Thing to do in Cornwall this Spring
22nd April 2021
Finally, the time has come. As April has arrived and spring is blooming, we are also slowly regaining our freedoms. This means that we can once again explore and enjoy Cornwall in all its glory.
Yet despite the irresistible call of the ocean and the sunshine, this year will once again be different. We’ve put together this handy guide with some ideas on how to make the most of Cornwall this spring, whilst avoiding the crowds and embracing the new normal.
Surfing
The expanse and variety of Cornwall’s beaches means that there is enough sea to go around for everyone, and what better way to enjoy the spacious outdoors than getting in amongst the waves? If you don’t feel super confident hitting the surf alone, Cornwall’s Women and Waves Society run group classes and trips to make surfing fun and accessible for all women.
Wild Swimming
If surfing isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of ways to get a daily dose of H20 and enjoy Cornwall’s glittering oceans. Try taking a dip in a cove of your choice- there are plenty of popular spots to head to so you can ensure your swim is safe. Simply immerse yourself in the icy blue water, letting your body relax and restore as you leisurely float. Warning- it may take your breath away!
Find a secret beach
The beauty of Cornwall’s beaches means that in peak times, they can get very busy. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds this summer and carve out a more tranquil spot for yourself, why not try and hunt for a secret beach? Cornwall’s rugged coastline means that it is home to many hidden gems where you can soak up the sun in peace. Finding the perfect spot may take a bit of adventuring, but it is possible- start with the lesser-known treasures of Porth Joke beach in Crantock and Housel Bay in the Lizard.
Walk the Coast Path
Where in Cornwall could you find more open space and picture-book scenery than along the many coastal paths that line the county? With fresh air a key to reducing the spread of Covid, fill your lungs and walk along miles of uninterrupted clifftops. Check out the South West Coast Path website for directions on how to access the UK’s longest and best-loved National Trail. This 630-mile-long path is walking distance from all our properties, so leave the car behind and stretch your legs across a section of this magnificent walk.
Dine With Iris
With dining in busy spots less of an option this year, bring the leisurely experience of dining out to an outdoor space with Dine with Iris’s personal pop-up picnics. She will supply you with a delicious seasonal grazing board, pillows and rugs, themed flowers, a Bluetooth speaker and much more. You don’t need to worry about setting up or packing it up, this is all taken care of. So, bring a few loved ones along and enjoy a Cornish picnic in style.
Outdoor Yoga
To fully embrace the more peaceful spring we will be having, away from large crowds, why not channel this energy into an activity devoted to tranquillity? Here in Cornwall, you will find many outdoor yoga groups, some offering beach sessions which will allow you to sync your breathing with the calming crash of the ocean waves. Check out Alicia Ray Wellbeing for private classes, or even just bring a mat and a calm mind and give it a go in a quiet corner of the beach.
Credit: Alicia Ray
Visit a garden
Not only does it offer miles of untouched coastline, Cornwall is also home to some of the nation’s most exotic gardens, bursting with the colours and scents of summer. Many of these can be visited this spring abiding with social distancing regulations. Delve into the tropical terrain of Trebah gardens, where you will find acres of sweeping flowers, jungle-like trees and secret ponds, all leading towards a secluded and sunny beach at the bottom of the valley. Stray from the crowds and into the embrace of nature.
Watch the sunrise
The best way to avoid the crowds is to get up before them. All of our properties are walking distance from the beach so you can easily stroll down first thing in the morning, where you can enjoy the quieter hours. Early in the morning, you will see the first golden rays of sunlight which shine beautifully onto the untouched sand- you will truly feel as though the beach belongs to just you. If you are more of a night owl than an early bird, head out at sunset time to soak up the more peaceful atmosphere of later in the day.
BBQ on the beach
To enjoy a meal in your own space, why not head down to a secluded spot of the beach for a BBQ dinner? Many of Cornwall’s beaches allow private BBQ’s, so long as you leave no trace once you’re done. So, sit back and relax, with a sizzling burger and a bottle of something cold, as you dine al fresco. You can visit a nearby butcher or food store to source some fresh and organic ingredients to cook with. Just remember to bring a blanket to stay warm in the open air as the spring sun dips lower in the sky.
Travel by bike
Cornwall is home to many great cycle trails, and these can be a fun way to stray from the beaten path and explore away from the crowds and the holiday traffic. The Camel Trail, which ranges from Padstow to Bodmin, offers an 18 mile stretch of scenery and fresh Cornish air. Whilst cycling along the historic disused railway line, you can stop off at some quieter spots along the way where you may catch a glimpse at some fascinating Cornish wildlife. For more experienced cyclists, why not stray from the path and explore the many little villages and country lanes which lead off from the trail?
