We know how important food and drink is to the festive season. The tastes and aromas which are so unique to this time of year are central to some of our happiest holiday memories. This is why we are bringing the flavours of Cornwall to your doorstep, by gifting a Stein’s ‘Festive Celebration Menu’ box worth £120, when you book to stay with us this Christmas (booking must be made before December 7).

There’s nowhere better to spend Christmas than on the coast. See harbours lit with twinkling lights, watch stormy seas from a bubbling hot tub, and ramble along empty clifftops. Cornwall captures the natural beauty of the festive season, providing a chance for deep, restorative joy. But what really sets a Cornish Christmas apart is its coastal spin on traditional festive cuisine. Think fresh, sizzling seafood, foraged herbs and locally picked winter root veggies, washed down with your pick of mulled wine, locally brewed ale or gin from nearby distilleries.

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The box

Stein’s Festive Celebration Menu box will be delivered to your beach retreat. The box includes the highest quality of seafood, all pre-portioned for two and prepared in the style of Rick’s recipe. This is the ultimate at home dining experience, where all the hard work is done for you and you can simply tuck in and enjoy.

Each box comes with all of the necessary ingredients and simple cooking instructions to complete the dish, so that all you have to do is finish off the process and plate it up. When we say it’s easy, we mean it – just a sprinkle here and a grill there, and you’ll have a restaurant quality dinner ready at your own table.

All of our retreats have kitchens equipped with all the required cooking utensils and dining spaces where you can enjoy your dinner in style. So, sit back and make the most of your beach retreat, without having to miss out on that restaurant quality experience. Want to order more boxes? Speak to our reservations team about our unique Beach Retreats discount for guests.

What’s on the menu?

Think bigger than roast meat and gravy. This is supper, Cornish style, and this festive special box provides you with the freshest of seasonal flavours with a coastal twist. The four-course menu includes:

• Tuna guacamole with spring onion, chilli and soy dressing
• Langoustines with Pernod and tarragon
• Brill with truffle butter and mashed potato
• Spiced custard tart with Cornish clotted cream

With everything packed and kept fresh in food safe chill packs and insulated lined boxes, your Stein’s dinner will be delivered to your doorstep at the beginning of your stay.

Terms & Conditions 

• One box per booking.
• Offer only available for new Christmas bookings made before 7th of December 2021.
• No cash alternative.
• Boxes will be delivered direct to the holiday let around the 22nd/23rd December 2021.
• Beach Retreats accept no responsibility for the contents of the boxes, any product defect should be reported to Rick Stein’s Restaurants directly.
• Please follow safety guidance when cooking the contents.
• Offer is non transferable if your booking is cancelled or postponed.

So if you’re looking for that ‘home away from home’ feel this Christmas, settle into one of our beach retreats and tuck into the taste of Cornwall, in chef’s kitchen style and with the utmost ease. Knives and forks at the ready.

Warm waters, gentle swells, quiet beaches and rich sunsets… September in Cornwall embodies the best of all seasons. With the summer holidays having drawn to a close and kids back to school, the coast is significantly more peaceful than in former months, yet the autumn climate still allows for BBQs and sea swims galore. In fact, September is when the ocean often reaches its peak temperature, having been warmed by weeks of summer sun. Here’s our list of retreats available in September, inviting you to enjoy a post-summer stay within arm’s reach of the beach.

Watergate Lodge, Watergate Bay

20% off 7 night September stays.

Just 400 metres from Watergate Bay sits this unique eco house. A haven of natural light and energy, this retreat thrives off the environment, from its wildflower grass roof, innovative curved design and countryside surroundings. Watergate Lodge sleeps twelve and is available for a discounted stay in September.

4 Karn Havos, Bedruthan

20% off 7 night September stays.

4 Karn Havos is a coastal house situated in an area of clifftop near Bedruthan Steps known as a “Dark Sky Discovery Site”, where the lack of light pollution means you can spot shooting stars, constellations and planets. September in particular is a perfect time for this, with the climate still warm enough to allow for night-time stargazing out in the sea air.

11 The Liner, Falmouth

20% off 7 night September stays.

Situated moments from the sub-tropical gardens and glimmering water of Falmouth, 11 The Liner is the dream spot for a September retreat. Just footsteps from this seafront apartment you can delight in Gyllyngvase Beach during its quieter season. Falmouth is also an excellent choice for September due to its lively array of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Crooklets House, Bude

20% off 7 night September stays.

Crooklets House is a large and spacious family home brimming with the promise of sandy mornings, shorefront days and moonlit nights. Situated just moments from the shorefront of Bude, this retreat sleeps twelve is perfect for large groups or families looking for a September stay.

Trevornick Farmhouse, Holywell Bay

This Grade II listed Georgian Farmhouse sits in 1.5 acres of private land, tucked inside Trevornick Holiday Park. You will have use of the holiday park facilities just next door, including a bar and eateries, swimming pool, golf course, fishing ponds, BMX track and a forest trail- all of which will be significantly quieter than over the summer months. Not to mention, the retreat itself has its own enviable features such as a sunken hot tub, separate outdoor kitchen with a BBQ and wildflower gardens.

12 Cannery Row, Hayle

Available 17 – 23 September

Live to the rhythm of #Hayle estuary at 12 Cannery Row, a waterfront townhouse beside the ebb and flow of the river. Here, you will be so close to the port that you can watch the fisherman going out to sea, and sample the fresh lobster that they bring back in. This retreat sleeps six with a private tidal mooring adjacent to it, perfect for those wanting to kayak, paddleboard or have a small boat (prior consent from the Harbour Master required).

Seven Gates, Widemouth Bay

If you’re seeking the peace and quiet which September offers, Seven Gates is a retreat which won’t fail to provide. Situated in luscious green countryside on the rugged coast of Widemouth Bay, the surroundings are as calming as the beach house style interiors. This retreat sleeps eight and is available for the second half of September.

Chy Lowen, Mousehole

Tucked away in one of Mousehole’s winding lanes is Chy Lowen, a cosy cottage with beach chic décor and a garden bursting with leafy plants and colourful flowers. In summer, this sleepy village is a tourist hotspot, but beyond the peak season it regains its reputation as a serene harbourside town. Six can settle in here for the last week of September.

4 Ocean Walk, Perranporth

This contemporary retreat is part of a new development just a few minutes’ walk from the dramatic seafront of Perranporth. A colourful town known for its selection of boutique shops and eateries and its vast expanse of sand lined with golden dunes, Perranporth is the perfect town for a September visit. You may even get to see some live music during your stay, regularly hosted at the famous Watering Hole, a venue directly on the sand.

Bol Y Maer, Bude

Save 20% on 7 night stays in September

Take your pick from eight modern apartments with a rustic beach feel, from distressed wood cabinets, glass fronted balconies to use of a heated indoor swimming pool. The Bol Y Maer development sits just moments from Crooklets Beach in Bude. Hire boats and pedalos to enjoy the quieter waters or visit the farmers’ and craft market which runs throughout September.

16 Waves, Watergate Bay

20% off 7 night stays in September

16 Waves sleeps four and is situated just moments from the shoreline of Watergate bay. The beat of your heart in the surf, the taste of fried fish and juicy burgers, the sea salt on your skin, the sight of people dotted about, lively and smiling, in and out of the topaz blue sea. It’s all part and parcel of Watergate Bay, the adrenalin junkie’s paradise which embodies the spirit of the North Cornwall coast.

 

From scouring the sand to wading through the waves, the stretch where land meets sea offers exhilaration and space for contemplation in equal measure.

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

Credit: @ggbytheseasea

“Beachcombing combines both my fascination with finding ‘treasure’ and a relaxing mindful way to unwind,” beachcomber Georgina Griffin [@ggbytheseasea] says of her favourite pastime, which hinges on patience, curiosity and the excitement of discovery. “Finding anything of any age makes me wonder, what was it? Who dropped it? How did it end up on our shores?”

“It’s the energy of the ocean that determines what you find where. That’s what makes each search so thrilling.”

Although beachcombing is all about taking things slowly and looking at everything you find at your own pace, the reason the north coast of Cornwall is great for beachcombing is due to its frantic waves and strong currents. “It’s the energy of the ocean that determines what you find where,” Georgina continues. “That’s what makes each search so thrilling.”

Surrounded by the Atlantic and barraged by the full brunt of storm swells through the winter, Cornwall is known for its beachcombing bounty. “There are so many things that wash up on the county’s beaches,” she says. “Seaglass is the most universally loved. Finding a rare colour that has been well rounded by the waves always brings a smile to my face. Lego is another popular find. And not as rare as you might think. In 1997, nearly five million pieces of Lego fell into the sea from a container ship so when you find it you know its exact origin and that it’s been poking about in the sea for over 20 years. That’s an incredible notion and adds a punch to every discovery.”

Credit: @ggbytheseasea

And of course, there’s nothing more thrilling than that elusive find. Georgina searched for a Cod Bottle marble (a marble in the top of old bottles for carbonated drinks) for a long time before she eventually found one near Charlestown. “I let out a little squeal of excitement when I saw it there in the sand,” she admits.

Tempted? Amble along beaches near the old villages and harbours of North Cornwall for your best chance of finding tiny pieces of history (and maybe a piece of lost Lego). Imagine the thrill when you look down and see a frosted gem, nestled in the sand. Buried treasure is beckoning…

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

Wonder wander

Credit: Longe Cote

If you’re more about being in the sea than by it, but still want to keep your feet on the ground, Longe Côte marries in-ocean elation with a therapeutic sea air walk. With its roots on the continent where troops of ‘longers’ can be seen every day wading through the shallows, in Cornwall the movement is a fledgling one. And Jo Curd, who runs Longe Côte UK, is its biggest advocate. “Longe Côte is addictive because of the endorphins the exercise and laughter release,” Jo explains. “It’s about feeling at once free and alive in the waves and soothed in the cool, gentle waters.”

“We have people of all ability levels in our groups but everyone is there for the same reason and gets the same joy out of it. Water time is incredibly unifying.”

Of course the calm days have their appeal, in a meditative and restorative sense, but for Jo, it’s a case of the more waves, the better. “We definitely work harder when there’s a swell on,” she continues. “We need to leap over the waves before we even start the exercises. I prefer that kind of class with rolling waves to jump; it feels so vital.”

Each class is set by the conditions on the day and the energy you want to put in. “Longe Côte is all about finding your pace and embracing it,” Jo says. “You can take a leisurely lunge or power forward, you can add resistance by punching through the water as you walk – how hard you work is up to you. We have people of all ability levels in our groups but everyone is there for the same reason and gets the same joy out of it. Water time is incredibly unifying. I have a sense of contentment after classes I’ve not found anywhere else.”

Submerge yourself up to chest level and enjoy a 45-minute session at Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth with Jo. Classes are held year round: @longecoteuk

Read about adventures of every pace: on the surface or in the deep too…

Discover the top 10 reasons why Cornwall is the perfect workation destination with Beach Retreats.

Being footsteps from the beach means being able to make the most of the coast at dawn and dusk, the magic hours. Share your favourite shots of golden moments at the beach to be in with a chance to win the full reset and restore experience from land&water before delving into a luxury Cornish hamper.

We’ve loved exploring all that spending time out of hours at the beach has to offer. From the freeing experience of coastal running at sunrise to the art created from the unique light at sundown.

Post your photos from dawn or dusk at the beach on Facebook or Instagram (tagging @beachretreats and using #beachoutofhours so we don’t miss them!), along with a few words about why you chose the picture and where you were.

We’ll choose our favourite shots to share on Facebook and Instagram, and the Beach Retreats team will vote for the overall winner.

We’ll send the competition winner a land&water Bathtime bundle. Soak, glow, breathe, moisturise…reset and restore, to light up the day’s downtime and emerge lifted – and softer all over.

The bundle includes one Bath Salts 250g, one Candle 220g, one Bath & Body Oil 100ml, and one Body Lotion 250ml.

You’ll also receive a luxury Cornish Hamper to pack-up for a long day out, or to kick-back with when you get home.

Competition deadline: midnight, Wednesday 28 July 2021. The winner will be notified by 4th August 2021. Good luck!

Full terms and conditions:

• There’s no limit to the number of entries per person. By entering, you give Beach Retreats and land&water permission to share and reproduce your pictures on our website, and social media channels.

 

• If your photograph features any person or people, they should be aware that they are being photographed and permission should be obtained from all involved.

 

• You must be the sole author and owner of the copyright for all images entered. You will retain copyright of your entries at all times and always be credited alongside your picture.

 

• No cash alternative for prize winner.

 

• The winner will be notified on Facebook or Instagram.

 

• The winning photo will be chosen by a judging panel.

 

It’s almost time for us to open the doors and welcome you back to the coastal life we know all love and have missed. Every place on our books has the beach less than a mile away,  everything you need nearby and a finish that will lift spirits the moment you walk in. Curl up in your favourite window seat, fire up the gas bbq while the waves roll in and put beach life back on your 2021 itinerary.

Here are our recommended retreats for an April and May staycation.

THE VILLAGE, WATERGATE BAY

Two and four bedroom lodges from £1,240.

A superb collection of two and four bedroom eco lodges, just a two minute walk from Watergate beach. Enjoy glorious views across the bay and out to sea, as well as reverse level accommodation where the living area is on the first floor to fully exploit these dramatic sea views.

Where to eat: Wax Watergate Bay will be opening their beer garden daily throughout April/May with hog roasts, cocktail bar, burritos and music.

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Levan
Breock

THE STRAND, PORTH

Four bedroom houses available from £1,479

The Strand development is a new collection of town houses beautifully designed over four floors. Each property has a private balcony, front and rear garden (front gardens are communal) and sea views in the distance. Step out of your door and stroll for two minutes down the road and you’ll find yourself on the family-friendly Porth beach – a wide expanse of sand flanked by rockpools and cliffs. Porth is located between Newquay and Watergate Bay, complete with a local pub on the beach and shop.

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SKYLINE, MAWGAN PORTH

Six bedroom house available from £3,032

Nestled above Mawgan Porth, Skyline combines contemporary coastal living with boutique interiors to create a space perfect for self-catering family holidays. In just a five-minute walk, you’ll find yourself on Mawgan Porth’s golden sand and at the village centre with its perfectly formed mix of cafes, restaurants, pub, surf shops and surf school.

Head to the Merrymoor Inn beer garden for local ales, delicious Cornish food and a sea view.

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1 PORTH SANDS, PORTH

Two bedroom apartment available from £684

Just a stone’s throw away from Porth beach; a wide sandy beach sheltered by two headlands, 1 Porth Sands is a contemporary two bedroomed first floor apartment with a private balcony and stunning coastal views. Nestled between Watergate Bay and Fistral headland, Porth is a charming waterfront village with a teahouse, cafe, restaurant, pub and boutique shop. The beach is popular with families for its flat golden sand and shallow waters, while surfers enjoy catching the Atlantic swells.

Enjoy take away pizzas from The Mermaid throughout April/May.

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THE COURTYARD, KINGSAND 

Four bedroom house available from £1,039

Positioned in the heart of a beautiful Cornish former fishing village, 100 metres from the beach, The Courtyard is perfect for an ‘escape from it all’ break. The Rame Peninsula, known as Cornwall’s forgotten corner, Kingsand and Cawsand are a pair of charming fishing villages untouched by time. With colourful wooden boats, shingle beach and woodland border, it is a popular destination for artists and those that wish to escape the crowds in this idyllic little bay.

The Courtyard is a duplex apartment on the ground and first floor, converted from a chapel to bring contemporary living to a historic building.

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SEARCH ALL SELF CATERING HOLIDAYS IN CORNWALL.

Social distancing and these strange times don’t mean you can’t enjoy dining out in the foodie Mecca that Cornwall’s become. Here are our favourite places to tuck into a taste of Cornwall in an outdoor dining room.

Watergate Bay

Whether you’ve been surfing, walking the dog or simply basking on Watergate Bay’s two miles of golden sands, you’ll no doubt have worked up an appetite for a pit stop at Watergate Bay’s brand new pop up. Drop your surfboards and beach gear, and follow the smell of food, to fill up on seasonal takeaway dishes – From gourmet hot dogs and Napoletana-style pizzas to artisan ice cream, cold beers and cocktails for sunset. From May.

watergatebay.co.uk

Fox’s Revenge, Summercourt

Clocking up huge applaud for its no fuss, flavoursome food and venue, the Fox’s Revenge has taken the changing face of dining out in its stride, with the addition of a large tipi dining area. What with Cornish weather being so unpredictable, and no one wanting to rub elbows at the dinner table these days, here you can tuck into no-fuss seasonal flavours from the barbecue and smoke shack, served with a breath of fresh air yet undercover. Genius. Booking essential.

thefoxsrevenge.com

Canteen Cornwall

Newquay Community Orchard & St Agnes
Since Canteen Cornwall started serving up their famous dhal, chicken dinners, cinnamon buns and delicious daily dishes at Wheal Kitty in St Agnes, their seasonal food and convivial dining ambience have lured hungry folk from far and wide. And now, with a second venue that’s just opened its doors, the same sustainable, seasonal fare will now be brought to the tables at Newquay Community Orchard. Taking the field to fork ethos even more seriously this time, much of the produce will be picked from the market garden just a pebble’s throw from your plate.

canteencornwall.com

The Slope, Great Western Beach, Newquay

Lap up the beach vibes and banging Cornish food at this popular surfers’ hangout harking back to the 60s. A menu tailored for barefoot beach goers includes family-friendly share platters, loaded fries and gourmet burgers. What’s more, it’s all served alongside locally roasted coffee and Cornish beers made by Sharp’s brewery. So, peel off your wetsuit and bask on a surf-side bench, or grab a takeaway and tuck-in with your toes in sand.

theslopenewquay.com

Poldhu Beach Cafe, Poldhu Cove

Bang on the family Mecca of Poldhu Cove, this buzzing little beach café serves breakfast baps, finger-licking lunches and Poldhutastic hot chocolates – all with a side order of eye-popping sea views from the beachside deck. So, whether you’ve been riding the waves, hunting for beach treasure or creating sand sculptures on the beach, it’s the perfect pit stop for rumbling tums. Every Friday in summer enjoy stone-baked pizzas served with Cornish cider or a glass of bubbly, while listening to live music and the beat of the waves.

poldhu.com

The Driftwood Spars, St Agnes

A historic inn serving its own micro-brewery ales under low-beamed ceilings, and delicious seasonal food in a contemporary dining room, The Driftwood Spars took the changing times in its stride. Now you can enjoy the same great food from local farms and fishermen, alongside the same quenching local ales, in a large outdoor dining area just footsteps from Trevaunance Cove.

driftwoodspars.com

The Cornish Arms, St Merryn

When foodie hero Rick Stein took the helm of this traditional country pub in 2009, The Cornish Arms turned into one of the North Coast’s foodie destinations. Within an easy hop of St Merryn’s seven bays and beaches, it really is the perfect place to fuel up after a surf, coastal stomp or even a game of golf. With a huge beer garden it’s always been popular when the sun shines, and now it boasts a huge outdoor eating area undercover, so you can enjoy Stein’s classic Cornish dishes, come rain or shine.

rickstein.com/restaurants/the-cornish-arms/

Prawn on the Farm, Padstow

For a little seafood bar and restaurant tucked in the cobbled streets of Padstow, Prawn on the Lawn made a very big name for itself. A pioneer of the alfresco foodie movement, it changed its location to Trerethern Farm (just outside of Padstow), tweaked its name and created an outdoor restaurant that proved a huge hit on the foodie radar. And it’s back this year with an even bigger outdoor restaurant under canvas, serving small plates and seafood platters with a focus on produce sourced directly from the day boats, all with a side order of divine countryside and estuary views.
prawnonthelawn.com

The Mariners, Rock

What better way to spend a summer afternoon than watching the boats go by from the terrace, while sipping local ales from Sharp’s brewery, alongside Porthilly oysters (plucked from oyster beds in view), lobster, mussels and catch of the day? With Paul Ainsworth and his team heading up this local pub beside the Camel Estuary, it’s little wonder that the calibre of the food and drink matches the divine views on the doorstep. Make a day of it by arriving on the Black Tor ferry from Padstow.

paul-ainsworth.co.uk/the-mariners

Sam’s on The Beach, Polkerris

Step straight off your SUP and tuck into steaming bowls of local mussels and other Cornish seafood, or enjoy a slice of artisan pizza fresh from the wood-fired oven, while casting your gaze over St Austell Bay. Once an RNLI station, at Sam’s on the Beach you can take a seat on the old slipway where boats used to be launched into the sea. A dab-hand at alfresco dining, you can now also enjoy Sam’s On the Roseland, serving award-winning burgers, gourmet hand-rolled pizzas and Bali bowls, from a freight box kitchen and bar on the Roseland.

samscornwall.co.uk

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Make 2021 one to remember with our guide to amazing things to see and do throughout your visit. Can you tick them all off before the year is over?

1. Wild Swimming

Cornwall

What better way to start the new year with a wild swim in the Atlantic Ocean. Cornwall is filled to the brim with the perfect swimming conditions from sheltered harbours to natural fresh water swimming pools. Check out our friends at Wild Swimming Cornwall for their top locations, where they describe any outdoor swimming experience a place where you are surrounded by nature and exposed to the elements counts as a wild swim.

2. Join a feast night

St Austell

Showcasing delicious local produce and ingredients you won’t be able to live without, restaurants like Knightor Winery have it all going on when it comes to dining out. With excellent food and premium wines produced from their own Cornish vineyards dining at Knightor Winery is the top of list, next to our friends at Nancarrow Farm. With themes in the past including Sri Lankan, Nordic and Scandi, 2018 is sure to bring even more foodie nights to remember. Look out for upcoming feast dates.

3. Get wet ‘n’ wild with a family surf lesson

Multiple locations

If you’ve not yet delved into the ocean on your holiday, 2018 is the time to do it. Better yet, we want you to mix it up with not just a surf lesson, but a family surf lesson, getting everyone involved. You won’t get any closer to the salty air you dream about than this. There are fantastic surf schools all over the coast offering lessons for a wide mix of ages and abilities. Below you can see the Extreme Academy at Watergate Bay.

 

 

 

4. Walk the South West Coast Path

Multiple locations

You may have already done some of this without even realising. Step onto the beach and turn left or right, you are sure to step on part of the 300 miles South West Coast Path. If you need a little guidance, check out their website for your nearest route.

 

 

5. Visit a hidden beach

Multiple locations

Feel as though you are on your own private beach at one of Cornwall’s secret locations. Leave footprints in untouched sand, run away from the summer crowds and if you’re brave enough, why not join the naturists that sometimes bathe in these hidden locations.

 

6. Take the road to nowhere

We love the idea of just jumping in the car and seeing where the beautiful coastal roads will take us. You’ll often come across tiny coves and beaches that you’ve never even heard of. 2018 is the time to discover somewhere new. Be sure to take a road map with you (just in case).

 

 

7. Go back in time at Tintagel Castle

Tintagel

Immerse yourself in history, myths and stunning scenery at Tintagel Castle, set high on Cornwall’s rugged north coast between Padstow and Bude. With the Atlantic Ocean right beneath you, you won’t be short of photo stops as you meander through the old pathways where King Arthur once stood. Walk the brand new bridge, new in 2019. Find out more about this magical day out.

8. Lose yourself in the Lost Gardens of Heligan

St Austell

Owned for over 400 years by the Tremayne family, Heligan is arguably one of the most mysterious and romantic estates in England, with a fascinating history. Learn how the garden was lost for decades and when it was discovered, wander around hidden paths taking in the scents and sights of the flowers and tiptoe past the famous sleeping goddess. Find out more about a trip to the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

9. Take a dip in Bude Sea Pool

Bude

Recently restored with help from the community and its sponsors, Bude Sea Pool is a part natural, part man-made swimming pool in the rocks at Summerleaze Beach in Bude. Built in the 1930’s the pool attracts visitors throughout the summer months and creates a safe haven for families to bathe.

10. Take a selfie at Men-an-Tol

Near Penzance

Believed to be around 3,500 years old, Men-an-Tol near Penzance is made up of four stones including the iconic circle and three pillars. Crawl through the circle if you wish to be ‘blessed’ and ‘heeled’ or simply do what most visitors do, take a selfie! There is only one other example of a holed stone in the UK which can be found in Gweek, Cornwall.

11. Forage for your own dinner

Voted as one of the top 10 foraging courses in the UK by Countryfile, Fat Hen in Cornwall celebrates wild food and cooking as well as the coming together of people who enjoy the great outdoors. If you love the delicious Cornish produce that’s already on offer, you’re going to love it even more when you have picked it yourself.

12. Walk the causeway to St Michael’s Mount

Marazion

From ancient cobbles to castle walls, through time and tide, St Michael’s Mount is beckoning upon your next visit to Cornwall. Walk the causeway at low tide and climb to the top of the magical castle. Here you can admire the views, hear the islanders’ tales and unearth a history that lives on in every step. Find out more about St Michael’s Mount.

13. Take the family on a Super SUP

Newquay

New to the Newquay Activity Centre collection is the Super Stand Up Paddleboarding. Fun for the whole family, you’ll take on your fellow shipmates in a myriad of fun games including ‘King of the SUP’ and ‘Sumo SUP’. In addition to the guaranteed giggles, you’ll learn how to kneel and stand up paddle, perfect paddle strokes, navigate the coastline, and negotiate the swell and waves back to the beach. Find out more about Super SUP.

14. Go to Bodmin Jail

Bodmin

Discover life behind bars as an 18th Century prisoner in the heart of Cornwall. Explore the many cells and features that make your visit to the Jail a fun and educational, and just a little bit scary, adventure!

Visitors can wander through the depths of the Jail, over five levels, and browse creative exhibits depicting penal life in Victorian Cornwall. Be sure to visit the Execution Shed; a fully restored, 4.5mtr deep, Victorian hanging pit. This is the only hanging pit in the UK and the site of the last man executed in Cornwall. Find out more.

15. See a show at the Minack Theatre

Porthcurno

Beautifully located on the cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean, Cornwall’s famous Minack Theatre is one of our biggest must dos for 2018. The theatre showcases an excellent mix of drama, music, comedy and story-telling throughout the year, with the ocean as its stunning backdrop. See the 2018 schedule.

16. Visit the Tate St Ives Museum

St Ives

In a prime position overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the famous Tate St Ives is a fantastic day out for all the family. Showcasing British art through its gallery, exhibitions and events, it embraces the best of international modern and contemporary art. Tate St Ives is part of the Tate family of venues that includes Tate Modern, Tate Britain and Tate Liverpool and opened in 1993. Find out more about Tate St Ives.

 

17. Sip wine at Camel Valley Vineyard

Bodmin

Sitting on the terrace sipping Camel Valley wine on a summer’s afternoon is magical. Camel Valley has been producing award-winning, world class wines in a beautiful corner of Cornwall since 1989. Stroll through the vineyards and its beautiful surroundings, learn what makes an award-winning wine and of course sit down, relax and savor the taste. Find out more about booking a Camel Valley tour

18. Rick Stein Cookery Class

Love seafood but can’t quite get it to taste like Celebrity Chef Rick Stein’s dishes? Now is your chance. Rick Stein Cookery School offers long and short classes all year round. Choose from Indian curries, Far Eastern, Italian, Indian street food, Spanish tapas to name a few, plus some wonderful patisserie and bakery sessions. Find out about Rick Stein Cookery Classes.

 

19. Kayak around a secret cove

If you enjoy getting active on your Beach Retreats holiday, then this is the activity for you. Go it alone, or jump in with your pal, once you have your paddle it’s all down to you. Find secret caves, float under the bridge or enjoy a tour where you’ll really see the fantastic sights of hidden Cornwall.

Do you have some of your own 2019 bucket list ideas? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and join the conversation using #behere.

20. Eat a famous Hedgehog Ice Cream

Chapel Porth beach is a short drive from our St Agnes properties. Famous for its hedgehog ice creams, this is a popular location for local surfers and families. Their famous ice cream comes with Cornish clotted cream and chocolate and nut sprinkles. Sounds good right?

Book your 2020 self-catering holiday to Cornwall.

Crisp walks along romantic clifftops. Sundowners while watching the ever-changing ocean vistas from the balcony. Toasty evenings playing board games beside a crackling fire. Escape to Cornwall this Christmas as staying in becomes the new going out.

Our festive escapes make it easy to sink into a bubbly hot tub beneath a blanket of stars, uncork the fizz and chink glasses after a blustery walk, or simply feast on the most delicious local produce delivered to your door.

Let us help you find the right retreat for your 2020 Christmas break…

The Penthouse 37 Dunes, Perranporth

Live the high life this Christmas and wake up just a few paces from the popular Perranporth beach in north Cornwall. The large open plan living space offers breathtaking ocean views with a large wrap around balcony if you can brave the elements with a mug of hot chocolate or mulled wine. The Penthouse 37 Dunes has four bedrooms with beautiful and bright interiors and a luxurious finish.

Please note we can only accept up to six guests, following the current government guidelines.

Find out more about The Penthouse 37 Dunes.

The Tower, Praa Sands

With picture-perfect views out towards St Michael’s Mount in Marazion, The Tower is perfectly located for exploring the best of west Cornwall. The large duplex apartment, occupies the top two floors of Acton Castle plus a large private rooftop terrace with 360 views.

Think large bedrooms with sea views, a sumptuous and complete refurbishment to match the grandeur of the building, matched to a hi-spec kitchen and bathrooms.

Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, surrounded by secluded, rocky coves, Acton Castle stands proud on the cliffs over Mount’s Bay. The picturesque cove sits on the eastern flank of Cudden Point. The dramatic coastline of Prussia Cove is made-up of three smaller coves called Piskies, Bessy’s and Kings.

Find out more about The Tower.

4 Godrevy Court, Carbis Bay

Don your walking boots and walk off your food with a ramble along the white sands of Carbis Bay. Jump on the South West Coast Path and walk 20 minutes to reach the famous St Ives where you’ll find its picturesque harbour and an abundance of places to drink and dine (book in advance and check current government guideline restrictions).

4 Godrevy Court is first floor two bedroom apartment, less than a five minute walk from the beach with a small balcony and superb ocean views.

Find out more about 4 Godrevy Court.

12 Pearl, Fistral

Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Newquay this Christmas as you sleep just moments away from the world renowned Fistral beach. Storm watch from the comfort of your own sofa while sipping on something bubbly as you celebrate the festive period. The town’s shops, restaurants and pubs are just a 10 minute walk away. Head to the Red Lion for a cosy bar, complete with a roaring fire and delicious pub grub. Rick Stein’s Fistral and The Fish House are just a minute’s walk in the opposite direction.

12 Pearl is a contemporary apartment with a stylish open plan living space. There are two spacious bedrooms making it ideal for a small family or couples.

Find out more about 12 Pearl.

Stella Maris, Mousehole

Stella Maris is perfectly placed in the heart of Mousehole in west Cornwall. You’ll find plenty of art galleries, cafes, boutique shops and restaurants on your doorstep, all within a 2-minute walk of this Grade II listed, former fisherman’s cottage. Christmas in Mousehole will be slightly different this year, without the famous harbour lights display, nonetheless, it will still be picture perfect as you wander around the cobbled streets.

Find out more about Stella Maris.

7 The Rocks, Holywell Bay

Flawlessly created for luxury holidays, 7 The Rocks is a four bedroom semi-detached new-build house in the village of Holywell Bay, north Cornwall. Walk in the footsteps of Captain Poldark Christmas morning, explore the fascinating grotto-like Holywell Cave with its calcium deposits, and at low tide, discover an old Argentinian coaster just offshore. Wander the sand dunes, some of which are 60 feet in height, and if you’re traveling with your other half, the dunes also provide a romantic setting to watch the sun go down.

Find out more about 7 The Rocks.

Harbourside Cottage, Boscastle

A cosy cottage for 2, Harbourside Cottage is located in the centre of Boscastle opposite the river, just a 300 metre walk to where the river meets the ocean. The pace of life in this pretty village is blissfully relaxed, so for those arriving in the winter, there’s nothing better than enjoying a romantic evening for two in front of a crackling fire with a bottle of two.

Find out more about Harbourside Cottage.

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