Tag: Summer
7 Reasons to Visit Cornwall in Summer
April 06th, 2020
With tranquil turquoise shores, coastal paths with breath-taking views and plenty of quaint fishing villages to explore, it is no surprise that Cornwall often tops the list for best staycation spot in the UK.
The summer is one of the busiest, yet best times of the year in Cornwall, with the sunny weather providing ample opportunity to visit some of the 300 beaches found in the county! Conditions are often similar to more tropical locations, and this provides you with the opportunity to explore all the area has to offer without getting too cold or damp.
To inspire your summer holiday plans, we take a look at just a few of the reasons you should visit Cornwall.
The Beaches are Wonderful
As a coastal county, beaches are one of the biggest draws for Cornwall. The area undoubtedly has some of the best beaches in the country, and with over 300 to choose from, you’re definitely spoiled for choice.
There is quite a diverse range, with some offering wide stretches of sand, perfect for beach-side play, while others are coves of tranquillity and isolation, offering the perfect spot to unwind.
Relax by the turquoise waves on beaches that rival those of an exotic island or hop in the water for some seaside fun on a surfboard!
The Coastal Walks are Awe-Inspiring
Accompanying the beaches is a stunning coast path, that connects the most beautiful stretches of the Cornish coastline. Around 300 miles of the South West Coast Path can be found in Cornwall, and the views that you will be rewarded with on your walk are truly unparalleled.
Many coastal routes will be marked by public paths and signs, so you should have no trouble finding somewhere incredible to walk. In the south of Cornwall, the Roseland Peninsula and the Lizard Peninsula are two of the best spots for walking, each pairing countryside and seaside scenery beautifully.
Plenty of Unique Places to Visit
Cornwall is unlike any other. With only one city in the whole county, the area is largely made up by quaint villages and towns, each with their own charm.
As well as this, there are many hidden gems and unique spots off the beaten track that make Cornwall a truly incredible place to visit. You’ll find natural wonders such as St. Nectan’s Glen and Nanjizal Beach, as well as mysterious locations like Gwennap Pit and The Hurlers.
The Food is Delicious
Cornwall is a foodie’s paradise! The Cornish pasty is a must-try – did you know a pasty can only be called a ‘Cornish Pasty’ if it was made in Cornwall?! This Cornish staple will fill you up when you’re on-the-go, visiting all that Cornwall has to offer.
If you’re after a quick bite by the beach, then the fish & chips and ice cream in Cornwall are perfection, and you’ll never be too far from a vendor.
As well as these tasty treats, Cornwall is home to a huge number of gourmet cuisine, with offerings from celebrity chefs and Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Rick Stein and Nathan Outlaw. With the coast being a great source of inspiration, and local produce being key to Cornish cuisine, seafood will often be on the menu here.
The Gardens Are Gorgeous
Cornwall tends to have a slightly warmer climate than much of the UK, and this has contributed to the growth of many delightful gardens within the county.
Of course, one of the most famous is the Eden Project, the largest indoor rainforest in the world. The Eden Project is a feat of incredible plant life and exciting activity, perfect for a family day out.
Tropical gardens thrive in Cornwall, and notable places to visit include the Lost Gardens of Heligan and Trebah.
There are also many National Trust properties and gardens in Cornwall, which boast plenty of open spaces and beautiful blooms, as well as woodland and even private beaches!
An Easy Holiday
If you are based in the UK, then Cornwall is an easy getaway. Enjoy incredible beaches to unwind on, great food to indulge in and an abundance of exciting activities to keep you entertained, all without having to change currency, navigate airports or being restricted by luggage allowances.
When visiting Cornwall, you won’t have to worry about these concerns, which often make a trip abroad more stressful.
Holidaymakers Have a Lot of Choice
Cornwall has long been a tourism hotspot, so the county is well-prepared for all types of holidaymakers, giving them great choice for the type of holiday they’re after. Whether you’re after a cheap and cheerful caravan holiday, a quick B&B getaway to the sea, or luxury Cornish cottages where you can relax with family.
Summer Bucket List for Your Cornwall Holiday
July 05th, 2019
Cornwall is the perfect holiday destination, with so much to see and do, you will have a jam-packed schedule! In this blog, we list some of the must-do things in Cornwall so you can start ticking off that summer bucket list! Whether you want adrenaline, to try new things or see new places, this list will offer something for everyone!
Discover Land’s End
An iconic spot, Land’s End is a must when visiting Cornwall! Discover stunning landscapes and beautiful blue waters. Visit the famous signpost that was established in the 1950s and capture a picture to remember your trip! Along with the breath-taking scenery, there is an abundance of speciality shops offering the opportunity to pick up a souvenir. Once you have explored, you may want to sit down and have a bite to eat at one of the many cafés and restaurants at Land’s End. Take the chance to try an authentic Cornish pasty while you immerse yourself in the stunning landscape. If a pasty isn’t tickling your fancy, why not try a Cornish scone? A wonderful little treat as you sit back and take in the glorious setting.
Fly on England’s Longest and Fastest Zip Wire
One for the thrill-seekers, Cornwall offers the chance to fly on England’s longest and fastest zip wire! Based at the Eden Project in Bodelva, this attraction will undoubtedly get your heart racing. You will stand right over a cliff edge that is 100 metres above the ground and prepare to fly like Superman across the Cornish countryside! On this half a mile zip line you will reach speeds of 60mph, so get ready for an exhilarating experience! You can enjoy this attraction for just £30, so what are you waiting for?
Visit the Isles of Scilly
Something that visitors of Cornwall often over-look is the Isles of Scilly. Situated just off the coast of Cornwall, this stunning landscape is certainly one you don’t want to miss! You can get to the wonderful spot by either plane, boat or helicopter. The Isles of Scilly are an escape from everyday life, with barely anyone around; this place is perfect for relaxing. Even at the height of summer, you can find white sand beaches that are untouched and have no one on them! With such a small population, the Isles of Scilly offer food as local and as fresh as it can come. Some popular dishes are lobster and crab or if fish isn’t your thing, try some duck or beef. Another great experience here is the opportunity to look at the stars in such darkness. Scilly has five Dark Sky Discovery Sites and is known for being one of the darkest places in England, making it a perfect spot for stargazing.
Immerse Yourself in History and Beauty at Tintagel Castle
Situated between Padstow and Bude, this incredible castle is somewhere you should definitely visit when on holiday in Cornwall. Linked with the legend of King Arthur, Tintagel Castle is a place to learn all about its fascinating history but also explore the beautiful landscape it is surrounded by. As you travel the grounds, you will find numerous panels that reveal the 1,500 years of history this place holds. One of Tintagel’s best-kept secrets is its beach; this is a great spot to relax and explore some of the rockpools. While at the beach, be sure to visit the beach café and grab a bite to eat; from fish and chips to Cornish Rarebit, you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to have!
Get Your Heart Racing at Adrenalin Quarry
From jumping off cliffs to defying gravity, Adrenalin Quarry is undoubtedly an exciting and thrilling day out! Here is home to Cornwall’s most extreme waterpark; an inflatable playground for everyone to enjoy. The giant swing is potentially the scariest attraction at the Adrenalin Quarry; you are momentarily weightless and then fly at high speeds through the quarry! You will also find an 800-metre all-weather go-karting track where everyone in the family can have a go and see who comes out on top.
Explore St Michael’s Mount
Perhaps one of Cornwall’s most fascinating destinations, St Michael’s Mount is a stunning location, and there is plenty to explore. Take a trip across the causeway at low tide or take a boat trip to the island. The medieval castle has plenty of history to discover and some beautiful scenery to admire. It is that incredible that even HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh visited in 2013! Once you have taken your trip around the castle, take to the gardens and explore the stunning plants that flourish. With views of the luscious blue waters, you will have numerous opportunities to capture that perfect family photo with a beautiful backdrop!
If these destinations aren’t enough, take a look at these great places for a family day out in Cornwall. If you want to plan a visit to the beautiful county, then why not stay at the best family resort in Cornwall? Here at The Valley, we offer a unique collection of luxury self-catering holiday cottages that are hidden away in thirteen acres of gardens and woodland. Start planning your perfect family holiday now!
National Maritime Museum in Summer
August 10th, 2018
With most of Cornwall surrounded by the sea, it is no surprise that the National Maritime Museum finds itself in Falmouth, home to one of the deepest natural harbours in the world. This summer, the museum is putting on a full spread of family fun, from educational exhibits to exciting play zones. We take a look at what’s on offer.
Titanic Stories
One of the must-see events on at the National Maritime Museum this summer is the Titanic Stories exhibition, which, as the name may suggest, takes a look at some of the stories surrounding the infamous sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Exploring the myths, controversies and tales of the time, the exhibition sees a collection of items from private collectors and other museums put together in an impressive display. Coming together as a retelling of the historical event, you’ll also get to read some incredible stories of survivors, victims and the families of those on the impressive ship.
Some items in the collection include photographs belonging to passengers aboard the ship, passenger lists and belongings, as well as one of the iconic costumes worn by Kate Winslet in the 1997 classic cinematic adaptation of the disaster. As part of the installation, artists have been commissioned to recreate a life-size replica of one of the lifeboats, as well as produce a recreation of the iceberg! The impressive iceberg sculpture is put together with 2208 monkey’s fish knots, which represents the number of passengers on the ship.
The Titanic Stories exhibition will continue running until the end of the year, so if you can’t make it over to the National Maritime Museum this summer, there’s still time to see it all!
Pirate School
While the kids may have broken up for school for the summer, Pirate School continues throughout August, giving the little ones a lesson in Buccaneering! Find out what it takes to be a pirate with the fun school sessions running Monday to Friday, four times a day, then join in the crafty make and take tables to create your own pirate cutlass, hook, parrot and a treasure chest to stash all your loot away in! Pirate School will teach you how to load a cannon, find your way around a ship and a few sea shanties to entertain you on your travels across the ocean. Once you’re all geared up and certified as a pirate, head off on the Pirate Parrot Treasure Trail and find the missing treasure!
Treasure Island Play Zone
Fun for all ages can be found at the Treasure Island Play Zone, if ye be brave enough to pass the Pirates! All sorts of fun and games can be found. Solve the treasure map maze, attempt to pin the buckle on the pirate, beat the giant magnetic picture puzzle and – if you dare – walk the plank!
The National Maritime Museum is only a short drive away from our luxury Cornish cottages, so if you want to see all that Falmouth has to offer, come and stay at The Valley for an incredible holiday away in Cornwall!
What’s On This August in Cornwall
July 20th, 2018
With the summer holiday just around the corner, we wanted to share some of the highlights happening around Cornwall this August.
If you are still yet to book your family getaway for August why not take advantage of our last minute discount. Use the code 5GOLD18 when booking and claim 15% off, but be quick this offer will end on 3rd August. So act quickly and book now!
St Endellion Summer Music Festival
31 Jul 2018 to 10 Aug 2018
Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2018, the beautiful church of St Endelienta will transform into a venue for the annual summer music festival. The internationally renowned festival now draws in prestigious performers from around the UK for over a dozen concert performances.
From Brahms to Broadway, there is something to suit all musical tastes. The guest soloists and musicians are accompanied by a 75 person choir and symphony orchestra, giving your ears a musical experience like no other!
Cornwall Motor Fest 2018
3rd and 4th August
The biggest motoring event in Cornwall, the Cornwall Motor Fest, is set to hit the Stithians Showground this August. Perfect for both families and car lovers, the show will display both new and second-hand cars for sale, as well as classic cars and remote controlled cars! At the showground, you can be entertained by the impressive stunt shows and three stages of live music. With a fun fair and rides for the kids, head over to the celebrity talks about all things car, from Tiff Needell, David Richard and Vicki Butler-Henderson. On the 4th August, the Motor Fest will also be holding a Soap Box Race.
Falmouth Week
10th to 19th August
With more than 450 yachts taking part in the eight-day festival, Falmouth Week is now the biggest and best sailing regatta in the whole of the south-west. As one of the deepest natural harbours in the world, with gorgeous views around the Roseland Peninsula, Falmouth is the ideal setting for the boating spectacle. Over the week, there will be keelboats, dinghies and traditional crafts racing out of Falmouth Bay, as well as the big Champagne Day race for bigger yachts on the Wednesday. Back on land, festivities will be in full swing, with a marching carnival, firework display, themed party nights and samba bands keeping everyone entertained. During the daytime, there will be a number of activities taking place in Events Square, with a Cornish craft market and ‘Science in the Square’ family fun, as well as an assortment of musical performances.
If you want to have a more hands-on experience with the water-based festivities, then put your athletic skills to the test in the Trident Swim Challenge, or watch the evening boat races from the water in a raft of your own. There are also free rock pooling sessions for kids, in addition to a number of special events hosted by the National Maritime Museum, Pendennis Castle and Gyllyngdune Gardens.
Cornish Steam And Country Fair
17th to 19th August
Around 100 full-sized and miniature steam engines are brought together at this long-running rally. From stunning showmen’s engines to agricultural traction engines, there is something for all lovers of locomotives, and for all the family too! There is so much to explore at the fair, with vintage cars, tractors, steam cars, military vehicles and heavy horses. The event provides an incredible taste of Cornish and rural heritage, with plenty of musical entertainment from local choirs, brass bands and Morris Men. A traditional-style fun fair will keep the kids entertained. In the main ring, more family-fun can be had with displays of dog agility, horse demonstrations and hawking shows.
Fowey Regatta And Carnival Week
19th to 25th August
Following on from Falmouth week the fun moves along the coast to Fowey (pronounced Foy). The river and bay will fill with boats of all shapes and sizes as they race to victory in the regatta. The Wednesday evening sees a Carnival hit the town, with an impressive parade of floats, fancy dress and marching bands, lit up by a fantastic firework display over the river. Don’t miss out on one of the most bizarre traditions, which sees Fowey’s famous eight-foot long giant pasty paraded ceremoniously via boat, accompanied by the Fowey Town Band. The tasty treat is then divided between all of the children present at the Carnival.
St Ewe Country Fair
19th August
For a true taste of the country why not visit St Ewe for this traditional rural event. One of the most popular annual local events, run by the parish, attracts visitors from all around Cornwall. With an assortment of sideshows, including a coconut shy, ferret racing and traditional fairground rides, there is plenty to keep the kids entertained. The fair is also host to a number of food and craft tents, with stalls selling an assortment of local produce. A competition gets underway in the horticultural tent, with a wide variety of brilliant blooms.
If you’d love to come and experience these events and all that Cornwall has to offer, stay with us at The Valley for family-friendly holidays in Cornwall. Remember to use the code 5GOLD18 when booking and claim 15% off, but be quick this offer will end on 3rd August. So act quickly and book now!
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:
Forget the Mediterranean, experts are touting Cornwall to match the Med’s weather conditions for years to come!
July 08th, 2015
If you embark on a staycation, as well as a holiday abroad, in search of the warmer weather then you might not need both much sooner if a group of experts’ latest claims are true.
