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Personalised itineraries for your self-catering holiday in Cornwall.

Do you want to immerse yourself in Cornwall’s carefree coastal lifestyle with a range of unique experiences that easily adhere to social distancing measures? Family Surf Co. creates bespoke GIVE ME SOME SPACE itineraries, which take care of everything from your food deliveries to outdoor adventures. Activities range from private surfing lessons and SUP surfaris to coasteering and mountain biking, alongside foodie experiences from a full grocery shop to pop-up restaurant experiences in the comfort of your Beach Retreat.

Experts in the local area and in the business of creating tailor-made holiday experiences focussing on the beach lifestyle, Family Surf Co. recognised a need to change what’s on offer for your self-catering holiday in the aftermath of Covid-19. “Surfing and beach life remains at the heart of what we offer”, states founder Hayley Lawrence, “but our new GIVE ME SPACE itineraries focus on keeping your distance and staying safe while enjoying the best of Cornwall.”

Perfect for families coming on holiday to Cornwall, all of the activities enable you to have maximum fun in the Great Outdoors, while adhering to social distancing guidelines and staying away from the crowds. Think private surfing lessons followed by a gourmet picnic delivered to the beach, or a coasteering adventure to reach the lesser-explored terrain where the land meets the sea.

With self-catering properties being the perfect space to enjoy Cornwall’s smorgasbord of delicious food without going out, Family Surf Co. will deliver the finest food to your property – from grocery shopping (picking on the best local produce where possible), to home-cooked dinners, perfect picnics and pop-up restaurant experiences in your accommodation. From fizz and chips to brilliant barbecues, your menu is covered.

Each itinerary is tailor-made for your requirements and location, and will also suggest self-guided ideas from secret beaches for wild swimming, to wide-open spaces where you can make the most of your self-catering holiday while staying away from the crowds.

View a 3-day sample itinerary here.

Get in touch with Family Surf Co. for the perfect itinerary for your holiday in Cornwall.
familysurfco.com/family-holiday-experiences-cornwall
info@familysurfco.com
07497 456156

Top tips for staying away from the crowds:

Get up early to explore Cornwall before everyone else. Or have a lazy day and head out to later to enjoy an evening adventure and sunset on the coast.

Don’t head to the usual spots – get out a map and discover places off the beaten track.

Leave the car at home and venture out on foot or bike. This way you’ll avoid the busy car parks and find footpaths and coves away from the busiest attractions.

Stay local – don’t feel like you have to explore the whole of Cornwall on your visit, you’ll find plenty to do right on the doorstep. This year is all about micro adventures.

Enjoy fun-packed holiday activities from a safe social distance

These days we all want a bit more space on our self-catering holidays. Not just a stylish and private space to come home to after a day on the beach, but a good deal more space while we’re out and about having fun. And while two metres is the socially acceptable distance between people, we’ve come up with plenty of things to do where you can enjoy a lot more space than that. Try some of our favourite outdoor activities and you might find yourself miles away from other people, with only wildlife for company.

PRIVATE SURFING LESSONS

Learning to surf used to involve joining a beginner group and sharing the waves. Not any more. Enjoy one-to-one tuition and private family surfing lessons with an instructor to yourselves. Not only will your personal surf coach help you to really ramp your skills and get you riding waves like a pro, they will also take you to the best spot for your ability and find a quiet peak away from the crowds. Strict social distancing measures are in place at our local KingSurf surfing school in Mawgan Porth or , to ensure a safe and spacious surfing experience.

Jump on.

WILD SWIMMING

Since the 16^th century, visitors have flocked to the UK’s beaches to reap the health benefits of a dip in the sea. In recent years wild swimming has experienced somewhat of a resurgence, but if you veer away from the more popular beaches there are still plenty of spots to swim with just the sea life. Amongst our favourite places to go wild swimming in Cornwall is the serene Helford River, where you might even spot seahorses and you wend along the estuary from Mawnan Smith to Port Navas. Or, if you take a dip at Rinsey Cove you might be lucky to spot a cheeky seal or two. If you prefer the safety of a tidal pool, head to Treyarnon or Porthtowan and seek out the rock pools as the tide ebbs.

Safety tip: If you go wild swimming make sure you always check the tides and currents, go with a swimming buddy, take a floatation device and never dive from the rocks.

Dive in.

SUP TOURS

How would you like to castaway and explore the coastline under paddle power, safe in the hands of a qualified lifeguard and personal guide as you glide from cove to cove? On a two-hour private coastal tour you’re likely to encounter more wildlife than people, as you immerse yourself in the natural surroundings, bask in the natural sunlight and enjoy a non-contact ocean sport. Learn how to paddle in the natural elements of the tidal flow and sea breeze, getting a great core workout. Discover crabs and blennies hiding in the nooks and crannies of Newquay’s sheltered ‘Gazzle’ area, or float along the serene River Gannel spotting little egrets, greenshanks and other birds that flock to the rich pickings of the salt marshes.

Stand up.

COASTEERING

Swim through gulleys, explore sea caves and leap from rocky ledges on a coasteering adventure. In the hands of experts you can safely explore the territory where the land meets the sea, encountering sea life from starfish to seabirds. Taking small groups of up to five people, Newquay Activity Centre have adapted all of their watersports sessions to adhere to government guidelines and maintain the two-metre social distancing rule.

Go adventuring.

CYCLING

Cornwall is blessed with miles of traffic-free cycling routes, criss-crossing diverse terrain from World Heritage Mining sites to coastal trails. One of the lesser known ones is the circular Goss Moor trail – an easy-going 12km cutting through a stunning nature reserve. With no gruelling hills or cars to worry about, you can focus on spotting the flora and fauna. And while most cyclists hit the busier Camel Trail and mountain biking trails, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter too many other cyclists on this tranquil cycle path.

Pedal power.

WALK THE SOUTH WEST COAST PATH

Reconnect with nature and get a blast of briny air as you step foot along some remote sections of the South West Coast Path and stray from the crowds. In West Cornwall, lap up bucket loads of landscape drama as you trace the wave-lashed cliffs – past engine houses and Iron Age castle ruins – on the way to Cape Cornwall. Once thought to be the westerly tip of England, this wild promontory is more remote and dramatic than the more accurate Land’s End, and standing above the crashing waves where the Atlantic meets the English Channel, you’re likely to spot more seabirds than people. If you’re in North Cornwall, set out from Duckpool, just north of Bude, and tackle some of the most undulating and staggering sections of the coast path towards Morwenstow.

Step up.

KAYAKING

Leave the shoreline behind and explore some of the most pristine and historic areas of Cornwall in a kayak. Launch from the Lizard Peninsula or Hayle harbour, and learn about the wildlife and natural history of the area, as you discover the beauty of the coast with local experts. The sit-on-top kayaks are super stable and easy to paddle, and your fully qualified guides will run you through the safety procedures and ensure you get to grips with basic techniques before hitting the open water.

Paddle away.

There’s no doubt that the face of self-catering holidays in Cornwall has changed in the aftermath of COVID-19. But you can still enjoy the perfect stay-cation or work-action in one of our luxury retreats. With the beach on your doorstep you can step straight out onto the coast for a blast of briny air or a saltwater dip, then hunker down in your private space and make the most of your home by the sea.

Here are some things we love staying in for on holiday:

Quality time with friends and family

The best way to catch up with family and friends is to spend time together in a home-away-from-home. When everyday tasks and distractions are left behind, there’s more time to talk, play and relax together, without the pressures of the chores, work and the daily grind. Make yourself at home in one our stylish properties designed for relaxation and leisure time, and you’ve got all the luxuries and entertainment you need to chill out and enjoy time with each other.

Relax and recharge

Bask in Cornwall’s sub-tropical climate, soak up a mighty dose of vitamin sea, and take time for lazy mornings or afternoon siestas. Wind down to the rhythm of the ocean, pad along the shoreline and hunker down by the log burner with a bottle of red wine and platter of Cornish cheeses. In recent years holidays have evolved into time spent cramming as much as possible into our time off, but having space and time to rest and recharge your batteries is what vacations should be about. So make the most of some R&R in your stylish coastal holiday pad.

Eat gourmet food

Cornwall is renowned for its smorgasbord of delicious food plucked from the coast and the countryside. And you don’t have to step foot in a restaurant for a gourmet spread and excellent service. Make the most of having time to cook up a storm with the best Cornish ingredients, or kick back and tuck into home-cooked deliveries from talented local chefs. From breakfast platters and fresh produce, to slap-up dinners from local pubs and pop ups, all sorts of lip-smacking cuisine and can be delivered to your door.

Try new hobbies

Have you ever wanted to try watercolour painting, play guitar or take up yoga? When you’re at home there just seems so little time to take up new hobbies. But once you escape from your daily routine and workaday, there’s much more time to tap into your creative mind and try new things. While you’re taking a break in a Beach Retreat, why not pick up a paintbrush to commit coastal scenes to canvas, craft jewellery from your beachcombing finds, or write a song inspired by the landscapes around you?

Kickback for a guilt-free Netflix binge

Want to catch up on the latest box set or do you have a list of movies you’ve never got round to watching? Once you’ve had a blast of sea air and watched the sun go down on the beach, holidays are a great time to stay in and catch up for a guilt-free media fest. Whether it’s podcasts, Netflix or the latest Box Office hit released on DVD, our properties offer the most stylish lounge spaces and family entertainment systems; so get cosy and grab the popcorn.

Make a playlist

How often do you hear a song you love on the radio, scribble down the name and plan to make it part of a playlist one day? Or hear a tune that takes you back to halcyon days? With time on your hands you can finally take the time to make a playlist of your favourite songs – from chill out tracks to tunes that make you want to dance your socks off. You could even take the time to go through your bulging online photo and video library, and put your memories into photo books and movies.

Take a workation

In an era when the boundaries between home and work are more blurred than ever before, why not mix work and leisure on your self-catering holiday in Cornwall? All of our Beach Retreats are decked out with high-tech facilities, so you’ll have everything you need to run an efficient home office while enjoying time by the sea.

Soak up a different view

 

Spending time in a different location gives you time to soak up a different view. This doesn’t only mean a change in scenery, but also inspires a shift in perspective. It’s often only when we’re away from home and our usual routines that we find the time to reflect and make fundamental changes in our lives that make us happier.

Hitting the beach is going to be a bit different this summer. With some lockdown restrictions lifted and everyone keen to hit the Cornish coast, it’s time to re-think a typical day out. But there’s no reason you can’t feel carefree and have all the fun while staying safe and abiding by social distancing measures. We’re experts in beach life and know every nook and cranny of Cornwall, so we’ve got some great ideas about how to enjoy the natural environment in wide-open spaces.

Secret Beaches

If you’re going surfing or bodyboarding with your family, make sure you head to one of the lifeguarded beaches. But if you want to dip your toes in the breakers and unpack a picnic in a secluded cove, wander off the beaten track to discover some of Cornwall’s more secret beaches. You don’t have to stray far from the heart of Newquay to find the cobalt waters of Polly Joke, backed by miles of rolling heathland. Or nudge north from the main beach at Crackington Haven to witness the staggering rock stacks of The Strangles. Another of our favourites is Nanjizal, a mile or so from Land’s End, with its crystal clear waters and magnificent rock arch. Get an OS map, make it an adventure, and check out a few more of our secret beaches here.

Chasing Waterfalls

The beach isn’t the only place to enjoy the Great Outdoors and dip your toes in the water. Why not head away from the coastal honeypots and explore the woodlands and waterfalls? Tunnel through a wooded valley alongside the River Fowey and you can climb trees, tiptoe across stepping-stones and cross little bridges on the way to the magical Golitha Falls. Take the plunge in one of the pools, picnic in a shady glen and hunt for Cornish piskies in the fairytale landscape.

Get High

Climb the peaks of Rough Tor and Brown Willy, and you’re bound to leave the crowds far behind. Rising from the wild and spacious territory of Bodmin Moor, Cornwall’s two highest peaks offer a different perspective of the coast. At just over 400m above sea level, you get eye-popping coastal and countryside views and can see the beaches of the north and the south coasts from a bird’s eye view. To reach the peaks it’s a relatively easy stroll across the rolling moorland, where you can also witness ancient sites including stone circles, quoits and the remains of Bronze Age settlements.

Free Wheeling

Instead of sitting around on the beaches, get in the saddle and hit some of Cornwall’s cycling trails. While the Camel Trail is perhaps Cornwall’s best-known biking route, it does get busy, so why not head out along the web of mineral tramways criss-crossing the county? Of these the Coast-to-Coast between Portreath and Devoran is our favourite. Tick off sea views, woodland, engine houses and quarries, as you follow 15 miles of disused mineral tramways through a World Heritage Site, from the Atlantic coast to the south coast. With plenty of off shoots and sections to play or picnic, it’s definitely a route where you can escape the crowds and reward yourself with a sundowner on beach at the end.

The South West Coast Path

Most of our properties are just footsteps from the South West Coast Path, where you can step out and enjoy the sea views and salty air, while only passing a few other souls on route. If you’re staying in Porth or Watergate Bay, stroll along the cliff tops between the two and you’ll spot more seabirds that people. Push on along the rugged section from Watergate to Mawgan Porth, eyeing up coastal views to Trevose Head and beyond. If you’re staying anywhere near Padstow, make sure you stand on Stepper Point and stare across the Doom Bar to Pentire Point and The Rumps. And if you’re up in Bude tackle the challenging coast path towards the border of Devon, stopping to peer out to sea from the Hawker’s Hut, built by an eccentric poet.

Discover more of our favourite walks along the South West Coast Path.

National Trust

The National Trust have started re-opening their car parks, gardens and parklands across Cornwall, where you can delve into the natural surroundings whilst maintaining social distancing. So whether you tumble through sub-tropical foliage to a pristine beach at Glendurgan, hit the bike trails at Lanhydrock or park at Carnewas to clap eyes on the rock giants at Bedruthan Steps, there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the natural wonders of Cornwall.

Top tips for staying away from the crowds

• Get up early to explore Cornwall before everyone else. Or have a lazy day and head out to later to enjoy an evening adventure and sunset on the coast.
• Don’t head to the usual spots – get out a map and discover places off the beaten track.
• Leave the car at home and venture out on foot or bike. This way you’ll avoid the busy car parks and find footpaths and coves away from the busiest attractions.
• Stay local – all of our Beach Retreats are in stunning locations in easy reach of the coast and cafés. Don’t feel like you have to explore the whole of Cornwall on your visit, you’ll find plenty to do right on the doorstep. This year is all about micro adventures.

Shop Local with The Cornish Food Box

As with so aspects of our lives, enjoying a beach break in Cornwall has changed.  Where we go and what we do will be different, but we’re still committed to helping you make special memories in breathtaking surroundings.

So in the first of a series of the new norm, we’re collating the best of Cornwall to enjoy when you stay with us.

As an alternative to the supermarket delivery, or venturing into a supermarket when you arrive in Cornwall, The Cornish Food Box have deliver fresh local produce direct to your holiday home.

They are an award-winning company, also with the option to click and collect from their premises on the A30.  The range is comprehensive, with local vegetables, fruit, meat, seafood and ready meals. The range also covers alcohol, a deli, baked goods and some tempting BBQ boxes.

It’s food which is honest, fresh and made with carte and passion.

 

A taste of Cornwall delivered to your holiday home

PLUS get £5 off any order over £50 by using the code: BEACHRETREATS

www.thecornishfoodboxcompany.co.uk | 01872 211533

Happy shopping and even happier eating!

After two weeks of reflection, worry and uncertainty, being humbled by the work of doctors, nurses and key workers, adjusting to the new norm, and contemplating what’s really important in our lives, we’ve turned our blog over to the Beach Retreats team, now working from home.

We asked them to share their exercise route from the weekend, be it walk, run or cycle.  No beach BBQs, no meeting up with friends, just a snapshot from their course while practising social distancing.

We hope you are all staying safe and we will see you in Cornwall some time soon. #beherelater

Porth and Lusty Glaze

This is Lusty Glaze beach perfectly framed by steep cliffs and the rolling surf, between Newquay and Porth beach. This area is close to Newquay centre, and home to some spectacular coastal views and beaches.

Lusty Glaze looking eastwards towards Watergate Bay

Porth beach

Fistral and Pentire

On the other side of Newquay centre sits Fistral beach and the Pentire headland. Little Fistral is a hidden gem at the end of the beach.

From Pentire, Crantock beach sits across the Gannel estuary.

And for an early morning run, this is sunrise over Fistral beach.

Mawgan Porth

A few miles along the coast Mawgan Porth remains one of Cornwall’s hidden gems.

Trerice

It’s not just about the beaches though.  This is the view from Trerice House towards Newquay.

Stay safe and we hope to see you soon in Cornwall. #beherelater

Just a 5 minute walk from 4 Godrevy Court and 4 Seas Reach is Carbis Bay. Often described as the Caribbean with its white sand and turquoise water, this large sheltered beach boasts calm bathing waters, flanked either side by green woodland.

Awarded its Blue Flag status year after year due to its clean water conditions, Carbis Bay is the perfect base for families and water sport enthusiasts.

Below we walk you through our Carbis Bay to Porthkidney circular walk via the South West Coast Path. This particular route needs a low tide at the start of your journey.

Start your ramble by making your way down the steps in front of Carbis Bay Hotel towards the beach. The beach itself has a shop for a quick bite to eat or an ice cream, with restaurants nearby inside the hotel. Here you’ll often see the train passing by, voted as one of the UK’s most scenic routes.

Walk barefoot along the shoreline and you’ll soon spot Godrevy Lighthouse in the distance. Now a famous lighthouse because of Virginia Woolfe’s novel ‘To the Lighthouse’, the white 26-metre octagonal tower is located 3 miles out to sea at West Cornwall’s St Ives Bay.

The long stretch of golden sand at Porthkidney can be reached around the above rocky point from Carbis Bay at low tide, but be aware that the tide comes in very quickly, and strong currents make the water unsuitable for bathing near the estuary.

Porthkidney’s large expanse of sand is perfect for kite flying, ball games and letting the kids tire themselves out. Even in the height of summer there is room for everyone.

When you spot where the Hayle Estuary meets the sea, you’ll find some steps to the right leading you up to the South West Coast Path towards the rail line.

Take to the path and begin your walk back, at a higher level offering spectacular views like this one.

The stretch of Porthkidney is backed by a large area of dunes, dune grassland and dune scrub, exhibiting a wide range of unusual wildflowers.

Follow the wooden posts with a yellow arrow, to keep on the South West Coast Path. Below was our favourite part of the walk and a real Instagram worthy moment. As the tide begins to flow back in, take a moment, rest a while and listen to the sound of the ocean.

We take this walk in March, where the wild yellow gorse flowers are out in full. Depending on the time of year, here you’ll spot, sea pinks, bluebells and even the odd daffodil.

We’re nearly back at Carbis Bay, where the water is a glistening turquoise. There are often benches along the way for you to take a moment and enjoy the breathtaking ocean views.

You’ll now spot St Ives in the distance, known for its stunning beaches, art scene and foodie hot spots. When staying in one of our Carbis Bay self-catering properties, you can walk the coast path for 30 minutes in the opposite direction to St Ives, or take the 5 minute train ride.

Known as one of the UKs most scenic rail journeys, we urge guests to experience this in full from St Erth to St Ives. The train comes every 20 minutes in peak season, with the last train returning at 10pm.

Hop off at the end of the line at Porthminster Beach, where you’ll see a large sandy bay backed by a wooded valley, with all the beach amenities you and your family will need.

That’s it for the Carbis Bay to Porthkidney circular walk. Once you tick off this one, visit The South West Coast Path and to planning your next ramble along the coast.

Search Carbis Bay Self-catering Holidays with Beach Retreats. 

Get the low down on our favourite events in Cornwall…

World Pasty Championships, Eden Project, St Austell, 29 February

Celebrate the traditional Cornish pasty recipe, as well as some more unusual varieties. From the Americas to Australia, pasties derived from recipes passed down by Cornish emigrants over centuries, eaten and enjoyed by many millions of people around the world.

edenproject.com

Mexican Friday The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay 20 March

Feast on a two-course meze with dessert as you watch the Atlantic waves crash beneath you.

watergatebay.co.uk/gather/events

 

Cornwall Spring Flower Show Royal Cornwall Showground, 4-5 April

Explore flower displays and over 120 horticultural trade stands, with various activities to keep young ones entertained.

cornwallgardensociety.org.uk

 

Boscastle Walking Week, 19-24

April Enjoy a week of walking the Cornish coast and countryside with local guides in one of Cornwall’s most spectacularly scenic areas.

visitcornwall.com

 

Obby Oss Padstow, 1 May

Padstow at its best and good old Cornish culture by the bucket-load. Watch the Obby Oss make their way through the town.

visitcornwall.com

 

Tunes in the Dunes, Perranporth, 1-3 May

Set on the beautiful golden sands of Perranporth beach, experience live music with a backdrop of scenic cliffs and sand dunes.

tunesinthedunes.co.uk

 

English Nationals surf competition Watergate Bay, 1-3  May

The English Nationals surf competition returns to Watergate Bay for 2020. Spectators are welcome to watch the competitors battle it out for national titles.

watergatebay.co.uk/gather/event

 

Fal River Festival Falmouth, 22-31 May

A 10-day festival with something for everyone. From music, drama, arts and heritage, to gig racing, swimming, walking and more.

falriver.co.uk

 

The Great Estate Festival Scorrier, 29-31 May

The most rambunctious Garden Fête! Expect major international The most rambunctious Garden Fête! Expect major international headline acts, a mix of comedy, theatre, music and the arts, all within the headline acts, a mix of comedy, theatre, music and the arts, all within the beautiful grounds of Scorrier Estate. Look out for the vintage fairground, beautiful grounds of Scorrier Estate. Look out for the vintage fairground, woodland silent disco, secret gin garden and more. woodland silent disco, secret gin garden and more.

greatestatefestival.co.uk

 

Royal Cornwall Show Wadebridge, 4-6 June

The county’s biggest annual event filled to the brim with exhibits, activities, competitions, food and drink, and shopping.

royalcornwallshow.org

 

Lusty Glaze Sundowner Sessions,weekly from 17 June

For endless evenings, relaxation and music, head to Lusty Glaze for weekly music sessions within a picturesque oceanfront setting.

lustyglaze.co.uk/sundowner-sessions

 

Golowan Festival Penzance, 19-28 June

Enjoy a packed programme of artists in celebration of music, performing arts and theatre. Events include a fireworks display on the prom, Mazey Day and spectacular parades through the streets.

golowanfestival.org

 

Lobster Friday The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay, 26 June

How does a four-course lobster feast sound to you? Let The Beach Hut take you on a tour of the lobster; a night to celebrate the king crustacean in all its delectable glory.

watergatebay.co.uk/gather/events

 

Mevagissey Feast Week, 28 June-4 July

The week-long event features exhibitions, demonstrations, live music and lots of fish dishes to eat.

mevagisseyfeastweek.org.uk

 

Lafrowda Festival St Just, 3-18 July

From hip hop to harmony, folk to funk, there are hours of free entertainment to suit every taste, alongwith street performers, stalls, refreshments, bouncy castles and, of course, spectacular processions.

visitcornwall.com

 

Rock 2 Rock, Let’s Rock Watergate Bay, 18 July

Join visitors and locals alike at Watergate Bay’s music festival and sunset beach (2km or 5km) run. The night finishes off with fireworks.

rock2rockletsrock.co.uk

 

St Endellion Summer Music Festival Near Port Isaac, 28 July-8 August

See the beautiful church of St Endellion become a concert venue for some of the most prestigious soloists and musicians in the UK.

visitcornwall.com

 

Charlestown Regatta Week, Charlestown, 1-7 August

Regatta week is an annual tradition bringing together the local community and visitors alike to enjoy a variety of live music, competitions, pasty demonstrations, craft stalls, raft races and more.

visitcornwall.com

 

Boardmasters Watergate Bay and Fistral beach, 5-9 August

This world-famous surf and music festival is one of the coolest dates in This world-famous surf and music festival is one of the coolest dates in the Cornish festival calendar. By day international surf pros battle it out the Cornish festival calendar. By day international surf pros battle it out to be king of the waves, while in the evening big-name bands hit the to be king of the waves, while in the evening big-name bands hit the stages overlooking Watergate Bay. stages overlooking Watergate Bay.

boardmasters.com

 

Bude Carnival, 15 August

Expect dance displays, live music, stalls, fancy dress, awards and of course the main event of the procession itself.

budecarnival.org.uk

 

Bude Jazz Festival, 1-5 September

Putting a swing in the step of the town each year, the lively four day Bude Jazz Festival features a great bill of both local and national jazz musicians.

visitbude.info

 

Newquay Fish Festival, 18-20 September

Any trip to Newquay should include a seafood feast and trip to the historic harbour to Any trip to Newquay should include a seafood feast and trip to the historic harbour to see the fishermen landing fresh catch. If you’re here in September, celebrate the area’s see the fishermen landing fresh catch. If you’re here in September, celebrate the area’s fishing heritage and enjoy street bands, seafood cooking demos and, of course, plenty fishing heritage and enjoy street bands, seafood cooking demos and, of course, plenty of fresh fish dishes to sample. of fresh fish dishes to sample.

newquayfishfestival.co.uk

 

St Ives Food Festival, 12-26 September

See top chefs from Cornwall and beyond demonstrating mouthwatering dishes in the Chef’s Theatre, or head to the beach for street food, music and family fun.

stivesfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

 

Speed Hillclimb Watergate Bay, 19-20 September

Now in its third year, Cornwall’s only motorsport event on a closed public road. Watch over 100 cars race 850 metres up the hill towards Newquay.

watergatebayhillclimb.co.uk

 

Cracking Crab at The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay, 25 September

Three-course celebration of the crab. Grab a drink, gather around the fire, and soak up the live music while chefs demo how to tackle a succulent feast of brown crab.

watergatebay.co.uk/gather/events

 

BSUPA British Standup Paddleboarding Championships Watergate Bay, 26-27 September

The British Stand Up Paddle Association National Championships return to the Bay.

watergatebay.co.uk/gather/events

 

Falmouth Oyster Festival, 8-11 October

The annual festivities celebrate the start of the oyster dredging season, the native Fal Oyster and the diversity of Cornish seafood, with four days of feasting, cooking demos, live music, food and craft stalls.

falmouthoysterfestival.co.uk

 

Bonfire night displays around Cornwall 5 November

Watch a colourful fireworks display from a Cornish clifftop on various nights throughout Bonfire week.

 

City of Lights Truro, November

Watch the breathtaking parade of lanterns in Cornwall’s city. Every year, large-scale lanterns tell a different story, set to the beat of percussion, music and dance.

cityoflights.org.uk

 

Mousehole Christmas Lights, December

See the twinkling lights at Mousehole Harbour throughout the festive season. The harbour will be illuminated by pretty displays in the water and on old fishermens cottages.

mouseholelights.org.uk

 

Padstow Christmas Festival, 2-6 December

Lit up by fairy lights on the edge of Lit up by fairy lights on the edge of Padstow’s pretty harbour, Padstow’s Padstow’s pretty harbour, Padstow’s Christmas Festival is a veritable Christmas Festival is a veritable Christmassy outing for the whole family. Christmassy outing for the whole family. Not only can you get your hands on Not only can you get your hands on Cornwall’s finest artisan foodstuffs and Cornwall’s finest artisan foodstuffs and witness chef demos from the region’s witness chef demos from the region’s greats such as Stein, Outlaw and greats such as Stein, Outlaw and Ainsworth, you can blitz your Christmas shopping at stalls showcasing Ainsworth, you can blitz your Christmas shopping at stalls showcasing the handmade arts, textiles, toys and trinkets. the handmade arts, textiles, toys and trinkets.

padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk

Search self-catering holidays with Beach Retreats.

Tuck into shellfish that’s freshly flipped from sea to plate…

No longer a destination where fish is deep-fried fish and wrapped in newspaper, Cornwall has become a gastronomes magnet, with freshly caught seafood at the heart of its foodie scene. Bag a table in one of the many restaurants flaunting coastal views, and you only have to cast your gaze out to the ocean to see the provenance of the ingredients on your plate. While Rick Stein was the trailblazer of the foodie revolution when his flagship Seafood Restaurant opened in Padstow, Cornwall now boasts plenty of venues from Newlyn to Newquay, where chefs are serving up local seafood that’s been flipped straight from rod to pan.

When you take a seat at The Boathouse in Newquay, it’s not just the lobster tanks that give you an inkling you’re about to get the real deal sea-to-plate experience. Nestled in Newquay harbour, the seafood on your plate is landed just a few sandy footprints from your dinner table, by a handful of local fishermen.

A family business

Buck Beckett is one of a handful of fishermen who land daily catch for The Boathouse. For 27 years, since he was kicked out of school at the age of 14, Buck has been hauling in lobster and Newquay Brown Crab on his fishing boat, Frellie. Now his 11 year-old son, Freddie, joins him whenever he can, and is already excited about joining his Dad full time when he finishes school.

Tide times

Being a fisherman isn’t a 9-5 job. The day starts whenever the tide is in and the boat can be launched, whether that’s 2am, 4am or 6am. It’s usually before sunrise. And days are long, typically lasting 8 hours at sea. There are 200 pots to check, split into three ‘sets’, with each set being checked every three days.

 

Catch of the day

The bulk of the catch is made up of crabs, spider crabs and crawfish. In the summer Buck also catches turbot, monkfish and ray. Once the pots have been emptied and the tubs and been filled, the catch of the day is landed on the harbour wall. That’s less than 250 metres from your dinner table at The Boathouse.

 

Coastal cruising

The best thing about a day in the life of a fisherman is enjoying the Cornish coast – especially in the sunshine. Not many people get to witness the sunrise, afloat on a glassy ocean, far removed from the hubbub of land.

View to dine for

When you take a seat at The Boathouse, you often get to see your food arriving as Buck’s boat pulls into the harbour. Watching the fishing boats puttering in, the whiskered noses of the seals often popping up in their wake, tells the story of the fresh, local seafood on the menu. Pick a crab from the tanks and you can rest assured it’s been plucked from the ocean only hours ago.

Go there and eat now…

Book a table, soak up the watery views and taste Cornwall’s sea to plate dishes.

the-boathouse-newquay.co.uk

Many of the seafood restaurants in Cornwall have a local story behind the fish dishes they serve. In addition to The Boathouse, here are ten more of our favourite restaurants to dine on the finest ocean’s bounty.

Find a discounted stay near Cornwall’s foodie scene on our special offers page, or browse our beach locations to explore more of the coastline.