Author: gloversure

Top five surf-friendly holidays

The autumn swells have arrived in Cornwall and that means warm waves, kinder weather and fewer people on the beach. Jump in the car last minute and hit the surf in style staying in one our surf-friendly properties with surf lockers, surf showers and the waves on your doorstep.

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

The Beach, Porthtowan

Wake up to the sound of waves at The Beach, a cool and contemporary new collection of apartments overlooking the surf at Porthtowan. Check the surf from your bedroom window before grabbing your board and heading down the private path to the beach (before breakfast if that’s how you roll). Lock up your boards and beach toys in the secure ‘surf’ store and then while away the day on your balcony until your next session.

Take a look at our properties at The Beach.

Take a look and book our self-catering properties at Porthtowan, or talk to a member of our team on 01637 861 005.

Zinc, Fistral

A short walk from Zinc and you’ll find yourself standing on Fistral Beach, the UK’s surf capital. The world famous beach draws thousands of visitors and surfers each year but come autumn there are plenty of waves to catch. Check the conditions from your private balcony at Fistral Surf or light the barbecue on the terrace at Zinc 14 as you watch the swell roll-in and surfers pass by.

Take a look at Zinc 14.
Take a look at Fistral Surf.

Waves, Watergate Bay

Not only are you 100m away from one of Cornwall’s premier watersport destinations at Waves – a collection of modern one, two and three bed apartments – but one of Cornwall’s favourite foodie destinations too. Waves benefits from surf lockers and a shower area, meaning you can surf your heart out at Watergate Bay and spend the day on the beach before refuelling at The Beach Hut, Zacry’s or Wax restaurants to name a few.

Take a look at Waves.

Coast, Porth

All that separates Coast from the sand at Porth is a lovely private terrace and a stretch of lawn. Bodyboarders, beginner surfers and families can spend hours in Porth’s gentle waves before progressing to the more powerful surf at Watergate Bay or Fistral in either direction up the road. If you like fresh, contemporary interiors with a light and spacious feel, with a private lockable surf store in the car park for surfboards and beach equipment, then Coast is for you.

Take a look at 2 Coast.
Take a look at Beachside.

Oceangate, Fistral

Head to Fistral’s southern end for a quieter slice of the action. At Oceangate, a contemporary and sleek new development of apartments, you can turn up the volume with great surf out front or take some downtime at the tranquil Gannel Estuary a short walk behind you. Fistral’s hub of shops and restaurants including Rick Stein, The Fish House Fistral and The Stable wait at the other end of the beach, or be lazy and kick back at home in front of the view.

Take a look at 4 Oceangate.
Take a look at 17 Oceangate.

Dive into the exciting world of alternative surf activities in Cornwall and discover new ways to enjoy the waves.

12 Days of Christmas in Cornwall

christmaslightsatmousehole paulwatts jpg 80325 original

Looking for a reason to visit Cornwall this Christmas or looking for inspiration for what to do? You’re in luck. Here’s how we do the 12 Days of Christmas in Cornwall, by Beach Retreats. Book your Christmas break with Beach Retreats online or call our team on 01637 861 005.

Thinking about bringing your dog on holiday? Check out our dog-friendly holiday properties.

1. Ice skating at the Eden Project

Our favourite festive activity is back at the Eden Project from 14 October until 18 February. Get your skates on and book your spot here.

2. Outlaw Christmas Market

Not your usual craft event, the Outlaw Christmas Market will come to Falmouth town centre in December (dates to be confirmed). Celebrate handmade and artisan gifts this Christmas.

www.outlawevents.co.uk

3. Padstow Christmas Market

Cornwall’s favourite festive family market is back for its eighth year from 7-10 December. With more than 100 crafts folk and producers, 40 star chefs, fireworks, santa fun run and lots more, it draws a crowd of 45,000 and an electric atmosphere.

www.padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk

4. Mousehole Lights

Visit the picturesque fishing village of Mousehole on 16 December at 7pm for the big ‘switch on’ of the iconic Cornish illuminations. Or visit them in your own time until 6 January.

www.mouseholelights.org.uk

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

5. Christmas Day swims

For the brave – or mad – only. From Penzances’ promenade, Hayle and Gwithians’ golden sands to Sennen Cove or Polzeath. There will be an organised Christmas Day swim somewhere near you.

6. Watch a show

From the creative team that brought you hit shows Dick Whittington and his Mousehole Cat! and Jack and the Beanstalk, Hall for Cornwall are proud to present its own home grown production to enchant and entertain adults and children alike. Edward ‘Kernow King’ Rowe and Granville Saxton return in this year’s Christmas show Sleeping Beauty, the final chapter in a trilogy of adventures featuring our much loved Cornishman, Kenwyne and his extended family.

Purchase your tickets here.

www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/sleeping-beauty

7. Boxing Day walks

Blow away the cobwebs with a Boxing Day walk on your favourite Cornish beach. The perfect family activity and antidote to one too many sherries and mince pies on the big day. Here’s some inspiration.

8. Montol Christmas Festival

A six day arts and community festival in Penzance celebrating the midwinter solstice and Cornish traditions of the past, culminating in the main event on Montol Eve on 21 December. There’s a main parade, lantern making, storytelling, carol singing and more, take a look here.

9. Reindeer Parade

Meet Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and the rest of the herd in November as as they parade through Truro starting from Victoria Square. A magical experience for children. Dates to be confirmed.

10. Cotehele decorations

Visit the father Christmas of all Christmas decorations at Cotehele – the famous 60-foot garland made with tens of thousands of flowers grown in the gardens of the National Trust estate. Gawp above and then stick around to eat, shop and sing with various happenings from November through to December.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele

11. Pick your Christmas tree

Search for your favourite Christmas tree among hundreds in Cedar Croft Nurseries near St Tudy. Tie your personalised ribbon around your chosen tannenbaum and it will be cut fresh for whenever you want it.

www.cedarcroft.co.uk

12. Shop Cornish at Christmas

From coal and logs for a roaring fire, to mince pies and mistletoe, fine wine and fantastic food, Cornish Food Market have everything you need. All delivered in time for a proper Cornish Christmas.

www.cornishfoodmarket.co.uk

Check out our 10 favourite retreats for Christmas to celebrate the season in style.

Book your Christmas break with Beach Retreats online or call our team on 01637 861 005.

24 hours in Port Isaac with the Nathan Outlaw experience

port isaac village

Delectable food, historic harbour, Doc Martin and a home from home in the centre of it all…

So when you only have 24 hours in Port Isaac where do you begin? With the tide in, boats bobbing and the sun shining, we headed straight to the picture-perfect working harbour.

Boasting clear waters on a sunny day, narrow winding streets and white-washed fisherman’s houses, we took the coast path up the side of the cliffs, towards the iconic ITV’s Doc Martin house (perfect place for a selfie with the Doc).

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

Experiencing Outlaw’s

After a quick tipple at the Golden Lion, we headed back up the hill towards our Beach Retreat holiday home ‘Lobber’, where we were more than ready for our seafood-tasting menu at the fantastic Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, conveniently perched directly opposite.

Recently voted the UK’s Best Restaurant by the 2017 Good Food Guide, Nathan Outlaw is renowned for his tasty sea-to-plate dishes with an extra twist.

The First Course

To kick things off we started with the wine flight (don’t mind if we do). The fabulous wine connoisseur gave us his expert knowledge on where and how each wine was made and a little history behind the families that maintained the vineyards.

Here he pours two glasses of the Sparkling Koshu 2014 from Japan.

Ensuring the wine complimented the food, our first course was the Cured Monkfish, Tomato and Sea Purslane and it certainly hit the spot.

Nathan’s simple and honest approach to seafood cookery mixed with the careful thought given to every tail and scale that enters his kitchen, really does provide a memorable dining experience.

Second Course

My favourite course, number 2 was the Gurnard and Porthilly Sauce, a dish that you will never want to end. Crabs are caught locally at Porthilly and then made into a delicious bisque like sauce. This sauce has everyone talking on TripAdvisor.

Accompanied by a glass of Capellania Blanco Reserva 2012, Marques de Murrieta, Rioja, Spain.

Main Course

Onto the mains and we certainly don’t doubt Nathan Outlaw’s ‘King of Fish’ title. The Cornish Turbot, with a side of tenderstem and roast onion sauce with potato.

Dessert

If you love your sweet food then this is the course for you! Strawberries and sugared shortbread biscuit in a delicous jelly with elderflower ice. Pour the ice onto the strawberries and you’ll be pleasantly surprised how much extra taste it adds.

Last course…

Cornish Jack Cheese (who doesn’t love cheese), Beetroot and Walnut Tart! As if things couldn’t get any better. The perfect end to a perfect meal. This course was wonderfully combined with a glass of Banyuls Reserva NV, Domaine La Tour Vieille,Roussillon from France.

Intrigued about how all this amazing food was prepped, we headed into the kitchen to get a little sneak peek as the chefs work.

Nathan Outlaw currently holds four Michelin stars across his empire of exquisite seafood restaurants.

There’s our dessert again, we couldn’t possibly eat anymore…

What do you do after a big meal when on the coast? Get outside and walk off your dinner with some of the most beautiful and rugged Cornish views. When leaving Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, head down the hill in the opposite direction towards Port Isaac’s sister port, Port Gaverne.

Enjoy a drink at the Port Gaverne Hotel and Restaurant before heading back up the hill. Sit on the bench half way up the hill and take in the inspiring views.

Much to our surprise, we found ourselves in the middle of the Port Isaac Carnival on our way back to Lobber.

It’s pleasant to see how much the locals come together and welcome visitors from near and far to join in with their celebrations.

Book your self-catering stay in Port Isaac with Beach Retreats.

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

Learn more about Padstow in our blog all about how to enjoy a week in Padstow, and explore what it has to offer.

Cornish New Year's resolutions

Fun activities & new skills that you’ll actually enjoy doing in 2019 – our list of top New Year’s resolutions based around Cornwall. Join us in 2019.

Master the chef

Padstow Seafood School

When you’re among the best chefs and restaurants in the South West, why not join them and learn how to cook your favourite dishes. You can iscover how to cook some of Rick Stein’s own recipes but seafood isn’t the only thing on offer; Indian curries, Italian favourites, Spanish tapas and patisserie are some of many day courses.

www.rickstein.com/school/

Dive into something new

Cornish Rock Tors

Coastering with Cornish Rock Tors isn’t just about trying a new extreme sport. By scrambling, climbing, jumping and swimming along the Cornish coast you’ll also get a whole new perspective of Cornwall. They have various activities running from Polzeath on the north coast and the Roseland on the south, with two distinctly different vibes.

www.cornishrocktors.com

Be a culture-vulture

Across Cornwall

If you’re feeling jaded from far too much of everything over Christmas then get reacquainted with some culture. From Tate St Ives and Truro’s Hall for Cornwall performance space, to Open Studios Cornwall and our county’s brilliant museums, there’s plenty to make you’ll feel revitalised.

Get fit Cornwall style

Across Cornwall

Forget the gym. Getting fit in Cornwall is all about enjoying the great outdoors: surfing, coastal running, cycle trails, sea swimming, walking the coast. The best bit? It doesn’t feel like exercise at all.

Forage and feast

With the Fat Hen, West Cornwall

Join Caroline Davey in Cornwall’s wild west and forage, cook and feast the freshest of local produce. There’s gourment weekends, game, fish and bread making courses amongst others. It doesn’t get fresher than this.

www.fathen.org

Credit James Bowden

Spend more time with the family

With Beach Retreats

Building sandcastles on the beach with your youngest. Learning to surf with your teenagers. Walks on the beach with your partner. Holidays in Cornwall with Beach Retreats are made for spending more time with your nearest and dearest.

Book your stay in 2019 with Beach Retreats online or call our team on 01637 861 005.

Amazing events for your 2018 Cornwall diary

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to fantastic events to choose from in Cornwall throughout 2018.

We’ve hand-picked our favourites to add to your calendars. How many will you visit?

Discover unbeatable savings and unforgettable experiences with Beach Retreats’ exclusive special offers.

Porthleven Food Festival

Porthleven 20 – 22 April

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2018, this is a festival we highly recommend for your foodie diary. Bringing around 30,000 people together in and around the stunning harbour in Porthleven, the event brings national and international chefs into the theatre, food stalls, street food, music day and night and entertainment for all. What are you waiting for? See you there…

Discover our Porthleven holiday properties.

St Ives Food & Drink Festival

St Ives 11 – 13 May

Get yourselves down to Porthminster beach in St Ives for another foodie treat. Attracting over 12,000 visitors each year, this festival brings you plenty of Cornish food stalls, Celebrity Chef Demos, pop up BBQs, music and more. Whilst you are in St Ives, we recommend a coastal walk along its white sand beaches.

The Great Estate

Redruth 1 – 3 June

A new event for 2017 and now returning for its second year, The Great Estate is a festival for all the family. Expect major international headline acts, a mix of comedy, theatre, music and the arts, all within the beautiful grounds of Scorrier Estate. Look out for their vintage fairground, woodland silent disco, secret gin garden, burlesque sessions, classical corner and the Swamp Circus. Buy tickets.

Royal Cornwall Show

Wadebridge 7 – 9 June

On its 223rd year and one of Cornwall’s biggest events, the Royal Cornwall Show hosts an exciting schedule of events exhibits, competitions, shopping, family activities and more. As an agricultural show, visitors can expect plenty of animal shows including the popular annual dog show, as well as a fascinating glimpse into rural life. Apart from the livestock judging, there is the famous flower tent, show jumping and a fast and furious inter-hunt relay.

Rock Oyster Festival

Rock 6 – 7 July

Located right on the famous Camel trail, making it one of the few festivals that can be easily accessed on foot or by bike, the Rock Oyster Festival is a haven for seafood lovers. This midsummer celebration of food, music and art, invites visitors to eat their way through thousands of Cornish oysters, as well as listen to live music, watch circus acts and enjoy children’s entertainment, alternative performing arts and a shopping bazaar. What more could you ask for?

Lusty Glaze Sundowner Sessions

Newquay, Various dates

Awarded the No.1 spot by The Times for ‘Most picturesque live music venue in the UK’ Lusty Glaze hosts various live acts throughout the summer months with in an incredible setting. Imagine a beer in hand, sand beneath your toes and a stunning sunset whilst watching your favourite band? Lusty Glaze welcomes Morcheeba 22nd July, a British band from the 90s, with other acts to be announced shortly.

Port Eliot Festival

St German 26 – 29 July

Port Eliot is a festival unlike any other. Whether you’re swimming in the estuary, picnicking under a 300-year-old tree, rocking out at the Park Stage, canoeing on the river, catching an intimate gig in the church, watching a cooking demo in the Big Kitchen or dancing in the Boogie Round. Make sure you save some time to look around Port Eliot House, a Grade I listed house over 1,000 years old. Will you walk up all 11 stair cases?

Boardmasters Surf & Music Festival

Newquay & Watergate Bay 8 – 13 August

The famous Boardmasters Festival is back offering a fantastic music and surf festival over two locations. Head to Fistral beach in Newquay for the main surfing and skate competitions, along with food stalls and music, or head to Watergate Bay where this year’s top acts include Craig David, The Chemical Brothers and Annie Mac.

Following the success of 2017, The Financial Times said Boardmasters is “fast becoming one of the UK’s most enticing summer music festivals”, while NME described the festival as “a perfect weekend mix of sun, surf and music in Cornwall.” See the full line-up and purchase tickets on the Boardmasters website.

British Stand Up Paddle Boarding National Championships

Watergate Bay 13 – 14 October

Celebrating its 6th year, the British Stand up Boarding Association National Championships returns to the bay. Over the course of two days there will be three main competitions, Men’s Open, Women’s Open, & Junior Under 16s. Wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate from The Beach Hut and enjoy the action. Stand by for a fiery autumn sunset.

Padstow Christmas Festival

Padstow 6 – 9 December

See this Cornish fishing village come alive with celebrity chefs, culinary delights and festive fun. The free-to-attend spectacle has grown into one of the largest food festivals in Cornwall, with 45,000 visitors expected across the four days. This year sees 65 separate cookery demonstrations, workshops and masterclasses happening across two stages, with culinary names from Rick Stien, Paul Ainsworth, Nathan Outlaw and James Martin confirmed to attend.

But it’s not all about the food.

The popular Christmas market will also be open from midday Thursday with stalls featuring arts, crafts, food and drink producers from across the south west. Padstow’s shops and galleries will be open for extended hours offering special discounts throughout the four days, plus there will be a fantastic fireworks display.

Do you know any other events that should be added to our 2018 calendar? Let us know by joining the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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

Book your Beach Retreats self-catering holiday.

5 Terrific Terraces

5 houses that boast stunning terraces as well as jaw-dropping coastal views.

We choose 5 houses that will help you make the most of your holiday home with alfresco dining, sun seeking, relaxing and more. How will you spend time on your holiday terrace?

Trethvor, Fistral

First up is Trethvor (meaning seaside in Cornish), a sleek coastal pad offering sweeping sea views across Fistral bay. What is it  we love best about Trethvor? You guessed it, the stunning private ‘wrap-around’ terrace and its stunning 180 degree views of the coast. Look out to Trevose headland and lighthouse, out to sea and inland over Newquay; perfect for both alfresco dining.

Trethvor is one of the last buildings on the Pentire headland, with coastal walks and inspiring sea views on your doorstep. Throughout the summer, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins jumping in the bay.

Book your stay at Trethvor with Beach Retreats.

Trethvor roof terrace, Fistral

The Penthouse at Coast, Porth

Next up is The Penthouse at Coast, where you couldn’t get closer to the beach even if you tried. Situated where the land meets the sea, guests can walk through gardens and a gate, directly onto the family-friendly Porth beach. There are no roads to cross, just a wide expanse of golden sand on your doorstep.

This large private terrace comes with spectacular sea views and the chance to dine outside whilst the sun sets on the horizon.

Book your stay at The Penthouse at Coast with Beach Retreats.

porthpenthouse

Panorama, Mawgan Porth

Perfectly located just 800 metres from Mawgan Porth beach, Panorama fuses haute design and stylish interiors with beach inspired features to create a majestic luxury bolthole for families, small groups and design-aficionados.

Tucked away on a private road, the stunning terrace is the perfect setting for family and friends to sit back and relax whilst enjoying a Cornish sunset like no other.

Book your stay at Panorama with Beach Retreats.

Panorama Mawgan Porth

No 1 The Beach, Porthtowan

With a beach just 10 metres away, No 1 The Beach is perfectly positioned on the edge of Porthtowan, where the village has a lovely relaxed, off-the-beaten-path feel, with a very pretty sandy beach backed by dunes.

Listen to the sound of rolling waves, smell the sea air and watch the daily sun seekers, surfers and families on the beach pass you by. What’s not to love?

Book your stay at No 1 The Beach with Beach Retreats.

No1. The Beach House, Porthtowan

The Tower, Praa Sands

Last but by no means least, we have The Tower in Praa Sands. The Tower is a large duplex apartment, occupying the top two floors of Acton Castle with a stunning roof terrace dating back to the 18th century. Views consist of the immaculate communal gardens, Mounts Bay and the famous St Michael’s Mount in Marazion.

Here you’ll find plenty of space for alfresco dining, loungers and a coffee table set.

Book your stay at Praa Sands with Beach Retreats.

The Tower, Praa Sands

 

Eat local on your self-catering holiday in Cornwall

Staying in a Beach Retreat property means Cornwall’s luscious bounty is always on your doorstep.

In farm shops, markets and local restaurants about the county, you’ll spy carrots, Cornish potatoes, mussels, samphire, figs, hazelnuts and much more autumnal produce. Here we have rounded up the best places to lay your hands on fresh local produce, so you can cut down the journey from field to plate and enjoy what the locals have to offer.

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

Baker Tom – multiple locations

As you walk into any of these stores, expect the smell of freshly made bread, scones, pastries and more. If you’re also a cheese lover, we highly recommend dipping some Baker Tom bread into a melted Camembert cheese. Baker Tom has got it all going on. Stores and Cafes can be found in Truro, Falmouth, Wadebridge, Pool and Penzance.

Purely Cornish – Looe

Located in lovely Looe, Purely Cornish offers visitors and locals alike a fantastic array of goodies. From Cornish chocolate, fudge and biscuits, to local jams and chutney. Is your mouth-watering yet?

Bre-pen Farm – Mawgan Porth

This National Trust farm on the cliffs above Mawgan Porth is worth a pilgrimage to pick up a few joints of its free-range lamb, reared on the green pastures and sea  breezes of the north coast – Chefs swear you can taste the salty air in the meat. There can be no better reason to forgo burgers – these chops are perfectly suited to the smoky flavours of a beach barbie. Enquire within the farm shop, and pick yourself a few sprigs of herbs free of charge on the way out.

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

Camel Valley – near Bodmin

Camel Valley Vineyard has been producing award-winning, world-class wine in Cornwall since 1989. Located near Bodmin, guests can either stop in the shop to purchase wine and champagne, or have it order to your door. For those that are really into their wines, why not enjoy a tour of the vineyard during your stay?

Camel Valley recently won Gold for their 2016 Pinot Noir, Still Rose at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Trevilley Farm

There are farm shops and then there are farm shops like Trevilley. This award-winning shop on the outskirts of Newquay is one of the most lovingly stocked in Cornwall, selling own-produced meat (including South Devonshire beef), fruit and veg, chutneys, jams, cakes, pasties and quiches, as well as a plethora of other carefully sourced Cornish produce. You can also find a selection of local real ales, wines and juices.

Great Cornish Food Shop – Truro

Experience, celebrate and discover everything about delicious Cornish food and drink at the Great Cornish Food Shop in Truro. The independent grocery store, comes with its own butcher, fishmonger and chef-led café, deli, and takeaway. You’ll never want to leave.

Stein’s Deli and Patisserie – Padstow 

For homemade jams, chutneys, relishes, spice mixes and oils, head to Stein’s Deli in Padstow where these are all made to Rick’s recipes. You’ll also find freshly baked goods including pasties, breads & pastries, all handmade and produced by the Rick Stein Group in Padstow.

Book your self-catering holiday with Beach Retreats.

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

St Ives walk through

A walk along one of Cornwall’s best Blue Flag beaches towards the seaside town of St Ives

Voted Best UK Holiday Destination by Coast Magazine, we visited the beautiful seaside town in the height of the summer to see what all the fuss was about…and we get it!

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

Firstly getting to St Ives. Our top tip for parking is to drive to the Lelant Saltings Park and Ride train station just 4 miles away, where visitors can leave their cars and hop on the St.Erth to St.Ives Bay Line for just £4 return (please note there is a small charge for parking your vehicle).

St Ives Train

This famous line has some of the most beautiful scenery in England and is well worth the ride down to the beach. Below is just one of the many scenes you’ll pass on your way into St Ives. 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.

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

Directly in front of you on the beach you’ll see the Porthminster Beach Bar, the perfect spot for a quick bite to eat, cold drink or just some chill time from the sun. Watch out for those swooping seagulls when walking around with food.

Porthminster Beach, St Ives

Porthminster beach has a Lifeguard service from mid May to end of September. You will also find that there is a seasonal dog ban on this beach…but don’t worry, read on to find out where you can take your pooches!

Head right when on the beach where you’ll find a great spot for rockpooling and you might even spot some fascinating hidden sealife under rocks and amongst the green seaweed.

In the opposite direction (our favourite one) you’ll be able to walk through shallow clear waters, jump the waves and watch the boats bobbing in the distance.

Fancy yourself as a beach artist? The golden sands with a little sea water make for a great sandcastle competition with the family. How big will you go and don’t forget to shout ‘I’m the King of the Castle’ if you win.

As you walk the stretch of golden sand you’ll end up at St Ives Harbour Beach where well behaved dogs are more than welcome.

St Ives Harbour Beach

Don’t miss a photo stop at Smeaton’s Pier built in 1831 and the St Ives lighthouse.

St Ives Smeaton Pier

St Ives is known as a destination where famous artists flock year upon year. The piercing light, white sanded beaches, crystal clear waters and white washed fishermans cottages make for a great painting; not to mention the art galleries, quirky Cornish shops and lots of scrummy places to eat and drink.

Uncover the charm of St Ives, Cornwall, with our guide to this picturesque coastal town, renowned for its art, beaches, and vibrant local culture.

We couldn’t help but stop at the St Ives Bakery with the smells of freshly cooked Cornish pasties and cakes coming out of the ovens. Meringue anyone?

When walking through this pretty seaside town, you’ll come across many beautiful narrow cobbled streets, which make up a maze of new directions to take.

St Ives Cobbled Streets

To end your day, whether it’s Cornish ice cream, fudge or a little clotted cream, a stop at ‘Cornish Cream‘, is a must when walking through the town if you’re still feeling a little peckish from lunch.

 

Book your Cornish self-catering holiday with Beach Retreats.

Walk Through Prussia Cove

Coastal walk to Bessy’s Cove Beach.

Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Prussia Cove is situated on Cornwall’s south coast. Unlike the north, the south coast has many hidden sandy coves, inlets and rockpools to explore and are perfect for those dog-friendly walks.

Our new duplex apartment at Acton Castle offers spectacular views over Prussia Cove and out to Mount’s Bay. Starting from the private gardens of the Castle, head down the steps to join a footpath. Keep left, and on your right, there will be a stile into the open fields below. Wander down through the field, and to your left join the coast path which will take you to Cudden Point, Piskies Cove and Bessy’s Cove beach.

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

Piskies Cove is reputed to be one of the places where John Carter – The King of Prussia – landed his smuggled goods. Prussia Cove is renowned for smuggling activity in the late 18th Century. The coastline is suitably hidden with caves; perfect for stowing stolen treasures.

The coastal walk provides a tranquil escape: calm waters, quiet sandy coves, and uninterrupted views. At low tide, discover hidden coves and wander down to enjoy your own private beach. In the summer, the water is just right for cooling off and splashing in the shallows.

Discover our Porthleven holiday properties. Just a 20 minute drive away from Prussia Cove.

You will eventually reach Cudden Point, where the sea views and horizon seem endless. The grass top cliff provides a perfect spot for a break to soak-up the breathtaking views and enjoy a bite of your sandwich.

Further along, towards Piskies Cove, you’ll spot two posts on the coastal path. The posts are the remains of HMS Warspite, a destroyer built in Devonport that served in the Battle of Jutland. The ship was moored here on the way to be scrapped in Mount’s Bay in 1947, but broke it’s moorings, running aground in Prussia Cove.

Take a leisurely walk through Porthleven, discovering its picturesque harbour, stunning coastal views, and charming village atmosphere in Cornwall.

Over the hilltops, in the distance, you will see a sandy inlet, which is called Piskies Cove. This sheltered beach is often overlooked, however a short trek down the cliff will reward you with a Cornish secret spot.

Further along the coast path, lined with hedgerows and flowers, you’ll end up at Bessy’s Cove. Tucked away, Bessy’s Cove is a picturesque rocky cove perfect for sunbathing, swimming, alfresco dining and snorkelling.

Spend a lazy summer day, away from the crowds, exploring Prussia Cove.

Discover a beach on your doorstep at Acton Castle.

Circular walk from Trevone to Padstow

trevone bay image credit steph andr

A coastal walk and countryside stroll all rolled into one.

There isn’t many places where you can experience inspiring sea views and tranquil countryside scenery on a walk. Cornwall is the perfect place to experience the best of both worlds, especially when it goes hand in hand with one of our fantastic dog-friendly properties.

Nestled among rolling hills, on the North coast of Cornwall, discover a charming Cornish village with a wide sandy beach, flanked by high sea cliffs.

Trevone Bay is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; just two miles from the popular fishing harbour of Padstow. Starting at Trevone beach, the circular walk is 7.4 miles long; a moderate route along the rugged Atlantic coast.

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

Follow the cliff path, past the Round Hole, which is a collapsed sea cave, with a channel that is still open to the sea. At high tide, on a calm day, it is possible to kayak right through the cave.

Walk up the cliff, past the gateway, and follow the main path across the coastal heath. Track the route taken by sailing ships to Stepper Point. The many caves spotted along the coast, provide ledges where seals haul themselves out of the water.

In the Spring and Summer time, the coastal heath is teaming with wildlife and wildflowers. The aromatic smell of wild gorse lingers in the air.

Near to Stepper Point, spot the stone tower standing proud on the clifftop. Known as the “Pepper Pot” the 40 foot stone tower, was built in 1830, as a daymark – a navigation beacon for seafarers during daylight. At 240 feet above sea level, the tower is visible from 30 miles away.

At Stepper Point, soak-up the panoramic sea views, and descend on the coastal path along the Camel Estuary to Hawker’s Cove. From the coastal path, look across the Estuary to Rock and Daymer Bay. There is a passenger ferry which operates between Rock and Padstow.

Explore our holiday properties in Padstow, just a short drive away from Port Isaac and Polzeath.

From Hawker’s Cove, cross the sandy beach of St George’s Cove before finally reaching the bustling harbour of Padstow.

In Padstow, stop for a spot of lunch at one of the local eateries or fish and chips on the harbour from Rick Steins.

Walking back to Trevone, follow the signs from Padstow town to Prideaux Place, a beautiful eighteenth century manor house. Pass the front of Prideaux Place, and follow the lane to find a barn on your right. Opposite the barn, take the footpath to the left and over the stile. Bare right along the path along the field.

On the route back to Trevone, pass the Padstow Farm Shop. Pop in for fresh veg, fruit, Cornish cheese, meat and everyday amenities. Follow the fields back to Trevone Bay and relax on the beach with a barbecue, and watch the sun go down.

Want to explore more of Cornwall? Check out our favourite autumnal walks in Cornwall.

Book your self-catering beach holiday in Trevone.