The Best Area to Stay in Cornwall for Families

February 02nd, 2023

With crystal blue waters and tropical sandy coves, Cornwall is renowned for being one of the best places to stay in the UK for family holidays. Taking a trip to the UK’s most southerly county means that families can have a stress-free holiday experience without the hassle of travelling abroad. 

The Best Area to Stay in Cornwall For Families?

There are countless must-visit spots across the county! If you are travelling to Cornwall, you must ensure you are at the heart of the action.

At The Valley, we offer stunning 2-3 bedroom holiday cottages perfect for families looking for a Cornish adventure. With child-friendly amenities such as swimming and leisure facilities, tennis courts and an onsite restaurant.

The Valley site from above

Where is The Valley in Cornwall?

Our family-friendly cottages in Cornwall are set in the stunning woodland of Carnon Downs in the Southwest of the county. You can explore Truro as this iconic city is only ten minutes away from us.

We are only a short trip away from the best beaches for families in Cornwall, including Perranporth, Gylly beach, Newquay and Great Western Beach.

To get an idea of where we are based, see the map below:

The Best Family-Friendly Attractions in Cornwall

Family holidays in Cornwall would only be complete with an itinerary of things to do. Cornwall offers some of the best attractions in the UK! No matter what you are into, there is always something for you to do!

We have listed our top three attractions here:

A day trip to St Ives, Penzance or the Lizard peninsula is also on the cards when you set up base in such a central location.

  • The Eden Project 
  • Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm
  • The Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Please read our blog below for even more exciting family attractions!

A bedroom in one of The Valley cottages

Safe and Secure Family Friendly Cottages in Cornwall

Our cottages at the Valley are all secluded in a gated community, giving you peace of mind that you and your children are safe throughout your stay with us. Only staff and authorised personnel have access to the site alleviating any security worries you may have.

Fully Equipped, Family Friendly Holiday Cottages

All of our self-catered holiday cottages provide that desirable holiday feel! Our cottages have a kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine, bathrooms, bedrooms and free WiFi.  

For those bringing younger guests, you will have complimentary high chairs, stair gates, bed guards and standard travel cots to make everyone’s stay as comfortable as possible. 

Our cottages, such as our popular property, Croft, sleep up to six people!

A dining room in one of The Valley cottages

Child-friendly Restaurants in Cornwall

You have total freedom when creating tasty home-cooked meals in our self-catering cottages, but why not have a night off during your stay?

Our excellent onsite restaurant, Azura, provides tasty meals for all ages!

Dogs on a sofa in a holiday cottage

Dog-friendly Cottages in Cornwall

A family holiday would not be complete without the entire family, including your four-legged friends. At The Valley, we offer sensational dog-friendly accommodation that welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes. We provide a doggy hamper upon arrival!

Cornwall is the ideal place for dogs as this vast landscape offers picturesque beaches, nature-filled woodlands and countryside just waiting for you and your furry friend to explore. 

Are you ready to start your Cornish adventure? Please find out more about the numerous offers and breaks we provide today! 

Book your next family holiday today to discover how adventurous this fantastic place can be!


Detective Novels Set in Cornwall

November 12th, 2021

With its hidden gems and wild countryside, Cornwall is the perfect backdrop for a mystery. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that plenty of authors agree.

From private islands to the South-West Coast Path, we inspect some of the fantastic detective novels set in Cornwall that are bound to get your blood pumping.

The best area to stay in Cornwall for families

The Lighthouse by P. D. James

While Combe Island in Cornwall is known to have a dark and sordid history, it has since become a privately owned respite for those of high status and authority in need of both a break and guaranteed security. So, it comes as quite the shock when one of those visitors is murdered.

Adam Dalgliesh and his team, including Detective Inspector Kate Miskin and Sergeant Francis Benton-Smith, are called in to solve the mystery as quickly as possible. But, the team is struggling with issues of their own that could jeopardise the entire investigation.

Especially after they find the second body…

The Cove: A Summer Suspense Mystery by L. J. Ross

After almost being another victim of the ‘Tube Killer’ – a man who takes his victims from the platform of the London Underground – Gabrielle Adams realises it is far harder being a survivor than being a victim. To escape her trauma, Gabrielle retreats to run a small bookshop in quiet and rural Cornwall.

But Gabrielle’s picturesque escape is shattered as she wonders if she’s just swapped one nightmare for another.

Careless in Red by Elizabeth George

Thomas Lynley, still reeling from the murder of his wife, takes to the South-West Coastal Path on a mission to walk its entire length to keep himself distracted. But after witnessing a climber plummet to his death and meeting a young woman from Bristol with no memory before her thirteenth year, Lyndley finds himself thrust into a brand new mystery.

With the help of Barbara Havers from London, the two detectives work to sift through the possible motives to identify the killer.

Peril at End House by Agatha Christie

No list of detective stories could ever be complete without mention of the Queen of Mystery herself, Dame Agatha Christie.

In Peril at End House, Hercule Poirot finds himself offering protection to a young woman called Nick Buckley, who seems to keep dodging tragic deaths by the skin of her teeth. First, the brakes on her car fail as she drives down a Cornish hillside, and again when a falling boulder narrowly misses her on the coastal path.

All the while, Poirot is starting to unravel the mystery of a murder that hasn’t been committed yet…

With so much mystery and intrigue, how can you resist the allure of putting on your deerstalker and grabbing your smoking pipe to go solve some mysteries of your own?

If you’re thinking of seeing the wonderful setting of these books for yourself, take a look at our luxury cottages set in the Cornish countryside and start planning your trip today!

book your perfect Cornwall holiday with The Valley

6 Cornish Ghost Stories

October 26th, 2020

Cornwall is one of the most atmospheric counties in the UK. With vast moors, mysterious rock formations and a rugged coastline renowned for shipwrecks, it is the perfect setting for tales of mystery and paranormal occurrences!

 

As we head into the colder months, what better way to spend an evening than cosying up in our Truro holiday cottages with a hot drink and some nail-biting tales to keep you entertained!

 

We reveal our top selection of ghost stories, from phantom ships to evils spirits! Which ones will you be sharing this autumn?

 

A surge of water
 

Lost Land of Lyonesse

 

Once the home of Tristan in the Arthurian legend of Tristan and Iseult, Lyonesse is now more famously recognised as a mythical lost land off the coast of Cornwall.

 

The legend of Lyonesse is of a land which once existed between the western coast of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It was submerged by water, with the only evidence of its previous existence the sound of its ringing church bells heard out at sea.

 

Only one man was thought to have survived a tragedy who, by a stroke of luck, was hunting. Upon hearing the noise of the massive surge of water, he rode away on his white horse in an easterly direction towards Land’s End.

 

As he ferociously escaped, his horse lost one shoe. The survivor’s family used the symbol of three horseshoes and a white horse as the family crest and was used by those who believed they were his descendants.

 

This ghostly tale has been enhanced over the years by fishermen, who claim to hear the eery ringing of church bells and discovery of old rubble in the water.

 

Perhaps the eeriest part of the story is that some believe that it really once existed and was hit by a tsunami.

 

The Ghost of Jan Tregeagle

 

One of Cornwall’s most feared ghosts is the spirit of Jan Tregeagle.

 

Once a Cornish magistrate and lawyer in the 17th Century, Jan Tregeagle was infamous for his evil and inhumane acts, including the murder of his wife.

 

Allegedly in alliance with the devil, he was believed to appear and testify at his court case after his death… spooky!

 

In the horror that he may not be able to be sent back to hell, he was ordered to do a series of laborious and mind-numbing tasks until judgement day. His first task was to withdraw all the water from Dozmary Pool using a limpet shell.

 

Eventually, after escaping his punishments, St Petroc was summoned to fasten him in chains where he was then taken to Helston.

 

A misty ocean
 

The Whooper of Sennen Cove

 

On a beautiful, clear day, a mist descended on Sennen Cove. Accompanying the fog came a mysterious whooping sound that carried over the sea. It was believed to warn those who heard it of oncoming storms.

 

One day, two fishermen chose to ignore the warning. Once they sailed into the sea, they were never seen again!

 

Ghostly Church Bells

 

At Land’s End lies a mysterious graveyard where the sound of bells has been heard chiming at midnight there. It is believed the bells come from the ghost of a sea captain, who is in denial that his ship has sunk.

 

The sailors who hear them are feared to meet an unfortunate end at sea —one sailor was lost at sea after reportedly hearing the bad omen.

 

A black cat in the grass
 

The Logan Stone

 

Are you familiar with the term logan stone? A logan stone is a large stone that is naturally balanced and rocks with the smallest force, such as the wind.

 

At Nancledra, a tale tells of a logan stone which only ever rocked at midnight.

 

It was rumoured to be the meeting place of witches, and those who wanted to convert would secretly visit the stone. They had to touch the rock nine times at midnight! Its powers were believed to cure children of rickets, but only if their parents were married!

 

An old boat in the misty sea
 

The Ghost Ship of Porthcurno

 

An old sailing ship was seen off the coast in Penzance. As it sailed across the sea, witnesses feared it would hit the rocks as it headed straight in their direction. However, the mysterious ship defied all odds and continued to sail over the land and eventually faded from eye’s view as it continued through Porthcurno.

 

We would love to share mystical Cornish ghosts stories all day, as there are so many intriguing tales home to the county! What are the ghostliest locations you have visited in Cornwall? Why not share your tales with us on our social media channels; we would love to hear about them!


The Best Places for Walking in Cornwall this Autumn

October 15th, 2020

Autumn has approached us; the temperature is cooling, and the leaves are changing colour. For some, this time of year may make you want to curl up on the sofa with a hot drink. However, the vibrant colours of autumn make it the perfect season time to head outdoors and explore the coast and countryside.

 

Orange autumn leaves
 

Our dog-friendly cottages in Cornwall are the perfect base for those who love to explore the outdoors, all the while staying amongst cosy luxury! Located close to Cornwall’s best beaches and heritage sites, we highly recommend wrapping up and heading out for a walk so you can see some of the best of the county as it falls under autumn’s spell.

 

Read on to see where the best places are in Cornwall for a walk this season!

 

Cliffs at Lizard Point
 

Lizard Point

Helston

 

An easy walk at the most southerly point in Britain. It is short and suitable for children and dogs, and much of the route is clearly signposted.

 

Highlights

 

Starting from the Lizard lighthouse, the route takes you to Lizard Point, where you might be able to spot seals in the cove below.

 

Further along the coast path, you may be lucky to see Cornish choughs. When you get to Old Lizard Head, you can see out towards Kynance Cove to the west, and Shetland ponies and cattle graze on the coastal slopes.

 

You can head inland after passing Old Lizard Head, following a path that will take you back to the lighthouse, or stay on the coast path a little longer.

 

COVID-19

 

Lizard Point is currently open. However, The National Trust report that the info hut, retail space and The Wildlife Watchpoint remain closed until further notice.

 

Depending on the weather, the toilets may also close, so this is worth bearing in mind when planning your route.

 

Opening Times

Lizard Point can be accessed 24 hours of the day.

 

The maze at Glendurgan Garden
 

Glendurgan Garden

Falmouth

 

Another National Trust site, Glendurgan Garden offers a stunning display of autumn colour at this time of year, and there are other unusual sights and scents to come across on a walk.

 

Highlights

 

We suggest having an afternoon out in the garden, taking the time to walk along the paths and stopping to admire the plants.

 

Some highlights include the Katsura tree, which originates from Japan and has bright colours in October. You may also notice the smell of candyfloss as you pass by the tree

 

You also won’t want to miss the tulip tree. The giant tree is one of the oldest in the garden and turns a lovely colour in October. The lovely yellow leaves will brighten even the dullest day!

 

COVID-19

 

To visit Glendurgan Garden, your visit should be booked in advance with the National Trust, especially during peak times such as the weekend and bank holidays. The morning also tends to be a busier time to visit, so secure your place to avoid disappointment.

 

Opening Times

Garden and car park: 10:30am–5pm

 

A dog on a walk
 

Trelissick

Truro

 

The dog-friendly estate is perfect for those who are visiting Cornwall with their dog who will love the vast space to play in!

 

Highlights

 

The estate has miles of woodland and open countryside to explore, and you can alter your walk based on time and ability.

 

You can stroll through the parkland or take a long trek through the trees. In the parkland, livestock can be found grazing, so it is important dogs are kept under control.

 

The cafe at Trelissick is dog-friendly too, perfect for when you stop for lunch.

 

COVID-19

If you are travelling to Trelissick by car, it is essential to book your car park space ahead of arrival. However, if you are arriving by foot, bike or bus, no booking is required. The house at Trelissick is currently closed.

 

Opening Times

Car park: 9am- 5pm

Garden: 10am- 5pm

Penrose

Helston

Have a ramble through Penrose, making your way through a tree plantation and extensive parkland; the huge estate is lovely to walk through all year round.

 

Highlights

 

The route starts from the car park and takes you down the fenced driveway. As you continue down the drive, you will reach a Victorian bath house and the stream.

 

Cross the stream over the footbridge and make your way into the woods, following the woodland path.

 

From the path, you have views over the parkland, and you will end up on the drive again, looping back around and taking you back to the car park.

 

COVID-19

 

The Penrose is free to access throughout the day. If you are driving to the car park at Penrose Hill or the surrounding National Trust car parks, please be aware the spaces cannot be booked in advance.

 

Opening Times

Estate: Dawn till dusk

 

View of St Michael’s Mount
 

Godolphin

Helston

 

Head up to the top of Godolphin Hill, which has views over west Cornwall.

 

The area around Godolphin has a long history, dating to the Bronze Age, and you can see signs of the hundreds of years of human activity in the dips and dents beneath the gorse and heather.

 

Highlights

 

The popular walking route takes you past the Slips, a narrow lane with its walls covered in plants, then by old pits and mine shafts until you reach the old deer park.

 

When you reach the summit of the hill, there are breath-taking panoramas of the area. On clear days, you can see St Michael’s Mount to the south and St Ives Bay to the north.

 

COVID-19

 

The house and outer buildings at Godolphin are currently closed. However, the estate and garden are both open in throughout the day. Visits should be booked ahead of your arrival. Peak times include weekends and bank holidays, so bookings will be necessary at these times to prevent disappointment.

 

Opening Times

Estate: Dawn to dusk

Garden: 10am to 4pm

 

A grey seal pup lying on the beach
 

West Pentire and Holywell Walking Route

Newquay

 

In the South of Newquay, between West Pentire and Holywell, the coastline is varied with beautiful flora, and you can view grey seal pups in the autumn months.

 

Highlights

 

The route is lovely all year round, as there are wildflower fields to see in the summer and migratory birds in the winter.

 

As you follow the coastal path, you can see the sea crash on rocks below, and spy sandy beaches in the distance.

 

Closer to Holywell, there is an Iron Age fort to stop at and explore, before the path heads back inland, as it circles back to the starting point of the route.

 

COVID-19

 

The South West Coast Path is a public route and can be accessed 24 hours of the day.

 

Which prime locations in Cornwall will you be adventuring this season? Why not share your adventures with us on our social media channels!


5 Sports to Enjoy in Cornwall

October 12th, 2020

Whether you love reading on the beach or running on it, Cornwall has plenty of activities on offer amongst beautiful scenery!

 

If you’re a particularly active person in search of adventure sports, you will be pleased to know that Cornwall is a prime spot for sports activities, especially watersports! We take a look at Cornwall’s top activities and the best locations to experience them.

 

After an active day, what better way to unwind than in one of our luxury hot tub cottages Cornwall? The Valley specialises in beautiful self-catering holiday cottages nestled in peaceful countryside. A short distance from exhilarating attractions, including beaches and heritage sites, it is ideal for those who love to explore!

 

A beach on Cornwall’s South West Coast Path
 

Hiking and Running

 

Cornwall is inundated with vast and stunning countryside and the county is most famous for being home to the South West Coast Path. The path outlines the South West coast, including the whole of Cornwall, starting in Minehead, Devon, and ending in Poole Harbour.

 

There are various walks you can experience throughout the path ,and you can do as much or as little as you want.

 

Some of our favourite walks include The Lizard Peninsula, Pentire Point & The Rumps and Talland Bay & Looe.

 

If you are an avid runner, the path is ideal for those who want to put on your running shoes and experience all it has to offer at a faster pace!

 

A man stood next to his bike looking at the beach
 

Cycling

 

If you want to travel further and faster, cycling might be the perfect sport to experience while staying in Cornwall. The county is home to plenty of cycling trails, and many are traffic-free.

 

Located near St Austell, The Clay Trails consist of five pathways which showcase the dramatic scenery belonging to the area. Visitors can enjoy them by walking, cycling and horse riding!

 

Another great place to explore by bike is Seaton Valley Countryside Park. The trial explores the countryside, riverside and the coast. It is perfect for spotting wildlife, including dormice, kingfishers and butterflies!

 

Cornish Hurling

 

Not to be confused with Irish hurling, Cornish Hurling is a unique sport belonging to the county.

 

It is one of Cornwall’s most original customs and has a history dating back to about one thousand years ago. It is quite a rough game where opposing teams try to keep the possession of a silver-coated ball.

 

It is now only played once a year in St Columb Major and St Ives. You can see locals play at the St Ives Feast, which is an annual event on the first Monday after 3rd February.

 

Rock climbing ropes on a rock
 

Rock Climbing

 

If you want to try something a bit daring, rock climbing could be the ideal activity for you!

 

Cornwall has plenty of opportunities to try rock climbing on its dramatic cliffs! At the Lizard Peninsula, one of Cornwall’s most stunning coastlines, an adventure company called Lizard Adventure work with the National Trust to provide such experiences.

 

Here, you can try your hand at rock climbing, coasteering, kayaking and paddleboarding! Their range of rock climbing programmes provide anything from introductions for beginners to guidance for experienced climbers transitioning from wall to outdoor cliff, and there is something for everyone to try, no matter your age or ability!

 

A surfer catching a wave in a purple sunset
 

Surfing

 

Arguably, the UK’s most associated county for surfing if you want to ride some waves, there are few better places to start than in Cornwall!

 

Newquay is regarded as the surf mecca for the activity, with a variety of beaches and surf schools in the town and surrounding it. Sennen Cove is another popular spot which is favoured due to its sheltered beach.

 

For those just starting, a beginners lesson is thoroughly recommended as it will provide you with invaluable advice as well as teach you the basics of beach safety.

 

That concludes our top pick of watersports in Cornwall! Don’t forget to check out others such as bodyboarding, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and coasteering! Cornwall provides a whole host of activities while being surrounded by some of Britain’s most inspiring scenery!

 

What are you hoping to master on your next visit to Cornwall? Why not let us know on our social media channels!


Five Historical Moments that Made Falmouth

September 28th, 2018

Falmouth may seem on the outside like a simple port town in the Cornish countryside, but at one point this port was one of the most important in the whole of the British Empire. Before setting sail on one of our luxury Falmouth holidays, learn about the town through five vital moments in history that shaped it into the beautiful town we know and love today.

 

1. Henry VIII and The Civil War.

What may surprise you is that Falmouth is a comparatively young port town. During the 16th century, the area now known as Falmouth was merely a port, connecting to the main towns of the area, like Penryn further north. However, the port was crucial for trade to the west of Britain, and in 1540 Henry VIII built Pendennis Castle to help defend it. That, combined with St Mawes Castle on the other side of the Carrick Roads Estuary, meant that the port became a reliable stronghold.

 

It’s not surprising, then, that at the end of the Civil War during the 1600s, Pendennis Castle was one of the very last Royalist strongholds before they surrendered to the Parliamentary Army.

 

2. Sir John Killigrew’s enterprise

While the importance of this westerly port continued to grow during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, at the time only one family lived in the area – the Killigrew family at the prestigious Arwenack House. At the time, Sir John Killigrew was the most powerful man in Cornwall, and it was his connections that allowed him to start building more homes in the area, despite opposition from established towns such as Helston and Truro.

 

It was around 1613 when houses began to be built, and more people started living in the area around the port. Initially, the area was divided into two hamlets – Smithicke and Pennycomequick.

A view of the sea outside Falmouth

3. King Charles’ Charter

Despite Killigrew’s success in the area, building a market and custom house during the 1650s, Falmouth didn’t come into official existence until 1661, when King Charles II gave Sir John Killigrew a charter, allowing the selection of a mayor and giving the townspeople certain rights. Charles II declared that the two hamlets would combine to create Falmouth, giving birth to the town we know today.

 

In return, King Charles II asked that a church be built in the town dedicated to his father, King Charles the Martyr. Very quickly the small, makeshift hamlets became a recognised parish town, with hundreds of homes built around the new church during the 1660s.

A panoramic view of Falmouth harbour

4. Royal Mail and the Docks

Following on from the minor boom of the church, in 1688 Falmouth was made into the Royal Mail Packing Station. This was a vitally important role in the expanding British Empire, and Falmouth harbour was filled with packing ships that transported important news and private goods to London and the far reaches of the globe. The town boomed – Falmouth quickly became one of Britain’s most important and busiest ports, with the packing business passing through its harbour for the next 150 years.

 

In the late 1850s, the development of Falmouth Docks began. As the Steam Age meant the packing business left Falmouth and returned to London, the town transformed into a thriving trading centre for people across the world.

Tourists visiting Falmouth

5. The Railway, Maritime Museum and Falmouth University.

Just a few years after the docks were built, the national railway reached Falmouth. This was a significant event, as the town suddenly found a new and vital revenue stream that would last for centuries – tourism. As time continued to pass, and technology meant that it was easier for people to trade elsewhere, Falmouth began its natural transformation from a hub of trade into a place for people to visit, thanks to the history that had come before it.

 

Nowadays Falmouth’s main industry is tourism. The Maritime Museum was opened in 2003 by HRH Prince Andrew, and the town continues to attract guests from across the world thanks to its achievements – Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail around the globe single-handed in the 1960s, begun and completed his journey from Falmouth’s port. Falmouth University received its full university status in 2012, becoming the first university in Cornwall and marking the next step into the future for this vital town.

 

Falmouth is a fantastically progressive town steeped in history. You can find out more by reading about a history of Falmouth, and hopefully, filled with all this knowledge, you’ll be able to see the town in a brand-new light when you next visit!


The Eden Project offering weekends of space fun

January 20th, 2016

The Eden Project is carrying on from last month’s successful screening of the historic moment when the European Space Agency’s first British astronaut Tim Peake ventured to the International Space Station. (more…)


Enjoy these secret coves on your Cornish holiday

January 08th, 2016

Cornwall’s coastline is renowned for its exquisite natural scenery and no more so than its golden sandy beaches. Did you know Cornwall still has a large variety of secret coastal coves that have the ability to transport you back in time to the age when pirates and smuggling was still rife on the Cornish shores? (more…)


Five Museums To Visit This Winter In Cornwall

December 14th, 2015

When we think of Cornwall many things jump in to our minds, rolling blue Atlantic swells, golden beaches, delicious locally sourced food, wildlife and lush green landscapes. What people don’t associate Cornwall with is its museums. (more…)