Author: gloversure

Cosy Cottages Made for Two

Escape to the coast for an alternative romantic getaway.

Experience a couples’ retreat like no other with inspiring sea views, magnificent coastal walks, and endless miles of golden sand on your doorstep.

Spot a seal on a kayak tour, steal a kiss on a clifftop walk or curl up under the stars.

Discover our hideaway cottages by the sea in Cornwall.

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

Harbourside Cottage, Boscastle

Nestled on the harbour, with tranquil views, Harbourside Cottage is the perfect hideaway. Stroll along the riverside to the ancient harbour. Lunch at the Boscastle Fishing Company with a lobster roll or discover the village’s secrets at the Museum of Witchcraft.

Explore the enchanting village of Boscastle in North Cornwall with Beach Retreats.

Book your magical getaway.

 

Toms Cottage, Porthleven

Located between the Lizard Peninsula and Prussia Cove, Porthleven is a beautiful Cornish fishing village. Tucked away from the harbour, Toms Cottage is a charming eighteenth century fisherman’s cottage. The port is a 2-minute stroll from the cottage, with waterfront shops, cafes and restaurants. A destination popular with food lovers, dine at Amelies seafood restaurant, Rick Stein’s fish and chips or Kota, which serves seafood with an Asian twist.

Book your romantic foodie break.

 

Lobber, Port Isaac

Port isaac

Situated in the heart of one of Cornwall’s most iconic harbour villages, Lobber offers couples the perfect hideaway. Walk along cobbled streets, discover location scenes from Doc Martin, and soak-up magnificent coastal views.

Just what the Doc ordered…

Escape to Port Isaac.

 

Lundy, Port Isaac

Surrounded by idyllic scenery, inspiring coastal views and countryside walks, Port Isaac is the ideal spot for a romantic getaway. Lundy is perfectly situated to explore the ancient harbour and neighbouring beaches, including Port Gaverne and Port Quin. In an evening, experience intimate dining at Nathan Outlaw’s seaside restaurant.

Plan your romantic getaway.

 

Whirlwind, Whitsand Bay

With an ever-changing backdrop, 5 miles of golden sand and spectacular clifftop walks, Whitsand Bay is perfect for a wild romantic break. Off the beaten track, Whirlwind is a cosy bolthole for two with a private patio area, providing an intimate space for sitting under a blanket of stars.

Book your love nest.

Find the perfect romantic retreat in Cornwall for couples.

Aspall Polo on the Beach 2017

We’ll be down on the beach this coming weekend for Aspall Polo on the Beach 2017 so come and say hello and try our birds-eye virtual reality tour of Cornwall.

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

Here is our ‘everything you need to know’ guide for visiting.

When is it

The 10th anniversary happening takes place on May 19th, 20th and 21st. (Friday to Sunday).

What happens at Polo on the Beach?

The weekend focuses on the two matches which take place on the Friday and Saturday evenings, both at 6.30pm.  Events take place throughout the afternoons including Segway polo matches, Knights of Middle England jousting display, dance display and fireworks on the Friday night.

On Friday night an Asado BBQ takes place in the Beach Hut, followed by free music on the beach and a fireworks display at around 9.30pm.

On Saturday night, the beach party takes place with live music from local bands William The Conqueror and The Andy Quick Band, followed by headliners Molotov Jukebox. More about this ticketed event: https://www.watergatebay.co.uk/polo-on-the-beach/ . Sunday is a more relaxed family day where four-legged friends participate in the dog show and the RNLI will be on the beach.

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

Food and Drink

The Aspall beach bar, Jacquart champagne bar and Tarquin’s gin bar will be open from 11am each day, while there will be a range of street food stalls on the beach, as well as the Venus Beach Company.  The Beach Hut will be open too, but booking is strongly recommended.  Most of the stalls accept credit and debit cards.

Attending

It’s free to attend Polo on the Beach, while the Friday night Asado BBQ and Saturday night beach party are ticketed events.

There are no cash machines in Watergate Bay although many stalls accept credit and debit cards.

Parking is available in the field overlooking the bay at a cost £3.50 per day, from where you walk down the coast path to the beach.

Watergate Bay is dog friendly all year round, though on a lead for the weekend, especially around the pitch and food areas.

Public toilets are available across the road, with portable toilets in the extreme car park. There is a disabled toilet in The Beach Hut restaurant on the beach.

Don’t forget to share your photographs and tweets to #Poloonthebeach.

For the full timetable of events visit the official website – https://www.watergatebay.co.uk/polo/.

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

The Ancient Mariner – Lynmouth, Devon

Lynmouth, Devon.

Resting below the sea cliffs on the harbour at Lynmouth, the Ancient Mariner’s pub offers the perfect place to relax.

The award-winning bar and restaurant overlooks the pier’s shingle beach and calm waters. Picture frame windows take advantage of the beautiful scenery and light the restaurant. Maritime-inspired interiors create a cool, young vibe with industrial iron tables and big leather sofas. The cosy log burner and soft furnishings create a space which feels inviting and makes dining and drinking very comfortable.

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

Located in the final stop on the Coleridge Way; a 51-mile walk in the poet’s footsteps, the Ancient Mariner is the perfect place to refuel after a hike along the moors. Named after the famous Coleridge poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”, the pub offers a unique experience to dine in style.

Discover the charm and beauty of North Devon, where stunning landscapes and coastal adventures await with Beach Retreats.

The Food:

Whether you are after a light bite or a three course meal, the food is freshly prepared using local and seasonal produce. Expect traditional hearty meals with a modern twist. Try the Exmoor beef burger with black treacle and ale braised brisket or a classic rich and creamy macaroni and cheese. There is also a daily specials board with fresh seafood dishes.

For dessert, there is a selection of sweet and savoury dishes to choose from. The Devon cheese board platter is perfect for those looking to share.

The Ancient Mariner stocks many local ales, beers, ciders, guest ales and organic juices. The famous local crafted gin “Wicked Wolf” can also be found behind the bar, which is made on the banks of the East Lyn river.

A variety of fine liquors can be enjoyed in the Aubrey Cocktail Bar, which is adjoined to the Ancient Mariner. Experience luxurious interiors with a hygge twist and unwind with friends and family. During the day stop-off for a homemade cream tea, fresh from the oven, or indulge in an afternoon tea.

The Ancient Mariner and Aubrey Cocktail Bar are with 10-minutes walking distance of our self-catering holiday apartments at Tors Park.

Book your holiday in Lynmouth.

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

Walk Through Lynton and Lynmouth

Experience self-catering holidays in Devon by the sea.

Lynmouth encapsulates the wild beauty of north Devon, in a charming picturesque postcard village. The idyllic coastal town is often dubbed Little Switzerland, due to its spectacular landscape and tranquil waters. Flanked by high sea cliffs, Lynmouth is where Exmoor meets the sea.

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

The sheltered harbour, with its famous Rhenish Tower, nestles beneath the cliffs on north Devon’s heritage coast. On the rugged cliff top, overlooking the mooring, the Edwardian village of Lynton stands proud. A water-powered funicular railway connects the two resorts. One of the most environmentally friendly tourist attractions in the country, the cliff railway is a great way to experience the magnificent rugged landscape. On a clear day, from the Cliff Top Cafe in Lynton, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views across to Wales.

Lynton and Lynmouth offer a unique holiday experience. The twin villages are bursting with local charm and character with an array of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. In the summer at dusk, the resorts twinkle under the night sky as people wander along the pier and venture upon the cliff railway to Lynton. There is a priceless sense of nostalgia and identity in the region. The unspoilt landscape provides a sense of escape to those seeking a holiday from the busy pace of modern life.

Discover the charm and beauty of North Devon, where stunning landscapes and coastal adventures await with Beach Retreats.

Discover Exmoor.

Set in the heart of Exmoor National Park, Lynmouth is the perfect place to access the inner moor. Surrounded by magnificent wooded hills, this part of north Devon’s coastline provides plenty of walking (or for the less energetic – driving) opportunities.

Abundant with wildlife, Exmoor has more than 600 miles of marked footpaths to explore. Ponies, sheep and majestic red deer graze the moorland whereas falcons, buzzards and the rare merlin circle overhead.

From Lynmouth, visitors don’t have to travel far to experience the wild scenery of Exmoor. Follow the coast two miles east to Countisbury Hill to find hill tops teeming with wildlife. On Countisbury Hill the high ground tumbles to meet the coastal cliffs which plunge into the sea. In spring, the hill tops are golden yellow from wild gorse whereas in the autumn the hedgerows are an auburn colour.

Further inland, discover ancient woodlands and waterfalls at Watersmeet. The East Lyn river rips through the landscape on its journey from the plateau of Exmoor to the sea and Lynmouth. Giant boulders and striking outcrops are left behind as the river carves its way through the landscape, creating one of Britain’s deepest river gorges.

In the 19th century this wild landscape drew tourists and great Romantic poets. Southey, along with Coleridge, Wordsworth and Shelley were enchanted by Lynmouth and its hinterland, comparing Watersmeet with the Alps.

Once a Victorian fishing lodge, Watersmeet House is a charming tearoom set within the picturesque landscape of hidden Exmoor. Enjoy a traditional Devonshire cream tea with whortleberry jam and listen to the trickling water of the East Lyn river. During the summer months, the river provides the perfect fishing spot for salmon and sea trout whereas in the quieter months, the waters are great for canoeing.

Explore the Valley of the Rocks.

Dramatic scenery encapsulates the north Devon coastline and inner countryside. The spectacular moorland at the Valley of the Rocks is less than one mile in walking distance of Lynmouth. The Valley of the Rocks is a unique dry valley that runs parallel to the coast.

In the area, there are plenty of walks with striking weathered rock formations with names such as “The Devil’s Cheesewring”, “Ragged Jack” and “Castle Rock”. The sublime valley has its own population of wild goats which roam the rocks and cliff edges. Climb the rocks to experience breathtaking views across the rugged landscape and Bristol Channel.

Discover the foodie delights of The Ancient Mariner in Lynmouth, where delicious food and drink are served in a charming, historic setting.

 

Fancy a walk on the wild side?

BOOK YOUR SELF-CATERING HOLIDAY IN LYNMOUTH

Lewinnick Lodge

Pentire, Newquay.

Nestled on the cliffs at Pentire Headland, Lewinnick Lodge overlooks Fistral and out across the Atlantic to Watergate Bay. Lewinnick Lodge will welcome you with open arms, did we mention they’re dog-friendly too?

Lewinnick Lodge by Layton Bennett Photography
(Aerial view taken by Layton Bennett Photography)

The award-winning bar and restaurant has one of the best coastal views in Cornwall. Huge windows take advantage of the restaurant’s location while letting light flood into the open space. In the summer, the terrace lets you taste the salty sea spray whilst sipping cocktails. Whereas in the winter, the Lodge is a cosy haven to watch the Cornish storms roll-in from the Atlantic.

The interiors of the bar and restaurant reflect the Lodge’s spectacular position. Inspired by the wild scenery of Pentire Headland, the Lodge combines coastal interiors with country living to create a contemporary and relaxing space. It’s a world away from your everyday 9-5.

Aerial of Lewinnick Lodge by Layton Bennett Photography
(Aerial view taken by Layton Bennett Photography)

The Food:

Serving modern British food with an emphasis on fresh fish, the lodge is the perfect venue to enjoy fine Cornish fare and hospitality.

The chefs freshly prepare all meals, tailoring the menus to make the most of seasonal produce. During busy times, diners may have to wait for their food to be served. This delay however is well worth waiting for – the aromas and the flavours of the food will not leave your senses and taste buds disappointed! Treat yourself to the seasoning of Thai chicken skewers with pickled vegetables and satay sauce or savour the flavours of baked scallops cooked with chilli and ginger in a puff pastry case.

All produce is sourced locally, with most of the dishes caught from the surrounding waters of Cornwall. From net to plate to ingredients obtained from neighbouring farms, the menu is brimming with Cornish produce.

For desert, indulge in hearty favourites like sticky toffee pudding, warm chocolate brownie or boozy cherry fruit crumble.

There is also a variety of drinks, including an impressive wine selection and local ales.

Just a stone’s throw away from Fistral beach, which is becoming a vibrant foodie bolthole, Lewinnick sits within easy walking distance from our self-catering properties in Fistral.

BOOK YOUR SELF-CATERING HOLIDAY IN FISTRAL.

Level Access Self-Catering Holidays

On a Cornish beach.

Whether you’re travelling with suitcases, beach gear or children (or all of the above), our level access properties are perfect for a stress-free holiday.

We have picked our top five properties to book with your family and friends.

Alternatively, interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

Beachside, Porth

Porth Beach offers a wide expanse of golden sand and shallow waters for children to explore. It is an idyllic location to spend long days on the beach building sandcastles and splashing in the sea. This spacious, ground-floor apartment is just a stone’s throw away from the beach. Open double doors onto the patio area and stroll through manicured gardens to golden sands. With two good-sized bedrooms, open-plan living and beach views, Beachside is great for families with young children looking for a coastal escape.

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

Beachside, Porth

1 Whitehouse, Watergate Bay

Nestled in a valley with sea views, 1 Whitehouse is a spacious level access apartment just moments away from Watergate Bay. Enjoy open plan living with all the mod-cons and chic interiors. This property is perfect for those travelling with older children or two couples looking for a beach holiday. On the beach, discover Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, The Beach Hut and The Shop On The Beach. For those seeking adventure on the water, the Extreme Academy offers watersport tuition and hire.

2 The Beach House, Porth

With views over Porth beach, 2 The Beach House is in a fantastic position to enjoy a family holiday by the coast. The property benefits from level access to the beach which is on the doorstep. Walk south along the coastal path to Newquay or north to Watergate Bay for inspiring sea views. Enjoy picnics on the beach and watching Cornish sunsets from the private sun terrace.

2 The Beach House, Porth

7 White Lodge, Mawgan Porth

7 White Lodge is a ground floor apartment with beautiful beach views. Open the double doors from the open plan living space, and step out into the garden for fresh sea air. Enjoy coastal living in a spacious apartment with a private patio – perfect for families or couples travelling. Mawgan Porth is a peaceful haven with a charming Cornish deli, pub and seafood restaurant.

7 White Lodge, Mawgan Porth

Take a look at our favourite ‘must sea’ retreats and explore our other holiday lets.

BOOK YOUR LEVEL ACCESS SELF CATERING HOLIDAY

St Eval Candle Company

Creating handmade candles on the north Cornwall coast.

St Eval Candle Company ethos

There is nothing better after a blowy coastal walk than curling-up by a roaring log fire with a good book and the warm flicker of candle light. To add to this special hygge moment, a heavenly scented candle can create the perfect atmosphere for unwinding. During the cold winter months cosy fragrances of fig, orange and cinnamon, and dewberry and bramble enlighten dark spaces. Whereas summer scents including apple and elderflower, sea salt and grapefruit and lime uplift the mood, bringing the outdoors indoors.

St Eval scented candle

In Cornwall it is easy to find scents which inspire. Country lanes bursting with the smell of wild gorse, salty sea air and wildflower meadows. Based on a traditional working farm, St Eval Candle Company sources its scents from nature. Surrounded by fields and hedgerows teeming with wildlife, the candle company is in the perfect location with the north Cornwall coast on its doorstep.

Engollan Farm, St Eval

Candle-making:

At the candle factory visitors can watch the team make the candles from the viewing area from hand-poured pillars to traditional drawn processes. During bank and school holidays, visitors will discover a candle-dipping area, where you can create colourful candlesticks – ideal for children. The factory is a great place to explore, especially on a rainy day in Cornwall.

Pouring tin candles at St Eval candle factory
handmade pillar candles
multi wick candle making

Dinner candle, drawn candle process
traditional candle-making methods
drawing candle process

On dry days, visitors can venture to the outdoor observation area which overlooks the farm’s wildflower meadows and bee garden. The farm is home to a rare bird species called Corn Buntings that can be spotted foraging in the fields and hedgerows. At the observation area visitors can learn about the flower species and the wildlife that thrive in the fields. It is the perfect spot to sit down and have lunch, so why not pack a picnic and go alfresco!

Wildlife observation area

After visiting the candle factory and the wildlife observation area, unwind and explore the beautiful candle shop on-site. Selling popular fragrances from tin candles to dinner candlesticks, the shop is a great place to find your favourite fragrance.

Candle shop, St Eval
St Eval Candle Company shop

St Eval candle shop
St Eval lanterns

Discover the beauty of the north Cornwall coast.

Rick Stein’s Cookery School | Taste the Ocean

Taste the Ocean

Padstow is a traditional working fishing port nestled at the head of the Camel River. Characterised by cobbled streets, boutique shops, art galleries and eateries, the charming village is a popular holiday destination. A tranquil harbour decorated with fishing boats, Padstow attracts visitors looking to sample Rick Stein’s culinary delights.

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

Rick Stein

A world renowned and award winning chef, Rick Stein is best known for his love of fresh seafood. Since the opening of The Seafood Restaurant in 1975, where diners can experience fish fresh from the ocean, Rick has been busy growing his name as a seafood chef. Not only has he cooked for the Queen, Prince Philip and Margaret Thatcher (to name drop only a few) but is an author of more than 20 bestselling cookbooks. Rick’s love of fresh seafood has inspired him to travel the world to explore culinary traditions. His adventures have included barges, clapped-out caravans and in the early days his beloved dog, Chalky.

Padstow has been coined Padstein by visitors and food lovers, as an acknowledgement to the many Stein local bars and restaurants. In the past 30 years, Rick has opened new doors for his business. His name can now be seen in locations including Fistral, Falmouth, Porthleven and St Merryn in Cornwall. The millennium saw the opening of The Rick Stein Cookery School in Padstow. Popular with budding chefs and food fanatics, the school offers visitors a place to enjoy cooking and tasting food.

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

The Cookery School

Situated in a spacious, light-filled building perched on the South Quay, the cookery school offers more than 30 courses and lectures. With a small ratio of people in a class, you are able to learn how to create mouthwatering dishes from Rick’s leading chefs.

Overlooking the Camel Estuary with further views across to Rock, the school is a perfect place to learn how to cook seafood. There are individual cooking stations for eight pairs, a chef’s kitchen area and a long dining table. The day is filled with demonstrations, hands-on cooking and plenty of food tasting.

As a student, we joined head chef Nick Evans on a half-day seafood cookery course. The whole morning revolved around lunch, where a feast of shellfish was served and washed down with a glass of wine. During the morning, students were able to learn how to cook razor calms and mussels through chef demonstrations.

The kitchen was filled with the aromas of fresh seafood as the pans fried and the pots boiled. Measuring, chopping and cooking the ingredients enabled students to get involved in the day. Students walked away with not only new recipes to cook at home but an impressive set of new kitchen skills.

After class, students are presented with a certificate and folder containing useful hints and tips along with delicious recipes and heart-warming meal ideas.

There are plenty of courses to choose from at Rick Stein’s Cookery School. Get hands-on with Far Eastern cuisine, Mediterranean dishes and traditional winter warmers. Although seafood plays a big part in the cookery school, you can try courses which use other ingredients. All courses help create perfect dishes to curl up with and cook in your self-catering holiday home.

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

Book your foodie escape in one of our beach locations, and keep an eye on our special offers page for the best deals.  

Lost Gardens of Heligan

Lost in Autumn at Heligan.

We visited the Lost Gardens of Heligan on the south coast of Cornwall during the Autumn to get a photographer’s view on one of the county’s most popular visitor attractions.

Leaves were falling from the trees as the landscape changed with the season to create a new perspective on the well-signposted pathways weaving down the valley and around the site.

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

The derelict gardens were uncovered in 1990 from under decades of overgrowth. A real life “secret garden”, the Lost Gardens and estate offer over 200 acres for exploration.

Discover romantic Victorian pleasure gardens along winding paths, explore ancient woodlands and adventure along raised boardwalks pass giant rhubarb, banana plantations and bamboo tunnels.

There is a definite sense of peace and calm at Heligan. You can find a peaceful bench for a snack and moment of reflection in amongst the vegetation.

Stumble upon bee hives, an insect hotel or something unusual in the trees.

And despite the time of year, there is still plenty of colour.

The locals, as recently featured on the BBC’s Countryfile, are pretty chilled.

With all this walking it was time for some refreshments, as we stumbled upon the tea room at just the right time.

Check out our locations and properties across South Cornwall.

Find out more about the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
Photographs courtesy of Secret Shutter.

Book a holiday in Cornwall.

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

5 Things to Wear on a Winter Beach Walk

211108 beachretreats winter 3220

Wrap up warm this winter.

Our favourite time of year to go for walks is just as Winter starts.

There is something so exhilarating about the crisp icy sea air hitting your rosy cheeks and the gales blowing your hair in every direction.

In Cornwall, we are blessed to have the beautiful, golden sandy beaches to stroll along all year round – in Winter they truly come alive.

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

What to wear on a winter walk:

A good strong pair of jeans is the best foundation for any beach walk.

Classic American brand Levi Strauss is world renowned for its authenticity and integrity.

Levi’s skinny, mid rise 711 Blue Lane jeans are a must have. Crafted from quality cotton, that will last years and years, mixed with a small amount of spandex makes these jeans ridiculously easy to just pop on and go. With a good level of stretch, the jeans offer a good level of comfort for those hilly climbs.

Wanting to stay somewhere surrounded by coastal walks? Check out our luxury holiday properties in St Agnes.

Knitwear:

No winter would be complete without knitwear.

Our favourite for this season is the Alon Vanille Striped Jumper from French fashion brand Marie Sixtine.

Beautifully made from a wool and mohair mix, that wicks away moisture as well as keeping in the heat, the super feminine stripe pattern is designed so that it always looks stylish. Lilac, pale pink and warm caramel hues are the perfect shades to take you right through to Spring.

A warm winter hat shouldn’t be forgotten.

The Elgon Beanie, from Belgian accessories brand Barts, is a super cute and adds a pop of colour to any beach stroll. Hand knitted with a soft fleece lining a thick, chunky textured of the weave keeps your head protected from the winter winds.

Footwear:

For your feet you’ll need something sturdy and reliable, like the Sk8-Hi trainers from Vans.

At first sight the trendy green colour and moccasin-inspired fringing deter from the more sensible aspects of the shoe.

Padded collars give support and flexibility while the signature waffle rubber soles that comfortable and fuss free.

 Winter coat:

When heading out on a winter walk it helps to be prepared and rain is always a factor when planning any outing.

Beat the weather with the Frontier Parka from Californian surf brand O’Neill.

Hyper-dry repels water whilst maintaining breath-ability, this season’s coat comes in a shorter length for ease whilst out and about.

Adjustable waist ties, a slim fit and an ergonomically shaped fur hood are just a few of things that make this essential piece stylish as well as functional.

Levi’s 711 Skinny Mid Rise Blue Lane Jeans, £95

Marie Sixtine Alon Vanille Striped Jumper, £149

Barts Elgon Whisper Lilac Beanie Hat, £22.99

Vans Sk8-Hi Moc Ivy Green Trainers, £75

O’Neill Frontier Parka Deep Dark Melee, £199.99

Visit www.roosbeach.co.uk to shop the look.

Visiting Cornwall in the winter? Create new traditions by the coast in our blog on our favourite things to do in winter in Cornwall.