Author: gloversure

At Beach Retreats, we’re often asked for ideas on day’s out in Cornwall. Our guests tend to visit the popular Cornish destinations such as St.Ives and Padstow, but there is a great attraction on the doorstep of our properties that we feel you need to know about.

Classic Air Force

Based at Newquay Aerohub, Classic Air Force is a charity set up to save and preserve rare aircraft. With a collection of jet and piston-engine aircraft which include fighters, bombers, trainers and liaison aircraft, Classic Air Force has the largest fleet of post-World War II classic aircraft in Europe.

Classic Air Force is first and foremost a museum but it’s a museum with a twist. Much like ‘Night at the Museum’, Classic Air Force is living. The 60’000 sq. ft. Nimrod Hangar houses several aeroplanes all of which are still in working condition; so on any one day you may see a thirties biplane or a large cargo plane on the floor.

Although the planes are roped off it does not mean you can’t get a closer look. Ask any one of the staff at Classic Air Force and they’ll be happy to drop the rope and show you aboard the planes. You can climb aboard VC10s and BAC1-11s and live out your pilot dreams!

Another interactive part of the museum is the flight simulator. If you aren’t up for a real flight then this is for you. Climb aboard and enjoy a simulated flight from Newquay across the North coast of Cornwall. The flight simulation is changed throughout the day so test it out a few times to take on a new flight path.

And here’s the best part…

You can take a pleasure or acrobatic flight in the planes!

First up, a pleasure flight.

Climb aboard the ‘Rapide’, sit back and relax. Able to carry 8 people this is a great trip for the whole family. With large windows you’ll have a clear view of the undulating Cornish coastline and everything else below. The best bit? One of your party can sit up front with the pilot and get a panoramic, captains view of the whole flight.

Top tip: If you’re not sitting in the co-pilots seat, shotgun the front right-hand seat as you get a spectacular view.

And now for something a little more acrobatic.

Strap into the ‘Chipmunk’ for the ride of your life. Gravity? What Gravity?
After a full briefing from your pilot you’ll be kitted out with a flying suit and intercom headset. You’ll then be strapped into the plane and it’s time for take-off. After a few tight turns to get you used to g-force it’s time for the big tricks.  Loop the loops and rolls are up next. It’s an exhilarating ride that you’ll never forget!

It’s fair to say that the whole family can enjoy the Classic Air Force, it’s not every day you get to climb into history.

NB: Guided tours are not offered by staff in the traditional sense. Instead, staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have and show you aboard the aircraft.

On April 4 a brand new restaurant opened at Fistral Beach, The Stable. Specialising in pizzas and cider, The Stable began life in Bridport in 2009. Since then further restaurants have opened in Weymouth, Bristol, Bath, Poole and now Fistral.

This is a restaurant that represents the West Country to the full, showcasing cider as the main drink and serving alongside it, stone baked pizzas using locally sourced ingredients from the West Country.

We were lucky enough to get the first taste of The Stable and just had to share it with you.

If you’re staying with Beach Retreats in the coming months make sure you stop by.

Our favourite pizza was ‘The Primrose Piggy’, smoked Cornish dry cured bacon, field mushrooms, tomato and mozzarella topped with a free range egg. However, the team at The Stable had a hard time choosing their favourite but eventually settled on ‘The Red Ruby Rustler’, marinated red ruby ground beef, chorizo, field mushrooms, roasted red onions, tomato and mozarella topped with West Country smoked ham.

Both sound delicious to us! But if you want a real Cornish treat try the crab special.

And the view isn’t bad either…

CHECK OUT OUR PROPERTIES IN FISTRAL

What to pack on a self-catering holiday?

It’s sometimes hard to know what to pack when you head off on a self-catering holiday. Do you need to bring everything bar the kitchen sink? Or can you get away with just a suitcase of clothes? We’re here to help…

If you’re coming on a Beach Retreats break here are the essentials you’ll need.

1. Clothes
You’re going to need all weather clothing. We’re afraid we can’t guarantee seven days of sunshine for your stay even though we would love to, so we advise you bring with you all weather clothing, from rain coats to flip flops.

2. Camera
Cornwall is a country of outstanding natural beauty; from beaches to woodland to fishing harbours to quintessential villages; trust us you’ll want to photograph it. Keep the memory of your holiday in Cornwall for a life time by capturing it all on film.

3. Wetsuit/Surf board
Make the most of the great surfing conditions Cornwall has to offer and bring your wetsuit and surf board with you. Lots of our properties have surf lockers, so your equipment can dry off and stay safe overnight.

4. Beach Towels
Cornwall is home to an array of spectacular beaches so bring a few towels, stake your place on the beach and soak up the summer sun!

5.Light provisions
We recommend that you pack a few food items to tie you over until you can stock up on food for the week. Or we can provide a Cornish food box in properties for your arrival containing milk, eggs, bread etc.

6. A good book
Find your idyllic reading spot be it curled up on the couch, on the balcony of your Beach Retreats property or on the beach and lose yourself in a good book.

7.A big appetite
It’s no use being on a diet when you’re in Cornwall considering we’ve a wealth of bakeries, artisan food deli’s, restaurants and fish and chip shops! Bring a big appetite with you and indulge in some proper Cornish grub.

8. Your phone charger.
We recently asked our Facebook friends how many mobile devices and chargers they take with them on a family holiday and the response was very interesting with the average number being ‘too many’. From kindles to iPads, video cameras, portable DVD players, laptops, phones and iPods our Beach Retreats properties are more than equipped to handle all the chargers you have.

9. Toothbrush
Check and check again, do you have your toothbrush?

10. Your dog
The beauty of a self-catering holiday is that every member of the family can come, including your dog! And what’s even better is dogs are loved in Cornwall and very well catered for with dog friendly beaches, restaurants and cafes. Take a look at our dog friendly properties here.

Spring has sprung early in Watergate Bay, on 15th March, yes we know five days early but who’s counting?

Fifteen Cornwall’s popular Spring Farmers Market returns on the 15th March bringing together local suppliers and growers to celebrate the start of the growing year.

Showcasing everything from fresh fish to local met, artisan cheese and bread to sweet treats to tempt you.

Along side the tasty stall holders is a line up of chef demonstrations; Paul Ainsworth from Number 6, Emily Scott of The Harbour Kitchen and Tom Hunter from the Scarlet Hotel.

Why not join us at the market, stock up of some proper Cornish produce and take it home for a sumptuous dinner or as gifts for your friends back home.

Stallholders at Fifteen Farmers’ Market

Brian Etheringtons
Cornish Duck Company
Cornish Meadow Preserves
Cornish Orchards
Cornish Sea Salt
Da Bara Bread
Deli Farm Charcuterie
Duchy Game
Hanson Fine Foods
Harbour Brewing Company
Kernow Confectionery
Matthew Stevens & Sons
Origin Coffee
Primrose Herd
Riverford Organic
Rodda & Son
Sharps Brewery
Rick Stein’s Patisserie
Treleavens
Hugo’s Breakfast Store

Chef demonstration line up and times:

9.30am – Tom Hunter (Head Chef at Scarlet Hotel)

10.30am Sanjay Kumar (Cornish School of Sardines)

11.30am Karl Jone (Head Training & Development Chef, Fifteen Cornwall)

12.30pm Emily Scott (Owner Harbour Kitchen)

1.30pm Gordon Lawrence (Head Sommelier, Fifteen Cornwall)

2.30pm Paul Ainsworth (Number 6)

Cornwall has so much going on throughout the year but one beach in particular is a hive of activity. Watergate Bay on the North Cornwall coast has one of the best line-up of events in the county. From the hugely popular Polo on the Beach to surf competitions and music festivals.

Take a look at the schedule and save the dates for your Beach Retreats holiday.

Fifteen Farmers’ Market – 15 March

9.30am – 3.30pm
Join local suppliers and growers celebrate the start of the growing year showcasing everything from fresh fish to local meat, from store cupboard chutneys to artisan cheese and bread, it is all here!

Harbour Brewing at The Beach Hut – 21 March

Taste some ales and share some tales with the guys from The Harbour Brewing Company. Indulge in a five course taster menu of spiced coconut soup, cumin roast pork belly and pecan brownie paired with great ales.

£25 per person

English National Surfing Championships – 3/4/5 May

Watch some of the best professionsal and upcoming surfers cut through the waves at Watergate Bay to become the English National Surfing Champion.

Thundercat Racing National Championships – 10/11 May

Join us on the shoreline to watch crews from arounf the world race through the surf to win the title. The thundercat boats race only 10m in shore so you’ll be able to see all of the action up close.

Electric Beach Festival – 7/8 June

Already announced for this years Electric Becah are ‘Zion Train’ and ‘Sam and the Womp’ with more announcements coming soon. Last year the sun shone and the music played loud. This year promises to be even better.

Veuve Clicquot Polo on the Beach – 5/6 July

Last May the sun shone and the surfers made way for polo ponies as more than 8,000 spectators made their way to Watergate Bay for the seventh year of Veuve Clicquot Polo on the Beach.  So join us at Watergate Bay this year for a weekend of champagne, polo matches, stunt shows and much more.

The U.K Surf Rowers League (UKSRL) Summer Series – 19 July

Described as one of the most visually spectacular sporting disciplines in the world, the potential for thrills and spills is the basis of surf-rowing’s gaining popularity.

RAF St. Mawgan Beach Training – Sat 14 June and Sat 26 July

Join a highly motivated group of PTI on the beach for a challenging work out. The sessions are designed to cater for all fitness levels and its free! However, participants are encouraged to donate what they feel the session was worth and proceeds go to SSAFA and Surf Action.

BSUPA National Championships – 4/5 October

Bristish Stanf Up Paddle Association are returning to Watergate Bay for their sixth year. Cheer on the contestants as they cut through the waves.

SEARCH FOR PROPERTIES IN WATERGATE BAY

On Sunday we wrapped up warm and headed to Newquay Zoo.

We’d previously booked a penguin encounter and were so excited about getting up close to the penguins at feeding time. Heading out with the whole family we grabbed the camera and could hardly contain our excitement.

On arrival at Newquay Zoo we we’re greeted by Emily our penguin expert. After a few safety rules we went into the penguin enclosure and the feeding frenzy began.

As soon as the penguins saw the yellow bucket they scrambled to get to the front of the pack and get the first fish.

Some penguins were certainly more plump than others so we tried to evenly give out fish but one or two were shown a bit of favouritism.

During feeding time we quizzed Emily on her penguin knowledge. She told us that this species of penguin were Humbolt Penguins, found in Peru, Chile, Columbia and Ecuador In the water they can reach speeds of up to 20mph using their feet and tail as a rudder to steer and turn in the water.

This group of humbolt penguins were one family pod, made up of couples of parents and chicks. Penguins are a very loyal bird, choosing one mate and staying with them for life. However, one of the penguins at Newquay Zoo was hand reared and consequently is more interested in the female keepers than female penguins.

Our experience with the penguins was amazing! Being able to walk out onto the island and seeing how fast the swim and interact with one another. We were in the enclosure for around half an hour and learnt so much.

With a beautiful sunny day left ahead of us we explored the zoo and fed meerkats, awed over lions and squirmed at creepy crawlies.

For an alternative day out, zoo keeper experiences are top of the list. You can become a zoo keeper for an entire day or choose to feed lemurs or penguins.

Set on the North Cornwall coast, Watergate Bay is one of the most popular places for holiday makers, and it’s easy to see why. Watergate Bay boasts a two mile-long, sandy beach, sheltered by headlands at either end. It offers spectacular, panoramic views from the cliff paths, where you can watch the ever-constant breaking waves roll in and out with the tide and stare at stunning sunsets throughout the year.

Check out our available properties in Watergate Bay.

There are so many reasons to visit Watergate Bay but here are our top five:

1. Location

(Photograph by Shop on The Beach at Watergate Bay)[/caption]

As we mentioned, Watergate Bay is on the North Cornwall coast, facing west it is exposed to the incoming swell from the Atlantic, making it a popular surf spot. Watergate Bay is west of Newquay, close enough to enjoy the town’s hustle and bustle but far enough away not get some rest and relaxation. And to the east is the popular fishing harbour of Padstow, a great day out for all the family.

2. Dog friendly

Watergate Bay loves dogs and dogs love Watergate Bay. It’s one of a few beaches in Cornwall that’s dog friendly year round. With two miles of sandy beach to run on and sea caves to explore, we’re certain you and your dog will have a great time here.

View our dog friendly properties here.

3. Food and Drink

You’re really spoilt for choice at Watergate Bay. Right on the beach is The Beach Hut, a relaxed, rarely quiet hangout. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving up hearty meals from mussels to burgers – and it’s dog friendly too!
Look 15ft up and you’ll find Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall. Indulge in their signature style of Italian inspired, rustic food and enjoy the view over the beach.
There is also a beach-side take-away, Venus.

4. Events

 This must be one of the busiest beaches in Cornwall! Each year an amazing line up of events takes places at Watergate Bay and 2014 is no different. From the English National surfing Championships to Polo on the Beach, Electric Beach Festival to RAF Fitness sessions, the beach will be a hive of activity.

You can find a full line up of events here.

5. Sports

From surfing to kitesurfing, stand up paddle boarding to hand planning, waveski to traction buggying, Watergate Bay has a great offering of sports for you to try your hand at. The Extreme Academy based on sea lane provide both lessons and equipment hire year round. Whether you are experienced or a complete beginner, Extreme Academy will have something to suit.

COME AND STAY

Are you coming to Cornwall this February? Wondering what to do? Let us help. We’ve got some great ideas of day’s out for the whole family!

Check out our remaining properties available for February half-term here.

Newquay Zoo

There is always something exciting to see at Newquay Zoo with over 103 species of animals including penguins, lions, meerkats, red pandas and reptiles. Take the family for a fun and educational day out; watch feeding times, keeper talks and even get up close to the animals with experience days.

Eden Project

No visit to Cornwall is complete without a visit to the Eden Project. During half-term the popular ice rink will still be open as well as the rainforest ariel walkway. But this year you can learn more about the freaky nature of plants, finding out weird and wonderful facts about different plant species from around the world; from carnivorous plants to sticky, smelly, illegal and rare plants.

Heartlands

Heartlands is a free attraction tucked away in the former mining heart of Cornwall, nr Redruth. There are 19 acres of eclectic fun to explore from climb-on sculptures, giant adventure playground for kids, arts and crafts studios and funky café. Heartlands provides year-round fun with both indoor and outdoor spaces. Go see, go play.

Learn to surf

If it’s your first, second or even third holiday in Cornwall and you’ve not yet experienced surfing, it’s time! Make 2014 the year you stand up on your first wave. But be warned, it’s addictive, you’ll want to surf every day after a lesson! Come on, release the inner surfer!

There are surf schools close to all of our properties:
Extreme Academy – Watergate Bay
Kingsurf Surf School – Mawgan Porth

Coastal walks

With 258 miles of coastal path to explore in Cornwall we suggest you pack your walking boots. Set off along the North Cornwall coast line and see what you find; look out for wildlife both in the grass and out to sea, Cornish flowers, surfers and of course stunning sunrises and sunsets. You could end up walking for miles without even noticing.