Tag - united kingdom

Local Theatre Performance in Cornwall

Local Theatre Performance in Cornwall

Cornwall is one of the most serene places in the UK to live, work and play. It has over 300 beaches and the longest coastline in the UK. Furthermore, it offers a beautiful setting for theatrical productions. There are tons of theatres and production companies to choose from across the county. From open-air theatres perched high on the cliffs, there is something fit for everyone's taste regardless of their age. This article will enlighten you on the different plays and shows in Cornish theatres.

Different plays and shows happening in Cornwall's theatres

The beautiful county of Cornwall has marvellous theatres where various plays and shows are performed. Some of the beautiful theatres you can find in this county includes Minack theatre, Hall for Cornwall, the poly at Falmouth, the miracle theatre and many more. Here are the different plays and shows happening in these theatres.

The CGS spring flower show

One of the best shows happening in Cornwall is the CGS spring flower show. The show showcases springtime horticultural beauty. It dramatically displays ornamental trees and shrubs, pot plants, herbaceous, camellias, photography and floral art, among other classes. The CGS spring flower show is one of the most extensively respected shows in the UK. It attracts more than 10000 people and over 150 trade exhibitors and professional growers across the UK.

The Porthleven Food festival

This event is not just a food festival. It involves lots of entertainment in the form of gourmet events and music sessions. This food festival brings hundreds of people together to eat and enjoy. National and international chefs usually attend the event, and you get to enjoy food from the streets and food stalls. Then people march and sing around the beautiful harbour of Porthleven.

The Royal Cornwall Show

The Royal Cornwall show is a traditional family occasion that highlights the agricultural activities of the year. It takes place in the Wadebridge showground and provides a lot of information, competition, shopping and everything that is best in food and agriculture. The show attracts tons of visitors, and there is something for every family member, both kids and adults. In this show, people get a chance to view different animals and birds. You will find goats, sheep, rabbits, bees, dogs, poultry, cage birds and other rare breeds.

Cornwall Pride

The Cornwall Pride is a fantastic event that is colourful, inclusive, and fun. It enables people to celebrate diversity and raise awareness about inclusivity. This vibrant event was started in 2008 to bring the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and marginalized communities alongside their friends and family across Cornwall. The event begins with a parade through the streets of Newquay and later an after-party with lots of live music and entertainment.

Bude & Stratton Folk Festival

This festival is a welcoming and friendly event in the seaside town of Bude,4 North Cornwell. It features sharing traditional acoustic music, storytelling and songs. It also has a small schedule featuring kids’ events.

Conclusion

There are lots of fun and engaging activities in the theatres across Cornwell County. From shows, outdoors, acting, to performances, you will get an event that suits your taste. Also, you can enjoy your stay in Twice As Nice Beachside chalets. Some of the shows and plays happening in these theatres are; the CGS spring flower show, the Porthleven Food Festival, the Royal Cornwall Show, Cornwall pride and the Bude & Stratton Folk Festival. You will find a festival to engage in on every visit to this great county!

Read more...

What’s Coming To Cornwall In 2022?

As we enter another year of this seemingly never-ending pandemic, staycations are more popular than ever, and if you're thinking about visiting our sunny coast this year, then you should continue reading to discover what Cornwall has to offer you throughout the 2022 season. Whether you’re a foodie or music lover, there is something for everyone happening in 2022 in the idyllic location of Cornwall. 

World Pasty Championships 

Where: The Eden Project

When: 5th of March (St Pirans Day)

There isn’t a more Cornish way to start the 2022 season than the World Pasty Championships. However the day isn't all about your typical cornish pasty, you can also expect unique combinations of any savoury pasty. One of the great things about the day is that anyone can have a go! There are four different categories, company, professional, amateur, and junior. This year marks its 10th anniversary so come check it out and enjoy some sensational pasties, as well as comedy and music performances to keep you entertained throughout the day. 

CGS Spring Flower Show 

When: 2nd - 3rd April 

Where: Royal Cornwall Showground

Everyone knows about the famous Chelsea Flower Show and this cornish event has come to be known as the “Chelsea of the West.” This is a ticketed event where you can see what is truly the best of Cornish horticulture, and if you are a member of the CGS then you can even attend an exclusive preview event on the 1st of April. The event is making its comeback after having to take two years off due to coronavirus restrictions, but this year it is coming back with a bang with plenty of garden inspirations as well as some stunning displays. 

Porthleven Food Festival 

When: 22nd - 24th April

Where: Porthleven 

Here’s one for all you foodies! Although with music sessions and gourmet events, the food festival is a great day out for any families, friends, or just about anyone will be able to find something to enjoy at this event! Throughout this event you will have the chance to taste masses of different cuisines and foods lovingly handmade but some excellent chefs. For those of you who are wanting to learn more about the art of cooking, then you can purchase tickets to the “Chefs Theatre”, where some of Cornwall's greatest chefs will be showing you how to create yummy dishes at home. 

Padstow May Day

When: 1st of May

Where: Padstow

This is one of the more traditional events that takes place throughout the season, but it is also one of the most celebrated days in Padstow’s Calendar. To mark the changing of the seasons, a group of huge parades takes place which are known as the Pagen “obby oss” Parades. There are giant puppets as well as dancers, so it is very entertaining, not only for little ones, but also for people who have never experienced anything like these parades before. The streets are decorated with flags and flowers, and the event is very popular with thousands of people attending every year.

Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature 

When: 6- 14th May

Where: Fowey 

If you like to get lost in your imagination, whether that be through poetry, or books, or music, you will definitely enjoy this festival. Enjoy insightful readings by the sea, or spend some time writing your latest piece and enter one of the competitions. Throughout the event, there are various competitions to enter, and for all age groups. This will help you to get the brain juices flowing as well as to relax in the ocean air and take some time to yourself. 

Royal Cornwall Show 

When: 9th - 11th June

Where: Wadebridge 

If you’re an animal lover then you will have an amazing time at the Royal Cornwall Show. This event is very traditional and great fun for all the family, hundreds of visitors travel from all around the country to visit this exquisite event and the well renowned Wadebridge showground. There are many different animals for you to see, such as sheeps, cows, pigs and much more. One of the most exciting parts of the day is the judging portion where you get to see which animals will go home with the star prizes. Don’t forget that there are also shopping stands where you can purchase fresh local products. 

Boardmasters Festival 

When: 10th - 14th August 

Where: Newquay

A festival on the beach, what more can I say? You can dance and sing along to amazing artists whilst drinking cocktails and soaking up the sun and sea air. This year's lineup is better than ever with headliners including George Ezra, Bastille, Disclosure, and Kings Of Leon. The location of the festival also happens to be a great spot where many surfing competitions take place and you can watch the wave rider whilst listening to the excellent music. 

Read more...

Interesting Facts About Cornwall You Probably Didn’t Know

Cornwall is one of the most beloved places in the UK for stays, but there are so many things about Cornwall that not a lot of people know and are very interesting to learn about before your next visit. Some of these facts will even make you rethink what you know about the Cornish seaside county, Cornwall has so much history and so much of it is unknown, so here are 8 facts you probably didn’t know about Cornwall. 

Cornish Pasties Are Very Practical

Image source  Cornish pasties were originally created for the cornish tin miners to take to work. They needed a substantial and nourishing snack to keep their energy up throughout their long working hours.  The large crusts were added so that the cornish miners had something to hold and once they had eaten the rest of the pastie, they would throw the crust away. This is because of all the harmful and poisonous chemicals that were involved in tin mining, the large crust meant that the pasties wouldn’t get contaminated. 

Cornwall Has The Longest Coastline In The Country

Image source  Three sides of the beautiful southern county are covered by clear blue oceans which means that the county has the longest coastlines in the whole of the UK, the coast has actually been measured to be a colossal 1,086km, which doesn’t even include the coasts of the isle of scilly. The gorgeous Cornish coastline is the perfect setting for romantic walks, breathing in the sea air and taking in the astonishing scenery. 

Cornwall Has The Largest Selection Of Plant Species In The UK

Image source The Eden Project is a “global garden” with plants from all over the globe. Because of this, Cornwall is home to the largest collection of species found in the British isles. Plants have been collected from all around the world and are kept in two huge biomes, which activate the exact temperature that the plants need to survive.  The larger biome mimics a rainforest and the smaller biome recreates the gorgeous mediterranean. This means that even in the colder months, the plants are in an area with temperatures of over 28 degrees. 

Cornwall Has A Native Language

Image source One of the lesser-known facts about Cornwall is that it has its own language, Kernewek. The language comes from celtic origin but it sadly began its decline in the18th and 19th century.  Most reports say that the last person who spoke Kernewek as a first language died in 1777 and was a lady named Dolly Pentreath, however, there are some claims that the last native speaker didn’t die until much more recently in 1914. Although, in recent years, schools have begun teaching the language in hopes of a Kernewek revival.    

Some Cornish Waters Are Shark Infested

Image source  You may not realise quite how vast the aquatic animals that habitat the area are. Of course they have crustaceans and small common fish, but the waters also house larger animals such as Bottlenose Dolphins, Grey Seals, Basking Sharks, and Whale Sharks, which sound extremely intimidating, but they only actually eat plankton. Recently a Blue Shark even took a trip to the harbour in St Ives, although some experts believe that the shark may have just got lost. 

Waves Reach Unbelievable Heights

Image source Surfing is obviously one of the most popular activities in Cornwall, and with the stunning crystal clear waters, we can see why. However, a lot of people don’t realise just how striking the waves can become, especially on Fistral Beach, which is located on the Newquay coastline. During winter storms, the waves can reach breathtaking heights of around 30ft, definitely not for the faint hearted, but these waves are a surfer's dream.

There Is A Cornish Flag

Image source The cornish flag is known as St Piran’s  flag or “Baner Peran” in Kernewek, it is a black flag with a white cross through centre and a lot of of Cornish people use it to symbolise their identity. Whilst the exact date the flag was created is unknown, the earliest reports of the flag being used date back to 1188, when the flag was being used in crusades.  It was then accredited to Saint Piran who was a 5th century Cornish patron saint. Many locals celebrate this flag and some even have stickers of the flag on their cars and fly the flag on masts in their gardens. 

Cornwall Has Over 300 Beaches

Image source Clearly with a coastline of over 1,000km you would expect Cornwall to have a huge amount of beaches, but over 300 is astounding. Cornwall has beaches that are suited for everyone, if you are wanting to have a whimsical picnic on the beach then visiting one of the beautiful secluded coves is a must. If you are on a fun filled family holiday, then the long golden sandy beaches are perfect and the pebbled beaches can act as a great setting for a seashell pirate treasure hunt.  There are also many different dog friendly beaches so you don’t have to leave your furry friend behind. The majority of the beaches also have highly qualified lifeguards so you can relax whilst  your children have fun and of course you can’t forget about the iconic surfing beaches, some of which offer surfing lessons, you can find out more about that here
Read more...

Activities To Do On A Romantic Getaway To Cornwall

Times are still strange due to Covid-19 and travelling abroad is still very much a struggle. Everyone deserves to enjoy a holiday, especially couples who have missed out on celebrating, whether that be an anniversary, a birthday, or just some well-needed couple time.

Romantic Getaways In Cornwall

Although Cornwall is a perfect destination for families, it can also be a romantic dream. Cornwall truly is one of the most romantic spots in the whole of the United Kingdom. There's so many different activities you can do together whilst in Cornwall and here are a few of the most romantic.

Watch The Sunset

One of the most romantic things you could do together whilst on holiday is sit on the beach and watch the sunset. Cornwall is famed for its stunning coastline and sandy shores. If you were going to watch the sunset anywhere, or wish to enjoy coast walks together this is where you should do it. One of the most stunning places to watch the sunset in west Cornwall is Porthmeor Beach, in St Ives. The atmosphere is electric but relaxed as surfers often use this beach in the evening. There truly is nowhere better to watch a sunset than with a sea view and the noise of the waves crashing, so take a blanket and cuddle up to keep warm and enjoy eachothers company.

Relaxing Couples Massage

What better way is there to relax than a massage ? Cornwall has many different luxurious massage parlours for you and your partner to visit and relieve some stress, whether that means a hot stone massage or a swedish full body.  A spa day is the perfect activity for a couple enjoying a romantic break. It is also something you can do at any time of year due to the fact that it is an indoor activity so it is feasible rain or shine. 

Star Gazing

Although the night time scene in Cornwall is buzzing, sometimes quiet alone time is what is sought after by couples. Why not visit one of the parts of Cornwall that has been awarded the Night Sky Status. This means that there is a very little amount of light pollution in these areas that you are able to stargaze with the naked eye.  One of these areas is the Minack Theatre. This is an open air theatre which is a perfect spot for stargazing. They also run a dark skies exhibition which highlights the beauty of the night sky.  You can keep a lookout for shooting stars whilst listening to the calming sounds of the waves hitting the shore. It would be the perfect end for a romantic evening on a couples retreat

Enjoy The Food

Cornwall has over 40 restaurants that have been awarded a Michelin star which is one of the highest culinary awards a restaurant can receive. Why not have a romantic meal on the beachfront and enjoy some fresh seafood straight from the ocean.  Or, if you want something more intimate, why not make your own picnic. You can walk hand in hand along the cliff tops to find the perfect picnic spot. Cornwall has so many independent businesses so you can purchase your picnic food and know that it will be locally sourced and as fresh as possible. 

Take A Vineyard Tour

For those wine lovers out there, one of Cornwall’s hidden treasures is its vineyards. Many of which offer tours along with wine tasting. Camel Valley is extremely popular with visitors to Cornwall and this activity isn’t too pricey so it is a great day time activity to enjoy with your partner. Camel Valley also has a vast range of awards for their wines, so this really will be a treat and a great experience in the Cornish sun.    So although you may wish you were travelling abroad, Cornwall will make you think you are. The beaches, the food, the romantic spots, there really are no negatives. Take your partner and see for yourself that Cornwall really can be a romantic haven. 
Read more...

Bakeries In Cornwall That You Need To Visit

Bakeries To Visit In Cornwall

Cornwall is known for having some of the most amazing pies, pasties and pastries in England, yet each baker has a different recipe. Whilst some aren't so great, typically in Cornwall they are beautifully tasty. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Cornish pasty, or some handmade artisan breads, here are some of the best bakeries that the Cornish coast has to offer.

The Cornish Bakery

Visit their website here  Although they now have stores all across England, The Cornish Bakery originated as a small store in Mevagissey. The founder, Steve Grocutt won over the locals with his delicious pasties, which have become a trademark for the store. The bakeries have many different awards, one of the most profound is them being named makers of the “world’s best pasty.” They also bring the french coast to the Cornish coast with their range of croissants, pain au chocolates and various other french treats for you to enjoy.

St Mawes Bakery Shop

Visit their website here   If you’re a pasty lover you need to get yourself to St Mawes Bakery Shop, their range of savoury pasties is to die for. St Mawes was founded all the way back in 1912 and has been family run ever since. All of their baked goods really are handmade with love, which makes them taste even better.   Since Covid-19 hit, the business launched the “Pasty Club'. This is a monthly subscription service which allows you to get pasties delivered straight to your door each month. What more could you want?!

St Ives Bakery

Visit their website here    St Ives bakery sells a wide variety of hand made freshly baked goods. Not only do they sell traditional Cornish pasties, but they also sell bread, pastries and cakes and anything else you may desire! Just have a walk past and look in the window, you will be greeted by rows of freshly baked meringues, biscuits and the smell of freshly baked bread, that wafts towards you from inside. This independently owned unique bakery will definitely have you drooling and stuck for choice.

Pauline’s Creamery

Visit their website here    This bakery has been operating as ‘Pauline's Creamery’ for over 30 years, however, many years ago it operated as the ‘Old Oak Tearoom’, where it was visited by the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York. Pauline’s Creamery sells a wide variety of both savoury and sweet treats. They make delicious fresh cream cakes made by hand with fresh cornish clotted cream, as well as gateaux and Cornish cream teas. They also sell the classic cornish pasties because what's a cornish bakery without cornish pasties!

The Baker's Dozen + The Cornish Mill and Bakehouse

Visit their website here    The Baker's Dozen is another family run business in cornwall. All of their products are handmade and baked in their bakehouse. Their home baked delights range from bread, pasties, cakes and sweet treats that everyone can enjoy. They frequently visit the Truro Farmers Market to sell their goods, so why not shop local, support the local market traders and pick up some delicious baked goods from The Baker's Dozen at the same time. They also donated their products to NHS workers on shift in their local hospital.

Warren’s Bakery

Visit their website here   Warren's Bakery is known as the oldest pasty maker in the world. They have been operating for over 120 years, they opened when two families came together in 1860 to combine the freshest local ingredients from a farmer's son  with excellent traditional craft bakery skills, from a baker’s daughter.   So if you're looking for an authentic traditional Cornish pasty, this is where you need to be. Their recipes have been handed down from generation to generation to ensure their high standards are still stuck to today. They have now branched out and have 40 stores throughout the west country.

Da Bara Bakery

Visit their website here   Da Bara was founded in 2011 by two brothers who are self-proclaimed “long-term Veterans” of the hospitality and catering trade. The bakery started off as just producing home made bread but it didn't take long for one of their wives to get involved in the business and they expanded to cake makers as well. They have one many awards for their fantastic range of unique breads, pastries and preserves. They also compile luxury fresh baked goods as gift hampers for you to give to your loved ones.

Stones Bakery

Visit their website here    Stones bakery is an extremely healthy option for a bakery if you're on a health kick, they do sell pastries and sweet treats, but they also sell healthy biscuits and muesli. They also sell locally sourced groceries such as eggs, milk, and butter. They brand themselves as an artisan bakery which means you know that everything is fresh and handmade to produce the best quality baked goods for their customers.   They make their dough with a long fermenting process which will naturally improve the flavour of their bread. This process also helps to improve the longevity of their bread shelf life without having to add any artificial preservatives.   So whether you've got a sweet tooth or a craving for a proper cornish pasty, there’s an abundance of local bakeries in Cornwall that can provide you with fresh products that are hand-made with locally sourced ingredients. Which one would you choose, and would you have a traditional pasty or a sweet treat?
Read more...
What Are The Best Things To Do When Visiting Cornwall UK?

Best Golf Courses in Cornwall

Cornwall county is a popular holiday destination in the UK. If not for the Cornwall beach chalets, it's also the perfect place for a golf break.

Golfing In Cornwall

There is no shortage of fabulous golf courses to visit. It boasts of the many parkland courses and excellent links, rolling hills and dramatic coastlines. You can make a great holiday getaway with a visit to some of their exotic locations and get into golfing while away. The lucky ones live in Cornwall, but these are the top golf courses if you are visiting.

China Fleet Golf Club

The course is set in 180 acres of beautiful countryside. It's one of the top golf course and country club in the county. The club has many other facilities, including a bar, restaurant, hotels and practice areas. You will enjoy golfing and the view of the Tamar River. The golf course itself is eighteen-hole parkland with a classic design by Dr Martin Grant Hawtree.

Enodoc Golf Club

St. Enodoc golf course overlooks Camel Estuary. It has beautiful links and high towering sand dunes, which makes it perfect for the sport. You will also enjoy sea views as you explore two of the best links golf in Cornwall. The establishment is second to none, which attracts many people, both locals and visitors. It is found in Rock, the royal sailing town with the picture-perfect harbour. You can also explore the surrounding for some of the best sights and leisure activities.

Perranporth Golf Club

Visit one of the favourite golf clubs in the southwest. Its located just above the Perranporth beaches, it has exceptional landscapes. You will enjoy the surroundings the same way, if not more than golfing. The natural contours will show a different experience with every hole. It has more than sixteen marker posts, that’s why you should consider a course planner if it's the first time there. They have challenging and enjoyable golf on offer, best for experienced golfers and beginners.

Trevose Golf Club

You won't miss Trevose golf club in any list talking about the best golf courses in the UK. The reason it's regarded as one of the best is the links golf and the Atlantic coastline surrounding. It's also because you can play and visit throughout the year regardless of the weather. It's a perfect stop for a golf break because there is so much action happening around the club to experience. The windswept links are the biggest attraction but also space and location.

Mullion golf club

Mullion has a 6000-yard course that gives golfers the most challenging and fun experience. It’s surrounded by rugged cliffs and landscape that makes the best golf setting. The risk-reward par fours and quirky holes make the sport very enjoyable. It was founded in 1895 and has almost gone extinct a few times, but each time manages to come back with a bang. It was once described as short and sweet, but what it lacks in length, the club makes up for it with the unique surrounding.

Conclusion

The five golf courses are among the top hundred in Cornwall. A golfer will never run short of challenging activities because of the many golf clubs in the county. The magnificent coastal settings make most of the courses exceptional with incredible views. They cater for experienced golf lovers and beginners; they are all worth a visit.
Read more...
What Are The Best Things To Do When Visiting Cornwall UK?

What Are The Best Things To Do When Visiting Cornwall UK?

Cornwall is an amazing place with so much to see and explore. It is the place you can take your friends, family and it also has children-friendly places where you can take your children to have fun. No matter what time of the year you go there, you will always have a fabulous time. You cannot possibly exhaust all the best places in Cornwall since they are vast. There are a lot of seaside towns and villages you can explore. You will get to enjoy mouth-watering dishes of fish and chip shops and enjoy local brews in the bars and taverns. The rugged rocks and sandy beaches will make you want to stay and never leave. Here are some of the best things to do when visiting Cornwall.

Best Things To Do When Visiting Cornwall

Below are some of the best things you can do when visiting Cornwall.

Surf at Watergate Bay Hotel

Watergate Bay hotel is where you can relax, enjoy surfing, eat and socialize with other people visiting the place. You can enrol in the Extreme Academy surf school, which is located next to the beach. There are unique collections of Cornwall beach chalets located in the coastal towns. For all the equipment you will need for surfing, you can get them for hire at the academy. After a long day of surfing, you can enjoy delicious dishes at the hotel. Fresh food from the ocean, such as lobsters and fish, are among the delicacies you can devour.

Hartland Heritage Coast

This is among the destinations where you will love to visit whenever you get the chance. You will get to experience the rural setup of life, which contradicts the commercialized city life that you may be used to. You can exhaust your desire to explore the beach at the Hartland Quay Hotel. The massive rock formations on the cliffs symbolize how incredible the power of nature is to shape and move landscape. To make things more exciting, you can climb the cliffs and search for mermaids or pirate treasure.

Visit a Cornish Jeweller in Truro

Truro is one of the port towns that you should visit while in Cornwall. The Cornish Jeweller in Truro is best known for the antique jewellery from the Georgian period. You can get rare and very unique jewellery. Get to experience a touch of the past heritage and beauty from the exquisite shops and premises. Take a look at some of their homemade gold rings and diamonds created in the town. Get your loved ones souvenirs at the shop premises, be it earrings, necklaces or bracelets. Spoil yourself with gifts, or you can invest as well.

Enjoy the Sunset at Land's End

If there is one thing nature can grace us with, it is the magnificent view of the sunset. There is so much beauty in the sunset that you should not miss out on. At Land's end, you can be lucky to see the sharks and dolphins basking in the evening sun. There are also plenty of cliffs walks you can take, which are lovely in the twilight hours. The sunset lighting the vast sea and the sky on the edge of the Land gives the impression that the sun is dropping on the earth's surface. You can never run out of things to do when in Cornwall. From enjoying delicious dishes t surfing, watching the sunset to collecting various souvenirs. So when you think of going for a vacation, Cornwall is the ultimate place to go!
Read more...