Category: Activities

The 10 best beaches to surf in Cornwall

Have you got a thirst for being amongst the waves? Cornwall’s adrenaline-fuelled surf scene thrives all year round, with surf spots suitable for beginners to world-class pros. Rolling sets and foamy swells are plentiful in Cornwall, especially on the north coast where the exposure to the Atlantic creates big, consistent waves.

If you’ve never tried surfing before, or have a bit of experience and want to improve your skills, many of the popular beaches have their own surf schools where you can dive in with the experts. From full one-on-one lessons, to wetsuit and board hire, there’s an option for everyone whether you need instructor support or prefer to go it alone.

With hundreds of beaches to choose from, it can be hard to figure out where’s best to get suited up and head in. That’s why we’ve created a handy guide to the 10 best surfing beaches in Cornwall, meaning you can waste less time searching and more time in the surf.

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

We’ve got retreats within walking distance of all of these popular surfing beaches, so you can head straight from the water and back home on foot, without even needing to change. Find your surf retreat here.

Find the best spots for a post-surf bite to eat or coffee and discover our favourite surf beach cafes in Cornwall.

Fistral Beach, Newquay

One of the most famous surfing beaches on the planet, Fistral Beach is a wide, west-facing beach on the north coast, and its exposure to Atlantic swells ensures consistent waves all year round. The Cribbar, at the north end of the beach, is a famous big wave location, with waves reaching as high as 40 feet. Stand and watch from the headland as the pros tackle it head on, taking in the spray from overhead.

Fistral Beach hosts many national and international surfing competitions, which draw thousands of visitors, and is also the base for annual music and surf festival Boardmasters.

Multiple car parks next to the beach and nearby, charges apply. Free street parking above Fistral South.
Lifeguards daily from 9^th April – 30^th 10am – 6pm patrol.
Surf equipment hire and lessons.

Surf at sunset while staying at a Fistral retreat.

Gwithian Towans, Hayle

Gwithian is one of the best places to catch a clean wave in Cornwall, whilst avoiding the crowds. Nestled in the heart of the Towans nature reserve, you’ll be surfing amongst untouched beauty and wildlife. Gwithian was recently listed by the Sunday Times in the ‘Top 10 Surf Locations in England’, and makes up part of the three miles of golden sand which stretch from St Ives to Godrevy Head.

A handful of small car parks nearby, charges apply.
Lifeguards daily during Easter school holidays, daily from 30 April – 25 September, weekends only 1 – 16 October and daily during October half term. 10am – 6pm patrol.
Surf equipment hire and lessons.

Seek out a seaside Hayle retreat.

Perranporth beach

Perranporth offers plenty of space to surf, alongside a large beach backed with sand dunes for any little ones to paddle and build sandcastles. For beginners, the beach is more sheltered towards the Droskyn Point end, while the biggest waves can be found at Penhale. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, this classic seaside village has a range of eateries where you can refuel with some fish and chips.

3 car parks nearby, charges apply.
Lifeguards daily from 9^th April – 30^th 10am – 6pm patrol.
Surf equipment hire and lessons.

Watch the swell surge from a Perranporth retreat.

Watergate Bay

If you want to avoid the crowds at Fistral, Watergate is your best bet. With an expanse of beach home to consistent swell, this north coast destination is a surfer’s paradise. Waves vary from small and clean to huge and challenging, depending on conditions and swell, so be sure to check local surf reports before heading in!

3 car parks nearby, charges apply. Limited free parking at the top of the hill.
Lifeguards daily during Easter school holidays, daily from 30 April – 25 September, weekends only 1 – 16 October and daily during October half term. 10am – 6pm patrol.
Surf equipment hire and lessons.

Jump from bed to board at a Watergate Bay retreat.

Widemouth Bay

This popular surfing spot stretches over a mile and a half, and it’s common to see a variety of abilities in the surf here. Near to Bude, this is a great option if you’re staying in either area.

Multiple car parks next to the beach and nearby, charges apply.
Lifeguards daily during Easter school holidays, daily from 30^th April – 25^th September, weekends only 1^st – 16^th October and daily during October half term. 10am – 6pm patrol.
Surf equipment hire and lessons.

Explore the south coast from a Widemouth Bay retreat.

Porthleven beach

This beach isn’t for the beginners, but if you’ve got some skills with a surfboard then you’re guaranteed an adrenaline-filled ride. The powerful waves break onto a shallow reef, creating a wild ride for any surfers who get on board.

One small car park nearby and one small car park above the town, charges apply.
Lifeguards daily from 9 July – 4 September.

Find the perfect Porthleven retreat.

Polzeath beach

This family favourite sandy spot is perfect for beginners, with gentle but consistent swell and slow waves. Whether you’re hopping on a surfboard or bodyboard, this north Cornwall location won’t disappoint.

Multiple car parks next to the beach and nearby, charges apply.
Lifeguards daily during Easter school holidays, daily from 30 April – 25 September, weekends only 1 – 16 October and daily during October half term. 10am – 6pm patrol.
Surf equipment hire and lessons.

Tackle the waves at a Polzeath retreat.

Porthtowan beach

Porthtowan is a true locals spot during the winter and also a popular visitor spot in summer. Home to lively waves and a beautiful sandy beach, Porthtowan makes for a great surf spot if you’re staying nearby.

One large car park close to the beach, charges apply.
Lifeguards daily during Easter school holidays, daily from 30 April – 25 September, weekends only 1 – 16 October and daily during October half term. 10am – 6pm patrol.

Be by the beach at a Porthtowan retreat.

Holywell Bay

Holywell Bay is a quieter option for those seeking sand dunes, a rugged coastpath and surfable waves. A beautiful, spacious beach to simply relax on, Holywell has enough room for a bit of privacy even at its busiest. The surf here requires a bit of luck and skill, due to the moving tides, but its certainly an option if you want somewhere walkable from your Holywell retreat.

One large car park close to the beach, charges apply.
Lifeguards daily 14 May – 25 September, 10am – 6pm patrol.

Seek out a Holywell retreat.

Whitsand Bay

Hidden away in the corner of south east Cornwall, this beach is one of the county’s hidden gems. With a dramatic cliffscape dotted with mini beach shacks, the walk down to the sand is almost as exhilarating as the waves. The surf is slightly more unreliable than more popular destinations, but is great for escaping the crowds and practising your moves in private.

Multiple car parks next to the beach and nearby, charges apply. Easiest access is from Tregantle Fort car park.
Lifeguards daily during Easter school holidays, daily from 30 April – 25 September, weekends only 1 – 16 October and daily during October half term. 10am – 6pm patrol.
Surf equipment hire and lessons.

Enjoy some calm at a Whitsand Bay retreat.

Check out our other locations and other retreats across North Cornwall.

What to do in Bude, Cornwall

Thinking of booking a trip to Bude and not sure the best things to do around the area? We’ve got you covered. Bude is a stunning seaside town, with two beaches, Crooklets for surf and sunbathing and Summerleaze for dipping in the sea pool. Beyond its sandy beaches there’s also a buzzing foodie scene, array of quirky independent shops and plenty to do. Here’s our ultimate guide of what to do in Bude.

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

Browse our Bude retreats.

Swim in the sea pool

On the soft sands of Summerleaze beach, you’ll notice a glistening blue slick of water, dotted with swimmers and the odd bobbing gull. Get closer and take a dip in this sea pool, where the water is always calm and the air fresh and salty. A semi-natural pool, this is the perfect spot for a free, safe swim, especially if you have the little ones in tow.

Bude beach yoga

Rise with the first light of dawn and stretch it out. There’s nothing more invigorating than being in harmony with nature, your lungs full of sea air, the only sound the distant crash of waves and your bare feet in the silken sand. Claire Jennings is an established yoga teacher and runs sessions on Crooklets beach in the mornings and at sunset.

Learn to surf

Fancy getting your heart beating and your adrenalin pumping? Grab a board and take to the waves with Big Blue Surf School, where qualified instructors will show you the ropes of this invigorating sport. Situated on Summerleaze beach, you’ll experience the north coast’s consistent swell, and are sure to be standing up in no time.

Experience unforgettable paddleboard days along the Cornish coast, where clear waters and stunning scenery offer the perfect adventure.

Image credit: Big Blue Surf School

Dine at Temple

After a day on the beach, there’s nothing better than heading back to your self-catering holiday retreat for a shower to freshen up before going back out for an evening of fine dining. Try Temple, a beautiful dining spot which serves up simple dishes made with fresh ingredients. Sample small plates of braised fennel, BBQ’d mushrooms, daily fresh fish and porchetta with courgettes and picked shallots, washed down with your choice of white or red.

Sundowners at The Beach at Bude

Bude’s north coast position means it benefits from dramatic sunsets which sink behind the horizon directly before your eyes. Head to The Beach at Bude, a hotel bar and restaurant with a front facing outdoor terrace, to enjoy sundowners with a sunset view. Will it be a light and refreshing mojito to cool down in the summer heat, or a negroni the colour of the sunset sky?

Walk to Widemouth Bay

If you fancy stretching your legs, the nearby coastline towards Widemouth Bay is not to be missed. The walk is three miles along the rugged coast path, and features stunning panoramas and breathtaking sea vistas. If you go in summer, you’ll also spot wildflowers dotted along the cliffs. You may also be lucky enough to see some wildlife, such as sea birds and seals, along the way.

Discover our Widemouth Bay holiday properties.

Find out more about Bude and see our retreats below. Keep an eye on our special offers page, too, for the latest deals and discounts.

10 reasons to stay in Hayle

Ever considered holidaying in Hayle? This estuary town sits on a dramatic stretch of the west Cornwall coast, between St Ives and Gwithian, and is home to Cornwall’s longest beach, Gwithian Towans, which stretches three miles from Hayle to Godrevy head.

Despite its natural beauty, Hayle is often the lesser spoken-about destination compared to the nearby holiday hotspots of St Ives and Mousehole. We’ve come up with 10 reasons why you should pick Hayle for your next trip to Cornwall.

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

Away from the crowds

Hayle is just outside of the bustling streets of St Ives, and you’ll find quieter beaches and plenty of untouched nature to explore. Due to the size of its sandy beach, you’ll always have space to yourself, even on the busiest of summer days.

The train into St Ives

If you do fancy an excursion out of town, the five minute train ride from Hayle to St Ives is one of the most scenic in the UK. Be sure to grab a window seat on the right hand side, as you’ll pass the tropical waters of Carbis Bay and will have panoramic views of St Ives ahead of you, spanning all the way back towards Godrevy in the distance.

Thinking about staying in St Ives? Have a look at our luxury St Ives holiday properties.

Godrevy lighthouse

Further along the three mile stretch of beach, you’ll come across Godrevy, where you can see the iconic lighthouse standing proud on the skyline. This very lighthouse inspired Virginia Woolf’s novel To the Lighthouse, and is a must see on your visit to Hayle.

The best sunsets

As Hayle is on the north west coast of Cornwall, the sun sets directly above its horizon, meaning fiery red sunset skies. Head out along the coast path towards Godrevy, where you can see it set behind the lighthouse, causing the iconic white building to glow gold.

Seal spotting

Walk past Godrevy lighthouse and over the National Trust owned headland and you’ll come to the inaccessible Mutton Cove, home to a Grey seal colony. Because it can’t be reached by humans, it’s a perfect place for them to gather and bask, while interested wildlife spotters can peer down unobtrusively from above.

Food and drink

Hayle is home to an array of delectable eats, from its iconic Philps pasties which are famous around Cornwall to fine dining with a sea view in many waterfront restaurants. Check out our guide to eating out in Hayle for more recommendations.

Nature and sand dunes

Beyond its sandy shores lies a fascinating natural landscape to explore. Look around Upton Towans nature reserve that leads onto a mass of sand dunes which border the beach. Or take a walk or cycle along the RSPB reserve, passing the estuary, tidal pools and marsh in and around the town.

Bird watching

The estuary is a great spot for wildlife, as it attracts various flocks of birds throughout the seasons. Spend a day around the wetlands area and you may catch a rare sighting. The nearby Saltings nature reserve is also a prime place for murmurations in the shoulder months.

Coastal walks

From Hayle you also have easy access to the South West Coast Path, where you can get to St Ives on foot. The walk is just over six miles, but the coastal views along the way and the promise of a seafood lunch in St Ives will keep you going.

Interested in finding the best walks in Cornwall? Check out our blog on our favourite autumnal walks.

Watersports

Gwithian is a great spot for budding surfers to pros, with its wide shoreline and consistent swell. The area is also famous for windsurfing. There is a selection of surf and watersports schools dotted along the coast, meaning you can hire equipment and head out on a lesson if you don’t feel confident in the water.

Find out more about Hayle here, and take a look at our retreats in Hayle for your next trip below.

A dawn paddle

Photographer Amy Bullock took her camera out on a paddle board to explore the Gyllyngvase coastline at dawn, with the help of the team at Wesup…

Image credit: Harvey Bentham

For Amy, capturing photographs on a familiar stretch of coast from a new perspective was something of an adventure: “Launching the boards out onto the bay as the sun was coming up, there was definitely a bit of anxiety and lots of excitement”

Meeting at Wesup HQ on Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth, just before dawn, Amy, stand-up paddle board novice Ellie, and Wesup Gylly director Harvey Bentham set out to capture on camera an exploration of Falmouth’s coastline.

“It’s always the best time to go out and get some photos,” says Amy. “The light makes everything look great, especially in Falmouth which gets such great sunrises.” Despite knowing the coastline well, seeing it from the water was a new experience:

“There’s lots of coves and little caves all around the coastline, especially as you go around to Pendennis. You can’t see any of this from up on the cliff; you wouldn’t know it was there.”

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

Meet at first light and readying for launch, 06.30 Wesup, Gyllyngvase

The team warmed-up with board preparation, went through paddle techniques and how to enter the water, while watching some fellow early paddle boarders set-off across the glassy sea.

Paddles at the ready, 07.30

With fresh morning air, and the sun rising, it’s time to head into the glistening waters. A few more paddle lessons out on the water before exploring the coastline, from Gyllyngvase towards Castle Beach and beyond to the Pendennis headland.

Image credit: Harvey Bentham

Discover more of Cornwall with our favourite places to watch the ocean and go sea spotting.

A SECRET STOP

A beach reached only from the water is perfect for a stop off, to brew a morning coffee and take a break in the sunshine. After collecting washed-up rubbish to dispose of safely and recycle, and a stone skimming competition, it’s time to paddle back to Gylly.

Bullock Amy Stranger Collective March 22 51

Return paddle, 10.00 to 11.30

With thoughts of why isn’t every morning filled with such a blissful sunrise activity, the team paddle into the headwind back to Gyllyngvase Beach, joined on the water by gig rowers and the odd inquisitive cormorant. Back at Wesup Gylly HQ, the beach is now a hive of activity as swimmers, walkers and paddle boarders make the most of the spring sunshine.

Check out more of what West Cornwall has to offer and explore our holiday lets in the Rame Peninsula.

Stay footsteps from Gyllyngvase beach.

New foodie hotspots in Cornwall

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

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

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

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

Kernowine, Falmouth

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

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

New Yard, Helston

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

Argoe, Newlyn

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

Source Kitchen, St Ives

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

The Longstore, Truro

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

Springtide, Charlestown

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

Emily Scott Food, Watergate bay

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

Ugly Butterfly, Carbis bay

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

Explore more foodie escapes and discover our favourite surf beach cafes in Cornwall.

What is Cornwall Famous For?

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

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

Surfing

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

Interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

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

Fancy staying in Watergate Bay? Check out our luxury holiday properties in Watergate Bay, Newquay.

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

The Cornish pasty- and other foodie gems

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

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

Cream tea

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

Fish and chips

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

Attractions and landmarks

The Eden Project

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

St Michaels Mount

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

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

Explore things to do in Cornwall this spring.

History and heritage

St Piran’s Day

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

Fishing and sea shanties

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

Mining

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

Culture

Film and TV

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

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

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

Books and literature

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

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

Art

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

Run Free

“Running becomes almost meditative.”

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

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

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

Visiting Cornwall with an electric car? Check out our holiday lets with electric car (EV) charging points.

A runner’s world

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo credit: Goodrest Studios

Getting started

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

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

watergate

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

Run safe

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

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

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

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

Interested in finding the best walks in Cornwall? Check out our blog on our favourite autumnal walks.

Adventure all hours

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

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

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

A better bolthole

What’s the best spot for a winter getaway, for solace, rest and revival? Debika Ray escaped to 15 Cannery Row, Hayle, a frame for life on the shore, finding serene sands, newly arrived birds and buckets of inspiration…

By Debika Ray, contributing editor at Crafts magazine, founder of Clove magazine and writer. Her work has been published in Kinfolk, Wallpaper, the Guardian and Architectural Digest.

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“I have gained very great inspiration from Cornish land- and sea-scape, the horizontal line of the sea and the quality of light and colour, which so excites one’s sense of form,” said the artist Barbara Hepworth in a 1946 interview with The Studio magazine. “And first and last there is the human figure, which in the country becomes a free and moving part of a greater whole.”

Standing in the garden of Trewyn Studio in St Ives, it’s easy to see why Cornwall proved so inspirational for the great modernist sculptor – how she might have felt freed and moved by her majestic surroundings. In November, when I visit, her sloping garden is doused in a misty haze: more than 30 bronze, wood and stone sculptures sit amid a mix of mature trees, ornamental plants and stone walls.

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“Here, the proximity and exposure to nature is echoed: as day breaks, light falls softly through the large balcony windows into the master bedroom and open-plan living room.”

To one side of the site are a conservatory and light-filled studio, the latter still scattered with tools, materials and clothing and surrounded by uncarved blocks of stone. Through rainy days and sunny ones, Hepworth would have sat – working or thinking – inside these light-filled spaces, looking out over the landscape she designed herself. “Finding Trewyn Studio was a sort of magic,” she wrote of the place. “Here was a studio, a yard and garden where I could work in open air and space. It is completely perfect for me.”

A clearer mind

My artistic aspirations may not be as lofty as Hepworth’s, but, from this vantage point, I find myself wondering what it would be like to move to Cornwall in search of creative inspiration – writing, reading or simply thinking more clearly amid that magical light and fresh, cool air. Cornwall, I’m told, rarely gets cold enough to snow, thanks to its salty air and the tempering effects of the Gulf Stream – a relatively mild climate that makes an outdoor lifestyle both possible and appealing even in the winter months.

“To stay by the sea, is to watch the landscape shift constantly before your eyes… Modern architects have long understood that building should be a frame for life, rather than imposing too heavily on it.”

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St Ives is a mere 13 minute coastal train journey, via the sweeping Carbis Bay, from St Erth; itself a three minute onward ride to Hayle, where Cannery Row, is located. Here, the proximity and exposure to nature is echoed: as day breaks, light falls softly through the large balcony windows into the master bedroom and open-plan living room, revealing the Hayle Estuary, with its ebbing and flowing tides, just outside.

To stay by the sea is to watch the landscape shift constantly before your eyes. Later, as the sun sets, the same view is slowly occluded, and our view turns inwards, to the spacious, modern, double-height interior. Modern architects have long understood that building should be a frame for life, rather than imposing too heavily on it.

“At Hayle Beach, a brief stroll from the apartment, rolling dunes – or Towans – tumble down from dramatic black rocks, and the eye has to stretch far into the distance before you can see the waves rumbling towards the shore.”

The surrounding estuary is guarded by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), because of its abundance of wetland flocks. Winter, they say, is the best time to visit: it’s when you can see vast collectives of teals and wigeons, as well as ring-billed gulls from North America, and can be undisturbed by the higher number of tourists who similarly flock to the area in the summer. Elsewhere along the coast you can spot seals, dolphins and basking sharks, or charter a boat to catch your own fish.

“The uneven ground means the tide moves in inconsistently, forming exposed island-like mounds and the water trickles ashore and encircles them: we stop to chat to fellow walkers who are throwing balls for their over-excited dogs to fetch.”

Deserted sands

At Hayle Beach, a brief stroll from the apartment, rolling dunes – or Towans – tumble down from dramatic black rocks, and the eye has to stretch far into the distance before you can see the waves rumbling towards the shore. At low tide, on this autumn morning, the sands remain wet underfoot far away from the water’s edge, as we trudge past a handful of other early risers along the practically deserted golden sands.

The uneven ground means the tide moves in inconsistently, forming exposed island-like mounds and the water trickles ashore and encircles them: we stop to chat to fellow walkers who are throwing balls for their over-excited dogs to fetch; they splash and bound as they do so through the pools of water that are swiftly forming. A raised coastal walk takes us on the high road along the beach, leading past miles of unspoiled views.

“In times when sunshine and warmth are scarce, such qualities are needed to uplift us”

Light and air

Hepworth no doubt chose her home partly with views in mind: the home and studio that the artist occupied for the final 25 years of her life – now the Barbara Hepworth Museum – is minutes from St Ives harbour, amid narrow streets and pitched roofs. She is among the best-known artists to have settled in Cornwall, but she is hardly the only one to have been enlivened by this coastal stretch of south-west England. Ceramicist Bernard Leach set up his world-renowned pottery studio in the town in 1920, and it remains among the best known pottery studios in the world, embedded in Cornwall’s historic relationship with clay.

My stroll through the area takes me past and into art and craft galleries, pocketing ceramic objects to take home as souvenirs. These are dotted across the region to represent the creative community that continues to make the county its home. Today, an outpost of the Tate Gallery sits a short walk away from Hepworth’s house on the site of an old gasworks, and shows off the work of several other notable local names.

“Back in Hayle in the evening, we stick close to the water, and close to home: an atmospherically lit shack on the sand”

Here, too, weather provides a backdrop to the building: standing in the amphitheatre-like entryway, I hear the roar of the ocean crashing against the shore and feel the salty air swirl around me. The sound and weather swiftly vanish as I step inside the serene interior, safely ensconced amid the finely curated art collection, but the sea itself remains visible from the open studio nestled at the front of the gallery, which is devoted to artists who take up residencies there and which you can look down upon from a circular balcony.

Later, from the generous windows of the fourth floor cafe, I spot miniature surfers bobbing on the distant waves, and I am mesmerised for hours by their relentless energy and the movement of the water. At ground level, a glass enclosed restaurant across the road gives a closer view, hovering just over the sands of Porthmeor Beach, alongside seagulls and above the smattering of spectators gathered to appreciate the water sports.

Back in Hayle in the evening, we stick close to the water, and close to home: an atmospherically lit shack on the sand, a local recommendation, serves Cajan-spiced fish and barbecued meats. We eat seafood by the bucket, and wash it down with local beers and Cornish-themed cocktails.

Winter retreats to the coast or countryside are often associated with crackling fires, old furniture, low ceilings or dim lighting. But, as Hepworth understood, the soul thrives on light, air and space. In times when sunshine and warmth are scarce, such qualities are needed to uplift us, and more so for anyone seeking to achieve the artist’s ambition of making the “human figure … a free and moving part of a greater whole”.

See 15 Cannery Row

Natural signs – In the sky

Coastal conditions can be unpredictable: sunny one minute, stormy the next. We show you how to forecast what’s coming by immersing yourself in the environment around you…

In the days and weeks leading up to a holiday, how many times do you hit the refresh button on your favourite weather app in the hope of a bright, sunny forecast for your trip? What to pack, days out and activities are almost always planned around what the weather is expected to be like.

But should you plan your break purely on a meteorologist’s weather forecast? As we’ve all had the pleasure of, weather is often a localised and transient thing. Like the sand beneath our feet, it’s always moving, always changing.

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“We always notice when bad weather hits us but if we can watch the progression of clouds in the few hours before, we can predict when the bad weather is coming.”

Rather than stake all your holiday plans on the weather forecast, created by analysing streams of data, why not step outside. Stop, listen and observe your surroundings. It could tell you a whole lot more about what’s about to happen than a regional weather forecast.

Direction of travel

An easy way to tell if there’s going to be a change in the weather is to check the wind, as Tristan Gooley, natural navigator and author of The Secret World of Weather explains:

“The best thing you can do is to take note of where the wind is coming from. It’s one of those things that doesn’t take much time – you could do it after breakfast, lunch and dinner – just check where the wind direction is coming from and if it has changed quite a lot, by more than 90 degrees, you can be pretty sure that a weather change is on its way.”

To gauge the wind direction, find a visual anchor, like a flag, if it’s blowing south east, the wind is coming from the north west, and so on. You could also try feeling the wind direction, Tristan writes in his weather guide. In open ground, close your eyes and turn your face until you feel the wind on both cheeks. Then, raise your hand to chop the air slowly, moving it until you feel the wind cooling each side equally. When you open your eyes, you’ll have a sense of where the wind is blowing from.

Next, take a look up at the clouds. Seeing how they move and change on any given day is also a good indicator of what weather lies ahead.

“We always notice when bad weather hits us but if we can watch the progression of clouds in the few hours before, we can predict when the bad weather is coming,” says Tristan. “If we look at the very highest clouds, the cirrus – the wispy, feathery, candyfloss style of clouds –they’ll start to build in number ahead of bad weather.”

Keep a mid-afternoon eye on what the cumulus clouds are doing, too. These are the fluffy, marshmallow style clouds with flat bottoms.

“Tall cumulus clouds usually indicate that the cloud is just dumping it’s rain on you and then the shower will end, whereas a thick stratus blanket of unbroken cloud across the sky indicates blanket rain.”

“If they’re getting smaller, it’s a sign that the weather will continue to be quite fair for probably the next 24 hours,” he says. “But if they’re getting taller it’s a sign of moisture and instability and things are going to get worse.

“The rough rule with cumulus clouds is if they’re taller than they are wide and they keep getting taller, then you’ve probably got some rain showers on the way.”

Showers pass

Hear the pitter patter of rain on the window on the first day of your holiday? Don’t feel disheartened; it could just be a passing shower. Again, you can tell if the rain is passing through by looking at the shape of the clouds.

Tall cumulus clouds usually indicate that the cloud is just dumping it’s rain on you and then the shower will end, whereas a thick stratus blanket of unbroken cloud across the sky indicates blanket rain. This will be slow moving and could last several hours – meaning you might need to put the day’s beach trip on hold.

Not that a bit of rain need be a barrier to having fun in the sea, particularly if you’re out for a surf. The main weather that will impact the surfing conditions is the wind, but even that you can work around, if you know what you’re looking for.

Weather moves

“As a surfer you can generally find a nook to work with the weather,” says Rachel Murphy, founder of Women and Waves, a surfing society based in Newquay. “It’s not all about where you are, but asking yourself where the weather is going to be good for surfing. You move around with the weather.

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Credit: Women and Waves, @catgram810

The ideal conditions for surfing are light offshore winds, where the wind blows from the land out to the sea. This creates clean, glassy waves. Onshore winds often create broken, messy waves that are more difficult to surf.

Most surfers rely on websites like Magicseaweed and Windguru for surf forecasts but Rachel reckons the best way to determine the forecast is to get outdoors. She says: “When I walk outside, I can generally feel what the wind direction is just from the temperature.

“If there’s a cluster of birds sitting on the beach, check out the direction they’re facing too. If they’re facing one way that’s a pretty strong sign that’s where the wind is coming from.”

“If it’s northerly and bitter then you know the wind is onshore, which isn’t great for surfing on the west coast of Cornwall. Whereas if it’s a warm wind, under 10mph, you know the surf will be clean and nice. You can feel that just on your face.”

Credit: Women and Waves, @catgram810

Animal instincts

Tuning into the sound of the sea can also help you determine what the surf might be like. “You can sometimes hear a big groundswell when you’re near the coast,” says Rachel. “I can hear it first thing in the morning when I’m walking my dog. She doesn’t like it. She must feel the rumbling or vibrations that we can’t. So I can tell if there’s a big groundswell if she’s a bit apprehensive.”

It’s not just dogs that can alert us to incoming weather. If you’re on the beach, watch what the birds are up to.

“So if you see cirrus clouds during the day and then a halo around the moon later that evening, that’s a very strong sign rain is coming.”

“The vast majority of birds are land based,” says Tristan. “They range further from home when the weather is set fair and come closer to home when there’s bad weather on the way.

“If there’s a cluster of birds sitting on the beach, check out the direction they’re facing too. If they’re facing one way that’s a pretty strong sign that’s where the wind is coming from. If they change direction that means the wind direction has changed and it’ll probably be raining by sunset.”

The night before the day

When the sun does set after a busy day on the beach, a final tip for forecasting the next day’s weather is to take a look up at the moon to see if there’s a halo around it.

“The halo shows there are cirrostratus clouds, which mean a warm front is on the way,” says Tristan. “So if you see cirrus clouds during the day and then a halo around the moon later that evening, that’s a very strong sign rain is coming.”

Come rain or shine, the best you can do to make the most of your time by the sea is to have an awareness of the weather but not become a slave to the elements.

“You have to take the weather forecast with a pinch of salt and go with what you’ve got,” advises Rachel. “There’s never going to be a perfect day…just enjoy whatever the day brings.”

Find out more with:

The Natural Navigator

Women & Waves

Experience a surface-level change of pace, and enjoy slowing down and savouring the simple joys of coastal living along the Cornish coast.

Walk through Polly Joke

Follow the path between wildflower-bursting meadows and endless fields towards this secluded cove.

Lowenna from our marketing team takes us on the walk down to Polly Joke, a peaceful beach just ten minutes from Crantock village.

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Its only half past nine in the morning but the sun is high in the sky above this stretch of coastline, as I set off on my walk towards Polly Joke beach. A lesser-known gem tucked away in a valley of sheep-dotted hills, this cove is walkable from nearby Crantock village and also can be visited by car, with three car parks nearby.

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Starting on a bumpy path on the West Pentire side of the cliffs, this route takes you through wooden gates, colourful fields and unruly hedgerows on the gradual decline down to the sand. On my right as I begin is Crantock beach, its crescent of sand separated by a stretch of ocean. Immediately to either side of me lies fields of yellow and red wildflowers. If you visit in late spring to early summer, these fields will be blooming with vibrant poppies, filling the space with a dazzling burst of scarlet.

At the signpost, turn left down towards the beach. As you wander down, delight in the uninterrupted sounds of bees buzzing in and out of the meadows, the low rumble of the ocean becoming audible in the distance. This walk to the beach is one of the most peaceful in the area- with no roads or buildings and few people, you become cocooned by the sounds, sights and smells of nature.

The moment that the beach comes into clear view is always special. White waves gallop onto the sand, curling around the shapes of early morning swimmers. Down on the beach, you can cross a trickling river by a small footbridge or paddle through it, letting the water lap onto your feet. At this time in the morning, the beach is relatively quiet, the perfect time to secure a sheltered spot tucked into one of the nooks of the cliff for a day of sunbathing. Polly Joke is dog friendly all year round, and it has no lifeguards so be sure to be careful if going in the water.

Discover the scenic walk from Crantock to a mystery location, exploring hidden gems and stunning coastal vistas along the way in Cornwall.

In just under ten minutes, you have reached a waterside haven. However, if you would like to carry on the walk, you can climb up onto the other side of the cliff, where uninterrupted coastpath leads you round to Holywell bay. This route takes you past sheep which populate the fields, so be sure to keep dogs on leads. If you look down you may spot the colony of grey seals who bask down on the cliffside coves at low tide.

If a day down on the beach leaves you feeling peckish, head back into Crantock village where you will find an array of tearooms and pubs serving light snacks, hearty meals and everything in between. Our particular favourite is Jam Jar Kitchen, a courtyard café tucked underneath a canopy of grapevines which serves superfood smoothies and bagels by day and wood fired sourdough pizza with rosé by night.

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