Author: gloversure

Wild Cornwall – 5 places to spot wildlife

Summer is in the air and Cornwall’s coastline is teeming with birds and marine life…

Dolphins frolic in the bays, the call of seabirds echoes from the cliff ledges and seals hunt fish in the shallows, making it the perfect season for a wildlife walk.

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

Check out some of our favourite places to spot some of Cornwall’s eye-catching indigenous wildlife:

Dolphins

Dolphins are resident year-round in Cornwall and – despite December’s stormy weather – as soon as the sun popped it’s head out in early January, a pod of dolphins were spotted playing in the waters of Mount’s Bay. A stroll along the coastline from Marazion to Mousehole is magical in any season, and if you cross the causeway to St Michael’s Mount, the turrets of this sea-bound fortress make a fantastic vantage point to spot dolphins in the bay.

WALK: Marazion to Mousehole
VISIT: St Michael’s Mount
STAY: Mousehole Accommodation

Seals

Head to Godrevy’s National Trust car park and strike out to the headland that nudges the iconic lighthouse immortalised by Virginia Woolf. On the far side of the promontory at Navax Point, you can peer down to an inaccessible cove to witness a colony of seals basking on the sand and fishing in the shallows. Or, take a spin along Newquay’s shoreline, stopping to watch the fishing boats puttering in and out of the harbour, often trailed by the whiskered noses of inquisitive seals hoping to share their catch.

WALK: Newquay Bay
VISIT: Blue Reef Aquarium
STAY: Fistral beach Accommodation

Seabirds

buzzard
Photo Credit Adrian Napper.

Park at the National Trust car park by Bedruthan Steps and take the walk from here to Porthcothan, listening out for the call of seabirds from the rugged cliff ledges. Bring a pair of binoculars and you might be able to spot skylarks, kestrels, buzzards and even the rare Cornish chough.

WALK: Bedruthan Steps to Porthcothan
VISIT: Carnewas Tearooms
STAY: Porthcothan Accommodation

Owls

owl pentire headland
Photo credit @djedge77 on Instagram.

First light is the perfect time for a peaceful stroll along Newquay’s wave-lashed Pentire Headland, from where you can see for miles along the coastline in both directions. As well as taking in the scenery, keep an eye out for the short-eared owl, often seen flying low on the hunt for small birds. Finish your walk with coffee at the stylish Lewinnick Lodge, where you might also be lucky enough to spot passing dolphins from your window table.

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

WALK: Pentire Headland, Newquay
VISIT: Lewnnick Lodge
STAY: Fistral Beach Accommodation

Egrets

Egret
Photo Credit Adrian Napper.

A walk along the banks of The Gannel often provides welcome shelter from the coastal breeze on an early spring day. So it’s little wonder that up to 5,000 species of birds have been spotted here, sheltering from the harsh northern winters. Keep an eye out for the distinctive yellow feet of the Little Egret, a white heron with a long black beak that it uses to forage for worms as it wades along the mudflats at low tide.

WALK: The Gannel
VISIT: Fistral Beach, dubbed the UK’s surfing capital
STAY: Holywell Bay Accommodation

To find out more about Cornwall’s wildlife, bag a seat for the award-winning film, Wild Cornwall – Out on the Edge, showing in cinemas across Cornwall throughout February and March. Shot by wildlife enthusiast, Ian McCarthy, the film features Cornwall’s wildlife from peregrine falcons, dolphins and seals, to bats and otters.

Discover what to do when encountering a seal pup in Cornwall, ensuring their safety and your enjoyment of this special coastal wildlife moment.

Book your stay with Beach Retreats.

The best surf cafes in Cornwall

No matter where you’ve jumped in the sea in Cornwall, you’ll find a laid-back joint to refuel and tell tales of the waves you caught afterwards. Here are our top five surf cafes in Cornwall. After all, you’ve earned it.

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

Surf Beach Bar, Sennen Cove

This family-friendly, informal beachside eatery has all the laid-back vibes that we love, while the focus on food is on quality, local produce and seafood.

Check out our holiday properties in Mousehole to experience everything the area has to offer from a short drive away.

Blue Bar, Porthtowan

Few beat Porthtowan for punchy surfing waves and spectacular sunsets – and the Blue Bar has great views for both nestled on the edge of the beach’s sand dunes. Make sure you nab a window booth seat for the best in the house, but if the sun’s out you’ll want to be outside on the patio enjoying Blue Bar favourites; nachos and the blue burger with fries.

The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay

One of Cornwall’s original and favourite beachside hangouts overlooks the beach at Watergate Bay – perfect for checking the surf or warming up afterwards. While classics like burgers and moules frites are always winners, you’ll find apres-surf mac and cheese, loaded nachos and warming chana masala.

Porthmeor Beach Café in St Ives

Porthmeor Beach Café is the place to come for something special after your surf. For breakfast you’ll find homemade Cornish saffron bread and buttermilk pancakes, then come lunchtime its tapas with a twist. The heated outside booths, built into the old Victorian changing booths in the sea wall, are the perfect place to watch the surf and sunset.

Waterfront Bar and Grill, Polzeath

With panoramic views of Polzeath Beach and Pentire Point, The Waterfront’s restaurant, bar and terrace are the best places to enjoy a lazy lunch with a chilled glass of wine or dinner while the sun sets. On Sundays they do a traditional roast dinner (roast beef, Yorkshires and roasties of course). They are open all year round and have a variety of events and specials to keep you coming back.               

Search for your holiday and book your stay with Beach Retreats today.

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

Beach safety in Cornwall this summer

Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a trip to the seaside…

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

We hope you’re excited for your stay by the sea. While Cornwall is generally a safe place, each year there are accidents on our coastlines.

To ensure this doesn’t happen to you during your time with Beach Retreats, Newquay Activity Centre have produced some beach safety guidelines for you and your family to follow. Their instructors are fully trained lifeguards and work closely with the RNLI.

Save the image below to your phone and share with your loved ones ahead of your holiday to Cornwall.

Stay next to the sea with our other holiday lets in Perranporth!

You may see a flag with a red stripe on top and a yellow stripe underneath. There will be two of these red and yellow flags on the beach, and these mark out the area that it is safe to swim between. This area will be covered by lifeguards.

Mark Kelly is the Beach Lifeguard Trainer and Assessor at Newquay Activity Centre and says:

“The beaches are busy, and we’ve experienced a big swell recently that has already sadly caused fatalities and rescues. We urge surfers and swimmers to be aware, check the weather, tide and forecast.

For small children, there is also fun to be had in the rockpools and paddling in the shallows. We really hope that the RNLI are able to fully patrol the beaches soon, but we want people to understand how dangerous the sea can be and to stay safe at the beach”.

Discover more safety insights from the RNLI & stay safe at the beach with essential knowledge of natural signs at sea.

If you’d like to participate in a safe ocean activity this summer under the watchful eye of a trained lifeguard, or you would like to train as a lifeguard, please contact newquayactivitycentre.co.uk

Dine at your self-catered retreat with Lobster Box

Enjoy all the flavours of fine dining in the comfort of your retreat, without the hassle of food prep and cooking. Lobster Box does all the hard work for you and makes delicious dining easy. 

Lobster Box is a small local company set up by Cam, who chefs up delicious hand-prepared seafood meals.

Lobster Box has an ethos of small-batch, hand-flavoured, fresh, tasty and super easy-to-enjoy food. The unique selling point is that the food is already prepped, requiring minimal fuss. The fish is locally caught and Cam’s main supplier works out of Padstow.

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

Cam’s Seafood Adventures started at the age of 19 on a Deep Sea Trawler in New Zealand. Having grown up in Cornwall as an avid waterman, Cam left his home turf to seek experiences and found himself working at sea. Being around the freshest fish caused him to develop a passion for cooking, and his chef style draws on inspiration from his travels. From curry making tips and secret ingredients used in Sri Lanka, to rustic Boat tucca in Australia, working as a head chef at multiple locations at home and abroad, Cam has a wealth of invaluable experience. In 2016 – 2019 he put his heart and soul into his own restaurant on the Isles of Scilly, somewhat closer to his home of Cornwall.

Lobster Box recipes follow this journey, reflecting Cam’s love of cooking seafood with spice and fruit. Boxes come either ready to eat or ready to finish off at home, with hand flavoured sides and sauces, making them ideal if you don’t want to cook or want to take something out to the beach with you for some sundowners. The ethos is minimum effort, without compromising on texture and flavour.

Cam says “I do believe that it is possible to eat fine seafood without compromising on flavour, as easily as possible, from anywhere.”

And that’s why we love Lobster Box. Fuss free, full flavour food, ready to eat wherever.

Order your Lobster Box to your self-catered retreat and enjoy the best of Cornish cuisine at your leisure.

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

Cam from Lobster Box is now also running Kooked, a holiday arrival ready meal service. Beach Retreats guests get exclusive Kooked delivery from Thursday – Sunday, and can pre-order a delicious, exclusive fish pie, alongside other tasty options, to be waiting for you in your retreat on your arrival day.

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

Board stories

From the far west to the overlooked south east, via the unmatched north, there’s a bay and a board for everyone. Keen board riders and paddlers reveal their chosen craft and coast…

Cornwall’s winding coastline reveals countless unmissable stops for enjoying and exploring the sea by board. Samantha Bruce and Georgia O’Carolan of Whitsand Bay Ladies Surf Club, Matt Hawken at Newquay Activity Centre, and Dan Bassett at Surf St Ives tell us which board they reach for and where they’re heading…

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

Whitsand’s welcoming waves

Organised by the Adventure Bay Surf School, Whitsand Bay Ladies Surf Club was Georgia O’Carolan’s first surf experience. “Outrageously, I didn’t start any board sports in the water until joining the Club when I was 27 because I thought I was too old to learn, which I now think at nearly 30 is just beyond silly.

“Our swells might not come in as big and fierce as the north coast generally, but we’re a great surf destination when it’s in.”

“We have all ages, sizes and abilities in our club and it doesn’t matter how good you are, as long as you’re safe – which might mean a lesson or a lifeguarded beach – you belong there in the sea. My tip for a novice would be to just go out and do it!”

Image credit: Adventure Bay Surf School

Georgia – RNLI lifeguard – says her corner of Cornwall on the south east coast is a little quieter which can mean more choice and opportunities to catch waves out in the bay. “Our swells might not come in as big and fierce as the north coast generally, but we’re a great surf destination when it’s in, and great for beginners and intermediates.”

And when she is paddling out at Whitsand she opts for a Mick Fanning Sugar Glider, either 7ft 6in or 7ft. “It’s fast and fun, and the first time apart from a rescue board, I’ve used a single-fin board.”

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

Image credit: Adventure Bay Surf School

Fellow Ladies Club member Samantha Bruce goes for the KORE 7ft 2 Fun board when she’s catching waves at Tregonhawke or northwards at Bude.

What makes a great surfing beach? “A long sandy beach, with minimal rocks, a short approach – so I’m not carrying my board for miles – and even better if there’s a coffee van or food shack for a refuel and hang after,” says Samantha.

Her preferred conditions are 3-4ft, slightly wild waves. “I enjoy the challenging conditions and having a laugh with the girls while navigating them,” she adds.

For first timers, Samantha recommends a small group or 1:1 lesson. “Speaking as someone who wanted to surf for years but was apprehensive, you’ll know instantly if it’s for you, then find a group to be part of.”

“At about mid-tide you can dot in and around Little Lusty through the rocks, and there’s even a secret cave to paddle through.”

Paddle north

“It’s beautiful and so peaceful – teaming with wildlife and amazing views. It can be difficult to find a good launch spot, if you don’t know the area, and it’s definitely worth knowing your tides, but it’s one of the best spots to paddleboard on the north coast.”

Matt Hawken, paddleboard instructor at Newquay Activity Centre, is talking about the River Gannel which meets the sea at Newquay. Staying with the whole family or all your best friends, everyone can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding along the Gannel.

Image credit: Newquay Activity Centre

“Because it’s so sheltered, it’s an awesome spot for all skill levels,” says Matt. “With the right tide and the best spots, the water barely moves and it’s great for enhancing your skills.”

Waterborne explorers can venture upriver to Trevemper or downriver to Crantock Beach, with a guided tour the best way to find the ideal launch spots and tidal conditions. A calm, laidback board choice, paddleboarding reveals views and coastline locations hidden when exploring on land.

Image credit: Newquay Activity Centre

As well as floating down isolated creeks along the Gannel, Matt recommends the expanse of Newquay Bay on a calm summer’s day. “It’s surprisingly sheltered for the north coast of Cornwall. At about mid-tide you can dot in and around Little Lusty through the rocks, and there’s even a secret cave to paddle through. And then down to Porth beach for a quick break and back towards the harbour. The water is crystal clear, the sun is shining, there might even be seals and dolphins enroute.”

Wood for waves

Surf St Ives’ Daniel Bassett chooses an Alaia, a fin-less style of wooden surfboard originating from Hawaii, for his board-based excursions.

Wooden surfboard crafters, Otter Surfboards, describe the Alaia as “a thin, narrow, solid wood surfboard with a round nose and square tail and, most importantly, no fins. They originated in pre-contact Hawaii where they were shaped from Koa wood left over from producing canoes and they were usually around 7-12 feet long. Modern Alaias usually come up between 5 and 8 feet long.”

Image credit: Daniel Bassett @surfstives

Daniel says he likes to be out on the Alaia at Godrevy, near Hayle, but is happy catching a wave along the coast as long as it is breaking on his left side as he glides towards the sand, known simply as a left.

Spacious beaches and September swells are the best conditions for Daniel who surfs to “escape the worries of everyday life and be at one with the elements.”

“I’d recommend spending time on a bellyboard for learning how to read the ocean and feel comfortable in the water, before progressing to surf-craft,” he says.

All along the coast, wooden bellyboards can be hired for free thanks to Surf Wood for Good. A bellyboard for acclimatising to the waves can be picked up for the day from just inland of St Ives Surf School at Little Goat Gruff. And there’s more than 10 locations across Cornwall to pick-up a borrowed bellyboard for wave-seeking elsewhere.

Read our blog on the best things to do in the sea in every season!

A secluded stay for two or a celebration pad for everyone, choose where you’ll stay for your chosen board time…

Large Self-Catering Family Holiday Lets for Summer

Gather the kids, extended family, and friends, and be together in a large holiday home on the coast.

From exploring hidden rockpools, playing in the sand, catching a wave, walking the cliff path, cycling, picnicking, and stargazing, fill your day with adventure. And when the sun has set, return to your spacious retreat for family dinner in the garden and movie night.

Tick-off your family holiday bucket list this summer in one of our large family retreats.

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

Heron House, Fistral, sleeps 14

This retreat is great for extra large groups due to its many bedrooms and relaxation areas. Dip in the pool, practise yoga in the garden, or access the River Gannel via the garden for an afternoon of paddleboarding or kayaking.

Pentire, Porthtowan, sleeps 10

With jaw-dropping views and glamorous interiors, this large abode is situated high on the cliffs of the lesser-known beach destination of Porthtowan. With options for indoor or al-fresco dining, cook up a feast to enjoy with all the family.

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

Ellenglaze, Holywell Bay, sleeps 10

This Grade II listed farmhouse oozes with elegance. With cosy sitting rooms, a country cottage kitchen, and indoor pool room complete with a hot tub and wall projector for movies, family holidays have never been better.

Trevornick Farm House, Holywell Bay, sleeps 12

This gorgeous traditional farmhouse makes use of acres of surrounding land, with a wildflower-strewn garden featuring a sunken hot tub, and access to a path leading through the sand dunes and to the beach.

Check out some of our luxury retreats fit for a king, featuring pools and indoor pool rooms.

The Importance of Play

Fun, adventure and the childlike nature of play are all important to our wellbeing, allowing us to switch off from day-to-day responsibilities and embrace our inner child. We explore how you can incorporate play into your family holiday, and the benefits this can bring.

When you’re in need of a real break, (like so many of us are right now), holidaying with the kids can be tricky. Their constant energy and endless need to be entertained often means you don’t get much chance to truly relax, and you may find you aren’t quite as revitalized as you’d hoped after a family day on the beach.

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

However, spending an uninterrupted week on holiday with your children is also an opportunity. A chance to switch off from day to day working life and responsibilities and get back in touch with your own childish side. Children are a great reminder of the importance of play, inviting you to become involved in games, adventure and exploration. Studies show that play for adults helps to release endorphins, improve brain functionality, and stimulate creativity. It can even improve memory and stimulate the growth of the cerebral cortex. Embrace a playful mindset and view your time away through younger, inquisitive eyes – it could bring a whole new lease of life to your beach days.

Here’s a few suggestions for how to dial up the play in each moment of your beach stay.

Rise

Wake up with the peach tinted rays of the morning sun. Waking early aligns best with children’s’ natural body clocks and gives you a great start to the day, allowing you to make the most of the hours of beachside adventure which lie ahead. Over breakfast, let your children choose the task for the day (set a list for them to pick between if you think it’s too risky) then plan together. Make a scavenger hunt list of things to look out for, play hide and seek with the things you need to pack – if you make the getting ready as much of the day as the outing, you’ll enjoy yourselves from the very start.

Roam

Head out, little feet skipping along dusty paths lined with Cornish montbretia and sea pinks. This is the most exciting moment of the day- when the anticipation for seeing the sea takes over, and you are yet to spot the first glimmer of blue in the distance. Make it a challenge- the first to spot the beach, a surfer, a bird….

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

Collect

The shoreline and surrounding coast are dotted with treasures- from seashells, flowers and mother of pearl to striped feathers, driftwood and smooth sea glass, start a hunt and see what you can find. Collect as many different things as you can, or pick one category and see how many different kinds of that thing you can find. There are hundreds of different patterned pebbles, types of shells, or varieties of seaweed you can gather and discover once you start to look. Through rockpooling secret ponds, scaling the shore or delving into the flora, collecting seaside treasures is a great way to while away the hours whilst finding keepsakes that hold the memory of these beach days. Whoever finds the best seashell wins!

Picnic

Make sure you’ve packed up plenty of fuel. Find a serene spot overlooking sea views and tuck in. Spread jam and dollop clotted cream on scones, the classic Cornish snack which kids love. Food is all part of the fun, so let the little ones get involved in assembling their snacks- don’t worry about the mess! For more food inspiration, have a look at our Cook and Carry blog with ideas on beach friendly meals that can be easily transported from pan to sand.

Navigate

Help keep the little ones engaged on the walk home by letting them navigate the route. Do they remember any particular landmarks passed on the way? Do they recognise the route they mapped out earlier? Are there any detours or artefacts they want to look at? You could even have a go at reading natural signs- look at where the sun is in the sky and track its movements or examine the sea and how the tide has changed throughout the day. This will engage the kids in the elemental forces at play by the coast, giving them a fuller understanding of what nature can teach us. Read our Natural Signs blog here.

Relax

Once you’ve returned to your retreat, the kids should be tired out. If they still want to play, suggest drawing, journaling or scrapbooking moments of the day, or set up a board game out on your balcony. Your beach retreat is equipped with all the entertainment you need for an evening in, so you can sit back, relax, and indulge in a well-deserved glass of wine.

Discover perfect large self-catering family holiday lets for summer, offering spacious accommodations and unforgettable experiences along the Cornish coast.

Post-surf food

Time in the waves is a sure-fire appetite builder. But where and what to eat?

As far as surfing in the UK goes, it doesn’t get much better than Cornwall. With Atlantic low pressure systems on 400 miles of coastline that provide a whole range of breaks, it’s no wonder people call it the UK’s surf Mecca.

Whether you’re paddling out for the first time or hunting for powerful barrelling waves, one thing’s certain – you’ll be hungry afterwards.

Explore more foodie escapes and discover our favourite surf beach cafes in Cornwall.

With that in mind, we spoke with three local chefs to find out their top spots for post-surf food. And if you’d rather get back to your beach retreat to prep something yourself, they’ve also shared some tasty – but easy to make – recipes.

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

JUDE KEREAMA

KOTA, PORTHLEVEN

“If you’re looking for the best food after a surf on the north coast, look no further than Porthmeor beach in St Ives,” says Jude Kereama, chef-owner of Kota in Porthleven – a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant that serves Asian-inspired food using the freshest local produce.

“St Ives is full of brilliant eateries, and there always seems to be a wave at Porthmeor, with its north-facing beach and offshore winds. On the beach itself, I really enjoy Porthmeor Beach Cafe, Fish Shed and the West Beach Bakery.” And if you’re heading into town? Jude recommends a visit to Porthgwidden Beach Cafe, Porthminster Kitchen and Porthminster Beach Cafe.

Discover our other Porthleven holiday properties.

Image credit: James Ram

If you’re after delicious post-surf food that not only tastes good but helps with physical recovery, Jude’s go-to is a Hawaiian poke bowl. “You can put whatever you fancy in it,” he says. “Raw fish, cooked meats, any vegetables and a mixture of rices. You can also change the dressings to be as spicy as you like.”

Jude’s Poke Bowl Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup cooked rice (brown/sushi mix is the best)

1/2 diced avocado

1/4 cup diced cucumber

1/4 cup edamame beans

1/4 cup diced mango

1/4 cup julienne of carrot

1/4 cup of shredded red and green cabbage

Sliced red chilli

Sliced radishes

Diced sashimi grade mackerel or any other fish that’s super fresh. You could also do it with cooked meats if you like.

For the dressing

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tsp honey

Mix all together and add to the mackerel

Garnish

Sriracha chilli sauce

Japanese mayo

Furikake spice

Toasted julienne nori

Toasted mixed sesame seeds

Diced spring onions

Method

Place the rice in the bottom of a bowl.

Add each ingredient in a clockwork pattern.

Garnish with a squiggle of Sriracha sauce, a squiggle of Japanese mayo, and a sprinkle of Furikake spice, nori, sesame seeds and spring onion.

For surfing in St Ives, stay here.

PAUL HARWOOD

THE FISH HOUSE FISTRAL, NEWQUAY

Learning on gentle rollers or expertly taking on The Cribbar big wave, Fistral has it all. Looking out over the beach is The Fish House – a Michelin Plate-awarded bistro serving the freshest seafood landed in Newquay harbour.

For Paul Harwood, chef-owner of The Fish House and an avid surfer himself, there’s only one place to go after a surf at Fistral: The Fish House. “I’m being a bit biased here for obvious reasons!” he says. “Our fish finger sandwich is a firm favourite with the lifeguards – home-made bread and tartar sauce with succulent cod fingers coated in a crisp panko crumb. It’s a real tasty post-surf filler.”

Image credit: Alix Donnelly

For food other than his own, there’s Sea Spray on South Fistral. “It’s a great breakfast spot after dawn patrol. The breakfast burrito really hits the spot, with great produce all wrapped up.

“Further up the coast you could surf Constantine or Harlyn, both high quality surf breaks,” he continues. “Head to Paul Ainsworth’s Caffe Rojano (in Padstow) – there’s a very well-delivered menu with an Italian twist.”

Paul’s Prawn Taco Recipe

Ingredients

6 tiger prawns, peeled and de-veined

2 tacos

For the salsa

1 large tomato

1/2 red onion

Pinch coriander

Pinch flake chilli

Juice from 1 lime

1 baby gem salad

Seasoning

For the Piri-piri mayonnaise

1 red chilli

1 teaspoon cayenne

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

Juice from 1/2 lime

Seasoning

Mayonnaise

Method

Prepare the salsa by thinly chopping all the ingredients, mixing in a bowl.

Slice the lettuce but keep separate.

For the Piri-piri mayonnaise, blend all the ingredients before mixing with two tablespoons of mayonnaise.

To serve

Pan-fry the prawns in olive oil for 2 minutes each side.

Dress the tacos with lettuce topped with salsa.

Add the mayonnaise before topping with the prawns.

For surfing in Fistral, browse our retreats. For Harlyn and Constantine, stay here.

SAM SHEFFIELD-DUNSTAN,

LULA, HAYLE

Some of the best surf in Cornwall can be found along the three miles of Gwithian beach in Hayle, and west of the harbour in Porthleven. (Porthleven boasts Cornwall’s best reef break, with short, shallow right-hander barrels for experts only.)

Image credit: J.Ph Baudey

With a restaurant in each location, chef Sam Sheffield-Dunstan is no stranger to satiating the appetite of a hungry surfer. “The ultimate surf hangout is our shack LULA, overlooking Hayle beach just yards from the surf,” she says. “Enjoy a creamy chowder washed down with a pint of Offshore, followed by one of our legendary LULA Sundaes.”

If you’re looking for some post-surf food in Porthleven, she recommends LULA’s sister restaurant, Amélie, for pizza and a glass of red. Elsewhere, “Nauti But Ice do an amazing breakfast,” she says. “Enjoy sitting and watching the waves as they crash in the harbour.” And if you’re willing to venture a little further, she recommends The Hidden Hut on the Roseland Peninsula, for its “amazing views and memorable Cornish dining”.

Image credit: J.Ph Baudey

LULA’S Lobster Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients

75g cooked lobster meat, roughly chopped into chunks

300g macaroni pasta

500ml milk

50g butter

30g plain flour

1 bay leaf

2 cloves

1 tsp Dijon mustard

100g grated mozzarella

100g grated parmesan

50g grated mature cheddar

50g panko breadcrumbs

Pinch dried thyme

Sea Salt

Ground white pepper

Glug of olive oil

Method

Preheat oven to 220c / 200c fan or light grill on medium setting.

Cook the pasta in a pan of boiling salted water for about two minutes less than you would usually. Reserve a ladle-full of the cooking water.

In a pan, heat the olive oil over a medium heat then add the dried thyme and panko breadcrumbs, stirring constantly until golden brown, for about five minutes. Leave to cool then add 25g of parmesan and mix well (save the rest for the sauce, below).

Place milk, bay and cloves in a pan over a gentle heat until steaming – be careful not to boil.

At the same time, melt the butter in a pan (big enough to hold the amount of pasta once cooked with room to stir!) and cook until a light golden colour. Sprinkle the flour in and mix into a paste that should thicken as the flour cooks out. Add the milk very slowly, bit by bit, and incorporate fully in between each addition to avoid a lumpy sauce, warming the milk beforehand makes this step much easier. The bay and cloves can be discarded at this point.

Once all the milk has been added, mix in the Dijon mustard and all the cheese. Mix until cheese has melted then remove from the heat, season with salt and ground white pepper.

Tip the pasta into the cheese sauce with about a tablespoon of the reserved cooking water and 50g of the lobster meat, mix well. Split into two ovenproof bowls and sprinkle the panko mixture over the top, then the remaining lobster meat. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, or under the grill for three – until golden and bubbly.

For surfing in Porthleven, stay here. For Gwithian and Hayle, stay here.

We’re proud to be sponsors of The Wave Project

We’re proud to announce that we’ve recently become a sponsor of The Wave Project, a nationally-reaching surf therapy charity which was founded in Cornwall.

Our monthly donation will support projects in the South West, and allow the team to continuously respond to situations quickly and efficiently, ensuring that young people have help and support when they need it most.

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This can include anything from paying for transport to and from the sessions, funding one to one adaptive surfing lessons, and waiving the Surf Therapy referral fee for young people who might otherwise fall through the gaps. Read more about the fantastic work The Wave Project does below.

About The Wave Project

With projects across Cornwall, but also extending across the UK, The Wave Project is a lifeline to young people across the country.

Supporting children and young people who experience a range of physical and mental health issues, social deprivation, or social isolation, the Wave Project facilitates a range of activities, including year-long surf therapy courses which aim to help participants build self-esteem, develop resilience, and make friends.

A Surf Club is in place for those who have participated in the Surf Therapy courses, along with a Beach Therapy Programme which blends surf therapy and education to help pupils who have found engaging in school life a challenge to get more inspired and motivated to learn.

Firm believers that surfing is for everyone, the Wave Project has also acquired the necessary skills, training and specialist equipment to deliver safe and enjoyable surf lessons for those with physical disabilities from its Adaptive Surfing Hub in Croyde, North Devon. Later this summer, they will also start offering adaptive surf sessions from Watergate Bay in Cornwall.

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The nationally award-winning surf therapy courses are free of charge for participants and their families. This means that the charity wholly relies on donations from its supporters to fund the activities, which are run by a team of dedicated volunteers.

Newquay project co-ordinator Fred Andrews said: “­­­We’re immensely grateful to supporters like Beach Retreats for their donations, which allow us to run the activities our communities across the UK have become so reliant on over the last ten years.”

Watch a video on the brilliant work The Wave Project is doing to support children and young people below.

Why we’re supporting The Wave Project

With over 240 properties on Cornwall’s coast, the beach is in our DNA, so it feels only natural that we support a longstanding Cornwall-founded charity like The Wave Project, helping them to deliver lifechanging therapy and courses to young people in need.

Andy, our MD said: “We’re proud of our coastal heritage and want to give back to the community, supporting young people’s physical and mental health, and driving awareness of water safety.

“We’re very excited to see how this partnership unfolds, and we can’t wait for our teams to get stuck into volunteering for this fantastic charity.”

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For more information about the work the Wave Project is doing across Cornwall and the UK, visit their website.