Author: gloversure

Weekend retreat in Cawsand

Cawsand

CawsandLocal blogger Hayley Spurway and her family cast away to Cawsand for a weekend…

Following the directions along narrow, winding streets to reach The Penthouse 4 The Bay, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you might end up driving straight into the sea. It’s only just before you hit the shoreline that you turn into an underground parking lot beneath a brand new complex of beachside apartments: one of which was our weekend pad.

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

SWANKY BEACH PAD

While the boys’ jaws dropped at the technical bling and bunk beds – with a PS4, bedside screens and all the gadgets they’re not allowed at home – I was stunned by the eye-popping views and our proximity to the big blue and. A serene ocean-scape flooded through every window, with a pop-out balcony in my penthouse suite, where I could soak up said views and listen to the meditative echo of the waves in a private sanctuary, squirrelled away from the rest of the house. I even had control of my own Sonos sound system, so with excitement levels running high and the boys already commandeering the soundtrack downstairs, I cranked up my own tunes, took a deep breath of briny air, and kicked back on the plump cushions scattered on the bed. Bliss.

SEASIDE LIFESTYLE

Ensconced in the coastal lifestyle, our hectic pace of life quickly adjusted to the beat of the ocean and the steady ebb and flow of the tides. We eased open electric blinds to watch the sublime sunrise over Plymouth Sound, where sailing boats crossed the watery border between Devon and Cornwall. Our bare feet padded across the sand and along the cobbled seaside lanes, on the way to buy fresh sourdough bread from The Old Bakery – ready for breakfast after an invigorating sea swim. Skimming stones for the dog to chase, splashing in the shallows and swimming out to sea until the cold water prickled our skin, sparked a hearty appetite for coffee and eggs, served back on our balcony overhanging the sea.

Take a scenic walk through Lynton and Lynmouth, exploring their charming streets, historic landmarks, and breathtaking coastal views in North Devon.

CAR-FREE ADVENTURES

Although we were content to while away hours in our beach pad – playing snakes and ladders and scrabble, and gorging on Cornish cream teas (the ingredients thoughtfully provided by the owners) – it was time to breakout on some family adventures and explore this divine and ‘forgotten corner’ of Cornwall. So, fresh Cornish pasties in hand, and with the dog in tow, we climbed aboard the little Cawsand Ferry, which puttered to and from the beach, right outside our door.

Explore the picturesque village of Cawsand in South Cornwall with Beach Retreats, offering charming cottages and stunning coastal views for a relaxing getaway.

Passing maritime and military landmarks, we crossed the watery border into Devon, tracking a course towards the iconic Smeaton’s Tower – a lighthouse that was originally built to deter sailors from Eddystone Reef, then moved stone by stone Plymouth Hoe in 1884. Climbing the lighthouse tower is just one of the amazing things to do once the ferry moors in Plymouth, and another family favourite is a visit to the largest aquarium in the UK. However, after a ramble along the Barbican, we stepped into the fascinating Mayflower museum, took a twirl along the hoe, and tucked into fish and chips. By then is was already time to hop back on the ferry for a bumpy crossing back to Cawsand, which was swiftly followed by a sundowner at The Bay, basking in the last glimpse of the autumn sunshine.

HOME COMFORTS

Despite a tempting menu at The Bay bar and restaurant, we chose to head back upstairs and make use of the high-spec kitchen in our penthouse. After all, what’s the point in residing in a stylish beach house if you don’t make the most of it? Whether you want to throw a dinner party or cook up a hearty family feast, the kitchen is well equipped for all occasions. And whether you’re cooking, chilling out on the sofa, or sitting at the dinner table, the views from the open-plan living space far outdo those from the restaurant downstairs (even if our food wasn’t as high calibre as the seafood-biased menu being served there).

DOG-FRIENDLY DAYS

The beauty of being able to bring your dog to stay at The Bay is that are so many walks on the doorstep. From October to Easter you can pad straight out onto the dog-friendly sands with your morning coffee, while neighbouring Kingsand beach is paw-friendly year round. Keen for a picturesque Sunday stroll, we made tracks along the South West Coast Path, following chestnut-littered paths beneath woodland canopies, to the Rame Peninsula.

With the trail never veering more than a pebble’s throw from the water, we peeped through the autumn leaves to sailing boats on Plymouth Sound, before emerging at the historic Penlee Battery. This made the perfect spot for a picnic, while the kids made the most of nature’s playground, clambering on craggy rocks where fishermen lured Sunday lunch onto their lines. The coast path continues all the way to the chapel perched on the tip of Rame Head, or you can follow a circular route back to Kingsand.

SURF’S UP

Staying at The Bay, there’s no need for a car to enjoy plenty of family adventures by ferry and foot. However, the whisper of a wave on nearby Whitsand Bay was enough to nudge us to start the engine, and explore the sweeping expanse of coastline wrapping its way back towards south Cornwall. Winding along mile-upon-mile of wave-lashed coastline, it makes an epic road trip through a landscape that echoes with history and legend. It’s thought that Freathy Cliffs are still haunted by the ghost of a smuggler named Silas Finn, who betrayed his friends to save himself from the authorities.

Sitting beneath the cliffs at Eddystone Beach Café, we watched the surfers who now flock to this coastline in place of the smugglers and seafarers of days gone by. It’s the juxtaposition of past and present – the meeting of a rich heritage and state-of-the-art living – that makes this ‘forgotten corner’ of Cornwall so magical. And as the sun went down on our weekend away, we felt relaxed and rejuvenated, having been immersed in the history and beauty of Cornwall, all from the comfort of a contemporary beach house.

THE LOWDOWN:

The Penthouse, 4 The Bay, The Bound, Cawsand
Sleeps 8 in 4 spacious bedrooms with en suites
Dog-friendly.

Book a stay at The Penthouse 4 The Bay in Cawsand.

King of the Surf – Pete Abell, Day in the Life of

Do you dream about making a career out of living by the beach and surfing? We catch a few waves with Pete Abell of KingSurf, to get the lowdown on running your own surf school in Cornwall. But before you read on, check this video showcasing a typical day in the life of a surf instructor.

IT’S A BEAUTIFUL OCTOBER DAY when I paddle out at Mawgan Porth to meet Pete in the waves. When there’s 2-3ft clean surf, there’s nowhere better to meet a surf instructor than in the very territory that set his path to running one of the best surf schools in Cornwall. As he rides wave after wave, chatting enthusiastically between each ride, Pete’s passion for surfing and the ocean shows no bounds. Eventually I persuade to get him to return to dry land, for a coffee and chat.

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

WAKE UP CALL

“Every morning when I wake up, I look out the window to see if the sky’s blue and the surf’s good. I get the coffee machine going, check the waves and the flag on the back on the surf school, to decide whether it’s worth leaving the wife and the baby to head in for a surf before I’ve got two or three lessons to teach. I often wake up 5am, and once I’ve looked outside I can’t get back to sleep if the conditions are good – I just want to be out there in the waves.”

FAMILY MAN

“I’m actually just a regular Dad – a family man. As I’ve got older I’ve found myself getting up less and less for those early surfs. I end up playing with the baby and wooden train set instead. I do try and get a surf in for myself every day if I can, but most mornings my wife and I walk up to the top of the cliffs together to get a better view of what the waves and banks are doing from a higher point of view. If it’s looking good, we’ll come back, have breakfast and get in.”

BEACH HOUSE

“I live right beside the surf school, in Mawgan Porth. Which is great in the winter when you can just pop down, do your lesson or have a surf, then get warm again. And it’s easy to nip down and get the boards out to be geared up and ready for the first lesson each morning. But sometimes in the summer you can end up spending all your time at work. I spend practically all my time in Mawgan Porth – work there, sleep there, socialise there – it’s a great community. I can go six weeks without leaving the valley. If Tesco didn’t deliver I wouldn’t eat.”

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

CALL OF THE OCEAN

“My father took me to Mawgan Porth when I was eight and we borrowed some foamies to mess around in the waves. As soon as we got home to Gloucestershire I craved being back by the beach, even at that young age. Whenever we went on holiday to the beach I’d spend about 10 hours a day in the sea. We had family holidays all over Cornwall, but as soon as I got my driving licence I always returned to Mawgan Porth. Eventually it became my home. And now the time’s come for me to pass that love for the ocean onto my own son, Marlon. He stood up on his first wave at Mawgan Porth when he was 11 months old.”

SURFING

“Surfing’s become so popular now. We run two or three surfing lessons a day. We don’t want our group sizes to get too big, so we keep the ratios down by running three, or even four lessons a day. We put everyone in groups that suit their ability, and try to keep that personal experience. Mawgan Porth beach is so wide at low tide, that even if there are three groups running simultaneously, you feel like you have plenty of space.

We’ve got huge boards and high-tech kit, so everyone’s got a 99% chance of standing up in their first lesson. Our main aim is make sure you ride your first wave and are stoked. But we also ensure we teach you about staying safe in the ocean.

I love watching people progress, then see them come back with their own board (I’ll even take them to the shop to make sure they get the right board to suit them) for the odd advanced lesson. It’s not just the physical progression; what I love most is when I see that I’ve made surfing a part of someone’s life.”

SEASONS

“Look at us – we’re sat here in short sleeves, balmy sunshine, just out of the sea. September and October are the best months ever in Cornwall, and May and June are epic, too. The best advice I can give to families and couples that don’t have to fit in with school holidays, is to come down before and after peak season. In fact, the most under-rated season in Cornwall is winter. It’s just so good – there’s no one here, it’s half the price to stay anywhere, there are no queues, you can book a table at any restaurant, and the waves can be amazing. We run winter surf camps – including food, surf forecasting and video analysis – that we can run from your Beach Retreat. It’s a huge step up from a regular surfing lesson.”

BRAVING THE ELEMENTS

“Bad weather can make surfing even better. And it’s way more fun than playing pitch and putt in the rain! When you head out in the wind and rain, I know you’re committed and that you really want to learn to surf. I would – hand on heart – say that I can keep you as warm in the winter as I can in the summer. Sometimes even warmer. We’ve got 5mm wetsuits, hoods, boots and gloves. A bit of wind and blown out waves aren’t going to affect you if you’re just learning. And if you’re intermediate and looking for green waves to progress on, we’ll take you to a more sheltered beach. Being on the outskirts of Newquay, we’re so lucky to have access to beaches for all different conditions.”

MUSIC

I used to listen punk or heavy metal to get me amped for surfing. But now I go surfing just to glide around on the waves and I don’t push myself. So I prefer to listen to something mellow like Ben Howard instead. I go out to be at one with the sea and in harmony with nature. The older I get the less waves I want. To let someone else go and catch the stoke is almost as good as having it myself.

LIFESTYLE

I love the surfing and beach lifestyle here in Cornwall. The pace is less hectic and the nature of life is less competitive. People pay thousands of pounds to come down and live the lifestyle that we live every day… the surf, the laid-back social life and the sundowners. 99% of my life revolves around surfing. We’re so lucky to call this place home.

Find a beach location for your next holiday to Cornwall, and keep an eye out on our special offers page for the latest deals and discounts.

Explore our new retreat roundup, unveiling the newest additions to our collection of coastal escapes.

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Beach Retreats Top 2019 Instagram moments

As we say goodbye to 2019, we look back at some of our most memorable Instagram moments from the team at Beach Retreats, past guests, bloggers and photographers using #beachretreats. We hope to welcome you all back in 2019 for another memorable stay.

Follow us on Instagram to see all of our 2019 moments.

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

Tintagel Castle in north Cornwall just got better with their brand new footbridge, recreating the historic crossing from the mainland to the headland. Would you brave the drop?

We enjoyed a day in sunny St Ives earlier this year, walking the coast path past its picture-perfect beaches. Look out for our brand new property nearby joining in 2020, 4 Godrevy Court in Carbis Bay.

It’s no surprise that Fistral Beach is one of our favourite go to sunset locations. Pack a picnic and watch with your loved one on the headland, or dine alfresco at The Stable, Fish House or Fistral Beach Bar.

Newly decorated for 2018, The Penthouse at Coast (sleeps 6) offers fantastic sea views, with the golden sands of Porth beach as its back garden. Can you imagine relaxing on this balcony watching the world go by?

Look out for our brand new film in 2020, where we showcase the beautiful harbour town of Porthleven. Home to our Tom’s Cottage, guests can enjoy amazing surf here and dine at Kota Kai or Rick Stein Porthleven.

Another photo taken while we were filming at Porthleven earlier this year. Look over the wall above the beach and you’ll often be greeted to calm and crystal clear waters, perfect for a morning swim, kayak or SUP.

 

Ramble along Treen Cliffs and  you’ll be greeted by some beautiful wild horses (and very friendly). We enjoyed a spot of lunch here while overlooking the insta famous Pedn Vounder and Porthcurno beach in west Cornwall.

From Treen cliffs to Porthcurno. Here the water is often a Caribbean blue with pristine white sand, making it a popular choice for photographers in the summer months.  We recommend a visit during autumn or spring.

Quite possibly the best sunset we witnessed in 2019, here’s Mawgan Porth and our friend Pete from King Surf Surf School. We enjoyed a day filming and were treated to this at the end of the day. See our range of family properties.

Instagram loved our sunset taken above overlooking the brand new Dunes development on Perranporth beach in north Cornwall. All our properties here come with private balconies perfect for those all important sundowners.

 

A brand new location coming to the Beach Retreats portfolio in 2020. Duporth is a private beach located close to the Poldark famous Charlestown Harbour and Carlyon Bay. Guests staying here will have a private key for beach access.

Skyline is one of our top properties, popular with large families with its short walk to the beach, large garden, games room, private balcony with ocean views and log burner for cosy winter nights. What more could you ask for?

Known as the home of Doc Martin, Port Isaac is always making hearts swoon with its old white washed fishermen cottages, picturesque harbour and towering cliffs. We recommend walking to nearby Port Gavern.

Our followers loved the idea of traffic-free coastal escapism at its finest, while cosying up in this perfect little cabin clinging to the cliff above Whitsand Bay. Could you see yourself waking up here in 2020?

There’s something charmingly simplistic about Praa Sands. A long stretch of white beach with a cafe, surf school and a classic seaside shop selling buckets and spades. Our guests loved hearing about it on Instagram.

Pedn Vounder on a normal day gets heads turning, but we absolutely loved (and so did you) this perfect sunset shot taken by Stephen Kiley on Instagram. So much so, this post reached nearly 24,000 Instagram users!

Chapel Porth beach is a short drive from our St Agnes properties. Famous for its hedgehog ice creams, this is a popular location for local surfers. Their famous ice cream comes with clotted cream and chocolate and nut sprinkles.

Take a look and book our self-catering properties at Porthtowan, or talk to a member of our team on 01637 861 005.

It’s impossible to name just one thing, the hot tub, the view, the five acre garden, the incredible sense of space, the impressive design. Everything about this property is inspiring and that’s why you all loved it so much.

Capture Cornwall’s beauty with our guide to the most Instagrammable locations!

 

Follow us on Instagram for inspiration on things to see and do in Cornwall in 2019.

10 Self-Catering Houses for a Special Christmas in Cornwall

See a twinkling harbour light up, sip on mulled wine in front of a crackling fire and embrace the elements with a winter walk on Christmas morning. Whether you are looking for a cosy bolthole for two, or a large family holiday home with all the trimmings, we have properties available for a Christmas to remember.

See 10 festive properties below now with 20% off a five or seven night break.

Ivy Cottage, Watergate Bay, sleeps 10

Save 20% on a 5 or 7 night Christmas break.

Ivy Cottage is a Grade II listed house, located just a two-minute drive from Watergate Bay in north Cornwall. Sleeping 10 guests, it is the perfect celebration for your Christmas 2019 holiday. Put your feet up after a day of exploring in front of the crackling fire and enjoy the original features including wooden floor boards, wooden ceilings, exposed stone work and a comfortable window seat looking out to the front garden.

The kids can take their pick of 5 beautifully designed bedrooms over two floors, while Mum soaks in the bubbly free standing claw foot bath.

On Christmas Day, guests can enjoy drinks in Watergate Bay’s brand new bar – Watchful Mary 12-4.

Find out more about Ivy Cottage.

Ferrypoint, Rock, sleeps 6

Save 20% on a 5 or 7 night Christmas break.

With picture-perfect views over the estuary, Ferrypoint is a firm favourite for those wanting to explore the best of both in Rock and Padstow, north Cornwall. The ferry picks visitors up just a few footsteps down the road, taking you to the twinkling harbour of Padstow. Dine at an abundance of top restaurants including The Mariners a five-minute walk away.

Ferrypoint is a three bedroom waterside apartment sleeping six guests. Its generous living room comes with a large corner sofa big enough for all, leather Swedish Ekornes swivel chair, orange designer egg chair, large Coach House coffee table and a 66-inch wall mounted Smart television for those all important Christmas films.

Find out more about Ferrypoint.

7 Mawgan Bay View, Mawgan Porth, sleeps 6

Save 20% on a 5 or 7 night Christmas break. BOOKED.

Brand new to the Beach Retreats growing portfolio, 7 Mawgan Bay View sits just a few hundred metres from the family favourite Mawgan Porth beach. The house is perfect for entertaining with its super sized corner sofa, spacious kitchen with a double over and large dining table for all. Walk to the Merrymoor Inn for a lunchtime tipple on Christmas Day before heading home to tuck into your delicious Christmas supper.

Don your walking boots and walk off your food with a ramble along the South West Coast Path to Watergate Bay in one direction and the legendary Bedruthan Steps in the other.

Find out more about 7 Mawgan Bay View.

30 Dunes, Perranporth, sleeps 4

Save 20% on a 5 or 7 night Christmas break.

With just a few steps between you and the beach, The Dunes Development is is perfectly positioned for exploring the best of north Cornwall’s coast. You’ll have private access to the beach in front and can jump straight onto the coast path and head to St Agnes and Porthtowan. Dine at Perranporth’s newest restaurant The Summerhouse.

30 Dunes is lovingly furnished throughout with some stunning artwork from Whistlefish Gallery. Both bedrooms and the open plan living space are furnished to the highest standard, ensuring you’ll wake up Christmas morning feeling relaxed after a good nights sleep.

Find out more about 30 Dunes.

The Penthouse at Coast, Porth beach, sleeps 8

Save 20% on a 5 or 7 night Christmas break.

Live the high life this Christmas and wake up just a few paces from Porth beach, situated between Newquay and Watergate Bay. The large open plan living space offers breathtaking ocean views with a large wrap around balcony if you can brave the elements with a mug of hot chocolate or mulled wine. The Penthouse at Coast has four bedrooms big enough for all with beautiful and bright interiors with a luxurious finish.

Head to The Mermaid Inn for a festive drink Christmas Day or walk the coast path to Watchful Mary in Watergate Bay.

Find out more about The Penthouse at Coast.

The Village Eco Lodges, Watergate Bay, sleeps 5

Book a 7 night Christmas stay and arrive to a decorated Christmas tree and bespoke luxury festive hamper.

Choose from a wide selection of our eco lodes this Christmas for a truly memorable stay. The Village development is just a 2-minute walk to the golden sands of Watergate Bay and its collection of restaurants including The Beach Hut and Wax Watergate Bay who have a special Christmas lunch offer running throughout December. Guests will also be a stone’s throw from Watchful Mary, a brand new continental style-bar located on the sea wall. Stop off here Christmas Day between 12-4 for a cocktail or glass of fizz after your blustery morning walk.

Our remaining lodges sleeps 5 guests.

Find out more about The Village.

Cove Cottage, Sennen, sleeps 6

Save 20% on a 5 or 7 night Christmas break.

Oozing with traditional fisherman’s cottage charm, Cove Cottage is perfect for a romantic escape to the coast. It has been beautifully restored to offer great modern comfort whilst retaining immense period character with slate floors, deep window seats, exposed stonework and a huge fireplace. While Sennen beach is just a few yards down the road, the picture-perfect St Ives is a short drive away where you are sure to find plenty of festive cheer in the abundance of restaurants and bars on the water’s edge.

Find out more about Cove Cottage.

 12 Pearl, Fistral beach, sleeps 4

Save 20% on a 5 or 7 night Christmas break.

Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Newquay this Christmas as you sleep just moments away from the world renowned Fistral beach. Storm watch from the comfort of your own sofa while sipping on something bubbly as you celebrate the festive period. The town’s shops, restaurants and pubs are just a 10 minute walk away. Head to the Red Lion for a cosy bar, complete with a roaring fire and delicious pub grub. Rick Stein’s Fistral and The Fish House are just a minute’s walk in the opposite direction.

12 Pearl is a contemporary apartment with a stylish open plan living space. There are two spacious bedrooms making it ideal for a small family or couples.

Find out more about 12 Pearl.

Sandy Toes, Porthtowan, sleeps 4

Save 20% on a 5 or 7 night Christmas break.

A contemporary apartment just a few paces from the beach, meaning you’ll wake up to the sound of crashing waves on Christmas morning. Sandy Toes has calming interiors throughout with breathtaking views over the beach below and the Atlantic rollers. Porthtowan sits at the foot of high cliffs on north Cornwall’s rugged coast. The village has a lovely relaxed, off-the-beaten-path feel, with a very pretty sandy beach backed by cliffs. There’s a handful of cafes, pubs and restaurants, plus surf hire and lessons and great walks to neighbouring beaches along the coast path to keep you busy.

Find out more about Sandy Toes.

9 White Lodge, Mawgan Porth, sleeps 7

Save 20% on a 5 or 7 night Christmas break.

Last but by no means least, we have 9 White Lodge set in a prime position overlooking Mawgan Porth. The apartment is newly interior designed with sumptuous beds, large corner sofa and a comfortable dining area. Choose from an abundance of restaurants on Boxing Day including The Merrymoor Inn.

Padstow and the famous 7 bays are just a short drive away, while Bedruthan and Watergate Bay can be reached along the coast path.

Find out more about 9 White Lodge.

Search all remaining Christmas properties. 

Christmas in The Village, Watergate Bay Cornwall

Wake up to the beach on Christmas morning with a stay at one of our eco lodges in Watergate Bay…

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a log burner? Check out our cottages with a log burner for a cosy getaway.

Book a Christmas stay at one of our Village properties in Watergate Bay and guests will arrive to a decorated Christmas tree and a bespoke luxury hamper, lovingly put together by The Cornish Hamper Company. Your festive hamper will include a selection of delicious chutney’s, flavoured cooking oils, Cornish Sea Salt, mince pies, Fairings Biscuits, crackers, chocolates and a Christmas pudding.

Properties included in this Christmas promotion are listed below, the price for the week is £42 pppn (£1465):

Merryn sleeps 5
Mawgan sleeps 6
Issey sleeps 5
Agnes sleeps 5
Erney sleeps 5
Minver sleeps 5
Ives sleeps 5
Mawes sleeps 5
Blazey sleeps 5

Book your Christmas stay.

The Village development is just a 2-minute walk to the golden sands of Watergate Bay and its collection of restaurants including The Beach Hut and Wax Watergate Bay who have a special Christmas lunch offer running throughout December. Guests will also be a stone’s throw from Watchful Mary, a brand new continental style-bar located on the sea wall. Stop off here Christmas Day between 12-4 for a cocktail or glass of fizz after your blustery morning walk.

Experience the magic of the season and discover festive nights at Watergate Bay.

After you have enjoyed your Christmas Day lunch in your property why not walk the coast path to nearby Mawgan Porth, or for the more energetic walk to the legendary Bedruthan Steps a little further afield.

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

Terms and conditions:

    • This special offer is only valid on new bookings for The Village properties only, booked between 8th November – 10th December 2019
    • No cash alternative.
    • The Christmas tree will be artificial and decorated for your arrival.
    • Some products within the luxury hamper may vary from the above description.
    • This special offer will end 10th December 2019

Keep an eye on our special offers page and book your stay at Watergate Bay this Christmas. 

Top 5 places to see Christmas lights in Cornwall

Experience Cornwall’s twinkling harbours this Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas and Cornwall was filled with glistening lights! We give you our top 5 locations to visit over the festive season.

We are now offering 20% off 5 or 7 night breaks on selected properties this Christmas. Or stay at The Village for 7 nights and arrive to a festive Cornish hamper and decorated Christmas tree.

Mousehole Harbour

Described as Cornwall’s brightest star and the King of Christmas Lights, our Number 1 place to go is Mousehole Harbour. Celebrating its 56th year with its switch on 15 December 2019, visitors can expect over 7,000+ twinkling lights making up a variety of animals and objects across the harbour.

Check out our holiday properties in Mousehole to experience everything the area has to offer.

Christmas Lights at Mousehole Harbour

Padstow Harbour

Padstow Christmas Festival is a unique experience and certainly one not to be missed. Not only do they light up the harbour, they also light up the sky with a spectacular fireworks show. This Christmas festival takes place 5-9 December 2019 with top chefs making an appearance with foodie demos and the chance to stock up on Christmas presents in the market.

Angarrock

A small village located close to Hayle in west Cornwall, Angarrock and its small community come together to create  an animated 12 Days of Christmas in sparkles. You’ll find their Christmas glow along its rivers, streets and even rooftops.

Looe

Looe has a December calendar full of festive fun. The big switch on itself will take place the first week of December at the rivers edge prior to a traditional lantern parade. Make a day of it with shopping and dinner, finishing the night off with an evening stroll as you watch the Christmas lights reflect on the water.

Truro

Last and by no means least we give you Truro. Here, a ‘City of light’ parade and Christmas light switch on marks the start of Truro’s festivities with over 30,000 visitors expected each year. Visitors will be serenaded by at least 100 local musicians and dancers whilst showcasing over 600 lanterns, made by local artists, school children, college students and community members. Head here Wednesday 19th November 2019.

See more Christmas inspiration here.

Looking for restaurants to visit at Christmas time? Check out our 10 favourite restaurants for a Christmas dinner.

Winter Hearty Dishes by the Sea | Cornwall

Warm up with Paul Harwood’s hearty dishes that are perfect for winter nights by the beach.

With views across the ocean from his kitchen, chef Paul Harwood naturally fuses his cooking style to echo his surroundings and the seasons. Having started his career under the wing of Rick Stein, Harwood opened The Fish House in 2014. The fact that the tables nudging Fistral Beach are booked up throughout the year, is a testament to Harwood’s success, and his role at the forefront of Cornwall’s foodie revolution.

Want to stay in Fistral? Have a look at our luxury holiday cottages in Fistral.

It’s a windy autumn day with storm clouds scudding across the waves, and Harwood’s menu is changing to embrace wholesome, hearty dishes made from ingredients plucked from Cornwall’s land and sea. “As the weather turns, I’m angling away from lighter dishes and summer salads, towards the sort of dishes to warm your cockles after a blustery beach walk or a surf,” Harwood explains.

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

If an ingredient is in season, Harwood really tries to make the most of it. “When wild garlic is in abundance in spring, I use it widely across my dishes. At the moment there are huge numbers of mackerel in the bay, and my chefs have been out catching it daily. We’ve turned this into a popular Indian dish, served with dahl, poppadoms, kachumba, coconut sambal and raita salad.

As we move into autumn and winter, it’s mushrooms that dominate the upcoming menu. “I love using mixed, wild mushrooms from the West Country – such as girolles and ceps,” he says. A seasonal favourite that many locals return for is the hake, mash potato and wild mushroom sauce. “The dried, wild mushrooms are steeped in hot water and smoked whisky, intensifying the flavour. I use this and a mix of caramelised veg to make an intense, flavourful sauce – a really dark, mushroom fumé that gets poured over fresh, wild mushrooms and served with the hake. People come here just for that dish. It’s perfect after a chilly day on the beach.”

Like in most of Paul’s dishes, the ingredients are all local. “I’m in the category of trying to get people to eat fresh, local fish and enjoy what’s caught on the doorstep. The hake is from St Ives. People here tend to steer towards cod and haddock, but hake is a beautiful fish – softer than cod, with a deeper flavour, and firm enough to keep its colour,” he explains.

The variety of seafood on the menu really depends on what the fishermen catch. “In summer there’s lots of bream, red mullet and turbot – I try to get stuff off the day boats, a lot of which comes from Looe. Lobsters and crabs come from the Newquay fishermen, landed just a pebble’s throw away in the harbour,” Harwood tells me. However, while the notion of serving a whole crab is quite romantic, he admits that it can also be quite a messy dish, and there’s not that much meat on a crab to fill you up. “We prefer to serve a roasted hot shellfish dish, with a mix of mussels, scallops, prawns and crab claw… cooked in chilli, garlic and lemon juice. It’s a real favourite and much more warming than a classic fruits de mer.”

As the seas get bigger and less fishermen venture out in the more dangerous winter swells, Harwood explains that the choice of seafood becomes slimmer and prices are nudged higher. However, this doesn’t limit the rustic dishes on offer at The Fish House. Chowder is a favourite that’s back on the menu – made with prawns, cod, smoked bacon and cayenne pepper. Served with a chunk of homemade focaccia, a steaming bowl of chowder is a great dish for lunch beside the wild, winter waves.

Harwood has travelled extensively in search of surf and the finest regional recipes: “When I use recipes from a particular region, I try to stay true to its origins. For example, if I do Moules Mariniere, I stick to how they make it in Brittany, using butter not oil, and just white wine and parsley, without the cream – that’s a very British addition, which makes it rich and heavy.” Having spent a lot of time in Sri Lanka, he tried numerous prawn curries to get to best ingredients and recipe, which he replicates in the most traditional way, by making a powder. As a result, his Sri Lankan prawn curry is also a popular warm and spicy winter dish.

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

A firm believer in using local ingredients where possible, Harwood also relies on seasonal vegetables to bring the flavours of the seasons into his food. So as the chill seeps into the sand and the sea, it’s the root vegetables that come into the kitchen each day – fennel, leeks, butternut, cabbages, parsnips and celeriac. Whether you hit Fistral Beach for a surf, a shoreline stroll or a wild winter swim, you’ll find The Fish House open seven days a week for lunch and dinner,* so come in and fuel up on Harwood’s hearty winter dishes by the waves.

Browse our beach locations and keep an eye on our special offers page to book your foodie retreat by the sea this winter.

Book your Beach Retreats self-catering holiday at Fistral. 

Cottages in Cornwall with Log Burners

Brackenbank, Whitsand Bay

Hunker down this winter in front of a log fire watching the ocean from the comfort of your sofa

There’s nothing quite like sitting around a crackling fire, watching the waves roll in and having some well deserved family time with your loved ones. Beach Retreats offer a variety of holiday homes from cosy cottages for two and large houses for friends and extended family, all with log fires. Here are some of our favourites.

Brackenbank, Whitsand Bay

Sleeps 5

Perched on Tregonhawke Cliff, high above the beach and sea below, Brackenbank is a chic chalet made for romantic escapes and family holidays. The beach below is a wide, dramatic arc of coast, perfect for those blustery winter walks.

The open plan living space within the property has stunning panoramic views across Whitsand Bay, perfect for curling up in front of the fire on a stormy winters day.

Book a self-catering holiday at Brackenbank, Whitsand Bay.

Panorama, Mawgan Porth

Sleeps 12

When the nights draw in, make the most of the stunning log burner at our Mawgan Porth luxury bolthole. Set in a sweeping bay on north Cornwall’s rugged coast, Panorama fuses haute design and stylish interiors with beach inspired features to create the perfect home from home for families, small groups and design-aficionados.

With a bird’s eye view of Mawgan Porth, the cliff top abode boasts a south-facing glass facade, inviting in copious amounts of natural light, while offering breath-taking panoramic views from the top floor open-plan living area. Take a bracing walk down to the beach, just 800 metres away.

Book your self-catering holiday at Panorama.

Windrush, Holywell Bay

Sleeps 8

What’s better than the sound, smell and warming glow of an open fire after an afternoon walk on a Cornish beach? Guests staying at Windrush are just 500 metres from Holywell Bay, as seen on screen in the latest BBC One Poldark series

On the beach, you can explore the fascinating grotto-like Holywell Cave with its calcium deposits, and at low tide, discover an old Argentinian coaster just offshore. Wander the sand dunes, some of which are 60 feet in height, and if you’re traveling with your other half, the dunes also provide a romantic setting to watch the sun go down.

Book your self-catering holiday at Windrush.

Lizard, Widemouth Bay

Sleeps 6

With a beach as your back garden (literally), Lizard in Widemouth Bay is the ideal home to relax and unwind in this winter. In a quiet location with the beach right outside, Lizard gives you truly exceptional beach living.

Lizard is located at Atlantic View, a small development of six eco-houses which have been designed to combine state-of-the-art green technology with contemporary luxury and beautiful interiors.

Book your self-catering holiday at Lizard.

Harbourside Cottage, Boscastle

Sleeps 2

A cosy cottage for 2, Harbourside Cottage is located in the centre of Boscastle opposite the river, just a 300 metre walk to where the river meets the ocean.

The pace of life in this pretty village is blissfully relaxed, so for those arriving in the winter, there’s nothing better than enjoying a romantic evening for two in front of a crackling fire with a bottle of two.

Book your Harbourside Cottage self-catering holiday.

Rockpooling Checklist

Top tips for Rock Pooling in Cornwall.

Your Beach Retreats guide to all there is to know about rock pooling in Cornwall.

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

When to go

You can rockpool all year round in Cornwall. Wrap up in winter and pick a sheltered shore, or visit in summer when marine life is flourishing.

Where to go

Watergate Bay, Porth and Whipsiderry, Newtrain Bay near Trevone and Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes are all great spots for rockpooling, but any beach with a rocky shoreline is good. Our harbours are also brilliant for crabbing.

Check the weather

The best rockpooling happens on calm, sunny days at low tide when parts of the shore normally covered in water are exposed. Plan your visit by checking a local tide table online and move inland as the tide pushes in.

What to pack

Many people think you need a net to go rockpooling, but you don’t. One of the best ways to enjoy the shore is to peer into a rockpool and wait. With patience you’ll be treated to a natural display of the fascinating and tough creatures that live here. If you do use a bucket be careful not to overcrowd it with creatures. They can overheat and run out of oxygen.

Walk to Watergate Bay

Follow the seashore code

    • Respect the seashore creatures, handle them as little as possible and always put them back where you find them.
    • Take photos home, not animals.
    • Put overturned rocks back carefully as you found them.
    • Take any rubbish home with you.
    • Keep safe on the seashore, check the tides and keep away from the cliffs and waves.

Top Tips

Look for a shore with small rocks covered in seaweed and start by investigating underneath the water’s surface. Lift the rocks carefully and you may find crabs, cushion starfish and even snake pipefish and Cornish sucker fish.

Watch your fingers

Take care when picking up crabs! If you do want to handle one, use your index finger and hold it down by pressing onto the center of its shell – you’ll have plenty of time to get your fingers around the sides behind the claws. Grip it firmly. You’re less likely to get pinched holding a crab like this. Don’t be tempted to pick up a crab by putting one finger underneath.

Once you have understood all the above, you’re ready to begin your rockpooling checklist. Here are 10 creatures to look out for.

    1. Cornish Sucker Fish -Look under rocks in pools close to the shore. It has modified fins that act like a suction pad.
    1. Broad Clawed Porcelain Crab – A small hairy crab that lives upside down beneath rocks on the low-tide shoreline.
    1. Worm Pipefish – Related to the seahorse this worm-like creature is actually a fish
    1. Snakelocks Anemome – Don’t be fooled by its pretty fluorescent-tipped stinging tentacles – it’s a carnivorous predator.
    1. Common Shore Crab – These small shore crabs have incredible colours which they lose as they grow older.
    1. Star Ascidian – Beautiful, small and squidgy star-shaped sea squirt colonies found on the rocks and seaweed.
    1. Montagu’s Blenny – A small warm-water fish with a cockatoo crest on its head.
    1. Celtic Sea Slug – Also known as a liquorice sea slug, it is often found on the rocks between Holywell and Polzeath.
    1. Blue Rayed Limpet – A tiny but beautiful limpet that only lives on seaweed – not rocks.
    1. Giant Goby – Only found in the south, they can grow up to 29cm in length. If you find one please put it back and report it to Cornwall Wildlife Trust – they are a protected species.

Dive into the fascinating world of marine life with our Rockpools Revealed guide, and discover the hidden wonders along the shoreline.

Book your self-catering holiday with Beach Retreats.

Padstow Christmas Festival

Embrace the festive season with a trip to Padstow’s annual Christmas Festival

 

See this Cornish fishing village come alive with celebrity chefs, culinary delights and festive fun. Padstow Christmas Festival returns Thursday 5 to Sunday 9 December 2019. Book your winter or christmas break online or call our team on 01637 861 005.


All images ©James Ram

The free-to-attend spectacle has grown into one of the largest food festivals in Cornwall, with 45,000 visitors expected across the four days.

This year sees 65 separate cookery demonstrations, workshops and masterclasses happening across two stages, with culinary names from Rick Stien, Paul Ainsworth, Nathan Outlaw and James Martin confirmed to attend.

If that’s got you hungry then there will be over 100 festival pop-up food stalls running alongside Padstow’s many restaurants.

But it’s not all about the food.

The popular Christmas market will also be open from midday Thursday with stalls featuring arts, crafts, food and drink producers from across the south west. Padstow’s shops and galleries will be open for extended hours offering special discounts throughout the four days.

Yuletide entertainment thoughout the weekend includes the arrival of Santa on his horse drawn Victorian bus, a spectacular fireworks display, live music, carol concerts and a lantern parade. Join hundreds of festival-goers for Santa’s Fun Run in aid of Cornwall Hospice Care. Runners dressed as Father Christmas will be accompanied by cycling Santa’s who will arrive by bike along the Camel Trail.

Chef Paul Ainsworth says: “Padstow is a very special place and Christmas is a very special time. I urge everyone to add this to their ‘one of life’s experiences’ list as it’s something that I promise you will fall in love with, and give you the Christmas spirit that little bit earlier.”

A full schedule of events can be found on the website.

www.padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk

Book your winter or christmas break online or call our team on 01637 861 005.