Category: Activities

21 must dos for your 2021 Cornwall bucket list

surf

Make 2021 one to remember with our guide to amazing things to see and do throughout your visit. Can you tick them all off before the year is over?

1. Wild Swimming

Cornwall

What better way to start the new year with a wild swim in the Atlantic Ocean. Cornwall is filled to the brim with the perfect swimming conditions from sheltered harbours to natural fresh water swimming pools. Check out our friends at Wild Swimming Cornwall for their top locations, where they describe any outdoor swimming experience a place where you are surrounded by nature and exposed to the elements counts as a wild swim.

2. Join a feast night

St Austell

Showcasing delicious local produce and ingredients you won’t be able to live without, restaurants like Knightor Winery have it all going on when it comes to dining out. With excellent food and premium wines produced from their own Cornish vineyards dining at Knightor Winery is the top of list, next to our friends at Nancarrow Farm. With themes in the past including Sri Lankan, Nordic and Scandi, 2018 is sure to bring even more foodie nights to remember. Look out for upcoming feast dates.

3. Get wet ‘n’ wild with a family surf lesson

Multiple locations

If you’ve not yet delved into the ocean on your holiday, 2018 is the time to do it. Better yet, we want you to mix it up with not just a surf lesson, but a family surf lesson, getting everyone involved. You won’t get any closer to the salty air you dream about than this. There are fantastic surf schools all over the coast offering lessons for a wide mix of ages and abilities. Below you can see the Extreme Academy at Watergate Bay.

 extrmeme academy watergate

 

 

4. Walk the South West Coast Path

Multiple locations

You may have already done some of this without even realising. Step onto the beach and turn left or right, you are sure to step on part of the 300 miles South West Coast Path. If you need a little guidance, check out their website for your nearest route.

Gate past Pentire Point

 

 

5. Visit a hidden beach

Multiple locations

Feel as though you are on your own private beach at one of Cornwall’s secret locations. Leave footprints in untouched sand, run away from the summer crowds and if you’re brave enough, why not join the naturists that sometimes bathe in these hidden locations.

lantic beach

 

6. Take the road to nowhere

We love the idea of just jumping in the car and seeing where the beautiful coastal roads will take us. You’ll often come across tiny coves and beaches that you’ve never even heard of. 2018 is the time to discover somewhere new. Be sure to take a road map with you (just in case).

Small cove at the start of the walk over the bridge

 

 

7. Go back in time at Tintagel Castle

Tintagel

Immerse yourself in history, myths and stunning scenery at Tintagel Castle, set high on Cornwall’s rugged north coast between Padstow and Bude. With the Atlantic Ocean right beneath you, you won’t be short of photo stops as you meander through the old pathways where King Arthur once stood. Walk the brand new bridge, new in 2019. Find out more about this magical day out.

Tintagel Castle

8. Lose yourself in the Lost Gardens of Heligan

St Austell

Owned for over 400 years by the Tremayne family, Heligan is arguably one of the most mysterious and romantic estates in England, with a fascinating history. Learn how the garden was lost for decades and when it was discovered, wander around hidden paths taking in the scents and sights of the flowers and tiptoe past the famous sleeping goddess. Find out more about a trip to the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

9. Take a dip in Bude Sea Pool

Bude

Recently restored with help from the community and its sponsors, Bude Sea Pool is a part natural, part man-made swimming pool in the rocks at Summerleaze Beach in Bude. Built in the 1930’s the pool attracts visitors throughout the summer months and creates a safe haven for families to bathe.

10. Take a selfie at Men-an-Tol

Near Penzance

Believed to be around 3,500 years old, Men-an-Tol near Penzance is made up of four stones including the iconic circle and three pillars. Crawl through the circle if you wish to be ‘blessed’ and ‘heeled’ or simply do what most visitors do, take a selfie! There is only one other example of a holed stone in the UK which can be found in Gweek, Cornwall.

11. Forage for your own dinner

Voted as one of the top 10 foraging courses in the UK by Countryfile, Fat Hen in Cornwall celebrates wild food and cooking as well as the coming together of people who enjoy the great outdoors. If you love the delicious Cornish produce that’s already on offer, you’re going to love it even more when you have picked it yourself.

12. Walk the causeway to St Michael’s Mount

Marazion

From ancient cobbles to castle walls, through time and tide, St Michael’s Mount is beckoning upon your next visit to Cornwall. Walk the causeway at low tide and climb to the top of the magical castle. Here you can admire the views, hear the islanders’ tales and unearth a history that lives on in every step. Find out more about St Michael’s Mount.

13. Take the family on a Super SUP

Newquay

New to the Newquay Activity Centre collection is the Super Stand Up Paddleboarding. Fun for the whole family, you’ll take on your fellow shipmates in a myriad of fun games including ‘King of the SUP’ and ‘Sumo SUP’. In addition to the guaranteed giggles, you’ll learn how to kneel and stand up paddle, perfect paddle strokes, navigate the coastline, and negotiate the swell and waves back to the beach. Find out more about Super SUP.

14. Go to Bodmin Jail

Bodmin

Discover life behind bars as an 18th Century prisoner in the heart of Cornwall. Explore the many cells and features that make your visit to the Jail a fun and educational, and just a little bit scary, adventure!

Visitors can wander through the depths of the Jail, over five levels, and browse creative exhibits depicting penal life in Victorian Cornwall. Be sure to visit the Execution Shed; a fully restored, 4.5mtr deep, Victorian hanging pit. This is the only hanging pit in the UK and the site of the last man executed in Cornwall. Find out more.

15. See a show at the Minack Theatre

Porthcurno

Beautifully located on the cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean, Cornwall’s famous Minack Theatre is one of our biggest must dos for 2018. The theatre showcases an excellent mix of drama, music, comedy and story-telling throughout the year, with the ocean as its stunning backdrop. See the 2018 schedule.

16. Visit the Tate St Ives Museum

St Ives

In a prime position overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the famous Tate St Ives is a fantastic day out for all the family. Showcasing British art through its gallery, exhibitions and events, it embraces the best of international modern and contemporary art. Tate St Ives is part of the Tate family of venues that includes Tate Modern, Tate Britain and Tate Liverpool and opened in 1993. Find out more about Tate St Ives.

 

17. Sip wine at Camel Valley Vineyard

Bodmin

Sitting on the terrace sipping Camel Valley wine on a summer’s afternoon is magical. Camel Valley has been producing award-winning, world class wines in a beautiful corner of Cornwall since 1989. Stroll through the vineyards and its beautiful surroundings, learn what makes an award-winning wine and of course sit down, relax and savor the taste. Find out more about booking a Camel Valley tour

18. Rick Stein Cookery Class

Love seafood but can’t quite get it to taste like Celebrity Chef Rick Stein’s dishes? Now is your chance. Rick Stein Cookery School offers long and short classes all year round. Choose from Indian curries, Far Eastern, Italian, Indian street food, Spanish tapas to name a few, plus some wonderful patisserie and bakery sessions. Find out about Rick Stein Cookery Classes.

 

19. Kayak around a secret cove

If you enjoy getting active on your Beach Retreats holiday, then this is the activity for you. Go it alone, or jump in with your pal, once you have your paddle it’s all down to you. Find secret caves, float under the bridge or enjoy a tour where you’ll really see the fantastic sights of hidden Cornwall.

Do you have some of your own 2019 bucket list ideas? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and join the conversation using #behere.

20. Eat a famous Hedgehog Ice Cream

Chapel Porth beach is a short drive from our St Agnes properties. Famous for its hedgehog ice creams, this is a popular location for local surfers and families. Their famous ice cream comes with Cornish clotted cream and chocolate and nut sprinkles. Sounds good right?

Book your 2020 self-catering holiday to Cornwall.

10 Reasons for a Cornwall Workation

Workation? Beachworking? The Anyplace Workplace? Whatever it’s called, we’re all daydreaming about spending more time with our toes in the sand. With remote working fast becoming the norm, and overseas travel still so unpredictable, it’s the ideal time to do business by the beach and take a long stay in Cornwall. Here are 10 reasons why Cornwall is perfect for a workcation.

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

1: SEA AIR

Waking up to the echo of the ocean and breathing lungs full of fresh sea air does wonders for your well-being and motivation. Sip your coffee on the balcony, pad along the shoreline or stretch out with some yoga on the beach before you hit the computer and get down to business. By the time you start work, you’ll be bursting with energy and inspiration.

2: SEA VIEWS

In this age of remote working, your boss doesn’t care where you flip open your laptop as long as you’re doing your job well. So, where better to work than at a desk with a sea view? Many of our properties boast high spec living and working spaces that directly gaze over the ocean, so you can watch the ebb and flow while you work, or take beach breaks between calls.

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

3: DE-STRESS

Now more than ever, pressure of work can leave us all feeling overwhelmed and stressed out at times. But it’s been proved that work is less stressful when you live by the sea. How? Blue mind theories suggest that being beside the water reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone), so a break by the ocean will leave you feeling calmer, more creative and ready to tackle your workload.

4: BOARD MEETINGS

A workation gives you plenty of time to get to grips with surfing. A sport that takes dogged determination and depends on the ever-changing winds and tides, a longer stay will buy you time to work on your wave-riding skills. From dawnies (surfer talk for taking to the waves at sunrise), to lunchtime power surfs and post-work sunset slides, you’ll get plenty of practise; plus the breaks are less crowded out of peak holiday season.

5: TIME TO CONNECT

Connect to your natural surroundings, not just your phone or computer. While technology enables us to connect virtually and work from anywhere, it has also made us more reliant on our devices. Working by the beach gives you chance to switch your focus from your screen to the seascapes, and take time out to reconnect with nature, your environment, your emotions and your loved ones.

6: NO COMMUTE

Ditch the commute and you’ve got plenty of time on your hands to make the most of your seaside location before and after work. So, instead of rush hour traffic or cramming onto the metro, how about stretching into the day with yoga on the beach, a morning surf or a stroll in the shallows? Or, if you prefer a lazy start, sip your coffee and catch up on the news with the ocean and sea gulls as your soundtrack.

7: NEW SURROUNDINGS

Imagine swapping your daily grind for a designer beachside pad with every mod con at your fingertips. After an unsettled year, a change of scenery can change the tide on your perspective, make you feel more positive and allow you to explore your freedom, instead of feeling hemmed in by the restrictions inflicted by the pandemic.

8: SEA SWIMS

Keep your mind and body in peak condition with regular, bracing sea swims. Proven to boost your immune system, mental health and general wellbeing, a coldwater ocean dip is just what you need to start your day feeling charged and ready to take on whatever tasks your job throws at you.

9: FOODIE EXPERIENCES

Cornwall is a food Mecca renowned for its smorgasbord of fresh ingredients plucked from the coast and countryside. Which means that while you’re on workation you can feast to your heart’s content on seasonal delights from nature’s larder. Fill up in farm shops, pick up a catch fresh from the trawler and get creative in your coastal kitchen. Or, bag a table at one of Cornwall’s culinary gems and let the talented chefs do the work.

10: THE OFFICE IS NEVER TOO FAR AWAY

Sometimes work bites and the only solution is to head back to the office or to meet a client face-to-face. Being well connected by road, rail and air links, Cornwall is easy to access from all corners of the UK, so no work crisis is ever too far away to resolve.

We’re head over heels for where we live and feel lucky to have the coast on our doorsteps. Living by the sea lifts your spirits in the toughest of times. It changes your perspective, gives you pause, makes every moment mean more. So book an extended stay, make a beachside retreat your office and find that feeling for yourself in 2021. Your nine to five will thank you for it.

Want to learn more about how to make the most of your travel? Read our blog on how to do slow travel.

Search your chosen dates or contact us for help choose your office by the beach with your specific requirements.

Paddleboarding in Cornwall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 OF OUR FAVOURITE PADDLEBOARDING SPOTS

Gorran Haven

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

Cast away with Haven Kayaks.

Holidays near Gorran Haven.

Gorran Haven

The Helford Passage

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

Cast away with Ocean High.

Cawsand Beach

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

Cast away with Cawsand Kayak Hire.

Search holidays in Cawsand.

Carbis Bay, St Ives

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

Cast away with Ocean Sports Centre.

Search holidays in Carbis Bay.

The Gazzle and The Gannel, Newquay

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

Cast away with The Surf Sanctuary.

Search holidays near The Gannel.

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

Wildlife to spot while paddleboarding in Cornwall…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Cornwall in Autumn

Autumn in Cornwall

Things to see and do in Cornwall this Autumn…

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

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

Go blackberry picking on the coast

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

Find out more about foraging in Cornwall.

Suit up and take the plunge

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

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

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

Sip on local ales beside a crackling log fire

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

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

Get lost in Autumn gardens

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

Explore the English Heritage

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

Find out more about English Heritage sites in Cornwall.

Find your perfect Beach Retreat this Autumn.

Walk through Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay Resized

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

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

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

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

Watergate Bay

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

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

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

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

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

Hot chocolate at Watergate Bay

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

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

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

Book a self-catering holiday in Watergate Bay.

Memories that last a life time

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 webcams to watch in Cornwall

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

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

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

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

Watergate Bay

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

Watch Watergate Bay webcam.

 

Whitsand Bay

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

Watch Whitsand Bay webcam.

 

Fistral Beach

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

Watch Fistral Beach webcam.

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

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

Rock Beach

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

Watch Rock Beach webcam.

 

Minack Theatre and Porthcurno

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

Watch Minack Theatre webcam.

Book your break with Beach Retreats.

Cornwall’s Wild Larder

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

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

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

SEASIDE FORAGING

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

Six wild ingredients to forage for in Cornwall

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAT HEN – www.fathen.org, 01736 810156

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

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

Things to do in Cornwall During February Half Term

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

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

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Hit the Surf

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

extremeacademy.co.uk/

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

Don your wellies and go down to the woods

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

Get moving on a Park Run

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

parkrun.org.uk

Follow the clues along a Treasure Trail

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

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

Slide down giant sand dunes

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

Encounter seals and sea life

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

visitsealife.com/gweek

Hike along the South West Coast Path

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

southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Get your skates on

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

edenproject.com

Freewheel along the cycle trails

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

nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock

Drop in on your skateboard

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

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

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

What's on in Cornwall 2020

Get the low down on our favourite events in Cornwall…

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

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

edenproject.com

Mexican Friday The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay 20 March

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

watergatebay.co.uk/gather/events

 

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

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

cornwallgardensociety.org.uk

 

Boscastle Walking Week, 19-24

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

visitcornwall.com

 

Obby Oss Padstow, 1 May

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

visitcornwall.com

 

Tunes in the Dunes, Perranporth, 1-3 May

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

tunesinthedunes.co.uk

 

English Nationals surf competition Watergate Bay, 1-3  May

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

watergatebay.co.uk/gather/event

 

Fal River Festival Falmouth, 22-31 May

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

falriver.co.uk

 

The Great Estate Festival Scorrier, 29-31 May

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

greatestatefestival.co.uk

 

Royal Cornwall Show Wadebridge, 4-6 June

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

royalcornwallshow.org

 

Lusty Glaze Sundowner Sessions,weekly from 17 June

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

lustyglaze.co.uk/sundowner-sessions

 

Golowan Festival Penzance, 19-28 June

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

golowanfestival.org

 

Lobster Friday The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay, 26 June

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

watergatebay.co.uk/gather/events

 

Mevagissey Feast Week, 28 June-4 July

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

mevagisseyfeastweek.org.uk

 

Lafrowda Festival St Just, 3-18 July

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

visitcornwall.com

 

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

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

rock2rockletsrock.co.uk

 

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

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

visitcornwall.com

 

Charlestown Regatta Week, Charlestown, 1-7 August

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

visitcornwall.com

 

Boardmasters Watergate Bay and Fistral beach, 5-9 August

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

boardmasters.com

 

Bude Carnival, 15 August

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

budecarnival.org.uk

 

Bude Jazz Festival, 1-5 September

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

visitbude.info

 

Newquay Fish Festival, 18-20 September

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

newquayfishfestival.co.uk

 

St Ives Food Festival, 12-26 September

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

stivesfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

 

Speed Hillclimb Watergate Bay, 19-20 September

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

watergatebayhillclimb.co.uk

 

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

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

watergatebay.co.uk/gather/events

 

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

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

watergatebay.co.uk/gather/events

 

Falmouth Oyster Festival, 8-11 October

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

falmouthoysterfestival.co.uk

 

Bonfire night displays around Cornwall 5 November

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

 

City of Lights Truro, November

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

cityoflights.org.uk

 

Mousehole Christmas Lights, December

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

mouseholelights.org.uk

 

Padstow Christmas Festival, 2-6 December

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

padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk

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