From walking the coast path to diving beneath the waves, being by the sea is being able to fully immerse your senses. We found out more about the sensory benefits…

Picture yourself on your favourite Cornish beach. The waves fizz over the sand. The sun warms your face. The pebbles you stash in your pocket feel smooth. The foraged seaweed you dare to nibble on tastes salty; the air smells briny.

Stir it all together, for a unique sensory experience. Sound, sight, touch, taste, smell – all five senses are enlivened: gathering information, grounding the body and soothing the mind.

Research repeatedly shows how contact with nature can improve mental health. According to the Forestry Research Institute in Japan, just being outside can lower our levels of the stress hormone cortisol by as much as 15%.

“Writing over 150 years earlier – long before the dawn of the smartphone – the poet William Wordsworth expressed a similar sentiment. “How much more ought the feelings to prevail when we are in the midst of the realities of things”

And yet the relentless pace of our increasingly two-dimensional, digitised lives is drawing our attention further and further from the natural world. Meanwhile, our highly-evolved senses become largely redundant if we spend too much time sitting in front of screens.

Return to reality

“Nature is our default setting but we have been trained to wander so far away from it,” chef Valentine Warner told Hole&Corner magazine recently. “We have depleted our senses and I find nature awakens mine. I wish we could all stop stroking our phones and look up.” In this virtual age, nature can bring us back to reality.

Writing over 150 years earlier – long before the dawn of the smartphone, the poet William Wordsworth expressed a similar sentiment. “How much more ought the feelings to prevail when we are in the midst of the realities of things; of the joy and happiness of birds and beasts, of hills and streams, and trees and flowers,” he reflected.

Let your senses grow

Gardening – an activity rooted in nature that engages all five senses – has been prescribed by the NHS since 2019. Scientists have even found that people who garden have measuredly better wellbeing.

For Kendra Wilson, author of Garden for the Senses: How Your Garden Can Soothe your Mind and Awaken Your Soul, gardening is “a way of embracing mindfulness by stealth.”

“Cornwall’s wild spaces present abundant sensory experiences – especially at this time of year, as spring breathes new life into the landscape.”

The first step to enjoying a sensory green space, writes Kendra, is to “make sure you leave your phone indoors,” and find plants that appeal to at least two senses. Aromatic herbs, flowering shrubs and fruit-bearing plants will lead you on a journey through taste, texture, scent and colour.

But you don’t have to tend a garden to access these tactile delights. Cornwall’s wild spaces present abundant sensory experiences – especially at this time of year, as spring breathes new life into the landscape. Edible rock samphire starts sprouting on cliffs; gorse turns the coastline golden; wild garlic scents woodland air; calmer seas invite morning swims.

Hands-on activity

Creative pursuits also allow us to tap into the calming benefits of sensory experience. Cooking, painting, carving, weaving, knitting, sculpting: any activity where we use our hands has a remarkable ability to relax us.

“In today’s society, many of us go through our whole lives without ever working with our hands: we live, we work, we eat, we buy, we repeat,” writes artist and professional textile repairer Molly Martin. “Everything is made and delivered at a blistering rate, from fast food to fast fashion and, although this may keep the economy buoyant, it’s not necessarily good for our mental health, or for our planet.”

When Martin uses her hands to mend textiles and create illustrations, she says she is left with “a sense of calm and balance.”

Getting hands-on with creativity has been shown to have quantifiable benefits from feeling happier and more relaxed to reducing anxiety.

Sea more

Over the coming months, we’ll be uncovering the many sensory experiences, and the joy of tuning into your senses, by the sea, so you can make more of every beach retreat…

Stay by the sea in one of our beach locations, and keep your eyes peeled for special offers to be here, for less.

Hayle is a treat for the eyes, with its landscape of photo‑worthy vistas, riverfront wildlife, three‑mile long beach and yawning estuary.

Yet beyond the glorious scenery is a generous handful of beachfront takeaways, laid back cafes and fine dining restaurants where you can tuck into freshly caught seafood, pub classics and everything in between. Here are some of our favourites….

Hungry Horsebox Co.

Converted from an old horse trailer, this café on wheels is parked down at Gwithian Beach and open daily to serve delicious al fresco meals and snacks, ready to be devoured right there amongst the elements. Forget the Cornish pasty‑ how about sampling the rich spices of their famous red lentil dahl with coconut, spinach and sweet potato? Or, tuck into their mouth‑watering whipped lemon and tahini hummus, with toasted flat breads and truffle oil. A taste sensation served with a view.

Sunset Surf Café/ Bar

Looking for some post‑surf grub to re fuel you for the rest of the day? Look no further than Sunset Surf Café, cooking up filling breakfasts, heart‑warming lunches and refreshing drinks that really hit the spot. This café overlooks the sand dunes of Gwithian beach that lead down onto the huge expanse of sand below, the perfect scenery to accompany your meal.

Philps Famous Pasties

A trip to Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without a proper Cornish pasty – it’s a holiday essential. Years of expertise in the pasty trade makes Philps the best in their business, and they cook up fresh batches of the stuffed, flaky pastries daily at their riverside takeaway. You can never go wrong with a classic steak or cheese and onion, but they offer a range of options to satisfy all pasty‑lovers’ appetites!

Sanders Fish and Chips

Another Cornish classic is the fish and chips. Light, flaky cod coated in crispy batter, served with a generous handful of chips and adorned with plenty of salt, vinegar and mushy peas. Can it get any better? Sanders know how to do fish and chips right, and have them ready to eat in or takeaway, allowing you to tuck in in front of the sunset.

Rockpool Beach Café

Just moments from the sea at the lighthouse end of the beach sits The Rockpool Beach Café. Its laid‑back atmosphere and sand dune surroundings makes this boho café a go to lunch spot, serving up fresh seafood, pizzas and beach bites that you can eat in or take to the beach. They also have a sandy back garden, and host live music and open‑air cinema events throughout the year.

Salt Kitchen and Bar

A social hub in the centre of Hayle, Salt is the place to go after a day on the beach. Rock up with sandy toes straight from the sea into this laid back, friendly diner, where you can tuck into modern continental food with a Cornish twist. Sample monkfish and tiger prawn skewers, an antipasti sharing platter or simply a cold beer as you soak up the beach life aura.

New to the area? Check out our blog on 10 reasons to stay in Hayle to find out more, or browse our Hayle retreats below.

Looking for new places to eat in Cornwall? Look no further. Here’s our top picks of restaurants that are new to Cornwall and offering a mouth-watering take on the traditional dining scene by the shore.

Home to the freshest seafood, delicious plants and herbs and a growing number of innovative chefs, Cornwall is becoming a national foodie hotspot with an increasingly impressive reputation.

Following in the footsteps of some of the iconic cooks and restaurants who have left their mark on Cornwall’s food landscape are an array of new pop ups and eateries, widening the menu across the county. We take a look at some of the most delectable new places to eat which are gathering momentum in Cornwall.

Kernowine, Falmouth

This ethical bar and wine school isn’t just about the vines – although they do offer a delicious selection. They also serve charcuterie boards to pair with your drinks, lunches and brunch specials including their Sparkling Saturday and Mimosa Sunday. Kernowine is a new and welcomed addition to Falmouth’s vibrant foodie scene, and is definitely worth a visit during your stay.

New Yard, Helston

This eco-friendly pantry kitchen recently opened its garden doors, inviting guests to try their innovative suppers. Their menu, which changes daily, is entirely crafted from produce grown on site in their walled garden, foraged from the estate or ethically sourced in the local area. Having been awarded a Green Michelin Star for their eco efforts in 2021, theirs is a dinner best served sustainably.

Argoe, Newlyn

Argoe is a new addition to the small fishing village of Newlyn, serving up Cornish seafood and natural wine. Enjoy sharing small plates such as braised cuttlefish and roast Jerusalem artichokes, and fresh fisherman’s catch which includes monkfish tail and John Dory. A must visit if you’re looking for a simple, saltwater take on fine dining.

Source Kitchen, St Ives

Source Kitchen opened their doors in 2020 but was recently featured on Rick Stein’s Cornwall. The famous chef himself was a fan, speaking highly of the restaurant’s red mullet dish with potato confit. Their menus make the best of Cornwall’s produce by locally sourcing and foraging ingredients, and are meant for sharing, with the small dishes sent out from the kitchen as and when they are ready. For a relaxed meal which doesn’t skimp on flavour, this is a must-try during your time in Cornwall.

The Longstore, Truro

Following in the footsteps of its sister restaurant in Charlestown, The Longstore is a new bar and grill which combines stylish city dining with a laid back Cornish atmosphere. Head out for a day of shopping in this pretty inland Cornish town before sampling some delicious steak, seafood and cocktails.

Springtide, Charlestown

Tuck into fresh mussels and steaming lobster at Charlestown’s newest seafood restaurant, situated overlooking the harbour. Serving up all things seafood inspired by their Mediterranean travels, this is your go-to spot for an authentic taste of the ocean. Sea views and sea flavours – it’s a Cornish dream.

Emily Scott Food, Watergate bay

Enriching the foodie scene down at Watergate bay is Emily Scott Food, serving up local fish, dreamy desserts and wines from around the globe in the glass fronted restaurant space overlooking the sand. This is a great spot to catch a spectacular sunset on a summer’s evening, and is walkable along the coast path from nearby areas of Porth and Mawgan Porth.

Ugly Butterfly, Carbis bay

Carbis Bay’s new sustainable restaurant showcases beautifully presented dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients, with a zero-waste approach. Offering an all-day dining experience, chef Adam Handling’s Ugly Butterfly bar uses trims and offcuts from the ingredients used in the restaurant to create delicious drinks and bar snacks. As their motto goes, there’s no such thing as an ugly butterfly, in the same way as there is no such thing as food waste.

Our new series, Staff pick of the month, asks members of the team about their favourite Beach Retreats property. This month we speak to Customer Services & Reservations Co-ordinator, Jodie Ferguson. Jodie is a Newquay local and mum to two daughters and a very active dog called Bugsy. She loves to spend her weekends walking Bugsy, especially on large open beaches allowing him to run around.

Her chosen retreat is Watergate Lodge, an innovative eco house just moments from the beach which features an impressive outdoor space and a modern, sustainable design.

What is it you like most about this property?

The fact it’s so new and modern, and has wonderful décor inside, yet still blends perfectly into the area like it’s always been there. Driving past you barely notice it amongst the greenery because of its grass and wildflower roof.

What will be your favourite part of the day when staying at this retreat?

Definitely sitting around the firepit in the enclosed courtyard garden. It has an amazing outside space where you can watch the night sky and spend the evening out in the fresh air, but still stay warm by the fire. I also love the roof terrace with outdoor sofas if you want to get more comfortable and still watch the stars.

What is it that you like about the local area?

I love the rugged North Coast of Cornwall and I enjoy the coastal path walks which you can pick up within a short 10 mins from this property. You can walk from Watergate to Mawgan Porth along the cliff path in no time, and from there can go even further to the beautiful Bedruthan steps. It’s so peaceful, especially being able to walk along the cliffs and away from the main roads.

What’s the nearest beach like and how far is the walk?

Watergate bay is only a couple of minutes walk away and I love how you can access it by walking through the gardens nearby. I’d love to be able to get home that quickly after a day on the beach! It’s perfect for walking my dog on as its so huge and is dog friendly all year round.

Is there a particular restaurant in the area that you would choose to eat at?

I love the pub food at The Travellers Rest, which is a short drive away towards Mawgan Porth. Or, if I want to watch the sea then The Beach Hut at Watergate bay is only a couple of minutes away and is always delicious.

Can you catch a good sunset or sunrise here?

Watergate bay has some stunning sunsets, as the sun sets directly over the North coast. I’d love to walk up onto to the coast path from this retreat to get an even better view as the sun goes down. It’s also great how you can run down from the retreat and quickly catch the sunset as you’re so close to it.

What would you say is a must-see or do in this area?

Learn to surf or play in the sea. The Extreme Academy is on the beach, where you can have surf lessons, and Watergate bay gets great waves. The beach is lifeguard patrolled in the peak months meaning it’s safe to take the family for a dip. 

Watergate Lodge sleeps 12 guests and has availability for 2022, click here to find out more.

Ever wondered what Cornwall is famous for? This guide will walk you through everything that makes Cornwall special, from its rich history to its world class coastline. Take a deep dive into Cornish culture and find out more about this unique landscape.

Bringing your dog to explore Cornwall? Check out our dog friendly holiday cottages.

Surfing

Cornwall is world famous for its surfing, and there’s one word on every surfers’ lips- Fistral. Fistral beach is the centre of British surfing, with its Northerly swell producing consistently great surf all year round. Only the experts can brave the Cribbar, though – Fistral’s famous huge wave which occurs during large swells. The beach is home to a beautiful stretch of golden sand and flanked with sand dunes, making it the perfect destination for a sunbathe, beach walk or beer at sunset. It’s also home to the International Surfing Centre, and teams up with Watergate Bay to host Europe’s largest surf and skateboarding festival, Boardmasters, year on year.

Around the Cornish coast you’ll find countless other surfing hotspots, including Watergate bay, Gwithian beach near Hayle, Perranporth beach and Polzeath beach. So if you want a taste of what Cornwall is all about, grab a board and get in the surf.

Browse our locations to find a place to stay by your chosen surfing beach.

The Cornish pasty- and other foodie gems

It’s an unwritten rule that you must eat a Cornish pasty when visiting Cornwall. The semicircular pastry, filled with meat, potato, swede and onion, is an iconic food staple with a rich history. It was invented back in Cornwall’s famous mining days as an easy lunch for the miners, who would hold the pasty by its crimped crust and tuck into the centre.

Nowadays, if you’re on a Cornish beach you’ll never be far from an outlet serving freshly baked pasties. The traditional steak still reigns champion, but other variations include cheese and onion, vegetable and more unorthodox fillings, some even sweet.

Cream tea

Another undeniable Cornish foodie staple is the cream tea. A scone, still warm from the oven, sliced in half, topped with sugary sweet jam and a dollop of clotted cream and washed down with a pot of tea. Don’t forget to spread the jam first, then the cream- the Cornish way.

Fish and chips

You haven’t felt that Cornwall feeling until you’ve sat on the sand at sunset, tucking into a delicious portion of fish and chips served in newspaper and adorned with salt, vinegar and mushy peas. Fish and chips don’t get better than in Cornwall, where the fish is often caught locally.

Attractions and landmarks

The Eden Project

The Eden Project should be on everyone’s Cornish bucket list. Rich in exotic plants, unusual sculptures and educational features, Eden is an impressive eco project with sustainability at its heart. Dubbed the eighth wonder of the world by some, this dramatic global garden is housed in tropical biomes the size of 30 football pitches. Trek through the rainforest biome, passing 1000 species of tropical plants, towards the running waterfall or the suspended canopy walkway, or dine in the Mediterranean biome amongst spiky cacti and ancient olive trees.

St Michaels Mount

Set just off Marazion beach, this tiny island appears to have been lifted straight out of a fairy tale. A perfect little crescent harbour, an ancient castle, a cobbled causeway that appears and disappears twice a day and steep, wooded slopes – it’s the stuff of legend.

Getting to St Michael’s Mount is almost as much fun as exploring the island itself. When the tide is out the causeway is exposed and it’s a 10 minute walk over the chunky, uneven cobbles to the harbour. If you’re planning to get back to the mainland on foot, you’ll need a tide timetable and to be very vigilant – the tide whistles in faster than you might imagine, so always leave yourself a healthy margin for error. When the island is cut off by the tide, you’ll need to catch one of the small boats that run to and fro between the rocky piers on Marazion beach and the harbour on the Mount. These run throughout the day in spring and summer but far less frequently at other times.

History and heritage

St Piran’s Day

Looking to party? Visit Cornwall on St Piran’s Day, the national day of Cornwall held on 5 March every year. The day is named after Saint Piran, the patron saint of the tin miners, and began as a day of holiday during the age of tin mining in Cornwall. Today, it’s celebrated by Cornish people as a day of culture, with plenty of food and drink enjoyed alongside parades and festivities which happen in many towns across the county. You’ll recognise the flag flown on the day as the Saint Piran’s flag, a black background with a white cross.

Fishing and sea shanties

Cornwall has a long tradition of fishing, with many of the harbour villages still used for fishing on a day-to-day basis. Its rich fisherman’s culture includes sea shanties, which were commonly sung on ships to keep the men working in a rhythm. Now, sea shanties and singing are enjoyed around Cornwall across various pubs and events, including the International Sea Shanty festival in Falmouth.

Mining

Beyond Cornwall’s beautiful coastline is a rich inland history of mining, china clay and agriculture. Far back in the 18th century, Cornwall was the mining centre of the world, famous for its base metal and tin production, and the Cornish were known as the best miners in the world. The trade in Cornwall is no more, but you can still visit the mines and take in their stunning surroundings and impressive industrial architecture. Some of the best are Geevor tin mine in Penzance, Wheal Coates in St Agnes and Poldark mine in Helston.

Culture

Film and TV

Did somebody say Poldark? Cornwall’s striking cliffs and expansive beaches provide excellent backdrops and filming locations, so its no wonder that Cornwall is famous for many iconic film and TV productions set on its shores. The 2015 series Poldark has a cult following and is known for its many dramatic clifftop scenes in locations such as Charlestown, Kynance, Porthcurno and Holywell bay.

Another TV favourite is Doc Martin, a medical comedy drama set in the picturesque harbour town of Port Isaac. The whole drama is set in the town, known in the programme as Portwenn.

The latest instalment of the Game of Thrones universe, House of the Dragon, has also recently been filmed with many scenes in Cornwall.

Books and literature

The tales of Cornwall were being penned down long before television. Famous author and playwright Daphne Du Maurier lived in Fowey, and later moved to Kilmarth, a house overlooking St Austell bay. Her iconic novel, Rebecca, was set in Menabily, known in the book as Manderley.

Virginia Woolfe’s classic novel, To The Lighthouse, was also directly inspired by Godrevy lighthouse in Hayle.

Art

Cornwall is also famous as an artistic hub, its rugged cliffs and seascapes providing endless inspiration for artists throughout generations. St Ives is the heart of the artistic scene in Cornwall, known for its unique light which casts a soft blue glow off the sea. Here, sculptor Barbara Hepworth made some of her most influential work, much of which is showcased in the Tate St Ives gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.

Fat Hen wild cookery school experiences open up a new natural world. Join Fat Hen’s Caroline Davey as she sets out on a foraging walk to the beach.

“Seaweed, as part of our local ecosystem, is so important for our marine life. And, I think people are recognising its health-giving properties. More and more people are interested in knowing how to eat it and how to cook with it.”

Watch Caroline talk about sustainably foraging seaweed and how she approaches using it in the kitchen, as she searches out seaweed on Cornwall’s rocky shores.

“Running becomes almost meditative.”

Take to the coast path in the quieter hours as the day begins or ends, for a unique running experience.

Lace up your trail running shoes, strap on your pack and set out. With your feet pounding the terrain, the fresh air flowing through your lungs, you begin to connect with the landscape by powering through it: cutting across fields; following a narrow path winding down between trees; and pushing up rough-hewn granite steps to emerge on to a blustery headland, the sun setting over the ocean that stretches out ahead of you. All to a soundtrack of birdsong, wind and waves.

Running the coast path offers the full running experience. It’s exhilarating. Challenging. And utterly freeing.

A runner’s world

“The coast path offers more than just running,” says Helen Clare (featured in the film below), a St Agnes-based yoga teacher who works with runners to build their strength and flexibility, and help them develop a more natural running style. She’s lucky to have the coast path right on her doorstep. “It’s the whole experience of being out in the environment, surrounded by nature, where running becomes almost meditative.”

If you’re keen to unleash your legs and unwind your mind, you’ll never be short of stimulus on the Cornish coast, which is over 420 miles long and impossibly varied.

“If you spend too much time trying to go fast, you don’t look up at what’s around you. It’s best to savour the moment.”

Starting close to the Devon border, if you reach Rame Head as the sun comes up you’ll be greeted by sweeping bay views that would take your breath away without the hill climb. In the north, feet planted in the golden Watergate sand, you’re just a short trot from blowholes, ancient forts and fascinating rock formations.

Way out west, explore the rugged, foreboding cliffs of Cape Cornwall to run among abandoned mine engine houses or opt for the spectacular highs and azure waters of Porthcurno. On the south coast, navigate the wooded creeks of the Helford River, near Falmouth. The options are almost endless.

Photo credit: Goodrest Studios

Getting started

As a race director at MudCrew, an organisation that runs gruelling endurance runs on the Cornish coast, Jane Stephens has seen runners of all experience levels throwing themselves at the trails. Her advice is to start short. Uphill climbs on the coast path tend to feel more draining than anywhere else; so too do the steep and hazardous step descents. Don’t worry about times either, as you’re likely to wind up frustrated. Which, she says, is to miss the point entirely.

“Unless you’re a mountain goat, you’re never going to be hugely fast on the coast path,” says Stephens. “So, aim to cover certain areas and log the distance instead. The views are incredible, and it’s just a very special place to be. If you spend too much time trying to go fast, you don’t look up at what’s around you. It’s best to savour the moment.”

For an easy, accessible starting section, Stephens suggests parking at Trevone and heading towards Watergate, nine miles to the West. She describes the section as “absolutely beautiful, and relatively easy”; a largely wide, flat and open section where you can frequently see the coast path winding ahead of you in the distance.

Run safe

While it’s free and freeing, running the coast path is, first, all about safety. Invest in decent running shoes, with the grip and toe protection to navigate hazards like rocks and tree roots.

“The surroundings. The solitude. You can spend a day out there on remote sections and not see anybody.”

Take plenty of food and fuel. And be sure to let people know where you’re heading. The coast path can turn very remote, very quickly, so carry a means of payment and getting in touch with people.

Finally, if you’re going to run at dusk, make sure you’ve already experienced the route in daylight, keep distances short, and take a head torch – because the terrain will completely transform at night, and so should your level of care.

Adventure all hours

Treat it right, however, and running the coast path is guaranteed to open up a rare world of genuine adventure.

“It’s like how surfers and seafarers respect the sea,” says Stephens. “It can be dangerous, but it’s also my absolute favourite place to be. The surroundings. The solitude. You can spend a day out there on remote sections and not see anybody. It’s just a beautiful place to be.”

Thank you to Helen Clare for allowing us to feature her in our coastal running film.

Whether you’re thirsty to discover more about wine, passionate about sustainability or in search of a new adventure, Wild Wine School has it all.

Experiences to submerge your senses and explore the story of wine, set against a backdrop of Cornwall’s natural beauty. We chat with Debbie Siobhan Warner, the founder of the school to find out more…

Image credit: Ingrid Pop

What were you doing before you founded Wild Wine School (WWS)?

I studied marine biology at university but by the time I’d finished my dissertation, I realised I didn’t want to be an academic, and some of the other career prospects, such as working for an oil company, really didn’t appeal to me. After moving back to London, I spent time in Cornwall and loved the idea of being back by the coast full-time, so I applied for a job at a Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, formerly at Watergate Bay. A space came up last-minute on a Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 2 course and I absolutely loved it; I knew wine was what I wanted to do!

Learning about wine is like entering the rabbit hole; all I wanted to do was discover more about wine, how it’s made and where it’s from. I’d save all my tips from the restaurant to go to different wine regions and meet winemakers. I secured a position in the wine department at Fifteen, then I worked as a wine consultant and in sales for a wine wholesaler. It was all very fortuitous.

“There is an experience for everyone. I teach introductory courses that are perfect for curious consumers. We explore different wine regions, the main eight grape varieties and how to pair wine with food.”

Image credit: Ingrid Pop

What inspired you to begin WWS?

Most of my wine education was at the back of a restaurant or a college classroom, but my favourite experiences were out in vineyards – a classroom in the vines. We also studied very traditional wines, with little consideration for sustainability and the environment. I felt like there was a better way of doing it, where people are outside, learning about new, exciting wines.

Image credit: Ingrid Pop

Initially, I started with a supper club, Wild Wine Club. I’d work with chefs to design a menu to work with the wines I’d be showing; we’d have supper outside and I’d share everything I was learning about wines from all over the world. It felt amazing to be sharing this knowledge and guests kept asking how they could learn more so eventually I thought ‘hang on, I could develop this’. The rest is history.

What are the experiences you offer?

There is an experience for everyone. I teach introductory courses that are perfect for curious consumers. We explore different wine regions, the main eight grape varieties and how to pair wine with food.

There’s also an organic and biodynamic workshop focusing on wines made from sustainably and regeneratively farmed grapes. In the afternoon, we make a biodynamic preparation. It’s a bit wild and wonderful, but it’s fun and the wine is proven to taste better.

Image credit: Ingrid Pop

All of the experiences include lunch and wine tasting, working with local chefs to create the menus. For courses hosted at Trevibban Mill Vineyard, we have amazing charcuterie and cheese boards with homemade hummus by Tom, the son of owners’ Liz and Engin. For another, we team-up with Gorse Bakery in Newquay to serve a mushroom and brie wellington accompanied by their delicious sourdough and fresh salads.

What is the ethos behind the school?

I want Wild Wine School to challenge the way that wine education is taught, creating modern courses that look at how we can enjoy wine but also make better choices for our planet. So, the different ways of transporting wine, new formats beyond the glass bottle, and refill or preservation systems.

“I hope people feel inspired and confident to try wines out of their comfort zone.”

I think people can forget that wine is an agricultural product. It’s easy to forget about the farmer that made it, the horses that ploughed the ground, the weather conditions each season; there’s so much beyond what we see. Being outside helps people connect to this story behind the bottle.

Image credit: Ingrid Pop

Is it important for WWS to be in Cornwall?

Cornwall is the most amazing place. We have an incredible hospitality scene here with some of the top restaurants in the country. We’ve got this brilliant wine industry that’s still in its infancy and has exciting prospects bubbling on the horizon.

“One of the hardest elements to expanding your wine knowledge can be identifying and articulating the different flavours you’re tasting.”

Image credit: Ingrid Pop

There is also a blossoming regenerative farming scene here in Cornwall and experimental businesses such as New Dawn Traders who are challenging the way we transport food and drink around the world; it’s inspiring to see this push for positive change.

How do you want people to feel coming away from an experience at the school?

I hope people feel inspired and confident to try wines out of their comfort zone. I think one of the hardest elements of expanding your wine knowledge can be identifying and articulating the different flavours you’re tasting. So many people say ‘it’s familiar but I can’t quite put my finger on it.’ This is the first step to branching out, little by little. It’s not just about wine either, it can help you be mindful with everything you taste.

The wine industry is historically elitist and intimidating. Even when I joined, it felt like an old boys’ club. But that’s changing, there’s so many younger people opening up the space, making it more accessible and bringing in a wave of fresh air. I hope everyone who comes on one of our courses or workshops feels excited to learn more!

Credit Lewis Harrison Pinder

wildwineschool.co.uk

Find a retreat in one of our beach locations and sip wine by the ocean. Browse our special offers page to find the best deal.

Our new series, Staff pick of the month, asks members of the team about their favourite Beach Retreats property. This month we speak to Reservation and Customer Service Manager, Lucy Thomasson. Lucy is a Newquay local and a mum of two boys, and she loves raising her kids here in Cornwall and spending time with them on the beach.

Her chosen retreat is Egret View, an impressive family house in Fistral, with views across the River Gannel and towards Crantock beach.

What is it you like most about this property?

There are so many things that I love about this property. The large open plan living space is great for socialising. I can also visualise my children arriving on holiday and being amazed by the wooden boat, climbing wall and slide bed, they would have hours of fun in this house whilst I sit and enjoy the views across the Gannel from the balcony.

What will be your favourite part of the day when staying at this retreat?

Being able to wake up in the morning and walk down to the Gannel for an early morning swim or paddle board.

What is it that you like about the local area?

The property is located close to The River Gannel and Crantock beach which is where I used to spend my summer holidays as a child. I have lots of happy memories and it’s my favourite place to be. My boys love the swings on the trees and hunting playing in the pools of water at low tide.

What’s the nearest beach like and how far is the walk?

Crantock and Fistral are both nearby. Crantock can be reached by walking down to the Gannel and crossing the small wooden bridge at low tide- just be careful to check the tide times or you’ll end up stuck the wrong side of the river! You can also drive round to Crantock for the day to avoid this. Fistral is just five minutes away too, and is a perfect surfing beach. You can also walk the coast path to Polly Joke which is beautiful when the poppies are out.

Is there a particular restaurant in the area that you would choose to eat at?

Lewinnick Lodge is great for food or just a quick drink after a day exploring. It’s on the headland just a short walk from the property, and the views are incredible.

Can you catch a good sunset or sunrise here?

I love taking an early evening stroll around Pentire headland where there are lovely benches for you to sit and watch the sunset. The sun sets directly over Fistral beach so on a clear evening it looks amazing.

What would you say is a must-see or do in this area?

You have to try paddle boarding or horse riding along the Gannel. The house is a short walk from Trenance stables, where you can book onto horse riding lessons and rides alongside the river.

Egret View sleeps 11 guests and has availability for 2022, click here to find out more.

Jude Kereama, Sham Mulji and Fiona Were are among the Cornwall-based chefs revealing some of the tempting new flavours and ingredients on menus in 2022. From St Ives Bay Mackerel to sweet Melder honey, hand-dived scallops and sustainably reared beef, take a culinary tour of the county with some of the most talented chefs working here today…

Food pictured: Chef Fiona NZ

Chef Fiona NZ, private chef, Cornwall

Touted as one of the ’10 female chefs to watch’ by The Independent, Fiona Were is taking the Cornish private dining scene by storm. Drawing on her New Zealand roots, classic French training and Asian influences, Fiona travels throughout Cornwall offering her bespoke dining experiences – from intimate dinners à deux to exquisite group tasting menus.

“The ingredient that I’m most excited about using for 2022 is the fantastic seafood that Cornwall has to offer, in particular, hand line caught, St Ives Bay Mackerel. I just love the versatility of this beautiful fish.

“My dishes are always evolving with the seasons and mackerel is often a key feature. It pairs so well with many different flavours, from delicate to robust. I particularly enjoy accompanying this delicious, underrated, sustainably caught fish with herbs I may have foraged on one of my many ornithological forays or that I have grown myself, which add intriguing flavour notes.

“Every ingredient I use plays its own role on the plate. Sometimes less is more, but the flavours and colours are always fresh and intense. The possibilities are only limited by my imagination.”

Beach Retreats in St Ives

Jude Kereama, patron chef, Kota, Porthleven

Meaning ‘shellfish’ in Maori, Kota serves the best local produce with a signature Asian twist from a 300-year-old converted mill on the historic Porthleven harbour front. Half Maori, half Chinese Malay chef Jude Kereama is much-celebrated, having been named ‘Chef of the Year’ in 2019 and chosen to represent the South West in Great British Menu.

“We are looking forward to our new season tasting menu here at Kota, taking advantage of local produce that surrounds us in Cornwall. These include seared hand-dived scallops with xo sauce, crispy onions and venison tartare from a local venison farm which is the best I have ever used (West Country Premium Venison). 

“We will serve the tartare with apple, celeriac, hazelnuts and a gochujang dressing. We are also looking forward to producing from our own farm, which we are working on at the moment.”

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Image Credit: Jude Kereama, Kota, photographer James Ram

Sham Mulji, chef/barista/owner, Situ Café (mobile)

With a menu spanning speciality coffee, masala chai and Gujarati, Ugandan and British fusion food, mobile canteen Situ Café is the brainchild of Sham Mulji – AKA the man behind the van. Visitors to Cornwall can sample Sham’s flavours at local markets, pop-ups and his ‘Eatery Evenings’ – or bring the café culture to their dining room with private catering.

“When I launched the ‘Eatery’ section of the business last summer, I wanted to find the best, local, sustainable produce to continue our aim of connecting communities. I’m particularly excited to explore more of what Homage to the Bovine (grass-fed retired dairy cow beef) have to offer this year ­– building on their sustainable beef practices by using forequarter, shin, ox-tail, marrow and even pushing boundaries by cooking up liver and trotters.

“This is in keeping with our ‘heritage food’ style and, as a farming county, it’s important we take a more sustainable, nose-to-tail approach when eating meat.”

Chef Natasha, private chef, Cornwall

St Ives local and freelance chef Natasha Osborne creates unique dining experiences across Cornwall. Working closely with her clients to plan bespoke menus, Chef Natasha is just as comfortable rustling up a relaxed outdoor wood-fired feast as a refined tasting menu – and can often be found foraging in the Cornish hedgerows for new flavours.

“I’m most excited about working with new local suppliers. Most recently, I’ve been daydreaming of a dish featuring Melder Honey, which is a honey that’s really local to my hometown of St Ives. It’s the best honey I’ve ever tasted and Toby the owner is so great to work with, often turning up with a truck full of bees and honey for me!

“I’m thinking of recreating a steamed sponge syrup pudding, traditionally made with golden syrup, which I will be replacing with Toby’s honey and adding some blackberries too – perhaps a blackberry custard or crème patisserie. There’s just something so good about an actual, old-school pudding.”

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Angus Bell, chef/owner, Restaurant Mine, Falmouth

Nestled in a cobbled courtyard favoured by Falmouth’s arty crowd, Restaurant Mine is a cosy neighbourhood eatery offering a fresh take on classic British food. Le Gavroche-trained chef Angus Bell is the culinary mastermind behind a reassuringly concise menu of locally sourced ingredients.

“I’m very passionate about the provenance of the produce we use. Everything in the kitchen comes from Cornwall, within as small a radius as possible.

“There are some incredible growers here, and I like to preserve the best of each season for use throughout the year.

“One of our suppliers has just harvested his Cornish lemons, which we have on the menu in cocktails and a lemon curd pavlova now and have preserved in salt for future salad dressings and sauces.”

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