Category: Featured retreats

5 Cornwall Holiday Lets For This New Years Eve

Escape to the coast and bring in the New Year in style

Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway beside the beach or a festive family break, Cornwall is the place to be. Eat at great restaurants, dance the night away on the beach or cosy up by the fire at home, however, you choose to bring in the New Year, Beach Retreats has a fantastic selection of places to stay. Here are five we have hand-picked for you for the perfect New Year in Cornwall.

See all available properties.

Find out why New Year is the best time to visit Cornwall and some of our holiday retreats to stay in for the New Year.

For Groups

Seamist, Watergate Bay

Sleeps 16 with 20% off

With eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms, two living rooms, a games room and plenty of space for the kids to run around, Seamist in Watergate Bay is the perfect haven for your family get together this season. Interior designed throughout, this house is exceptional in every way with its sense of space and light and design and finish. The living room big enough for all is perfectly placed on the first floor so guests can make the most of the ocean views in the distance.

Where to dine: Watergate Bay and its golden beach is just a five-minute car journey away. Restaurants include The Beach Hut and Wax Watergate Bay. If you want to stay in New Years and make the most of the house, we have some fabulous recommendations for private catering.

Book a New Year break at Seamist.

 

For couples

Harbourside Cottage, Boscastle

Sleeps 2 with 15% off

For a cosy night in with your loved one in front of the roaring fire, head to the romantic Harbourside Cottage in Boscastle this New Year. This beautiful Cornish location will give you an away from it all feeling, so you can bring in the New Year feeling refreshed and relaxed. Walk the coast path for awe-inspiring views, stop at the local pub for a bite to eat and glass of red, or simply put your feet up and enjoy the quiet surroundings.

Where to dine: Head to Napoleon Inn, a low beamed 16th century pub and restaurant serving delicious Cornish food and ales straight from the barrel. Dine in the pub or book into the restaurant for waitress service.

Book a New Year break at Harbourside Cottage.

Check out our other Boscastle holiday retreats.

 

For adrenaline junkies

Tides Watch, Fistral

Sleeps 4, now with 15% off

Jump from bed to board at this beautiful ground floor apartment, situation across from the renowned Fistral beach in north Cornwall. Tides Watch offers luxurious interiors throughout, with large bay windows offering jaw-dropping views across the Atlantic Ocean. Blow the cobwebs away with a morning surf, join Newquay Activity Centre for a New Year’s Eve charity Coasteer, or catch the fantastic annual fireworks display that will light up the sky and rugged coast.

Where to dine: You’re spoilt for choice when dining out at Fistral, head to the Fish House Fistral, Stein’s Fistral, Lewinnick Lodge or The Stable Newquay.

Book a New Year break at Tides Watch, Fistral

 

For families

The Oyster Bed, Mawgan Porth

Sleeps 5

With the beach forming your natural playground just 150 metres away, The Oyster Bed in Mawgan Porth is the ideal home for your family-friendly adventure this New Year. Enjoy an embracing walk New Year’s Day, play games and storm watch from the private balcony and visit the twinkling Padstow harbour less than 10 miles away. The Oyster Bed is a brand-new contemporary house with cosy coastal interiors throughout.

Where to dine: Stay close and dine at Catch Seafood Bar & Grill or head to neighbouring towns Padstow and Watergate Bay for Prawn on the Lawn and Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant.

Book a New Year break at The Oyster Bed, Mawgan Porth

 

For wagging tails

The Breakers, Porth

Sleeps 13, now with 15% off

Give your dog a New Year to remember with a stay at The Breakers, situated directly opposite the dog-friendly Porth beach. Wake up and play fetch on the beach, relax in front of a crackling fire in one of Cornwall’s many pet friendly pubs and walk the coast path to Watergate bay and beyond. This picture-perfect coastal house (featured in Ideal Homes Magazine) offers plenty of space for the whole family, an outdoor hot tub, breath-taking sea views and has surf and body boards for those feeling brave enough for a New Year’s Day dip.

Where to dine: Take your furry friend to the local Cornish pub the Mermaid Inn where you can taste local ales and a great choice of winter warmer food dishes.

Book a New Year break at The Breakers, Porth

Still considering about staying for the New Year? Find out the best way to celebrate and spend the New Year in Cornwall.

Looking for something different? See all available New Year properties and browse our beach locations to find your favourite place to see in the New Year. Keep an eye on our special offers page, too, for the latest seasonal discounts.

5 Harbourside Cottages in Cornwall

Cornwall is filled to the brim with pretty harbours just waiting to be explored…

Visit Cornwall’s coastline and you’ll find yourself at one of its picturesque harbours. Some more hidden than others, each is unique with something different and exciting to offer its visitors. Below we give you five self-catering properties that are located in fabulous harbourside villages with some inside information on the area.

Which cottage would you choose? Let us know by joining the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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

The Shell Seeker, Mousehole

This cosy Grade II former fishermen’s cottage sleeps four and is perfectly located in the heart of Mousehole, just a few steps away from the harbour, shops, galleries and restaurants. Guests are welcomed with a wealth of original features including beamed ceilings, a granite hearth, flagstone flooring and a stained glass window, with a contemporary twist.

Perch on the harbour wall with a picnic, spend the day on the beach as the tide goes out, or watch the fishermen’s boats bobbing on the horizon. Guests staying in Mousehole will find an abundance of things to see and do during their stay.

Walk to the harbour in 70 metres.

Book your stay at The Shell Seeker in Mousehole.

 

Toms Cottage, Porthleven

Oozing Cornish charm and tradition, Porthleven is a coastal village in west Cornwall boasting a pretty harbour and sandy beach beside it. Small fishing boats land their daily catch in Porthleven, where plenty is sold to Porthleven cafes, restaurants and the award winning Quayside fishmongers.

Tom’s Cottage is a renovated 18th century fisherman’s cottage located just a short walk from the harbour. Sleeping two guests, we recommend this cosy cottage to those wanting a romantic break with their loved one, as well as those that see themselves as foodies. Restaurants nearby include Rick Stein’s Porthleven, Amelie’s, Kota Kai and The Hideaway – ranked highly on TripAdvisor.

Walk to the harbour in 750 metres.

Book your stay at Tom’s Cottage, Porthleven.

Discover our other Porthleven holiday properties.

 

Harbourside Cottage, Boscastle

Boscastle is the very definition of North Cornish beauty; steep cliffs, an ancient, picturesque harbour and a cluster of gorgeous cottages interspersed with little cafes and shops. The pace of life in this pretty village is blissfully relaxed – the toughest decision of the day is what flavour ice cream to choose. If you need some serious downtime to recharge the batteries, Boscastle is a great choice.

And so is Harbourside Cottage. This romantic retreat has been thoughtfully renovated to retain lots of period features, including the wood burning stove, deep slate-lined window recesses and original beams. Set well back from the road, it’s a peaceful hideaway just a 300 metre potter to Boscastle’s ancient harbour, where the river meets the ocean.

Walk to the harbour in 300 metres.

Book your stay at Harbourside Cottage, Boscastle.

 

Jasmine Cottage, Port Isaac

Boasting clear waters on a sunny day, narrow winding streets and white washed fisherman’s houses, it’s no wonder this location is used year after year for ITV’s Doc Martin series. In a day, stroll down to the harbour and watch the daily catch of crab and lobster be hauled in, enjoy an afternoon tipple at the Red Lion with its picture perfect views, or dine at the UK’s No1 Restaurant, Restaurant Nathan Outlaw. Sounds good right?

At the end of your day, put your feet up and unwind at Jasmine Cottage. Sleeping four guests, this pretty Cottage offers a tranquil haven to enjoy the views, yet close to the bustling fishing port. The light-filled open plan living space comes with original beams, Cornish sash windows and flagstone floors. Outside guests can make use of the garden patio with its BBQ, fire pit and seating area, great for some Cornish alfresco dining.

Walk to the harbour in 200 metres.

Book your stay at Jasmine Cottage, Port Isaac.

 

Pilots Cottage, Mousehole

Just because we love Mousehole so much, here’s another. Pilot’s Cottage built approximately 175 years ago for an old fisherman, has been carefully renovated preserving original features with a contemporary twist. Sleeping five guests and accepting pets, it’s perfect for those wanting to experience a true Cornish setting.

Light the fire for a cosy night in during the winter months, step outside onto the cobbled street that leads you to the restaurants, cafes and galleries or enjoy a paddle in the water as the boats bob beside you. We recommend a Cornish cream tea at the Rock Pool Cafe.

Walk to the harbour in 60 metres.

Book a stay at Pilots Cottage, Mousehole.

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

Book your harbourside break with Beach Retreats.

A weekend of surf at Widemouth Bay

Hear how Holly from Beach Retreats got on during her stay at Chi An Mor in Widemouth Bay.

I spent the weekend at Chi An Mor in Widemouth Bay with a group of my good surfer friends. This self-catering property is located just outside of Bude and is home to some of Cornwall’s best surfers and beaches.

We arrived late Friday evening and though it was dark, we could hear the lapping of the waves nearby. After a good night’s sleep and a quick breakfast to refuel, we enjoyed a 50-metre walk to the beach to check the surf.

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

Widemouth is a long beach a couple of miles outside the town of Bude. It’s a popular spot, but there are plenty of peaks to break up the crowds, as well as Black Rock which occasionally serves up a decent wave over the reef. We had some fun surfing at Widemouth, it was small but by surfing on the incoming tide there was a little pulse which we made the most of. We later jumped in the car for s short drive down the road to Bude town centre and a couple more beaches.

As we reached Crooklets Beach, it was clear to see this had a really fun, good-quality beach break with multiple peaks. It breaks through all tides and can handle a decent amount of swell. Certainly one to keep coming back to.

Summerleaze located just around the corner from Crooklets is much more sheltered and closer to the centre of town. There are several peaks making this a good spot when there’s a big swell.

It was very easy to make our way back to Chi An Mor, it really was a great base for our weekend of surf. It was plenty big enough for six of us and all our surf kit, not to mention being so close to the beach. The light-filled property had a contemporary design, three bedrooms with two shower rooms and a family bathroom. Pets are also allowed so no need to leave part of the family at home.

We opted to eat in both nights, but we did treat ourselves to lunch at the Olive Tree, sat outside by the river. Other restaurants you may want to visit are Black Rock Cafe, Widemouth Bay Cafe, The Beach House bar and Trelawney Tea Rooms.

On our last evening at Chi An Mor, we watched the sun drop behind the horizon and built a fire on Widemouth beach – always take the nails out of any wood you intend to burn and wait until the wood has completely burnt through – don’t cover the embers up with sand as someone could walk along whilst it’s still hot.

On our way home we drove along the coastal road and pulled the car in at a few beaches along the way. We jumped in on the right hander at the north end of Constantine and surprisingly found some clean faces despite most of the north coast having messy conditions. We even had some nice spring sunshine to finish off the weekend. All in all a fantastic surfing weekend at Chi An Mor in Widemouth Bay.

Discover our other properties, and read what to expect from a week at Gaia.

Highlights

The variety of beaches to choose from close to Chi An Mor.

The location of the property, being just 50 metres from Widemouth Bay.

The space in the property, big enough for six and all our surf equipment.

Discover our other Widemouth Bay holiday properties or talk to a member of our team on 01637 861 005.

Book your surfing break with Beach Retreats.

11 beaches and Strand Line

Modern wooden property with a pebbled outdoor area at dusk.

Hear how Lowenna from Beach Retreats got on during her stay at Strand Line in Porthcothan, Cornwall.

With 11 beaches to choose from and plenty of coast paths to explore, I couldn’t wait for my weekend in Strand Line with my partner and friends. The nearest beach was Porthcothan, located one mile down the road with its golden sand backed by grassy dunes and a shallow stream running into the sea. Other beaches within easy reach which are worth the short drive are Trevone, Treyarnon, Constantine, Mawgan Porth, Watergate Bay and Bedruthan Steps.

This cosy cabin oozes character and charm with its carefully thought-out rustic interiors that have been hand-selected, foraged or upcycled by the owner Susie Ray. When we arrived at the cabin, we were mesmerized by the attention to detail in every nook and cranny. From the shell chimes and fisherman’s nets in the garden to the rustic furniture and coastal decor inside.

We were pleasantly welcomed with wild flowers and homemade shortbread which went down a treat whilst sitting out on the decking with the fairy lights on and the stars beginning to twinkle.

On our first night, we settled down with a cheese board and a bottle of red. With the fire burning and wine flowing, it was a perfect night in with my partner, before our friends were due to join us the following day. The fully equipped kitchen had everything we needed and more. Ice bucket for the prosecco, multiple boards for the stacks of cheese, wine glasses, prosecco glasses and an extra-large cafetiere ready for our morning brew.

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

Out and About

After an amazing night’s sleep in the super king size bed and its 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, we enjoyed breakfast and a morning coffee outside on the decking. Once our friends arrived, we jumped in the car and drove 10 minutes down the road to our first stop of the day, Treyarnon Bay.

This beach is popular with families and has a lot going on. From dogs running after frisbees, paddleboarders and surfers jumping on their boards, to the hustle and bustle of the beachside YHA Cafe. After sitting on the beach for an hour or two and grabbing an ice cream, we took the coast path around the headland, stopping off to take in the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Constantine Bay.

With 11 beaches nearby to choose from, it would be rude not to visit another one in the same day. We beach hopped over to the closest beach to Strand Line, Porthcothan Bay. This was my first time visiting this beach and it quickly became one of my favourites.

Here’s why:

The sand dunes and surrounding cliffs shelter the beach from the wind (a big bonus for me).
The rock formations and sea stacks in the ocean are fascinating, we climbed the rocks, checked out the rockpools for sea life and discovered a secret cave.
The South West Coast Path to the left side of the beach led us through a beautiful headland walk. Strolling past the beach and through the kissing gates, we ended up at Trescore Island. This beautiful rocky island is backed by sea pink flowers and leaves a sheltered lagoon at low tide. For those not brave enough to swim with the choppy waves, this is the perfect spot for a relaxing dip.
The little cafe at the top of the beach sold Cornish pasties and beer (delicious).
The BBC Drama Poldark was filmed here. Aidan Turner gallops over the clifftops overlooking Trescore Island.

Food and Drink

The following day once the sea mist had cleared, we headed to Padstow harbour, a 10 minute drive away for a spot of lunch. This picturesque harbour is worth visiting with its cafes, restaurants, pubs, boutique shops and galleries. We decided to stop off at Paul Ainsworth’s Rojano Restaurant, sat in the open top conservatory in the sun. Other restaurants you could try are Paul Ainsworth’s No 6, Prawn on the Lawn and The Olive Tree.

Later after a couple of afternoon tipples, we walked the coast path from Padstow to Trevone beach, where we then caught a cab to Rick Stein’s Cornish Arms pub in St Merryn village, a 20-minute walk from Strand Line cabin. This place is great for local ales and Cornish seafood, so much so, we couldn’t help but dig into a large bowl of Cornish mussels between the four of us.

Fancy staying in Trevone? Check out our holiday properties in Trevone.

If you would rather dine back at Strand Line, take advantage of the rustic kitchen and gas BBQ beautifully hand made in the garden. The plancha grill cooked us prawns, corn on the cob, burgers and sausages for our lunch the following day.

Highlights

The beaches: Being based so close to multiple beaches, coastal walks and amenities. You’ll discover new places every time you visit.

The beds: We all had the best night’s sleep and the comfort of the mattress and sheets was the first topic over breakfast every morning.

The interior design: From the outdoor kitchen and rustic garden walls, to the artwork, lampshades and furniture. So much time, effort and thought has gone into Strand Line, we didn’t want to leave.

Groups: If there is a larger group, Lobster Pot cabin (sleeps 2) is located next door.

Book your holiday at Strand Line with Beach Retreats.

Interested in our other properties? Check out our blog on how it was to spend the weekend at the Porth Beach House in Porth.

24 hours in Port Isaac with the Nathan Outlaw experience

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

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

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

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

Experiencing Outlaw’s

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

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

The First Course

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

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

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

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

Second Course

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

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

Main Course

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

Dessert

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

Last course…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cosy Cottages Made for Two

Escape to the coast for an alternative romantic getaway.

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

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

Discover our hideaway cottages by the sea in Cornwall.

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

Harbourside Cottage, Boscastle

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

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

Book your magical getaway.

 

Toms Cottage, Porthleven

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

Book your romantic foodie break.

 

Lobber, Port Isaac

Port isaac

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

Just what the Doc ordered…

Escape to Port Isaac.

 

Lundy, Port Isaac

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

Plan your romantic getaway.

 

Whirlwind, Whitsand Bay

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

Book your love nest.

Find the perfect romantic retreat in Cornwall for couples.

Atlantic View wins Sustainable Project of the Year

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

 

Being completely reliant on renewable energy has helped our Atlantic View properties in Widemouth Bay win the prestigious sustainability accolade at Michelmore’s Property Awards 2016.

With direct access to the beach at Widemouth Bay, North Cornwall, stunning interiors and impressive eco-credentials, Atlantic View was the clear winner of the Sustainable Project of the Year at Michelmores Property Awards 2016.

Discover our other Widemouth Bay holiday properties.

The annual awards recognise both commercial and residential projects of all shapes and sizes across nine categories − with shortlisted and winning projects firmly placed in the industry’s spotlight.

Atlantic View contemporary self-catering holidays on the beach at Widemouth Bay, Cornwall from Beach Retreats on Vimeo.

Marketed by Beach Retreats and developed by Grenadier Estates, Atlantic View comprises of six self-catered holiday lodges overlooking Widmeouth’s iconic Black Rock and the lodges are completely eco-friendly with features including solar panels, air source heat pumps, solar thermal water heaters and a grass roof system to provide insulation.

Michelmore said: “Through careful design and construction, the lodges integrate effortlessly into the surrounding landscape and are sustainable, whilst offering style, function and luxury.”

Judge and highly experienced architect, Peter Lacey, described it as a great scheme, a great location and a great sustainable project.

“Atlantic View is a truly impressive and exceptional scheme blending beautifully into its landscape in a way which is seldom seen in such a sensitive light,” he said.

“It handles sustainability in all the ways you would except in terms of renewable energy and it has an exceptionally good range of sustainable features, but more particularly in this case it takes sustainability to another level – it engages with local tradesman and suppliers to ensure that everything remains truly local.”

Discover more of Cornwall and check out our 1o must see places in Cornwall.

Search for your holiday at Atlantic View, Widmeouth Bay, with Beach Retreats.

Cornish Saints

Our 17 Village properties at Watergate Bay are each named after a Cornish saint and place name – except one… We trace their names and learn some Cornish geography and history along the way.

Explore seaside dining at its finest with Beach Retreats’ curated list of top 5 restaurants in Watergate Bay.

Cornwall is often referred to as the land of saints. It’s no surprise then that many Cornish place names derive their name from the saints who went on to found churches here and in other Celtic lands such as Brittany in France. Let’s meet some of them.

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

St. Mawes

The fishing town of St Mawes on Cornwall’s south coast is thought to have taken its name from the Celtic Saint Maudez. He is believed to have settled in Brittany where he founded a monastery on the Island of Saint-Maudez with his two disciples, Saint Budoc and Saint Tudy, also Cornish place names.

St. Breock

St Brieuc became the first abbot of Saint-Brieuc in Brittany in the fifth century. Churches in England, Ireland, and Scotland are dedicated to this early Celtic saint, including the parish church of St Breock in Cornwall, just west of Wadebridge.

St. Minver

The village of St Miniver, inland from Rock on the north Cornish coast, centres upon St Menefreda’s Church – the origin of the present day name Saint Miniver who was one of 24 children of St Brychan, a fourth-century Welsh saint and king.

St. Winnow

The stunning isolated church of St Winnow overlooks the River Fowey. It is named after Saint Winnoc or Saint Winwaloe.

St. Endellion

Travel four miles north of Wadebridge and you’ll come across the pretty village of St Endellion near Port Isaac. It takes its name from Saint Edelienta, another child of King Brycha and sibling of St Miniver. Today, Saint Endellion Church brings together musicians from all over the world for superb festivals at Easter and Summer.

St. Blazey

The small town on Cornwall’s south coast takes its name from Armenian Saint Blaise. The Eden Project is close by.

St. Issey

You’ll find St Issey, named after the Saint Yse or Ida, just outside of Padstow. Yet another child of St Bruchan.

St. Merryn

Located between Mawgan Porth and Padstow, Saint Merryn is disputed to be named after a Welsh priest or monk named Maraunus or Maruan. Either way, it has seven beautiful bays nearby: Porthcothnan, Treyarnon Bay, Constantine Bay, Booby’s Bay, Mother Ivey’s Bay, Harlyn Bay and Trevone Bay.

St. Breward

On the western side of Bodmin Moor is the village of St Breward, deriving from English Saint Branwalader. He also gives his name to Saint Brelade in Jersey.

St. Erney

The village of Saint Erney in between St Germans and Saltash in south east Cornwall is thought to be dedicated to St Ternius, Terney or Erney. Widemouth Bay is nearby, as is the Port Eliot Festival.

St. Agnes

The original name of St Agnes was ‘Brynick’, a Cornish word meaning pointed hill, thought to be St Agnes Beacon. Officially named after the female Roman martyr Saint Agnes, you’ll find four unique beaches close by: Trevaunance Cove, Trevallas Porth, Chapel Porth and Porthtowan.

St. Ives

Named after the arrival of the Irish princess Saint Ia, today Saint Ives is well known for its pretty cobbled streets, fishing harbour and artistic community.

St. Mabyn

The Cornish female Saint Mabena gave name to this small village east of Wadebridge.

St. Buryan

Situated five miles west of Penzance, it is named after the Irish Saint Buriana. The picturesque coves of Lamorna and Porthcurno, home to the Minack Theatre, are a short drive away.

St. Levan

Saint Levan, a small hamlet situated near Porthcurno in west Cornwall, was probably named after Selevan, a Celtic form Solomon). The pretty coves of Porthchapel and Porthgwarra are close by.

St. Mawgan

The origin of the name St. Mawgan is unclear. Mawgan and Meugan are both place names in Cornwall (St. Mawgan is just up the road from Watergate Bay) and Brittany, and Meugan in Wales. It is believed they refer to one or two saints from the fifth or sixth century.

St. Denzel

The odd one out! Denzel is the only village property not named after a Cornish saint but we love it all the same.

Explore and book your holiday at The Village, Watergate Bay.

 

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

COMPETITION – Win a seven-night getaway

*COMPETITION CLOSED*

In desperate need of a bit of beach time? Then this competition for a week-long getaway is for you – and three friends or family!

We’ve teamed up with our friends at Visit Cornwall to offer a special seven-night stay for four people overlooking Watergate Bay on the north coast of Cornwall. Here’s what you need to know:

The beach and local area

Watergate Bay’s two-mile stretch of sand calls for you to do as little or as much as you like. Foodies will find Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, The Beach Hut and Zacry’s catering for all tastes. Or if hitting the waves if what you fancy, the Extreme Academy surf school and hire is right on your doorstep for surfing, kitesurfing and other watersports you never knew existed.

We doubt you’ll tire of the beach, but if you do you’ll find Padstow and Newquay a few miles drive away with Rick Steins, Nathan Outlaw or other casual eating options to have your fill. There’s a spectacular coastline, or head to the south coast for a more laid-back coastal scene.

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

The accommodation

Your prize includes seven-nights at The Village – Watergate Bay’s new eco-development cut into the cliffs overlooking the beach. You and three others will be staying in a two-bedroomed self-catering property which serves up contemporary open-plan interiors and en-suite bedrooms. Coupled with surf stores, outdoor showers and full-width balconies, these are holiday pads you won’t want to leave.

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

How to enter

Just follow follow this link to Visit Cornwall’s website, fill in the form – it’s as easy as that. You’ve got until 30 June to enter. Good luck!

*COMPETITION CLOSED*

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Blue Bay – Catered self-catering, Cornwall

Blue Bay offers a lot more to guests than your average self-catering property. Not only does it have beautiful views over Mawgan Porth beach, it also offers an award winning restaurant service. James and Pippa, Blue Bay’s owners, are experienced chefs having travelled around the world, working in some of the best restaurants. They have fitted Blue Bay with an industrial kitchen, which guests are welcome to use, but its main use is catering for up to 20 people at a time for breakfast, lunch and dinner, if requested*.

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

James and Pippa offer a seasonal menu year round, from steaks to local seafood, proper Cornish fish and chips to Italian inspired pasta dishes. It’s fair to say you won’t go hungry at Blue Bay. James and Pippa go above and beyond for guests, if requested they can leave dishes in the fridge ready for guests to heat up when they arrive at the beginning of their holiday. They also offer to make up beach picnics using locally sourced food from Mawgan Porth or BBQ packs tailored to the party’s unique requirements.

The service offered at Blue Bay is truly unique and flexible. We asked James whats the most challenging request he has had since running the Blue Bay kitchen and we were very surprised by his answer.

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

‘A few years ago Pippa and I were asked to host a 40th wedding anniversary for a group of 20 guests staying at Blue Bay. We assumed they would want a full three course meal of the finest produce Cornwall has to offer, but instead they requested a meal inspired by the rations of WWII. Having never had such a unique request we spent weeks researching everything from how to use potato flour to dried egg powder. It really was a fun and interesting challenge which met high praise from the anniversary party’

The beauty behind the catered option of Blue Bay is that guests can dip in and out of the service. If they are going out for an evening meal they can just ask for breakfast, or alternatively, dive head first into the self-catered option and give James and Pippa the week off.

‘We want it to be an added extra of staying at Blue Bay. There is no pressure to have every meal catered for, in fact we love to see guests using the kitchen and creating culinary masterpieces of their own. However, we recommend everyone to try James’ profiterole mountain with lashings of chocolate sauce and sparklers for decoration’

Blue Bay is the perfect place to host a special occasion or family get together. Take a look round Blue Bay here.

Add some luxury to your self-catered holiday with Beach Retreats.

Interested in other Beach Retreats properties? Get a taste of paradise with a weekend at Porth Beach House – expect luxury, relaxation, and memories to last a lifetime with Beach Retreats.

*at an additional charge