ee Ć’r
gifts | restaurant listings | competitions
CORNISH BEACH ROAD TRIP 40 of the best beaches
DID I EVER LEAVE? Interview with Susan Penhaligon
HISTORIC CORNWALL
Castles, mines, museums and country estates
FOOD & DRINK
Fine dining, waterside eateries and the microbrewery boom
PLUS GUIDEs TO: Towns, camp sites, walks, cycle trials, kids activities, watersports and boat trips
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welcome
The whole world has visited this stunning peninsula, simply because it has something for everyone. The beaches are world-famous, as is the art, horticulture and food. The country estates, ancient castles and disused mines tell the story of family lineage, fortified defences and an age-old industry. From coastal walks and cycle trails to surfing and sailing, the Duchy is a playground for good, old fashioned physical activity – in touch with nature. And no-one can escape the maritime history of this great sea-faring county. So dig out your tent or load up the camper van. Lace up your hiking boots and hire a wetsuit. Open your mind and expand your knowledge of this great county. Regardless of whether you live here, or are just visiting, there is always something new to discover. Use this guide as inspiration and go exploring.
When you have finished with this brochure please recycle.
Editorial Craig Blackburn
If you would like to advertise with us in future publications from our “Love Cornwall” portfolio or any of our other publications please call 0845 6060311.
Advertising Holly Barber
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Design Cornwall & Devon Creative Hub creativehubs.co.uk
© Cornwall and Devon Media 2013 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publishers, although conscientious and beleaguered fair users can relax and have a cup of tea. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Cornwall and Devon Media, the contributors, editors, publishers or the authors' mothers. Availability and price of items are correct at time of going to press, but we accept no responsibility for any rejected items or unfulfilled orders. All information included in this magazine is correct at the time of printing. However events are sometimes subject to change and cancellation.
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14
38
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GIFT GUIDE
on the LAND
VISIT
05 GIFT IDEAS
18 walks
44 isles of scilly
19 trebah gardens
48 st ives
on the water
20 cycling
50 the lizard
24 camping
52 falmouth
10 beaches
26 50 things for kids
56 fowey
14 watersports
30 equestrian
58 st austell
16 boats & ferries
60 truro
IN the PAST
62 st mawes & the roseland 64 st agnes & perranporth
32 estates & gardens 35 mines 38 castles 40 museums
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contents
competitions 04 inhabit 04 isles of scilly travel 94 inlight organic skincare 95 aberfal outdoor pursuits
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FOOD & DRINK INTERVIEW
WHAT’S ON
66 CORNISH PIZZA CO
90 EVENT LISTINGS
86 Susan Penhaligon
68 WATERSIDE DINING 72 FINE DINING 74 MICROBREWING 76 ST AUSTELL BREWERY 78 ESPRESSINI 82 RESTAURANT LISTINGS
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Gift Guide
GIFT guide
Gourmet Wine Vinegar
Enjoy Pomona Street gourmet wine vinegar this summer, splashed on salads, dipped with bread or glugged into marinades for the BBQ. Pomona Street pomonastreet.co.uk
St Austell Brewery This summer, visit the St Austell Brewery shop and warehouse to find fantastic Cornish gifts, St Austell branded clothing, exclusive hand-selected wines and of course our full range of award-winning bottled beers. St Austell Brewery 63 Trevarthian Road, St Austell, PL25 4BY 01726 66022 staustellbreweryshop.co.uk
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Vintage Cushions | £35.00 Original and unique handmade vintage fabric cushions by ‘She’s Yar’, perfect pieces of history for any home. A collection of handmade and vintage furniture and gifts also available. SecondHandMade, 5 Quay Mews, Truro 01872 263059 secondhandmade.co.uk
Walls Beach Shelter | £33
Gift Guide
This easy to use Beach shelter has a matching carry bag. The size when fully erected is 190cm wide x 100 cm deep x 100cm high. Kitchen & Gifts 4 High Street, Falmouth, 01326 211109 52 Meneage Street, Helston, 01326 618454 kitchenandgifts.co.uk
Bobble Water Bottles | £9 A water bottle that filters as you drink, with Bobble’s interchangeable and replaceable filters, you can improve the taste of water from your tap. Kitchen & Gifts 4 High Street, Falmouth, 01326 211109 52 Meneage Street, Helston, 01326 618454 kitchenandgifts.co.uk
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Book | £14.99 ‘Colour Recipes for painted Furniture’ 40 step by step projects to transform your home by Annie Sloan. Sweetpea & Betty 20 High Street, Falmouth 01326 211246 sweetpeabetty.co.uk
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GIFTS guide Makers Boutique Unique, contemporary handmade wares, sewing supplies and crafty bits! Everyone knows someone who loves something handmade! Makers Boutique 28 Penpol terrace , Hayle makersboutique.co.uk
Silver ring | £72 This amazing silver ring is designed with a beautiful wave crest emulating the power of the Cornish coast. Cornish Silver Treasure Park, Cornwall TR16 4HN 01209 313 546
Gift Voucher | £30 (Normally £35 per adult) Adult day return gift voucher valid for day trip travel on the Scillonian III. Bookings must be made at least 24 hours prior to sailing, subject to availability. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid until 3rd November 2013, excluding public bank holidays and double sailings. Normal terms and conditions apply which can be found at ios-travel.co.uk/terms.aspk
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A Cornish beach road trip The Cornish peninsula has the mildest and sunniest climate in the UK – its beaches are world-famous. Sheltered coves provide havens for family BBQs, sunbathing and rock pool adventures. Exposed beaches create a playground for water sports fanatics – as well as the perfect backdrop for a blustery, winter walk. Ask Cornish visitors and residents which is their favourite beach and the answers will vary from Sennen to Summerleaze. To compile this list of the top 40 Cornish beaches, Love Summer used a variety of sources, including Blue Flag, national press and a number of online beach guides. We also drew on personal experience and local knowledge. This is quite an emotive subject. If your favourite beach is not here, please do not write to us – we will be on a beach somewhere, swimming, wave jumping...or just floating.
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Sennen Cove Photograph by Trevor Burrows
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LUSTY GLAZE Photograph by Visit Cornwall
Gwithian Photograph by Ingrid King
North coast - Sennen to Summerleaze
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ur journey starts at the very tip of Cornwall at Sennen, a wide, sandy beach with “excellent swimming and consistent surf”, according to the Cornwall Guide, which rates the beach among its top 10. At low tide, says the online guide, the beach joins up with the neighbouring beach to provide over a mile of golden sand. Heading up the north coast, St Ives has two of Cornwall’s five Blue Flag beaches, Porthminster and Porthmeor. The town also has Porthgwidden beach, which is “often overlooked” by visitors to the town due to its small size, according to the Cornwall Beach Guide (CBG), which rates it sixth out of 200 Cornish beaches. But it is more sheltered, making it a “veritable sun trap”. St Ives beaches are also well catered with excellent beach cafes. On the other side of St Ives Bay, beach-goers will find a three-mile-long sandy beach that stretches from Hayle to Godrevy Head, with two excellent, exposed beaches. Gwithian and Godrevy take the full force of the Atlantic swells, offering great surfing, kitesurfing and blustery walks. The lighthouse on Godrevy Island was also the inspiration for Virginia Woolf’s 1927 novel, To The Lighthouse. On the way to the country’s most famous surf beaches in Newquay, Porthtowan and Perranporth grow into huge expanses of sand as the tide goes out. At low tide, Porthtowan – another Blue Flag beach – stretches nearly 1.5 miles, according to the CBG. Perranporth beach, meanwhile, joins with neighbouring Penhale Sands to form one of the “largest stretches of unbroken sand on the north coast”, adds the CBG, which rates it as number one out of 200 Cornish beaches. On the approach to the UK’s surf capital of Newquay are Pollyjoke, Holywell Bay, Cubert and Crantock beaches. The Daily Telegraph says: “Quieter than some of Newquay’s other beaches, the soft sand and rolling dunes at Holywell Bay are perfect for exploring or playing hide and seek with the children.” The newspaper compiled its Top Five Holiday Beaches in Cornwall in 12 // Love Summer in Cornwall 2013
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February 2013. Holywell was rated second in the list. Newquay is renowned for its surfing beaches, like Fistral, which is a hub for international surf contests. But on the way out of the party town, the privately-owned beach of Lusty Glaze has also become famous for surf competitions, as well as music events and its popular adventure centre. On the coast road towards the holiday park village of St Merryn lies a string of world-class beaches and bays. First comes Porth beach, almost as a reminder of Newquay’s splendour, then the famously-busy, Watergate Bay, followed by Mawgan Porth. The Cornwall Guide says Mawgan Porth offers: “a welcome respite to anyone who can’t quite handle Newquay’s crowds.” Just before St Merryn is Porthcothan, which hides a smaller, secluded cove at high tide – Golden Burn is only accessible by a clifftop walk until the tide is out. St Merryn offers a wealth of choice, from the sheltered Harlyn Bay to the strong current at Constantine – with its secluded Booby’s Bay and the family favourite of Treyarnon Bay. Just a few miles away are the estuary beaches at Padstow and Rock. Tregirls beach extends far away from the town of Padstow to Hawkers Cove, creating giant pools in the sand at low tide and offering shallow bathing even at high tide. Across the water is another familyfavourite, Daymer Bay. Lying further northwards, across the river Camel and past Wadebridge, is another Blue Flag beach, Polzeath, which has become incredibly popular due to its safe and gentle surfing conditions. It is a huge beach and another favourite for families, as well as the Daily Telegraph, which places it at the top of its list. Finally, Bude presents more top-class beaches, with the breakwater, barrel rock and canal lock gates at Summerleaze beach, the home to Bude Surf Life Saving Club on Crooklets, the National Trust-owned beaches of Sandy Mouth and Northcott Mouth and the remote cove of Duckpool. @LoveCornwallCDM
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ON THE WATER South Coast – Sennen to Fowey
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ust a short distance away from Sennen is Porthcurno which, as well as offering the Minack Theatre and the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum, is a breathtaking, south-facing beach with turquoise waters, golden sand and protection from towering cliffs. Heading along the coast towards the Lizard, Marazion beach presents St Michael’s Mount – as well as one of the best outdoor play parks in the county. Further on lies Praa Sands, a great break for beginner surfers and a top family summer beach due to its calm waters in the summer. At the most southerly point of the Lizard Peninsula is “one of the most photographed beaches in Cornwall”, Kynance Cove, according to the Cornwall Guide, with “white sand, brilliant turquoise water, islands, caves and stunning serpentine rock formations.” Heading northwards to Falmouth, Gyllyngvase is the last of the county’s five Blue Flag beaches for 2013. Blue Flag is an international award scheme which recognises the “highest quality in water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management”, according to the environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy. Any trip to Falmouth would not be complete without a visit to Swanpool and Maenporth beaches.
Heading up the south coast are East Looe beach and Lantic Bay which are ranked at number five and six respectively by the Daily Telegraph. Although compiling a list of the top five Cornish beaches, the newspaper had to include Cornwall’s “best kept secret” of Lantic Bay, in Fowey, which it describes as a “safe, secluded sand and shingle cove”, adding that it is dog-friendly all year round. The paper says about Looe Beach: “This is the perfect beach for family fun. Swim in the calm water, play in the sand, splash in the rock pools and bounce on the trampolines – yes, this beach has trampolines built into in the sand.”
More information on beaches: Cornwall Guide – information, history and accommodation. cornwalls.co.uk Cornwall Beach Guide – reviews and photographs of 200 Cornish beaches. cornwall-beaches.co.uk Daily Telegraph’s Top Five Holiday Beaches in Cornwall telegraph.co.uk Blue Flag blueflag.org
Lantic Bay Photograph by John Such
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WATERSPORTS ADVENTURE As well as the open ocean, rivers and estuaries, Cornwall has lakes and water-filled granite quarries for fun on the water. With no shortage of the wet stuff, it is hard not to dip your toe in the water, or completely submerge yourself in the aqua culture of this great peninsula. Here is a selection of watersports and adventure playgrounds from Tresco to Bude.
Tresco Water Sports – Isles of Scilly
Mylor Sailing School
Just 30 minutes from Cornwall’s coast is Tresco, one of five inhabited islands on the Isles of Scilly. Tresco has a sailing school as well as its own gig rowing club. Fishing is popular off the beaches and shores – fishing trips are also available in summer. tresco.co.uk
All levels of sailor can learn to sail a dinghy, small keelboat or powerboat at Mylor Yacht Harbour in the Carrick Roads, with RYA courses. RYA is the Royal Yachting Association, the national body for all forms of boating. On Sundays, the Swallows and Amazons kids club teaches children about the sea through games and exploration of the local beaches, estuaries and creeks. Tel: 01326 377633 mylorsailingschool.co.uk For yacht courses, try Mylor Yacht Cruising on 07581 625089 or by visiting: mylorcruising.com
Coverack Windsurfing – Lizard, near Helston Coverack has a beautiful sandy bay which is protected from the prevailing south westerly winds, making it an ideal place for beginner windsurfers. It also has access to stronger winds for intermediate and advanced levels. In bad weather, the 270-acre Royal Yacht Association Windsurfing Centre at Stithians Reservoir is used. Tel: 01326 280939 coverack.co.uk BF Adventure – near Falmouth This outdoor activity centre has 60 acres of land, including three former granite quarries, which now resemble lakes. The water-based activities include canoeing, kayaking, raft-building, coasteeering and zip wire. The centre also offers rock climbing and abseiling above the water in the quarries, plus archery, forest school and bushcraft experiences. Tel: 01326 340912 bfadventure.org TR10 9BX
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Loe Beach Watersports Centre – Feock Learn to sail, hire a kayak, windsurf or hire a motor boat, dinghy or row boat at Loe Beach, which looks out across the Carrick Roads towards Mylor, St Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula. The kids clubs also offer a range of water activities during school holidays. Tel: 01872 864 295 loebeach.co.uk Lusty Glaze Adventure – Newquay Lusty is more than just a top surf spot and music event venue. The adventure centre here offers a variety of cliff activities and obstacle courses, including one of Europe’s longest, highest and fastest zip wires – 750ft long and 120ft high – which extends across the beach. The centre also offers coasteering, surfing and jet ski safaris, plus kids water-based activities from as young as five years old.
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ON THE WATER Tel: 01637 872444 lustyglaze.co.uk Lakeside Outdoor & Active Centre – Liskeard Instructors at South West Wakeboarding will start beginners with kneeboarding. Adventurous boarders can then progress onto waterskiing and wakeboarding. The centre offers a full range of facilities including professional tuition, professional clinics and a variety of obstacles for the more advanced riders. Tel: 01579 346522 swlakestrust.org.uk Adrenalin Quarry – Menheniot, near Liskeard
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This adventure centre boasts the UK’s longest zip wire at almost 500 metres. It also has a 150-metre giant swing, big enough for three people. Friends can also bounce each other off the end of an inflatable tube at the end of a coasteering route. Adrenalin Quarry certainly appears to live up to its catchline: “Throwing people off cliffs since 2009.” Suitable for adults and children, the minimum weight is 25kg. Tel: 01579 308 204 adrenalinquarry.co.uk Atlantic Pursuits – Bude
1. Windsurfing at Coverack Windsurfing Centre. 2. Ready for the off - Kayak lessons at Loe Beach
Kayak down the Jungle Run on the Bude canal or paddle with friends like Indians in a canadian canoe. Alternatively, lay, kneel or stand on a surfboard or boogie board. Activities are available through private tuition, group bookings or mix-and-match packages. Tel: 01288 321765 atlanticpursuits.co.uk Surfing The Atlantic Ocean provides Cornwall with some of the best surfing conditions in Europe, so the county has more surfing beaches than you could shake a wet towel at. The most popular spots are on the north coast around Newquay, St Merryn, Gwithian and Sennen, with Porthleven and Whitsand bay on the south coast. There are so many surf schools that the best advice is to pick a surf spot and set up camp. There will be no shortage of surf schools, with board and wet suit hire plus instruction. surfing-cornwall.com Scuba diving Cornwall has dive schools from Penzance to Bude. To find one, visit the British SubAqua Club web site. Alternatively, learn to dive with a PADI course by searching for PADI dive schools in Cornwall online. bsac.com padi.co.uk
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river boat trips There is no shortage of things to do on Cornwall’s rivers. By far one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the county’s waterways is by boat. The options range from taking a cabin boat up the Fal River with a picnic, to choosing a river cruise or wildlife safari. Here are some ideas.
FERRIES There is no better way to get around some parts of Cornwall than by ferry. As well as saving time and being more sustainable, it is the best way to learn about local history and wildlife. From the river which inspired the Wind in the Willows, to the Tudor castles of the Carrick Roads and the quiet estuaries of Padstow, the county’s waterways tell their own story.
Falmouth Boat Hire – Custom House Quay This company offers an alternative way to see the River Fal estuary by hiring a self-drive boat for up to six people. No experience is necessary and hire of the Pilot 520s cabin boats is for a half a day or longer, allowing plenty of time to visit Mylor Harbour and the Pandora Inn, or to head up the river past Pendennis Castle, St Mawes Castle and Falmouth Docks towards the Tregothnan Estate. Tel: 07951 610 247 falmouthboathire.co.uk
Fal River Ferries The Falmouth-to-St Mawes ferry is a 20-minute, threemile journey through the Carrick Roads, which passes two historic, Tudor castles. The award-winning taxi service avoids, what would be, a 29-mile road trip. The ferry from St Mawes to Place Creek, on the Roseland Peninsula, forms an integral part of the South
Fowey River Cruises Based on Town Quay in the centre of Fowey, the company runs daily cruises around the harbour, along the coast to Polpero and Charlestown and up the river to Lerryn and Lostwithiel. Tel: 07775 685941 foweycruise.com Orca Sea Safaris - Falmouth A wide variety of marine wildlife species visit the waters of the Carrick Roads, including dolphins, seals, whales, seabirds and basking sharks. These wildlife-watching tours and coastal safaris are a must-do. Tel: 01326 214928 falriver.co.uk/things-to-do/orca-sea-safaris
Padstow Sea Safaris Sailing out of Padstow harbour along the Camel Estuary, this is a must for children, adults and keen photographers of all ages. There are opportunities to see gray seals, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks. Tel: 07754822404 padstowsealifesafaris.co.uk River Fal and Fowey River The most popular and thriving river communities are along the River Fal and the Fowey River, where you will find boat hire, boat trips, ferries, regattas, festivals, gardens, walks, cycle paths and all kinds of watersports. For Fowey River, visit: fowey.co.uk For River Fal, visit: falriver.co.uk
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West Coast Path, saving walkers a day’s trekking. The King Harry Ferry connects St Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula with Feock, Truro and Falmouth by avoiding an alternative 27-mile route. For a guided tour, Enterprise Boats runs a service between Truro and Falmouth, or St Mawes, and includes commentary and refreshments. For more information and live updates, visit: falriver.co.uk/getting-about/ferries Helford River Ferries This small ferry connects the north and south banks of the Helford river, between Helford Passage and Helford Village – and two waterside pubs, including the Ferryboat Inn. It also moors close to Trebah and Glendurgan Garden. For ferry times and more information, visit: helford-river-boats.co.uk
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Fowey River Ferries Famed for inspiring Kenneth Graham’s Wind in the Willows and for being home to Daphne Du Maurier, the Fowey estuary has ferries heading out in all directions. There is a car ferry to the Old Ferry Inn at Bodinnick and a passenger ferry to Polruan. The four-mile Hall Walk runs between the two villages. There is also a longer passenger ferry from Fowey to Mevagissey. For ferry times and more information, visit: looe.org Camel Estuary Ferries The Black Tor ferry runs between Padstow and Rock beach, operating continuously throughout the day at 20-minute intervals and departing from one of two points in Padstow, depending on the tides. On big spring tides, it is possible to disembark at Daymer Bay. For ferry times and more information, visit: padstow-harbour.co.uk
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LET’S TAKE A WALK Cornwall boasts a 300-mile section of the South West Coast Path, from gentle strolls to challenging hikes, over dramatic headlands, into steep coastal valleys, along sheltered estuaries, through busy harbours, around intimate coves and across moorlands and sandy beaches.
crantock beach Photograph by Nick Cockman
All of the following routes have been taken from the South West Coast path web site. Now, where are my hiking boots?
Penzance to Marazion This is an easy, two-mile walk between Penzance and Marazion, which gives great views across Mounts Bay to St Michael’s Mount, the Lizard and Mousehole. This route is particularly good for dogs as it passes a beach and pubs where dogs are welcome. Start: Penzance Station main car park - TR18 2LT Finish: Marazion southwestcoastpath.com/walksdb/71
Carbis Bay Station to St Ives Town Trail The gentle, two-mile-stroll around the St Ives waterfront and back through its narrow cobbled streets takes in historical features, including the town’s extensive maritime history and the haunts of some of the artists who made it famous. Start/finish: Carbis Bay Station - TR26 2NN southwestcoastpath.com/walksdb/467
Pendennis Point to Maenporth This easy, 3.5-mile walk affords views south to the Lizard or east towards Plymouth. From Pendennis Point there are views up the river Fal and across to the Roseland peninsula. This walk includes three beaches separated by small headlands. Start: Pendennis Point car park - TR11 4NQ Finish: Meanporth Beach car park southwestcoastpath.com/walksdb/209
Fowey Creeks and Coves This six-mile circular walk takes in wonderful countryside, wooded creeks and stunning coastal views. There is a wealth of historical and literary interest as well as plenty of opportunities for well-earned refreshments 18 // Love Summer in Cornwall 2013
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st michael’s mount Photograph by David Chapman
after this challenging walk. Add two short ferry rides to make a great day out. Start/finish: Bodinnick car park - PL23 1DF southwestcoastpath.com/walksdb/46
Surfing safari walk On this six-mile walk, which circles around the western end of Newquay, you are never more than a short distance from the town. Despite this, it provides the experience of glorious beaches, atmospheric headlands, a sandy estuary and a picturesque, wooded river valley. Start/finish: Newquay station - TR7 2NG Dog-friendly. southwestcoastpath.com/walksdb/200
Stepper Point to Padstow This is a 1.5-mile circular walk across wildlife-rich farmland out to the lookout tower at Stepper Point, with great views along the coast and up the Camel Estuary. It is an easy walk, along grass and stone tracks on a spectacular headland. Start/finish - Hawkers Cove car park - PL28 8HJ southwestcoastpath.com/walksdb/78
King Arthur and the Slate Coast - Tintagel The five-mile walk takes in Tintagel Church and follows tracks and lanes before descending to the cove of Trebarwith Strand. It then returns to Tintagel along the coast, passing the remnants of some historic quarries and Tintagel Castle. Start/finish: Tintagel, Visitor Centre - PL34 0AJ southwestcoastpath.com/walksdb/198
Top Dog A list of dog-friendly walks can be found here: southwestcoastpath.com/top-dog
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Trebah Celebrates 175 years This summer promises to be even more “excitingly different” at Trebah Garden.
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he sub-tropical paradise on the Helford River is celebrating 175 years since its foundation as plants man Charles Fox’s collection garden. To mark this important year the garden will be hosting a raft of cultural events throughout the summer. During July and August sculptor Christopher Marvell will be presenting “Marvell at Trebah” a series of site-specific contemporary sculpture exhibited in various locations within the garden. There is also a three evening dance production “The Venus Flower” planned in conjunction with local company Cscape and as part of the new Salt Festival, telling tales inspired by the gardens plant hunter origins.
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More open-air theatre will be provided Miracle theatre as part of their “Waiting for Godot” tour. Visitors will also be invited to view the construction of a new amphitheatre that is being created in the Chilean Coomb to mark this important year. Chairman of the Board of Directors Robert Dudley Cooke is the driving force behind this inspirational space, intended to be used for a wide range of open-air events and educational visits. Trebah is a family and dog friendly garden with its own private beach, open daily from 10am. To find out more about these and other events visit trebah-garden.co.uk
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ON YOUR BIKE Cornwall has hundreds of miles of multi-use routes along dramatic coastline, through mining heritage sites and secluded, wooded valleys. The trails – which are also used by runners, walkers and horse riders – offer a unique perspective oN the county’s history through its varied landscape.
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The routes listed opposite are: The Cornish Way: National Cycle Route 3 from Bude to Land’s End Mineral Tramways: Cornwall coast to coast Clay Trails: around St Austell and the Eden Project Camel Trail: Bodmin to Padstow
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1. Camel Trail: Bodmin to Padstow by Trevor Burrows. 2. Tunnel of Spring Green on Camel Trail by Shirley Acreman/Sustrans.
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CYCLING The Cornish Way – 180 miles of connected routes The First and Last Trail – Land’s End to Hayle Heading east along quiet lanes, the route leaves the magnificent coastline and enters the ancient landscape of West Penwith. With continuous views across Mount’s Bay, the route provides a level, mainly traffic-free link between Penzance and Marazion, as well as providing excellent links to popular tourist attractions such as St Michael’s Mount. The trail follows minor roads along sheltered river valleys towards Hayle and the more rugged north coast. The Engine House Trail – Hayle to Truro
Mineral Tramways Coast to Coast Trail (13 miles) This trail links the historic mining harbours of Portreath, on the north coast, to Devoran, on the south coast, and follows the line of two early horse-drawn tram roads. A more strenuous, two-mile link to Wheal Busy and Hawke’s Engine House is steeper and rougher than the rest of the trail, but worth the effort. Interpretative signage en-route highlights the area’s 19th Century mining history. Great Flat Lode Trail (6 miles) This is a circular trail to the South of Camborne and Redruth, around the extensive mine workings of the old Great Flat Lode. Interpretive boards and name plates are provided at important sites and on interesting buildings.
This route forms part of the Mineral Tramways. From the remains of the old foundries in Hayle to the engine Pentewan Valley Trail (3 miles) houses scattered throughout the landscape, the reminders This traffic-free route starts a mile from St Austell station and of Cornwall’s industrial mining heritage are everywhere leads to the bustling fishing village of Mevagissey along a flat, along this route. This trail follows quiet minor roads to former railway line to the beach and harbour at Pentewan. Camborne before joining a traffic-free route to Redruth. This route includes a link to the famous Lost Gardens From there, it finds its of Heligan. Other local way to Truro along an old attractions include St Austell tramway via St Day. CORNWALL CYCLE ROUTES: Brewery Visitor Centre and The St Piran Trail – Truro to Bodmin (via Newquay)
A pocket-sized map, showing the National Cycle Network in Cornwall, can be bought from the sustainable transport charity, Sustrans: sustrans.org.uk On the web site, search for: ‘Cornwall cycle routes’.
Heading north from the cathedral city of Truro, the trail follows tranquil wooded valleys through pretty villages, before reaching the coast. From Newquay, the route heads inland to the old market town of St Columb Major before turning north across Denzell Downs and on towards Padstow. The trail emerges on the banks of the Camel estuary where it joins The Camel Trail. There is a more challenging route from Truro to Bodmin, via St Austell – the Coast and Clay Trail. The North Cornwall Trail – Bodmin to Bude
Following the upper reaches of the Camel Trail out of Bodmin and onto the quite lanes of Bodmin Moor, the route passes through villages and across open moors. Sections of the trail offer panoramic views across to the coast before dipping back into valleys. Heading north across the disused airfield at Davidstow, the trail crosses some of the most remote parts of Cornwall. Near Hallworthy, cyclists have the option to take the energetic, coastal route or the less strenuous inland route. At Bude the route turns east, crossing the county boundary into Devon and linking into the rest of the National Cycle Network.
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Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre.
Clay Trails
Surrounding St Austell and its neighbouring villages, this landscape is well-known for its clay tips and pits, created by the 250-year-old clay mining industry. This is striking and dramatic scenery. This former industrial area is being transformed by tree-planting and careful environmental management, creating a haven for wildlife. The five Clay Trails routes are: St Austell to Wheal Martyn (3.5km) Wheal Martyn to the Eden Project (8km) Eden Project to Bugle (6km) St Blazey to Par Beach (5km) St Austell to Pentewan Beach (4km) For more information, please visit: claytrails.co.uk The Camel Trail Linking the towns of Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow, the Camel Trail is formed of 11 miles of disused railway. It winds through some of Cornwall’s most beautiful and little known countryside, part of which has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The trail provides safe and easy access to unspoilt countryside for those people unable to use woodland and coastal paths. Love Summer in Cornwall 2013 // 21
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Happy Campers Choosing a favourite camp site is hard work. There is so much to consider, aside from location, facilities and cost. The best advice is to choose a base camp, decide on comfort levels, and budget, and then go online. These days, there are more options than just pitching a tent. From tipis to yurts and posh, static caravans to restored vintage buses, the choice is endless. One thing has not changed, however – coastal views, beautiful beaches and local wildlife are guaranteed. Here is a list of 10 campsites, taken from a variety of sources, including national press reviews and local knowledge
Bryher Campsite, Bryher, Isles of Scilly Rated number one in the Daily Telegraph’s top 20 coastal campsites in the UK, the site enjoys salty views of Hangman Island and Tresco, but its location between two hills means it is relatively sheltered. The owners say: “This site is for the true camper looking for a traditional outdoor experience and is situated near the northern end of the island, easily reached from the quay.” Tel: 01720 422559 bryhercampsite.co.uk Treen Farm Campsite, Penzance This site has amazing views from its clifftop location. It is also near the Minack Theatre and Porthcurno beach.
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Treen is always in high demand, especially since it was rated as number two in the Daily Telegraph’s top 20 coastal campsites in the UK. Tel: 07598 469322/01736 810273 treenfarmcampsite.co.uk Tower Park Caravans and Camping – St Buryan If the most popular choice, Treen, is full up, try this site just a few miles away. Although not on the coast, the beaches and other attractions are not far away. There is also a regular bus service to Penzance, Porthcurno, Lands End and St Ives. Tel: 01736 810286 towerparkcamping.co.uk
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1. Food with a view at Treen farm campsite. 2. Trevornick Holiday Park.
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Gwithian Farm Campsite – near Hayle Just a 10-minute walk to the beach and surfing hotspot, this site is situated in the centre of the village opposite a family-friendly pub. It has an on-site shop and family bath and shower rooms, plus cream teas are served in the garden of the thatched farmhouse. The Guardian rated Gwithian Farm among the top 10 family campsites in the whole of the UK in 2011. Tel: 01736 753 127 gwithianfarm.co.uk Lovelane Caravans – Lizard This ‘boutique, classic caravan’ site is on Roskilly’s Organic Farm on the Lizard. As well as the restored vintage buses and caravans, there are cotton hammocks strung from trees and small dens which await discovery by the little people. Tel: 07825 813808 lovelanecaravans.com Beacon Cottage Farm – St Agnes This touring park is part of a traditional working Cornish family farm set in beautiful countryside, a few hundred yards from the sea and in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a haven for walkers, conservationists, photographers and bird watchers as it sits on the South West Coast Path. Tel: 01872 552347/078794 13862 beaconcottagefarmholidays.co.uk
Padstow, which borders the Camel Estuary. Campers can bring tents, caravans and campervans. There are a small number of electric hook-ups, plus washing facilities in a peaceful, rural location with views of the estuary. This campsite was also recommended by Visit Britain as one of the top camping spots in the UK. Tel: 01841 532349 denniscovecampsite.co.uk Treyarnon Bay Caravan and Camping Park – St Merryn This is an ideal family site only 200 yards from Treyarnon beach. As well as being a surf beach, this is a great location to explore the nearby beaches of Constantine and Harlyn Bay, as well as the nearby village of St Merryn and town of Padstow. Tel: 01841 520681 treyarnonbay.co.uk Bay View Farm – St Martins, Looe Situated on the South West Coast Path with sea views overlooking Looe and St George’s Island, this is an ideal base for exploring the cliff paths, nearby beaches and the villages of Looe and Polperro. In the other direction the path leads towards the villages of Seaton and Downderry. It was rated fourth in the Daily Telegraph’s top 20 coastal campsites in the UK. Tel : 01503 265922/07967 267312 looebaycaravans.co.uk
Trevornick Holiday Park - Holywell bay The dog-friendly campsite near Newquay boasts a heated swimming pool, health spa, kids club, golf course, fishing lake and a choice of shops, restaurants and bars. Holywell Bay beach is within walking distance. Although this is not strictly a traditional camp site, it was recommended by Visit Britain – the British Tourist Authority – as one of the top camping spots in the UK. Tel: 0843 4535531 trevornick.co.uk Dennis Cove Camping – Padstow Dennis Cove Campsite is a family-run site close to
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Thanks to the National Trust, there is no excuse for running out of ideas for what to do with the kids this summer. With the exception of number 15 – playing in the snow – every activity on the list can be done in Cornwall.
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ast year, the National Trust launched a campaign to help children reconnect with nature. The charity asked more than 1,700 kids to vote on their top outdoor activities and set a challenge for children to complete the list.
The 50 Things To Do Before You’re 11¾ was so successful – over 40,000 kids signed up last year – that the list has been updated for 2013, adding 15 new experiences. Two thirds of the children said that tree climbing, den building and bike riding were the top three on their To Do list.
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Jessica Swales, National Trust Kids Council member and tree climbing ambassador (aged 8), said: “I have completed every activity from the 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ list and tree climbing is my favourite thing to do outdoors, so I’m really glad other children really like it too. I can’t wait to get outside and do the stuff on the new 50 things list.” We have included the 50 things checklist here. Use the Love Summer guide to help you find places to complete the list in Cornwall, or sign up to the challenge at: nationaltrust.org.uk/50things
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Horse riding in Cornwall With its wild and varied countryside, hundreds of miles of bridleways, and glorious sandy beaches, Cornwall is the perfect place for horse riders of all levels. In fact, horseback is probably the best way to explore the beauty of the area, from the moorland in the north, to the wooded creeks of the south coast. There are many stables dotted throughout the Duchy for those who want to learn how to ride, and expert services available for those already competing, even up to an international level.
ABBI HOLMES
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oung equestrian Abbi Holmes is set to complete a prestigious hat-trick this year – with her third consecutive appearance at the Horse of the Year Show (Hoys). The 26-year-old, who lives at Skinner’s Bottom near Redruth and owned her first part bred Arab at 12, has achieved national acclaim for her work with her Arab stallion Khlassic Design, better known as Jed. For the third year, Jed qualified for Hoys at the South West Region Arab show. He was placed ninth overall in last year’s national competition. Last year saw another of her horses, Oakways Excellent Magic, go supreme at the Cornish Region Arab Show and then take the British National Anglo Champion title at the Arab Nationals. Abbi’s achievements are all the more remarkable when you consider her work with her horses is carried out alongside a full-time job.
She said “I wouldn’t be able to compete at the level I do without my mum’s support as there just wouldn’t be enough hours in the day to do it all.” Abbi’s mum, Diane Holmes, was her inspiration to get into breeding Arabs.
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inspired equine services
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roviding high quality barefoot hoofcare and hoofcare education is the simple philosophy behind Cornish company Inspired Equine Services. Set up by Tim Barnett, a qualified equine podiatrist, the Hayle-based business provides expert trimming care and advice for barefoot horses, and has even managed to save the lives of some animals. Tim explained: “I took on Chester aged six in 2008 as a last chance to save him. “He was bred as a racehorse but found his calling in three-day eventing. “Unfortunately whilst jumping Chester sustained severe rotation to his front pedal bones – an injury which usually results in a horse being destroyed. “Removing his shoes we set about clearing infection and restoring health to the feet through the methodology of Applied Equine Podiatry (an alternative to traditional shoes). “Through understanding the role of individual structures of the foot and how they work together we were able to bring balance and health to the feet to enable healing and Chester to return to light work within two months, despite two vets and two traditional farriers declaring him beyond recovery and signing papers for him to be destroyed. “Today Chester is enjoying hacking many hours a week barefoot, sound, and very much alive.”
cross winds equestrian
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hen it comes to reassuring customers they are in good hands, one Cornish equestrian centre has a real advantage. The stables at Crosswinds Equestrian at Whitemoor near St Austell are run by Sammie-Jo Coffin, one of the UK’s top showjumpers. Sammie-Jo’s list of achievements include winning the 8yr old championship at the Horse of the Year Show in 2011, the Derby Trophy Class at Hickstead in July 2012 and an International Stairway Class in August 2012. As well as competing with her own horses, she rides horses for owners from four year olds to top class horses at International level and is always taking on new rides. A spokesman for Crosswinds said: “Customers feel safe sending their horses to Crosswinds as they know that Sammie-Jo brings out the best in them.” The centre has a family-run fully stocked retail shop stocking all the biggest brands in everything you need. Their spokesman added: “Our prices are always very competitive and with a friendly welcome, we love to help anyone with their horsey problems. “The livery services we offer are full livery, competition livery, rehabilitation livery as well as a professional breaking and schooling service.”
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ESTATES AND GARDENS
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From medieval manor houses, steeped in generations of family history, to magical gardens warmed by the Gulf Stream, Cornwall has it all. The county’s gardens are home to a wealth of exciting, rare and beautiful plants and trees, from wild woodland to neatly-manicured lawns. Some of the Duchy’s family homes have been touched by Elizabethan grandeur, Georgian style and Victorian enterprise. With guided tours, woodland walks and wildlife projects, visitors and residents alike need look no further than Cornwall’s estates for a great day out.
St Michael’s Mount – Marazion, near Penzance
Glendurgan Garden - Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth
Standing proud in Mount’s Bay is a medieval castle, sub-tropical paradise and close-knit island community, which offers the history of a fortress, priory, harbour and home. New for 2013 will be free tours and talks around the village and harbour, led by keen historian, veteran tour guide and long-standing island resident, Bob Hunt. Admission charges apply. Tel: 01736 710507 stmichaelsmount.co.uk
The three valleys of Glendurgan Garden are full of fun, natural beauty and amazing plants. Giant rhubarb plants lurk in the jungle-like, lower valley and spiky, arid plants bask in the sunny upper slopes. The gardens also provide access to Durgan on the Helford River, a place to watch birds and boats and skim stones. Open every day. Admission charges apply. Tel: 01326 252020 nationaltrust.org.uk
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Trebah Gardens - Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth This coastal garden has access to a beach. Trebah is set in a valley with over four miles of footpath. With adventure play areas, children’s trails and special events all year round, the site is very much a family and dog-friendly garden. Open every day. Admission charges apply. Tel: 01326 252200 trebahgarden.co.uk Trelissick Garden – Feock, near Truro Starting in a complex of former farm buildings and garden walls, this elevated garden sits on its own peninsula in an unspoiled stretch of the River Fal. Picturesque planting is heightened by the folding contours and the informal wooded setting. There are places in both sun and shade to discover a wide range of plants as well as just to sit down and recharge the batteries. Open every day. Admission charges apply. Tel: 01872 862090 nationaltrust.org.uk
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1. Lanhydrock. National Trust by Jerry Harpur. 2 & 3. Trelissick by John Millar. 4. Trerice. National Trust by Andrew Butler .
Lost Gardens of Heligan – St Austell Heligan offers over 200 acres for exploration, including the Victorian Productive Gardens – a living window to the past – and an “exuberant” Jungle which takes the visitor on a journey “far from our temperate shores.” The Wider Estate of the Tremayne family extends into 100 acres of the original Heligan home farm, while the Horsemoor Hide hosts a pioneering Wildlife Project. Open every day. Admission charges apply – under 5s are free. Tel: 01726 845100 heligan.com Eden – St Austell This world-famous site hardly needs an introduction. As well as an educational charity, learning provider, conservation park and a music and arts events venue, it is also somewhat of an adventure sports playground. Open every day. Admission charges apply – under 5s are free. Eden also offers green transport discounts. Tel: 01726 811911 edenproject.com
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Trerice – near Newquay Little has changed at this intimate Elizabethan manor, despite advances in building fashions over the centuries. Today the renowned stillness and tranquillity is muchprized by visitors. This silence is occasionally pierced by curious lilts of Tudor music or shouts of excitement from the bowling green, bringing back some of the bustle and noise that must have typified its time as a busy manor house. Open every day. Admission charges apply. Tel: 01637 875404 nationaltrust.org.uk
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5. Tintagel Old Post Office by Andreas von Einsiedel. 6. The restored Tamar sailing barge ‘Shamrock’ moored at Cotehele. 6
Prideaux Place – Padstow
Tintagel Old Post Office – Tintagel
Fourteen generations of the family have lived at Prideaux Place since its completion in 1592. Overlooking the picturesque fishing harbour of Padstow, this family home has its origins firmly rooted in Elizabethan grandeur, Georgian style and Victorian enterprise. Visitors can chart the progress of the manor house through its 400year history and examine the artefacts and heirlooms on display. Open Sunday to Thursday (limited times). Tel: 01841 532411 prideauxplace.co.uk
Enhanced by a cottage garden and nestling among the modern buildings of Tintagel high street, this is one of the National Trust’s most delightful medieval buildings. This unusual and atmospheric 14th Century yeoman’s farmhouse has a famously wavy roof and beckons the curious to explore. Open every day. Admission charges apply. Tel: 01840 770024 nationaltrust.org.uk
Lanhydrock – Bodmin
Cotehele’s medieval origins provided a perfect setting for the Edgcumbe family to show off its ancestral home to guests, such as King George III, in the late 18th Century. The Tudor house, with many stories and legends, is festooned with tapestries and adorned with textiles, arms and armour, pewter, brass and old oak furniture. The gardens feature two orchards planted with local apples and cherries. There is also a restored sailing barge moored at the quay, where the Discovery Centre tells the gripping story of the Tamar Valley. Limited openings. Admission charges apply. Tel: 01579 351346 nationaltrust.org.uk
Lanhydrock is a magnificent late Victorian country house with gardens and wooded estate, with adventure playground, picnic area and a network of woodland, park and riverside paths. In the house, visitors can explore the kitchens, nurseries and servants’ quarters and discover the 400-year-old decorated ceiling in the gallery. Experience the heyday of the Agar-Robartes family, which made Lanhydrock its home, and discover how the family’s fortunes changed during the First World War. Limited openings. Admission charges apply. Tel: 01208 265950 nationaltrust.org.uk
Cotehele – St Dominck, near Saltash
NATIONAL TRUST For updated events, prices, directions and opening times of National Trust sites, visit the web site nationaltrust.org.uk - or download the National Trust app, Handbook In Your Pocket. Details are on the web site.
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1. Botallack Crowns by Ainsley Cocks.
Historically, tin mining was important in the Cornish economy, becoming increasingly significant during the High Middle Ages and expanding greatly during the 19th Century, when rich copper mines were also in production. In the mid-19th Century, however, the tin and copper mines entered a period of decline. Subsequently china clay extraction became more important – metal mining had virtually ended by the 1990s. These World Heritage sites offer a window into the past and tell the story of a busy, industrial age.
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East Pool Mine - Pool, Redruth
2. East Pool Mine by Ainsley Cocks. 3. Wheal Martyn by Ainsley Cocks.
At the very heart of this World Heritage site are two great beam engines, originally powered by high-pressure steam boilers introduced by local hero Richard Trevithick. Preserved in their towering engine houses, they are a reminder of Cornwall’s days as a world-famous centre of industry, engineering and innovation. The site offers film, displays, models and knowledgeable guides which tell the story of Cornish mining. Open daily, closed most Sundays & Mondays Admission charges apply. Tel: 01209 315027 nationaltrust.org.uk/east-pool-mine
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St Just Mining District – Pendeen, near Land’s End Undersea mining was more concentrated here than anywhere else in the world in the 18th and 19th Centuries. The oldest surviving Cornish beam engine remains in its original engine house at Levant and is still working under steam. Geevor, one of the last mines to close in Cornwall, is now the largest metal mining site open to the public in the UK. Open every day except Saturdays. Admission charges apply. Free for under 4s. Tel: 01736 788662 geevor.com Poldark Mine – Wendron, near Helston This 18th Century tin mine offers underground tours, a heritage museum, working beam engine and ghost tours. Poldark was the site of the first recorded mechanical means of crushing tin ore – it also boasts a mine that dates from the Middle Ages. The museum, exhibition and site exhibits give an insight into the important role which Cornwall played in the development of mining. For summer openings please see the web site. Admission charges apply. Free for under 16s. Tel: 01326 573 173 poldark-mine.co.uk Heartlands - Pool, Redruth Covering 19 acres, Heartlands brings the former derelict mining landscape at Robinson’s Shaft back to life through a £35 million project. This new attraction features botanical gardens, an adventure playground and interactive exhibitions, plus a busy events calendar. Open every day. Entrance is free, but car parking charges apply. Tel: 01209 722320 heartlandscornwall.com
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Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum – St Austell This is the UK’s only china clay museum and is set in a 26-acre country park. The site has woodland walks, tools and machinery, interactive display, a working waterwheel and a chance to see modern mining in action. There is also a children’s challenge trail and play area as well as access to the Clay Trails cycle route. Dogs are welcome. Open every day – cafe and shop closed on Mondays. Admission charges apply. Free for under 6s. Tel: 01726 850362 wheal-martyn.com Carnglaze Caverns – St Neot, near Liskeard Carnglaze Caverns consists of three man-made caverns, formed as part of a slate quarry. The lowest of the three caverns has a lake. There is also a six-acre woodland with an Enchanted Dell which, according to the owners, is: “filled with faeries, guarded by dragons and home to hobbits and other woodland creatures.” Carnglaze is also an excellent venue for music events. Open every day except Sundays. Admission charges apply. Free for under 3s. Tel: 01579 320251 carnglaze.com For more information, please visit: cornish-mining.org.uk
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Castles I
n to Tintagel From ti
n Tudor times, Henry VIII commissioned new fortifications to defend the deep waterways of the Carrick Roads against Catholic French and Spanish invasions. Some of Cornwall’s castles were also strategic points along the valuable mining trade routes. From mining history to the legend of King Arthur and the Catholic Reformation, Cornwall’s history is buried deep in the bricks of its castles. As well as history, the venues also offer family events and stunning coastal views for picnics and walks.
Pendennis Castle – Falmouth
Tintagel Castle – Tintagel
Pendennis was built by Henry VIII to defend the country against invasion. This award-winning visitor attraction boasts an exciting interactive exhibition, recreated Tudor gun room and the Discovery Centre, plus a series of family summer events, such as Grand Medieval Jousting shows, summer fun trails and family sleepovers. Tel: 01326 316594
This is the stuff of mystery and legends. Said to be the birthplace of King Arthur, with a history stretching as far back as Roman times, Tintagel Castle is one of the most iconic visitor attractions in Cornwall. The site includes steep hills, stunning, panoramic views and an introductory video, Searching for Arthur. Tel: 01840 770328
St Mawes Castle – Roseland Peninsula
Launceston Castle – Launceston
On the other side of the Fal estuary stands another of Henry VIII’s 16th Century coastal artillery fortresses – and the most elaborately decorated of them all. Along with Pendennis, it guarded the important anchorage of Carrick Roads, forming part of a chain of forts built to counter an invasion threat from Catholic France and Spain. The audio tour recreates the atmosphere in the gun rooms, along the battlements and throughout the castle, which was designed specifically to house heavy ‘ship-sinking’ guns. Tel: 01326 270526
Set on a large natural mound, Launceston Castle dominates the surrounding landscape. Building began soon after the 11th Century Norman Conquest. Its focus is an unusual ‘keep’, consisting of a 13th Century round tower built by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, inside an earlier circular shell-keep. The tower top is now reached via a dark internal staircase. A display traces 1,000 years of history, with finds from site excavations. Tel: 01566 772365
Restormel Castle – Fowey The 13th Century circular shell-keep of Restormel still encloses the principal rooms of the castle in remarkably good condition. It stands on a high ridge beside the River Fowey and commands fantastic views – it is a favourite picnic spot. The castle finally saw action during the Civil War in the mid 17th Century. Tel: 01208 872687
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ENGLISH HERITAGE Details about these five English Heritage sites can be found on the web site english-heritage.org.uk – just search for each venue in the search box at the top of the home page. All of the venues are open every day, unless there is a private event on, so please check in advance. Admission charges apply, but under 5s are free.
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MUSEUMS Cornwall has over 70 museums, most of which are volunteer-led. They paint a picture of a county steeped in folklore, farming, mining and maritime history. One Cornish pub boasts the finest collection of smuggling artefacts in the UK. On a Cornish beach near Penzance, the UK’s first international telecoms cables were laid under the sea, carrying messages to India. Meanwhile, in St Austell, another museum displays the remains of over 150 shipwrecks in the heart of the once-booming China clay industry.
Porthcurno Telegraph Museum – Porthcurno, near Penzance The collections tell the story of international telegraph communications from the opening of the cable station at Porthcurno in 1870 – when thousands of miles of undersea cables were laid from the beach to India – up to its closure in 1970. Open every day up to September 16. Admission charges apply. Free for under 5s. Tel: 01736 810966 porthcurno.org.uk St Agnes Museum – St Agnes This volunteer-run museum tells the story of the mining and maritime history of the parish and includes exhibitions relating to farming, folklore, religion, archaeology and life in the Victorian era. The venue is also a partner of the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. Open every day. Admission is free. Tel: 01872 553228 stagnesmuseum.org.uk
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National Maritime Museum Cornwall – Falmouth Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the multi award-winning venue has 15 galleries over five floors which illustrate Cornwall and the UK’s maritime heritage. Open every day. Admission charges apply. Free for under 5s. nmmc.co.uk
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1. National Maritime Museum. 2 & 3. Royal Cornwall Museum by Bernie Pettersen.
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Royal Cornwall Museum – Truro As well as a wide range of exhibitions on Cornish and British art, the museum has a busy schedule of activities, talks and lectures throughout the year. This museum is not to be missed. Open daily except Sunday. Admission charges apply for over 18s only. Tel 01872 272205 royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk Charlestown Shipwreck Centre – St Austell This attraction features exhibitions and artefacts from over 150 shipwrecks, which reflect village life in Charlestown and the once-thriving China clay industry. The exhibits feature maritime history dating back to 1715, plus one of the largest underwater diving equipment collections in the country. Open daily. Admission charges apply. Under 10s are free. Tel: 01726 69897 shipwreckcharlestown.com Lawrence House Museum – Launceston This is a Georgian house built in 1753 on a street which the English poet, writer and broadcaster, John Betjemen, described as: “having the most perfect collection of 18th Century townhouses in Cornwall”. The museum is spread over three floors with exhibits focusing on local history and inhabitants of the town, plus Launceston’s association with Australia. Open Monday-Friday. Admission is free. Tel: 01566 773277 lawrencehousemuseum.org.uk Smugglers Museum – Jamaica Inn, Launceston The museum boasts that it has: “probably the finest collection of smuggling artefacts in the country.” Incorporating the Dame Daphne du Maurier Room, the exhibits and theatre show tell the story of Cornish smuggling, including the myths and legends associated with Jamaica Inn. Open daily. Admission charges apply. Tel: 01566 86250 jamaicainn.co.uk/museum
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ISLES OF SCILLY Lying 30 miles off the tip of the Cornish coast, the Isles of Scilly is an island paradise with stunning white sand beaches, azure waters and a wonderful climate where sub-tropical plants thrive.
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1. Aerial view of St Mary’s beach. 2. Bishop Rock Lighthouse by J Pearce. 3. St Mary’s beach.
hether you choose to travel by plane or ferry, just getting there is an experience – the journey offers unique views of the western tip of the British Isles. There are five inhabited Islands – St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martins, St Agnes and Bryher – and over a hundred uninhabited islands. Chose from cycling, horse riding, walking, boat trips or simply find one of the Islands’ cafes, pubs or restaurants and enjoy the views. All of the Islands, apart from the capital St Mary’s, are virtually traffic free, apart from the odd tractor. More recently, the Islands have become a destination for celebrities such as David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Jude Law – so celebrity spotting is also an option. With its shops, restaurants and pubs, there is plenty to see and do on St Mary’s. Give your feet a rest on a sight-seeing bus trip or take a leisurely stroll around the Garrison Walls. Nature plays a major role in life on Scilly. During the big spring tides of the Equinox, the sea retreats from the channel between Tresco and Bryher enabling you to take a unique journey on foot from one island to the other. One of the Islands jewels is the internationally renowned Tresco Abbey Garden, a botanical paradise which contains exotic plants that cannot survive outdoors in any other part of the UK. One of the best ways to explore the Islands is by using the 60-plus miles of coastal footpaths, providing some of the most fantastic views anywhere in the UK. For a spot of sightseeing on the water, take a boat trip, with direct sailings, circular tours and more specialised trips to look at historic sites, seals and seabirds or go fishing. There is also a lot to see under the surface of Scilly, on glass-bottomed boats and guided snorkelling tours. To delve into the history of the Islands, head to the museum in Hugh Town on St Mary’s, where displays include relics salvaged from sunken ships and an illustrated account of the islands’ role in the English Civil War can be seen. The Islands are also home to some of the bestpreserved Bronze Age tombs and archaeological sites.
VISIT CORNWALL: This guide was taken from Visit Cornwall: visitcornwall.com/destinations/isles-scilly Other resources include the islands’ official tourism web site: simplyscilly.co.uk
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St Ives
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t Ives is a seemingly subtropical oasis where the beaches are golden, the vegetation is lush and the light is piercingly bright. It is no wonder that the town has been attracting artists for centuries. St Ives’s arty connections are reflected in the numerous galleries and exhibitions dotted around the town. It started with JMW Turner – the British Romantic landscape painter, water-colourist and printmaker – and the marine artist, Henry Moore, who first came to St Ives in the mid-1800s. Since then, the town has become a magnet for some of the world’s greatest painters, sculptors and ceramicists. Combine that with a great surfing beach, plenty of pavement cafes, ancient pubs, top-notch eateries and a fascinating working harbour, St Ives is deservedly one of Cornwall’s top destinations.
VISIT CORNWALL: This town guide was taken from Visit Cornwall. visitcornwall.com/destinations/st-ives For more information, visit the town’s official tourism web site: stivestic.co.uk
ST IVES Photograph by Paul Watts
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The Lizard Peninsula
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he tip of the Lizard is the most southerly point on the UK’s mainland. Here, the geology changes, creating a haven for exceptional plants and flowers. Dotted around the coastline are small fishing ports with huge granite sea walls to protect them from the Atlantic gales. Thatched cottages cling together at the ends of the valley in coves where small fleets of fishing boats catch fresh crab and lobster. On the Lizard, jagged black rocks jut out into the sea from sandy
VISIT CORNWALL: This guide was taken from Visit Cornwall. visitcornwall.com/destinations/lizard For more information on the Lizard Peninsula, visit: visitlizardcornwall.co.uk
bays. Kynance Cove is one of the country’s top beaches, which boasts white sands. At Mullion Cove, the thick harbour walls are dramatically surrounded by tall stacks of black volcanic rock. Visitors should pay a visit to St Winwaloe Church, on Gunwalloe Church Cove. At the 13th Century church, known as the Church of Storms, there is a 16th Century roodscreen made from the wood from a Portuguese wreck. Behind the church is a separate bell tower.
THE LIZARD Photograph by Ingrid King
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FALMOUTH Located at the entrance to the third largest harbour in the world, Falmouth’s strategic location led to the town being established as one of the most important packet ship ports in the UK from the late 1600s to the mid 1800s. Today, the town retains its maritime importance, offering sheltered waters for sailing and diving and regularly hosting sailing events, such as the Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week and the Pendennis Cup. As a university town, home to the college of art, design and media, the town has a creative buzz, with many art galleries displaying contemporary works and venues showcasing independent films and live bands.
The River Fal river runs through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is home to award-winning restaurants, attractions and places to stay. There are 150 miles of walks, 26 beaches, eight sub-tropical gardens, six traffic-free cycle routes and two castles, plus watersports, boat hire, wildlife sea safaris, ferries and river taxis. Falmouth is framed by the Helford and Fal Rivers and Roseland Peninsula, located on the South West Coast Path, a magnet for walkers, picnickers and families alike. Falmouth also has four beaches, which are all within walking distance of each other, from Gyllyngvase and Castle beach to Swanpool and Maenporth.
FALMOUTH HARBOUR Photograph by Jonathan Jacobs 52 // Love Summer in Cornwall 2013
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VISIT CORNWALL: This town guide was taken from Visit Cornwall and Fal River. For more information please visit: visitcornwall.com/destinations/Falmouth Other resources: Fal River – falriver.co.uk Falmouth town web site – falmouth.co.uk
FALMOUTH HARBOUR Photograph by Paul Watts
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Fowey and Fowey Estuary
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et in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the town hangs off the west side of the Fowey estuary where the large, deep water harbour is a magnet for the yachting crowd. As you walk the ever narrowing streets of the old town where medieval and Georgian buildings cast shadows over each other, a vibrant maritime history comes to life. Fowey is also home to many bistros, cafes and restaurants where you’ll find menus offering the best in local produce – Fowey River mussels are a highlight. To get an overview of the town and the beautiful harbour, take a stroll out along the esplanade, passing the grand parade of Edwardian and Victorian houses, to the
medieval St Catherine’s Castle, which looks out over the harbour entrance and Readymoney Cove. Visitors can see the town from the water with river cruises that regularly depart from the Town Quay steps. Boat trips pass the docks and head out to sea, taking in the best views of the town. The local museum holds an interesting collection which records Fowey’s rich and varied history, including Mayoral Regalia, costumes, old photographs, models of old sailing ships and postcards. Fowey’s most famous resident, Daphne du Maurier, is celebrated at the Literary Centre where there is a small exhibition and film about her life and how her writing was influenced by this beautiful area.
VISIT CORNWALL: This guide was taken from Visit Cornwall visitcornwall.com/destinations/fowey Other resources include the town’s official tourism web site - fowey.co.uk
FALMOUTH HARBOUR Photograph by Jonathan Jacobs
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ST AUSTELL
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he curve of St Austell Bay, with its sandy beaches, is a haven for watersports and family holidays. The white peaks of the China Clay industry overlook the market town of St Austell, Cornwall’s largest town, which dates back to the 13th Century. The town is situated about a mile from the coast and within easy access to the world-famous Eden Project and Heligan Gardens. Walk along Fore Street to reach the historic core of the town and the Holy Trinity Parish Church and, opposite, the Italianate facade of the Market House. The new White River shopping centre has a cinema, restaurants, cafes and a selection of retail outlets. The beautiful Georgian village of Charlestown is a mile away. Just five miles away is the popular fishing village of Mevagissey.
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Visit St Austell – gateway to St Austell Bay St Austell is a bustling market town with so much to offer everyone. The old market town, known as “The Gateway to St Austell Bay”, is one of the six largest centres of population in Devon and Cornwall, and is the largest single conurbation in Cornwall.
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ts main shopping area offers both the modern shopping environment of the White River Shopping Centre and the traditional, pedestrianised high street, and boasts a wonderful selection of both local speciality and national retailers in the town. With its many character and historical buildings, it really is a great place to visit, and has lots to offer everyone, including some great places to eat and drink. St Austell was for centuries an important mining town but it was a discovery in the mid-18th Century that really put the town on the map. William Cookworthy, a chemist from Devon, discovered massive deposits of kaolin (a form of decomposed granite), or china clay in the area. The mineral is used in not only the production of porcelain but a whole host of industries including paper, pharmaceuticals and textiles. The extraction of china clay became the mainstay of local industry and accelerated the growth of the town. The old spoil tips from the china clay mining create a unique landscape around the town. Indeed, the Wheal Martyn China Clay visitor centre, just outside the town, is a great place to visit with the family. It gives an interesting, and fun insight into china clay production with interactive displays based in a 19th-century clay works. Another long running industry in the town is St Austell Brewery. Founded in 1851 by Walter Hicks it has grown to become easily the biggest brewery in Cornwall with a string of pubs. The brewery is also open to the public for tours, and is another great place in St Austell to visit. The town is just a few miles from Cornwall’s south coast, renowned as a green and gold tapestry of wooded hills dropping down to secluded coves with hidden fishing villages, yacht anchorages and pilgrim trails that wind past sleepy farms and ancient stones.
There are many wonderful beaches and coves within easy reach of St Austell, including Carlyon Bay, Portpean and Duporth beaches. The hidden port of Charlestown is also very close, and has some wonderful old sailing ships, and its own beach. The lovely port was featured in the TV series “Poldark”. St Austell is also home to the Eden Project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, and Roseland Observatory, all top tourist attractions. So, St Austell and the bay, have something to offer everyone. Visit the town and you will not be disappointed.
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Truro
TRURO catHedral Photograph by Trevor Burrows
Cornwall’s one and only city once thrived as a river port
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he prosperity of the late 18th and early 19th Century can be seen today in the elegant town houses that line the city’s streets, along with Truro’s impressive gothic revival cathedral, which towers over the town. Copying the great cathedral builders of the medieval age, its huge spires soar over the city skyline. Inside, are some of the finest examples of Victorian stained glass in the UK. In the cathedral’s shadow lies a warren of back streets, which are home to dozens of independent traders selling everything from funky fashions and cool surf wear to locallymade bread and Cornish cheeses. With a year-long festival programme, weekly food markets and several art galleries, Truro is a cultural gem. Don’t miss: the Royal Cornwall Museum, which reveals Cornwall’s history, from prehistoric times through to its industrial triumphs, with an Egyptian mummy thrown in for good measure.
TRURO Photograph by Jonathan Jacobs
VISIT CORNWALL: This city guide was taken from Visit Cornwall visitcornwall.com/destinations/truro Other resources include the city’s official tourism website - tourism.truro.gov.uk
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1. St Mawes by Bob Berry. 2. St Mawes by Trevor Burrows.
St Mawes and The Roseland
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t Mawes is the principal village on the Roseland Peninsula, situated on the mouth of the Percuil River. An important port in medieval times and now a picturesque harbour with a small fishing fleet, it is protected by the most perfectly preserved of Henry VIII’s coastal fortresses, St Mawes Castle. The village remains a centre for a range of watersports activities and offers two fine sandy beaches. In St Mawes you will find a range of pubs, cafes and restaurants, and some interesting shops and galleries. St Mawes is linked to Falmouth by the St Mawes Ferry which runs year round across the harbour, and seasonally to Truro. During the summer months, a small passenger ferryboat links St Mawes to Place on the remote St Anthony headland. This enabes visitors to visit the
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small church behind Place Manor and the St Anthony Lighthouse and St Anthony Battery, as well as enjoying a pleasant circular walk. It is an easy two-mile coastal walk from St Mawes Castle to St Just in Roseland Church, described by Sir John Betjeman as being: “to many people the most beautiful churchyard on earth.”
VISIT CORNWALL: This guide was taken from Visit Cornwall visitcornwall.com/destinations/st-mawes Other resources include the area’s official tourism web site stmawesandtheroseland.co.uk
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St Agnes St Agnes is a picturesque village on the north coast of Cornwall. Steeped in mining history, the village still retains a traditional friendly Cornish atmosphere and makes a wonderful base for a holiday, with four different beaches. There are dramatic coastal walks and breathtaking scenery filled with relics from the past, as well as friendly hotels serving good food in a warm atmosphere. You will discover a thriving community with a choice of shops as well as galleries and craft workshops where beautiful gifts are made by hand. There are several pubs, cafes and restaurants, serving food and drink to cater for all tastes and pockets.
Perranporth Perranporth is a small seaside resort on the north coast of Cornwall, six miles south west of Newquay and seven miles north west of Truro. Perranporth and its three-mile long beach face the Atlantic Ocean. Cornwall’s dramatic Atlantic Coastline is fascinating and atmospheric. From the wide open sandy freedom of Perranporth to the secluded beauty of the St Agnes heritage coast, the whole coast is scattered with old tin mines.
Photograph by Ingrid King
VISIT CORNWALL: This guide was taken from Visit Cornwall: visitcornwall.com/destinations/st-agnes Other resources include the tourist information centre: st-agnes.com
VISIT CORNWALL: This guide was taken from Visit Cornwall: visitcornwall.com/destinations/perranporth Other resources include the tourist information centre: perranporthinfo.co.uk
perranporth Photograph by John Such 64 // Love Summer in Cornwall 2013
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The cornish pizza company Inspired by their love of Italian cooking and Cornish produce, husband and wife team, Jon and Vicki Crwys-Williams, have created a brand new pizza eatery in St Agnes on the stunning north coast of Cornwall.
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he pizza dough is made daily on the premises to their own special recipe. The dough balls, made from organic flour, are hand-stretched to order and topped with freshly made tomato sauce and delicious, locally sourced toppings. Local toppings include Cornish cheeses such as award winning Cornish Blue, Old Smokey, Cornish Yarg and Cornish Brie. Pizzas are dedicated to the area’s mining history with names such as Wheal Kitty, Wheal Prosper and Wheal Friendly. The pizzas are flash cooked in 3-4 minutes in an imported stone-based Italian oven, creating a mouth-watering, fresh and delicious pizza to enjoy. Customers can also take away garlic bread, quality fresh olives and olive oils from Olives Et Al, marinades, yummy tubs of ice cream from nearby dairy farm Callestick Farm and a selection of cold drinks including Healey’s apple and elderflower juice, San Pellegrino lemon and orangeades, and retro glass bottles of Coca-Cola. Alcoholic drinks can be bought to take away or while you wait and include Italian wines that have been specially selected to go with pizza by Experience Wine Truro. The shop has an open kitchen so you can see your pizza being prepared in front of your eyes and a funky retro 70’s vibe with an orange and turquoise colour scheme. They are open 5 – 9pm Tuesday to Sunday as well as bank holidays. Riding the crest of a wave of popularity for Italian food and delicious Cornish ingredients, The Cornish Pizza Company has so far received excellent reviews from customers and has already achieved an average 4.5 out of 5 rating on tripadvisor.co.uk, the online travel review site.
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WATERSIDE dining With so many cafes and restaurants along riverbanks, overlooking beaches and perched on cliff tops, you could be forgiven for never eating inland again. These venues have been chosen for their location and reputation. It is by no means an exhaustive list, but it is a good start to waterside dining. 1
Ruin Beach Cafe – Tresco, Isles of Scilly
Sandbar Praa Sands – near Penzance
This cafe at Ravens Porth, with its wonderful views towards St Martin’s and the Eastern Isles, has a unique style featuring shell mosaics, original art and a wood-fired oven. It offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu with a selection of wood-fired dishes, pizzas and salad. The cafe was ranked among the world’s Gold Standard eateries this year, voted by Conde Nast Traveller magazine. Tel: 01720 424849 tresco.co.uk
This is a contemporary restaurant with a Mediterranean twist, which serves fish and chips, steak, pizza and Sunday roast and has live music on Fridays and Sunday lunchtimes. Diners can eat al fresco on a raised terrace overlooking the beach with panoramic views of the ocean, or lounge with a coffee and enjoy the view. Tel: 01736 763516 sandbarpraasands.co.uk
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dining Porthgwidden Beach Cafe and Porthminster Cafe – St Ives Both these seaside eateries have uninterrupted views across St Ives Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse and specialise in Mediterranean and Asian seafood cuisine. Porthgwidden Cafe is nestled on the beach beneath the steep grassy slopes of St Ives Island. Porthminster cafe is just over a mile away near the train station on Porthminster beach - and a favourite of Love Summer’s celebrity contributor, Susan Penhaligon. Tel: 01736 796791 porthgwiddencafe.co.uk Tel: 01736 795352 porthminstercafe.co.uk Kynance Cove Cafe – Lizard Point This is about as far south as you can go in the British Isles. Situated in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the cafe nestles above the cove and makes a perfect place to stop and sample Cornish pasties, fresh sandwiches and home-made cakes and cream teas. Tel: 01326 290436 / 291117 kynancecovecafe.co.uk Ferryboat Inn – Helford Passage, near Falmouth Dating back 300 years, this riverside pub at the north Helford Passage ferry point is a great base for walkers, sailors and visitors to Trebah and Glendurgan gardens, with numerous coastal walks and boat trips around Mawnan Smith, Durgan and the Helford Estuary. Dogs are more than welcome. Voted Best Pub 2011 by Cornwall Life magazine, it serves traditional Cornish ales, fresh local seafood and home-cooked pub classics. Tel: 01326 250625 thewrightbrothers.co.uk/restaurants Indaba – Swanpool beach, Falmouth Overlooking Swanpool Beach, across Falmouth estuary and over to Pendennis Castle and St Anthony’s Lighthouse, Indaba offers Cornish seafood and shellfish, plus morning coffee and long, lazy al fresco lunches. Tel: 01326 311886 indabafish.co.uk Pandora Inn – Mylor In its spectacular setting on the edge of Restronguet Creek, this 13th Century, award-winning pub is a legendary riverside dining spot, where members of the local river community moor up their boats for a quick pint or a spot of lunch on the pontoon dining area. With its flagstone floors, low-beamed ceilings and thatched roof, it is not difficult to believe that little has changed since it was first built around 1200 years ago. Tel: 01326 372678 pandorainn.com
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Blue Beach Bar - Porthtowan Blue is a family and dog-friendly bar restaurant on the beach. Poised between the rugged north coast cliffs and overlooking the surf of Porthtowan beach, it is a great place to while away a winter Sunday afternoon in the company of Cornwall’s surfing crowd. Tel: 01209 890329 blue-bar.co.uk Old Ferry Inn – Bodinnick, Fowey On the banks of the Fowey River Estuary, the 400-year-old inn overlooks the 13th Century Bodinnick-to-Fowey ferry, as well as the former family home of Daphne du Maurier. Full of old photographs and nautical memorabilia, the Old Ferry is a welcome end – or start – to the famous Hall Walk. The pub serves traditional and classic meals with a modern twist, with both local and seasonal produce. Tel: 01726 870 237 oldferryinn.co.uk Seaton Beach Cafe – near Looe This easily accessible cafe is right on the beach in the little village of Seaton. Take the countryside walk through the nearby woodland trail or, at low tide, walk along the shingle beach to the next village of Downderry. This is a popular spot for dog walkers. The cafe menu includes stews, seafood and fish and chips. Tel: 01503 250621 seatonbeachcafe.co.uk Life’s a Beach Restaurant – Bude This is a beach cafe by day and seafood bistro by night, which overlooks Summerleaze beach. The daytime cafe has a buzzing social beach cafe feel. In the evening, Life’s a Beach turns into a bistro with flowers and candles. Tel: 01288 355222 lifesabeach.info
1 & 3. Porthminster restaurant. 2. Ferryboat Inn. 4. Porthgwidden facebook.com/lovecornwallcdm
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FINE DINING Cornwall’s culinary reputation has come a long way since pasties and saffron buns. Today, with so much talent in the region, the food scene is buzzing.
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1 & 2. Restaurant Nathan Outlaw by Rob Whitrow.
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he Duchy has some of the best seafood restaurants in the country, including the county’s only restaurant with two Michelin stars. Another two restaurants now have one star. There are also four Cornish restaurants which have been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand stamp of approval, which indicates the inspectors’ favourite establishments, offering high-quality products and services as well as good value for money. Michelin Star The Michelin Guide is a series of annual books published by the French tyre company, Michelin, for more than a dozen countries. The professional inspectors anonymously visit restaurants and hotels to ensure they do not receive any preferential treatment while they identify high-quality establishments across a broad range of budgets and styles. The anonymity of the inspectors is fundamental to the process that has been refined over more than 100 years. Earning a star is seen as one of the highest honours in the industry. Restaurant Nathan Outlaw – Rock In January 2011, Nathan Outlaw became the first chef in Cornwall to be awarded two Michelin stars. Restaurant Nathan Outlaw at St Enodoc Hotel, in Rock, serves the much-revered seafood tasting menu in a small, intimate venue. Head chef, Chris Simpson, showcases the finest seafood caught off the Cornish coast with ingredients from quality local producers and the restaurant’s own kitchen garden. Restaurant Nathan Outlaw serves dinner from Tuesday to Saturday where finely balanced dishes, with clean flavours, allow the true characteristics of the produce to shine through. Tel: 01208 863 394 nathan-outlaw.com Driftwood Restaurant – Portscatho, Roseland Chef, Chris Eden, was the first Cornishman to receive a Michelin star for a restaurant in Cornwall.
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3. Restaurant Nathan Outlaw by David Griffin. 4. Driftwood Restaurant. 5. Chris Eden Head Chef at Driftwood Restaurant.
This year, Chris and his team have retained the one Michelin star at the Driftwood. The Good Food Guide says about the restaurant: “Perched high above the sea with a panoramic view over the water, the setting is beautiful, ambitions are high. It serves well-designed dishes that are packed with interest. Service is on the ball”.
Victoria Inn – Perranunthoe, near Penzance
Tel: 01872 580644 driftwoodhotel.co.uk/driftwood-restaurant
Tel: 01736 710309 victoriainn-penzance.co.uk
Paul Ainsworth – Padstow After seven years of hard work, the team at No6 is thrilled to receive its first Michelin star in the new 2013 guide. It also featured in this year’s Good Food Guide in the top 50 British restaurants. Last year the restaurant came number 50 in the Sunday Times List of Britain’s Top 100 Restaurants and at number 36 of the top 100 restaurants in the country by Restaurant Magazine. The Michelin Guides says the restaurant has a: “relaxed air and friendly, enthusiastic service,” with modern seasonal cooking which displays originality and with “refined textures and flavours.” Tel: 01841 532093 number6inpadstow.co.uk Bib Gourmand The Bib Gourmand symbol indicates a restaurant offering good food at moderate prices. For the 2012 Guide, the price of a full meal – excluding drinks – was under £28. The Bib Gourmand selection represents 20 types of cuisine – from American to pizza and gastropub to Chinese. Introduced in the 1997 editions of the guides in Europe, Bib Gourmand restaurants are identified by a red symbol depicting the head of Bibendum, the Michelin Man. The Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2013 includes 137 Bib Gourmands, of which only four are in Cornwall. They are listed opposite.
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The 12th Century Inn claims to be one of the oldest inns in the county. With award-wining food, fine wines, good local ales, ciders and even a Cornish lager, it is only 1.5 miles east of Marazion – home to St Michael’s Mount – and only a minute from the South West Coast path. Black Rock Restaurant – St Ives In 2013, the Black Rock received its third consecutive Bib rating. It has also been listed among the country’s top restaurants in the Good Food Guide 2013, as well as being a Certificate of Excellence winner from Trip Advisor, in 2012. Tel: 01736 791911 theblackrockstives.co.uk Kota Restaurant – Porthleven, near Helston Now in its sixth year of trading, Kota is recognised by Good Food and Michelin, plus a string of restaurant guides, along with the AA – with one Rosette. Kota is also part of Cornish Accredited Restaurants and has been praised many times in local and national newspapers. Tel: 01326 562407 kotarestaurant.co.uk Rick Stein’s Cafe – Padstow Hidden behind a tiny shop front on a small side street, the menu at Rick Stein’s cafe changes daily with influences from Thailand, Morocco and the Mediterranean – dishes include Thai Fish Cakes, Mussels with crème fraiche and saffron, grilled cod with spicy noodles and Salmon fish cakes with sorrel, watercress and lemon and caper dressing. Tel: 01841 532700 rickstein.com/Rick-Steins-Cafe There are so many food and restaurant guides. Among them are Hardens, Michelin and the Good Food Guide. For more information on these guides, please visit: hardens.com/restaurants/cornwall-county viamichelin.co.uk/web/Restaurants thegoodfoodguide.co.uk
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Against the backdrop of escalating alcohol taxes, falling beer sales and widespread pub closures, Cornwall’s microbrewery sector is thriving, writes Craig Blackburn.
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n 2002, Gordon Brown introduced massive tax breaks for small brewers. Since then the number of microbreweries in the UK has doubled. Here in Cornwall, that number has quadrupled. Microbreweries have sprung up from Penzance to Launceston, producing beer out of farm sheds, old milking parlours, industrial units and even an artic food trailer in a haulage yard. Spurred on by the massive duty relief, low set-up costs and the growing demand for locally-produced real ales - ‘craft’ beers - more and more people are seizing the opportunity in this growing market. New breed One of the freshest faces in the market is Harbour Brewing Company, a partnership which grew out of a ‘passion for beer and surfing’. Ex hotelier Eddie Lofthouse teamed up with Ryhs Powell, a former brewer at Cornwall’s biggest beer producer, Sharp’s Brewery. Powell says the company is ‘not a volume producer’, preferring instead to concentrate on brewing ‘something a bit different’ to make it stand out in what has become a crowded marketplace. While many new Cornish brewers are ex-trade, the boom has also created a new breed of brewing entrepreneurs. Rob Lowe set up Rebel Brewing Company in a small industrial unit in Penryn in 2010 after graduating from a Mining Engineering degree at Camborne School of Mines, based up the road at Tremough Campus. Lowe decided to go into business after an opportunity to join the army fell through. ‘I have always wanted to run my own company,’ said Lowe. ‘The opportunity came along so I took it.’ After initially doing the brewing himself he later hired Guillermo Alvarez, who left his job as quality control
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1. St Austell Brewery visitors centre. 2. Rhys Powell and Eddie Lofthouse from Harbour Brewing 3. The Rebel Brewing range.
manager at St Austell Brewery to join the new enterprise. In November last year, after just two years in business, Rebel upsized its operation and moved to a larger unit in Penryn to deal with a five-fold increase in demand. Growing market The UK beer market as a whole has been in steady decline for many years but the cask ale sector has bucked the trend. The Craft Beer Rising beer festival and trade show earlier this year in London says that 7.8 million people now drink cask ales. ‘A younger, more discerning consumer is turning to the category and a plethora of new brands are being created to appeal to them,’ says the festival web site. This must all be music to the ears of consumer group CAMRA - Campaign for Real Ale – which started relentless lobbying in 1971 to save real ales from oblivion. But it was the introduction of the Small Brewers’ Relief scheme, which offers up to a 50% tax reduction for small brewers, which takes most of the credit for the revival in the microbrewery industry. Ten years ago there were just six breweries in Cornwall. Today there are over 22 and rising. The new generation of Cornish brewers have embraced social media and have a fresh online presence with clever marketing and branding, in some cases outsourcing PR, design and advertising. The new breed has also quickly accessed new markets for its niche products. Rebel and Harbour sell 20-30 per cent of their beer to the London craft pubs. Most Cornish breweries sell a large amount of beer outside of the county. St Austell Brewery and Skinner’s Brewery, meanwhile, have also accessed international
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markets, shipping Cornish beer to Northern and Eastern Europe, North America and Australia. But exporting is no longer confined to big producers. Last year, after just four years in business, Penpont Brewery secured contracts to supply beer to Russia and Canada. Operating out of a converted milking parlour on a Bodmin Moor farm, the company produces a similar amount of beer as Harbour and Rebel. Brewer Joe Thomson learnt how to brew on the job as well as through a correspondence diploma course since he left his career in pub management. His business partner Stephen Medlicott owns the farm. Brewing beer out of a farmyard harks back to an era when every town in the UK had its own brewery almost a century ago, long before the creation of the regional and national beer companies. But producing beer from an artic catering trailer on a haulage yard puts a modern twist on the sector. Frys Brewery does just that. One of the newest entrants to the market, the brewery was set up in 2011 on the grounds of Frys Logistics. Sales manager Lawrence McNeela says the company is looking to move to bigger premises as the brewery expands over the next 12-18months. Frys sells two thirds of its beer outside of Cornwall. ‘Especially in Wales,’ says McNeela. ‘They love Cornish beer in Wales.’ He attributes the company’s success to ‘good service and good product’ as well as Cornwall’s reputation for producing high quality food and drink. ‘Cornwall has taken over from the North of England as the place to brew beer,’ he says. ‘There are some cracking mircobreweries in Cornwall. I think it’s a fantastic movement.’
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The brewery with a story to tell
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f you are a fan of great beer, delicious food, Cornish history and pubs then St Austell Brewery is a mustvisit destination. On Trevarthian Road, looking out over the town and the bay, the brewery’s visitor centre, museum, shop and Hicks Bar form an integral part of the working Victorian Brewery which has stood on this site since 1893. Open 9.30am to 5.30pm every day of the year (excluding Sundays and Christmas Day), there is something here for everyone. On the ground floor you enter through the double doors into the Brewery Shop and Wine Warehouse, an Aladdin’s Cave of booze where customers browse the aisles exploring the fine selection of wines and stock up on the full range of St Austell bottled beers. Pippa, the store manager and team are on hand to help with advice on all the wines and beers. This is also the place to book a guided Brewery tour. If you want to make your beer purchase more unique, for the first time this summer, the Visitor Centre Shop now offers personalised labels. Simply key in the name and message and your own personalised bottle labels will print ready to be applied to your choice of St Austell Brewery bottled beer. In addition to drinks there is also a wide range of St Austell Brewery branded clothing and gifts on sale from Proper Job T-shirts to Tribute beach cricket sets and Cornish fudge to Tregothnan Cornish Tea. Above the shop is the Hicks Bar and Brewery Museum. The Hicks Bar, named after the Brewery founder, is a traditional pub. It too is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm, serving excellent coffee and hot drinks in the morning, freshly prepared cakes, snacks and meals through the day and also a great choice of St Austell Brewery draught beers, wines and spirits from 11am. Extended in 2013, the Brewery Museum is free to enter and provides fascinating displays and videos outlining the history of the Company, the brewing process, its pubs, beer brands and also the families who created them over the years. Of course the main attraction is the guided tour of the working brewery. These tours happen every hour through the summer and twice daily in the winter. Limited to 15 people per tour, they provide the opportunity to get up
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close and personal with all aspects of the brewing process from grain to glass. At the end of the hour long tour, you return to the Hicks Bar for some essential sampling of our award winning beers plus the chance to enjoy home cooked pub food or to continue browsing in the shop below. PLEASE NOTE: There is free customer parking. We offer disabled access to the shop, Hicks Bar and Museum. The Guided Tour includes steep steps, some low ceilings, proximity to hot surfaces and steam. As such, we regret the tour is unsuitable for young children or for people with limited mobility. Please ask when making your booking. For table or tour bookings please call 01726 66022 or email visitor.centre@staustellbrewery.co.uk
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full on flavour Our challenge has been quite simple really; to boldly go into the coffee unknown, to seek out new blends and single farm coffees from great roasters and farmers from around the world, each of which have a story to tell and a great coffee to bring to us and our customers.
We try, where possible, to follow a seasonal calendar of coffee, as each growing region comes into harvest and then to import and then to roast. We pay particular attention to what beans are being sourced by which green bean distributers and which roasters are using the best beans that year. We also pay attention to what bean trends are coming out of European and world barista championship competitions and offer a little of that at the Espressini show where we can. Similar to wine, coffee is derived from a fruit and each regional coffee has a sweet taste signature that we try to identify. We encourage our customers to classify the characteristics of each seasonal coffee and truly taste the coffee. Espressini has quickly won the hearts of our fans at our neighbour-hub espresso bar in Falmouth’s West End. We recently opened ‘KilliBrew’ on the birthday of Espressini in December 2012 next door! The KilliBrew room is a cupping lab as well as an extension of the café; from here we can experiment with the science behind coffee, ensuring our customers get the best possible cup. KilliBrew is also available to hire for small parties and events. At Espressini it is simply all about coffee, but it would be daft to not mention our local clever bakers and deli suppliers who help us create delicious breakfast and light lunches, not to mention the best cakes in town. So why not visit our website espressini.co.uk to see an exciting calendar of forthcoming events, collaborations and pop ups. We hope to see you soon. 78 // Love Summer in Cornwall 2013
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Silks Bistro & Champagne Bar
The Cornish Pantry Restaurant
The Falmouth Hotel
With fabulous views of Fowey Harbour, our award-winning Spinnakers Restaurant offers a daily changing menu featuring the best local and seasonal produce. Open daily from 6.30pm until 9pm.
Open 10.00am to 4.30pm seven days a week. Serving hot, wholesome and traditional dishes that warm your heart. A local favourite for a Sunday Roast Carvery!
Our award-wining food features the very best local produce, whether that’s locally caught fish, fresh vegetables or succulent beef, lamb and chicken.
The Fowey Hotel, Esplanade, Fowey PL23 1HX 01726 832551 thefoweyhotel.co.uk
The Cornish Pantry Treasure Park, Tolgus Mill, Nr Redruth TR16 4HN 01209 203289 treasureparks.com info@treasureparks.com
The Falmouth Hotel Castle Beach, Falmouth, TR11 4NZ 01326 312671 falmouthotel.com
Eat, drink and be merry!
The Alverton, Truro
Sea Side Restaurant
St Moritz Restaurant
Open: 12noon - 2.30pm & from 5.30pm - 9.30pm. Light bites available from 12noon - 9pm.
Open: 7 days per week 11am – 6pm for food, cocktails, coffee and cream teas (meals served between midday and 5pm).
Open: 7 days per week 11am – 6pm for food, cocktails, coffee and cream teas (meals served between midday and 5pm).
St Moritz Hotel and Garden Villas Trebetherick, PL27 6SD 01208 862242 stmoritzhotel.co.uk reception@stmoritzhotel.co.uk
St Moritz Hotel and Garden Villas, Trebetherick, PL27 6SD 01208 862242 stmoritzhotel.co.uk reception@stmoritzhotel.co.uk
The Alverton Tregolls Road, Truro, TR1 1ZQ 01872 276 633 thealverton.co.uk stay@thealverton.co.uk
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@LoveCornwallCDM
07/06/2013 14:15:07
restaurant listings
The Metropole Hotel
The Fowey Hotel
The Greenbank Hotel
Padstow is a bit of a ‘foodie’ paradise and here, at The Met, we are very proud of our award-winning AA Rosette restaurant and café bar - and of our team of chefs who work hard with our local suppliers to bring delicious menus to our guests.
Mouthwatering food that combines delicious Cornish ingredients with fabulous flavours. Our restaurant has retained coveted AA Rosette recognition for exceptional food since 1997 and an extensive wine list compliments a daily changing menu.
Open Everyday Bar & Terrace: Morning coffee 9am 12pm. Deli & High Tea Menu 12-9pm Mon-Sat, 12.30-9pm Sun.
The Metropole Hotel Station Road, Padstow, PL28 8DB 01841 532 486 the-metropole.co.uk
The Fowey Hotel Esplanade, Fowey, PL23 1HX 01726 832551 thefoweyhotel.co.uk
The Greenbank Hotel Harbourside, Falmouth, TR11 2SR 01326 312440 greenbank-hotel.co.uk reception@greenbank-hotel.co.uk
Harbourside Restaurant: Lunch 12-2pm Mon-Sat, 12.30-2.30pm Sun Dinner 6.30-9pm.
Eating out? Why not try one of these local eateries? With everything from burgers and caribbean classics to chic retreats, there's something to suit every taste, and a warm welcome guaranteed!
Cribbs Café Bar
Saffron Restaurant
New Yard Restaurant
Open: Food served daily between 10am and 4.30pm. Bar open Weekdays until 1am and weekends until 2am
Fine dining in recently rennovated restaurant. Modern British cooking using finest Cornish ingredients. Excellent wine list and good value lunch, pre-theatre, afternoon tea and dinner menu. Booking advised.
Open: Tuesday to Saturday (excluding Thursday) 10.30 morning coffee, 12-2 lunch, 3-5. cream teas, 7-9 dinner. Monday & Thursday - Pizza shop 12-8. Sunday - 10.30 morning coffee, 12-2.30 traditional Sunday roast lunch Breakfast served Friday, Saturday & Sunday 8.30-10.
Cribbs Café Bar 15A Killigrew Street, Falmouth 0132 619796 cribbscornwall.co.uk info@cribbscornwall.co.uk
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Open: from 11am. Saffron Restaurant 5 Quay Street, Truro, TR1 2HB 01872 263 771 saffronrestauranttruro.co.uk Twitter @SaffronTruro
New Yard Restaurant Trelowarren Estate, Mawgan, Helston 01326 221595 newyardrestaurant.co.uk
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Renaissance
Antoninis - Italian Eatery
Red River Inn
Opening hours; Breakfast 9.30 am until 11.30am - Monday - Saturday Lunch/Dinner 11.30am until 8.00 pm – Monday - Saturday Sunday 10.00 am until 4.00 pm
Open (open hours, serving times for menus etc). Open from 10:30 for coffe and cake, with lunch being served from 12. Dinner is served from 6pm.
Evening opening hours may vary during summer, please call for more information.
Antoninis - Italian Eatery 6-7 Chapel Terrace, Hayle, TR27 4AB 01736 758357 antoninis.co.uk
Pop in and join us for a pint of the proper stuff; with 5 ever-changing real ales we showcase many of our local Cornish microbreweries & craft beers from around the country. Open from 12 noon & Serving Lunch & Dinner Daily 12-2pm & 6-9pm we focus on good quality, fresh local food, all of which is made here at the pub.
Renaissance Wharfside Shopping Centre, Market Jew Street, Penzance, TR18 2GB 01736 366 277 renaissancepenzance.co.uk kelly@renaissancepenzance.co.uk
Find us in CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2013 01736 753223 red-river-inn.com
Eat, drink and be merry!
The Pirate Inn
Trengwainton Tea Rooms
Dock Inn
Come and sample dishes from our new menu featuring locally sourced produce & meats. Served lunch times and evenings, 7 days a week. Enjoy the beautiful gardens with children's play area. Well behaved dogs welcome (on leads please).Large, free car park. Book now for our popular traditional Sunday roasts!
Fresh produce from the kitchen garden, we talk in footsteps rather than food miles. Opening Hours Sunday - Thursday 10am - 5pm. Closed Fridays and Saturdays.
A traditional cosy pub with friendly faces, great food, real ales, wine & accommodation.
The Pirate Alverton, Penzance, TR18 4PS 01736 366 094
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Trengwainton Tea Rooms Madron, Penzance, TR20 8RZ 01736 331717 trengwaintontearooms.com tea@trengwaintontearooms.com
The perfect place to relax and unwind. Opening Hours 12.00-11.30pm The Dock Inn 17 Quay Street, Penzance, TR18 4BD 01736 362833 dockinn.net info@dockinn.net
@LoveCornwallCDM
07/06/2013 14:16:49
restaurant listings
First and Last
The Lost and Found Cafe
Salt
The First and Last Inn is one of the most renowned inns in Cornwall, not only because of its location but because of its notorious reputation- since the 17th Century it has been home to both smugglers and ship wreckers! Now famous for its hospitality, fantastic food and evocative atmosphere.
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 9.30am – 5pm Saturday 10am – 5pm. Lunch Served 12pm – 3.30pm Coffee & Cakes All Day .
Salt has been designed as a modern continental style café/bar, serving local fresh produce, premium beers, spirits, wines & funky cocktails. Open: Open daily from 10am, Breakfast served 10am – 11:45. Lunch served 12pm – 3pm. Dinner served 5;30pm – 9pm.
The First and Last Inn Church Town, Sennen, TR19 7AD 01736 871680 firstandlastinn.co.uk
The Lost and Found Cafe Trevelyan House, 16 Chapel Street, Penzance, TR18 4AW 07962 218855 lostandfoundcafe.co.uk lostandgfoundroom@ymail.com
Salt 25 Foundry Square, Hayle, TR27 4HH 01736 755862 salt-hayle.co.uk info@salt-hayle.co.uk
Eating out? Why not try one of these local eateries? With everything from burgers and caribbean classics to chic retreats, there's something to suit every taste, and a warm welcome guaranteed!
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INTERVIEW
SUSAN PENHALIGON follow on twitter @susanpenhaligon
In May, actress and writer, Susan Penhaligon, performed a programme of poetry, prose and song with the Cornish folk group, Dalla, in a Welsh theatre.
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he is best known for the 1970s drama, Bouquet of Barbed Wire, and the film, The Land that Time Forgot, as well as a string of TV series, such as A Fine Romance in the 1980s and, more recently, Emmerdale and Doctors. Her 2008 novel, For The Love Of Angel, is set in Cornwall in the 1880s during the building of Truro Cathedral. On twitter, she describes herself as an actress, poet, boat dweller and Cornishwoman. Here she tells Love Summer about her connection with Cornwall, her favourite places and why she lives on a boat. What is your connection to Cornwall? “My family is from Cornwall. My formative years were spent there. When I was five I went to live with my granny in Falmouth and just before my eighth birthday I moved to St Ives. When I was 11, I was sent to boarding school in Bristol, returning back home to St Ives in the holidays. It was a big wrench for me. I missed the sea and the beaches and my friends, although it was at boarding school that I discovered I wanted to act.” How long did you live here? “In my head, I’ve never left Cornwall. I was imbued with a sense of my roots and Cornishness by my grandmother who was a proud Cornish woman. She worked on Falmouth docks during the second world war as a welfare officer, and lived in a small coastguards house overlooking Falmouth Bay.”
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When did you move away? “I suppose I left Cornwall for London, when I got into drama school at 18. If my career had not worked out for me, I would have definitely returned.” How often do you visit these days? “When my mother died and I found I had no family left down there, I stopped visiting so often. Also, the family home was sold. Since then, I’ve had to find a new Cornwall in a way, just for myself. I try to get down at least once a year, usually on my birthday, to have a pasty and a glass of champagne on Porthmeor beach, St Ives.”
In 80’s film Heather Anne, set in Cornwall
Why is Cornwall so special to you? “My childhood was spent on a beach swimming, watching the sea and the tides, watching storms from my bedroom window and hearing the lifeboat rockets going off. As kids we used to leap out of bed and wait for it to pass, not realising what a life saving job they were doing. I have a strong sense of my roots when I return, although I have lived away for a long time and don’t sound Cornish anymore.” What are your favourite things to do in the county? “I love Lands End, West Penwith, Zennor, the beaches and the constant smell of the sea. I love the art galleries, the pubs, the music and the festivals and now there are some amazing restaurants. It seems to me that Cornwall has everything.” Favourite beach? “Porthmeor surfing beach St Ives, I had my eighth birthday party there.” Favourite cafe/restaurant? “I like the cafe on Porthminster beach, St Ives.” Favourite place to visit? “The Monkey Sanctuary at Looe is a must to visit. They do great work there, rescuing primates. I made a film in Peru when I was very young and became great friends with a baby woolly monkey.” What are your top tips for visitors to the Duchy? “The cultural scene in Cornwall has grown and grown over the years – much more than pasties, clotted cream and bobbing boats in harbours. I would advise visitors to check out performances of plays, music clubs, festivals and art exhibitions. I would particularly look for the
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Susan, Richard Warwick, Michael Williams and Judi Dench in 80’s sitcom A Fine Romance
Cornish folk group, Dalla. They are brilliant, authentic and sing in Cornish. They are the real deal for anyone wanting to hear Cornish sung or who like folk music. Here’s their web site: dalla.co.uk.” How has the county changed over the years? “Some places have changed beyond recognition. For me, in some ways, it’s difficult to come to terms with it. Cornwall is a beautiful place and many people want to own holiday homes, but when you walk down a street in St Ives and 70 per cent of houses are holiday lets and second homes, you feel a loss of the old community. But community is still there, if you look for it, although probably not so much in the holiday destinations.” What are you up to now, professionally? “Coincidentally, I am in a Cornish show at Clwyd Theatr Cymru in Mold, Wales, performing a programme of poetry, prose and song with the Cornish folk group Dalla. We’re hoping to tour the show in Cornwall and abroad, or wherever the Cornish diaspora will welcome us.” What do you get up to outside of acting? “I write a bit, I paint my boat, I see friends in shows. I love the movies and I watch a lot of TV. And I spend time with my partner, the actor Duncan Preston.” Why do you live on a boat? “I’ve grown to love the Thames. I have sky and birds and willow trees – the countryside in the city. In St Ives we had a narrow road, often full of visitors, at the front of the house and the sea at the back. On my boat I have a tow path on one side, often full of people, and the river on the other side. One day, I realised I had created the nearest experience to being in my childhood home in Cornwall.”
@LoveCornwallCDM
07/06/2013 14:21:07
INTERVIEW
Did I Ever Leave? A poem by Susan Penhaligon
Did I ever leave? Believe me I’m not sure. I’ve hauled the weight of oceans through the London streets ever since. A furious Atlantic raging down Oxford street, a turquoise pool of limpets in Gloucester road, how many colours of sea washing over Hackney, only to lap gently into Chiswick near the M4. The westward road, where I hung my hat for a second, always intending to return. Did I ever leave? ‘Not Cornish anymore’, I said – been too long away. But ‘tis in your blood’ the old woman said, ‘in your blood’. I sighed and bought my saffron cake to pack away for London.
At the helm aged 6 on the River Fal. Now you know why I live on a boat!
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WHAT’s ON IN CORNWALL THIS SUMMER JUNE Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival Falmouth, 14TH - 16th A fantastic, free festival of maritime music and a great way to soak up the true atmosphere of Falmouth’s seafaring past with performances by dozens of groups from all the UK and beyond.
Falmouth Classics Regatta Falmouth, 14TH - 16th
West of England Bandsmen’s Festival St Austell, 15th
St Merryn Steam and Vintage Rally Padstow, 22nd - 23rd
Silver bands, brass bands and youth bands descend on the aptly-named village of Bugle right in the middle of Cornwall’s clay mining area to compete for the festival’s prestigious awards.
This is a local rally featuring many rural exhibits, including vintage tractors, steam engines and classic cars, plus trade stands and a car boot sale.
Saltash Regatta and Waterside Festival Saltash, 15TH - 16th
Golowan Festival Penzance, 22nd - 30th
Classic wooden hulled yachts, dinghies, pilot gigs and other classic and vintage boats create a spectacle on the water.
At one of the most colourful waterside festivals in South East Cornwall, you will find gig rowing events as well as entertainment on the shore.
The traditional Feast of St John has a packed programme of artists in celebration of music, performing arts and theatre. Events include Mazey Day, street parades and street entertainment.
Looe Lugger Regatta Looe, 14TH - 16th
Maker Festival Torpoint, 21ST - 23rd
Mevagissey Feast Week Mevagissey, 23rd - 29th
This bi-annual regatta in the busy seaside town of Looe is a celebration of the area’s fishing heritage. Traditional luggers, small, twomasted sailing boats, once common along the coasts of England and France, head to the town for the three-day event.
Maker Festival is an annual weekend camping event featuring live music, cabaret, DJs, workshops and fun in the breathtakingly beautiful location on the Rame Peninsula of south east Cornwall.
A blend of traditional and contemporary events which bring the whole community together and welcomes hundreds of visitors to join the celebrations.
Polperro Music and Arts Festival Polperro, 15th - 23rd
A midsummer celebration of food, music and art, taking place at the 17th Century Dinham House overlooking the Camel Estuary near Wadebridge.
This critically-acclaimed production catapulted Cornwall’s Kneehigh Theatre onto the national stage, blending comedy, live music, grand passion and tender truths in an irresistible night of love.
Ultra Trail South West Newquay, 21st - 23rd
Golowan Maritime Festival Penzance, 28th - 30th
The Watergate Bay Hotel will host the finish of a 100-mile, off-road foot race along the South West Coast Path from Porthleven to Watergate Bay.
This is a traditional boat festival, running in tandem with Golowan Festival, which brings together owners and crews of traditional style boats.
The festival includes plenty of live music, an arts and crafts fair, comedy night, lighting of the solstice bonfire, colourful village carnival and a unique mock mayor choosing ceremony.
Murdoch Day Redruth, 15th Redruth’s annual celebration of its most famous citizen, inventor William Murdoch, includes a children’s dance and art procession, all-day music and entertainment, street market, old ‘tyme’ fair and much more.
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Rock Oyster Festival Wadebridge, 21st - 23rd
Fowey Mussel Fest Fowey, 22nd - 23rd As well as the Fowey River Mussels, there will be traditional entertainment, seafood cooking demonstrations, cooking competitions, pirates, plays and treasure hunts.
Kneehigh’s Tristan & Yseult Truro, 25th - 29th
Looe Festival of Food & Drink Looe, 29th - 30th Showcasing local produce and local suppliers to visitors and intoducing diverse suppliers and produce to the locals.
@LoveCornwallCDM
07/06/2013 14:23:59
JULY Lafrowda Festival Penzance, 5th - 20th
Stithians Agricultural Show Stithians, 15th
Camborne Show Camborne, 20th
An annual event celebrating community arts with 12 hours of free entertainment to suit every taste, including street performers, stalls, refreshments, bouncy castles and three spectacular processions.
Thousands descend here to enjoy musical entertainment, food courts, craft stalls, a fairground, and animals of all sorts including rare breeds, a dog show and dog agility competitions.
An agricultural show with competitions, attractions, craft and general sales, refreshments and live entertainment.
Bodmin Riding and Heritage Day Bodmin, 6th - 7th
Penzance Literary Festival Penzance, 17th - 21st
A celebration of Bodmin Town’s historical past dating back to the 14th Century in which the town’s schoolchildren dance the traditional Bodmin Riding Dance in procession.
The is a festival for everyone who enjoys words – the written word, the spoken word, the recited word and the sung word too.
A behind-the-scenes look at the Fleet Air Arm, the Royal Navy’s flying force, on the only day of the year when the public can step into the world of Culdrose and experience the sights, sounds and smells of a working military Naval Air Station.
Liskeard Agricultural Show Liskeard, 13th This is one of the biggest agricultural shows in the south west, with a wide selection of high quality entries in the large animal classes, and a companion dog show.
Boconnoc Steam Fair Lostwithiel, 19th - 21st
RNAS Culdrose Air Day Helston, 24th
An old fashioned steam extravaganza held annually on Boconnoc Estate and showcasing vintage vehicles, including full size and miniature steam engines.
AUGUST St Endellion Summer Music Festival Port Isaac, 30th July - 9th Aug This internationally-famous festival features a symphony orchestra and a chorus of 75, encompassing the classics from Brahms to Stravinsky.
Gunnislake Festival Gunnislake, 31st July - 3rd Aug An annual community celebration which includes exhibitions, competitions and musical entertainment – an opportunity for visitors and locals to join in.
Mount Edgcumbe American & Classic Car Show & Fayre Torpoint, 4th Five hundred American and classic cars to see, plus a craft fayre and stalls, car boot fair, amusements, refreshments, a licensed bar and live music.
Boardmasters Surf, Skate + Music Festival Newquay, 7th - 11th A cross between a surf competition and a music festival and featuring the best in action sports, including skateboarding.
Charlestown Regatta Week St Austell, 3rd - 9th
Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week Falmouth, 9tH - 18th
A week of events for all the family, including a fun triathlon, raft races, donkey derby, live music and colourful carnival – all to raise funds for the local community.
Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week has grown into the largest sailing regatta in the south west with more than 450 yachts racing over eight days, and a lively programme of shoreside events.
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Tregony Heavy Horse Show & Country Fayre St Austell, 11th Tregony’s annual show and country fayre presents the parading and judging of heavy horses and shetland ponies.
Camelford Agricultural Show Camelford, 14th A traditional agricultural show which includes dog shows, vintage vehicle collections, displays of cattle, sheep and horses, sheep shearing displays and a heavy horse show.
Cornwall Design Fair Penzance, 16th - 18th This event is a true celebration of contemporary Cornish design, presenting furniture, interior products, ceramics, glass, lighting, jewellery, textiles and fashion accessories for sale.
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AUGUST Cornish Steam and Country Fair Truro, 16th - 18th
Cornwall Folk Festival Wadebridge, 23rd - 26th
Newlyn Fish Festival Newlyn, 26th
Enthusiasts can see steam engines of all sizes at this rally, which was previously known as the West of England Steam Rally.
Headlining this year is British Blues Legend, Wizz Jones, alongside Brazilian singer, Silvia Nicolatto, Stompin’ Dave Allen and Dalla.
In aid of the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, this event celebrates all things fishy in Britain’s premier fishing port.
Fowey Regatta and Carnival Week Fowey, 18th - 24th
Trereife Country Fayre Penzance, 24th
Bude Jazz Bude, 27th - 30th
One of Britain’s premier sailing events, this is also a fun-filled week for all the family – sailors and landlubbers alike – and includes a display by the Red Arrows.
The spectacular backdrop of Trereife Park, near Penzance, will be the setting of a summer fayre.
Bude has been involved in staging jazz festivals for 25 years and is renowned world-wide for its support for the music genre.
St Ewe Country Fair St Austell, 18th
A traditional regatta with a full programme of sailing over an exciting and highly visible course in the beautiful Gerrans Bay. Shoreside events include live music and games, plus food stalls.
A fun day out with a rural theme, something for all ages including sheepdog demonstrations, birds of prey, music, crafts, farmers market and children’s marquee.
Holsworthy and Stratton Agricultural Show Holsworthy, 22nd A fun-filled day out for all the family with entertainment ncluding gymnastics, falconry, motorcycle stunts, jive dancing, children’s sports and horse jumping.
Portscatho Regatta Portscatho, 24th
Newquay Ladies’ Open County Pilot Gig Championships Newquay, 31st Aug - 1st Sept The hugely-competitive event attracts crews from all over the west of England and as far afield as the Irish Republic and the Netherlands.
Party in the Park at Trereife Penzance, 25th
Electric Beach Festival Newquay, 31st
This musical event showcases Cornwall’s best bands in marquees within the beautiful and historic grounds of Trereife Park.
The Electric Beach Festival returns to the golden sands of Watergate Bay, near Newquay.
SEPTEMBER Newquay Fish Festival Newquay, 6th - 9th
SPLASH Falmouth, 13th - 22nd
Showcasing Newquay Harbour, the festival attracts thousands of visitors to sample delicious fish dishes, watch local chefs rustle up amazing food and enjoy the entertainment.
Quirky, original and creative, Falmouth’s art festival celebrates the town’s artistic diversity.
Mining and Pasty Festival Redruth, 6th - 8th
A week-long festival of walks which passes through seaside villages, rural hamlets, the Tamar Valley and Bodmin Moor with expert guides.
This celebration of the Cornish pasty encompasses the mining history and uncovers the magic of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site as the heart of Cornish mining.
92 // Love Summer in Cornwall 2013
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South East Cornwall Walking Festival Looe, 14th - 21st
Newquay Mens’ Open County Pilot Gig Championships Newquay, 14th - 15th This is very much an off shore spectacle which is free to watch. The best vantage points are at the harbour and from North Quay extending to the Huer’s Hut. Al listings have been taken from Visit Cornwall’s What’s On page: visitcornwall.com/whats-on
@LoveCornwallCDM
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