Category: Favourite beaches

Walk Through Prussia Cove

Coastal walk to Bessy’s Cove Beach.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discover a beach on your doorstep at Acton Castle.

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.

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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?

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A Day Out in St Ives | All You Need to Know

St Ives – the jewel of Cornwall’s crown.

With golden beaches, clear waters and a variety of waterfront eateries, St Ives is a seemingly subtropical oasis.

Here’s our guide for what to see and do in St Ives.

The town is part of West Penwith, which is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, extending around Cape Cornwall to include the central Penwith Hills.

It’s no surprise that St Ives has been attracting artists for decades who come to capture the essence of the town.

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From marine artist Henry Moore, who visited in the mid-1800s, to twentieth-century sculptor Barbara Hepworth, St Ives has attracted many painters, sculptors and ceramists.

Barbara Hepworth worked with bronze, stone and wood. Her sculptures are on display in the Museum and Garden, located in the heart of St Ives, along with paintings, drawings and archive material.

The Museum and Garden is well worth visiting for a unique experience into the work and life of one of Britain’s most important twentieth century artists.

Some of Hepworth’s sculptures can be seen around the town. Wander along pathways through trees and shrubs and discover some of her most celebrated designs.

Epidauros II Bronze casting, which is one of an edition of seven made by Hepworth in 1961, is situated on the Malakoff overlooking the harbour and Porthminster beach.

With views across to Godrevy Lighthouse, that inspired Virginia Woolf’s famous novel To the Lighthouse, Porthminster beach is the perfect place to kick off your shoes and relax.

On the beach enjoy fresh, local produce from Porthminster Beach Café. Serving delicious
food throughout the day, some of which is grown in their adjoining garden, the café has won many prestigious awards such as Coast magazine’s Best Coastal Café and The Times’ Best Coast Restaurant.

If you enjoy strolling along the beach, breathing in the fresh sea air, then you will love wandering the coastline around St Ives and discovering the sheltered coves it has to offer.

A popular beach with families, dogs and surfers, Porthmeor is perfect for hitting the surf and making a splash in the shallows.

The beach is just a stone’s throw from the town where you’ll find ancient pubs, contemporary cafes and inspirational art galleries.

Check out our luxury holiday properties in Carbis Bay by the sea.

Walk a little further and you will find a charming sandy cove called Porthgwidden nestled beneath the steep grassy slopes of St Ives “Island”. This is a popular spot for wild swimming.

Porthgwidden Beach Café, which is on a small slope up from the beach, is a great place to sit and eat lunch looking out onto the bay or to relax with a glass of wine and watch the sun set.

Watching the day pass in St Ives is one of our favourite pastimes. In the harbour, sheltered by thick stone walls, is a soft sandy beach which is revealed when the tide is out.

Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the town, the harbour beach is a perfect spot to take a picnic and watch the local fishermen land their catch of the day.

For those who enjoy being out on the water, St Ives Self Drive Boats & Kayak Rental provides you with the opportunity to explore the beautiful Bay. The boat and kayak hire company operates within the summer months.

Behind the harbour beach, on the cobbled wharf, is the fourteenth century Sloop Inn. A cosy, ancient pub, the Sloop Inn hosts live music nights most weekends and provides a great outdoor drinking area that overlooks the colourful port.

Find a discounted retreat in St Ives on our special offers page. Or, browse our other beach locations to explore more of the Cornish coastline.

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

Walk through – Crantock to a mystery location

We’re always on the lookout for quiet beaches and hidden coves at Beach Retreats. Well, we found a new favourite spot on our latest walk from Crantock, two miles south along the coast from our properties at Fistral Beach in Newquay. You’ll have to find it first though…

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From Fistral and East Pentire headland you have two choices – Newquay for the fun and frolics of a busy seaside town, or head south to the quieter Gannel Estuary and Crantock Beach. On this day, we chose the latter.

You can drive to Crantock or, for an adventure, take the Fern Pit Ferry across the Gannel which operates from May through September. When the tide is out there is a footbridge which can be used free of charge.

Crantock’s expansive sandy beach waits at the other side of the water with tranquil bathing by the river (the National Trust car park is behind the dunes). Make for the cliffs at the southern end for shelter on a windy day.

Continuing along the headland you’ll find C-Bay Café Bar & Bistro with unsurpassed views back over Crantock Beach, open for pancakes in the morning and lots of tasty options for lunch and dinner. Further into the village you’ll find the well-known Bowgie Inn, ‘the pink pub’. Andy has owned the pub for more than 43 years, which is much loved for coffees by the roaring fire, wines on the sun terrace, home-cooked food and bouncing live music nights.

But the real treat of our walk through is Porth Joke beach, also known as Polly Joke. Accessed via the coastal path or inland via Treago Farm and Camping (there is small car park at the end of a very long track), you’ll be rewarded with a small, attractive and tranquil cove. Children will love exploring the caves, rockpools and stream and paddling in the sea while parents can enjoy doing not a lot.

Polly Joke Beach with waves and green cliffs

Pack a picnic for the day as there are no facilities here.

Bliss!

Want to stay in Crantock, near to Fistral and Watergate Bay ? Have a look at our properties in Crantock.

Embark on a picturesque walk through Watergate Bay, uncovering its breathtaking coastal scenery, expansive sandy beaches, and lively local charm.

The British Family Beach Holiday Research & Numbers

Five sandcastles, four tantrums and eight ice creams (two of which are dropped) – our research reveals British seaside holiday habits for the 21st century.

The British family beach holiday by numbers

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside. That’s according to our survey which you may have spotted in the national press.

Walking along the pier and building sandcastles emerged as the most popular family seaside pastimes in the survey which compiled the experiences of 2,000 families and compared it with a survey conducted 30 years ago.

Andrew Easton, business manager for Beach Retreats said: “Around half of British families will be taking a staycation in 2016 and the appeal of the British beach holiday stronger than ever.

“Documenting your beach holiday with photos, social uploads and selfies is now a typical part of a beach holiday, but it’s great to see that outdoor activities, discovering the beach, are still so important to families.”

The British family beach holiday by numbers

Here are a few of our favourite findings:

The average British family holiday involves a three-hour journey, four tantrums and two days of rain

One of our favourite things about UK beach holidays is the sea air – with three quarters of people (73%) saying it’s what they love most about the seaside

Children ask “Are we there yet?” five times and parents enjoy only two lie-ins, but do get at least 16 hours as a family on the beach

Whilst on holiday, half (54%) of British families will watch a sunset, almost a third (29%) will have a barbecue on the beach and 22% adults will try a local craft ale

Buckets and spades are top of the list for beach essentials

Taking a phone to the beach is more important than a towel for four in 10 people – while one in four parents will obsess over the perfect beach selfie

Eight ice creams are eaten per person, although two will be dropped

Families will also have to contend with three occasions of seagulls swooping in, five sandcastles are built and three inflatables are blown up by puffed-out parents

Parents will normally get less than two and a half hours to themselves most days but will manage three quiet drinks over the holiday

More than two thirds (69%) of families will not head to the beach without at least one weather-proof essential such as a windbreak, full waterproofs or an umbrella

Traditional British beach behaviours are still as popular as ever, with building sandcastles (69%), digging holes in the sand (61%) and exploring rock pools (58%) listed as the most popular things to do beside the seaside

Families will play two board games and visit two holiday attractions together on holiday

Thankfully, only 4% of people wore a hankie on their head to protect them from the sun and 2% ate jellied eels while on holiday.

Find a retreat in one of our beach locations, and browse our special offers page for the best deals.

Walk through – Cremyll Ferry to Royal William Yard

A walk-through Cornwall blog with a twist – a ferry across the River Tamar for a coffee in Devon!

Full to the brim after a hearty lunch from The Canteen at Maker Heights, we embark on one of our favourite and most varied walk-throughs to date – just a ten-minute drive from our properties in Whitsand Bay.

Perched on the hill overlooking sea and river and the fishing villages of Kingsand and Cawsand a couple of hundred metres below, the views from Maker near Torpoint are awesome.

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

We leave our car here and pass through green fields and pathways towards Maker Church before descending into Mount Edgcumbe and Cremyll. It’s a half an hour walk downhill, but if you don’t fancy the walk back up the hill later you can park in the pay-and-display in Cremyll.

An enormous part of the 865-acre Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park is free to explore, including the formal gardens, amphitheater, Orangery Restaurant and avenue, while The House and Earl’s Garden charges admission from March until September. There are plenty of spots for picnics along the shoreline with views over the River Tamar towards the military dockland in Plymouth.

At the foot of Mount Edgcumbe is Cremyll Ferry, a small foot ferry making trips every half an hour to Admiral’s Hard near Royal William Yard on the outskirts of Plymouth. A couple of city cyclists take their bikes back home after a day on the Cornish hills while children wave at the military boats and sailers floating by.

The ten-minute crossing provides a fish-eye view of Royal William Yard’s impressive architecture, considered to be one of the most important groups of historic military buildings in Britain. Disused for a long period of time, the Grade 1 former Royal Naval victualing buildings once used to store supplies for naval ships are once again alive with cafes, bars, restaurants, museum, art galleries, offices and residential spaces.

We stop for coffee and cake at Royal William Bakery, but there are plenty of places to try including River Cottage Canteen, Wildwood, Wagamamas, Prezzo, Le Bistrot Pierre, Las Iguanas and more.

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

It’s easy to loose track of time wandering the buildings and shoreline here – just remember to check the time of the last ferry back!

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

Your favourite Cornish beaches

When we asked our social followers to name their favourite Cornish beach we were overwhelmed with your response. We sifted through some 1,377 comments to produce your top 10 favourite Cornish beaches. Here’s what you had to say:

Watergate Bay

1. St Ives

St Ives by Adam Gibbard, Visit Cornwall
©Adam Gibbard and Visit Cornwall

151 votes, or 20.7% of total entries

Barbara Madden: “Carbis Bay at St Ives is just wonderful. I loved it, the children loved it ,and now the grandchildren love it, what more can I say”

2. Fistral

Fistral Beach

135 votes, or 18.5% of total entries
Leanne M Phillips: “It has to Fistral… we had an awesome day bodyboarding here.”

Mia D Clarke: “Fistral Beach is amazing. It keeps the whole family entertained – surfing, lovely walks and cafes.”

Take a look at our Fistral properties.

3. Looe

Looe by Adam Gibbard, Visit Cornwall
©Adam Gibbard and Visit Cornwall

114 votes, or 15.6% of total entries

4. Perranporth

Perranporth by Adam Gibbard for Visit Cornwall
©Adam Gibbard and Visit Cornwall

48 votes, or 6.6% of total entries

Denise Scally: “Perranporth is my favourite Cornish Beach. So many fond memories over the years.”

5. Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay

32 votes, or 4.4% of total entries

Peter Davidson: “Cornwall is my favourite part of the world. There are so many I could choose from but Watergate Bay takes some beating.”

Joyce Reeves: “How on earth can you have a ‘favourite’ in such a beautiful county? I visited Watergate Bay in May – LOVED it and so did my two Miniature Dachshunds and Grandson! As a child, we used to visit Looe & Plaidy Beach, St. Ives, Porthcurno, Padstow…”

6. Porthcurno

20 votes, or 2.7% of entries

Laura Tacey: “I love Porthcurno beach, it’s beautiful.”

7. Padstow

Padstow
15 entries, or 2.1% of the votes

Kelly Annette Townsend: “Padstow is fab. The water is so clear and I have great memories of spending time seeing basking sharks while sailing there.”

8. Crantock

14 votes, or 1.9% of entries

Julie Jones: “Crantock is an awesome family beach. We have been going there for years.”

9. Kynance Cove

14 votes, or 1.9% of entries

Tressa Lapham-Green: “Kynance Cove near The Lizard. It was my Mum’s favourite beach too and I spent many childhood summers down there, exploring the caves and collecting serpentine stone.”

10. Polzeath

walk_through_polzeath_beach

13 votes or 1.8% of entries

Zoe Ridgway: “Polzeath. Shallow sloping beach, but waves! Great for little ones. And mobile ice cream vans!!!”

And there were a few surprises too

– Tregantle Beach
– Bossiney Haven
– Hemmick Beach
– Lankidden Cove

Oliver Evans: “Vault Beach just along from Gorran Haven. It’s a bit hidden out of the way which makes it more special. I usually go fishing between Gorran and Vault too. It always seems a few degrees hotter on this beach, perhaps that explains the naturists at the far end!”

Be on a Cornish beach and book your stay with Beach Retreats. Search our locations and properties, and keep an eye out for special offers.

Walk through – Whitsand Bay

Join us on a walk-through as we visit our latest property destination. Cornwall’s hidden gem – Whitsand Bay – on the South East Cornish coast. A true Beach Retreat.

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

You only have to take a look at our pictures to see why we’ve decided to spread our wings property portfolio to Whitsand Bay.

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

Whitsand Bay

A Beach Retreats property

Whitsand Bay

The Meadow at Whitsand Bay looks out over the sea

Here you’ll find the best and breadth of Cornwall contained within three miles of coastline; long golden beaches, small rocky fishing coves, sweeping green hills akin to Bodmin moor, dramatic cliffs and sleepy villages.

Take a look at our properties at Whitsand Bay and book your holiday today.

Discover Whitsand Bay, a forgotten gem in Cornwall that promises stunning coastal landscapes and tranquil retreats away from the crowds.

The Caribbean? Or Fistral Beach in the summer?

Who needs the Caribbean when you’ve got Cornwall? There’s only one thing for it when summer arrives here at England’s answer to holidays – head to the beach and jump in the sea (without a wetsuit if you’re feeling brave). Here’s some shots from the other day when we took a trip down to Fistral.

A Walk Through Guide to Porthtowan & Chapel Porth

porthtowan wheel coates by adam gibbard visit cornwall

Our latest location, Porthtowan on Cornwall’s North Coast, has it all; a long low-tide beach awarded Blue Flag status, playful sand dunes, dramatic cliffs, mining heritage, and an almost wild-west frontier feeling. BBC One ‘Poldark’ fans will recognise it immediately. Just what we like from a beach.

Read our guide to Porthtowan and Chapel Porth to find out more.

Located a few miles south along the coastal path or road from the mining town of St Agnes is this relatively unknown gem. Depending on which way you arrive into the village, Porthtowan can initially seem very low key. It’s all part of this small village’s charm, and it couldn’t be further from the truth once you start exploring.

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

The village itself has a number of family-suited restaurants, cafés, bars and shops to keep everyone well fed and watered during their stay.

And this is Porthtowan’s big pull. The Blue Flag awarded beach is one of Cornwall’s most popular surfing spots thanks to the direction it faces, the amount of swell it picks up, and good sand banks.

Join the best of them in the waves and visit Falmouth and Porthtowan Surf School, based next to The Unicorn pub, for all of your surf equipment, hire and lessons. For younger children there’s a play park, should they ever get bored of cricket on the beach.

Backed by large dunes and dramatic cliffs, the beach at low-tide reveals a long expanse of golden sand. It’s easy to see why the village lies in a designated Area of Outstanding Beauty.

Walk northwards along the sand and you’ll end up at Chapel Porth – an equally as stunning beach managed by the National Trust.

No visit here is complete without having a ‘hedgehog’ from the Trust’s café – Cornish vanilla ice cream smothered with farmhouse clotted cream and rolled in their own honey-roasted hazelnuts.

From here it’s time to climb the coastal path back to Porthtowan, passing what remains of the Wheal Charlotte engine house and some of the county’s best mining relics and stunning views out to sea.

We ended up in the Blue Bar for surf-style pub grub and the best views over the beach for a sundowner. Bliss.

Explore more of North Cornwall, and read our blog on Portreath, a short drive or walk from Porthtowan.

Take a look and book our self-catering properties at Porthtowan, or talk to a member of our team on 01637 861 005. Keep an eye on our special offers page for the latest deals and discounts, and browse our beach locations to explore more of Cornwall.

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