Holidays in Cornwall

Finding Falmouth’s Best Beaches

By capitalizing on its rich maritime legacy as well as rich cultural heritage and many world-renowned tourist attractions, Falmouth has slowly but surely transformed its many beaches into a complete holiday treat for vacationers and thrill-seekers alike. It’s an amazing holiday destination with some fantastic places to see and explore. Just visit the Falmouth website for some great ideas on things to see and do while on holiday in the area.

Gyllyngvase Beach Falmouth Holidays — Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth. Photo by Tim Green

The Environmentally-Attuned Gyllyngvase Beach

With a well-renowned café and the prestige of a Blue Flag recognition, the Gyllyngvase Beach is one of Falmouth’s most sought-after beaches. Its golden sand provides a wonderful contrast to the sparkling blue waters of the Atlantic that curves a gentle arc into its beaches.

Gyllyngvase is only ten minutes away by foot from the center of Falmouth and is home to the nationally-acclaimed Gylly Beach Café. The Café offers a spectacular view of the beach serving mouth-watering dishes that are made of only the freshest and finest locally-grown produce and straight-from-the ocean main ingredients such as fishes and shellfishes. The Café is the perfect venue for a romantic evening as well as excellent for family dine-outs by the beach.

The beach is also home to Cornwall’s pioneer paddleboard training facility, the WESUP. Visitors and beach frolickers can enlist in many of WESUP’s water activities training to make their beach adventure take on an entirely different meaning.

The beach also has the advantage of being located right next to some of the best hotels in Falmouth, providing easy access for people on holiday or vacation. Gyllyngvase Beach also boasts some of the finest holiday cottages in Falmouth, making it a perfect base for week at the seaside.

Other beach amenities include an establishment that caters to a variety of beach-goer needs from superb take-away food and ice cream to small trinkets and other souvenir items. There is a dedicated life-guard however only during the peak season of May to September. The beach also has a parking area for visitors to leave their vehicles while they frolic in the sun.

The Fun-Filled Beaches of Swanpool

Swanpool beach is excellent for water-related activities such as kayaking, dinghy sailing, and windsurfing among other activities. The beach’s fun-filled features are closely related to the adjacent Swanpool Lake Nature Reserve which is a facility that houses many species of freshwater plants and animals like swans, grebe ducks, kingfishers, and tufted ducks as well as other water fowls.

Swanpool Beach offers a café to whet the appetite of its beach-goers and thrill-seekers alike. The Elemental UK, a watersports educational facility is also located on Swanpool Beach. This facility caters to everyone who is interested in learning how to kayak, sail, and ride the canoe. Lessons are also offered on coasteering and raft-building.

Like Gyllyngvase, Swanpool is conveniently located about 20 minutes by foot from the center of town. It also has a dedicated parking area for visitors.

The Historic Castle Beach

Not only is Castle Beach known as the most northerly of Falmouth’s beaches, it is also strategically located alongside Pendennis Point, the very same location of the historic Pendennis Castle built by King Henry VIII 475 years ago. Its unique geologic features make it an ideal place for rockpooling, snorkeling, and diving as the rocky features of Pendennis Point are known to extend well into Castle Beach.

Castle Beach also has a café that serves food and refreshments to beach-goers and visitors alike. However, because the beach can sometimes be covered with water during high tides, café operations are limited from Easter to September.

Unlike the beaches of Gyllyngvase, Castle Beach does not have a dedicated parking area or a life guard service.

Coastal Walks at Maenporth Beach

Located two miles southwest of Falmouth town center, Maenporth Beach is an excellent sandy cove that is a haven for sunbathers, sport anglers, rockpoolers, and boaters. Its sandy shores are deemed perfect for that romantic walk down the beach. Maenporth is also perfect for scuba diving, kayaking, and sailing. And like any other beach in Falmouth, Maenporth also offers a café and parking facilities.

There are other beaches in or near the town of Falmouth. One thing you need to remember is that Falmouth is simply one of the best beach havens this side of the UK.

Cornwall Cottages Cornwall Holidays | Ruby Boyd | September 2, 2015 | Leave a comment | beaches falmouth

A Quick Guide to Eating Out in Cornwall

When in Cornwall, whether on holiday or staying a while longer, you must sample some of the many varied dining experiences on offer in the county. Cornwall has fast become one of the nation’s best loved foodie destinations thanks to its plethora of Michelin starred restaurants, cool Cafés and access to the finest, fresh ingredients. But if you’re new to Cornwall you won’t know where to start. here’s a little guide to eating out in Cornwall to send you on your way.

Newquay

As one of the largest tourist resorts in Cornwall, Newquay has its fair share of great places to eat. Firm favourites like the Headland Hotel and the Beach Hut at Watergate Bay are now complemented by a rich and varied cuisine that has transformed this town into a must-visit destination for food lovers. There’s the Harbour Restaurant serving fresh fish, Gusto Deli serving Mediterranean inspired take aways and Gilmours serving some of the best Mexican burritos this side of Tijuana. For fun and frolics, head to the Stable at Fistral Beach for lovely pizzas and pies washed down with one of the many local ciders on offer.

Padstow

Padstow started Cornwall’s foodie revolution and its still flying the flag with more quality restaurants per square metre than anywhere else in the county. Most famous for its association with Rick Stein, Padstow now boasts many great places to eat including Rojanos Pizzas, Pescadou Restaurant and Pucellis. All of them are top notch Padstow restaurants and surprisingly affordable. Padstow in North Cornwall is a great place to visit for a meal out or just to walk around and experience the unique character and atmosphere of this old fishing village.

Fowey

In Fowey the Old Quay House exercises absolutely no portion control but if you feel you could eat a horse this is the place to start. The restaurant affords great views overlooking the river so there’s plenty to see while you’re busy devouring lunch. It is certainly popular and worth a visit. For a lighter lunch, try Lazy Jacks Café or the Lifebouy Café, both highly recommended for their tasty treats.

Falmouth

Falmouth has been a port of call for the Royal Navy, not to mention the odd pirate, for generations and also one of the best towns for eating out in Cornwall. This fascinating place was where Lord Nelson commissioned and equipped his ships ready for battle before venturing out to sea to give Napoleon a good thrashing. If you like a tipple with your meal visit The Brig, where the beer is served in metal tankards and the food is exemplary. The motif is definitely nautical – well more piratical really but no one seems to mind. For something a little more contemporary try Wildebeest or Hunkydory – both of which offer great tasting meals and unique dining experiences.

Mousehole

The tiny cobbled streets of Mousehole near Penzance are attracting more and more visitors each year. There are some great places to eat here including The Shipp Inn for good pub grub with a sea view; or Rock Pool for divine dishes such as a traditional Ploughman’s or a heavenly Cornish cream tea with home made scones and clotted cream. If you find yourself in Mousehole near Christmas sample the Stargazy Pie – named for its unusual feature of fish heads poking out of the pastry and seemingly “gazing at the stars.” The Christmas Eve celebration at The Ship is noted for the quality of the pie and also the pie is free, although guests are asked to donate a few pounds.

Tintagel

This small Cornish village is most famous for Tintagel Castle which stands guard on the headland overlooking the sea. This was reportedly the home of the legendary King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. But it’s not just folk-lore that Tintagel is famous for. It is growing a reputation as the home of the best Cornish pasties you will find in the peninsula. Pengenna Pasties is found on Atlantic Road – the pasties are peppery, crusty and mouth-wateringly delicious. On a sunny day there is nothing nicer than eating one sitting on the wall overlooking the castle – and be sure to pack some in your pockets to take away with you. Chefs everywhere have tried to replicate the traditional Cornish pasty – sometimes referred to as an “Oggy” but its authentic Cornish taste eludes them. Perhaps it is the sea air that makes it taste so good. You can actually order them online by the dozen but somehow it would’’t be the same as sitting on that wall in Tintagel!

Cornwall Restaurants | Ruby Boyd | April 8, 2015 | Leave a comment

What to Do on Holiday in Cornwall

Cornwall is famous for its beaches and its dramatic coastline. This is why most people visit this destination for a holiday. However this lovely county has stunning fishing ports, spectacular natural swimming pools, beautiful rolling countryside and also gorgeous creeks surrounded by woodland.

Cornwall is a great place to explore either by car, bike or on foot. In fact Cornwall actually is a walker’s paradise with remote moorlands, forest trails and the South West Coast path ready to be enjoyed. For those who like to sample some culture on holiday, there is lots of artistic ancestry to look into and sensational architecture to admire. There is likewise a great night-life or fine-dining to enjoy when the sun drops below the horizon after a busy day of sightseeing.

Cornwall is a fantastic tourist destination with plenty to see and do during all lengths of holiday from a short weekend to a multi-week break. But what are the top places to see and things to do while in Cornwall? We explore some of our favourite options.

1. Eden Project

Prized as the ‘8th marvel of the globe’ by some, the Eden Project is a magnificent botanic garden contained within dome-like tropical biomes. This legendary destination is residence to a great deal of plant life, showcasing the complex plant/human relationship and humanity’s best dependence on nature.

The Eden Project is rapidly becoming a great educational resource for youngsters and also adults alike, demonstrating a lasting future where humans live in balance with nature. Discover the tropical plants that are used to make daily products, as well as experience the sights and gives off the jungle in the rainforest themed tropical biome. The Eden Project also contains an outdoor arena where you can appreciate the Cornish sunshine beaming down on the lovely plants and flowers. It’s a great place to hang out and sock up the sun and the atmosphere of this majestic attraction.

2. Jubilee Pool

It is often said Penzance is the jewel in Cornwall’s crown. This old fishing town is situated on a huge arched bay with St Michael’s Mount just offshore. Central to Penzance life is the Jubilee Pool – a 1930s art deco swimming pool which attracts many thousands of swimmers each year. This council-run pool is one of couple of surviving initial lidos, and also features the largest salt-water pool in the UK. The pool’s beautiful art deco-inspired rounded edges as well as seafront area give it a Mediterranean character.

The swimming pool is open throughout the summer season for all the family to delight in. The pool features a safe, shallow-watered ‘infant swimming pool’ where the toddlers are close enough to really feel inspired by the swimmers in the main pool. The picturesque, panoramic sights from the jubilee pool take place for miles; take pleasure in an outing or poolside treat as you admire the views out over the sea and Cornish coast.

3. National Maritime Museum Falmouth

This relatively new museum has quickly become one of Cornwall’s main tourist attractions. The museum tells the history of sailing and boat building in Falmouth with some fascinating exhibits and interactive features. Situated at Falmouth docks, right next to the marina, it’s as if the museum itself is floating on the water for which Falmouth and much of Cornwall derives it’s history and its historic fortune. On a sunny day it’s a fine place to learn all about this maritime history while watching modern yachts and working boats sailing in this huge natural harbour.

4. Land’s End

You can’t visit Cornwall without a trip to check out to Land’s End. One of the most southerly points of landmass Britain, it is a wild and rugged spot which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. The cliffs and coast around here are ravaged by wild and waves but are still home to a impressive array of seabirds and wildlife. It’s a lovely spot for stroll to get away from the inevitable toursist trappings of the Lands End museum and amusements. But a stop here wouldn’t be complete without having your photo taken at the legendary Land’s End sign which marks the distances to key cities and locations around the world. When it’s time for a break, wonder at the vast Atlantic Ocean and the wilderness of what is labelled the last and first point in Britain. The prominent Land’s End restaurant is a great place to re-charge the batteries and gaze out on an endless horizon of sea journeys which depart from this prominent point.

5. Tate St Ives

Tate St Ives remains a huge draw for visitors and is one of Cornwall’s most important tourist attractions. Sibling gallery to Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool and also Tate Britain, this impressive three-storey structure showcases the artworks of the excellent Cornish and modern-day artists. The gallery is located in the centre of town overlooking Porthmeor Beach. St Ives is an important artistic centre for it was here that the St Ives School of artists led the way in modern art and put Cornwall on the world art map. The Tate’s highlight is, undoubtedly, the ‘Ben Nicholson walking tour’ where you experience the gallery via the eyes of this renowned radical twentieth century artist.

For more ideas try Visit Cornwall or the What’s On section of the local newspaper the Cornish Guardian: http://www.cornishguardian.co.uk/entertainment

Cornwall Attractions Cornwall Holidays | Ruby Boyd | January 29, 2015 | Leave a comment

Select Sea View Accommodation in Cornwall

When they see Cornwall, holidaymakers always wish to stay in cottages. They seem to have this rosy view of quaint little homes, as if they’re in search of the most picturesque seaside retreat. While cute little homes do make truly good bases to stay in while in Cornwall, there is a whole array of accommodation choices to fit all preferences and budgets. In this overview we check out the variety of holiday lodging available to visitors and tourists coming to Cornwall for a holiday by the sea

Sea View Cottages Anyone?

So let’s start with the most popular. Most individuals looking for holiday accommodation in Cornwall will certainly first ask for cottages. Whether they select tiny anglers’s cottages or old timers’ cottages, the choices are seemingly endless. Cottages in Cornwall by the sea rent out by the week for costs that usually has holidaymakers scurrying around for less expensive alternatives.

Choosing a Hotel by the Sea

While it’s nice to have the freedom of your own sea view cottages , it’s often great to indulge in the high-end that hotels have to offer. Holidaymakers have a broad choice of hotels and resorts to select from across Cornwall, where you can be tended to on hand-and-foot and appreciate a relaxing stay in Cornwall. Along with bed, morning meal and supper, numerous of these hotels and resorts now have leisure facilities such as spas, fitness rooms and swimming pools. There are so many different types of hotel to choose from, many with stunning sea views.

Timber Lodges & Chalets

Lately, self catering vacation lodges have turned up throughout Cornwall deliberately built holiday parks. These wood-built holiday houses, provide a modern-day, affordable to the liberty of the sea view holiday cottages. Lots of these holiday lodges are developed with deluxe touches such as jacuzzis and on-site facilities, therefore combining the best advantages of cottages and hotels in one handy plan.

Camp Grounds for all Budgets

At the reduced end of the budget range are the hundreds of campsites cluttered around the shore and countryside. Camping offers a way for holidaymakers to throw off the shackles of bricks and mortar and get back to nature under canvas or caravan. While camping might not be to everybody’s taste, they are terrific enjoyable for family holidays and give you complete flexibility over your time.

Cosy Cornish Homestays

Guest Houses can be a wonderful way to remain in an informal setup, usually remaining with the owners which can aid being familiar with Cornwall and the neighborhood destinations. Guest Houses are often a whole lot less costly and low key than resorts, while supplying the flexibility to come and go on dates you pick. They typically provide you an one-of-a-kind perspective on Cornwall and individuals who stay below, as opposed to being removed in your very own vacation home or hotel space.

You Choose the Holiday Accommodation for You!

Whatever your choice of holiday accommodation in Cornwall, you will certainly not regret your decision. Whether cottages, lodges, campsites, hotels or guest houses. It is well worth experiencing one of the other modes of holiday accommodation on your following stay in Cornwall, not least to spice up your life!

Holidaymakers always really want to stay in sea view homes when they visit Cornwall. Many people looking for accommodation in Cornwall will certainly ask for sea views. And who can blame them? A place to stay by the sea makes the perfect spot for a holiday or vacation.

Cornwall Cottages Cornwall Holidays | | June 9, 2014 | Leave a comment | accommodation Cornwall Cottages holidays

Art Holidays in Cornwall

Everyone should experience the art that Cornwall has to offer. It is here in the far west of the UK that some of the nation’s greatest artists have emerged. It’s the tranquil countryside, big skies, rugged coastline and vibrant fishing villages that has inspired Cornwall artists and visiting painters for many decades. If you like art and want to go somewhere which is beautiful and awe-inspiring, you should consider a art holiday in Cornwall.

Artistic breaks in Cornwall perfect for exploring the local the art scene, while being able to take in spectacular views of the gleaming sea and landscapes as you walk or cycle the seaside footpath. Most of the Cornwall artist galleries are open every day, displaying a charming medley of works from choose artists.

Padstow in North Cornwall is a great place to start. This lovely fishing town is peppered with some fantastic, small, harbourside galleries where you can see the work of contemporary Cornwall artists as well as travelling exhibitions from elsewhere in the world. It is a vibrant art center where you can see artworks of all kinds.

St Ives in West Cornwall is renowned as an artist nest and draws in wide ranges of vacationer every day of the year. The art town lies on the coast of the Celtic Sea and is an extremely popular vacation resort. A BBC movie, The Art of Cornwall, claims that St Ives’ artists ‘produce a few of the most exciting art of the twentieth century … this place was as well-known as Paris, as exciting as New york city and considerably more progressive than London.’.

The superb natural light in St Ives contributes to landscape art and the St Ives Tate Gallery offers exhibitions of some of these motivated works. Why do not you pay a visit to the Barbara Hepworth Gallery and Sculpture Yard in this town? It was purchased by Barbara in 1949, and the studio, known as Trewyn Studio along with her workshop still has all her tools and the materials she used when living there.

Penzance is another town where you can actually feel the pulse of its amazing art history. The town hosts amazing exhibits, drawings, photography, paintings and artefacts to ‘inform’ the stories of popular artists who were central to the town’s development. Art lovers will love the Penlee Gallery and Gallery, and a walk long the promenade and in the location of the harbor offers great deals of fascinating locations to take pleasure in some drinks. Penzance Promenade was the topic of a well-known painting by Newlyn School artist Norman Garstin, referred to as ‘The Rain it Raineth Every Day’.

Falmouth on the southwest point of the Cornish coast has a huge natural harbour, and its amazing coastal background and its 16th century castle have been the inspiration of artists for centuries. Artists and holidaymakers always go to the pointer of the headland where there are fantastic views of the town’s regular regattas. The Falmouth College of Art, founded in 1902, still instructs visual arts today. It offers numerous superb courses which draw in students from everywhere who want to benefit from the imaginative excellence at the college.

There are loads of gifted artists in Cornwall who sell their art work locally, and the flourishing art scene in Cornwall motivates visitors to the location to see art galleries and even book an art lesson or two. In the heart of lively arty Cornwall, there is always lots of excellent lodging where you can wander to the beach, where the children are entertained and which are well located for doing the art course.

For anyone wanting to discover even more about artists in Cornwall from the past, the Net is a hive of information where you can glean interesting information on the way art has progressed in this area, and books, archival product and photographic collections will take you on an interesting journey from art starts to today day.

With so much charm, it is barely unexpected that Cornwall is a premier holiday location in the UK. Art holidays take in Cornwall’s most stunning areas with lovely lodging thrown in. An art holiday is a fantastic way to check out Cornwall, come face to face with a regional Cornish painter and other artists in Cornwall and enjoy a mix of standard and modern-day art and culture, and where you’ll also reveal a lot more.

Cornwall Culture Cornwall Holidays | Ruby Boyd | March 14, 2014 | Leave a comment | art art holidays artists Cornwall

Welcome to Holidays in Cornwall. We created this website to provide inspiration for your holiday to Cornwall.

Whether you’re looking for a family friendly hotel, somewhere you can learn to surf or a restaurant for a romantic meal for two, we hope you discover all the information you need on this website to have the holiday to remember in beautiful Cornwall.

Please browse through the articles on this website for inspiration and information for your visit. And if you do discover a special hidden gem or some other venue or destination we have not yet featured, please let us know so we can share your tips with other readers.

Cornwall Holidays | Ruby Boyd | January 13, 2014 | Leave a comment | Cornwall holidays