January 2007 www.classic.co.uk
classic news | Cornwall South West The Booking Office team here at Classic Cottages, being your first point of contact, has a unique insight into what you expect from your holiday. For this Newsletter, the girls put their heads together to come up with a few of their favourite places, walks and special times they’ve experienced in our corner of South West Cornwall.
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The Booking Office team is made up of both Cornish-born and ‘incomers’ from ‘up country’, but all share a deep love of this wonderfully diverse county, particularly in and around the Helston area where we live and work. It truly is the Land of Myths and Legends so we feel we should warn you . . .
Your soul will be captured! ‘It’s paradise here,’ according to Maz, a former resident of landlocked Birmingham. Her favourite walk is from Tye Rock, near Porthleven, along the coastal path to The Loe. Standing on top of Parc-an-Als Cliff is like being on top of the world with breathtaking views across the whole of Mount’s Bay. The Loe is the largest natural freshwater lake in Cornwall, measuring some seven miles in circumference. It was formed in the 13th Century when the River Cober became dammed by a sand and shingle bar – Loe Bar. Reputed to be the resting place of the legendary Excalibur, it is easy to see, especially on an autumn morning when mist hovers above the lake, why Tennyson was inspired to compose his epic ‘Morte D’Arthur’. There’s a mysticism about The Loe, a serene and calming place, or does it just appear so after watching the wild Atlantic breakers crashing on the seaward side of the Bar?
the field and you are homeward bound, having enjoyed one of the most beautiful and peaceful walks in Cornwall. Nearby Gunwalloe is a favourite area both for walks and beaches. The ancient church of St Winwalloe nestles under Castle Mound, an outcrop separating Church Cove from Jangye-Ryn or Dollar Cove as it is commonly (but erroneously) known. Both coves are breathtakingly bewitching. Church Cove has a sandy beach whilst the more exposed Dollar Cove (dog-friendly all year) is mainly pebbly – but, oh, so pretty!
Liz too is an ‘incomer’ and her ‘little bit of Heaven’ is around Degibna on the other side of The Loe. Drive down Degibna Lane on the outskirts of Helston and, from the car park, the circular walk takes you through beautiful woodland to the edge of The Loe. The views across to the Penrose Estate and Loe Bar are spectacular whatever the season. Follow Carminowe Creek through more woodland, then cross
The beach at Rinsey, says Liz, is breathtaking, and the climb back to the car park even more so! The engine house near the cliff edge is a haunting reminder of Cornwall’s heritage. Jill often walks her dogs along this amazing stretch of coastline and she and Jean both recommend the adjacent Praa Sands for a family day out. The Sand Bar beachside café has an attractive menu as well as table-football and a pool table.
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The National Seal Sanctuary at Gweek provides a great family outing, set in the picturesque uppermost reaches of the Helford Estuary and also offers an opportunity to visit The Grange Fruit Farm where, during the season, you can pick your own fruit or just sit and relax in the garden and enjoy a Cornish cream tea.
The Ship Inn at Porthleven is a favourite too. From this quaint old pub you can watch the comings and goings in the harbour. There are several galleries around the harbour offering plenty to interest visitors. Often during the winter months mighty breakers can be seen crashing over the harbour walls, demonstrating the awesome power of nature. On a clear day, Maz will often be found heading for Tregonning Hill a few miles west of Helston. Turn right at Ashton for Balwest, and park opposite the chapel. It’s a good walk to the top but well worth the effort. Both sides of the coast can be seen across a patchwork of fields and small villages. The brooding engine houses add an air of mystery to this superb landscape. Nearby Godolphin Hill, surrounded by woodland, is green and tranquil. On a hot summer’s day a walk in the dappled shade is blissful. Or, if there is a howling gale on the coast, then the woods afford welcome protection from the elements. Archaeological features here range from Bronze Age enclosures to dramatic 19th Century mine buildings. Helford, on the eastern side of the Lizard peninsula, offers a plethora of scenic walks. This delightful little village is a ‘must see’, as is nearby romantic Frenchman’s Creek, the inspiration for
This page from left: Jean and John on the cliff path to Praa Sands – which way now? A cliff path walk to the picturesque village of Coverack. Page 1: Can you see the seals? An enchanting cliff top stop en route to Porthleven. Page 4: The organic carrots were popular at Rosuick Organic Farm Shop.
Daphne Du Maurier’s famous novel. There is a foot passenger ferry service from Helford over to Helford Passage on the northern side of the Estuary. The surrounding woodlands are lush and green, cossetted by the gentle waters of the Gulf Stream which give the whole area a mild and equable climate. This, coupled with a sheltered aspect, allows the nearby gardens of Trebah and Glendurgan to grow a selection of subtropical plants. You can take a passenger ferry to the gardens from Helford Passage too. Just inland from Helford is the village of Manaccan which is well worth a visit. Pop in to The New Inn for refreshments or visit the church to see the ancient fig tree growing through the wall. From here a favourite walk leads down to St Anthony-in-Meneage where the church is just a few yards from the sea. Climb up the hill and walk towards Dennis Head where there are superb views across Falmouth Bay and the Helford Estuary. The whole of the Lizard peninsula has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so wherever you go, you won’t be disappointed. We have two ‘Jo’s’ in the Booking Office, Jo from Cornwall and Jo from Essex. Cornish Jo was eager to recommend a visit to Trevaskis Farm and Restaurant where there is something for all the family whether you like picking fruit, browsing around the gift shop or indulging in the restaurant. If it’s beach weather then both Jo’s say their favourite is the beach at Godrevy on the north coast, a mix of long sandy beaches, high cliffs and smugglers’ coves. Lisa often takes her children to see the seals which flock to the sheltered cove near Godrevy classic news | Cornwall South West page 3
Lighthouse. Often as many as 40 seals with their pups have been seen at this popular spot. Essex Jo also enjoys her visits to the nearby Bucket of Blood pub at Phillack, close to Hayle. Here too is Nicky’s favourite beach at Hayle Towans and she has wonderful memories of family walks along the cliff path to Gwithian. The views are spectacular and the golden sands stretch for three miles. Not far from Godrevy, towards Portreath, you will find Tehidy Woods. Tehidy is wonderful at bluebell time. Carpets of vivid blue flowers appear to glow mysteriously in this idyllic spot. It is an ideal place whether you want to walk, cycle or simply sit by the pool and relax. Jeni is proud of her Cornish heritage and has happy memories of growing up in Mullion. The harbour at Mullion must be one of the most photographed in the county. It’s archetypal Cornwall with its little fleet of working boats, one of which belongs to Jeni’s father. You can’t beat sitting on the harbour wall, eating a Cornish pasty and looking out towards Mullion Island inhabited only by birds. If a good pub meal is your preference, The Old Inn at Mullion is highly recommended by Hester. It’s a traditional pub with an excellent menu. We all love to visit Roskilly’s farm near St Keverne. After a walk round the ponds and woodland, a delicious homemade ice cream is well deserved. On the way to Roskilly’s Essex Jo discovered Cornish Camels! Well not entirely true – these Bactrian camels were imported from Bulgaria and are now well and truly settled in their new life in Cornwall. You can visit the camels, enjoy the organic café and farm shop with local crafts and even have a tractor
trailer ride around the farm. A very unusual site but well worth a visit. Not far from here is the picturesque village of Coverack where pastel-washed cottages hug the harbour protectively. Further south is the quaint fishing village of Cadgwith where, despite its varied moods, the sea still remains the foundation of life with the community anchored to its traditional ways. A visit to the Cadgwith Cove Inn on a Friday night will take you back to yesteryear. The locals get together to enjoy a good old sing-song to start the weekend. From nearby Lizard village it is a short walk or drive to Lizard Point, the most southerly point of mainland Britain. The dramatic coastal walks here are sensational. No visit to the Lizard would be complete without seeing Kynance Cove. After the wild winter seas have lashed up to the high cliffs, springtime softens the ruggedness with a sprinkling of wild flowers. In the heat of summer the sea changes colour vividly as it washes onto the white sandy beach. In autumn the whole area seems to glow as the ferns and shrubs turn golden brown, whilst the opalescent sea reverts to a moody pale aquamarine. It is a truly magical spot. These are just a few of our favourite haunts and there are many more for you to discover for yourself. We all appreciate how lucky we are to have all of this on our doorstep, but we don’t mind sharing so, don’t just take our word for it, come and see for yourselves. But remember you have been warned – one visit to this enchanting environment and you will be captivated!
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Relax, put your feet up and burn off those winter blues Why not enjoy a cottage with a hot tub, a secluded property with a roaring open fire, or a waterside apartment with fantastic sea views where you can relax, refresh and rejuvenate with a well-earned short break. A new feature for 2007 is that a few of our cottages are encouraging you to book Spring and Autumn Short Breaks whenever you want. You do not have to wait until two weeks before the holiday date for these properties – so visit our Web site www.classic.co.uk, put your holiday dates in and see what comes up.
Pubs, Cafés and Restaurants The Ship Inn Porthleven, Helston, TR13 9JS Tel: 01326 564 204 Cadgwith Cove Inn Cadgwith, Helston, TR12 7JX Tel: 01326 290 513 www.cadgwithcoveinn.co.uk Roskilly’s Tregellast Barton, St Keverne, Helston, TR12 8NX Tel: 01326 280 479 www.roskillys.co.uk Trevaskis Farm Shop & Country Restaurant Gwinear Road, Connor Downs, Hayle, TR27 5JQ Tel: 01209 713 931 www.foodfromcornwall.co.uk The Grange Fruit Farm Shop Gweek, Helston, TR12 6BE Tel: 01326 221 718 www.foodfromcornwall.co.uk The Lizard Pasty Shop Beacon Terrace, The Lizard, Helston, TR12 7PB Tel: 01326 290 889 www.connexions.co.uk/ lizardpasty
Activities
Attractions
Gardens
Historic Sites
General Information
Walking: South West Coast Path www.swcp.org.uk
Cornish Camels and Rosuick Organic Farm Shop Rosuick Farm, St Martin, Helston, TR12 6DZ Tel: 01326 231 302 www.rosuick.co.uk
Trevarno Garden Trevarno, Crowntown, Helston, TR13 0RU Tel: 01326 574 274 www.trevarno.co.uk
Godolphin House Godolphin Cross, Helston, TR13 9RE Tel: 01736 763 194 www.godolphinhouse.com
South West Tourism A variety of useful information from the region’s tourist board – particularly good for local events. Tel: 0870 4420 880 www.visitsouthwest.co.uk
Boating: Helford River Boats The Kiosk, Helford Passage, Falmouth, TR11 5LB Tel: 01326 250 770 www.helford-river-boats.co.uk Sailaway St Anthony St Anthony, Manaccan, Helston, TR12 6JW Tel: 01326 231 357 www.stanthony.co.uk Golf: Mullion Golf Club Cury, Helston, TR12 7BP Tel: 01326 240 685 www.mulliongolfclub.net
The National Seal Sanctuary Gweek, Helston, TR12 6UG Tel: 01326 221 361 www.sealsanctuary.co.uk
Trebah Garden Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, TR11 5JZ Tel: 01326 252 200 www.trebahgarden.co.uk
The Flambards Experience Clodgey Lane, Helston, TR13 0QA Tel: 01326 573 404 www.flambards.co.uk
Glendurgan Garden Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, TR11 5JZ Tel: 01326 250 906 www.nationaltrust.org.uk
The Lizard Peninsula Tourism Association Tel: 01326 281 481 www.lizard-peninsula.co.uk
Helston Folk Museum Market Place, Helston, TR13 8TH Tel: 01326 564 027 Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station Experience Goonhilly Downs, Helston, TR12 6LQ Tel: 0800 679 593 www.goonhilly.bt.com Mullion Meadows Arts and Crafts Centre Mullion Meadows, Lower Trenance Farm, Mullion, Helston, TR12 7HB Tel: 01326 241 499 www.mullionmeadows.co.uk
classic cottages The specialists for coastal and country cottages of distinction throughout the West Country Leslie House, Lady Street, Helston, Cornwall TR13 8NA Telephone 01326 555 555 Facsimile 01326 555 544 Email enquiries@classic.co.uk www.classic.co.uk www.classicguide.co.uk
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