11 beaches and Strand Line
24th May 2018
Hear how Lowenna from Beach Retreats got on during her stay at Strand Line in Porthcothan, Cornwall.
With 11 beaches to choose from and plenty of coast paths to explore, I couldn’t wait for my weekend in Strand Line with my partner and friends. The nearest beach was Porthcothan, located one mile down the road with its golden sand backed by grassy dunes and a shallow stream running into the sea. Other beaches within easy reach which are worth the short drive are Trevone, Treyarnon, Constantine, Mawgan Porth, Watergate Bay and Bedruthan Steps.
This cosy cabin oozes character and charm with its carefully thought-out rustic interiors that have been hand-selected, foraged or upcycled by the owner Susie Ray. When we arrived at the cabin, we were mesmerized by the attention to detail in every nook and cranny. From the shell chimes and fisherman’s nets in the garden to the rustic furniture and coastal decor inside.
We were pleasantly welcomed with wild flowers and homemade shortbread which went down a treat whilst sitting out on the decking with the fairy lights on and the stars beginning to twinkle.
On our first night, we settled down with a cheese board and a bottle of red. With the fire burning and wine flowing, it was a perfect night in with my partner, before our friends were due to join us the following day. The fully equipped kitchen had everything we needed and more. Ice bucket for the prosecco, multiple boards for the stacks of cheese, wine glasses, prosecco glasses and an extra-large cafetiere ready for our morning brew.
Visiting Cornwall for a romantic adventure? Check out our romantic cottages.
Out and About
After an amazing night’s sleep in the super king size bed and its 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, we enjoyed breakfast and a morning coffee outside on the decking. Once our friends arrived, we jumped in the car and drove 10 minutes down the road to our first stop of the day, Treyarnon Bay.
This beach is popular with families and has a lot going on. From dogs running after frisbees, paddleboarders and surfers jumping on their boards, to the hustle and bustle of the beachside YHA Cafe. After sitting on the beach for an hour or two and grabbing an ice cream, we took the coast path around the headland, stopping off to take in the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Constantine Bay.
With 11 beaches nearby to choose from, it would be rude not to visit another one in the same day. We beach hopped over to the closest beach to Strand Line, Porthcothan Bay. This was my first time visiting this beach and it quickly became one of my favourites.
Here’s why:
The sand dunes and surrounding cliffs shelter the beach from the wind (a big bonus for me).
The rock formations and sea stacks in the ocean are fascinating, we climbed the rocks, checked out the rockpools for sea life and discovered a secret cave.
The South West Coast Path to the left side of the beach led us through a beautiful headland walk. Strolling past the beach and through the kissing gates, we ended up at Trescore Island. This beautiful rocky island is backed by sea pink flowers and leaves a sheltered lagoon at low tide. For those not brave enough to swim with the choppy waves, this is the perfect spot for a relaxing dip.
The little cafe at the top of the beach sold Cornish pasties and beer (delicious).
The BBC Drama Poldark was filmed here. Aidan Turner gallops over the clifftops overlooking Trescore Island.
Food and Drink
The following day once the sea mist had cleared, we headed to Padstow harbour, a 10 minute drive away for a spot of lunch. This picturesque harbour is worth visiting with its cafes, restaurants, pubs, boutique shops and galleries. We decided to stop off at Paul Ainsworth’s Rojano Restaurant, sat in the open top conservatory in the sun. Other restaurants you could try are Paul Ainsworth’s No 6, Prawn on the Lawn and The Olive Tree.
Later after a couple of afternoon tipples, we walked the coast path from Padstow to Trevone beach, where we then caught a cab to Rick Stein’s Cornish Arms pub in St Merryn village, a 20-minute walk from Strand Line cabin. This place is great for local ales and Cornish seafood, so much so, we couldn’t help but dig into a large bowl of Cornish mussels between the four of us.
Fancy staying in Trevone? Check out our holiday properties in Trevone.
If you would rather dine back at Strand Line, take advantage of the rustic kitchen and gas BBQ beautifully hand made in the garden. The plancha grill cooked us prawns, corn on the cob, burgers and sausages for our lunch the following day.
Highlights
The beaches: Being based so close to multiple beaches, coastal walks and amenities. You’ll discover new places every time you visit.
The beds: We all had the best night’s sleep and the comfort of the mattress and sheets was the first topic over breakfast every morning.
The interior design: From the outdoor kitchen and rustic garden walls, to the artwork, lampshades and furniture. So much time, effort and thought has gone into Strand Line, we didn’t want to leave.
Groups: If there is a larger group, Lobster Pot cabin (sleeps 2) is located next door.
Book your holiday at Strand Line with Beach Retreats.
Interested in our other properties? Check out our blog on how it was to spend the weekend at the Porth Beach House in Porth.
