Tag - cornwall

The Best Water And Theme Parks In Cornwall

Whether you are a thrill seeker, or you are looking for a fun day out for the family, in this blog post, we will talk about all of the best water and theme parks for you to go to whilst you’re in Cornwall. 

Oasis Fun Pools

Located in Newquay, this swim zone will quench your thirst for a good swim, mixed with a thrill. Oasis Fun Pools have three different water flumes, ranging from a gentle slide for all the family to enjoy, to a more thrilling ride. The other two flumes include the “aqua whizz flume” for those with a need for speed. If that's not exciting enough for you, then why not have a go at the superflume, which is a whopping 265ft high! As well as these flumes, they also have a river rapid ride and a giant tap feature. 

Since the park is open from 11 am - 6 pm, you may get a bit peckish, but not to worry! Oasis fun pools have many different food options available to you, as well as a full bar. The Terrace Bar and Restaurant is open from 8 am, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you fancy a takeaway option, then you could visit Mario’s Pizzeria or the Fish and Chip Shop. 

Camel Creek

Camel Creek in Helston is the perfect theme park for all the family, with rides for both kids and adults, as well as many different animals to go and see. Camel Creek has some amazing rides to keep the kids busy including their “wave rider” swinging chairs, and Swampy’s Drop, which is a free fall ride, but for the little ones. Of course, no theme park would be complete without the teacups, or in this case “Dinas Dancing Flowers.”

There are also multiple options for those of you out there who prefer coasters and more thrilling rides, then the Thunder Canyon area of the park is perfect for you. “Air Bender” is a family coaster with plenty of drops and turns to keep you wanting more.  I mentioned “Swampy’s Drop” earlier as a kid's attraction, well for you big kids out there, Camel Creek has Vertigo, which is a 50ft free-fall drop, taking you from the sky to the ground in just seconds. 

Hidden Valley 

This unique park is full of puzzles, mazes and mystery. Located in Launceston, this theme park is perfect for brainiacs and those that love a fun challenge. Their puzzle trails are suitable for any age, with ones available for the kids, and more difficult ones for the adults to get their brains going, not to mention the beautiful scenery throughout the park.

Another attraction at the Hidden Valley is Tremuddlewick, a miniature village filled with surprises. You will often find the house doors shaking from the electricity produced by the unpredictable windmill in the village. Another great attraction here is the Forbidden Mansion. Filled with twisty hallways and upside-down floors, the mansion is sure to produce some great laughs. 

One of the things that the puzzle park is known for is its famous maze. The Maze is created from over 4,000 beech trees and if you manage to make it to the middle, then you will reach the treehouse and will be able to look over the whole of the park. Hidden Valley truly is one of those places where you can make memories that will last a lifetime. 

Retallack Aqua Park 

If you love watersports, then Retallack Aqua Park has everything you could possibly want. Start your day off with their Flow rider, Cornwall's only year-round surfing wave.  Everyone aged 8 and above can have a go at this, even if you have no previous surfing experience. This is also a great option for those of you who don’t fancy going into the great big sea for your first surfing experience. 

You can also have a go at wakeboarding at the park. They have recently built a brand new wake station, along with two kickers and a slider. They provide all the safety equipment and they also have many fantastic instructors on hand to help you out along your way. If you are new to the sport then the instructors can show you along your way and you will soon be a pro. 

The biggest attraction at Retallack water park is its inflatable water course. This watercourse is available to anyone aged 6 years and over. It is a great activity for birthday parties, hen and stag do’s, and a great team building exercise. Bounce your way through the course and feel safe knowing that lifeguards are on hand in case anything goes wrong. 

Read more...

Christmas Events And Activities In Cornwall

Here in Cornwall, Christmas celebrations are in abundance for all ages and backgrounds with events stretching from early November to Christmas Eve. Having events all across the county, we were spoilt for choice, but here is our pick for the best Christmas activities in Cornwall.

Cornwall Christmas Fair At The Eden Project

The Eden Project’s Christmas fair is known for being the biggest Christmas Fair in Cornwall, with 70 local and international stalls, you’ll never run out of things to do. This makes it the perfect time for Christmas shopping and a great day out for the whole family to get into the Christmas spirit. Tickets include lunch, wine, and free admission for the 23rd and 24th of November. Proceeds from the sales will go towards Cornwall Community Foundation, helping the local community through the winter and beyond. 

White Christmas: The Musical

Irving Berlin’s classic musical is coming to Cornwall this winter, making it a great family-friendly experience. This heartwarming romantic comedy features classic Christmas songs like Blue Skies and, of course, White Christmas. This musical is visually impaired and deaf-friendly, with some performances having a sign language interpreter and a real-time description of the performance through headphones so nobody can miss out on the festive cheer. The musical is running from the 12th to the 19th of November.

Children's Christmas At The Dracaena Centre

Located in the heart of Falmouth, this celebration is welcome for all ages and includes party games, gifts, and a special appearance by Santa. This provides a chance for parents to wind down whilst the children are enjoying themselves. The event is on the 18th of December from 1 PM to 4 PM and is family-friendly. 

Mousehole Christmas Lights

This popular, family-friendly location attracts thousands of visitors each Christmas and is one of the best areas for Christmas events in Cornwall. With picturesque scenes across the village highlighted by the vibrant lights draped across the houses. With displays highlighting Cornwall’s history and heritage such as sea serpents and whales. The attraction is community made and run by purely volunteers.

Santa By Steam

Hosted by Bodmin and Wenford Railway, this magical train ride allows children to experience true Christmas magic on a beautiful old-fashioned train, allowing them to see Santa and have their photo taken with him. This train is suitable for wheelchairs and features Christmas-themed arts and crafts activities, along with each child receiving an age-relevant gift.

Read more...

The History of Cornwall

Compared to the rest of the British Isles, Cornwall is known for its unique heritage and culture due to its independence until the 10th century. Cornish culture is celebrated for its independent mindset and stout ideals in the face of change. This makes the Cornish people hard-working and resilient. The Cornish language is vastly different from its English counterpart, this is due to Cornwall having a Brittonic language of the Celtic language family, much like Welsh, Irish and Scottish. 

Cornwall is renowned throughout the Isles for its unique mining culture due to the large tin deposits found in the region. The historical significance of such a small part of the British Isles is felt widely throughout the world, as the Cornish helped revive the English language and also being on the forefront of mining technology, which allowed the growth of several economies around the world. This small section of Cornish history already makes it worthy of such study and fame.

From First Settlement To The Roman Occupation

The area of Cornwall has been permanently inhabited by humans for over 10,000 years, with several settlements in the region having been found mining the rich Cornish tin deposits, showing how prominent the mining culture is in the region. Fragments of Cornish culture have been found off the coast of modern Israel through shipwrecks dating to this period, with explorations of the region dating back to roughly 60 BCE with the mention of the land by the Greek historian Diodorus Siculus, and the land being called ‘Belerion’ by the Greeks and Romans with the latter Occupying Cornwall and the Celtic people that lived there. 

The Cornish-inspired architecture was built by the Romans using uniquely Roman materials. These buildings were separate from the rest of the isles and demonstrated a Cornish culture prevalent on the island. At this time, Cornwall was also known for connecting the British Isles to mainland Europe through the English Channel, showing its significance and benefit. 

Cornwall in the Dark Ages

Devon and Cornwall held out against the Germanic conquest and settlement of Britain by the Saxons, Angles, and Jutes as the Kingdom of Dumnonia. Cornwall still kept close cultural ties with Ireland, Wales, and Brittany due to their Gaelic heritage and stood together against the Saxon threat. As the Kingdom of Dumnonia ceased existing at the beginning of the ninth century, the Kingdom of Cornwall prevailed and remained independent but far more cut off from cultural contacts. However, while Cornwall was independent, its borders shark considerably throughout the years and eventually was confined by the river Tamar

.Eventually, the Cornish people were subjugated by the Anglo-Saxons by the mid-tenth century. Although occupied, Cornish culture remained prevalent in the region, and the language was still widely spoken. Through the use of the Catholic Church, Cornwall was slowly anglicized through the appointment of English priests in the area.

From William the Conqueror to Oliver Cromwell

William the Conqueror appointed survivors of the Cornish royal line to prominent positions of leadership in Cornwall. The Normans built castles in the region, and the town that grew around Launceston Castle would go on to be the capital of the county. The Cornish were paramount in the translation of the Bible into English, with John of Trevisa being particularly important. This work brought the English language back from the verge of extinction back into relevance. Even by the 15th century, the Cornish language continued to be spoken and used in the region. the Tudor dynasty began suppressing Cornwall’s unique status through the use of administrative centralization.

In 1549, the Cornish people revolted against the English. This revolt was orchestrated by resentful tin miners due to the increased taxes put on the Cornish to help fund the levy of an army to go against Scotland. This caused significant financial hardships for them and intruded on a special Cornish tax exemption. The rebellion would be defeated at the Battle of Deptford Bridge. During the English civil war, Cornwall acted almost as a royalist enclave in the Parliamentarian south. This was due to the strong Cornish identity which saw the king as the protector of their privileges. 

 From the Victorian era to modern-day Cornwall

In the Victorian era, Cornwall was at the forefront of mining expertise and innovation. However as tin became increasingly scarce, Cornishmen emigrated to areas like the Americas and Oceania where their experience was in very high demand. This era was the peak of Cornish smuggling to avoid import fees by utilizing Cornwall’s rugged coastline. The Jamaica inn was famous for its involvement in the smuggling business.

With the revival of interest in Cornish culture in the 20th century, more people began to run for power to serve the interests of the people of Cornwall. Recently, Cornish became an ethnicity recorded in the national census in 2001 and gained minority status in 2004. This shows the slow revival and appreciation of the Cornish people and the Cornish culture which is still happening to this day. 

Read more...
Adult Halloween Events In Cornwall 2022

Adult Halloween Events In Cornwall 2022

It’s that time of the year, and if you wish to get your spooky on and have some mad fun, then Cornwall is the place to be. In Cornwall, Halloween is not just a one-day celebration; it’s an entire season where people of all ages get to put on their scary costumes and have fun attending some of the most fun parties.

This year, you can choose your favourite from a series of fun and terrifying events that will take place in Cornwell. The fun thing about celebrating Halloween in Cornwell is that the adults are not left behind. Below are some fun-filled and spooky events that adults can enjoy during the 2022 Halloween in Cornwell.

The Witches Afternoon Tea At The Headland Cornwall

Due to demand, the Witches Afternoon Tea at The Headland Cornwall is back. This is an afternoon tea and dinner event for people of all ages. Of course, if you love some spooky, witchy stuff. The event will take place every day from 1st to 31st October. Enjoy a quality and frighteningly good fun time with friends and family at the set of one of the popular 90s classic witch movies. There will be a lot of terrifying treats to try out if you dare. Get to witness the visit from the Grand High Witch on the 1st and 2nd, 8th & 9th and from the 15th-30th of October.

Dead Days Tours At Bodmin Jail

This tour is a freaky yet fascinating event that entails a creepy tour of the Bodmin jail. This tour will cover Victorian spiritualism and contacting the dead. The tour takes place every Monday and Tuesday in October and November 2022. The history of the Bodmin jail is terrifying, with it being where over 50 executions have taken place. Also, the miserable living conditions for inmates make the place even more creepy, giving a spooky atmosphere. One can attend the event if you are over 16 years old, making it great for adults.

Halloween Maze Of Horrors At The Cornish Maize Maze And Fun Farm

If you are looking for a horrifying experience, this is an event in Cornwall that you don’t want to miss. Taking place on 29th October 2022 in a real maize maze with real scare scenes. The event will have everything to keep your adrenaline rushing and heart thumping hard. This is not an event for the fainthearted, as something scary might pop up in front of you in the middle of the maize maze. You can also enjoy a barbecue with friends. It’s a lot of fun.

The Dark Gathering In Boscastle

This event will take place on Saturday, 29th October 2022, from 2 pm at the Upper overflow car park, Boscastle, near Tintagel. If you are into partying and enjoy frightening and scary scenes, this is the place to be. Enjoy traditional folklore and mingle with hundreds of people carrying horse skulls and wearing terrifying garbs. This creates a scary but fun experience.

Hauntlands Screamfest Adult Event At Heartlands

This is a fun-packed gruesome party event with live-action frights that will leave you and your friends screaming. This event takes place on Saturday 26th October. The kids’ part starts from 2 pm to 5 pm, and the adults’ events start from 7 pm to 11 pm. Here, you can participate in several challenges and get a limited-edition badge. The event will also have a costume competition where the one who dresses to impress with the most wicked Halloween costume will be titled the scariest of them all.

Cornwall is the place to be if you want to have several fun activities to do during the Halloween season. You can get affordable and comfortable accommodation at the twice as nice beach chalets and enjoy yourself with friends and family while waiting for the events to unfold.

Read more...
Children’s Halloween Activities In Cornwall 2022

Children’s Halloween Activities In Cornwall 2022

Are you planning to surprise your kids with a fantastic autumn break this season? Then you are in the right place. Cornwall offers its visitors a serene beach environment and warm & cool weather. When your children visit Cornwall this half-term, they will encounter a spooky selection of Halloween events that will keep them entertained. Most places in Cornwall organize a list of spine-chilling happenings to expect your children to enjoy a full dose of fun-filled horror.

Besides, Cornwall has something for each family member, from low-key kid's discos to impressively-dressed Halloween parties. Here are some of the best Halloween activities your children should not miss.

#1. Cornish Maize Maze & Fun Farm

When your children grace this year’s Cornish Maize Maze and fun farm, they will have a choice to select their ideal event depending on their age. Also, there will be a pumpkin patch on the 15th, 16th, 22nd to 30th of October. This activity will boast pumpkin picking and a spooky quiz ideal for families with young children. For those who have older children and are looking for a thrilling experience, they will have a maze of horror on October 29th.

#2. Wildlife Adventure Tour-Paradise Park-Hayle

Paradise parks is a place to take kids for a fun-filled spooky adventure this Halloween. On this trip, the kids will learn some eerie, fascinating facts about the Halloween pumpkin trail, Dracula parrot, spot, and brave a creepy crawly wildlife encounter.

#3. Kids Halloween Party

If you visit Truro, Threemilestone community centre will have a half-term Halloween party for children on October 29th. Ensure your kids are donning their spookiest looks. During the day, your children will enjoy party games, music, face painting, a toy corner, a puppet show, and a raffle.

#4. Halloween At Bodmin Jail

Known for its horrifying history, Bodmin jail was constructed in 1779. The building has experienced 55 public execution and terrible living condition for its inmates. Surprisingly the venue provides a strange and frightening atmosphere for those looking for a spooked Halloween. However, the jail is opening its Dark Walk during the day for families this year. During the occasion, children are expected to dress their fancy dresses. Also, your kids should expect to have terrifying fun in a way their half-term will be super spooky.

#5. Halloween Twilight Run

If you are looking for a place, your children can combine frights and fitness this Halloween. You can visit Scorrier County House on 30th October. On that day at 3 pm, expect a family fun day for kids of age five plus. At 4 pm, kids of age eight plus will participate in a 5km race. Then kids who are 14 years and above will participate in a hellish 10 km race at 6 pm. Every participant in this race receives a medal, but there is a special award for the top finishers.

#6. Monsters of the Deep

This wonderful exhibition falls down into the ocean's dark, murky depths. When your kids participate, they get an opportunity to discover the monster that lurks beneath. Also, they will encounter a Kraken with two miles of tentacles and a giant shark. And if they are brave enough, they can meet the menacing mermaid or the big sea spider. As the Halloween night draws in, the shadow and silhouettes take over. Remember to let your family members grace the occasion in fancy Halloween dresses.

Wrap Up

If you are looking for a fancy and a little spookier treat for your kid that is twice as nice this Halloween. Then, visiting Cornwall in 2022 is definitely an option for you. Your children will be introduced to various spooky and thrilling activities full of adventure. Irrespective of their age, Cornwall has activities for every family member.

Read more...

Why should you visit Cornwall, England?

Why should you visit Cornwall, England?

Choosing Cornwall, England, as your travel destination is the best choice. There are many activities and places to visit. You will be missing a lot if you have not traveled to Cornwell. Here are some of the reasons why you need to visit the place.

1. The Beaches

It is home to over 400 excellent beaches, ranging from long stretches of sand to stunning steep-cliffed bays with crashing surf.

2. Cornish Pastries

A trip to Cornwall isn't complete without sampling the daily pasty. Our flawlessly crimped national meal used to be the cool, packed lunch of Cornish tin miners, but now it's stuffed with vegetables and large hunks of beef. There are several excellent pasty shops; several to look out for Choak's in Falmouth, Ann's Pasties on The Lizard, and Philps in Hayle.

3. Sub-Tropical Gardens

Cornwall's subtropical gardens are noteworthy because of the region's pleasant weather. The Eden Project is home to the world's largest greenhouses, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan feature ancient canopies and exotic gardens. At the same time, Trebah and Glendurgan are exotic paradises boasting their private beaches.

4. Poldark

The current BBC series has brought Winston Graham's famous historical novels to life, so there's no need to introduce them. Charlestown, Porthgwarra, St. Agnes, and Kynance Cove are just a few filming locations that movie buffs may check off their list.

5. Ancient Traditions

Imagine sinking ships, illegal trade, and prosperous tin-mining history. The place is an archaeologist's dream: countless abandoned engine houses, mysterious stone circles, fascinating museums, and extensive marine history.

6. Cornish Clotted Cream

Cornish clotted cream, a specialty of the Rodda family since it was first made in 1890, is thick, buttery, and deliciously slathered on toast. The jam goes on top of the scones in a traditional Cornish cream tea.

7. Tregothan Tea

A cup of tea is the perfect complement to all of the above. Can you believe England doesn't have a single other tea plantation, yet Cornwall does? In 2005, England's first domestically grown tea was supplied by the Tregothnan plantation on the Fal River's banks. Book a private garden tour or visit during the annual charity open house weekend to see Tregothnan.

8. Sports On The Water

Of course, the Atlantic swell makes Cornwall a world-famous surfing destination. However, being surrounded by water means you can go for a swim in the wild, go sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking, or grab a ride on a boat trip, no matter where you are.

9. Events And Celebrations

It is a place that loves to party, and every year there are more and more festivals to attend. Whatever your interest, we're sure to celebrate in your honor, whether it be a boat show, a festival of seafood and beer, an exhibition of nautical art, or a concert of sea shanties. Any time of year you travel to Cornwall, you are sure to attend a festival.

10. Fictions And Ancient Tales

You can't shake a stick at all the myths and stories, from mermaids and annoying piskies to giants, saints, and Merlin. Visit Tintagel, the legendary home of King Arthur, and Boscastle, home to the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, while keeping a watch out for the Beast of Bodmin Moor.

11. A Route Along The South West Coast

Cornwall's expansive 296 miles of coastline offer a wide variety of walking opportunities, whether you're looking for a windswept clifftop stroll followed by a warm pint by the fire, a stroll to a picturesque fishing village, or a forage hunt on a balmy summer day.

12. The Culinary Scene

It is among the best places to fill your face since it has attracted many famous chefs, including Rick Stein, Nathan Outlaw, and Paul Ainsworth. Fact.

13. Hidden Spots

Every winding alley, hidden creek, and untrodden beach hides something new. The area continues to shock even the most well-versed of its natives.

14. Creative Activities

Since the early 19th century, Cornwall has served as a fertile ground for creativity, art, and ideas. You won't find a more concentrated population of artists anywhere else in the country than in London. Be sure to put visits to the Minack Theatre, Tate St. Ives, and Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens on your itinerary.

15. Fresh Second-Day Fish And Shellfish

This is the last food-related argument we'll make; we swear! Falmouth Bay oysters, fresh crab, lobsters, pilchards, and mussels — harvested daily by local fishermen and brought to every type of diner — come to mind when one thinks about Cornwall. The Harbour Lights, just down the street, is where you should go for the best fish & chips.

16. Cornish Tiples

But what should one drink to complement such delectable fare? Craft beers, ciders, ales, the best gin in the world, and even a local take on Champagne from the Camel Valley are just a few of the alcoholic beverages that Cornish producers offer.

17. Castles

You can count on a slew of manor houses that have been in the same family for generations and huge castles perched on cliffs and hills. We think St. Michael's Mount, Pendennis Castle, St. Mawes, and Tintagel are all fantastic destinations for a day excursion with a picnic.

18. A Hit With The Audience

Cornwall is perfect whether you're planning a traditional "bucket and spade" vacation for the whole family, a "staycation" getaway for two, or a "dog-friendly adventure" for you and your four-legged friend. Newquay Airport and a fast train line also contribute to the area's accessibility.

19. Creatures Of The Sea

Just glance away from the pasty the seagull is bothering you with. The best way to see dolphins, whales, basking sharks, seals, and a wide variety of seabirds is to book a marine safari and bring your binoculars.

20. Falmouth

Our favorite had to be last. From its dock to its point, Falmouth is a wonderful blend of nautical history and contemporary art and culture. Spend the summer with us and experience it with us.

Read more...

Best Sea Views in Cornwall

The vibrant landscapes, quaint sea shore towns and stunning coastlines synonymous with Cornwall make it undoubtedly a beautiful county. The views from the cliffs and sandy beaches look out to calm Atlantic waves and sometimes rough seas with high waves crashing into the rock. Cornwall is indeed a paradise for sea lovers and the contrast between land and sea makes it a great destination for travelers and visitors. Below we shall delve into the many opportunities offered by the landscape to have some of the most amazing views of the sea from Cornwall shores.

St Michaels Mount

St Michaels Mount offers one of the best views from within the sea on high tide. The tidal island is closer to shore and one can walk to the island at low tide. Care is to be taken however as the incoming tide might catch you out at sea and is dangerous. On high tide, the island is surrounded by water and the views over the Atlantic are picturesque with nothing else on view for miles. During the morning, however, the view of the island from the shore is amazing with the mist surrounding the island with the sound of the waves crashing below.

The Rumps

Around the corner from the popular beach town of Polzeath is one of the most impressive headlands in the county. The amusing name refers to the two bumps on the land connected to the Pentire head by a strip of land. This made it an ideal location for a very defensive fort in the 2nd Century. Views of the Tintagel castle to the east and Pentire point and Camel Estuary just a few minutes west. With the Atlantic Ocean surrounding the protruding land, one can gaze out at the waves crashing below and when very lucky get to witness dolphins and basking sharks in the early days of summer.

Kynance Cove

This spectacular part of Cornwall’s south coast can leave anyone speechless. The red and green sea stacks combined with blue ocean water and the coves preserved white sandy beach create one of the most amazing naturally beautiful locations. A few minutes walk from the car park and one arrives above this magical location. During low tide, walking on the sandy beaches below gives one access to the coves and islands that are accessible while watching out for the returning tide. Exploring the cove from both sides of the cliffs provides contrasting views of the cove and cliffs.

Lands End

Lands End is the most westerly point of England and offers dramatic views of the land ending and the water beginning. The coastline is ragged and rocks jut out in spectacular angles with the waves beating on them all year round. The Long ship Lighthouse and Wolf rock Lighthouse are visible from the viewpoint together with the aptly named “Armored Knight”, a giant rock arch. Clear weather brings into view the Scillies in the distance. Lands End and John O’Groats in Scotland are the endpoint and start point of the grueling “End to End” challenge for running or cycling.

Mullion Cove

Some 8km from Kynance cove, Mullion Cove stands pristine above the turquoise waterline. The harbor is a great location for storm chasers to watch the waves crash over the harbor walls from the Atlantic Ocean swells. There are various caves to explore at low tide from the beach and some of the rock formations and islands become visible. Walking uphill on whichever side of the harbor provides rewarding views of the cove and harbor itself with the sea glistening in the sunlight.

Bedruthan Steps

Another mystical and historic location on the Cornwall shoreline is the Bedruthan Steps. Said to be placed by Bedruthan, a giant, to cross the bay, the dramatic volcanic rocks rise above the waves to provide stunning views. The Carnewas cliffs have become a popular spot for visitors with Newquay gaining popularity in recent years.

Tintagel

The fantastic coastal scenery from the dramatic cliffs of the village of Tintagel in North Cornwall makes for fantastic ocean views. The castle of Tintagel associated with the Arthurian Legend together with his Knights provides a historic and mythical connection to the location. The awe-inspiring views of islands and rock formations atop the high cliffs paired with the sound of the waves crashing below are wonderful. There are caves and a waterfall to explore and satisfy the adventurous type. The sun setting above the ocean provides a picture-perfect moment later in the day.

Bodmin Moore

Miles and miles of rolling moorland dotted with dramatic wind eroded granite rock jutting from the land in weird formations forming the highest points of the county. It is part of the designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a true wilderness. The views from the highest point across the land toward the sea are stunning. Historical bronze age stones, The Hurlers Stone Circle can be found here. Relatively a flat place, the best views are from the top of Stowe’s hill and the incredibly named Minions village.

Porthcurno

Lovers of theatre can enjoy performances above the seat at the open-air amphitheater that is Minack Theatre. The best views of the bay, the beach and the Lizard peninsula farther along the coast are from the steps of the theatre. The beautiful white sandy beach below and high cliffs accent the amphitheater. The beach and ocean are a paradise to all that visit.

Read more...

The Most Fun Things To Do In Cornwall Throughout September

Cornwall is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year, but there’s something special about September in the county. The summer holiday season is over, and everything feels a little more relaxed. Every September, Cornwall comes alive with fun things to do. From festivals and fairs to guided walks and countryside activities, there are plenty of exciting ways to spend your time here during this wonderful month.

Trewithen Classic Car Show

There are many classic car shows and car rallies, but none can match up to the Trewithen Classic Car Show. The event is usually organized by enthusiasts and owners of classic cars who get together to show more than their cars. It is an appreciation of the beauty of cars that any car owner should look forward to.

Sample Cornwall’s Cuisines

September is a great time to sample the county’s best cuisine. There are plenty of food festivals and special events throughout the month, including the Great Cornish Food Festival. There’s also the Eden Festival of Food that also happens once a year and is dedicated to celebrating the county’s food.

Take A Fantastic Day Trip

There are a number of fabulous places to visit in Cornwall throughout September. One of the most popular ones is The Eden Project, located in St Austell near Penryn in the southwest of the county. This is a fabulous place to visit, and you’ll find plenty of fun things to do here during this wonderful month.

The Eden Project has an annual festival during September and October, which attracts visitors from far and wide. Besides the attractions, there are many free activities for children and adults.

Visit The Beaches In Cornwall And Enjoy Some Sun

The beaches in Cornwall are another great option for a fantastic day out, and you’ll find this is yet another place that hosts plenty of events throughout September. Strands Beach, near Newquay, is one of the most popular during September, with lots of fun things to do and see here simultaneously.

You could also go to St Ives, a regular visitor spot for many people who love its stunning beaches. Other beaches include Sennen Beach, Godrevy Beach, Perranporth Beach, and Marazion Beach.

Visit Bodmin Moor For One Fantastic Adventure

The world-famous Bodmin Moor is another great option for a fantastic day out in September. The moor has many activities, such as bird watching, nature walks and exploring ancient sites.

The views across the moor are stunning and have inspired various paintings over time, including John Constable’s The Haywain by Moonlight over Bodmin Moor. They are a sight to behold.

Visit Land’s End, The End Of England

Land’s End is one of Britain’s most famous and photographed landmarks. You will be able to see large-scale, beautiful vistas as you make your way through the tip of Cornwall.

You can do many things here, such as enjoying a stroll along the ocean shoreline, taking in some spectacular views from the nearby cliffs and viewing an array of marine flora and fauna that thrive within its waters. The experience is one not to be missed.

Conclusion

September is filled with activities you can enjoy year-round, especially during the fall. With cooler evenings and the leaves changing colour, there are so many things to do in Cornwall this month. From festivals celebrating cider and apples to ghost walks perfect for those who love scary stories, there are many ways to embrace the month in Cornwall.

Read more...

The Best Farm Shops Cornwall Has To Offer

Theres nothing better than fresh local produce, and it is now more important than ever to support small businesses, and shop local. Here in Cornwall we have some of the freshest and tastiest meat and produce, and our local farmers have set up their own little farm shops to give customers the opportunity to but these products at their absolute freshest. Here are some of the best farm shops that Cornwall has to offer. 

Padstow Farm Shop, Padstow 

One of the goals of Padstow Farm Shop is to minimise their carbon footprint, which is extremely important when it comes to helping the environment. The shop has been open for over 15 years now, supplying the locals with fresh produce, as well as supporting other local small businesses, such as artisan cheese producers, and local bakeries. Another thing that the farm shop prides itself on it how they care for the animals before they get to the butchers counter. All of their animals are free range amnd pasture fed. Not only is this more ethical for the animals, but it also helps to increase the quality of the meat they produce. When you visit the shop you can find a range of fruit and veg, along with a butchery and deli counter. The shop also sells locally produced fresh pasta, so you really can create a whole meal with things you find in the shop. 

Argal Farm Shop, Falmouth

Compared to Padstow Farm Shop, Argal Farm Shop is much smaller although the quality is just as high. This farm shop is a small family run business in the south coast of Cornwall, and specialise in all kind of fruit and vegetables. One of the things that sets the fram shop apart from the others, is that they also offer an organic skincare range, made with entirely with organic ingredients. They also partner with Grumpies Kitchen, who produce fresh meat pies. Grumpies also offer gluten free and vegan pies, meaning this fram shop  really has something that everyone in the family can enjoy. One of the best sellers at the shop is their delicious homemade cakes and pastries. 

Hilltop Farm Shop, Camelford

One things that makes the Hilltop Farm Shop different to the rest, is that it also has a restaurant and cafe. Inside the farm shop, you can find succulent fruit and deliciously fresh veg. In the cafe you can find yummy breakfasts and traditional cornish tea’s. At the restaurant, they often host themed nights, in the past they have hosted cocktail nights, spanish tapas nights, and also burger nights, where all of the food is homemade, using locally sourced ingredients. The shop itself has been notimated for the Cornwall Muddy Awards and has reached the final alongside Padstow Farm Shop. the shop also stocks locally produced Tan Dowr Cornish Vodka. 

Lobbs Farm Shop, Heligan 

Lobbs Farm Shop has one of the most diverse ranges of products on this list, but one of their most popular products, which they pride their self on, is their cornish raised beef and lamb. In their shop they also sell a range of alcohol, inclouding locally brewed beers, and wines. One of the best parts about Lobbs Farm Shop is the beautiful location. The shop is located right next the breathtaking lost gardens of heligan, which makes for a lovely day out, especially since the farm shop is open 7 days a week. Inside the farm shop ou can choose from huge ranges of frsh fruit and vegetables, and British Farm Assured meat. 

Boscastle Farm Shop, Boscastle 

The Boscastle Farm Shop has won many awards due to the fantastic quality of their meat and fresh produce. Along with Lobbs Farm Shop, Boscastle Farm Shop, it is surrounded by beautiful scenery recognied by the National Trust, and is only 50m from a coastal walking trail. One of the unique things about this farm shop, is the fact that they also sell fresh locally sourced lobster straight from the coast. They also sell homemade baked goods such as pies and cakes. The shop also ensures that they used home grown, and locally sourced products wherever possible, to ensure that they operate as ethically as possible.

Read more...

How Did Cornwall Celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee?

As we are sure the whole country is aware, Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her platinum jubilee over a four day bank holiday weekend. She is the first monarch in history to have spent 70 years on the throne and celebrate a platinum jubilee. All across the country people have been celebrating with street parties and parades and the festivities here in Cornwall were nothing short of amazing. Here is how Cornwall celebrated our monarch. 

Street Parties 

The streets of Cornwall were full of people having afternoon tea complete with scones and cakes galore. Tables were covered with union jack’s and flags were hung from lamposts. You could really sense the unity felt by the whole town. These street parties took place all across Cornwall, whether that be in St Ives, Hayle, or Newquay. Fun was had by all members of the families, with older generations being ble catch up with friends, after having spent many months shielding due to Covid, and the children took full advantage of their two extra days off of school to meet new friends and play new games. 

Parades

In some of the bigger towns, parades were thrown with local people showing truly how much the queen had over seen in her magnificent reign. One of the bigger parades was helt in Truro, where the town crier led the way through the streets and was seemed like the whole town followed him. Their end destination was Truro Cathedral was a service was given in honour of the Queen and to show thanks for all of her service. Another notable parade that took place was in Falmouth. The town watched on as the Falmouth Marine Band lead the troops through the town centre, until the reached their destination of the event square, where further festivities took place. 

Beacon Lightings

Beacon lightings were happening up and down the country, in fact a total of over 3000 beacons were light around the country and Cornwall was no different. Almost 50 beacons were lit throught Cornish towns. Lighting beacons has been a tradition for royal events such as jubilee’s, weddings and birthdays ever since 1897. 

Choirs And Bands

Throughout Cornwall many town choirs payed homage to the Queen by singing the national anthem, and other distinctively royal song’s. Many of the bands covered the new jubilee song “A Life Lived With Grace”, which is originally sang by grammy winner, Gregory Porter and the London Community Gospal Choir. The song was written to show how graciously our queen has served us over the past 70 years, the cornish people really resonated with this song and the choirs and bands that chose to perform it were thoroughly enjoyed by all. 

Big Jubilee Lunch At The Eden Project 

On Sunday the 5th of June, the Eden Project held a “Big Jubilee Lunch” which had free entry. The lunch consisted of music, performances, food and fun, all based around celebrating the Platinum Jubilee. The entertainment for the day included a samba band, circus performers, and a hige 30-piece live band. Attendees were encouraged to bring their own picknet, which could be enjoyed and any of the long tables, or the various picnic blankets laid out around the arena. Arts and crafts stalls were also available around the venue to ensure that children were entertained all day.

Sam Ryder Performed At The Palace 

One thing that i’m sure made us all very proud to be Cornish, was getting together and watch our very own cornish space man Sam Ryder perform at the “Platinum Party at the Palace” held at Buckingham Palace. Sam Ryder represented the United Kingdom in Eurovision this year and got us our best result in a long time. His song “Space Man” shot up the charts after his performance at Eurovison and managed to take the number one spot. After this amazing triumph, Sam was invited to perform at the palace alongside the likes of British rock legends Queen, the casts of hit musicals such as Lin Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton” and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom Of The Opera'' and the breathtaking Andrea Bochelli. Projectors began popping up everywhere so tht towns could gether together and watch Sam do his thing on the big screen, and boy did he do us proud. 

It’s safe to say that here in Cornwall we had a fantastic time celebrating the Platinum Jubilee. This monumentous triumph for the Queen will be historic and i’m sure we will be talking about how we celebrated for many, many years to come.

Read more...