Tag: holiday guide
What to Pack for a Holiday to Cornwall
April 09th, 2020
Packing to visit another location can always be tricky, especially when you are unsure of what you will need to suit the new environment. Before visiting a holiday destination, you may be unsure as to how accessible shops and amenities are, where you would be able to find many essential items.
While in Cornwall, there are plenty of places that you can pick up holiday items, such as buckets and spades or surf gear. We share a few items you probably already have that you may wish to bring for a holiday to Cornwall.
Travel Snacks
The roads can be busy in the summer months in Cornwall, so it’s always a good idea to have a few snacks to hand for when you are travelling.
Suncream
Whether you’re sunbathing on the beach, hiking across moorland or exploring the riverside, you’re likely to be outdoors a lot in Cornwall, so be sure to have suncream at the ready.
Swimwear
Beaches are one of the biggest draws for Cornwall, so pack your swimwear to enjoy swimming, surfing or paddling. If you’ve got one, pack a wetsuit too for more adventurous activities!
Beach Towel
Whether it’s used to dry off after a dip in the sea, or a spot for you to lie down and relax by the shore, a beach towel is a must for a Cornish beachside adventure.
Walking Shoes
While you may think a beach holiday calls for flip flops or sandals, you should always bring a pair of walking shoes to Cornwall – there are so many coast paths, nature trails and exciting walks to embark on.
Clothes for All Weather
While it’s often warmer and sunnier in the summer months, like the rest of the UK, Cornish weather can be quite changeable. One day you’ll be in a bikini, the next, a jumper! Bring layers so you can adapt outfits according to the weather.
Camera
There is so much natural beauty in Cornwall, you’ll definitely feel inspired to take a few snaps. The scenery in Cornwall is well worth bringing along a camera.
Waterproof Coat
Bring a light, foldable waterproof coat that you can take with you on walks or when out and about. The weather can be changeable, so it’s best to be prepared for showers!
Book
We all love a good holiday read! Bring a book along to enjoy during your days on the beach or at a picnic in the countryside.
Reusable Bottle
While there are plenty of cafes and shops, you’ll want bottles of water to bring with you on your adventure days out. Save plastic waste by bringing along your own reusable bottle.
What Does Your Accommodation Have?
Another thing to consider is where you are staying and what will be available there. Our Truro holiday cottages are set up with self-catering in mind, so you’ll find a full range of kitchen utensils at the property, saving you the need to bring your own, as you may have to at other holiday sites.
Whether looking for a summer getaway or planning ahead for 2021, there are plenty of reasons to visit Cornwall!
18 Things to Do in Cornwall in 2018
May 02nd, 2018
Somehow we’re now in the fifth month of the year, so now may be the perfect time to look back on your 2018 bucket list and think of what you still have left to do! With summer fast approaching, we’re re-sharing our top 18 things to do in Cornwall in 2018, in the hopes that it will inspire you to come and visit us here in the most beautiful coastal county! Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday to Cornwall, short breaks for two, or a luxury trip away with friends, there’s something for everyone:
1. Minack Theatre
A stage like no other, the Minack is an open air theatre nestled into the cliff tops in Porthcurno. With breathtaking views of the surrounding bay, you’ll be in awe as you make your way down the staggered seating steps, carved into the granite cliffs. With performances running from May to September, it’s certainly a must see.
2. Surf Lesson
Cornwall is one of the top surfing destinations in the world, so if you’re heading to the county for your holiday, remember to bring a wetsuit and try and catch some waves. If you don’t know how yet, then it’s time to get a lesson. While there are surf schools all along the coast, by far the greatest surfing spot is on Fistral beach, where all of the top surfing competitions take place in the UK.
3. Walk the Coast Path
Obviously it’s too ambitious to attempt the whole 300 mile stretch at once, but there are plenty of different walks available around the county. Get a map of Cornwall and mark off which paths you’ve walked as you do them. Maybe by the end of the year, your map will be complete!
4. Bude Sea Pool
Want the natural feel of swimming in the sea without as many risks? Try the Sea Pool in Bude. The free to use pool is semi-natural, built in the 1930s underneath the cliffs to form the experience of being in the sea, without having to face the ferocity of the waves.
5. Take Part in a Feast Night at The Hidden Hut
By day a quaint sea-side lunch spot, by night (on selected evenings), a rustic open-air feast extraganza. Buy a ticket and bring your own plate to receive a serving of the best local produce cooked outdoors on their wood-fire, charcoal grill or massive paella pans. Previous offerings have included wood-fired seafood paella, lobster & chips, slow-roasted lamb, and pulled pork with sticky ribs.
6. Experience the Waterfalls at St Nectans Glen
St. Nectan’s Glen is home to three truly spectacular waterfalls. The most famous of these is the magical St. Nectan’s Kieve, where the river has worn it’s way through the slate, creating a fascinating hole which has transformed the river into a magnificent 50 foot waterfall! Walkways through the stunning woodland take you to a further two waterfalls, one of which is a hidden gem, only recently discovered and opened to the public!
7. St. Michael’s Mount
It is one of the most famous landmarks in Cornwall for a reason. From the island you can experience the picturesque panoramic views of the bay, and to Land’s End. While you’re there, explore the spectacular castle and the luscious gardens, as well as the stunning harbour.
8. Bodmin Jail
Discover the history of this 18th Century jail with thrilling tours and activities. If you’re brave, there are after dark activities, like taking part in the night time ghost walks. If that’s not enough spookiness for you, every Thursday a scary movie is screened in the jail, followed by a tour through the historic building accompanied by a Medium.
9. Tate St. Ives
A gallery space featuring work by modern British artists with links to St. Ives. As part of the Tate art institution, the collection here is impressive and exhibitions change regularly, so there’s always something new to see.
10. Barbara Hepworth
Another spot in St. Ives for those interested in art, the Barbara Hepworth museum, set within the sculptor and artists home and gardens, is a stunning sight that absolutely must feature on your Cornwall bucket list. This is perfect for garden lovers too, as you will quickly see where Hepworth gained her inspiration as you stroll through the gardens accompanying her studio.
11. Camel Valley Vineyard
Is there a better way to spend an afternoon in the sun than at an award-winning vineyard that serves up top-quality wines? With guided tours and wine tasting sessions, you’ll learn all about the grape growing and winery processes, with the added bonus of a refreshing glass of red, white or bubbly!
12. Rick Stein Cookery Course
Pick up some top tips and hone your kitchen skills with the very best. With daytime courses running for a wide variety of cuisines, from shellfish to Indian Curry and from Italian to Far Eastern dishes, there’s certainly something for everyone to enjoy! Alternatively, if you just fancy a treat on your holiday, then grab a delicious portion of fish and chips from Rick Stein’s Fish and Chips in Padstow.
13. Eat a Proper Cornish Pasty
Yes, you can get a pasty from pretty much any bakery around the country. But will it be as good as a traditional Cornish bake, fresh out of the oven? No!
14. Visit the Eden Project
Home to the largest indoor rainforest, this will be an educational day out like never before. For an even more intensive experience, or for something new for repeat visitors; head up high and soar over the biomes on the 60mph SkyWire!
15. Visit Land’s End
With stunning views and an incredible coastline, Land’s End is the perfect spot to roam the cliff tops. Take your camera to keep some memories of the picturesque scenery on display. Looking into the sea surrounding you, it’s even possible to catch a glimpse of exciting marine life, such as seals, dolphins and even basking sharks!
16. Catch Your Own Supper
Being a coastal county, with almost every area surrounded by water, it is no surprise that fishing and sea food make up a major part of the Cornish life. Why not join in on a fishing trip at any of Cornwall’s harbours and reel in a bite for dinner?
17. Visit a National Trust Property
The National Trust currently manages and maintains over 40% of the Cornish coastline, but they also tend to a large number of the finest properties in Cornwall. There are so many to choose from, including the stunning Cotehele House and Lanhydrock House.
18. Explore the Cornish Mining Heritage
Cornwall is renowned for its mining heritage, with many sites to visit, explore and learn about throughout the county. From Poldark Mine, featuring a museum and tour to the Levant Mine, near Land’s End, which houses the oldest beam engine in Cornwall; now in full working order having been restored in recent years.
Which of these things would you like to try? Let us know which feature on your 2018 bucket list, or if there any attractions in Cornwall that you are planning to visit that we haven’t included!
7 days in Cornwall: A tourist’s guide to a Cornish holiday
April 29th, 2017
If you’ve booked a summer holiday to Cornwall, or debating about it, you are sure to have a fantastic break! With a host of activities and sights, there are plenty of things to keep the whole family happy this summer holiday. The question is, what should you do on each day of your summer break? Don’t worry-we’ve got that covered with a 7-day guide of some of the must-see things in Cornwall: