Location Guide: Charlestown

August 21st, 2023

Imagine an unspoilt seaside village with an undisturbed Georgian harbour full of tall, historic ships, pretty cobbled pathways, endless views and cosy sea-front cottages that overlook turquoise Cornish water that touches a calm, tranquil beach. It sounds like a coastal dream, doesn’t it?

Well, this place does exist. Welcome to Charlestown! Charlestown is one of Cornwall’s gems known for being the set of many major Hollywood productions and full of welcoming and homey eateries.

Where is Charlestown?

Charlestown is an idyllic, picturesque village on Cornwall’s south coast. Only a 40-minute drive from our luxury cornish cottages, this peaceful village hosts a small shingle beach on either side of its Grade 2 listed harbour that overlooks St Austell Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the perfect place for couples and families to relax and take in the beauty Cornwall has to offer.

Image credit: Steve Cook under CC BY-NC 2.0

How Far is Charlestown From St Austell?

Charlestown is approximately 2 miles from St Austell’s town centre, so quite close! If you’re keen to stretch those legs and walk from St Austell to Charlestown at a relaxed pace, it’ll take roughly 25-30 minutes. Or, if you’d prefer to jump in the car, it’s only a 5-10 minute drive (depending on traffic).

Just a heads up, don’t be surprised if you struggle to find parking during the summertime (as this is a small village). You will most likely need to pay for parking, too, so our advice would be to arrive as early as possible during the summer holidays to make the most out of your day!

What to do in Charlestown, Cornwall?

If you want to visit a film or TV set, simply walk around Charlestown Harbour! Initially known for being a thriving fishing port of West Polmear exporting china clay, Charlestown is now famous for being the set of many major Hollywood productions such as Pirates of The Caribbean, Alice in Wonderland, The Three Musketeers, Treasure Island, Doctor Who, and was recently the primary set of major BBC’s hit TV series, Poldark. In our previous blog, we go into more detail about movies and shows filmed in Charlestown. You may be able to recognise some parts of the village that have been on the big screen!

Charlestown is also home to Europe’s biggest shipwreck museum, the ‘Shipwreck Treasure Museum’, where you can see thousands of shipwreck artefacts recovered from over 150 wrecks.

Looking for a bite to eat? Charlestown has a range of traditional pubs, restaurants and tasty cafes, and you won’t be disappointed with the food or drinks. Indulge as much as you’d like (guilt-free) on the Cornish quayside!

How does a breathtaking coastal walk sound? Enjoy the beautiful views on offer by walking the circular route from the port of Charlestown to the sheltered cove of Porthpean. Charlestown is also on the South-West coastal path, so stop off here and look around if you’re passing through. It’ll be worth it.

The Eden Project

Image credit: Mr Eugene Birchall under CC BY-SA 2.0

If you’re in the Charlestown area, another must-see attraction you should visit is The Eden Project. Hosting the world’s largest indoor rainforest biome and a huge Mediterranean biome, immersing yourself in this architectural and biological engineering paradise will feel other-worldly.

Are Dogs Allowed on Charlestown Beach?

If you’re travelling with a furry friend, you won’t be able to take your beloved dog onto Charlestown Beach. Charlestown’s shingle beach is relatively small, so it’s understandable that there is an all-year-round dog ban, making it perfect for those looking for a dog-free beach to relax. However, you can bring your pet along the harbour and enjoy the rest of this stunning village, so don’t let that put you off from visiting! Our previous blog recommends the best dog-friendly beaches when making a trip to Cornwall.

Charlestown Beach

Image credit: N Chadwick under CC BY-SA 2.0

Is Charleston Harbour Open?

Exploring Charlestown Harbour is free of charge, and the inner harbour is open from April to October to the public all year round. The harbour may only be closed to the public if there’s exceptionally stormy weather. If so, check out our blog on rainy days in Cornwall. There’s still a lot of fun to be had.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and explore while enjoying good food and refreshments by the untouched blue Cornish coast, then adding Charlestown to your adventure is the perfect choice.

Feature image credit: Chris Hodrien under CC BY-SA 2.0


What’s On in March 2020

February 07th, 2020

Tucked away in the south-west of the country, Cornwall may seem like a sleepy place, yet there is always something going on, and you are sure to be visiting when something exciting is happening!

 

With an assortment of festivals, cultural activities and locally sourced treats on offer each month throughout Cornwall, it is the perfect place to head for a family-friendly holiday. Cornwall is jam-packed with fun activities throughout March, so read on to discover what events are coming up in the month ahead!

 

Camellias in Cornwall

West Cornwall Spring Flower Show

6th and 7th March, Marazion Community Centre

The West Cornwall Spring Show has been an annual event for over 90 years and showcases the horticultural excellence of the county. Every year, there are stunning cut blooms, camellias, magnolias and early spring flowers to be seen.

 

The event is open to all, and there are exhibits from the great historic gardens to domestic growers. Children have also been allowed to enter the show in the last few years, inspiring the next generation to get creative with flowers.

 

How to Attend:

The West Cornwall Spring Flower Show is held at the Marazion Community Centre. It is open from 11am to 6pm on Friday and 10am to 3.30pm on Saturday. Entrance costs £3 for over 14’s.  

 

St Piran’s Day Celebrations

5th – 8th March, across Cornwall

Throughout Cornwall, there will be celebrations for St Piran, the patron saint of the county.

 

Truro

In Truro, there will be a St Piran’s Day parade on the 5th March, followed by a folk festival, with local musicians and delicious food.

 

Perranporth

One of the most popular events is the St Piran’s Parade at Perranporth on Sunday 8th March. The parade crosses the dunes of Perranporth beach to the oratory and old church, as the story of St Piran is re-enacted with the traditional play.

 

Monsters of the Deep

Monsters of the Deep

Opening 20th March, National Maritime Museum Cornwall

The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth is opening a new exhibition in March, that will do a deep-diving exploration of the world beneath the waves.

 

Discover the secrets of the sea, hearing tall tales of the monsters that lurk in the deep depths of the ocean. Explore the myths, legends and fascinating sightings that have captured our imaginations for centuries.

 

As an interactive exhibit, you’ll be able to see how scientists of past and present were able to explore uncharted waters and take a peek at microscopic monsters!

 

Book Cornwall Getaway

St Columb Hurling

25th February and 7th March, Newquay

St Columb hurling is a traditional Cornish event taking place on Shrove Tuesday (25th February) and the second Saturday following (7th March). A fairly rough game, it is played on the streets and surrounding countryside of St Columb Major near Newquay.

 

What is Hurling?

The aim of the game is to place the ball in respective goals which are set two miles apart or take it over the parish boundary. The ball can be run with, passed, thrown, snatched or tackled away.

 

The game is played between two teams. ‘Town’ and ‘Country’. A town affair, visitors are welcome to watch the hurling game, though should remember to not get in the way!

 

Daffodils in Falmouth

Falmouth Spring Festival

19th to 29th March, Falmouth

The Falmouth Spring Festival celebrates the beautiful green and open spaces in the Cornish town. The early season festival brings the community together and offers an explosion of life and colour to visitors.

 

The town will be turning yellow as schoolchildren are welcomed to brighten up shop windows with daffodils and decorations. There will be beach cleaning, painting and gardening around the town, revamping areas which need it. Visitors can also join in rockpooling sessions and guided walks.

 

Falmouth Spring Flower Show

28th to 29th March, Gyllyngdune Gardens

Falmouth will be celebrating its 110th display of the finest spring flowers, including rare and exotic plants at this year’s Spring Flower Show. Falmouth Spring Flower Show is the oldest flower show in Cornwall, and it has developed into one of the best events on the calendar in Falmouth.

 

There will also be floral art, photography and children’s work to admire. Head to the Princess Pavilion to see the exhibitors and trade stalls packed with stunning displays and flowers and plants to buy. Entry is £3 or free for under 16-year-olds.

 

A gin cocktail

Gin and Cornish Drinks Festival

21st March, Truro

This year sees the return of the Alverton Cornish Gin and Drinks Festival! Held in the Great Hall of The Alverton Hotel in Truro, it will be a celebration of Cornwall’s best producers.

 

What’s Included?

Guests can get a free souvenir gin glass as the first tipple is on the house! There will be a chance to meet the makers and producers of the county’s best producers and live demonstrations where you can learn some tricks on making great tipples at home.

 

The line-up of makers includes Tarquin’s, Wrecking Coast, Holly’s Gin, Land of Saints, Morvenna Rum, Sharp’s and many more! There will be music throughout the day, including a performance from Falmouth Soul Sensation. Tickets are £15 per person and available to over 18s only, and ID is required.

 

Cornish Daffodils

Daffodil Weekend at Trelissick

21st and 22nd March, Trelissick

Celebrate Mother’s Day this March with a delightful trip to Trelissick. As well as wandering around the gorgeous gardens here, you must visit the stables, where the annual Daffodil weekend is being held. Make the most of these brilliant blooms as they are at their best at this time of year!

 

The display is bursting with colour and will showcase some of the finest daffodil breeders and growers in Cornwall!

 

Visiting Cornwall

We are sure you will have an action-packed trip to Cornwall when visiting in March with so many activities and attractions to enjoy.

 

We will be sharing the upcoming events taking place near our holiday cottages each month, so be sure to check out our blog on information and guides on the area!

 

Started thinking about your Easter holiday plans? Why not join us here in Cornwall for a luxury family break during Easter?!


What’s On This Winter in Cornwall

December 11th, 2019

Winter in Cornwall offers you the chance to explore the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the country at a quieter time of the year. As well as the gorgeous beaches and countryside surrounding each of the towns in the county, there are still a number of exciting activities and events taking place over the winter months! We’ve put together a guide to some of the highlights!

 

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What’s On In December

November 08th, 2019

As the colder weather draws in, Cornwall comes to life with plenty of fun and interesting events taking place across the county. Whether you want to get into the festive spirit, or you’re hoping to try something new, we take a look at what’s on throughout December 2019 in Cornwall.

Two men with acoustic guitars performing on stage

The Woodfire Sessions

1st to 22nd December

Every Sunday, Polurrian on the Lizard hosts Woodfire Sessions where you can enjoy some delicious food and drink while listening to some fantastic live music. On Sunday the 8th, The Velvets will be performing; they are a three-part harmony trio that sings smooth, soulful sounds from throughout the decades. On Sunday 15th, Scenic Route will perform original music and delicate covers of some well-known songs. The male and female duet have a passion for melodic ballads and also a talent for writing emotive songs. On Sunday the 22nd, A Little Twisted, a female duo will take to the stage and showcase their beautiful harmonies, you can expect acoustic covers of well-known songs from the 90s through to now. A night spent with friends and family eating good food and listening to a live band is a night well spent!

A calf poking its head through a fence

Truro Primestock Show

4th December

What better way to immerse yourself in the countryside lifestyle that Cornwall offers than attending a prime stock show? You can see up close the very best of Cornwall’s beef cattle and sheep, who will be judged and then sold. But this isn’t all that the event has to offer; there are also wonderful shows and exhibitions of farm produce, as well as cookery, art, craft, photography and an array of others. Furthermore, at 6:30 pm, there is a Young Handlers competition; children and young people from local farms showcase their skills and abilities to lead and handle beef and dairy calves. The marquee is open from 9:30 am, and the event goes on till late, so it is a great day out and one for everyone to enjoy.

Heligan by Night – The Art of Illumination

19th December to January

From December through to January, The Lost Gardens of Heligan are hosting a nighttime show. The light artist Ulf Pedersen creates a unique selection of projects that will come to life throughout the hedges and walls of the historical landscape of Heligan. The fascinating illuminations and colours create a dazzling and immersive experience that is not to be missed. Ulf aims to transport the visitors into a different environment with every twist and turn they make. He has travelled for over 15 years bringing his work to places such as Australia, Hong Kong, Iceland and New Zealand. His shows are known for attracting tens of thousands of people, and the spectacle is one we highly recommend you visit.

Someone wearing a pair of ice skates on the rink

Ice Skating at the Eden Project

Throughout December

Get yourself into the festive spirit and take to the ice at the Eden Project. It is the only indoor ice rink in Cornwall, and it is open until the 23rd of February 2020; you can go ice skating, book toddler sessions, and lessons. If your little one isn’t too confident on the ice, then you can book a penguin skating aid for £4. There are also snowman skating aids available that are for children with accessibility needs, which means everyone can get into the festivities and enjoy a skate around the rink. General skating sessions are 40 minutes long, and prices are as follows; adult is £7, a child is £6, or you can purchase a family ticket for £24 (a mixture of four adults or children).

We hope that we’ve given you some inspiration on how to spend your December and what events to attend in Cornwall. For more festivities, take a look at the Christmas markets Near Truro; a perfect place to try some delicious food, pick up some presents and maybe a gift or two for yourself. If you decide to visit the beautiful Cornish county for the festive period, then look no further than The Valley! Hidden away in 13 acres of gardens and woodland, The Valley is the perfect countryside getaway, and we offer child-friendly cottages in Cornwall.


What’s on November

October 11th, 2019

The leaves are crisp and golden, the hats and scarves are emerging from the draws, and we’re all getting excited for the run-up to Christmas! November is a busy month for those visiting Cornwall, with plenty of festive activities starting to take place across the county. If you’re thinking of enjoying a luxury family holiday in Cornwall this autumn, then check out some of the things you could be up to throughout November!

 

Ice skating at Eden Project

Ice Skating at the Eden Project

Nothing welcomes in winter quite like a good skate around the ice! From October until February, the Eden Project sets up their wonderful ice rink, with a variety of skating sessions and lessons on offer. If you are visiting the Eden Project, then a spin around the ice is a must, with general skating sessions costing £7 per adult and £6 per child, with a family of four ticket costing £24. For toddlers experiencing their first go on ice, parent and toddler ice play sessions are available at certain times for £5. Get your skates on and get into the festive spirit!

 

fireworks

Bonfire Night Fireworks

The start of November sees Bonfire Night celebrations taking place across the county for Guy Fawkes Night. There are plenty of firework displays in Cornwall this year, including ones at Tremorvah Playing Fields, Priory Park Football Field and Heartlands, all on the 5th of November. Alongside dazzling fireworks displays, each event will feature a bonfire, music and refreshments.

 

Truro City of Lights

Truro City of Lights

One of the biggest events in Cornwall’s calendar takes place each year in November. Truro City of Lights is the impressive Christmas light turn-on event for Truro, Cornwall’s only city. This year, the City of Lights will be illuminated on Wednesday November 20th  2019. The event sees the streets aglow with the light from hundreds of lanterns, carried in a parade by local artists and schoolchildren. Accompanying the parade are a diverse selection of local musical groups and dancers, making for an entertaining and exciting evening. All the information you need for this event can be found on our blog for the Truro City of Lights 2019.

 

Christmas Markets

As we enter November, things will be getting more festive, with plenty of Christmassy events on the calendar. November marks the start of many Christmas markets, each offering a wonderful assortment of local crafts, gifts and tasty treats. There are plenty of Christmas markets near Truro, close to our Cornish holiday cottages, with the Made in Cornwall Christmas Fair, Etsy Made Local Fair and Flambards Christmas Fair all starting in November.

 

St Austell Brewery Celtic Beer Festival

30th November 2019

The 21st Celtic Beer Festival is held at the St Austell Brewery on the 30th November this year. Taking place in the brewery’s ancient cellars, you’ll be able to sample around 200 different ales, stouts and lagers, accompanied by the sound of live bands playing throughout the festival! St Austell Brewery will have its own award-winning beers on offer, such as Korev, Tribute and Proper Job, as well as a range of limited-edition beers brewed specially for the festival.

 

Gatsby’s Gamble

7th November 2019

The Greenbank Hotel in Falmouth will be taking you back to the 1920s with their glamorous Gatsby evening. Enjoy a luxurious fine dining experience hosted by Mr Gatsby, before solving the murder mystery whodunnit case! Starting with a glass of bubbly, you’ll be treated to a three-course meal inspired by the 1920s Jazz Age. The dress code is smart casual, with a focus on 1920s glamour.

 

As well as these events, Cornwall has plenty of other activities and attractions for the whole family. Whether you’re visiting for the day or for a longer getaway, Cornwall offers something for everyone.


What’s On In July

June 13th, 2019

This year in Cornwall, July is packed full of exciting events, with an assortment of festivals, fairs and fun days out for the family! We take a look at some of the best events taking place near our Truro holiday cottages in July.

Penzance Literary Festival

3rd – 6th July 2019

Penzance Literary Festival celebrates the works of both local authors and nationally acclaimed writers. Over the course of the festival, over 40 authors will be giving talks, in addition to writing workshops, a Publishing Day and an evening to relax with fellow literary lovers and enjoy some Cornish music and culture. This year, award-winning poet Kate Clanchy, acclaimed crime writers John Harvey and Jane Corry and Alan Hollinghurst, the Man Booker prize-winner will all be taking part in the festival. Entry to most events will be £4, but you can find tickets and more information online at the Cornish Riviera Box Office.

Bodmin Riding and Heritage Weekend

5th – 7th July 2019

The Bodmin Riding and Heritage Weekend is now a three-day festivity, this year encompassing a feast day on Friday 5th, a day of dressing up and entertainment on Saturday 6th, before ending with a sports and activities day on Sunday 7th.

The tradition originates from the tale of Mayor Nicolas Bowyer, who was Mayor of Bodmin in the 1500s. He was hung in 1549 for being a part of the Prayer Book Rebellion, but immediately prior to his death unknowingly played host at a big feast for his executioner!

Luckily, there will be no threat of execution at this year’s celebrations, with some fun entertainment put on instead! Now, the main focus of the event is on the Beast of Bodmin, with Saturday afternoon spent trying to capture the Beast! As well as this, there will be dancing, music and Cornish Wrestling to keep you entertained. A great festivity to celebrate the heritage of Bodmin, Sunday will also see a Riding service procession from St Mary’s to St Petroc’s church.

Minecraft Castle Building at Pendennis Castle

6th – 7th July 2019

Fans of Minecraft will love these workshops held at Pendennis Castle. Mixing the ancient with the modern, these popular castle building workshops will show you how to build the most epic Minecraft fortress from the incredible location of a real castle! Led by Blockbusters, attendees will be provided with some pre-built features essential for creating an incredible castle. Booking is essential for this event, as previous events have been oversubscribed. Workshops will be held at 10am, 11.15am, 12.30pm, 2.15pm, 3.30pm and 4.45pm, with each workshop lasting for an hour and 15 minutes. The event costs £12.50, on top of entrance fees to the castle, and the lower age limit is 7 years old.

Stithians Agricultural Show

15th July 2019

Held annually since the 1800s on the Feast Day of St Stythians Church, the Stithians Agricultural Show is the biggest one-day show of its kind in Cornwall. The show originated as a way for competitive locals to see who could grow the best crops and breed the best animals. Today, the show has grown to become a great family day out and attracts thousands of visitors from around Cornwall.

In addition to the agricultural show, which holds over sixty classes of horse displays, the Showground will play host to a fairground, craft and cookery competitions, and a Horticultural marquee filled with impressive blooms. You’ll also find the Taste of Cornwall tent, filled with delicious local food to try. Kids will love watching the dogs attempt the agility trial, as well as getting up close with the rare breeds animals, cute bunnies and other small creatures! Learn all about the heritage of the area, with craftsmen displaying blacksmithing, weaving and beekeeping, amongst other traditional trades.

“Sneaky Finders” Truro Detective Day

20th July 2019

A very exciting event for lovers of Cluedo and mystery, CluedUpp are hosting an outdoor version of the classic game in Truro this July. Working in a team of detectives, you’ll need to track down virtual witnesses and eliminate suspects as you stalk the streets of Truro to crack the case. In this giant game of Cluedo, you’ll be trying to discover who murdered one of the most feared residents of a bustling industrial town in the year 1921!

The event starts between 10am and 1pm and will cost £36 for your whole team (between 2 and 6 adults, children under 16 can play as extra members for free). You’ll need a smartphone to get involved, and this year it is encouraged to wear 1920’s themed fancy dress! Prizes will be awarded for the team who cracks the case the fastest, the best fancy dress, best team name and best team picture, as well as a kids prize, and prize for a participating dog!

Camborne Show

20th July 2019

Providing fun for all the family, the Camborne Show boasts the best of the area’s agriculture. Kids and adults alike will love seeing all of the animals on show here, with cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits and birds being some of the main attractions. Horses also play a big part in the Camborne show, with show jumping displays providing great family entertainment, while little ones will love seeing the miniature and Shetland horses!

Acting as a celebration of Camborne’s rural heritage, you’ll also see displays of vintage cars and tractors, as well as craft and horticultural tents and trade stands. If you want to get involved, you can also enter your family dog into the fun pet dog show! After a break from the excitement of the show? Head to the beer tent to enjoy a refreshing beverage and enjoy the sounds of the local live music. Tickets cost £7.50 for adults, £5 for children aged 10-16, and free for under 10s, with a family ticket of 2 adults and 2 children available for £20.

Boconnoc Steam Fair

26th – 28th July 2019

The annual event, held in the Boconnoc Estate, sees an array of old-fashioned steam engines and vintage vehicles on display. Hosted by the Liskeard Steam and Vintage Club, the event involves a range of full-sized and miniature steam engines, as well as other vintage vehicles, including old tractors, motorcycles, classic cars and military vehicles. Watch parades of vintage vehicles, or get more involved by taking a ride on a steam-hauled trailer around the showground.

As well as the main vehicle displays, you’ll find more model displays in a variety of marquees throughout the showground. You can also browse the craft and trade stalls, before stopping for a refreshing pint of beer at the drinks tent. If you want to spend more time admiring the classic and vintage vehicles, then the kids will be kept entertained at the accompanying fun fair.

If you’re thinking of staying in Cornwall in July, which of these exciting events would you most like to see? We’d love for you to stay at our 5-star cottages here at The Valley, so if you’d like a Cornish getaway, we’re currently offering you a £50 restaurant voucher for our Azura restaurant with bookings made for June and July!


What’s On Cornwall: Royal Cornwall Show

May 20th, 2019

What is the Royal Cornwall show, and what’s on offer?

The Royal Cornwall Show is regarded as the last major agricultural show in the UK and has spanned 226 years so far. This makes it an important event to be marked in the calendar.

This year’s dates to get in your diary are the 6th, 7th and 8th of June 2019, for a show you won’t want to miss.

Gates open for ticket holders at 7 am, and for the general public, the show opens at 8.30am.

There is definitely plenty to choose from in the Royal Cornwall Show this year, and more importantly, there is sure to be something for everyone who attends!

Pig at the Royal Cornwall Show

Animals

All sorts of animals are a part of the Royal Cornwall Show, from prized cattle, rare breeds, to even smaller animals such as rabbits, bees and pigeons!

Depending on where your interest lies, there is a mixture of education and entertainment where the animals are involved.

For those interested in rare breed animals, there will be a tent dedicated to just them! The tent will be filled with fascinating information, including people to talk to who are devoted to keeping the genes of rare animals alive. The tent will also, of course, include the beautiful rare breed animals themselves. For those more interested in the classics, there will be plenty of main ring events, including show jumping, the RAF police dog demonstration team and of course, the grand parade of cattle, sheep and goats.

Entertainment

There are tons of exciting events happening this year at the Royal Cornwall Show, ranging from the Jason Smyth adrenaline tour- an unrivalled motorcycle stunt show, the RAF Falcons – the UK’s premier military parachute display team, to the two different main stages for live music performing full programmes throughout the day. If none of these options grab your attention, the show also features a variety of exciting displays, from groups such as Cornwall festival of dance and various street theatre acts!

Image Credit: theroyalcornwall | Instagram

Food

There is always something new to be tried at the Royal Cornwall Show and this year is no exception! The show will be packed out with stalls bursting with fresh fruit, local produce, and a wide variety of ciders and beers.

You can find the finest food and drink being showcased in the Cornwall Food and Farming Pavilion, where you can also sample the variety of products, and even meet the producers themselves!

After all that tasting and testing, why not pop over to The Food Chain Hub, which is a new addition to the show this year. It’s an educational spot offering information about the farming industry and food production.

Crafts

Crafts are one of the most important and cherished sectors for the Royal Cornwall Show, and they use the best to promote the work of British craftsmen and women. The Rural craft association, the UK’s premier craft organisation, has a reputation for hosting a wide variety of craft products. Not to forget West Country Arts, Craft and Design tent where around 80 artists, designers and crafters are represented in an astonishing display of makes.

These range from jewellery to handmade furniture, pottery to wool, and even silk and porcelain items. There are also paintings, photographs and pewter ware too, so there is plenty to admire.

A close up of purple flowers

Anything else?

If that isn’t enough to get stuck into, there is still plenty more to see and do.

The Flower Show, which is thought to be one of England’s best, boasts the most impressive array of flowers from people far and wide in the trade. The Steam Fair is also a sight to behold, with its vintage tractors, engines and rare machinery pieces and for the whole family. And The Fun Fair is the perfect place to unwind with the entire family, and embrace the retro replicas of Victorian classics such as the carousel, the big wheel, the helter-skelter and many more!

The Royal Cornwall show is all about celebrating the qualities and joys of rural life. If any of these activities have piqued your interest for a trip, why not make it a proper break?

To keep in with the rural theme, hidden away in thirteen acres of gardens and woodland is The Valley, offering a serene escape. Perfect for your break away.



How to Spend New Year’s in Cornwall

December 05th, 2018

Stuck for something to do this New Year’s? Treat yourself to a five-star cottage in Cornwall for a fantastic holiday with family and friends, welcoming in the new year in style! Cornwall is a fantastic location, with lots to do throughout the year, and New Year’s Eve is no different. Below we take a look at some of the best events happening in towns and cities near our holiday cottages:

 

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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!