Secret Season: Mousehole
Category: Secret season
Rockrapture
This #SecretSeason, we’re sharing some of the mesmerising beach phenomena that can be found on our shores. The fascinating draw of rock pools and the excitement of new discoveries hiding in the seaweed and under rocks; it’s what we call rockrapture. Discover this beach phenomenon and where to find it…
There’s something eternally fascinating about the ocean – an underwater realm that holds close its many secrets, even as humans explore the farthest reaches of space.
Your passing encounters with the marine world during beach days, taking the plunge into the oncoming surf or splashing through the shallows, scratches the surface of the hidden underwater universe. But in the tranquil corners of the coastline, where the tide reveals rock-pools, is where marine and terrestrial worlds intertwine.
“I love the fact that when I’m rock-pooling – even though I’ve been doing it all my life – I’m still finding things I’ve never seen before.”
Have you ever felt the irresistible urge to explore these small, teeming worlds? And when you give into that pull, the feeling that comes when a never-before-seen crab scuttles from beneath a rock? We call this rockrapture: the deep-rooted need to search through rock pools, driven by the thrill of discovering new sea creatures. And as autumn rolls in, with quieter beaches and calmer tides, it’s the perfect time of year to indulge this beach phenomena.
The pull of rockrapture
“I love the fact that when I’m rock-pooling – even though I’ve been doing it all my life – I’m still finding things I’ve never seen before,” says Matt Slater from Cornwall Wildlife Trust. “It isn’t ever boring because you never know what’s going to be under the next rock.”
Asterina phylactica. Image credit: Matt Slater
“In the autumn you’ll find Cornish sucker fish, pipe fish and shannies… Last week I found a little baby lumpfish.”
Whether it’s rooted in our human instinct to be curious or a nod to our hunter-gatherer past, the sense of wonder that comes from spotting a sea creature you’ve never seen before is undeniably magical. “Most people don’t get to go underwater, and when the tide goes out, it’s lifting the curtain on a different world,” smiles Matt. “Sea creatures are very alien and really capture the imagination,” he adds.
The secret wonders of autumn rock-pooling
Beneath the surface, a wealth of marine life waits to be discovered, even by amateur marine biologists. “Spring is fantastic for appreciating the beauty of seaweeds… whereas in autumn you’ve got lots more animals like crabs and fish,” reveals Matt.
The best places to look are under small rocks and tangled seaweed close to the shoreline. “You’d be amazed at how many fish you’ll find under rocks even when they’re not in a pool,” Matt explains.
“In the autumn you’ll find Cornish sucker fish, pipe fish and shannies… Last week I found a little baby lumpfish, which is a funny little kind of box-shaped fish which you don’t see a lot of.”
Cornwall: a rock-pooler’s paradise
“We’ve got a really beautiful coastline with lots of sheltered bays and areas with really good geography and geology for rock-pooling in Cornwall,” says Matt. Combine this with the UK’s huge tidal range and it makes Cornwall one of the best places in the world for marine discovery. “Rock-pooling when the tide is out during a spring tide gives you access to areas of the coastline which would normally be the seabed.” These are the prime times for rockrapture with conditions just write for discovering sea creatures interesting sea creatures.
Giant goby. Image credit: Matt Slater
Secret discoveries by day and by night
These prime rock-pooling spots can be found all along the Cornish peninsula. In Newquay, rocky ledges shelter pools from the surf at Towan and South Fistral, Gorran Haven, on the south east coast, is home to a collection of rock pools, and if you head south west to Falmouth explore sweeping rocky reefs exposed at low tide.
Visit these rock pools in the dark, such as on a night safari with The Rock Pool Project, and you can open-up a new, technicolour view of these diverse habitats.
“If you shine a UV light on certain [sea creatures], they glow and it can give you some quite interesting effects,” explains Matt. Sea anemones, some corals, and even prawns fluoresce under UV, lighting up the pools in ways you don’t see by day.
Elysia viridis, solar-powered sea slug. Image credit: Matt Slater
Night rock-pooling also reveals species that are more active after dark. “Things like crabs and other crustaceans are more active [at night],” explains Matt.
Whether you’re drawn to the sea by day or find its mysteries more intriguing after dark, autumn is the perfect time to see what treasures the tide leaves behind
For more information on rock-pooling and how to do it safely, visit Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Discover more tips on how to get rock-pool ready.
Stay metres from the underwater world for moments of rockrapture this #SecretSeason…
Secret Season: St Agnes
Welcome to Secret Season, our series exploring the secrets of the shoreline that are revealed in the quieter months, from taking a closer look at the beach phenomena that adorns our shores to discovering the secret histories, sheltered spots and fresh flavours in Cornish towns and villages.
Spend the day with us as we explore St Agnes out of season, uncovering the secrets of this former mining town which is now a hub of surfing, wildlife, coffee, good food and a strong sense of local community.
Discover:
- Beaches in and around St Agnes
- Activities and must-visit spots
- Shopping
- Best places to eat and drink
- Farm shops and fishmongers for cooking in your retreat
Beaches
Trevaunance Cove
St Agnes’ main beach is Trevaunance Cove, a sandy cove flanked by high cliffs. Here, you’ll spot surfers sharing the swell with seals, who love catching the waves just as much as the locals. It’s a popular spot for cold water swimmers who brave the waves all year round, and the pop-up Suvi Sauna in the Driftwood Spars car park is perfect for warming up afterwards.
Walk up the coast path to the left of the beach for the best views of the bay and its towering row of cliffs – they look magical in the early evening, when the dusk light meets the sea mist and casts a golden glow across the rock formations. From up here, the brilliant blues of the water are framed by burnt orange bracken and purple heather.
Chapel Porth
Just a short drive away you’ll find Chapel Porth, a gorgeously autumnal beach tucked in the middle of tumbling maroon moorland. Follow the winding coastal road down to the car park directly on the beach and sample the cafe‘s famous hedgehog ice cream (Cornish ice cream smothered in Cornish clotted cream, rolled in honey roasted hazelnuts). An ice cream in winter may seem crazy, but its decadence is an unexpected treat on a cold day – plus the little ones love ice cream all year round.
The café is also known for their Croque Monsieur (with veggie and crab options available, too). Enjoy on the beach or in the warmth of your car, where you can take shelter whilst still admiring the view.
Activities
Woodland walks
Back in St Agnes, there’s plenty to do. Wander the pretty streets deeper into the tree-lined valley, passing Stippy Stappy lane with its row of Grade II listed 18th century cottages, and feel the crunch of leaves underfoot as they drift down from the branches.
Community centre
Pop into St Agnes MMI – The Miners & Mechanics’ Institute, a friendly community space with a cinema, pilates and yoga classes, art workshops and much more.
Shopping
Gather souvenirs to take home, get ahead of the Christmas shopping or simply window shop in St Agnes’ lovely selection of boutiques and outlets. From No. 5 Churchtown Arts, where you can restock on St. Eval candles or browse all sorts of handmade Christmas décor, Trunk Deli for handpicked wines and speciality produce, to the Finisterre store in the Wheal Kitty workshops for best-of-the-best outdoors and surf wear.
Must-Sea spots
Wheal Coates
Take to the coast path on foot or hop in the car for a short drive to Wheal Coates, the dramatic ruins of an iconic mining heritage site situated on heather-and-gorse strewn cliffs with striking ocean panoramas. This National Trust site is an ideal photo spot during coastal walks or sunset chasing.
Food & drink
St Agnes Bakery
St Agnes is a foodie destination and despite being small has something to satisfy all cravings, from sweet treats to fine dining. Loved by locals and visitors alike is St Agnes Bakery, where you can pick from fresh-out-of-the-oven goods each morning. We recommend the tandoori spiced vegan sausage roll. These delicious treats are in high demand, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
The Sorting Office Coffeehouse
Grab your caffeine fix from The Sorting Office Coffeehouse, paired with cute autumnal interiors.
For a cosy afternoon pint, The Driftwood Spars is a must – warm up by the fire and try their range of beers, including their very own ‘Stippy Stappy’ IPA.
If you’re missing summer, head to The Tap House. Colourful interiors and a tropical menu serving £10 lunch special poke bowls brighten even the dullest of winter days.
For dinner, try out Shellfish Beach Deli for the best seafood tapas, or Visit England’s ‘Pub of the Year’, The Peterville Inn.
Self-catering:
Make the most of your St Agnes retreat and gather fresh supplies to cook in your own self-catered kitchen. With the likes of Churchtown Veg & Wholefoods, The Cornish Farm Shop, Trunk Deli and Carr Butchers along the high street, you won’t be short of locally sourced produce.
Just down the road at Chapel Porth you’ll find Kernow Catch fishmongers, with fresh fish available for pick up or delivery. Opt for their £30 ‘catch of the day’ mixed fish box and sample the finest flavours.
Stay in St Agnes
Discover St Agnes retreats, seconds from the swells of Trevaunance Cove. Or, stay in the nearby towns of Perranporth, Portreath or Porthtowan and explore this stunning stretch of coast.
Stay for two free nights
Slow down and savour more of the coastline during the cooler months with our two free nights offer. From November until the Easter Holidays (excluding school holidays), stay with us for three or five nights and enjoy two extra nights free of charge in selected retreats.
Take your time and discover more of Cornwall this Secret Season…
Secrets of the sea and the sky
