Category: Activities

12 Days of Christmas in Cornwall

Looking for a reason to visit Cornwall this Christmas or looking for inspiration for what to do? You’re in luck. Here’s how we do the 12 Days of Christmas in Cornwall, by Beach Retreats. Book your Christmas break with Beach Retreats online or call our team on 01637 861 005.

Thinking about bringing your dog on holiday? Check out our dog-friendly holiday properties.

1. Ice skating at the Eden Project

Our favourite festive activity is back at the Eden Project from 14 October until 18 February. Get your skates on and book your spot here.

2. Outlaw Christmas Market

Not your usual craft event, the Outlaw Christmas Market will come to Falmouth town centre in December (dates to be confirmed). Celebrate handmade and artisan gifts this Christmas.

www.outlawevents.co.uk

3. Padstow Christmas Market

Cornwall’s favourite festive family market is back for its eighth year from 7-10 December. With more than 100 crafts folk and producers, 40 star chefs, fireworks, santa fun run and lots more, it draws a crowd of 45,000 and an electric atmosphere.

www.padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk

4. Mousehole Lights

Visit the picturesque fishing village of Mousehole on 16 December at 7pm for the big ‘switch on’ of the iconic Cornish illuminations. Or visit them in your own time until 6 January.

www.mouseholelights.org.uk

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

5. Christmas Day swims

For the brave – or mad – only. From Penzances’ promenade, Hayle and Gwithians’ golden sands to Sennen Cove or Polzeath. There will be an organised Christmas Day swim somewhere near you.

6. Watch a show

From the creative team that brought you hit shows Dick Whittington and his Mousehole Cat! and Jack and the Beanstalk, Hall for Cornwall are proud to present its own home grown production to enchant and entertain adults and children alike. Edward ‘Kernow King’ Rowe and Granville Saxton return in this year’s Christmas show Sleeping Beauty, the final chapter in a trilogy of adventures featuring our much loved Cornishman, Kenwyne and his extended family.

Purchase your tickets here.

www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/sleeping-beauty

7. Boxing Day walks

Blow away the cobwebs with a Boxing Day walk on your favourite Cornish beach. The perfect family activity and antidote to one too many sherries and mince pies on the big day. Here’s some inspiration.

8. Montol Christmas Festival

A six day arts and community festival in Penzance celebrating the midwinter solstice and Cornish traditions of the past, culminating in the main event on Montol Eve on 21 December. There’s a main parade, lantern making, storytelling, carol singing and more, take a look here.

9. Reindeer Parade

Meet Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and the rest of the herd in November as as they parade through Truro starting from Victoria Square. A magical experience for children. Dates to be confirmed.

10. Cotehele decorations

Visit the father Christmas of all Christmas decorations at Cotehele – the famous 60-foot garland made with tens of thousands of flowers grown in the gardens of the National Trust estate. Gawp above and then stick around to eat, shop and sing with various happenings from November through to December.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele

11. Pick your Christmas tree

Search for your favourite Christmas tree among hundreds in Cedar Croft Nurseries near St Tudy. Tie your personalised ribbon around your chosen tannenbaum and it will be cut fresh for whenever you want it.

www.cedarcroft.co.uk

12. Shop Cornish at Christmas

From coal and logs for a roaring fire, to mince pies and mistletoe, fine wine and fantastic food, Cornish Food Market have everything you need. All delivered in time for a proper Cornish Christmas.

www.cornishfoodmarket.co.uk

Check out our 10 favourite retreats for Christmas to celebrate the season in style.

Book your Christmas break with Beach Retreats online or call our team on 01637 861 005.

Amazing events for your 2018 Cornwall diary

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to fantastic events to choose from in Cornwall throughout 2018.

We’ve hand-picked our favourites to add to your calendars. How many will you visit?

Discover unbeatable savings and unforgettable experiences with Beach Retreats’ exclusive special offers.

Porthleven Food Festival

Porthleven 20 – 22 April

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2018, this is a festival we highly recommend for your foodie diary. Bringing around 30,000 people together in and around the stunning harbour in Porthleven, the event brings national and international chefs into the theatre, food stalls, street food, music day and night and entertainment for all. What are you waiting for? See you there…

Discover our Porthleven holiday properties.

St Ives Food & Drink Festival

St Ives 11 – 13 May

Get yourselves down to Porthminster beach in St Ives for another foodie treat. Attracting over 12,000 visitors each year, this festival brings you plenty of Cornish food stalls, Celebrity Chef Demos, pop up BBQs, music and more. Whilst you are in St Ives, we recommend a coastal walk along its white sand beaches.

The Great Estate

Redruth 1 – 3 June

A new event for 2017 and now returning for its second year, The Great Estate is a festival for all the family. Expect major international headline acts, a mix of comedy, theatre, music and the arts, all within the beautiful grounds of Scorrier Estate. Look out for their vintage fairground, woodland silent disco, secret gin garden, burlesque sessions, classical corner and the Swamp Circus. Buy tickets.

Royal Cornwall Show

Wadebridge 7 – 9 June

On its 223rd year and one of Cornwall’s biggest events, the Royal Cornwall Show hosts an exciting schedule of events exhibits, competitions, shopping, family activities and more. As an agricultural show, visitors can expect plenty of animal shows including the popular annual dog show, as well as a fascinating glimpse into rural life. Apart from the livestock judging, there is the famous flower tent, show jumping and a fast and furious inter-hunt relay.

Rock Oyster Festival

Rock 6 – 7 July

Located right on the famous Camel trail, making it one of the few festivals that can be easily accessed on foot or by bike, the Rock Oyster Festival is a haven for seafood lovers. This midsummer celebration of food, music and art, invites visitors to eat their way through thousands of Cornish oysters, as well as listen to live music, watch circus acts and enjoy children’s entertainment, alternative performing arts and a shopping bazaar. What more could you ask for?

Lusty Glaze Sundowner Sessions

Newquay, Various dates

Awarded the No.1 spot by The Times for ‘Most picturesque live music venue in the UK’ Lusty Glaze hosts various live acts throughout the summer months with in an incredible setting. Imagine a beer in hand, sand beneath your toes and a stunning sunset whilst watching your favourite band? Lusty Glaze welcomes Morcheeba 22nd July, a British band from the 90s, with other acts to be announced shortly.

Port Eliot Festival

St German 26 – 29 July

Port Eliot is a festival unlike any other. Whether you’re swimming in the estuary, picnicking under a 300-year-old tree, rocking out at the Park Stage, canoeing on the river, catching an intimate gig in the church, watching a cooking demo in the Big Kitchen or dancing in the Boogie Round. Make sure you save some time to look around Port Eliot House, a Grade I listed house over 1,000 years old. Will you walk up all 11 stair cases?

Boardmasters Surf & Music Festival

Newquay & Watergate Bay 8 – 13 August

The famous Boardmasters Festival is back offering a fantastic music and surf festival over two locations. Head to Fistral beach in Newquay for the main surfing and skate competitions, along with food stalls and music, or head to Watergate Bay where this year’s top acts include Craig David, The Chemical Brothers and Annie Mac.

Following the success of 2017, The Financial Times said Boardmasters is “fast becoming one of the UK’s most enticing summer music festivals”, while NME described the festival as “a perfect weekend mix of sun, surf and music in Cornwall.” See the full line-up and purchase tickets on the Boardmasters website.

British Stand Up Paddle Boarding National Championships

Watergate Bay 13 – 14 October

Celebrating its 6th year, the British Stand up Boarding Association National Championships returns to the bay. Over the course of two days there will be three main competitions, Men’s Open, Women’s Open, & Junior Under 16s. Wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate from The Beach Hut and enjoy the action. Stand by for a fiery autumn sunset.

Padstow Christmas Festival

Padstow 6 – 9 December

See this Cornish fishing village come alive with celebrity chefs, culinary delights and festive fun. The free-to-attend spectacle has grown into one of the largest food festivals in Cornwall, with 45,000 visitors expected across the four days. This year sees 65 separate cookery demonstrations, workshops and masterclasses happening across two stages, with culinary names from Rick Stien, Paul Ainsworth, Nathan Outlaw and James Martin confirmed to attend.

But it’s not all about the food.

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

Do you know any other events that should be added to our 2018 calendar? Let us know by joining the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Want a relaxing holiday in Cornwall? Check out our favourite spas and saunas for a truly relaxing getaway

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Walk Through Prussia Cove

Coastal walk to Bessy’s Cove Beach.

Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Prussia Cove is situated on Cornwall’s south coast. Unlike the north, the south coast has many hidden sandy coves, inlets and rockpools to explore and are perfect for those dog-friendly walks.

Our new duplex apartment at Acton Castle offers spectacular views over Prussia Cove and out to Mount’s Bay. Starting from the private gardens of the Castle, head down the steps to join a footpath. Keep left, and on your right, there will be a stile into the open fields below. Wander down through the field, and to your left join the coast path which will take you to Cudden Point, Piskies Cove and Bessy’s Cove beach.

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

Piskies Cove is reputed to be one of the places where John Carter – The King of Prussia – landed his smuggled goods. Prussia Cove is renowned for smuggling activity in the late 18th Century. The coastline is suitably hidden with caves; perfect for stowing stolen treasures.

The coastal walk provides a tranquil escape: calm waters, quiet sandy coves, and uninterrupted views. At low tide, discover hidden coves and wander down to enjoy your own private beach. In the summer, the water is just right for cooling off and splashing in the shallows.

Discover our Porthleven holiday properties. Just a 20 minute drive away from Prussia Cove.

You will eventually reach Cudden Point, where the sea views and horizon seem endless. The grass top cliff provides a perfect spot for a break to soak-up the breathtaking views and enjoy a bite of your sandwich.

Further along, towards Piskies Cove, you’ll spot two posts on the coastal path. The posts are the remains of HMS Warspite, a destroyer built in Devonport that served in the Battle of Jutland. The ship was moored here on the way to be scrapped in Mount’s Bay in 1947, but broke it’s moorings, running aground in Prussia Cove.

Take a leisurely walk through Porthleven, discovering its picturesque harbour, stunning coastal views, and charming village atmosphere in Cornwall.

Over the hilltops, in the distance, you will see a sandy inlet, which is called Piskies Cove. This sheltered beach is often overlooked, however a short trek down the cliff will reward you with a Cornish secret spot.

Further along the coast path, lined with hedgerows and flowers, you’ll end up at Bessy’s Cove. Tucked away, Bessy’s Cove is a picturesque rocky cove perfect for sunbathing, swimming, alfresco dining and snorkelling.

Spend a lazy summer day, away from the crowds, exploring Prussia Cove.

Discover a beach on your doorstep at Acton Castle.

Circular walk from Trevone to Padstow

A coastal walk and countryside stroll all rolled into one.

There isn’t many places where you can experience inspiring sea views and tranquil countryside scenery on a walk. Cornwall is the perfect place to experience the best of both worlds, especially when it goes hand in hand with one of our fantastic dog-friendly properties.

Nestled among rolling hills, on the North coast of Cornwall, discover a charming Cornish village with a wide sandy beach, flanked by high sea cliffs.

Trevone Bay is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; just two miles from the popular fishing harbour of Padstow. Starting at Trevone beach, the circular walk is 7.4 miles long; a moderate route along the rugged Atlantic coast.

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Follow the cliff path, past the Round Hole, which is a collapsed sea cave, with a channel that is still open to the sea. At high tide, on a calm day, it is possible to kayak right through the cave.

Walk up the cliff, past the gateway, and follow the main path across the coastal heath. Track the route taken by sailing ships to Stepper Point. The many caves spotted along the coast, provide ledges where seals haul themselves out of the water.

In the Spring and Summer time, the coastal heath is teaming with wildlife and wildflowers. The aromatic smell of wild gorse lingers in the air.

Near to Stepper Point, spot the stone tower standing proud on the clifftop. Known as the “Pepper Pot” the 40 foot stone tower, was built in 1830, as a daymark – a navigation beacon for seafarers during daylight. At 240 feet above sea level, the tower is visible from 30 miles away.

At Stepper Point, soak-up the panoramic sea views, and descend on the coastal path along the Camel Estuary to Hawker’s Cove. From the coastal path, look across the Estuary to Rock and Daymer Bay. There is a passenger ferry which operates between Rock and Padstow.

Explore our holiday properties in Padstow, just a short drive away from Port Isaac and Polzeath.

From Hawker’s Cove, cross the sandy beach of St George’s Cove before finally reaching the bustling harbour of Padstow.

In Padstow, stop for a spot of lunch at one of the local eateries or fish and chips on the harbour from Rick Steins.

Walking back to Trevone, follow the signs from Padstow town to Prideaux Place, a beautiful eighteenth century manor house. Pass the front of Prideaux Place, and follow the lane to find a barn on your right. Opposite the barn, take the footpath to the left and over the stile. Bare right along the path along the field.

On the route back to Trevone, pass the Padstow Farm Shop. Pop in for fresh veg, fruit, Cornish cheese, meat and everyday amenities. Follow the fields back to Trevone Bay and relax on the beach with a barbecue, and watch the sun go down.

Want to explore more of Cornwall? Check out our favourite autumnal walks in Cornwall.

Book your self-catering beach holiday in Trevone.

Walk Through Lynton and Lynmouth

Experience self-catering holidays in Devon by the sea.

Lynmouth encapsulates the wild beauty of north Devon, in a charming picturesque postcard village. The idyllic coastal town is often dubbed Little Switzerland, due to its spectacular landscape and tranquil waters. Flanked by high sea cliffs, Lynmouth is where Exmoor meets the sea.

Discover unbeatable savings and unforgettable experiences with Beach Retreats’ exclusive special offers.

The sheltered harbour, with its famous Rhenish Tower, nestles beneath the cliffs on north Devon’s heritage coast. On the rugged cliff top, overlooking the mooring, the Edwardian village of Lynton stands proud. A water-powered funicular railway connects the two resorts. One of the most environmentally friendly tourist attractions in the country, the cliff railway is a great way to experience the magnificent rugged landscape. On a clear day, from the Cliff Top Cafe in Lynton, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views across to Wales.

Lynton and Lynmouth offer a unique holiday experience. The twin villages are bursting with local charm and character with an array of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. In the summer at dusk, the resorts twinkle under the night sky as people wander along the pier and venture upon the cliff railway to Lynton. There is a priceless sense of nostalgia and identity in the region. The unspoilt landscape provides a sense of escape to those seeking a holiday from the busy pace of modern life.

Discover the charm and beauty of North Devon, where stunning landscapes and coastal adventures await with Beach Retreats.

Discover Exmoor.

Set in the heart of Exmoor National Park, Lynmouth is the perfect place to access the inner moor. Surrounded by magnificent wooded hills, this part of north Devon’s coastline provides plenty of walking (or for the less energetic – driving) opportunities.

Abundant with wildlife, Exmoor has more than 600 miles of marked footpaths to explore. Ponies, sheep and majestic red deer graze the moorland whereas falcons, buzzards and the rare merlin circle overhead.

From Lynmouth, visitors don’t have to travel far to experience the wild scenery of Exmoor. Follow the coast two miles east to Countisbury Hill to find hill tops teeming with wildlife. On Countisbury Hill the high ground tumbles to meet the coastal cliffs which plunge into the sea. In spring, the hill tops are golden yellow from wild gorse whereas in the autumn the hedgerows are an auburn colour.

Further inland, discover ancient woodlands and waterfalls at Watersmeet. The East Lyn river rips through the landscape on its journey from the plateau of Exmoor to the sea and Lynmouth. Giant boulders and striking outcrops are left behind as the river carves its way through the landscape, creating one of Britain’s deepest river gorges.

In the 19th century this wild landscape drew tourists and great Romantic poets. Southey, along with Coleridge, Wordsworth and Shelley were enchanted by Lynmouth and its hinterland, comparing Watersmeet with the Alps.

Once a Victorian fishing lodge, Watersmeet House is a charming tearoom set within the picturesque landscape of hidden Exmoor. Enjoy a traditional Devonshire cream tea with whortleberry jam and listen to the trickling water of the East Lyn river. During the summer months, the river provides the perfect fishing spot for salmon and sea trout whereas in the quieter months, the waters are great for canoeing.

Explore the Valley of the Rocks.

Dramatic scenery encapsulates the north Devon coastline and inner countryside. The spectacular moorland at the Valley of the Rocks is less than one mile in walking distance of Lynmouth. The Valley of the Rocks is a unique dry valley that runs parallel to the coast.

In the area, there are plenty of walks with striking weathered rock formations with names such as “The Devil’s Cheesewring”, “Ragged Jack” and “Castle Rock”. The sublime valley has its own population of wild goats which roam the rocks and cliff edges. Climb the rocks to experience breathtaking views across the rugged landscape and Bristol Channel.

Discover the foodie delights of The Ancient Mariner in Lynmouth, where delicious food and drink are served in a charming, historic setting.

 

Fancy a walk on the wild side?

BOOK YOUR SELF-CATERING HOLIDAY IN LYNMOUTH

Rick Stein’s Cookery School | Taste the Ocean

Taste the Ocean

Padstow is a traditional working fishing port nestled at the head of the Camel River. Characterised by cobbled streets, boutique shops, art galleries and eateries, the charming village is a popular holiday destination. A tranquil harbour decorated with fishing boats, Padstow attracts visitors looking to sample Rick Stein’s culinary delights.

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

Rick Stein

A world renowned and award winning chef, Rick Stein is best known for his love of fresh seafood. Since the opening of The Seafood Restaurant in 1975, where diners can experience fish fresh from the ocean, Rick has been busy growing his name as a seafood chef. Not only has he cooked for the Queen, Prince Philip and Margaret Thatcher (to name drop only a few) but is an author of more than 20 bestselling cookbooks. Rick’s love of fresh seafood has inspired him to travel the world to explore culinary traditions. His adventures have included barges, clapped-out caravans and in the early days his beloved dog, Chalky.

Padstow has been coined Padstein by visitors and food lovers, as an acknowledgement to the many Stein local bars and restaurants. In the past 30 years, Rick has opened new doors for his business. His name can now be seen in locations including Fistral, Falmouth, Porthleven and St Merryn in Cornwall. The millennium saw the opening of The Rick Stein Cookery School in Padstow. Popular with budding chefs and food fanatics, the school offers visitors a place to enjoy cooking and tasting food.

Fancy staying in Padstow? Check out our luxury holiday lets in Padstow.

The Cookery School

Situated in a spacious, light-filled building perched on the South Quay, the cookery school offers more than 30 courses and lectures. With a small ratio of people in a class, you are able to learn how to create mouthwatering dishes from Rick’s leading chefs.

Overlooking the Camel Estuary with further views across to Rock, the school is a perfect place to learn how to cook seafood. There are individual cooking stations for eight pairs, a chef’s kitchen area and a long dining table. The day is filled with demonstrations, hands-on cooking and plenty of food tasting.

As a student, we joined head chef Nick Evans on a half-day seafood cookery course. The whole morning revolved around lunch, where a feast of shellfish was served and washed down with a glass of wine. During the morning, students were able to learn how to cook razor calms and mussels through chef demonstrations.

The kitchen was filled with the aromas of fresh seafood as the pans fried and the pots boiled. Measuring, chopping and cooking the ingredients enabled students to get involved in the day. Students walked away with not only new recipes to cook at home but an impressive set of new kitchen skills.

After class, students are presented with a certificate and folder containing useful hints and tips along with delicious recipes and heart-warming meal ideas.

There are plenty of courses to choose from at Rick Stein’s Cookery School. Get hands-on with Far Eastern cuisine, Mediterranean dishes and traditional winter warmers. Although seafood plays a big part in the cookery school, you can try courses which use other ingredients. All courses help create perfect dishes to curl up with and cook in your self-catering holiday home.

Elevate your beach BBQ game with expert tips and tricks on perfecting a beach BBQ with our guide!

Book your foodie escape in one of our beach locations, and keep an eye on our special offers page for the best deals.  

Lost Gardens of Heligan

Lost in Autumn at Heligan.

We visited the Lost Gardens of Heligan on the south coast of Cornwall during the Autumn to get a photographer’s view on one of the county’s most popular visitor attractions.

Leaves were falling from the trees as the landscape changed with the season to create a new perspective on the well-signposted pathways weaving down the valley and around the site.

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

The derelict gardens were uncovered in 1990 from under decades of overgrowth. A real life “secret garden”, the Lost Gardens and estate offer over 200 acres for exploration.

Discover romantic Victorian pleasure gardens along winding paths, explore ancient woodlands and adventure along raised boardwalks pass giant rhubarb, banana plantations and bamboo tunnels.

There is a definite sense of peace and calm at Heligan. You can find a peaceful bench for a snack and moment of reflection in amongst the vegetation.

Stumble upon bee hives, an insect hotel or something unusual in the trees.

And despite the time of year, there is still plenty of colour.

The locals, as recently featured on the BBC’s Countryfile, are pretty chilled.

With all this walking it was time for some refreshments, as we stumbled upon the tea room at just the right time.

Check out our locations and properties across South Cornwall.

Find out more about the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
Photographs courtesy of Secret Shutter.

Book a holiday in Cornwall.

Embark on an adventure chasing waterfalls in Cornwall, discovering the hidden natural gems and breathtaking cascades of the region.

A Day Out in St Ives | All You Need to Know

St Ives – the jewel of Cornwall’s crown.

With golden beaches, clear waters and a variety of waterfront eateries, St Ives is a seemingly subtropical oasis.

Here’s our guide for what to see and do in St Ives.

The town is part of West Penwith, which is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, extending around Cape Cornwall to include the central Penwith Hills.

It’s no surprise that St Ives has been attracting artists for decades who come to capture the essence of the town.

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

From marine artist Henry Moore, who visited in the mid-1800s, to twentieth-century sculptor Barbara Hepworth, St Ives has attracted many painters, sculptors and ceramists.

Barbara Hepworth worked with bronze, stone and wood. Her sculptures are on display in the Museum and Garden, located in the heart of St Ives, along with paintings, drawings and archive material.

The Museum and Garden is well worth visiting for a unique experience into the work and life of one of Britain’s most important twentieth century artists.

Some of Hepworth’s sculptures can be seen around the town. Wander along pathways through trees and shrubs and discover some of her most celebrated designs.

Epidauros II Bronze casting, which is one of an edition of seven made by Hepworth in 1961, is situated on the Malakoff overlooking the harbour and Porthminster beach.

With views across to Godrevy Lighthouse, that inspired Virginia Woolf’s famous novel To the Lighthouse, Porthminster beach is the perfect place to kick off your shoes and relax.

On the beach enjoy fresh, local produce from Porthminster Beach Café. Serving delicious
food throughout the day, some of which is grown in their adjoining garden, the café has won many prestigious awards such as Coast magazine’s Best Coastal Café and The Times’ Best Coast Restaurant.

If you enjoy strolling along the beach, breathing in the fresh sea air, then you will love wandering the coastline around St Ives and discovering the sheltered coves it has to offer.

A popular beach with families, dogs and surfers, Porthmeor is perfect for hitting the surf and making a splash in the shallows.

The beach is just a stone’s throw from the town where you’ll find ancient pubs, contemporary cafes and inspirational art galleries.

Check out our luxury holiday properties in Carbis Bay by the sea.

Walk a little further and you will find a charming sandy cove called Porthgwidden nestled beneath the steep grassy slopes of St Ives “Island”. This is a popular spot for wild swimming.

Porthgwidden Beach Café, which is on a small slope up from the beach, is a great place to sit and eat lunch looking out onto the bay or to relax with a glass of wine and watch the sun set.

Watching the day pass in St Ives is one of our favourite pastimes. In the harbour, sheltered by thick stone walls, is a soft sandy beach which is revealed when the tide is out.

Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the town, the harbour beach is a perfect spot to take a picnic and watch the local fishermen land their catch of the day.

For those who enjoy being out on the water, St Ives Self Drive Boats & Kayak Rental provides you with the opportunity to explore the beautiful Bay. The boat and kayak hire company operates within the summer months.

Behind the harbour beach, on the cobbled wharf, is the fourteenth century Sloop Inn. A cosy, ancient pub, the Sloop Inn hosts live music nights most weekends and provides a great outdoor drinking area that overlooks the colourful port.

Find a discounted retreat in St Ives on our special offers page. Or, browse our other beach locations to explore more of the Cornish coastline.

Take a look at our favourite ‘must sea’ retreats and explore our other holiday lets.

A Walk Through Guide to Portwrinkle, Cornwall

Located on a forgotten corner of South East Cornwall and with a name that makes us chuckle every time we say it, there is plenty to smile about when it comes to small and sleepy village of Portwrinkle – our latest self catering holiday destination.

As you travel through the Rame Peninsula and its landscape of tidal creeks, lush farmland, sandy beaches and country parks, it’s hard not to slow down a gear. It’s the perfect precursor to life in Portwrinkle – a winding-down and chilled out kind of self-catering holiday destination.

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

Portwrinkle’s history stretches back to Medieval times and wandering around the tranquil coastline here feels a little like stepping back in time – in a very good way. It’s gloriously quiet and unspoilt.

Explore more of Cornwall, and have a look at our holiday properties in Whitsand Bay.

We start our walk down the footpath and onto the grey sand of Finnygook beach – another curiously named place. Children play cricket, paddle in the sea and wait for the tide to recede to explore the plentiful rockpools. The silver sea is eerily calm today, but when the swell picks up Finnygook is popular with experienced surfers making the most of some of the best surf this side of the coast.

From here, a popular stretch of the South West Coast Path snakes off into greenery towards Whitsand Bay, a dramatic four-mile stretch of coastline and golden sand leading all the way to Rame Head in the distance.

Heading back up the path and in the other direction, it’s easy to glimpse Portwrinkle’s Medieval past. We pass old pilchard processing buildings as we make our way to the rough and ready Medieval stone harbour where a single boat has moored up for the day.

To the right-hand side is a small curved bay called Hoodny Cove. With a kayak store at the bottom of the slipway, Hoodny Cove and the harbour are ideal for exploring the coastline from on top of the water.

Learn about Padstow in our blog all about how to enjoy a week in Padstow, and explore what it has to offer.

Find a discounted retreat in Portwrinkle on our special offers page. Or, browse our other beach locations to explore more of the Cornwall coastline.

Visiting Cornwall’s Museums This February Half Term

Children to entertain this February half term? Cornwall is home to some 60-plus museums of all shapes and sizes. Here’s a rundown of our favourite Cornwall museums, plus what’s on at each during the holiday period.

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National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth

As the winner of Telegraph Family Friendly Museum Award 2014, there’s lots going on for kids alongside great exhibitions for adults. Every Thursday of every school holiday is ‘Thorsday’ – meet the Norse men and women from the Viking Voyagers exhibition and experience living history with Morvleydh, the Sea Wolves. This February half-term will also see a ‘startruck’ extravaganza, with 360-degree views from the planetarium (13-15 February, book and pay £3.50 on arrival), and interplanetary crafts and a constellation hunt around the museum (both 13-21 February).

www.nmmc.co.uk

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

Penlee House Gallery and Museum

Penlee is at the heart of West Cornwall’s history and is the only public gallery specialising in the world renowned Newlyn School of artists. Surrealist artist Ithell Colquhoun is in exhibition this spring and children can get involved too – using the surrealist technique of decalcomania combined with collage and monoprint to replicate Ithell’s surrealist seascapes.

www.penleehouse.org.uk

Telegraph Museum Porthcurno

New exhibitions, new experiences and a new café were all part of a £2.5 million refurbishment for the museum built on the hub of international cable communications. Tying in with the Museum’s First World War exhibition, at half term kids can imagine life as an World War Two evacuee and go underground in mock-trenches, get frugal at a ‘make do & mend’ workshop (15 February), and dig for victory by growing their own vegetables.

www.porthcurno.org.uk

Falmouth Art Gallery

Falmouth Art Gallery has a vibrant exhibition programme and lots going on for kids. This half term you’ll find a doodle table as well as:

• Frost Family Mobiles (18 February)
• Ben Nicholson Cut-outs (19 February)
• Still Life Painting (20 February)

Find out more online.

Royal Cornwall Museum (RCM)

Calling Poldark fans! The RCM has the unique position of holding Poldark author, Winston Graham’s original notebooks showing his internationally best-selling novels in long hand. For kids, there is an interactive space exhibition – try illusionary puzzles and games and tease your senses. Young and old alike will be amazed. No materials required, just bring your brain.

www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk

Wheal Martyn

Set within 26 acres in the heart of Cornwall Wheal Martyn offers a great day out for all the family, even the dog! Discover how Cornwall’s largest mining industry changed the world and the amazing uses of China Clay in our everyday lives today. This half term children can enjoy roilet roll butterfly and bug making.

www.wheal-martyn.com

Don’t forget to check our late availability for properties available over February half term, and our special offers page for any seasonal discounts.

Find your favourite beach location and spend the next February half term in Cornwall.

Thinking of visiting in the February half term, check out what other activities we recommend trying in February.