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The Cornish Culture Club

Whether you’re into music, food, literature, sailing or surfing, soak up some Cornish culture at some of the region’s finest festivals…

With an array of festivals to suit all types and tastes, Cornwall loves any excuse to celebrate its rich maritime, foodie and literary roots. Dance with your feet in the sand, learn to cook Cornish cuisine like the master chefs, and rub shoulders with the literati. Here are some of our favourite events in 2019.

Explore more things to do in Cornwall in spring for the whole family.

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

Porthleven Food Festival, Porthleven

26-28 April

Porthleven’s annual food festival kicks off the holiday season with a mighty three-day feast of food, music and entertainment beside the harbour. There’s something for everyone – from chef demos, food and beer matching, street food and family entertainment, to late-night live music rocking the Shipyard Stage.

porthlevenfoodfestival.com

Fowey Festival of Literature of Arts

10-18 May

The annual Fowey Festival was launched in honour of the region’s most famous author, Daphne du Maurier, and her legacy is still very much at the core of this celebration of words, art and music. As well as readings from some of the region’s finest authors, enjoy creative workshops, art and literature trails, secret gardens and live music from classical to jazz.

foweyfestival.com

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

Porthilly Spirit, Trefresa Farm

24-26 May

In its inaugural year, this intimate festival promises to be a feast for your senses, celebrating everything that is unique to Cornwall. Think wild cookery, outdoor adventures, artisan produce, seasonal feasting, music, workshops and wellbeing. And you don’t have to pitch a tent and brave the die-hard festival lifestyle – simply stay in a stylish Beach Retreat nearby.

porthillyspirit.com

Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge

6-8 June

Marking the onset of summer proper, Royal Cornwall showcases the country and farming lifestyle at the heart of the county. Here you can witness award-winning cattle, equestrian events and dancing tractors, alongside foodie bounty and the finest Cornish crafts.

royalcornwallshow.org

Eden Sessions, St Austell

20 June – 3 July

With a backdrop to its world-famous biomes, The Eden Project has a reputation as one of the most unique live music venues in the county. This year the Stereophonics, Liam Gallagher, Kylie Minogue and The Chemical Brothers are amongst the headliners, and all tickets daytime entry to explore this tropical paradise.

edensessions.com

Port Eliot Festival, St German’s

25-28 July

Chefs, literati and comedians come together with rock stars and DJ’s for a full-throttle party in a sprawling estate on the banks of the River Tamar. Cornwall’s quirkiest and most creative festival combines arts, music, adventures and food in a stunning venue where you can dine on local seafood by day and have a knees-up to Lily Allen by night.

porteliotfestival.com

 

Boardmasters, Watergate Bay and Fistral

7-11 August

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 to be king of the waves, while in the evening big-name bands hit the stages overlooking Watergate Bay. With Florence + the Machine, Wu-Tang Clan and Rudimental amongst the names, this year promises to be the biggest party yet.

boardmasters.com

Falmouth week, Falmouth

9-18 August

You don’t have to like boats to make the most of this spectacular week that started out as a local sailing regatta in 1837. There’s plenty for landlubbers and maritime fans, as the whole town hits party-mode for a week of sailing competitions, street parades, family entertainment and live music.

falmouthweek.co.uk

Newquay Fish Festival, Newquay Harbour

13-15 September

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 fishing heritage and enjoy street bands, seafood cooking demos and, of course, plenty of fresh fish dishes to sample.

newquayfishfestival.co.uk

Padstow Christmas Festival, Padstow

5-8 December

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

padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk

Book your self-catering stay with Beach Retreats.

6 must-visit sundowner spots

Six sublime places to watch the sunset over the ocean with your favourite tipple in hand…

After a day at the beach in Cornwall, nothing beats watching the sun go down over the waves. If you’re lucky you might even get to see the ‘Green Flash’ – a ray of green light that can be momentarily seen as the sun dips below the horizon. Here are some of our favourite bars to order a sundowner and watch the sunset in style:

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

The Bay View Inn, Bude

Fancy some gin-spiration as the sun goes down? Settle into a sea-view seat overlooking Widemouth Bay and sip a world-class gin as the horizon turns from blue to orange and fuzzy shades of pink. You might prefer a local Tarquin’s Gin – handcrafted on the wild North Cornish Coast; a Hernö Tom – crowned the world’s best gin for two years straight; or even a Sharish Blue Magic, that turns from blue to dusky pink when you add tonic – much like the horizon you’re gazing out at.

The Bay View Inn.
Self-catering properties in Bude.

Have a look at our other holiday properties & book your stay in Bude and discover more of the North Cornwall coast.

Emily Scott Food, Watergate Bay

With The Beach Hut and The Living Space nudging the waves, Watergate Bay already topped the list as one of the most stunning – and stylish – spots to watch the sunset over the sea. And it’s also a location where many – including one of Watergate Bay Hotel’s modern founders, Mary Ashworth – have claimed to see the elusive green flash.

So this summer there is nowhere more iconic to catch the sunset whilst dining on a fresh delicious meal than the brand new restaurant Emily Scott Food. Whether or not you get to see the flash, it’s set to be Cornwall’s hottest spot for a sundowner about as close to the horizon as you can get without getting your feet wet.

Emily Scott Food.
Self-catering properties in Watergate Bay.

Alcatraz, Perranporth

Perranporth’s Watering Hole has long been dubbed one of Cornwall’s coolest beach bars to enjoy cracking sunsets, live music and a front-row view of the surf. However, it’s now rivalled by the trendy new Alcatraz bar and café, where you can soak up those sublime sunsets from a stylish cliff-top setting. Affectionately given its name when staff from the Watering Hole were ‘banished’ to work alone here when it was a simple kiosk on the cliff side, these days the staff and the punters are clamouring for a spot on the upper deck – especially at the golden sunset hour.

Alcatraz.
Self-catering properties in Perranporth.

Blue, Porthtowan

A well established favourite, there are few better places than Blue to sink a beer gazing out to eye-popping sea views and sunsets. Nudging surf-lashed Porthtowan and boasting breathtaking views from bay window booths and a surfside terrace, it’s arguably the coolest place in Cornwall to kickback post-surf with the sand between your toes. Order a pint and a legendary Blue Burger as the sun goes down, and stay on to enjoy the après-beach vibes as the tunes get cranked up and live bands or comedy acts take the stage.

Blue, Porthtowan.
Self-catering properties in Porthtowan.

Surf Beach Bar, Sennen

Just a mile from the south-westerly tip of Cornwall, Sennen Cove is one of the most wild and beautiful places to see the sun descend into the Atlantic. Relax on a sofa on the terrace of The Surf Den (boasting a surfboard bar crafted using surfboard construction techniques) and sip a ‘Head Launcher’ ale, made by the local Skinner’s Brewery and inspired by the Sennen Cove lifeboat. As the sun dips behind the rolling surf, stay to listen to atmospheric beach sounds when resident DJs take over the decks every Friday and Saturday evening throughout summer.

Surf Beach Bar.
Self-catering properies in Sennen.

Sandbar, Praa Sands

Being on the south coast, you can’t actually see the sunset from this trendy bar where you’ve got the beach at your feet. However, whether you’ve been dipping into beach life on the north or south coast, you still need a decent beachside bar to toast the day at sundowner hour. And true to its name, a trail of sandy footprints leads from the beach into the Sand Bar, where you can soak up panoramic sea views with your favourite tipple and a platter of Med-style food.

Sandbar.
Self-catering holidays in Praa Sands.

Discover more of Cornwall with our favourite places to watch the ocean and go sea spotting.

Book your self-catering holiday with Beach Retreats.

Beach Retreats wins Best UK self-catering business

We are absolutely thrilled to have won Best UK Self-catering business in the Angels and Urchins 2019 Family Travel Awards, for the second year in a row.

So, to celebrate, here are our top five family-friendly beach properties for fuss-free holidays with the little ones.

Angels and urchins logo

For big families

Seamist, Watergate Bay

This big, beautiful house is exceptional in every way. With an extraordinary sense of space and light, outstanding design and located in a quiet, secluded location, Seamist is perfect for those wanting to holiday with three or even four generations. Seamist sleeps up to sixteen guests in eight rooms (not forgetting your furry friends too).

Watergate Bay is just a short drive away, as well as the family-friendly Mawgan Porth, Porth beach and Padstow. When you’re not enjoying a family surf lesson or building sandcastles, Seamist has a large fully enclosed garden with a generous decking space, complete with plenty of furniture perfect for your family barbecue.

Book your self-catering stay at Seamist.

Seamist in Watergate Bay

For rockpooling

Chi an Mor and Chi an Treth, Widemouth Bay

With just 50 metres between you and the sea, you’ll love our Chi an Mor and Chi an Treth holiday homes. Discover coastal walks, inspiring sea views and rockpools galore on your doorstep at Widemouth Bay.

On the south side of Widemouth Bay, Black Rock beach has wild beauty in abundance. Fly a kite at low tide, climb the sand dunes and grab a bite to eat at Bude’s Widemouth Manor Pub.

Book your self-catering stay at Chi an Mor or Chi an Treth.

Widemouth bay beach

For easy Beach access

Coast, Porth

So close to the sea, that you can smell the salty air, our Coast apartments allow you to jump from bed to board for a fun day at the beach. Enjoy a game of rounders on the sand, tuck into a delicious Cornish BBQ and head to the family-friendly Mermaid Inn just metres away. Coast is perfectly located between Watergate Bay and Newquay, sleeping up to six guests in 2 Coast and eight guests at The Penthouse at Coast.

Book your self-catering stay at 2 Coast or The Penthouse at Coast.

Coast 2, Porth

For a great garden

Dragon House, Mawgan Porth

Relax on the terrace looking out over the rolling hills, play bat and ball on the large lawn and enjoy a family BBQ as the sun sets. Dragon House sleeps ten guests, in four beautiful rooms and is just 300 metres from the popular Mawgan Porth beach.

If you want to venture away from your private garden, Watergate Bay and Newquay are all within a few miles drive to the west, with Padstow and the beaches at Pothcothan, Harlyn Bay and Trevone to the east. When you return, hop back into the garden to rinse off the sand from your boards in the outdoor heated shower.

Book your self-catering stay at Dragon House.

Dragon House

For sand dunes and space

Windrush, Holywell Bay

There’s nothing quite like standing at the top of a golden sand dune and running (or rolling) down it as fast as you can. Our interior designed Windrush holiday home, is just 500 metres from Holywell Bay, sleeping eight guests and one four-legged friend.

Whilst here, book a family surf lesson with Cornwall Surf Academy, walk the coast path to Crantock beach or have some fun up the road at Holywell Bay Fun Park.

Book your self-catering stay at Windrush.

Windrush view

Book your self-catering stay with Beach Retreats.

See the full list of Angels and Urchins award winners.

5 Beach Retreats for Spring

Put a spring in your step with a last minute stay at one of these Beach Retreats…

Crowdless beaches, lighter evenings and the start of alfresco dining season, are just a few reasons you should visit Cornwall in Spring. Combine the above with a luxury bolthole by the sea and you’ll have memories to last a lifetime.

Alpha, Whitsand Bay, sleeps 4

With three miles of golden sand and never ending views over the horizon, Whitsand Bay is our go to place for relaxation on the Rame Peninsula, also known as Cornwall’s forgotten corner. Discover Polhawn Cove, Sharrow beach or visit neighbouring villages untouched by time, Cawsand and Kingsand.

Where to dine: The View – a modern and vibrant family restaurant with breath-taking sea views and delicious hot chocolates (extra marshmallows of course).

Whitsand Bay

Alpha is a beautiful two-bedroom cabin perched on Freathy cliff above Whitsand Bay. Walk 200 metres from your front door and you’ll often find you have the beach to yourselves. Please note the footpath down the cliff to the beach is steep and not suitable for wheelchairs and people with limited mobility.

Enjoy a feast of local produce on your private decking area, as you watch the world go by below you.

Alpha

Book your stay at Alpha before the Easter Holidays and receive two free nights when you book a 3 or 5 night stay. This offer can only be booked by telephone and excludes school holidays.

The Penthouse at Coast, Porth, sleeps 8

Porth beach is one of Cornwall’s most family-friendly beaches. It’s shallow stream runs through the middle of the soft sanded beach making it perfect for paddling and playing. Jump on the South West Coast Path either side and you’ll find fabulous walks leading you to Watergate Bay and several of the Newquay bays.

Where to dine: Head to the pub on the beach – The Mermaid. Enjoy local ales, hot food and a beer garden that meets the sand.

Porth Beach

You can’t get much closer to the beach than this. Take a front row seat and watch passers by at Porth beach, or sip on something fizzy as you catch one of the famous Cornwall sunsets that drop behind the horizon. Newly interior designed with a fresh and contemporary look, the penthouse offers a large open plan living, dining and kitchen area, four bedrooms and a large balcony for those all important sundowners.

porthpenthouse

Book your stay at The Penthouse at Coast before the Easter holidays and receive two free nights when you book a 3 or 5 night stay. This offer can only be booked by telephone and excludes school holidays.

Bethany, Mousehole, sleeps 4

Yellow lichened houses huddled around a pretty harbour with boats bobbing in the sunshine…need we say anymore? Mousehole is one of Cornwall’s more pictureque fishing villages and is widely popular all year round. Head to its fantastic mix of galleries, quirky shops, cafes, pub and restaurants.

If you want to explore further afield, St Ives, Penzance and the Instagram famous Porthcurno beach are just a few miles away.

Where to dine: Recharge and refuel at The Ship Inn, with its oak beams, open fires and warm welcome from the locals.

Mousehole

Accommodating four guests, Bethany is a luxurious Grade II former fishermen’s cottage located just a minute’s walk from the beach. Maintaining its original Cornish charm, with a contemporary twist the property boasts a striking stone feature wall, beamed ceilings, exposed granite walls and original tiled flooring.

Enjoy afternoon tea outside on the patio, which also makes the perfect sun trap in the warmer months.

Book your stay at Bethany Cottage before the Easter Holidays and receive two free nights when you book a 3 or 5 night stay. This offer can only be booked by telephone and excludes school holidays.

Lowen, Mawgan Porth, sleeps 5

Located at the bottom of beautiful rugged cliffs, Mawgan Porth is a west facing beach and dog-friendly all year round. Search for wildlife in the many rockpools, take in the awe-inspiring views along the coast path to Watergate Bay and indulge in an afternoon tipple on the terrace of Catch Seafood Bar and Grill.

Where to dine: We highly recommend a stop off at Scott & Babs at Retorrick Mill just a short walk away. All of their tasty rustic food is either cooked over an open fire, spit roasted or placed in smoker barrels.

Mawgan Porth

Overlooing Mawgan Porth beach is a brand new developement where you’ll find the lovely Lowen. Sleeping up to 5 guests just 200 metres from the beach, guests can enjoy fantastic sea views from the balcony while you wind down after a fun-filled day on the beach.

The two bedroom coastal house is interior designed throughout and has a spacious open plan living area, perfect for keeping the family together.

Lowen Mawgan Porth

Book your stay at Lowen before the Easter Holidays and receive two free nights when you book a 3 or 5 night stay. This offer can only be booked by telephone and excludes school holidays.

Samphire Cottage, Widemouth Bay, sleeps 4

Popular with families and surfers, Widemouth Bay is just 3 miles from Bude on Cornwall’s rugged north coast, once voted as the most sunniest destination in the UK. With its great surfing conditions, you’ll find top surfing schools nearby including Freewave Surf Academy and Raven Surf School. Will you embrace the elements and dive straight in?

Where to dine: Enjoy crayfish nachos, fowey mussels and taste over 30 gins at The Bay View Inn.

Widemouth Bay

Spring is the perfect time to holiday at Samphire Cottage, a poperty full of Cornish charm and surrounded by lush green countyside and vibrant wild flowers. Sit with a book on a sunny afternoon or if you’re feeling energetic, take the 35-minute walk to Milbrook beach, through country lanes and pretty fields.

Inside this beautiful cottage you’ll find a log burner for cosy nights in, a roll top bath, original beamed ceilings and a luxury country style kitchen. There are two bedrooms on the first floor.

Samphire Cottage

Book your stay at Samphire Cottage before the Easter Holidays and receive two free nights when you book a 3 or 5 night stay. This offer can only be booked by telephone and excludes school holidays.

View all of our Beach Retreats.

Our go to restaurants in Polzeath

Sizzling steaks and succulent seafood washed down with mouth-watering cocktails .

Polzeath is home to a fantastic selection of restaurants that offer delicious food, local ales and wines and most importantly, breath-taking ocean views. But which ones should you head to first? We’ll tell you…

Join in the conversation and tell us your  favourite spots on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Waterfront Restaurant and Bar, Polzeath

Using only the best local quality ingredients the extensive menu serves delicious seafood, burgers, sandwiches snacks and more. If you enjoy a cocktail or two, then you’ll love their very own herb garden, perfectly created for their brilliant cocktail menu. Guests have the option of sitting both inside or outside on the top terrace or decking, both with lovely sea views. Watch the world go by at the Waterfront Restaurant in Polzeath.

See the menu.

The Cracking Crab, Polzeath

With a name like The Cracking Crab, you can guess what they do here. This is certainly one for the seafood lovers. Order Fruits De Mer by the bucket load, taste the roasted hake with crispy pancetta or if that doesn’t tickle your taste buds give the monkfish wrapped in smokey bacon a go. Wash it down with a cold local ale and take in the awe-inspiring views over Polzeath beach and ocean.

See the menu.

Surfside, Polzeath

Watch the sun go down and listen to a live band from Surfside cafe, positioned directly on Polzeath beach. This cool hangout is a go to foodie spot for the local surfers, especially when the sun comes out and the staff pull out a last minute sizzling BBQ on the terrace. The generous menu includes Rock Oysters, Padstow crab linguine and Porthilly mussels. Open for lunch and dinner from Easter – November.

See the menu.

TJ’s Cafe, Polzeath

If you’re looking for somewhere family friendly then we have found you the perfect place. TJ’s is a family run cafe and surf shop on the beach, offering a breakfast and lunch menu for both adults and kids. Wake up to a full Cornish cooked breakfast, grab a warm panini when you jump out the surf, or let you kids pick their favourite topping on a juicy TJ’s pizza. Dine Alfresco on a warm sunny day or sit back and relax inside while you watch the world pass by.

See the menu.

Five properties for Christmas

Celebrate Christmas in style with a chic property by the beach.

We have hand-picked five beautiful properties with all the trimmings, so you can enjoy the festive period with family and friends.

Mawgan, Watergate Bay
Sleeps 6 now with 15% off.

Wake up Christmas Day to the sound of lapping waves at Watergate Bay. Mawgan is a beautiful eco lodge located within The Village development, just 250 metres from the beach.

Mawgan has glorious views across the bay and out to sea and has been designed in reverse accommodation style – the living area is on the first floor to fully exploit the dramatic sea views. On Christmas morning, enjoy a bracing walk on the beach, or walk the South West Coast Path for awe-inspiring cliff top views.

So what are you waiting for? Curl up on the sofa and watch the sun go down, walk your Christmas dinner off on the beach and enjoy a well deserved break with friends and family.

Escape this Christmas to Mawgan in Watergate Bay.

Ferrypoint, Rock
Sleeps 6 now with 15% off plus a Cornish Christmas hamper on arrival courtesy of Rock Hampers.

Spend Christmas at Ferrypoint, a beautiful beachside house with stunning panoramic views over the Camel Estuary and Padstow. The beach is just 40 metres away and can be seen from all three bedrooms.

Enjoy a Christmas breakfast while you watch the world go by, unwrap presents in the spacious living room and enjoy a coastal walk to neighbouring beaches Daymer Bay and Polzeath.

With Padstow harbour just across the estuary, why not enjoy a visit to the twinkling lights that light up the town? Catch a water taxi or ferry from outside Ferrypoint and you’ll soon be sipping on mulled wine and eating delicious festive food at one of our favourite Padstow restaurants.

Book your Christmas bolthole at Ferrypoint in Rock.

Strand Line, Porthcothan
Sleeps 4.

This stunning cabin boasts beautiful coastal interiors, fuses wit a rustic and contemporary twist. Dine under the stars on a clear night, curl up in front of the log fire, or head to Rick Stein’s pub ‘The Cornishman’, just 1 mile down the road. The perfect retreat for couples this Christmas.

Tuck yourself into the sumptuous super king-size bed with 400 thread count sheets in the master bedroom. The master bedroom consists of two bedside tables with lamps, wardrobe and chest of drawers.

Book your family Christmas in Strand Line.

25 Dunes, Perranporth
Sleeps 4

Add to the magic of Christmas and celebrate with family on Perranporth beach in north Cornwall. 25 Dunes has magnificent sea views and is just a 10 metre short walk to the golden sand.

Wake up Christmas morning and hear the waves lapping gently against the rocks. Wander downstairs and gather the family around the fire while you open presents and exchange Christmas wishes before you venture out and explore the waterfront.

Book your Cornwall Christmas break.

The Tower, Praa Sands
Sleeps 8 now with 15% off

Give your family the gift of luxury this Christmas with a stay at The Tower. This beautiful property is a large duplex apartment, occupying the top two floors of Acton Castle with a stunning roof terrace dating back to the 18th century. Views consist of the immaculate communal gardens, Mounts Bay and the famous St Michael’s Mount in Marazion, the perfect home from home for your Christmas celebrations.

Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, surrounded by secluded, rocky coves, Acton Castle stands proud on the cliffs over Mount’s Bay. Wake up Christmas morning and watch the waves roll in from the comfort of your sofa, or walk to the beach down a private path.

Book your Christmas break in The Tower.

Whatever kind of Christmas you are hoping for, Beach Retreats have a fantastic selection of cosy cottages and large houses all under 1 mile from the beach.

Book your Christmas break in Cornwall.

7 Mouth-Watering Restaurants to Try When Staying in Rock

We give you the low down on our favourite and most sophisticated eateries to try when holidaying in Rock.

When it comes to finding great places to eat and drink in and around Rock, you won’t be short of options. With the Camel Estuary flowing directly in front of our properties, guests of Bijou and Ferrypoint have the choice of dining in both seaside towns Rock and neighbouring town Padstow – a short 10 minute boat ride away. Here are our top picks for dining out during your stay.

Have a favourite? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by tagging your foodie pics with #beachretreats.

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

No 1 Rock Road

Offering breathtaking views across the Rock Estuary, making your dining experience truly exceptional, No 1 Rock Road is less than a minute’s walk from both Bijou and Ferrypoint. Enjoy the locally sourced seasonal produce, or a ‘kiss from the sea’ such as Rock estuary mussels, oysters and their fresh catch of the day, along with a wide selection of pastas. The chef will offer impressive dishes and the finest flavours that will excite your senses, so look out for their daily special board.

Whether you are looking for a family lunch, intimate dinner, drink or cocktail, No 1 Rock Road offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Blue Tomato Cafe

Perfectly positioned beneath Ferrypoint and a 10-second stroll from Bijou, the Blue Tomato Cafe is a firm favourite offering vibrant, beautiful and tasty meals in a relaxed environment on the water’s edge. The chef takes the dishes you would expect to eat in a cafe and makes them extraordinary, from burgers and sandwiches to salads, pasta and daily specials. To top it all off, guests at Bijou and Ferrypoint receive a 10% discount.

The Mariners

Enjoy an afternoon stroll to the end of Rock Road and you’ll be greeted by one of Nathan Outlaw’s restaurants, The Mariners. Nathan Outlaw is a Michelin Star chef and opened these doors in 2014 with Sharps Brewery. Nathan and Head Chef Zack Hawke deliver a seasonal menu featuring the best of Cornish produce, complemented by Sharp’s Brewery’s skillfully brewed beers.

Enjoy a wide selection of day boat fish from their specials board, along with their shellfish platter on ice, all cooked and prepared in true Nathan Outlaw fashion.

The Dining Room

Fine dining at its best, The Dining Room provides a warm welcome and attentive service alongside fresh, thoughtfully prepared food and an extensive wine list, making it the perfect choice for all dining occasions. Since opening The Dining Room in 2010, the Chef has begun to showcase his own style of cooking, teaching himself new techniques. With few exceptions, every aspect of your meal will be made on the premises, from the selection of freshly baked breads and clotted cream butter to begin through to the petit fours served with coffee.

The Seafood Restaurant, Rick Stein

With an International reputation for the very freshest fish and shellfish, often landed on our doorstep, it’s no surprise that Rick Stein’s The Seafood Restaurant is on our list. Hop on the ferry (available every 20 minutes) or private boat taxi just a minute walk from Bijou and Ferrypoint and enjoy the 10 minute trip across the water over to Padstow. After your delicious meal, stroll around the pretty harbour, check out the many boutique shops and hop back on a boat towards Rock.

Paul Ainsworth at No6

Another must visit restaurant located in a beautiful Georgian townhouse in Padstow, is the Michelin Star awarded Paul Ainsworth at No6. Here you’ll be served modern British food with a focus on especially sourced Cornish produce. Standard of service is impeccable from start to finish to match the delicious food and wine offering.

Choose from the A La Carte Menu in the evening or a set lunch – 3 courses £29.

Greens of Padstow

Sit back and relax while you watch the everchanging panoramic views over the Camel Estuary at Greens of Padstow. Perched high above the picture-perfect harbour this popular cafe also boasts an 18-hole crazy golf garden for all the family to enjoy. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Greens of Padstow has something for everyone on its delicious menu including burgers, seafood, steaks and salads.

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

Book your holiday to Rock with Beach Retreats.

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

Hot tub and views over the horizon

 

Hear how Lowenna from Beach Retreats got on during her stay at Far Horizon in Seaton, Cornwall.

Seaton in Cornwall is a dark sanded beach, perfectly located 5 miles from lovely Looe and 5 miles from the popular Whitsand Bay. The large beach stretches out at low tide for guests to enjoy walks up and down the south east coast. Surrounding the beach is a handful of delicious restaurants and beachside bars waiting to serve you your afternoon tipple. My favourite thing about this beach…Far Horizon standing proud in its elevated position and its superb views.

Now currently offering 20% off remaining 7 night breaks in July and August.

sea view

Built for an old sea captain because of its elevated position and outstanding ocean views, Far Horizon sleeps up to eight guests in a bright and spacious beach house, wonderfully situated within two acres of sub-tropical gardens. When we arrived at the property, we were quick to drop our bags and run to the front of the house where we were greeted with 180-degree uninterrupted sea views. Spoilt for choice from the different locations in the house, guests have the choice of views over Seaton Beach, Downderry Beach, Looe Island or where its name came from, straight out over the Cornish horizon.

Of course the best views were from the large hot tub safely positioned on the edge of the cliff.

 

moon over the sea

 

The house itself had everything we needed and more. There were several living spaces for us to choose from, from the back study where one or two of us relaxed whilst watching the World Cup, the main living room with its oversized sofas and log fire, and our favourite – the large sun room with ceiling to floor windows and a door leading us out to the terrace and garden.

We spent most of our first night on the terrace whilst enjoying a Cornish BBQ, relaxing in the hot tub and listening to music on the SONOS Bluetooth speaker. After the sun set bedtime came earlier, ready for a day of exploring. The four large bedrooms were all unique with something different and exciting to offer. The Master bedroom boasts a free standing slipper bath as well as the second bedroom with its super-king size bed and the third bedroom had private access to a large wrap around balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. We quickly said our goodnights and listened to the sounds of the waves lapping on the shore.

 

Out and about

After digging into a Cornish fry up in the large separate dining room, we put the lead on Obi (our cute Beagle dog) and headed to our nearest beach, Seaton. This fantastic beach is dog-friendly all year round making it a fantastic holiday destination for those that don’t want to leave their fury friends behind. Head to Seaton Beach Cafe for your morning coffee and watch the surfers ride the waves.

As the weather began to turn, we quickly set off to Whitsand Bay, a 15 minute drive up the road. Known as south east Cornwall’s ‘forgotten corner’, this silky stretch of sand is made up of four more beaches at low tide. Visit Tregantle, Sharrow Point, Freathy and Tregonhawke, all backed by sheer cliffs.

 

Food and drink

There is a great choice of places to eat and drink within walking distance of Far Horizon. We booked a delicious lunch at the Blue Plate, located down the road in Downderry. When we walked into the restaurant, there is a cute area for those looking for a quick bite to eat. We drooled as we strolled past the fresh homemade pasties, cakes and meringues.

After starting the meal off with some greatly shaken cocktails, I tucked into a baked Cornish brie and bowl of Cornish mussels. The service, food and drinks were enjoyable, making this a restaurant we highly recommend.

Other hot foodie spots to try are ‘Summink Different’ vegetarian cafe, ‘Waves Restaurant’ located below Far Horizon and the Smugglers Inn, where we stopped off for a drink with the locals on Saturday night.

 

Highlights

The views: The everchanging views are incredible. I would love to watch a storm on Seaton beach in the winter!

The hot tub: There really is nothing better than relaxing in a hot tub and listening to the sound of the ocean.

The location: The house is ideally located between Looe and Whitsand, giving us plenty of places to explore. Great range of restaurants and bars and things to do on our doorstep too.

Offers: Now offering 20% off throughout July and August.

How many beaches can we visit?

At Beach Retreats we aim to set the record of most Cornish beaches visited in one day, while fundraising for the South West Coast Path.

The challenge will take place on the 21st June – the summer solstice and longest day, and will mark the beginning of our partnership with the South West Coast Path Association.

With more than 400 miles of Cornish coastline and over 300 beaches in Cornwall, we aim to be the first to visit a minimum of 40 of these beaches to raise money for the South West Coast Path’s “40for40” campaign – a bid to raise £40,000 by the end of October 2018 to celebrate its 40 year anniversary. We aim to raise a total of £5,000 and will be sponsoring the charity £2,500, asking for donations to match this amount via Virgin giving.

With 161 holiday properties located all along the coast, we want to do our bit to support the charity, which sees nearly nine million visitors enjoy the Path and the many beautiful beaches it overlooks each year. We know the coast path and the beautiful Cornish beaches are cherished by our guests and residents of Cornwall. Not only do we want to celebrate the amazing beaches and the breathtaking walks right on our properties’ doorsteps – we also want to ensure we’re raising awareness and supporting the maintenance of these areas, so they can continue to be enjoyed for many, many more years to come.

The £5,000 target raised by Beach Retreats could go towards the funding of 500 new wooden steps to provide safe access to hidden coves and along cliffs, or it could fund 10 educational activity days on the Path for youth groups.

The summer solstice, also known as midsummer, is the day of the year with the longest period of daylight – ideal for maximizing time spent at the beach! The team at Beach Retreats will begin at the crack of dawn at 5:00am in Cawsand overlooking Plymouth Sound, attempting to travel the entire length of the south to Sennen Cove then up the north coast. Can we make it to Bude by sunset at around 9:30pm?

Julian Gray, director of the South West Coast Path Association, commented: “We’re thrilled that Beach Retreats have chosen the South West Coast Path as the beneficiary for this brilliant day of solstice fundraising. I can’t think of a better way to showcase the stunning Cornish coastline than setting the record for the most beaches visited on the longest day of the year. Funds raised will support our vital conservation and improvement work along the National Trail, ensuring access to the much-loved beaches celebrated today. We wish them the best of luck and will be following their journey on social media!”

The epic journey will see our team stop and visit at as many beaches as possible, including Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth, Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula, Porthcurno near Land’s End, Fistral Beach and Widemouth Bay near Bude. And while time will be of the essence, Beach Retreats will be documenting each beach visit on their social media channels, posting images of each beach using the #JoinUsOnTheBeach hashtag, as well as stopping by the best beach cafes for well-needed refreshments.

 

How to get involved

To help us reach our target of £5,000, please donate at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BeachRetreats; follow our journey on Instagram and Facebook and help raise awareness by sharing your pictures of your favourite Cornish beaches using the hashtag #joinusatthebeach.

Swim and Dine offer

Staying in and around Watergate Bay? Swim & Dine combines two of the best things at the Bay; the hotel’s Swim Club facilities and dinner at Zacry’s. Here’s all you need to know about this special offer.

The offer

Book a later table at Zacry’s, Watergate Bay Hotel’s new restaurant which combines big brassy American-inspired flavours with fresh local produce, and spend some quality time in the Hotel’s Swim Club beforehand. From £36.50 per person for a three-course meal in Zacry’s.

Swim Club facilities

– Below the hubbub of Watergate Bay Hotel is Swim Club, a secluded area designed for being active and kicking back and relaxing:
– 25m sea-view infinity swimming pool
– Outdoor Canadian hot tub
– Café-bar
– Cardio room with Concept2 rowing machine, SkiERG, matrix hybrid cross trainers, running machines and fitness bikes
– Treatment rooms, plus a manicure and pedicure room. Treatments can also be booked up until 7pm, take a look at the treatment list.
– Stylish interior-designed spaces to find your own space to chill out

Zacry’s

Zacry’s style combines a classic brasserie with Cornish local produce. Executive chef Neil Haydock also draws on international influences, particularly his passion for contemporary American cuisine. There’s Fiorentina steak cooked on the indoor charcoal oven, grilled plaice on the bone and spiced venison.

How to get the Swim and Dine offer

Book your later at Zacry’s from 8pm onwards quoting Swim and Dine. You’ll then be able to visit Swim Club from 6pm on the day of dining. Treatments can also be booked up until 7pm, take a look at the treatment list. Swim and Dine costs from £36.50 per person for a three-course meal in Zacry’s.

Read more online or to book your table at Zacry’s please contact Watergate Bay Hotel’s reservations team on 01637 861231.