Author: gloversure

Foraging in Cornwall With Local Expert Rachel Lambert

Get back to nature during your visit to Cornwall as you forage for food with local expert Rachel Lambert.

Rachel Lambert is the author and photographer of two popular regional foraging identification and cookbooks: Wild Food Foraging in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and Seaweed Foraging in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Based in Penzance, Rachel is an expert at foraging the Cornish coastline and new for 2018 will be offering bespoke individual, group and family foraging sessions for guest of Beach Retreats.

We caught up with Rachel to hear more about what inspired her to get involved with foraging and making the most of the rather special Cornish coast.

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How did you discover foraging?

I stumbled into foraging in my early twenties; someone showed me a small, edible plant growing in a stonewall, and I was hooked. Till then, my childhood had been punctuated with great home cooking, camping, wild flowers, walks, and lots of imaginative play. In a way, not much has changed, I could do with more playing, on the other hand that is what foraging and messing about with a few plants in the kitchen is for me – creative fun.

It wasn’t all about idyllic nature though, oh no – I was born an urbanite, brought up in the city and catching a taste of the country when I could – in waste ground, the garden, and family ventures into the countryside. I just always seemed to have loved plants, nature and being outdoors. I initially learnt to cook through watching my mum and ‘helping’ and once I left home I learnt to follow recipes and experiment a lot –not always successfully, though eventually my experiments improved enough to write and illustrate cookbooks.

Where are your favourite spots for foraging in Cornwall?

I love returning to my favourite spots, as well as discovering new places (this also helps the plants regenerate). I love the Lizard (Poltesco was particularly beautiful), love walking the Mousehole to Lamorna circular walk (especially in Winter) and Dartmoor remains a magical place for me and is a favourite in Autumn when the leaves start to change colour and the berries appear. In early spring, I enjoy Prussia Cove and Perranuthnoe, and in late Summer the estuary at Rock is fantastic.

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

What are your favourite foraging finds?

What I like to pick and eat varies from week to week and season to season – that’s what keeps it exciting for me. Right now, my best memories are of sea buckthorn berries, tasty dulse seaweed, amazing sea noodles and of course the humble and excellent nettle – such a versatile plant.

Can anyone give it a try?

I’m always saying that foraging isn’t rocket science, it’s an easy skill to pick up, though there are some essential basics to keep you safe, happy and healthy. I welcome families – it is such a brilliant experience to share, and private forays can be tailored to your interests and walking abilities, so really, anyone can come. Foraging can be a big energetic adventure, or a lazy amble on the beach or path.

A private foray (up to 3 hours) includes: Plant identification, nutritional and medicinal benefits, recipe suggestions, foraging safety, sustainability and legalities and an e-list of plants covered.

Private sessions session are available from £160 for up to 4 persons, additional persons £40pp
(Additional charges for forays outside a 10 mile radius of Penzance.)

Public foraging course with tasters are £35pp (under 16s £15, under 5s free), and forage and cook courses £50pp

Book your foraging course.

Find a new foraging spot in our various locations around Cornwall, and keep your eyes on our special offers page to get a discounted stay by the sea.

Delve into the world of fascinating finds and foraging in Cornwall, discovering nature’s hidden treasures along the coast.

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.

Feeling the love at Harbourside Cottage in Boscastle

Hear how Helen from Beach Retreats got on during her stay at Harbourside Cottage in Boscastle, Cornwall.

Picturesque Boscastle sits on the dramatic North coast of Cornwall, where two rivers meet the sea. This little inlet was naturally shaped into the perfect escape from rough seas for local fishermen and maybe even smugglers in days gone by. Today it’s a quintessentially Cornish village, a haven for walkers enjoying the South West Coast Path, and for those that want to dip their toes in the water while enjoying the beach that appears in the harbour at low tide.

This cute little village is actually pretty tough, having been decimated by severe flooding back in 2004. Looking at the river today it is hard to believe it could ever have been so destructive.

 

Harbourside Cottage miraculously escaped the floods, sitting just a few steps from the riverside on a quiet side street of character cottages. This cosy coastal hideaway sleeps 2 and also welcomes dogs, who can enjoy the secluded decked garden along with you, or take a short stroll to the river for their daily paddle. The property itself has everything the weary traveller needs on arrival, including plenty of tea and coffee and fresh milk, perfect for a quick cuppa in the garden before heading back out to explore.

Once we’d had our fill of our first harbour views, we headed back to the cottage for a barbeque in the garden, making use of the fully equipped kitchen before retiring for an early night in anticipation of the following day’s adventures. The double bedroom at Harbourside Cottage is spacious for a quirky cottage and has views out to the harbour. The high quality white bedlinen and soft fluffy pillows were so inviting and we soon dropped off to the distant sound of the running river.

In the morning we enjoyed the compact yet spacious feel of the cottage while getting ready for the day ahead. We almost wished it was winter so we could make use of the wood burning stove- this would be such a cosy retreat in the colder months. In the summer the garden becomes a sun trap and is the perfect private space. The quirky decorative pieces and quality furniture and furnishings really make this place feel like home.

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

Out and about

The first thing you should do when arriving in Boscastle is to walk down the length of the harbour walls and take a peak over the cliffs to what’s beyond- you might be lucky enough to catch the gig boats rowing in and out or a fishing boat or hardy kayaker navigating the deep channel. Alfie the dog very much enjoyed a splash in the harbour!

We also took the opportunity to explore the shops and cafes, heading first to the National Trust Visitor’s Centre which has an eye-opening exhibition on the floods of 2004, and an adjoining café with outdoor terrace and delicious cakes, perfect for elevenses. We also took a 10 minute drive to nearby Tintagel to take a look at the ruined castle, commonly thought to be associated with King Arthur. The whole place has an aura of mystery and intrigue due to the associations with Merlin and witchcraft, which spreads all the way back along the coast to Boscastle which is home to the National Witchcraft Museum. We couldn’t resist a visit here when we got back, and it was indeed quite spooky!

 

Another must-do is to head out for a coastal walk on the South West Coast Path. Coast path walks from here can be challenging but you will be rewarded for your efforts with some spectacular scenery. If you’re bringing your four-legged friend make sure to keep them on a lead near the cliff edges. We headed up to the coast watch station on the headland, a 20 minute walk from the harbour heading west towards Tintagel, from which we enjoyed far reaching views before heading back to the village.

If it’s beaches you’re after, head for the nearest secluded bay at Bossiney, just a 10 minute drive away. This secret spot is only accessible at low tide and requires a bit of a hike from the nearest parking spot, but when you make it down to the beach you will be amazed at the unspoilt beauty and private feel- only the intrepid make it here! A little bit further along is Trebarwith Strand, another lesser known spot only accessible at low tide, but well-appointed with a pub, café and surf school. Or you could take a 20 minute drive in the other direction to Widemouth Bay where you can enjoy plenty of golden sand all day long.

Food and drink

Directly opposite the witchcraft museum is the very crooked Harbour Light tea garden, perfect for a cream tea or a pasty lunch amongst the hustle and bustle of the day trippers, or for a more relaxed, away-from-it-all feel you can head to The Riverside Hotel which has a secluded riverside terrace for alfresco eating. Dinner here was a very laid back affair, with lots of fresh, locally caught sea food on the menu. Top-notch friendly service, and dog-friendly in the daytime and out on the terrace too.

There are many other options in Boscastle, including the 16th century Wellington Hotel, Sharon’s Plaice for freshly made take away pizza or fish and chips, The Toby Jug café for a pit stop lunch and traditional Cornish pub The Cobweb.

Looking to travel a bit further away from Boscastle? Check out our top 5 restaurants in Watergate Bay.

Highlights

    • Being 10 steps from the river- Alfie the dog loved it
    • The well-appointed cottage- a real home away from home.
    • The rugged coastal scenery- sitting on the cliff side listening to the waves booming in the sea caves beyond the harbour walls at low tide.

 Book your holiday at Harbourside Cottage with Beach Retreats.

Walk with us from Rock to Polzeath in north Cornwall

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Rock is located in north Cornwall, directly opposite Padstow with the Camel Estuary flowing in between. Boasting fantastic water conditions, Rock attracts avid watersport enthusiasts throughout the year. On this walk and from the balconies of both our Rock properties you’ll spot people kayaking, SUP safaris, water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing and more. You can even give it a try yourself.

Rock

The Ferry stop is just a few metres away and runs every 20 minutes to Padstow Harbour if you fancy a change of scenery without taking the car. In Padstow you’ll find Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant, Paul Ainsworth’s No6 and Rojano’s in the Square.

Follow the path left or right as you step out the door and you’ll be spoilt with an abundance of sophisticated eateries including No1 Rock Road, Nathan Outlaw’s Mariner’s Rock, The Dining Club and the Blue Tomato directly next door, all with views just like this.

Explore 7 mouth-watering restaurants to try while staying in Rock, each offering delectable dishes and unforgettable dining experiences along the Cornish coast.

To begin the walk, we head straight to the beach 40 metres away (simply cross the road) and turn right, making our way across the golden sands of Rock Beach. The estuary pictured below is now at low tide, leaving shallow crystal clear waters and plenty of spots to bathe and sit back with a good book.

Fancy staying in Rock, discover our Rock holiday properties.

If you want to enjoy this walk at high tide, jump on the coast path located at the bottom of the road, next to the car park.

At low tide, there is plenty of fun to be had, especially for families with little ones in tow. Jump the river, build a sandcastle and enjoy a refreshing wild sea swim. Keep your eyes peeled for not only fish, but one of the UK’s rarest and most protected mammals, the otter, which is often spotted on the Camel Estuary.

Follow our walk up and around the river bend and on a sunny day, it’ll feel like you’ve made it to the Caribbean.

Daymer Bay

A little further on, you’ll reach Daymer Bay. Known as one of the jewels in north Cornwall’s crown, this popular golden beach is backed by dunes giving it a more secluded feeling than its neighbouring beaches Rock and Polzeath. At low tide, as seen below, families often like to search for marine life, jump the rock pools and chase the waves.

As the tide rises, Daymer Bay becomes a haven for paddleboarders, bathers and kayakers. Below you will spot a grassy mound, which is known as Brea Hill. Give this a climb to be awarded with excellent views over the bays.

At the foot of the hill a little way from the beach is St Enodoc Church or Sinking Neddy as it is sometimes referred as. Often only spotted by those that know where to look, this Grade I listed church gives you a beautiful photo stop. You’ll also find here the prestigous St Enodoc’s Golf Course, considered to be 4th in the National Club Golfers Top 100 UK courses.

After a dip in the water and an ice cream, jump onto the South West Coast Path at the far end of the beach and begin to follow it around out towards the ocean, away from the car park.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by pretty shrubs, hopping bunnies and fantastic panoramic views across Daymer and out over the horizon. This is a lovely location for those who wish to sit back and watch the world go by or enjoy a spot of painting like this talented artist we met on our way.

We are now over half way to our destination – Polzeath.

When we reached Polzeath in just under two hours (with plenty of photo stops and paddles inbetween) we were instantly mesmerised be the flock of surfers, swimmers, paddleboarders and beach goers. This beach has a real buzz to it and a great place for active watersports. There is plenty of parking if you wish to drive and a superb selection of shops, cafes and restaurants.

Our favourite is ‘The Waterfront‘. Using only the best local quality ingredients the extensive menu serves delicious seafood, burgers, sandwiches snacks and more. They even have 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.

So there you have it, a wonderful walk from Rock to Polzeath. Give it a try and share your holiday snaps with us along the way using #beachretreats on Facebook and Instagram.

Book your Rock holiday with Beach Retreats.

Falmouth for two

We’re travelling across Falmouth harbour on a ferry over to St Mawes with the castle fast approaching and Pendennis castle behind us.  You get a feel for the scale of this volume of water, Falmouth is the third largest natural harbour in the world, and a flavour for how the town’s maritime past shapes the current day visitor offering.  Life on the water is varied from the imposing docks and luxury yacht manufacturer, through to the leisure yachts and ferries criss-crossing the water, then stand-up paddleboarders and kayakers weaving through the marina.

We’re staying at Curlew, one of five newly renovated apartments at Kinbrae House between the town centre and Gyllyngvase beach.  Quality and meticulous attention to detail can be found in abundance, from the custom-made glass in the entrance hall, through to the décor of each room, and the welcoming cream tea on arrival. Everything comes together to create a perfect base for couples visiting Falmouth.

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

So priorities then – the walk to the beach.  Turn left out of Kinbrae House and you are two minutes or 200 metres from Gyllyngvase beach on the west side of Falmouth.  We’re watching early morning yoga and feng shui classes on the sand from the Gylly Beach café. It’s a popular swimming beach for young and old, sharing the sea with stand-up paddleboarders and the occasional kayaker.

We’re having breakfast in the café – right on the sand watching the activities. Eggs Arlington and the full Cornish breakfast win the vote and set us up for the day.  We walk around the headland past Pendennis castle around into the centre of Falmouth, past the viewing platform for the docks and down into the town and harbour.

The National Maritime Museum sits on the edge of the water but with the weather so good we head down to the marina for one of the ferries and choose St Mawes as our destination.  It’s a picture postcard village on the other side of the water, a 30 minute trip in amongst all the water traffic and gateway to the Roseland peninsula.  Lunch is an al-fresco choice between seafood or Cornish pasty on the harbour wall.

The centre of Falmouth is home to nautical and lifestyle clothing brands, arts and crafts shops and a plenty of familiar high street names.  There are numerous restaurants; African, seafood and steakhouses to name a few, as well as the well-regarded Harbour fish and chip takeaway.  We ate ours by the edge of the water watching the sunset and changing colours on the water.

It’s worth highlighting the location of Kinbrae House in relation to the town centre also. It’s only a 10-15 minute walk away – beach in one direction – restaurants in the other.  It would be quite easy to leave the car in the off-road parking space all week.

One final discovery; follow the path past Gyllyngvase beach to Swanpool beach, another pretty vista from Hooked on the Rocks for some seafood sourced direct from the fishermen straight from the sea.

We love:

    • The location on Kinbrae House; turn left for the beach, right for the restaurants, town and marina.

 

    • So much to do without needing to jump in the car.

 

    • The attention to detail, clever layouts and finish in the apartment.

 

    • The choice of ferries and trip to get on the water.

 

    • Breakfast on Gyllyngvase beach watching the stand-up paddleboarders, yoga enthusiasts and swimmers.

 

Also recommended:

    • The Ferry Boat and the Ship Wright pubs in Helford passage.

 

    • The Cove at Maenporth for lunch or dinner.

 

    • Flushing has a lovely restaurant called the Waterside and Muddy Beach in Penryn has great pastries coffees and daily specials.

 

    • Up the estuary at Mylor there is a lovely café and the famous Pandora’s Inn with beach and pontoon landings. Especially their daily specials.

 

    • For a lovely evening meal in Falmouth try the Mediterranean Kitchen for Tapas after spending a little time in Dollies Gin Palace for a stunning G&T – over 100 to choose from!

 

    • The Wheel House is lovely but often fully booked. Olivers on the High St is also gorgeous but always booked up. Or try Cribs which serves Caribbean fayre.

Check out more of what Falmouth has to offer by staying in one of our bespoke retreats in Falmouth.

Discover more of Cornwall with the charm of Portreath’s no-drive delights, offering relaxation and adventure at your doorstep.

Read more about Curlew and Kinbrae House.

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.

 

 Book your holiday at Far Horizon with Beach Retreats.

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.

A weekend of surf at Widemouth Bay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highlights

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

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

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

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

Book your surfing break with Beach Retreats.

11 beaches and Strand Line

Modern wooden property with a pebbled outdoor area at dusk.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Out and About

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

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

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

Here’s why:

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

Food and Drink

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

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

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

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

Highlights

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

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

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

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

Book your holiday at Strand Line with Beach Retreats.

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

Whitsand Bay – A forgotten corner of Cornwall we won’t forget

Hear how Beach Retreat’s Simon got on during his stay in Brackenbank, a cool chalet perched on the cliffs above Whitsand Bay, Cornwall.

Whitsand Bay is home to an eclectic mix of beach shacks and cabins and is often described as ‘the forgotten corner of Cornwall’, so when my wife and I set off for our visit to Brackenbank from our home in Mawgan Porth on the rather better known North Cornish Coast, we were both curious to find out why.

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

Having left in the rain we were pleasantly surprised to arrive to blue skies and clear panoramic sea views. The coast road sent us past a unique blend of beach shacks and cabins, which together form an elegant patchwork that covers the cliffside. Amongst these we found Brackenbank, with it’s stunning sea views and atmospheric sounds of the sea. The cabin sits in a spectacular position well hidden from its neighbours, with views so unobstructed you feel like you’re on a boat sat out at sea.

Stay at Brackenbank in Whitsand Bay.

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

There’s a beautiful private outdoor entertaining space with table and benches, a modern barbecue, sun loungers and a particularly inviting outdoor sea view shower. Inside it’s a light, white open-plan space with a scandi-inspired paired back style. A cosy seating area in the corner complete with a wood burning stove is perfect for relaxing, while a large dining table an ideal spot for watching the small fishing boats and larger naval vessels criss-crossing the water below. The cabin can sleep up to five in two bedrooms.

Out and about…

There’s a superb beach to explore directly below Brackenbank which is accessible down a grass path and at low tide provides a long stretch of sand to easily walk off breakfast or lunch. The villages of Kingsand and Cawsand are perfect for exploring and are both only a very short car ride away (under 15 minutes).

Further along the coast at the end of the Rame Penisula, you can walk up to St Michael’s Chapel on Rame Head, which is well worth a visit as you are rewarded with superb views from the top. We highly recommend catching the ferry which leaves the beach at Cawsand every few hours in high season and takes you on a scenic leisurely cruise across to the Barbican in Plymouth.

Eating out

Over the course of our weekend we managed to eat out twice, as well as cook for ourselves very easily in the well-equipped kitchen. The View Restaurant was a great spot for dinner and is located just 3 minutes away by car, or 10 minutes on foot from Brackenbank. The Cliff Top Cafe was also great for breakfast or lunch and again is within easy walking distance with beautiful views down the coast to Rame Head.

If you have more time during your stay at Brackenbank, give The Devonport Inn a try, for delicious food, while The Old Bakery is best for coffee and cakes, both can be found in Kingsand nearby.

Weekend highlights

Waking up and watching the early morning surfers and sailors.
Reading a book outside in the sun, with only the sounds of the sea and the sight of the wildlife swooping past to distract us.
Showering alfresco in the outdoor sea view shower.

Explore a scenic walk through Whitsand Bay, discovering its rugged beauty, expansive sandy beaches, and panoramic coastal views along the Cornish coastline.

Book your stay at Brackenbank, Whitsand Bay