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.

 

 

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!

 

 

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.

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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!

Wildlife Watching Spots in Cornwall

July 10th, 2020

Cornwall is home to a range of diverse, unspoilt landscapes that make it the perfect spot for a range of wildlife to settle down!

 

From marine mammals to wild horses, there is an interesting mix of wildlife in Cornwall, with plenty of opportunities to try and spot them.

 

If you are an animal enthusiast or would love the experience of spotting whales and sharks off the coast, then there are many ways in which you can catch a glimpse of the wonderful natural world while on holiday. We share some of the ways in which you can enjoy wildlife watching while in Cornwall.

 

Lizard Point

Lizard Point is the southern tip of the Lizard Peninsula. As the most south-westerly point of the British mainland, it offers stunning views of the surrounding sea.

 

From here, you’ll be able to spot a whole host of marine life, including dolphins, sharks and seals. In Cornwall, the common dolphin and the bottlenose dolphin are the most frequently spotted. You’ll see the common dolphin travelling in pods of up to 100 dolphins, jumping out of the water as they swim.

 

Falmouth

The south coast of Cornwall offers a slightly warmer climate than most areas, drawing in a wide range of sea life. Falmouth is one of the best areas for spotting wildlife, as the deep Falmouth Bay and surrounding rivers and beaches provide the perfect place for a diverse selection of marine life and sea birds.

 

In Falmouth Bay, you’ll have the possibility of spotting minke whales, bottlenose dolphins, basking sharks, sunfish – and if you’re lucky – humpback whales.

 

Over at Pendennis Point, you’ll also find several small colonies of seals lounging around on the rocks, while the nearby estuaries are home to a variety of wading birds.

 

A trip to Falmouth will present you with plenty of opportunities to get a better view of the wildlife from the water, with a range of sea safaris and river cruises that will bring you closer to the assortment of fascinating creatures that call Falmouth home.

 

Godrevy Point

At Godrevy Point you’ll find Mutton Cove, which at low tide is home to a colony of grey seals! You’ll be able to see them from the cliff tops above, as it is best to avoid disturbing them on the cove.

 

The best time to spot seals is in the autumn and winter, as pupping season lasts from September to January, and you’ll be able to spot all of the adorable baby seals and their mothers. During January, it’s not unusual to spot up to 100 seals in this sheltered bay area!

 

Bodmin Moor

Away from the sea, there is also plenty of wildlife to spot inland. A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bodmin Moor is home to a range of animals, including 10,000 cows, 50,000 sheep and 1,000 horses and ponies!

 

While local farmers own the ponies, they are free to graze the moorland, so you’re likely to spot some if off on a trek around the area.

 

Land’s End

With surrounding ocean views to lose yourself staring into, Land’s End is the perfect spot for some wildlife spotting, with the area being a hive of activity for basking sharks, dolphins and seals.

 

As well as sea life, Land’s End is also popular with a range of birds, including gannets, choughs and falcons. 

 

Cornish Seal Sanctuary

If you want the guarantee of spotting some sea life, then head to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. Here, seals and other marine life, such as sea lions, penguins and otters are rescued and rehabilitated, with the aim of returning them to their natural environment.

 

Home to incredible open spaces and an impressive mix of wildlife, a visit to Cornwall is a must for any nature lover. Located in a secluded spot within acres of garden and woodland, The Valley is the perfect place to stay for a luxury Falmouth holiday, with plenty of wildlife watching on the cards!

 

There’s plenty more to do while staying in Cornwall too, with a wide range of outdoor attractions now open to visitors!

Take to the seas on your Falmouth holiday

January 11th, 2017

Falmouth is a beautiful fishing town, sat on a harbour, with the river Fal bordering it. It is therefore unsurprising that this town has strong ties to the sea, with a rich maritime heritage. The beautiful landscapes appeal to holiday makers across the nation, as well as worldwide, and one of the best ways to explore this exquisite place is by taking to the sea.

One cruise service that offers you a guided tour of the marine life around the Falmouth coastline is AK Wildlife Cruises, who run year-round. With plenty of wildlife and landscapes to admire, as well as a long and interesting history linked to the sea, Falmouth really is best viewed by boat. AK Wildlife Cruises can offer you a heated cabin, for those who get cold easily. This tour is an interesting way to get a little closer to the rich nature around this seaside town. However, if this is not close enough, the company also run snorkel trips for even closer encounters (on the condition you bring along your own snorkelling gear!).

The cruises available in Falmouth are a great activity to try for people looking for family-friendly holidays. Cornwall really is the best place for families to spend some quality time together, and make life long memories!

Expect to see some dolphins, seals, basking sharks and birds on your tour. There are eight species of whale and dolphin swimming around in the waters around Falmouth, from the small harbour porpoise to huge fin whales. During your winter breaks to Falmouth, you are likely to see super pods of common dolphins wavering alongside the boat. Whilst the bottlenose dolphin pods are generally around most of the year.

If you come to stay with us on your Falmouth holidays in summer, you will likely be able to see some basking sharks leisurely swimming in the water. Basking sharks are the second largest fish in the world, out-championed by the whale shark. Impressive specimens can grow up to 12 meters in length, which equates to around the depth of the average swimming pool- twice over! Nothing can beat seeing these sharks skirt along the side of the boat.

Another bizarre, but equally fascinating, fish you could possibly encounter is the ocean sunfish. For anyone not acquainted with this funny-looking fish, be sure to search Google images for a picture so you can be sure of who to expect when you come face to face.

Be sure to check online guides for the best time to view all of these majestic creatures, to avoid any disappointment.

One friend, or two, you are highly likely to see on your sea-bound journey are seals. The grey seal will pop up, almost anywhere all year-round. One place where they are regularly spotted is the Carrick Roads. Seals are naturally very curious, so will often pop their heads out of the surface of the water to have a look at what’s going on.

Falmouth and the local areas become the home for many birds during the winter, including the black-necked grebe, red breasted merganser, Slavonian grebe, sea ducks and waders. When the warmer weather graces Falmouth with its presence Manx shearwaters, storm petrels and pelagic seabirds can be viewed on a boat tour.

Other birds to note include the razorbills, guillemots, ospreys and skuas. Although, even rarer birds can turn up on your tour, it’s just a case of keeping an eye out for them. For any bird fanatics out there, grab your binoculars and head out to sea to spot some of the birds that soar around the Falmouth sky, or bob along in the water. Whilst the peregrine falcons can be seen along the Cornish coastline during breading season. The rich wooded estuaries that surround the Fal and Helford rivers are particularly great habitats for many varieties of wading and woodland birds, and you may even spot a cheeky otter here and there, playing in the estuary.

Expect to learn a thing or two on your tour, as the team are particularly knowledgable about all the local wildlife, and are even endorsed by the Seawatch foundation; as well as being recommended by the WiSe and The Whale And Dolphin Conservation Society.

Many cruise options are available around Falmouth, and on these cruises you will cross along the third deepest natural harbour in the world. Information can be found and bookings can be made at the offices at the Falmouth harbour. Sea routes can take you past the maritime museum, past landmarks and historic houses that are dotted around this quaint sea-side town; cruises available in Falmouth can take you to Truro and Malpas for a great way to travel.

Be sure to look into the cruises that take you over to the small fishing village of St Mawes, located on the Roseland peninsula. This beautiful waterside village climate is particularly appealing to many, remaining very mild all year round, and in summer temperatures match that of the Mediterranean. The glorious weather experienced by this sea-side location allows for the local gardens to bloom with incredible fauna and flora.

So, if you do one thing on your Cornwall escape, be sure to hop on a boat and get a grand tour you will never forget!

VIDEO: Amazing scenes as white-beaked dolphins captured on film in Falmouth Bay

January 20th, 2015

There are three things you are guaranteed when you come to our region of the UK, the highest rated cottages, Cornwall views like no other, and amazing Cornish wildlife. And following the scenes that took place just before the new year whereby wildlife watchers out at sea on a local Wildlife Cruise trip were wowed by the sight of some sleek white-beaked dolphins playing off Falmouth just reinforces our point- and what a spectacular way to do so!

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