Tag: What’s On 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!
What’s On: Charlestown Regatta Week
July 16th, 2018
With an impressive Georgian harbour, filled with an incredible fleet of sailing ships, Charlestown is a quaint village with strong links to the sea. The Charlestown Regatta Week is an annual tradition bringing the community and visitors together to celebrate this beautiful seaside spot, with an assortment of music, races, sports, competitions and other fun activities. We take a look at what is happening on each day of the regatta week.
Saturday 21st July
The regatta is kick-started with the popular triathlon event, racing as either an individual or in a team of three! The first day will also present the little ones with the chance to go off on an adventurous treasure hunt, with an array of craft activities also set up, including pebble painting, face painting and other craft stalls. Saturday also sees the exciting raft races, where competitors take to the seas in a homemade raft, hoping to win a prize for their raft construction and fastest time! At the end of the day, relax with some barbeque food and listen to the live music entertainment.
Sunday 22nd July
The main event on Sunday is the Charlestown Regatta Challenge Gig Race. Hosted by the Charlestown Rowing Club, the rowing race sees four novice rowers paired with a couple of experienced rowers to race to the finish. Sunday also has a strong foodie theme, with a barbeque and cream teas served (the Cornish way) for lunch on The Quay, as well as a pasty making workshop!
Monday 23rd July
Dubbed ‘Musical Monday’, this day of the regatta week focusses on musical performances, with a free event at The Quay. Here The Roustabouts Collective will be performing, from 7pm. Food stalls will also be offering up tasty treats throughout the evening.
Tuesday 24th July
An evening of family fun is to be had, with children’s sports and activities hosted in the Charlestown Regatta Playing Field from 6.30pm. There will be races and games set up for all ages, as well as a variety of stalls to browse. After you’ve tired yourself out with these family activities, grab something yummy from the refreshment stalls and head to The Rashleigh Arms for some sea shanty entertainment!
Wednesday 25th July
On Wednesday night, Cornish comedian Johnny Cowling will be giving a special performance in the Regatta field, entertaining audiences with his Cornwall-themed comedy routines. The event is free to attend, and a licensed bar will be selling drinks from 6.30pm.
Thursday 26th July
The Grand Carnival takes place on Thursday 26th, with the procession commencing in the Regatta Field at 7pm. Leading the parade will be the St Austell town band and the Kernow Pipes and Drums group, making for a lively and exciting start to the evening. Prizes will be awarded to members of the procession with the best costumes and floats. After the parade, there will be a Proms in the Park event, performed by the St Austell Town Band, followed by a firework display.
Friday 27th July
For the last day of the Regatta Week, the grand finale comes in the form of the open air live music evening, known as ‘Regatta Rocks’. With gates opening at 6.30pm, a number of local bands and acts will be taking to the stage. Keep your energy up for dancing with a bite to eat from the hot food stalls or a glass of Pimm’s from the bar! Tickets cost £10 for over 16’s, £5 for ages 5-15, and are free for under-5’s.
Charlestown may also be familiar to visitors, having been the filming location for over 25 films and TV shows, including as one of the main sets for the hit BBC show Poldark! If you would like to see all the Charlestown, and the surrounding areas has to offer, then come and visit for great family-friendly holidays in Cornwall!
Image Credit: Alison Day
Stithians Agricultural Show
July 06th, 2018
The biggest day-long agricultural show in Cornwall, Stithians Show is back again for more family fun on the 16th July. Running every year since the early 1800s, this display of agricultural greatness celebrates all the local area has to offer, from animals to crafts!
The Showground at Stithians is near Truro and is accompanied by a fairground and numerous marquees for the big day. The main event is, of course, the animal show, where the finest livestock compete for best in show. While horses take the forefront, with around sixty classes, there are also awards on offer for many animals, from goats to guinea pigs! Dog shows and displays of dog agility will also be running throughout the day. Kids will be kept entertained by the small animal section, with plenty of cute rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens to watch and enjoy.
Another major aspect of the show is the horticulture section, which has over 250 classes to compete in, with prizes up for grabs for best veggies or the most beautiful blooms. One of the best exhibits is the Sweet Pea Competition, which also acts as the South West Championship. Also popular are the Floral Art competitions, with some phenomenal displays on show each year.
Stithians Show really encourages children to take part as well, with the Sunflower Trail providing plenty of opportunities to get involved. Going on an adventure around the showground, kids can look out for wooden sunflowers where they will find a stamp to collect, as well as a whole range of exciting activities. Here, children can get hands-on with many aspects of agricultural life, such as milling flour, learning knots, weaving wool and getting up close with some rare breeds!
Food also plays a big part in the Stithians show, with many wagons, stalls and marquees serving up the best Cornwall has to offer! A vast array of food wagons are dotted around the showground for quick bites, such as hot dogs, doughnuts and burgers. There are also a number of wagons and stalls set up to cater to a wide variety of dietary requirements, such as the vegan food wagon. This year, a new Farmers’ Kitchen marquee is being opened to serve full English breakfasts in the morning, a buffet for lunch, and afternoon teas after 3pm! However, the star of the food show is definitely the Taste of Cornwall Marquee, where local businesses showcase their foodie treats, with cheese, jam and cider all produced in Cornwall on offer.
Another popular exhibit is the Countryside Area, where craftspeople demonstrate their skills. Come and watch the blacksmiths working, or see demonstrations from thatchers, stonemasons and beekeepers, among many others. If that’s not enough, the exhibition ring will also see displays of hawking, fly fishing and a sheep parade!
It’s not just about the agriculture though, as there will be musical performances taking place throughout the day. The Show is kick-started by an impressive display from the St Stythians Band, who will march in procession for the opening ceremony, and will provide further performances during the day. The main stage will have bands, choirs and solo acts from Cornwall keeping the crowds entertained all day long, with a separate pop-up festival providing a more relaxed venue to sit and listen to music with a bite to eat. In the evening, the St Stythians Band and the Holman-Climax Male Voice Choir will take to the stage.
The Valley is only a 12-minute drive away from the Stithians Showground, so if you are thinking of paying a visit, come and stay at our luxury Cornish cottages to see all that Cornwall has to offer!
Discover the History of Poldark
August 10th, 2017
The Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro holds one of the world’s most-renowned mineral collections, however, this year it is home to something a little different! Sunday night (August 6th, 2017), saw the end of the third series of Poldark grace our screen. Composed of nine episodes, the series has been running on BBC one since 2015 and is based on the first two Poldark novels by Winston Graham. For those fans of the show, the news that it has been renewed for a fourth series will have delighted you. However, having to wait until 2018 for your next fix may not!
Set in the late 18th century, the story follows Ross Poldark, an ex-soldier who had arrived back to a very different life to the one he had left behind. With a stunning Cornish backdrop, the first series captivated watchers across the UK and, thanks to its romance and drama, became a firm favourite in households everywhere.
Now, two years on since its first episode, the third series has just finished. The brooding period drama has paused, with Poldark struggling to find the balance between his attempt to be a hero and his duty as a husband to Demelza. If you’re an avid watcher, who is desperately wishing the next series would start again, don’t worry! We may have something that is just for you.
With the English summer being dominated by storms, you might seem apprehensive about booking your next trip to Cornwall. Whatever the weather, the Cornish landscape is sure to take your breath away, and with the filming for the show taking place on the rugged beaches and breathtaking coastline you’ll be sure to spot some of your favourite locations.
Our luxury Falmouth resort, set in Truro is also conveniently close to the Royal Truro Museum, which is currently home to the Poldark exhibition. Running until February 2018, visitors can step back in time to the 18th century to look at the vast array of historical objects that are on display. Combined with stills from the show, the exhibition is one no Poldark fan should miss.
If you’re worried about this exhibition not satisfying you with your Poldark fix, you shouldn’t! The entire exhibition has been made possible thanks to the television company that produces the show, Mamouth Screen. In addition to that, the son of the author of the original novels, Andrew Graham has had a helping hand in making the exhibition happen.
Andrew Graham said; “I want visitors to the museum to see an authentic blend of historical objects from the 1800’s but with a twist. I also wanted to acknowledge my father’s unique relationship with the museum, where he left many of his original notebooks, showing his novels written in long hand, as well as the typewriter on which he wrote to his many fans”.
Attractions in Cornwall that are open seven days a week!
December 16th, 2016
Just because it’s winter, does not mean the county of Cornwall goes into hibernation. In fact, winter is one of the best times to visit thanks to smaller queues, reduced admission prices and a more peaceful atmosphere for you and your family to roam without the hustle and bustle of the summer. These conditions also make it a fantastic time to bring your pooch on holiday with you so the whole family can be together. Be sure to check out our dog friendly holidays in Cornwall this year to make some memories you won’t forget.
Here are seven Cornish attractions that leave the doors wide open seven days a week. Check out these fantastic family days out that can be visited throughout the winter months…
National Maritime Museum, Falmouth
A fantastic, hands-on educational experience that is fun for all the family! Explore fifteen galleries spread over five floors discovering the past, present and future of our fantastic little island. You can even take a journey through time to the Viking world and find out what made them one of the most iconic cultures of all time, as well as the secrets behind their success.
Eden Project, nr St Austell
Feeling a bit down from the cold? Check out the tropical biomes at the Eden Project, full of fascinating plants and crops from tropical environments, each with their own story for you to get lost in. The Eden Project also has some fantastic thrill-seeking opportunities, with a zip-wire, gigantic swing and leap of faith also featuring in the activities available for visitors. Throughout the winter, an ice-rink is also present and available to book in addition to your general admission tickets.
Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay
If the Atlantic Ocean is a little too brisk for you and your family this time of year, appreciate the sea from the comfort of inside this fantastic aquarium. You will make your way through over 40 naturally themed habitats, from exotic bays to the Cornish seas. The heart of the aquarium features an ocean tank, where you can observe loggerhead turtles, reef sharks and shoals of colourful fish from above the tank and below, in their iconic clear tunnel. The site is located on the fantastic Towan beach, perfect for a few post-aquarium selfies!
Seal Sanctuary, Gweek
In keeping with the aquatic theme, winter is pup rescue season for the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, making it a great time to visit the rehabilitation centre at its busiest. You will be able to fully gauge the scale of work they do to save the seals, but do be prepared to fall in love them yourself! Occasionally the seal sanctuary’s facilities and expertise are called upon to save other aquatic animals, so who knows what you might see there!
Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan
Don’t forget to bring your wellies on holiday, for 200 acres of garden is yours to explore! Step back in time and lose yourself in Europe’s largest garden restoration, which is rich in history, mystery and romance. A visit in the tranquillity of winter will inevitably let you forget the stresses of reality and simply relax in the peaceful, traditional garden that is bursting with nature.
Paradise Park and Jungle Barn, Hayle
This wildlife sanctuary is home to over 140 species, as well as more than 650 birds. Daily events include otter and penguin feeding times and whatever the weather, fun is guaranteed in the huge indoor play area! On Tuesday’s, Thursday’s and Sunday’s you can even indulge yourself in a traditional roast dinner from the Otter café, the perfect winter warmer for a cold Cornish day!
Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm, nr Truro
No one does cider quite like the Cornish, and home-made brews can make the perfect winter tipple to warm you up from the inside out! Come and see it being made at a real brewery, as well as saying ‘hello’ to the numerous friendly farmyard animals wandering around the place!
So, in many ways, Cornwall comes to life in the winter, and attractions and activities can be enjoyed at your own pace, without the hectic summer crowds. Book your winter break today, and check out any of these fantastic attractions and find some hidden gems of your own!
What’s On In Falmouth This December
December 08th, 2016
If you’re lucky enough to be heading on a festive Falmouth holiday this December, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the run up to Christmas. From Santa Fun Runs to animal-based nativity plays, Falmouth truly is the place to be this month! Check out all that’s on offer below as they are all for fantastic causes.
Dates for your December diaries – Family festive fun!
December 06th, 2016
December is a fantastic time to visit Cornwall and make the most of all that the county has to offer. Many popular Cornish attractions put on great festivities, so here’s our guide to the best things to do on your Christmas break in Cornwall.
Don’t miss Truro’s Christmas Farmers’ Market on your winter break in Cornwall
November 30th, 2016
If you’re lucky enough to be going on a Cornwall Christmas break this winter, then Truro’s Christmas Farmers’ Market is not to be missed!
Billy Ocean returning to Cornwall
January 21st, 2016
Legendary R&B singer Billy Ocean is carrying on from last year’s hugely successful performance at The Watering Hole in Perranporth by deciding to visit again this year, with his huge catalogue of hits sure to impress the crowd once again. (more…)
The benefits of being in Cornwall this December
December 10th, 2015
Cornwall is a glorious place to be at any time of the year but for something different why don’t you book one of our cottages in Cornwall and soak up the festive ambiance this December. Here are some of our favorite winter activities for you to get involved with this holiday season. (more…)
