach for street food, music and family fun.

stivesfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

 

Speed Hillclimb Watergate Bay, 19-20 September

Now in its third year, Cornwall’s only motorsport event on a closed public road. Watch over 100 cars race 850 metres up the hill towards Newquay.

watergatebayhillclimb.co.uk

 

Cracking Crab at The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay, 25 September

Three-course celebration of the crab. Grab a drink, gather around the fire, and soak up the live music while chefs demo how to tackle a succulent feast of brown crab.

watergatebay.co.uk/gather/events

 

BSUPA British Standup Paddleboarding Championships Watergate Bay, 26-27 September

The British Stand Up Paddle Association National Championships return to the Bay.

watergatebay.co.uk/gather/events

 

Falmouth Oyster Festival, 8-11 October

The annual festivities celebrate the start of the oyster dredging season, the native Fal Oyster and the diversity of Cornish seafood, with four days of feasting, cooking demos, live music, food and craft stalls.

falmouthoysterfestival.co.uk

 

Bonfire night displays around Cornwall 5 November

Watch a colourful fireworks display from a Cornish clifftop on various nights throughout Bonfire week.

 

City of Lights Truro, November

Watch the breathtaking parade of lanterns in Cornwall’s city. Every year, large-scale lanterns tell a different story, set to the beat of percussion, music and dance.

cityoflights.org.uk

 

Mousehole Christmas Lights, December

See the twinkling lights at Mousehole Harbour throughout the festive season. The harbour will be illuminated by pretty displays in the water and on old fishermens cottages.

mouseholelights.org.uk

 

Padstow Christmas Festival, 2-6 December

Lit up by fairy lights on the edge of Lit up by fairy lights on the edge of Padstow’s pretty harbour, Padstow’s Padstow’s pretty harbour, Padstow’s Christmas Festival is a veritable Christmas Festival is a veritable Christmassy outing for the whole family. Christmassy outing for the whole family. Not only can you get your hands on Not only can you get your hands on Cornwall’s finest artisan foodstuffs and Cornwall’s finest artisan foodstuffs and witness chef demos from the region’s witness chef demos from the region’s greats such as Stein, Outlaw and greats such as Stein, Outlaw and Ainsworth, you can blitz your Christmas shopping at stalls showcasing Ainsworth, you can blitz your Christmas shopping at stalls showcasing the handmade arts, textiles, toys and trinkets. the handmade arts, textiles, toys and trinkets.

padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk

Search self-catering holidays with Beach Retreats.

Sea Food & Eat it | Guide to Cornwall's Best Seafood

Tuck into shellfish that’s freshly flipped from sea to plate…

No longer a destination where fish is deep-fried fish and wrapped in newspaper, Cornwall has become a gastronomes magnet, with freshly caught seafood at the heart of its foodie scene. Bag a table in one of the many restaurants flaunting coastal views, and you only have to cast your gaze out to the ocean to see the provenance of the ingredients on your plate. While Rick Stein was the trailblazer of the foodie revolution when his flagship Seafood Restaurant opened in Padstow, Cornwall now boasts plenty of venues from Newlyn to Newquay, where chefs are serving up local seafood that’s been flipped straight from rod to pan.

When you take a seat at The Boathouse in Newquay, it’s not just the lobster tanks that give you an inkling you’re about to get the real deal sea-to-plate experience. Nestled in Newquay harbour, the seafood on your plate is landed just a few sandy footprints from your dinner table, by a handful of local fishermen.

A family business

Buck Beckett is one of a handful of fishermen who land daily catch for The Boathouse. For 27 years, since he was kicked out of school at the age of 14, Buck has been hauling in lobster and Newquay Brown Crab on his fishing boat, Frellie. Now his 11 year-old son, Freddie, joins him whenever he can, and is already excited about joining his Dad full time when he finishes school.

Tide times

Being a fisherman isn’t a 9-5 job. The day starts whenever the tide is in and the boat can be launched, whether that’s 2am, 4am or 6am. It’s usually before sunrise. And days are long, typically lasting 8 hours at sea. There are 200 pots to check, split into three ‘sets’, with each set being checked every three days.

 

Catch of the day

The bulk of the catch is made up of crabs, spider crabs and crawfish. In the summer Buck also catches turbot, monkfish and ray. Once the pots have been emptied and the tubs and been filled, the catch of the day is landed on the harbour wall. That’s less than 250 metres from your dinner table at The Boathouse.

 

Coastal cruising

The best thing about a day in the life of a fisherman is enjoying the Cornish coast – especially in the sunshine. Not many people get to witness the sunrise, afloat on a glassy ocean, far removed from the hubbub of land.

View to dine for

When you take a seat at The Boathouse, you often get to see your food arriving as Buck’s boat pulls into the harbour. Watching the fishing boats puttering in, the whiskered noses of the seals often popping up in their wake, tells the story of the fresh, local seafood on the menu. Pick a crab from the tanks and you can rest assured it’s been plucked from the ocean only hours ago.

Go there and eat now…

Book a table, soak up the watery views and taste Cornwall’s sea to plate dishes.

the-boathouse-newquay.co.uk

Many of the seafood restaurants in Cornwall have a local story behind the fish dishes they serve. In addition to The Boathouse, here are ten more of our favourite restaurants to dine on the finest ocean’s bounty.

Find a discounted stay near Cornwall’s foodie scene on our special offers page, or browse our beach locations to explore more of the coastline.