Category: For kids

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.

Ten tips to help you take better photos

This week we are talking to Damian Bailey, an award-winning wedding and family photographer, on how you can take better photos and make the best of your family holiday memories.

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

“I have been a professional photographer since 2003 and photographing kids and families it is my single favourite thing to do with my camera.

Between July 11th and 31st I shall be in North Cornwall for The Beach Sessions; family photography shoots, morning or evening, at the location of your choice. Relaxed, fun and natural and all done in an hour because you don’t want it to take over your day.

Check out our locations and retreats across North Cornwall.

On holiday with friends? No problem – multi-family shoots are really popular.

On holiday with pets and well-behaved grandparents? Bring them too!

The tips below will help you take better photos of your kids and family this Summer. Or, why not take the stress out of it and let me capture your happy holiday memories, now that you are all finally together on holiday after a hell of a year?

Full details of The Beach Sessions can be found here: damianbailey.com

Explore Instagram-worthy escapes in Cornwall, where breathtaking landscapes and picturesque retreats create perfect moments for your feed.

Ten Tips to help you take better photos

Don’t zoom in – GET CLOSER!

Zooming in on a phone will reduce the quality of the photo. Instead, actually move towards or further away from the subject until you can see what you want to see in the photo. If you can’t do this then you’ll have to use the zoom but try and avoid it if you can.

What are you photographing?

Think really carefully about what is in the photograph. This is called composition or framing the photo. Sounds simple but it’s fundamental to taking good photos.

Law of Thirds

This is a good rule of thumb when taking photos. Depending on your phone/camera, you may be able to turn on a grid created by two equally spaced vertical lines and two equally spaced horizontal lines.

When taking a photo try to place the subject on one of the points where the lines intersect. This will help your composition and make the photos more engaging. It’s not a hard and fast rule but it’s worth thinking about.

Don’t say “Smile!”

Asking people to smile doesn’t work. It just ends up with an awkward half-smile that looks weird. If you want happy expressions in your photos you have to try to make people laugh. You can also ask someone off-camera to help you make them laugh.

Beware! There is no dignity in this! Do whatever it takes to make people laugh whilst taking their photo.

Don’t just stand there!

Don’t just stand there! Try different angles. Shoot from above or below your subject. Lie down, stand on something. Create silhouettes, create movement and variety in your photos, even when photographing the same subject. Shoot in landscape (horizontal) and portrait (vertical) too, to give you maximum choice.

See the light!

Light; it’s the natural resource of all photography and how you use it is the single most creative element at your disposal when taking photographs.

If you are outside, try putting the sun behind your human subject or in the shade. This is counter-intuitive to everything you’ve ever ‘learnt’ about photography, but it is the way of the professional and means that there won’t be any harsh shadow on the faces, no squinting and a lovely halo of light around their head and shoulders. You can also create amazing silhouettes! Of course, sometimes the location and required photos mean your subjects have to face the sun but try to keep it to a minimum of you can.

If it’s cloudy, anything goes!

When indoors, get your subject facing a source of natural light like a window or an open door. Avoid having a window behind your subject as this will often cause your camera to underexposure the photo.

Check out my little video on this subject.

Take LOTS of photos

Practice makes perfect and you’ll never regret taking photos. So take lots of them! I use an app called 1 Second Everyday which is a great way of getting into the habit of recording your surroundings on a daily basis. Also, when taking photos of your kids, for example, take lots at one time. Move around your subject as you are taking photos. Each will be subtly different as their expressions change etc. It’s all about playing around and practising.

Edit your photos

Go through them regularly, delete photos you don’t want to keep, edit the ones you do. Use apps like Snapseed, Blackie and even your phone’s built in editing function. Don’t overdo the filers, cropping and editing but your photos will benefit from some editing.

Do something with your photos

Get them framed and on the wall, upload them to a digital photo frame, make albums. Anything except leaving them on your phone where you’ll never see them.

Back them up

Imagine losing your phone and all your photos with it. Nightmare, right? So, make sure you back them all up. The easiest way to do this is to back your photos up to the cloud. Google Photos is a great option for this. Dropbox also works well. Detachable hard drives are also a good idea.

Spring Gardens in Cornwall

Cornwall is home to an abundance of garden wonderlands thriving with sub-tropical species – and spring is a great season to explore them. Picnic in carpets of bluebells, tunnel through bamboo jungles, and play hide and seek in magical woodlands. These are our top six spring gardens in Cornwall.

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

Trebah Garden, Mawnan Smith

This sub-tropical garden tumbling down to the banks of the Helford River is one of our favourite destinations for a family day out – and dogs can come, too. Wend your way through magnolias and rhododendrons bursting into bloom, tunnel through bamboo jungles and giant gunnera, and emerge on a divine sandy beach where you can order a mug of tea from the Boathouse Café and skim pebbles to your heart’s content.

More info: Open daily from 10:00. Dogs welcome.
trebahgarden.co.uk

Trelissick, Feock

Whether it’s still cool and blustery, or a blue-sky day with wall-to-wall sunshine, Trelissick’s stunning 300-acre estate is the perfect place for a springtime excursion. Wander through woodland along the banks of the River Fal, climb magnificent beech trees and explore the gardens, then take afternoon tea in the cobbled courtyard, where you can nose around the gallery and second-hand bookshop. Ramp up the adventure by arriving by ferry from Falmouth or Truro, or why not hop aboard the King Harry Ferry and head on to explore the verdant Roseland Peninsula?

More info: Open daily from. Dogs welcome on the woodland trails, but not in the gardens.
nationaltrust.org.uk/trelissick

St Michael’s Mount, Marazion

Once home of a legendary giant, part of a pilgrimage route and an all-round enchanting spot to castaway to a fairy-tale castle, St Michael’s Mount is also home to stunning terraced gardens, where exotic plants cling to steep granite cliffs. Stand high in the castle turrets and look down upon stonework and lawns bursting with colour, or follow the trails through flower-lined paths beaten by the salty breeze. More info: The gardens are open from April to September; there are I Spy cards for children, and tours are available.

stmichaelsmount.co.uk

Fancy staying in Marazion, discover our Marazion holiday properties.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Austell

As we step into springtime, these ancient woodlands, water meadows and productive gardens burst into colour and scent. Daffodils and snowdrops line the paths, beneath tree ferns, banana palms and gigantic rhubarb plants. This historic sleeping beauty was re-awakened from the brambles in 1990 and is now Europe’s largest garden restoration project, with family-friendly trails, farm animals, adventure play areas and secret hides where you can spy on the wildlife.

More info: Open daily, except Christmas day.
heligan.com

Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, nr Penzance

Squirrelled away in a lush landscape close to Mounts Bay, art and nature merge seamlessly at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens. Climb trees, wander through woodland, and nature’s wonderland through a series of art installations including a camera obscura and a series of contemporary sculptures including a Minotaur and a brick throne overlooking St Michael’s Mount. Amongst a series of exhibitions and creative workshops held in the grounds and gallery, this spring you can catch Cousin Jack’s Theatre Company’s performance of Percy Pengelly and the Wibble Wobble. What with a kitchen serving scrumptious seasonal delights, a gift shop and nursery, it makes a great day out for the whole family.

More info: Open daily from February.
tremenheere.co.uk

Lanhydrock, nr Bodmin

One of the most magical times of year to visit Lanhydrock is during spring, when the woodlands of this sprawling country estate are carpeted with bluebells. Explore a labyrinth of footpaths winding through 900-acres of countryside, along the banks of burbling stream and into landscaped gardens where the rhododendrons and magnolias are coming into flower. Step into history in the Victorian manor house, take part in a range of family activities and freewheel along the bike trails – from easy-going family routes to demanding woodland tracks.

Lanhydrock gardens, nr Bodmin

More info: Open daily – see website for times and details.
nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock

 

Discover easter adventures in Cornwall with our guide to seven must-do activities, promising fun-filled experiences for the whole family.

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Things to do in Cornwall During February Half Term

10 Things to do in the Great Outdoors for February Half-Term

February half term is a fantastic time for a break in Cornwall. And while there are plenty of indoor attractions – from the Eden Project to the Blue Reef Aquarium – we prefer to immerse ourselves in nature, embrace the elements and be outside. Here are our top ten outdoor activities for February…

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Search February half term accommodation.

Hit the Surf

During winter the waves are more consistent and powerful, yet there are less surfers in the water – making it the perfect season to increase your wave count and work on your technique. Get lessons from the Extreme Academy in Watergate Bay, where the instructors promise to keep you as toasty during winter as they do during summer surf sessions. Using high-tech wetsuits, gloves, booties and hoods, you’ll barely even notice the cold air and water temperatures, so with expert tuition and no crowds to contend with, you’ll be riding waves like a pro in no time at all.

extremeacademy.co.uk/

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

Don your wellies and go down to the woods

For all-weather walking and biking trails, den building, a wildlife pond and plenty of trees to climb, head to Tehidy Woods. Whether you’re looking for an energetic stomp, a romantic stroll, or a family ramble, it’s a magical location come rain or shine. Follow the buggy-friendly routes, feed the squirrels and ducks, and tuck into cake and hearty Cornish food in the café. Dogs are welcome in much of the estate, except in the designated wildlife area.

Get moving on a Park Run

Get active on a 5km run in the stunning surroundings of Cornwall’s parkland. Join hundreds of other runners – and walkers – to kick-off the weekend on a fun run for all abilities and ages. Starting at 9am each Saturday, locations include the Penrose Estate (near Porthleven and Loe Bar), Trelissick (hemming the River Fal), Lanhydrock (close to Bodmin), the Eden Project, Heartlands and Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. There are also junior 2km events at some venues.

parkrun.org.uk

Follow the clues along a Treasure Trail

Who doesn’t love solving a mystery or searching for clues along a treasure trail? From a murder mystery trail through historic Hayle, to a secret spy mission in Mousehole, or hunting for buried treasure in Charlestown, there are lots of self-guided Treasure Trails that will take you under the skin of Cornwall’s heritage and landscapes. Simply choose your location, download your map and follow the clues – it’s a fun day out for the whole family.

treasuretrails.co.uk/things-to-do/cornwall

Slide down giant sand dunes

Six miles south of Newquay’s buzzing surf hub, Holywell Bay is the perfect setting for an active day in the Great Outdoors. Having scored a starring role in the BBC’s recent Poldark hit, its breath-taking beauty needs little introduction – with the iconic twin peaks of Gull Rock and towering sand dunes. We love exploring the sea caves and collecting shells, but our favourite thing to do is strap a sandboard to our feet and slide down the giant dunes as if we’re surfing a huge wave or snowboarding.

Encounter seals and sea life

Over winter there are large numbers of grey seal pups found stranded on the Cornish coast, unable to make it back into the wild due to injury or malnourishment. The Sea Life Trust offers a sanctuary for rehabilitation, nursing the seal pups until they are ready to head back into the ocean. On a visit to this picturesque setting on the edge of the Helford, you can see rescued seals dipping and diving their way to recovery, learn all about grey seals and other species, and encounter lots of marine wildlife including sea lions, otters, penguins, crabs and starfish.

visitsealife.com/gweek

Hike along the South West Coast Path

There’s nothing like a coastal walk to blow the cobwebs away and clap your eyes on Cornwall’s staggering scenery. Wherever you’re staying, you can pick a section of the South West Coast Path to suit your timescale and energy levels. For an easy-going two-hour stroll, wend through the woodland from Cawsand and trace the cliff path to the remains of the chapel perched on Rame Head. If you’re up for a challenge, some of the toughest sections of coastline await on the northern fringes of the Atlantic coast between Bude and Morwenstow, where calf-busting climbs etch the rise and fall of dramatic cliffs that collapse onto rocky beaches.

southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Get your skates on

While ice skating at the Eden Project isn’t entirely alfresco, we really recommend you visit this world famous attraction for a twirl around the ice rink before it melts on 23 February. While you’re there enjoy lots of outdoor attractions including gardens and a mini beast play tower. Throughout February half term you can explore the incredible world of colour, with craft workshops, a colour trail around the biomes, and get hands on with the creation of a giant collaborative art installation. If you need any more fresh air, fly half a mile along the SkyWire and take in the biomes from 100m above.

edenproject.com

Freewheel along the cycle trails

One of Cornwall’s most popular cycle routes is the Camel Trail, and February is one of the best months to enjoy it crowd-free. We love the easy section along estuary from Wadebridge to Padstow, stopping for fish and chips by the harbour of this foodie town. Our other favourite for off-road cycling is Lanhydrock, where a series of bike trails and skills areas are graded for all abilities. Plus, you can fuel up in the National Trust café, and take a twirl of the grand Victorian manor house on the sprawling country estate.

nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock

Drop in on your skateboard

If you can’t face the freeze of the ocean’s waves in February, head to the world-class concrete waves of Newquay’s revolutionary new skate park. Cruise around the retro pool, race along the street run, get air on the stairs and drop into the bowl. Making skating fun for all ages and levels of board riders, this is the place to head for guaranteed waves. And if when you’ve had enough of board life, it’s located right next to Newquay Zoo, the Trampoline and Play Park, and Waterworld swimming centre.

Find a retreat in one of our beach locations, and look out for special offers for your February half term stay.

Visiting in Easter? Explore things to do in Cornwall this spring.

Top 5 places to see Christmas lights in Cornwall

Experience Cornwall’s twinkling harbours this Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas and Cornwall was filled with glistening lights! We give you our top 5 locations to visit over the festive season.

We are now offering 20% off 5 or 7 night breaks on selected properties this Christmas. Or stay at The Village for 7 nights and arrive to a festive Cornish hamper and decorated Christmas tree.

Mousehole Harbour

Described as Cornwall’s brightest star and the King of Christmas Lights, our Number 1 place to go is Mousehole Harbour. Celebrating its 56th year with its switch on 15 December 2019, visitors can expect over 7,000+ twinkling lights making up a variety of animals and objects across the harbour.

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

Christmas Lights at Mousehole Harbour

Padstow Harbour

Padstow Christmas Festival is a unique experience and certainly one not to be missed. Not only do they light up the harbour, they also light up the sky with a spectacular fireworks show. This Christmas festival takes place 5-9 December 2019 with top chefs making an appearance with foodie demos and the chance to stock up on Christmas presents in the market.

Angarrock

A small village located close to Hayle in west Cornwall, Angarrock and its small community come together to create  an animated 12 Days of Christmas in sparkles. You’ll find their Christmas glow along its rivers, streets and even rooftops.

Looe

Looe has a December calendar full of festive fun. The big switch on itself will take place the first week of December at the rivers edge prior to a traditional lantern parade. Make a day of it with shopping and dinner, finishing the night off with an evening stroll as you watch the Christmas lights reflect on the water.

Truro

Last and by no means least we give you Truro. Here, a ‘City of light’ parade and Christmas light switch on marks the start of Truro’s festivities with over 30,000 visitors expected each year. Visitors will be serenaded by at least 100 local musicians and dancers whilst showcasing over 600 lanterns, made by local artists, school children, college students and community members. Head here Wednesday 19th November 2019.

See more Christmas inspiration here.

Looking for restaurants to visit at Christmas time? Check out our 10 favourite restaurants for a Christmas dinner.

Rockpooling Checklist

Top tips for Rock Pooling in Cornwall.

Your Beach Retreats guide to all there is to know about rock pooling in Cornwall.

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

When to go

You can rockpool all year round in Cornwall. Wrap up in winter and pick a sheltered shore, or visit in summer when marine life is flourishing.

Where to go

Watergate Bay, Porth and Whipsiderry, Newtrain Bay near Trevone and Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes are all great spots for rockpooling, but any beach with a rocky shoreline is good. Our harbours are also brilliant for crabbing.

Check the weather

The best rockpooling happens on calm, sunny days at low tide when parts of the shore normally covered in water are exposed. Plan your visit by checking a local tide table online and move inland as the tide pushes in.

What to pack

Many people think you need a net to go rockpooling, but you don’t. One of the best ways to enjoy the shore is to peer into a rockpool and wait. With patience you’ll be treated to a natural display of the fascinating and tough creatures that live here. If you do use a bucket be careful not to overcrowd it with creatures. They can overheat and run out of oxygen.

Walk to Watergate Bay

Follow the seashore code

    • Respect the seashore creatures, handle them as little as possible and always put them back where you find them.
    • Take photos home, not animals.
    • Put overturned rocks back carefully as you found them.
    • Take any rubbish home with you.
    • Keep safe on the seashore, check the tides and keep away from the cliffs and waves.

Top Tips

Look for a shore with small rocks covered in seaweed and start by investigating underneath the water’s surface. Lift the rocks carefully and you may find crabs, cushion starfish and even snake pipefish and Cornish sucker fish.

Watch your fingers

Take care when picking up crabs! If you do want to handle one, use your index finger and hold it down by pressing onto the center of its shell – you’ll have plenty of time to get your fingers around the sides behind the claws. Grip it firmly. You’re less likely to get pinched holding a crab like this. Don’t be tempted to pick up a crab by putting one finger underneath.

Once you have understood all the above, you’re ready to begin your rockpooling checklist. Here are 10 creatures to look out for.

    1. Cornish Sucker Fish -Look under rocks in pools close to the shore. It has modified fins that act like a suction pad.
    1. Broad Clawed Porcelain Crab – A small hairy crab that lives upside down beneath rocks on the low-tide shoreline.
    1. Worm Pipefish – Related to the seahorse this worm-like creature is actually a fish
    1. Snakelocks Anemome – Don’t be fooled by its pretty fluorescent-tipped stinging tentacles – it’s a carnivorous predator.
    1. Common Shore Crab – These small shore crabs have incredible colours which they lose as they grow older.
    1. Star Ascidian – Beautiful, small and squidgy star-shaped sea squirt colonies found on the rocks and seaweed.
    1. Montagu’s Blenny – A small warm-water fish with a cockatoo crest on its head.
    1. Celtic Sea Slug – Also known as a liquorice sea slug, it is often found on the rocks between Holywell and Polzeath.
    1. Blue Rayed Limpet – A tiny but beautiful limpet that only lives on seaweed – not rocks.
    1. Giant Goby – Only found in the south, they can grow up to 29cm in length. If you find one please put it back and report it to Cornwall Wildlife Trust – they are a protected species.

Dive into the fascinating world of marine life with our Rockpools Revealed guide, and discover the hidden wonders along the shoreline.

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School’s out and Surf’s Up

Hit the waves with a surf break in Cornwall…

So far this summer, Cornwall has been blessed with sunshine and swell – which means plenty of surfers are flocking here with their boards, ready to enjoy the waves from sunrise to sunset. Here are some of our favourite surfing beaches on the doorstep of our Beach Retreats:

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

Watergate Bay

The home of Beach Retreats HQ and one of the most consistent beach breaks in Cornwall, Watergate Bay is one of the most popular surf spots on the outskirts of Newquay. When the swell forecast is good make sure you’re up at dawn if you want to beat the crowds, or stay in until the sun sets over the corduroy lines peeling in from the horizon. If you need to hone your surfing skills you can book a session with the experts at the Extreme Academy, or hire any kit you need if you don’t have your own. Check the waves from one of our apartments nudging the ocean.

View all properties in Watergate Bay.

 

Fistral Beach

Hailed as the surfing capital of Britain, Fistral is where many of Cornwall’s pro surfers cut their teeth. Its world-class waves lure surfers from far and wide, with plenty of peaks for all abilities to spread out across the bay. With a line-up of surf outlets and surf schools to get you looking the part and chasing your own surfing career down the line, it’s the place to become a bona fide surfer. Between sessions you can eat and drink in swanky beach bars, or escape the crowds and soak up the action from one of our apartments overlooking this legendary surfing location.

View all properties in Fistral.

 

Mawgan Porth

A short hop north of Newquay and much less crowded than the likes of Fistral, Mawgan Porth is home to a tight-knit surfing community. Its sandy runway is a swell magnet and the surf breaks on all tides, so whether you want to catch green waves or practise on the white water, there are always waves to be ridden. Get to your feet under the tutelage of one of Cornwall’s best-loved surf schools – Kingsurf – and grab any kit you need from the huddle of surfside hire shops and surf stores. When you’ve had enough of beach life, retreat to your beachside house, just minutes away and dry off in front of the log burner or bask on the balcony.

View all properties in Mawgan Porth.

 

Summerleaze, Bude

At the hub of Bude’s vibrant surfing community, Summerleaze beach offers a series of peaks to choose from and is a great location for beginners to hit the waves. In one of Cornwall’s top surf towns, it’s little surprise that it gets super crowded in summer, but if you opt for lessons with Bude Surfing Experience, Scott Marshall and his team will find the best peak for your ability, help you hone your surfing technique and offer you a hot shower at the end of your session. Veer just over mile inland from the crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet of your own family pile at Wychwood Lodge, where you can sink into the hot tub, curl up by the log burner and enjoy a luxurious lifestyle between surf sessions.

View all properties near Bude.

Perranporth

Choose a self-catering house, apartment or penthouse at The Dunes behind Perranporth beach, and enjoy easy access onto a two-mile stretch of dune-backed beach. From the northern end of Perran Sands, all the way to the more sheltered Droskyn, which is protected by the cliffs at the southern end, there are plenty of peaks so you can spread out from the crowds. Just be aware of rips and if you need some know-how get some lessons with Perranporth Surf School.

View all properties in Perranporth.

Porthtowan

With easy parking, beachside amenities and peaks that work on all tides, Porthtowan is a popular spot with all levels of surfers. It can be a punchy break, but as the tide drops you can shift onto the (sometimes) more mellow waves at Lushingtons at the southern end. Tris Surf Shop has been in town since ’72, so it’s our go-to for lessons, gear and advice. Once you’ve got spaghetti arms and can surf no more, head back to The Beach apartments and while away the day watching the waves from balcony, or head to the surfside Blue Bar for a pint and a legendary burger.

View all properties in Porthtowan.

Whitsand Bay

While the south coast isn’t renowned for its surf, when the swell wraps around the tip of the rugged Rame Peninsula, Whitsand Bay’s four miles of golden sands are blessed with plenty of peaks where surfers can get their fill. From the decking or living room of Alpha, a two-bedroom cabin perched on Freathy Cliff, you can check the surf and wait for the waves while you relax on a sun lounger or on the sofa. And when the surf’s up, simply grab your board from the surfboard storage area and skip down the steps to the sea. If you need equipment or lessons tap up the Adventure Bay surf school, and if the waves are flat you can take the plunge on a thrilling coasteering trip instead.

View all properties in Whitsand Bay.

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

Sennen

A short hop from Land’s End, Sennen Cove is the breeding ground of a tribe of committed and talented surfers. A series of sand-bottomed peaks (watch out for rocks at the southern end) pick up any swell, so you can often find a wave here when no other spots on the north coast are working. Hit the surf with the British pros at Smart Surf School and kick back at Sea Salt, our new property perched above Sennen Cove, where you can eyeball the surf and the turquoise hues of the ocean from the comfort of your living room.

View all properties in Sennen.

 

Dive into the exciting world of alternative surf activities in Cornwall and discover new ways to enjoy the waves.

Surf Safely

    1. Use lifeguarded beaches and surf between the black and white flags, as this is where the lifeguards have designated as safe to use. A red flag indicates that it’s unsafe to enter the water.
    1. Be careful of rips – strong channels of water that can drag you quickly out to sea.
    1. Don’t drop-in on other surfers – if there is a surfer already on the wave, don’t try to catch it. The surfer who takes off closest to the peak (where the wave breaks) has the right of way.
    1. Don’t get in the way and don’t ditch your board – if you let go of your board to dive under a wave it may hit another surfer.
    1. Respect the locals and be friendly in the sea – it makes surfing much more fun.

View all self-catering holidays in Cornwall

Chasing waterfalls in Cornwall

The ocean isn’t Cornwall’s only watery wonder. Checkout these six stunning waterfalls

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

St Nectan’s Glen, nr Tintagel

Veer inland from beautiful Bossiney Cove and Rocky Valley, to explore the magical trio of waterfalls at St Nectan’s Glen. At the heart of this leafy vale you’ll find a 60-foot waterfall thundering through a rock arch. Legend says that this sacred site was used as part of a ritual to cleanse King Arthur’s squires and turn them into knights. Experience the power of the waterfall from the shallow pool, then push on past the main waterfall to discover a secondary waterfall, before crossing a walkway to a third hidden fall.
www.st-nectansglen.co.uk

Golitha Falls, nr Liskeard

Tunnel through a wooded valley alongside the tumbling River Fowey, following trails through Golitha Falls Nature Reserve. Children will love exploring the terrain and hunting for Cornish piskies as they scale along tree trunks, tip-toe across stepping-stones and stomp over bridges. Your adventure will eventually lead you to a waterfall cascading down the gorge, but there are plenty of places to unpack a picnic in a fairytale glen en route.

Tregardock Beach, nr Port Isaac

Tackle the descent to one of Cornwall’s wildest beaches, and you’ll be rewarded with the raw beauty of soaring cliffs, sea caves and sandy expanses. Keep your eye on the tide as you scour the rock pools and trace the shoreline to the northern end of the beach, where you’ll find a waterfall flowing over the mouth of a shallow cave. Rest assured it’s worth the 15-minute walk off the beaten track to reach this low-tide gem, just make sure you get up early to bag one of the few parking spaces along the farm lane.

Learn to embrace every weather condition and maximise your experience with our expert tips.

Lansallos, West Polruan

Stretch your legs along the 20-minute trail from the church in Lansallos village to reach a hidden cove. Children will love following the activity points along the stream, making their way to this idyllic beach with a waterfall that once powered an old mill. Known as Reed Water, the falls tumble onto the sand and rocks of this stunning, south-facing cove that’s made for swimming and family picnics.

Eden Project, St Austell

The world-famous Eden Project needs little introduction. Step into the tropical rainforest and discover the waterfall that splashes its way from the very top of the biome and through the heart of the awe-inspiring jungle. Follow the higher path and cross the bridge to feel the cooling spray, and find out how this unique eco attraction harvests rainwater to irrigate the plants, top up the waterfall and create the humidity of the rainforest. Even if you’ve visited Eden before, the ever-changing seasons, exhibitions and family trails make it one to return to at any time of year.

Pentargon, Boscastle

Follow in the footsteps of Thomas Hardy as you strike out along Beeny Cliffs to find the spectacular Pentargon waterfall that plunges 120ft through a hanging valley to the shoreline below. It’s little wonder that Hardy and his first wife, Emma Gifford, fell in love as they explored the romantic scenery around beautiful Boscastle. Peer down from Fire Beacon Point to spot seals sunning themselves on the rocks below, soak up spectacular views of the harbour, and head back to Boscastle to dip into its quirky cafés, bewitching history and castle ruins.

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

Alternative Surf Activities in Cornwall

Cornwall has become synonymous with surfing and the surf culture, but don’t forget that there are lots of other reasons to hit the water while you’re on holiday here.

“When you’re on holiday in Cornwall there are so many ways to experience the stunning coastal environment,” says Tom Greaves, of King Coasteer. “Coasteering offers a unique perspective, as you swim, climb and traverse along the coastline, encountering all sorts of marine wildlife along the way.”

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

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Whether you want to glide across glassy bays, get a close-up view of the marine life or dive to the bottom of the ocean, here are some of our favourite ways to enjoy the sea when we’re not surfing:

Snorkeling

Pedn Vounder, West Cornwall

With white sands, turquoise tidal lagoons and crystal clear water backed by towering granite cliffs, it’s little wonder that Pedn Vounder is one of Cornwall’s most photographed beaches. It’s also home to some of the cleanest, clearest water in Britain; so if you brave the knee-wobbling descent to the beach, don’t forget your mask and snorkel. Glide out under the shadow of Logan Rock and you can spot crabs, starfish and all sorts of sea life including seals and dolphins. There are also regular sightings of basking sharks in May and June. Just be aware that it’s also a naturist beach, so you may feel a little overdressed when you return to shore in your wetsuit.

Stay at one of our Beach Retreats in Sennen Cove or Mousehole and it’s a short drive to the village of Treen or Porthcurno, from where you can access the coastal path to Pedn Vounder.

Handplaning

Watergate Bay, north Cornwall

If you’d like to zoom down the waves without having to grasp the skill level that stand-up surfing requires, try handplaning. A turbo-charged version of the ancient art of bodysurfing, all you need to do is strap a mini surfboard (about 30cm) to your hand and swim out into the shore break. Using a pair of fins to propel you into the waves, it’s simple to catch the breakers and carve your way along the face of the waves on your belly. Get an introductory lesson from the expert instructors at Watergate Bay’s Extreme Academy – it’s fun, relatively easy and accessible to anyone who can swim.

Stay at one of our Beach Retreats in Watergate Bay and enjoy a handplaning session at the Extreme Academy. Equipment hire is also available.

Scuba Diving

Newquay, north Cornwall

Do you fancy exploring the underwater kingdom? You don’t need to head to tropical islands to try diving; Cornwall is home to some world-class dive sites and a great location to give scuba diving a go.

Plunge beneath the waves and come face-to-face with seals, sea horses and cuttlefish on your first reef dive alongside a qualified instructor. No previous experience is required for a Discover Scuba day with Dive Newquay, during which you’ll get an introduction to the academics of diving, practise basic scuba skills in a 4 metre-deep dive pool, and finish the day with an open water dive off the Gazzel in Newquay.

Stay at one of our Beach Retreats in Newquay and Discover Scuba Diving with Dive Newquay.

Coasteering

Porth Beach, north Cornwall

Swim through gulleys, ride whirlpools, explore sea caves and leap from rocky ledges on a coasteering trip. Although it sounds like a full-throttle adventure, coasteering is a family-friendly activity and isn’t all about cliff jumping from great heights; every trip is tailored to the group. In the safe hands of the expert guides at King Coasteer, you’ll encounter sea life from starfish to seabirds, swim through smugglers’ tunnels and scramble around wave-hewn headlands, as you experience a unique perspective of the coastline.

Stay at one of our Beach Retreats in Porth, and head off on a coasteering adventure around Porth Island with King Coasteer.

Stand-up Paddleboarding

Cawsand Beach, south east Cornwall

The calm and sheltered waters lapping Cawsand are the perfect territory to get your balance on a stand-up paddleboard and castaway into the bay. Nail the basic techniques with a SUP lesson, or join a full- or half-day guided trip to explore sea caves and secret coves, spotting kingfishers and seals as you float to historic landmarks such as the mighty Artillery Steps or Grenville Battery Fort. All equipment is provided – it’s up to you whether you hire a paddleboard and castaway on your own adventure, or hire a guide to take you on a tour.

Stay in a Beach Retreat in Cawsand and head off on a stand-up paddleboarding excursion with Cawsand Kayak and SUP Hire.

Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Trip

Carbis Bay, west Cornwall

Launch from the beautiful Carbis Bay and explore St Ives Bay on a traditional outrigger canoe. These safe and stable Hawaiian craft were built to cross vast stretches of the Pacific Ocean and can seat up to seven passengers – making them perfect for a water-bound family adventure. Underwater viewers enable you to get close-up to the amazing marine life, from spider crabs and sunfish, to seals and even basking sharks.

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

Stay at one of our Beach Retreats in Portreath and it’s just 20 minutes’ drive to Carbis Bay where you can take an Outrigger Tour with Ocean Sports Centre.

See all our Beach Retreats and make new memories this year.

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.

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