Tag: luxury cottages in Cornwall
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 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!
Why Cornwall in January is a Special Time to Visit
December 13th, 2018
As the frost covers the moors in a sparkling blanket and the winter sun lights up the beaches, you may think Cornwall in January is even better than in the summer months. And with so few holiday makers there, it will feel as if you have the whole county to yourself when staying at our luxury cottages in Cornwall.
After the busy Christmas and New Year period, a winter break in January with your loved ones is just what you need to leave the stresses behind. Especially when relaxing in a hot tub with a glass of wine in hand!
Come to Cornwall in January and enjoy:
The Beaches to Yourself
Wrap up warm and walk along the deserted beaches as the waves roll in. With the seasonal dog bans lifted, your dog is free to run about as they please. More often than not, you won’t see another soul the whole day! Take the chance to snap up some great pictures of the gorgeous seaside scenery while the sand is packed with surfers and sunbathers! With so many beaches in Cornwall, there are plenty of spots to head to walk off your Christmas indulgences.
Deliciously Warming Foods in Local Pubs
Warm up from the winter chills with a mug of hot chocolate at a local café or a pint in the local pub by a roaring fire and fill your belly with delicious hearty food after a trek through the frosty moors. Cornwall has plenty of great choices for food enthusiasts, with many restaurants and cafes making the most of delicious locally sourced produce.
Plenty of Exciting Indoor Activities
Being January in Britain, we certainly cannot promise rain-free and sunny days, so the likelihood is there may be a day or two on your holiday that you have to head indoors. Cornwall has many fantastic artistic centres to visit, such as the Falmouth National Maritime Museum, where you can stay warm and dry. Many of Cornwall’s historical locations can also provide some shelter, with most remaining open all year round. Learn about Cornwall’s rich history as you visit the medieval castles, Victorian mansion and a range of mines.
Walks in Nature
Pop on a hat and scarf and go walking through Cornwall’s woodlands and country trails. The whole family will love following nature trails and looking out for the bright red breast of robins. As the month goes on watch in wonder as nature starts to wake up from its winter sleep – you might even see snowdrops starting to emerge!
Quaint Villages While They Are Quiet
Explore the atmospheric fishing villages along the coastline, relax and do a spot of shopping in the January sales. The boutique and independent shops in the quaint little villages are great ways to while away a lazy afternoon. The narrower streets will be less busy at this time of year, allowing you to see the sites at your own pace.
Will you be joining us in Cornwall this January? Let us know what you’re most looking forward to about this special time of year!
Visit these three historical attractions when you’re next in Cornwall
January 22nd, 2016
Take advantage of the fantastic luxury accommodation available through The Valley and visit these three historical attractions in Cornwall. (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…)
West Cornwall to celebrate alternative St. Piran’s Day festivities
January 07th, 2016
A novel event will be happening in Cornwall this March all within a short distance of our beautiful cottages in Cornwall.
The Cousin Jack Classic Coast Run will take place from 10am-4pm on March 5th and will stretch from Cape Cornwall to The Island in St. Ives, in order to honour and pay tribute to Cornish ancestors.
Cornish emigration happened for a variety of reasons, but the main reasons were for economic purposes due to the lack of jobs in the 18th and 19th centuries. This was the time Cornish people or “Cousin Jacks” migrated to various parts of the world in search of a better life, it’s estimated that around 250,000 Cornish men migrated between 1861 and 1901.
The Cousin Jack Classic Coast run will cover the 17 mile stretch between St Ives and St Just, which offer untouched and beautiful natural scenery from the lush green grasses that stretch to the water’s edge to the imposing 300 foot cliffs that jut out from this remarkable coastline.
It’s also home to the UK’s first ‘Environmentally Sensitive Areas’ where annual grant aid allows participating farmers to work the land traditionally using ancient field systems to define a small strip of land between the sea.
Also along the route you will pass the world famous mines of Crowns and Wheal Owles, Geevor Tin Mine, before grazing past Pendeen lighthouse.
You’ll know when the race is near its end when you spot the Tate Gallery, from there you make your way onto the golden sands of Porthmeor beach where the black and white flag of St Piran will wave you over the finish line.
Once you have completed this exciting route you will presented with a Cornish medal and traditional local cider from St Ives before the contestants head for somewhere warm to recharge and reflect on the Cousin Jack run.
Due to the terrain of the route, sensible footwear and clothing is advised, as well as any liquids or energy gels as this is out of season, so refreshment stops may be limited along the route. Waterproof maps will be given out to help you navigate certain parts of the trail and a first aider will be available if any problems occur.
This is a social run, and not an organised running race so you will need to sign a disclaimer to sign in and out. There is also a small donation of £5 that goes towards St Erth Charity Committee, who raise money to supply Christmas Lights to the village each year.
So try something different this year whilst taking in the beautiful scenery that Cornwall has become famous for.
For more information you can check their Facebook event page here.
Lionel Richie adds 2nd date to his Eden Project concert
December 11th, 2015
Soul legend Lionel Richie has added a second date to his Eden Project performance after the first date sold out in 24 hours. Many of the 80’s crooner’s fans were left feeling disappointed after the website selling the tickets shut down after experiencing technical difficulties on Tuesday. (more…)
Falmouth Oyster Festival programme revealed
September 27th, 2015
This year sees the Falmouth Oyster Festival taking place for its 19th year, with Chris Eden, the first Cornishman to receive a Michelin star for a Cornish restaurant, opening the festival on the 8th October.
From the 8th – 11th October Falmouth’s Events Square will come alive with the festival. The festival celebrates the start of the Oyster dredging season, and includes 4 days of food demo’s, cooking and eating, food stalls, craft stalls and live music. Daily cookery demonstrations will be led by tops chefs from Cornwall’s restaurant and hotels. So, if you haven’t yet tried an Oyster this festival is the perfect time to give one a go!
Only a short drive from the Oyster festival is The Valley’s luxury cottages in Cornwall, the perfect place to stay during this period. With a regular bus service you can catch the bus into Falmouth and sample all the local ales at the festival too!
Pirate fun run to launch Falmouth new ‘ZestiFAL’!
April 16th, 2015
This new summer fun run, which is in aid of Cornwall Hospice Care and the RNLI, has been announced yesterday as the headline event to kick off Falmouth BID’s new sporting festival, ZestiFAL.
For the first time, these two charities will be working together in bringing this event to life which will hopefully raise plenty of funds for both causes and also raise the profile of the new nine day festival starting on Saturday 25th July. The route for the run will start on The Moor in Falmouth and follow the same one and three mile courses as the ever popular Falmouth Santa Fun Run.
Online registration for the Pirate Fun Run will open on Friday, April 17, via www.piratefunrun.co.uk and entry is £5 for children and £10 for adults which will also include a free pirate costume!
Funded and organised by the Falmouth BID (Business Improvement District), ZestiFAL is set to “transform the town into a hub of energetic and engaging activity” for nine days from 25th July to 2nd August. It will showcase a whole range of different activities, including scuba, triathlon, climbing, cricket, hockey, martial arts, paddleboarding or skateboarding, with the public invited to have a go.
The Valley’s luxury holiday cottages Cornwall will be an ideal base for those looking to attend Zestifal with a choice of bus and train links nearby to take participants in and out of Falmouth during the event.
Richard Wilcox, Falmouth BID manager, said: “I’m delighted to work alongside Cornwall Hospice Care and the RNLI to celebrate the start of ZestiFAL with such an energetic and inclusive event as the Pirate Fun Run. The run will add colour and laughter to Falmouth’s streets and very much set the tone for the rest of the week. ZestiFAL is all about encouraging people to try out new activities so make sure you book your place and help raise money for two great causes at the same time.”
Rose Beattie, fundraising manager for Cornwall Hospice Care, added: “We are really excited to be working alongside the RNLI to organise the ZestiFAL Charity Pirate Fun Run, and are looking forward to kicking off this exciting new festival with a sea of pirates taking to the streets, getting active while raising money for our causes.”
Dave Nicholl, area manager for the RNLI, added: “The RNLI is proud to be one of the nominated charities for ZestiFAL and to be working in conjunction with Cornwall Hospice Care to bring this exciting new nautically themed event to Falmouth. Both of our charities carry out amazing work in Cornwall and we hope as many people as possible will sign up for the Pirate Fun Run to help raise money to support this work.”
Cornwall voted as one of UK’s most Romantic destinations
February 10th, 2015
With Valentine’s Day looming a new report by Hotels.com shows we’re definitely in the right place for some passion on February 14 with the Duchy being voted one of the most romantic places in the country.
According to the Destination Romance Report, London and the Lakes came top and were joined by the Lake District, Cornwall, Cotswolds, Edinburgh, Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Devon, Bristol and Cardiff.
Hull, Birmingham and, weirdly also London were voted the least romantic places with Hull taking the top spot at the other end of the scale with a fifth of Brits dubbing it the least romantic destination in 2015.
Malcolm Bell from Visit Cornwall said: “If you talk to a lot of people and travel around the country talking about Cornwall they will always tell you their memories of Cornwall – and those memories come from holidays. There is a lot of affection for Cornwall.
“Overall we create those memories because we have such a beautiful part of the world to live in and such a wonderful way of life.
“People want to come down here and experience it and we’re lucky enough to stay here – but they’ve got to go back to their other lives.
“It’s special for millions of other people as well.”
Carolina Annand, from Hotels.com which did the survey said, “It’s always great to see where we want to whisk our loved ones away to for some romance this Valentine’s Day. With numerous new cities now featuring in both our lists, it is clear that those who previously held the top spot are working hard to prove they can be romantic too.
“Last year’s number one least romantic city, Slough, has been able to avoid the top ten list altogether this year – other locations need to show that romance can be found in the most unlikely of places as well.”
So if you are looking to impress your loved one this year then why not head to The Valley, offering some wonderful romantic breaks in Cornwall.
£2.5m funding boost for Newquay to London Gatwick air route
October 30th, 2014
Great news for visitors to luxury cottages in Cornwall who like to travel by plane from London as news is revealed of a new four year, £2.5m government funding deal for flights between Newquay Cornwall Airport and London Gatwick.
