5 Best Picnic Spots in Cornwall

August 16th, 2021

If you’re planning on spending your holiday at one of our holiday cottages in Truro, then why not make the most of the stunning countryside with a lovely al-fresco lunch?

We’ve picked some of the best picnic spots in Cornwall for you to enjoy, so, pack up your favourite finger foods and let’s get going!

1. Gwithian Beach

Whether you want to sit among the wild grass atop the dunes or set yourself up on the golden sands to watch the windsurfers go by, Gwithian Beach makes the perfect spot for a seaside picnic.

Tuck into your favourite sandwiches with a fantastic view of the Godrevy Lighthouse, looking out over St. Ives Bay.

2. Tehidy Woods

With over 250 acres of peaceful woodland, Tehidy Woods offers some fantastic picnic spots no matter your preference. With over 9 miles worth of walking trails, you can even make a day of it!

Be it lakeside, in the woods or in a meadow clearing with space for the dogs to run free; you’ll find your perfect picnic spot in Tehidy Woods.

3. Carn Marth

Southeast of the town of Redruth, you’ll find Carn Marth, one of the highest points in Cornwall.

At 771 ft tall, it’s not Cornwall’s highest point (that honour goes to the Brown Willy on Bodmin Moor), but it still delivers spectacular views of the surrounding area, including St Agnes beacon, the St Austell area, Falmouth and Stithians lake on a clear day.

4. Castle Cove, St. Mawes

Castle Cove is the perfect secluded spot to hide away for an hour or two with some of your favourite goodies!

Whether you drive or hop on the ferry from Falmouth, you’ll find this beach just a stone’s throw from the astounding St. Mawes Castle. And if you haven’t brought a picnic with you, don’t worry. You’ll be close enough to all the amenities that St Mawes has to offer, including local shops and the castle’s car park.

5. Trelissick Gardens

With astounding panoramic views over the Fal estuary, the National Trust owned Trelissick offers some of the most perfect picnic spots near Truro.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly day out, then why not check out their onsite gallery to see some authentic, local art or take a wander through the colourful garden paths.

Grab yourself some refreshments or a light lunch from the onsite cafe, and then just pick your favourite spot to settle down!

Now you know some of the best picnic spots in Cornwall, it’s time to pack your basket and get on down!

If you want to see more of the great outdoors while on your holidays, why not check out these top outdoor attractions in Cornwall?

Image Credit: Visit Cornwall

6 Best Picnic Spots in Cornwall

June 28th, 2019

Gorgeous sunny weather and Cornwall’s outstanding scenic coastline makes the county the perfect place for a picnic. Nothing says summer quite like al fresco dining, so pop your blanket and your favourite tasty treats in a basket and head to one of these top picnicking spots.

Kynance Cove

Once voted the West Countries favourite picnic spot, it’s no surprise that Kynance cove has made it onto our list! Found on the Lizard Peninsula, this popular beach is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with white sand and azure waves making it postcard-worthy. Sit on the grassy clifftop and enjoy the incredible views of the beach and surrounding rock formations, or descend the steps into the cove for a seaside picnic. 

Cardinham Woods

With 650-acres of woodland on offer at Cardinham Woods, you should be able to find a fantastic picnic place. One of the best lunch locations can be found down by the river, as this dedicated picnicking area comes complete with a public barbeque, which can be used for free to cook up some fresh bites! A picnic spot popular with walkers and cyclists, there are plenty of exciting walking trails to choose from for a post-picnic stroll. If you’re still feeling peckish or tragically forget to bring along your picnic basket, then the Woods Café can save the day with their fresh bakes and lovely lunches.

Gyllyngvase Beach

A fifteen-minute walk from Falmouth town centre, Gyllyngvase is one of the most popular beaches in this area. Tuck into some scrumptious snacks as you watch beach-goers take to the water to embark on a range of watersports – with paddleboarding and kayaking being popular options. If you’re looking to burn off some of those lunchtime treats, then head to the water once your food has settled and get paddling!

Helford River

A picture-perfect picnic spot, Helford River is a prime pick for summer’s day. Enjoy a homemade picnic on the river’s edge and watch the boats bobbing in the water. After you’ve packed up, hop on a ferry or drive over to Glendurgan or Trebah gardens for a delightful afternoon strolling through the sub-tropical paradise hidden in Cornwall!

Trelissick

Trelissick offers a bit of everything to the nature-loving picnicker! A National Trust property, Trelissick comprises of a house and 40-acres of gardens, and is accompanied by 375-acres of parkland, woodland and coast path, giving you ample choice for picnic spot! Whether you pick the expanse of fields, pebble beach or shaded woodland to lay your picnic blanket down, you’re bound to have an incredible view to enjoy as much as your meal!

10 Acre Wood

While renowned for its bluebells in the springtime, 10 Acre Wood is a beauty spot at any time of the year and is the perfect location for a family picnic. Follow the Polmoria River through this magical ancient woodland until you find the best position for your al fresco feast. Ideal for family days out, as well as being a gorgeous place for walks in nature, 10 Acre Wood boasts a woodland activity area perfect for the little ones to play!

Picnics are a great family activity, and allow you to get the most out of each place you visit – with the kids getting a chance to run around, as the adults relax and take in the surroundings. If you would like to enjoy family-friendly holidays in Cornwall, then why not join us here at The Valley. Our self-catering cottages are perfect for families – plus the dog will be welcome too!

6 Best Picnic Spots Near Truro

May 24th, 2018

While Cornish pasties and fish & chips are a must when visiting Cornwall, it can sometimes be preferable to take your own homemade lunch out with you when enjoying the incredible sights Cornwall has to offer. Here are some of the best spots near our luxury Cornish cottages in Truro that are perfect for picnicking.

 

Kynance Cove

Often voted one of the best picnicking spots in the West Country, Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula is clearly a top spot for enjoying a family picnic. It is easy to see why when you catch a glimpse of this area of outstanding natural beauty, as the cove features incredible stretches of white sand, with crystal clear waters lapping at the shore, all framed by a fascinating formation of rocks and cliffs. Sit on the top of the cliffs for stunning views out across the sea, or make your way down the steep steps to the beach to finish your picnic with a spot of paddling in the waves!

 

Gyllyngvase Beach

A fifteen-minute walk from Falmouth town centre, Gyllengvase is the perfect place for a beachside picnic after spending the morning exploring the town. If you forget to bring a picnic with you, then the beach is accompanied by Gylly Beach café, bar and restaurant, which is open all year round for tasty treats.

Gyllyngvase Beach is the biggest beach in Falmouth and is great for fans of water sports, so there will be plenty of activities to help burn off lunch!

 

Lost Gardens of Heligan

Restored in the 1990s after 70 years of being ‘lost’ to lack of maintenance, the Lost Gardens of Heligan is now one of the most popular gardens in the UK. Amongst the exotic plants and interesting sculptures,kyn there are plenty of picnic spots to choose from across the 200-acre estate.

 

St Mawes Beach

Drive around or take a ferry to St Mawes, where you will find a small, picturesque beach with fantastic views over the Fal River. Sit by the riverside with your homemade treats and enjoy the sights of the passing ferries, boats and kayaks travelling up and down the water.

 

Pendennis Point

Just past the impressive Pendennis Castle is the equally awe-inspiring Pendennis Point. Perfect for watching local wildlife, including an assortment of seabirds, seals, basking sharks and dolphins, Pendennis Point is a must-visit for nature lovers. There is a picnic area, so you can enjoy your lunch as you take in the almost 360 views over the Fal Estuary and Falmouth Bay.

 

Ten Acre Wood

Renowned for its delightful fields of bluebells scattered beneath the trees, the Ten Acre Wood in Polmorla is a gorgeous spot for a family picnic. While the woodland is a little way from Truro, it is certainly worth the drive to explore the ancient area and Polmorla River. After filling up on sandwiches and snacks under the holly and oak trees, kids can keep entertained at the various activity areas throughout the wood.

 

Do you have any good picnic spot recommendations in Cornwall? Let us know via our social media channels!

Celebrating National Picnic Month with the history of Picnicking

July 16th, 2015

In today terms the notion of going for a picnic simply means to go out for an enjoyable outing that involves a selection of tasty items to eat and drink while outdoors, preferably in a beautiful location with family, friends, or a loved one. But have you ever stopped and thought just where the idea of eating outdoors and sharing food and drink with people comes from? We can tell you!

 

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