This 200 acre estate is a jewel of a day out. The Pleasure Gardens contain a remarkable collection of Camellias and Rhododendrons that were introduced to Heligan before 1920 and the Jungle garden on a steep sided valley has its own microclimate. Here it is at least 5 degrees warmer than in the Northern Gardens which allows for an impressive selection of exotic plants from across the globe. Giant Rhubarb plants, avenues of palms and one of the longest rope bridges in Britain add to the drama. In the Lost Valley woodlands giant sculptures such as the Giant’s Head and the Grey Lady keep little ones entertained as do the Rare Breed Park on the farm. heligan.com
Located in a former clay mine, The Eden Project is the ultimate regeneration project. This huge barren pit has been transformed into a global garden. Explore inside the huge Rainforest Biome, home to the world’s biggest indoor rainforest or chill out in the fragrant and colourful Mediterranean Biome. Complete with 30 acres of outdoor gardens containing contemporary garden ideas. This is an awe inspiring place that successfully explores our relationship with plants. edenproject.com
Seaside things to do in Cornwall
Gwynver beach in south-west Cornwall is right next to the more famous Sennen beach which is popular with surfers and sunbathers alike. Here you can enjoy the glorious white sand far away from the madding crowd. At low tide the beach joins with Sennen beach. The walk down is a little testing but also romantic and magical.
Swim in Trevone Bay’s natural pool
Trevone is one of Cornwall’s best kept secrets, sandwiched between Padstow and Harlyn Bay. It offers a sandy expanse of beach on one side with a rocky outcrop on the other, divided by a huge jutting black rock formation. At low tide, you can walk around from one to other, otherwise the coastal path drops you onto the rocks, where you’ll find Trevone Natural Sea Pool nestled amongst the rocks. It’s constantly filled with seawater and always absolutely freezing but the locals love it and a swift (or long) dip can be very refreshing.
The Sennen surf school is situated on the yellow-white sands of Sennen Beach. This is the place to learn how to ride a wave taught by expert instructors who include British surf champions and sponsored riders. Courses run from April 1st to October half term. sennensurfingcentre.co.uk
Ed Schofield
Gold Diggings Quarry, Bodmin
If you fancy a wild swim but it’s too blustery by the coast, head inland to Gold Diggings Quarry near Bodmin (or stop off en route to or from the very end of the county). The former quarry is a deep, blue, cold place to cool off, and you can jump in too if you’re feeling brave.
Mackerel Fishing on the Madeline Rose
Head out for some mackerel fishing around St Mawes with ex commercial fisherman James Brown on his 26ft Sea Mark, Madeline Rose. Take in local wildlife including cormorants near St Anthony’s Lighthouse and sometimes dolphins, sharks and whales in the bay. The fishing trips last 2 hours, for those wanting to go at a more leisurely pace, half and full day charters are available when one can sail along the River Fal stopping off for lunch in one of the riverside pubs. fishandtripstmawes.co.uk
The river Fowey is a simply stunning stretch of water and one of the best ways to explore it is via kayak, where you can paddle in and out of all the creeks and coves and see the area in the way it shows itself best.
Liddicoat Butchers in Lostwithiel has, in the opinion of many locals, the best pasties and sausage rolls – buy them for a picnic on the cliffs at Lantic Bay. Also good for picnics, Lerryn Village Shop serves cream teas, bacon sandwiches and ice creams. Get them and then walk on the medieval stepping stones across the river Lerryn at low tide.
Where to eat in Cornwall
Flora at Trelowarren Estate
Tim Spedding and Louise Rødkjær – who ran a brilliant home delivery service during the pandemic – have opened a restaurant near Helston. He is a great chef, formerly at Coombeshead and The Clove Club, before he ran the Cornwall Community Kitchen during lockdown and Lola’s Cornwall. His food is fantastic and the new café has been as popular as you’d expect with such a big name behind it. floranewyard.co.uk
Fowey is very up-and-coming on the UK food scene and one of the first restaurants to put it on the map was North Street Kitchen, a laidback local serving up the region’s freshest ingredients in a modern, simple way. They’re not reinventing the wheel here but rather dialling it back (think St John style), letting Cornish produce do all the talking. It overlooks the river Fowey and is guaranteed to be buzzing no matter the weather or time of year. instagram.com/nskfowey
For the ultimate outdoor beach cafe head to the Hidden Hut on the coastal path near Porthscatho above Portcurnick Beach on the Roseland Peninsula. In autumn and spring lunches consist of home cooked chowders and soups whilst in summer it’s seafood and beach salads. Those in the know book tickets for the summer outdoor feast nights where punters come down with plates, picnic rugs and wine to feast on treats such as wood-fired sea paella or slow-roasted spring lamb all cooked outside on an open fire. Feast dates are released monthly and must be booked in advance. hiddenhut.co.uk
Open seasonally, Captain Hank’s Crab & Snack Shack is the best spot for locally-sourced homemade crab sandwiches as well as other seafood and cakes, set right on the water’s edge in Fowey. You won’t find it in the depths of winter but in the warmer months, it’s not to be missed.
This canary yellow old coaching inn is situated in Poldark country on the coastal path between St Ives and St Just. A great pit stop for walkers and gourmets alike. Head Chef Max Wilson rustles up imaginative dishes from seasonal, fresh local produce. Pig Cheeks, cuttlefish, mussels and red gurnard are regulars on the short menu as is local rump of beef, pheasant or baba ganoush. The rooms are suitably comfy if you’re planning a blow out. gurnardshead.co.uk
The St Kew Inn in Bodmin is a perfectly unpretentious gem. Dating back as far as the 15th century, the building was originally used to house masons who built the neighbouring Parish. Today, the pub retains its sense of history, and serves delightful local dishes–heavy on fish and seafood. A truly delightful spot for a mouthwatering lunch in the very pretty gardens. stkewinn.co.uk
Stein’s Fishmonger and Seafood Bar
Everyone knows Padstow and everyone knows that Rick Stein owns every other restaurant, cafe and shop there. Most people head to either his café or the flagship restaurant but the real place to go is the fishmonger, which is just next door to the restaurant. On one side, it’s a fish counter of local (or as a local as possible, of course the prawns and so on come from further afield) catch of the day, while the other half is bar seating and sharing tables where you can enjoy seafood platters, fresh crab sandwiches and Rick’s wine for a decent price. It’s a jolly spot for a decadent lunch that doesn’t push the boat out too much. rickstein.com
Nowhere shouts holiday vibes more than the Portminster Beach Cafe, situated above Portminster Beach overlooking St Ives Bay. This white washed restaurant and pretty terrace are perfectly positioned to take in the glorious sea views. The Asian and Mediterranean inspired menu naturally includes lots of locally sourced seafood from hand dived scallops to Cornish crab pasta to the classic Portminster Monkfish Curry. Booking is essential in the summer. porthminstercafe.co.uk
