Category: Food and drink

7 Places for Food and Drink in Perranporth

Sleep well, surf well and eat well…

Cornish ice cream, locally caught seafood and showstopping cocktails, Perranporth has a fantastic choice of restaurants for those staying in this buzzing surf town. Whether it’s a large beachside cafe with breathtaking views, or an intimate restaurant set back from the beach, we give you your Beach Retreats guide to places to eat and drink in Perranporth.

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

Summer House, Perranporth

Brand new in 2018, the Summer House is located directly next door to The Dunes self-catering apartments in Perranporth, overlooking the golden sands and Atlantic Ocean. The restaurant offers alfresco dining as well as tables inside with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, making the most of the breathtaking views.

Open for lunch and dinner, expect a menu full of locally sourced produce including grilled hake, mussels, duck and crab linguine.

See the full menu.

Pavilion, Perranporth

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Especially when it’s from the Pavilion in Perranporth. This delicious ice cream parlour offers every flavour imaginable including Jaffa cake, malteaser, Cornish Fudge, bubblegum, honeycomb and banoffee. It doesn’t stop there, you’ll be spoilt with several waffle cone choices, a Pavilion stamped wafer and the choice of a Cadbury Flake stick or Cornish fudge.

Find your favourite flavour.

The Watering Hole, Perranporth

Labelled the UK’s only bar on the beach, The Watering Hole is Perranporth’s go to place for live music and events all year round. It’s unique position on a three mile stretch of golden sand attracts visitors far and wide along with its local ales and wide range of food. The bar is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with food including ciabattas, salads, burgers, chilli and local fish curries. If you have little ones in tow, then a kids menu is also available.

See what’s on at The Watering Hole.

Alcatraz, Perranporth

If you follow Alcatraz on Instagram, then you’ll know that they have the best seats in Perranporth for catching a Cornish sunset. This quirky and one of a kind bar and cafe sits on the cliff and is split into two levels. Downstairs caters to the beach-goer with surfboard hire, buckets and spades, snacks, ice-creams and summer vibes. Meanwhile, on their upper level, you’ll find the bar and cafe serving delicious food and even better cocktails.

Book your sunset viewing spot.

The Seiners Arms, Perranporth

A family run restaurant and bar located on the seafront, The Seiners Arms is a friendly and traditional Cornish pub serving locally sourced and freshly prepared food. With an emphasis on seafood, its ever changing menu includes crab linguine, mussels, surf and turf, baked hake and traditional fish and chips. If you want to check the weather first then you can do that too, with their live webcam. You feeling hungry yet?

See the full menu

Browns Fish and Chip Shop, Perranporth

If you’re after a quick bite to eat or you fancy dining on the beach, then Browns Fish and Chip Shop is an excellent choice. With 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor, customers describe it as ‘absolutely delicious’, ‘always great quality’ and ‘good, honest food’. Dine in, head to the beach or if you’re staying with us at The Dunes, relax on your balcony and watch the world go by. Watch out for seagulls!

Find out more

Del Mar Italian, Perranporth

With fresh bread baked daily and Italian chefs serving up a wide selection of authentic pizzas and pastas, it’s no surprise Del mar Italian is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. This restaurant has live Italian music at the weekends and an open kitchen where you can see the chefs hard at work; this mixed with great food and wine creates a fantastic atmosphere.

Tuck into pizza at Del Mar

Check out our other locations and retreats across North Cornwall.

What to find out more about the local area? Discover what to do in and around Newquay, just a short drive away from Perranporth.

Book your holiday to Perranporth with Beach Retreats

Check out all of our Perranporth developments: The Dunes, Ocean Gate and Ocean Walk.

How to make a Cornish pasty

Cornish Pasty

You can’t come to Cornwall and not have a Cornish pasty! But why not see if you can make them yourselves whilst staying with us? Not only is it a great thing to try with the kids on a rainy day, but you’ll also have a great lunch!

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

Cornish Pasty

Follow our recipe and let us know how you get on!

Ingredients

350g beef skirt
1 large onion
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
175g swede, peeled and diced
Salt and pepper

125g chilled butter
125g lard
500g plain flour
Water
1 egg, beaten

If you decide to save time, and reduce mess, you can always buy pre-made shortcrust pastry.

Method

To make the pastry

– Rub the butter and lard into the flour with a pinch of salt. You can do this by hand or use a food blender. Mix until it resembles breadcrumbs.

– Then add 6tbsp of cold water and combine until the mixture comes together as dough.

– Divide into four equal amounts, wrap in cling film and leave to chill for around an hour.

For the filing

– Preheat oven to 180C.

– Bring a pan of water to the boil.

– Add the chopped swede and potato and cook until tender. Then drain, refresh in cold water and set aside.

Creating your pasty

– Roll the chilled pastry out onto a clean, floured work surface.

– Cut a large disk from each piece of pastry using a dinner plate as a template.

– Share out chopped onion between the four discs of pastry. Arrange them in a line down the middle.

– Spoon the shopped steak on top. Then add the swede and potato on top.

– Season with salt and pepper to taste.

– Brush the edge of each pastry disc with some of the beaten egg.

– Fold one edge of the pastry over to the other side and crimp to seal the pasty.

NB: A Traditional Cornish pasty is crimped on the side. Watch this video to see how to crimp professionally.

– Brush the remaining egg over the top of the pastry and score a small hold in the middle of the pasty.

– Cook for around 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Oggy, oggy, oggy! Oi, oi oi!

Discover our bespoke holiday cottages in Hayle and try a fresh Philps pasty straight from the store.

 

Want someone else to cook for you? Explore seaside delights with our guide to where to eat and drink by the sea!

Foodie Falmouth

Falmouth’s superb selection of restaurants are sure to get your taste buds jumping.

Located on Cornwall’s tropical south coast and home to the world’s third deepest natural harbour, it’s no surprise Falmouth boasts an array of fantastic places to eat delicious seafood and drink local wine and ales. Catering for all food tastes and requirements, Beach Retreats gives you the low down on where to dine during your stay.

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

How many will you tick off the list?

View all our self-catering holiday homes in Falmouth.

Gylly Beach Cafe

Just 200 metres from some of our Falmouth properties, Gylly Beach Cafe is wonderfully positioned on Falmouth’s famous Gyllyngvase Beach, overlooked by the imposing Pendennis Castle.  Soak up the sun and panoramic views of the Lizard Peninsula and The Helford River, whilst enjoying a delicious meal and glass of vino with friends and family.

Visit Gylly Beach Cafe during your stay in Falmouth.

 

Esspressini

If you’re passionate about coffee, you’ll be right at home at this artisan coffee house in the heart of Falmouth. With a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, Esspressini specialises in serving a large variety of outstanding quality coffee and a delicious food menu that is sure to get your mouth watering. We recommend trying the banana waffles or popular homemade cakes and brownies.

Visit Esspressini during your stay.

 

Harbour Lights

‘Majoring in amazing fish and top-notch chips’, Harbour Lights in Falmouth is the go to place for a chip shop takeaway. In 2017, the restaurant was crowned ‘Independent Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year 2017’ in the National Fish and Chip Awards. Take your chips and sit on the harbour wall or dine in the restaurant and watch the boats bobbing as they sail by.

Visit Harbour Lights during your stay.

 

Olivers

Oliver’s in Falmouth excels in two areas, the first being its high quality seasonal menus, which always use the finest local produce. And secondly, its fantastic service. The restaurant is currently ranked as #2 best restaurant in Falmouth on TripAdvisor, with customers describing it as ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ and ‘Always an outstanding meal and service’. So, what are you waiting for? Book your table at Oliver’s now to avoid disappointment.

Dine at Oliver’s during your stay.

 

Amanzi

Ranked #3 on TripAdvisor, Amanzi offers customers the chance to taste the ‘Flavours of Africa’ with a delicious menu that brings dishes from the Cape to Cairo and Marrakesh to Mogadishu. Open 6 days a week for lunchtime and evening meals, make sure you try the non-alcoholic pineapple beer brewed on site. Biltong is also available to takeaway for those that can’t be without this South African delicacy.

Dine at Amanzi Restaurant during your stay in Falmouth.

 

Cribbs

Let Cribbs Restaurant transport you away to the Isles of the Caribbean through authentic dishes served in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you choose to dine for lunch, dinner or pop in for a coffee and cake, you’ll be able to sit back and relax whilst the chefs rustle up mouth-watering dishes in the open front kitchen. Don’t forget to order a rum when you’re at the bar to really get in the Caribbean spirit.

Dine at Cribbs during your stay in Falmouth.

 

Star & Garter

Perfectly located on the water’s edge in Falmouth, Star and Garter is one of Falmouth’s oldest pubs dating back to 1892. Its jaw-dropping harbour views, world class whisky and premium local produce, brings back locals and visitors alike, time and time again. Star & Garter use fresh fish landed in Newlyn each morning, meat from well-known butcher Phillip Warren and Falmouth Oysters picked straight from the river right outside the front door.

Dine at Star & Garter during your stay in Falmouth.

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

 

Rick Stein’s Fish

Offering a take out or dining in experience, Rick Stein’s Fish in Falmouth is a must try for your foodie bucket list. Their relaxed seafood restaurant has classic fish and chips at the heart of the menu, alongside some of Rick’s favourite dishes such as Indonesian seafood curry, Cornish crab and salt and pepper prawns.

Dine at Rick Stein’s Fish during your stay in Falmouth.

 

Discover the culinary delights of Hayle with our guide to eating out, and exploring the vibrant food scene and local flavours that this coastal town has to offer.

7 Mouth-Watering Restaurants to Try When Staying in Rock

Camel Estuary

We give you the low down on our favourite and most sophisticated eateries to try when holidaying in Rock.

When it comes to finding great places to eat and drink in and around Rock, you won’t be short of options. With the Camel Estuary flowing directly in front of our properties, guests of Bijou and Ferrypoint have the choice of dining in both seaside towns Rock and neighbouring town Padstow – a short 10 minute boat ride away. Here are our top picks for dining out during your stay.

Have a favourite? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by tagging your foodie pics with #beachretreats.

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

No 1 Rock Road

Offering breathtaking views across the Rock Estuary, making your dining experience truly exceptional, No 1 Rock Road is less than a minute’s walk from both Bijou and Ferrypoint. Enjoy the locally sourced seasonal produce, or a ‘kiss from the sea’ such as Rock estuary mussels, oysters and their fresh catch of the day, along with a wide selection of pastas. The chef will offer impressive dishes and the finest flavours that will excite your senses, so look out for their daily special board.

Whether you are looking for a family lunch, intimate dinner, drink or cocktail, No 1 Rock Road offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Blue Tomato Cafe

Perfectly positioned beneath Ferrypoint and a 10-second stroll from Bijou, the Blue Tomato Cafe is a firm favourite offering vibrant, beautiful and tasty meals in a relaxed environment on the water’s edge. The chef takes the dishes you would expect to eat in a cafe and makes them extraordinary, from burgers and sandwiches to salads, pasta and daily specials. To top it all off, guests at Bijou and Ferrypoint receive a 10% discount.

The Mariners

Enjoy an afternoon stroll to the end of Rock Road and you’ll be greeted by one of Nathan Outlaw’s restaurants, The Mariners. Nathan Outlaw is a Michelin Star chef and opened these doors in 2014 with Sharps Brewery. Nathan and Head Chef Zack Hawke deliver a seasonal menu featuring the best of Cornish produce, complemented by Sharp’s Brewery’s skillfully brewed beers.

Enjoy a wide selection of day boat fish from their specials board, along with their shellfish platter on ice, all cooked and prepared in true Nathan Outlaw fashion.

The Dining Room

Fine dining at its best, The Dining Room provides a warm welcome and attentive service alongside fresh, thoughtfully prepared food and an extensive wine list, making it the perfect choice for all dining occasions. Since opening The Dining Room in 2010, the Chef has begun to showcase his own style of cooking, teaching himself new techniques. With few exceptions, every aspect of your meal will be made on the premises, from the selection of freshly baked breads and clotted cream butter to begin through to the petit fours served with coffee.

The Seafood Restaurant, Rick Stein

With an International reputation for the very freshest fish and shellfish, often landed on our doorstep, it’s no surprise that Rick Stein’s The Seafood Restaurant is on our list. Hop on the ferry (available every 20 minutes) or private boat taxi just a minute walk from Bijou and Ferrypoint and enjoy the 10 minute trip across the water over to Padstow. After your delicious meal, stroll around the pretty harbour, check out the many boutique shops and hop back on a boat towards Rock.

Paul Ainsworth at No6

Another must visit restaurant located in a beautiful Georgian townhouse in Padstow, is the Michelin Star awarded Paul Ainsworth at No6. Here you’ll be served modern British food with a focus on especially sourced Cornish produce. Standard of service is impeccable from start to finish to match the delicious food and wine offering.

Choose from the A La Carte Menu in the evening or a set lunch – 3 courses £29.

Greens of Padstow

Sit back and relax while you watch the everchanging panoramic views over the Camel Estuary at Greens of Padstow. Perched high above the picture-perfect harbour this popular cafe also boasts an 18-hole crazy golf garden for all the family to enjoy. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Greens of Padstow has something for everyone on its delicious menu including burgers, seafood, steaks and salads.

Fancy looking at other areas of the North Coast? Explore our holiday properties in Port Isaac, just a short drive away from Rock and Padstow.

Book your holiday to Rock with Beach Retreats.

Check out our recommendations on the best places to go for breakfast in Cornwall.

7 Must Do’s in Falmouth

Spend your family holiday on the beach this summer and enjoy the laid-back coastal lifestyle in Falmouth.

Known for its creative buzz, contemporary art galleries, maritime heritage and fantastic array of places to eat and drink, Falmouth in south Cornwall offers a wide range of activities suitable for all. To help you get planning, we’ve handpicked 7 must do’s, a stone’s throw from our Falmouth self-catering holiday homes.

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

Walk the South West Coast Path

Walk onto any beach in Falmouth and you’ll spot part of the South West Coast Path to your left or right. Marvel at the pretty sea pink flowers. Amble past Pendennis Castle. Stop for a picnic at Gyllyngvase beach. Catch the sun on the rocks as it begins to set. You’re sure to find something different and exciting each turn you take.

Find your closest route.

Go rockpooling

In just a 12 minute walk from our luxury self-catering apartments, guests will find themselves at Castle beach, Falmouth’s go to spot for rockpooling. At low tide you’ll be pleasantly surprised with hundreds of rockpools just waiting to be explored. Keep your eyes peeled for the natural display of fascinating and tough creatures, including the Cornish Sucker fish, Worm Pipefish and the Common Shore Crab.

See our full guide to rockpooling and where to go.

See Falmouth from the ocean

Departing three times a day, between Truro and Falmouth, Fal River’s Enterprise Boats give you the chance to see Cornwall from a different perspective. This unique sea route will take you past iconic maritime locations, historic houses and landmarks, as well as taking you up close to the array of ocean-going vessels laid up at anchor on the upper reaches of the Fal River. Get your cameras ready while you sail past Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

See a Fal River time table.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)

Offering lots of giggles as you attempt to get on the board (and stay on it), Stand Up Paddle Boarding is quickly becoming one of the go to watersports for those holidaying and living in Cornwall. Whether you want to rent a board and explore the coast yourself, or hire an instructor that will teach you how to ‘ride the waves’ this sport offers plenty of fun for all abilities.

If you don’t want to try it alone, then check out Falmouth Surf School, where up to six of you give it a go…on one board!

Enjoy Sunday lunch at Star & Garter

Star & Garter take Sunday lunch very seriously and we love it! Whether it’s moorland aged rump of beef, a luscious leg of lamb or some proper roast pork with the best crackling you can imagine. All their meat is supplied by renowned Cornish butcher Phillip Warren and served with crispy duck fat roasties, monster Yorkies, silky gravy and a selection of local, seasonal veg. So, go in and while away the afternoon in front of the fire, enjoy the view over the bay and, well, tuck in.

Roast is served 12-3pm and 6pm – 9pm.

Explore more of our 10 favourite restaurants with amazing sea views.

Sunday Roast at Star & Garter, Falmouth

Get lost in Trebah Gardens

Cornwall’s not only known for its stunning beaches, its magical gardens are home to a wealth of exciting, rare and beautiful plants and trees just waiting to be explored. Visit Trebah Gardens is a sub-tropical paradise with its very own private beach, four miles of footpath and vibrant tunnels of colour. The gardens are open daily from 10am and can be reached in a 15 minute car ride from our Falmouth holiday homes.

Check out more of what Cornwall has to offer and explore our holiday lets in The Lizard Peninsula, West Cornwall.

Trebah Gardens

Book your stay in Falmouth with Beach Retreats.

24 hours in Port Isaac with the Nathan Outlaw experience

Port isaac at sunset

Delectable food, historic harbour, Doc Martin and a home from home in the centre of it all…

So when you only have 24 hours in Port Isaac where do you begin? With the tide in, boats bobbing and the sun shining, we headed straight to the picture-perfect working harbour.

Boasting clear waters on a sunny day, narrow winding streets and white-washed fisherman’s houses, we took the coast path up the side of the cliffs, towards the iconic ITV’s Doc Martin house (perfect place for a selfie with the Doc).

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

Experiencing Outlaw’s

After a quick tipple at the Golden Lion, we headed back up the hill towards our Beach Retreat holiday home ‘Lobber’, where we were more than ready for our seafood-tasting menu at the fantastic Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, conveniently perched directly opposite.

Recently voted the UK’s Best Restaurant by the 2017 Good Food Guide, Nathan Outlaw is renowned for his tasty sea-to-plate dishes with an extra twist.

The First Course

To kick things off we started with the wine flight (don’t mind if we do). The fabulous wine connoisseur gave us his expert knowledge on where and how each wine was made and a little history behind the families that maintained the vineyards.

Here he pours two glasses of the Sparkling Koshu 2014 from Japan.

Ensuring the wine complimented the food, our first course was the Cured Monkfish, Tomato and Sea Purslane and it certainly hit the spot.

Nathan’s simple and honest approach to seafood cookery mixed with the careful thought given to every tail and scale that enters his kitchen, really does provide a memorable dining experience.

Second Course

My favourite course, number 2 was the Gurnard and Porthilly Sauce, a dish that you will never want to end. Crabs are caught locally at Porthilly and then made into a delicious bisque like sauce. This sauce has everyone talking on TripAdvisor.

Accompanied by a glass of Capellania Blanco Reserva 2012, Marques de Murrieta, Rioja, Spain.

Main Course

Onto the mains and we certainly don’t doubt Nathan Outlaw’s ‘King of Fish’ title. The Cornish Turbot, with a side of tenderstem and roast onion sauce with potato.

Dessert

If you love your sweet food then this is the course for you! Strawberries and sugared shortbread biscuit in a delicous jelly with elderflower ice. Pour the ice onto the strawberries and you’ll be pleasantly surprised how much extra taste it adds.

Last course…

Cornish Jack Cheese (who doesn’t love cheese), Beetroot and Walnut Tart! As if things couldn’t get any better. The perfect end to a perfect meal. This course was wonderfully combined with a glass of Banyuls Reserva NV, Domaine La Tour Vieille,Roussillon from France.

Intrigued about how all this amazing food was prepped, we headed into the kitchen to get a little sneak peek as the chefs work.

Nathan Outlaw currently holds four Michelin stars across his empire of exquisite seafood restaurants.

There’s our dessert again, we couldn’t possibly eat anymore…

What do you do after a big meal when on the coast? Get outside and walk off your dinner with some of the most beautiful and rugged Cornish views. When leaving Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, head down the hill in the opposite direction towards Port Isaac’s sister port, Port Gaverne.

Enjoy a drink at the Port Gaverne Hotel and Restaurant before heading back up the hill. Sit on the bench half way up the hill and take in the inspiring views.

Much to our surprise, we found ourselves in the middle of the Port Isaac Carnival on our way back to Lobber.

It’s pleasant to see how much the locals come together and welcome visitors from near and far to join in with their celebrations.

Book your self-catering stay in Port Isaac with Beach Retreats.

Fancy looking at other areas of the North Coast? Explore our holiday properties in Padstow, just a short drive away from Port Isaac and Polzeath.

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

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

Book your Beach Retreats self-catering holiday.

Eat local on your self-catering holiday in Cornwall

Staying in a Beach Retreat property means Cornwall’s luscious bounty is always on your doorstep.

In farm shops, markets and local restaurants about the county, you’ll spy carrots, Cornish potatoes, mussels, samphire, figs, hazelnuts and much more autumnal produce. Here we have rounded up the best places to lay your hands on fresh local produce, so you can cut down the journey from field to plate and enjoy what the locals have to offer.

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

Baker Tom – multiple locations

As you walk into any of these stores, expect the smell of freshly made bread, scones, pastries and more. If you’re also a cheese lover, we highly recommend dipping some Baker Tom bread into a melted Camembert cheese. Baker Tom has got it all going on. Stores and Cafes can be found in Truro, Falmouth, Wadebridge, Pool and Penzance.

Purely Cornish – Looe

Located in lovely Looe, Purely Cornish offers visitors and locals alike a fantastic array of goodies. From Cornish chocolate, fudge and biscuits, to local jams and chutney. Is your mouth-watering yet?

Bre-pen Farm – Mawgan Porth

This National Trust farm on the cliffs above Mawgan Porth is worth a pilgrimage to pick up a few joints of its free-range lamb, reared on the green pastures and sea  breezes of the north coast – Chefs swear you can taste the salty air in the meat. There can be no better reason to forgo burgers – these chops are perfectly suited to the smoky flavours of a beach barbie. Enquire within the farm shop, and pick yourself a few sprigs of herbs free of charge on the way out.

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

Camel Valley – near Bodmin

Camel Valley Vineyard has been producing award-winning, world-class wine in Cornwall since 1989. Located near Bodmin, guests can either stop in the shop to purchase wine and champagne, or have it order to your door. For those that are really into their wines, why not enjoy a tour of the vineyard during your stay?

Camel Valley recently won Gold for their 2016 Pinot Noir, Still Rose at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Trevilley Farm

There are farm shops and then there are farm shops like Trevilley. This award-winning shop on the outskirts of Newquay is one of the most lovingly stocked in Cornwall, selling own-produced meat (including South Devonshire beef), fruit and veg, chutneys, jams, cakes, pasties and quiches, as well as a plethora of other carefully sourced Cornish produce. You can also find a selection of local real ales, wines and juices.

Great Cornish Food Shop – Truro

Experience, celebrate and discover everything about delicious Cornish food and drink at the Great Cornish Food Shop in Truro. The independent grocery store, comes with its own butcher, fishmonger and chef-led café, deli, and takeaway. You’ll never want to leave.

Stein’s Deli and Patisserie – Padstow 

For homemade jams, chutneys, relishes, spice mixes and oils, head to Stein’s Deli in Padstow where these are all made to Rick’s recipes. You’ll also find freshly baked goods including pasties, breads & pastries, all handmade and produced by the Rick Stein Group in Padstow.

Book your self-catering holiday with Beach Retreats.

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

The Ancient Mariner – Lynmouth, Devon

Lynmouth, Devon.

Resting below the sea cliffs on the harbour at Lynmouth, the Ancient Mariner’s pub offers the perfect place to relax.

The award-winning bar and restaurant overlooks the pier’s shingle beach and calm waters. Picture frame windows take advantage of the beautiful scenery and light the restaurant. Maritime-inspired interiors create a cool, young vibe with industrial iron tables and big leather sofas. The cosy log burner and soft furnishings create a space which feels inviting and makes dining and drinking very comfortable.

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Located in the final stop on the Coleridge Way; a 51-mile walk in the poet’s footsteps, the Ancient Mariner is the perfect place to refuel after a hike along the moors. Named after the famous Coleridge poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”, the pub offers a unique experience to dine in style.

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The Food:

Whether you are after a light bite or a three course meal, the food is freshly prepared using local and seasonal produce. Expect traditional hearty meals with a modern twist. Try the Exmoor beef burger with black treacle and ale braised brisket or a classic rich and creamy macaroni and cheese. There is also a daily specials board with fresh seafood dishes.

For dessert, there is a selection of sweet and savoury dishes to choose from. The Devon cheese board platter is perfect for those looking to share.

The Ancient Mariner stocks many local ales, beers, ciders, guest ales and organic juices. The famous local crafted gin “Wicked Wolf” can also be found behind the bar, which is made on the banks of the East Lyn river.

A variety of fine liquors can be enjoyed in the Aubrey Cocktail Bar, which is adjoined to the Ancient Mariner. Experience luxurious interiors with a hygge twist and unwind with friends and family. During the day stop-off for a homemade cream tea, fresh from the oven, or indulge in an afternoon tea.

The Ancient Mariner and Aubrey Cocktail Bar are with 10-minutes walking distance of our self-catering holiday apartments at Tors Park.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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