Cornwall – a land of myth, legend, and stunning Scenery

Being half-Cornish, Cornwall is a place I know very well and have been visiting pretty much at least once a year since I was born, wit the same being the case for Anya.

Cornwall has changed a lot over those years – and I see it quite differently to when I was a child. Back then, Cornwall was our main family ‘holiday’ which largely consisted of staying with my grandparents for two weeks, visiting all the Great-Aunts and Uncles, and spending days at the local beach with cousins where my (scary) Great Aunt worked in the Ice Cream kiosk!

Nowadays, it’s a place that feels like home, somewhere we can really switch off and enjoy scenic walks and spending time visiting the less tourist-filled locations – usually out of season when visitor numbers reduced.

Our Favourtie Places To Spend Time

Falmouth

Slightly biased here as this is where my family are from and where I have been coming to see them and enjoy the rest of Cornwall for 40+ years. But it’s a lovely place to base yourself – with three great beaches all within walking distance of each other (depends whether you prefer to sit in the sun, clamber over the rocks seeking crabs and rescuing Jelly Fish, or to get active with water sports as to which to chose), a National Maritime Museum, Boat Trips, a Castle and countless local independent coffee shops and restaurants as well as a shopping street, there is plenty to do in Falmouth. And, if you have a car, no where in South Cornwall takes long to get to for a day trip.

The Helford River

This is an area I have come to discover and enjoy the most with Anya. A sheltered area full of creeks and small, pebble beaches, it’s a place to get away from the crowds, have a go at kayaking or paddle boarding without the waves, enjoy a coastal walk, or just sit with on the rocks watching the boats sail by.

Kynance Cove

Not so much of a secret unfortunately, so pick your time to visit to avoid the crowds. We tend to stay away during the summer months as it’s just too busy, but in the spring or autumn, it’s usually fairly quiet, and while it’s not sitting on the beach and going in the sea temperatures, it’s the best time to enjoy the stunning views, dramatic waves, and the ‘hidden’ beach only accessible at low tide (be sure to check the tide times so you don’t get cut off!).

Gardens

Cornwall is full of private and National Trust gardens that are a great option at any time of year. There tends to always be a lovely walk in or around the grounds, and the obligatory stop at the coffee shop/restaurant never disappoints! Some of our Favourites:

Glendurgan Gardens – between Falmouth and The Helford River, stunning gardens set in its own micro climate which leads out to a small, pebble beach on The Helford River (Durgan Beach).
Trebah Gardens – a private garden just down the road from Glendurgan with a stunning variety of plants and it’s own private beach on The Helford River. The restaurant here uses all local ingredients and it’ss well worth enjoying a bite to eat (you can acces the restaurant and shop without having to pay to go into the gardens).
Trelissick Gardens – a good option for a woodland walk that brings you along the Fal Estuary (no need to go into the garden as the walk can be accessed from the car park) and a restaurant with plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors.
Eden Project – the Eden project development was a fantastic addition to Cornwall and offers a good option on days when the weather is not at it’s best. We would recommend the canopy walkway which gives views over the Rainforest Biome – be warned though, it gets very humid!

Places to Eat

With the sea surrounding Cornwall and farmlands throughout, fresh, local produce is put to good use in the wide range of restaurants, pubs and coffee shops found in just about every small town (did you know there is a tea plantation in Cornwall?). While for many a visit to Cornwall is not complete without a traditional Cornish Pasty, for us a visit is not complete without cake and coffee at Gylly Cafe and a burrito from Habaneros. Here’s some of our favourite places to for food, coffee and cake (yes, gluten free!):

Gylly Beach Cafe – located on Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth, this cafe/restaurant opens for breakfast, lunch and evening meals. They have their own bakery on the beach which supplies their bread, pastries and cakes (lemon polenta slice is a must), and serve great coffee.
Habaneros – located along off the shopping street by the harbour in Falomuth, this is take-away only, but they serve the most amazing freshly made Burritos/Fajitas/Tacos. They also offer ‘bowl’ options that are perfect for those like us that are gluten free, and you pick your level of heat – never made it above chipotle!
Roskilly’s Farm – a working, organic dairy farm that you are welcome to look around and then make your way to the ice cream shop and restaurant. The list of flavours seems to increase each time we visit, but as well as ice cream, you can enjoy meals, including pizzas cooked in their outdoor wood fired oven.