Published February 21, 2012
Cornwall is about much more than glorious beaches and stunning countryside, dramatic headlands and water sports. It’s a county rich in ancient history, which is why people who love exploring the chequered past of the United Kingdom love it so much. Here’s some guidance for history buffs to help make ordinary Cornwall cottage holidays something a bit special!
Whether you pick Cornish self catering accommodation on the coast or inland, there are masses of amazing places to discover. Mining in Cornwall began in the early Bronze Age, more than 2000 years ago, and finally ended in 1998. Signs of the county’s long and impressive mining history are visible all along the coastline: zinc and tin, lead, copper and more.
The unique geology of Cornwall means precious metals and other rare and useful substances abound. Take tin. At one time the county was the world’s primary location for tin mining, culminating in the famous School of Mines, established in 1888. Today Cornwall’s tin reserves are practically exhausted, which is why so many Cornish tin miners took their expertise and knowledge abroad, landing in places like America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Today there’s no tin mining in the county but you can see the signs of it everywhere you look.
There’s the Geevor Tin Mine Museum for a start, sixty seven acres set on the stunning North Atlantic coast and one of Britain’s biggest and best preserved mine sites. It’s a feast of beautifully maintained collections and listed buildings which together illustrate the tale of Cornwall’s exciting industrial mining past. The museum runs events throughout the year to cater for holiday trade, local schools and history groups.
Around 1000BC the Celts, warrior-like settlers from Europe, settles in Cornwall, bringing with them matchless iron forging skills . They farmed, mined, smelted and worked tin, copper, bronze and iron. The most famous of their ancient settlements lies at Chysauster, near Penzance, where you can still see their stone walls, grinding stones and fireplaces.
The Romans landed in 55BC but failed to make much of a mark on Cornwall, settling in Exeter. The dangerous River Tamar, Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bodmin Moor kept them at bay and also had the effect of keeping other raiders from elsewhere away. Cornish self catering cottages are a wonderful base for exploring the incredibly long and dramatic history of mining in Cornwall, an industry now dead and gone, but which has left an indelible mark on the landscapes, people and personality of Britain’s favourite staycation holiday destination.
Published January 10, 2012
Cornwall is a county of dramatic contrasts, offering a wide variety of habitats and environments where an equally wide variety of wildlife, flora and fauna thrive. Here’s just a few of the amazing creatures and plants you might come across in and around your Cornish holiday cottage.
There’s birds, seals, shellfish, crustaceans, butterflies and moths, mammals and reptiles, from the commonplace to the rare. Urban foxes are as common in Cornwall as any British county and you may spot families of foxes playing together at dusk, or hear them calling to one another in the mating season. The Wood White butterfly is a rare creature often spotted in summer and the magnificent Death’s Head moth, so named because of the remarkable skull-like markings on its thorax and abdomen, can be seen – and heard! – flapping around gardens and wild areas, a huge insect the size of a small bird.
The best Cornish holiday homes have private gardens planted with indigenous and cultivated plants. You might spot what you think is a humming bird, but take a closer look and you’ll probably find it’s a Humming Bird Hawk Moth, a tiny jewel-like creature that sips nectar from flowers via its long, flexible tongue. And the woods and fields are full of badgers, bunnies, squirrels, shrews, dormice, voles, rats and mice.
Wherever there’s fresh water there’s a chance you’ll spot stunning dragonflies, the larger of which have a wingspan of four inches and iridescent bodies in bright blue, bright green or honey brown striped with yellow. There are Demoiselle flies too, also called Damsel flies, smaller versions of the dragonfly in vibrant scarlet, turquoise or emerald. Ponds also attract frogs and toads, newts and water beetles, water skaters and water boatmen, leeches and dragonfly larvae.
Nip outdoors at dusk and you might see beautiful little bats flitting around catching insects as the sun slips below the golden horizon. Bats don’t get in your hair. They’re completely harmless, fascinating little beasts and on a quiet evening you can even hear their tiny jaws snap as they capture tasty insect life on the wing.
Cornish self catering accommodation is also ideal for bird watchers, with a wealth of sea and land birds plus occasional exotic migrating birds blown off course by storms. There’s seals and lizards, adders and grass snakes, ferns, seaweeds and endless drifts of delightful wild flowers like mallows, sea pinks and orchids. Plus numerous beautiful lichens, fungus, toadstools and mushrooms.
Cornwall is a county richer in wildlife than many, perfect for people who enjoy spotting rare and unusual flora and fauna as well as those who adore loafing on the beach or surfing the Atlantic waves!
Published November 21, 2011
Crantock, also known locally as Lanngorrow, is less than two miles south west of Newquay, and as a result is one of the county’s most popular destinations for Cornwall cottages. Self catering is increasing dramatically in popularity as the recession continues to bite and staycations are the last word in DIY holiday chic. So what’s all the fuss about – why is Crantock in such high demand?
First, it’s ancient. Imagine a village first founded back in the year 460AD, started by Irish hermits who created an Oratory there. Crantock itself is so picturesque and historically important that much of it is owned and maintained by the National Trust these days. There’s an ancient church dedicated to St Carantoc. And the stunningly lovely West Pentire headland is an official designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, a haven for hundreds of wonderful indigenous plants, insects, amphibians and wildlife species.
Then there’s the gorgeous river Gannel, which means visitors to the village can enjoy river boating and spectacular riverside walks as well as beautiful beaches, perfect for water sports, romantic strolls and lazy days sunbathing. The Gannel is tidal and you can catch a ferry from Fern Pit to Crantock Beach, another adventure that kids and adults alike enjoy experiencing.
Nearby Newquay is packed with night clubs, bars, restaurants and cafes. There’s loads of good high street shops as well as unusual, individual shops full of cool gifts and souvenirs. Celebrity eating out with people like Rick Stein. And art galleries with fantastic paintings of local scenes, inspired by Cornwall’s famously bright, clear light. Crantock beach is very popular with surfers so there’s always something exciting to watch. The beach is backed by sand dunes, brilliant fun for kids to play on. The caves and rock pools are full of fascinating creatures. There’s even a strange rock sculpture with its own spooky local legend attached.
The village itself, while small, has a couple of friendly pubs, post office and village shop. Or you can always hit a supermarket in Newquay if you need serious supplies.
Cornwall cottages holidays let you enjoy all this and more, enjoying all the comforts of home in a setting so lovely to look at you’ll remember it forever. Delightful Cornwall cottages. Self catering made easy with well equipped kitchens and gadget-rich living spaces. You can even find smart Cornwall cottages with pools for the ultimate DIY British holiday. And dog friendly self catering too.
Published September 13, 2011
The whole of Cornwall is stunning. It’s one of Britain’s favourite holiday counties with its semi-tropical microclimate and long, hot summers. But Feock is a jewel in Cornwall’s crown, a beautiful little village clinging to the sides of the River Fal and one of the best locations for sailing and boating holidays in the region, seated in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.
As well as tiny sandy beaches, dramatic wooded headlands and Loe beach, a real little beauty, there’s plenty to do and see around Feock. It’s a mere stone’s throw from the main Truro and Falmouth road for masses of great entertainment, pubs, clubs and restaurants. And the gorgeous Roseland peninsula is easy to get to via the historic King Harry Ferry.
In winter you’ll see the local oyster boat fleet working the choppy seas at Restronguet Point, visible from scenic Loe beach. Because Feock is on the South coast the climate is even milder and gentler than the north coast of Cornwall so it’s enormously popular for winter breaks off season when Cornish self catering holidays accommodation is much cheaper to rent.
St Mawes is a treat for the eye, painted by countless artists over the centuries. There’s numerous excellent pub restaurants and gastro pubs, many on the waterfront with delightful sea and river views. Try the excellent Pandora Inn, The Three Mackerel and The Sticky Prawn for a start. The popular local pub the Punchbowl & Ladle serves mouth-watering food and an exciting range of traditional Cornish beers too.
Truro is easily accessible by bus, only five miles away, and equally easy to walk to if you’re a hiking fan. There you’ll enjoy the cathedral, brilliant shopping, museums and more. And Falmouth is only nine miles away, a lovely walk with a return journey by bus if you’d rather leave the car behind.
The Feock area’s many Cornish self catering cottages deliver easy access to any number of exhilarating sports and activities from surfing to golf, sailing, boating, river fishing, sea fishing, cycling and walking the famous Camel Trail. There’s the historic Bodmin and Wexford Railway, the fascinating China Clay Museum and, of course, the marvellous Eden Project. Kids of all ages love the fun and games at Flambards Adventure Park and Goonhilly Earth Station is a prime tourist destination.
Cornwall coast cottages in or near Feock are also perfectly situated for Holywell Bay Fun Park, the lovely Lost Gardens of Heligan, Newquay Water Park and any number of top class restaurants hosted by household name celebrity chefs. All in all the Feock area is an ideal holiday destination whatever your tastes.
Published July 25, 2011
When it comes to comfortable, homely coastal cottages Cornwall comes tops. It’s been a popular destination for a hundred years or more and the county’s holiday home stock is simply superb. So keeping cosy isn’t a problem. Far from it! But keeping occupied on the rare occasions when the Cornish summer lets you down is another matter.
There’s nothing more beautiful than Cornwall on a good day. In the summer the air’s balmy. Scorching sunshine glitters and bathes the beaches in golden light. The sea is calm and inviting, warm and safe. Stunningly high cliffs melt into rolling dunes alive with wildlife. People lounge outside pubs, cafes and restaurants, baked into happy submission by the heat. They’re sailing and surfing, walking and wandering and sunbathing. At such times coastal cottages in Cornwall are an idyll.
It’s a bit more of a challenge to wax lyrical when the weather isn’t playing ball. When great lumps of plum-coloured cloud hurl stinging handfuls of rain into your face and thick clots of fog clog the winding lanes. When the vegetation drips, drips and drips but never dries. And the tide chews the beach into ragged chunks. That’s when you need a little ingenuity and imagination to make the most of your time in coastal Cornwall cottages! It’s all about using your imagination.
Everything looks different on holiday. Cooking a simple meal when it’s wet can occupy the whole family for an hour and cooking together is a great way to cement relationships. Dredge up your favourite party games – blind man’s bluff, statues, hide ‘n’ seek and murder are guaranteed to get you all giggling. Traditional board games are excellent fun for grown-ups as well as kids. Snap, the card game, is famous for ending in complete hysteria when a bottle of good wine joins the party. Create a home cinema afternoon with DVDs or satellite TV, snacks, ice creams, popcorn and fizzy drinks. Put on a family or group talent showing the living room. Play ‘Cornwall’s Got Talent’.
If all else fails bite the bullet, wrap up and build the planet’s biggest sandcastle whatever the weather. There’s something very satisfying about coming indoors after a strenuous day out enjoying yourself in the rain or storm. You feel you really deserve that big night out, special night in, fantastic meal or exciting entertainment after you’ve endured a spot of weather-based adversity. Holiday cottages give you the versatility you need to enjoy your break to the full whatever the climate gods throw at us!
Published June 13, 2011
Is it possible to live by ethically driven and environmentally considerate values, such as buying fair trade or having a low carbon footprint, while still enjoying life to it’s fullest? Can we still go on holiday and have a great time? Well the answer is a resounding YES. It is certainly possible to relax and enjoy yourself whilst ensuring that your fun is not at the expense of the planet, the local community or the wider global community.
In terms of the environment, the most ethical way to travel is by not travelling very far. Sometimes you need only travel to the next county to discover a history and culture you never knew existed. Using public transport where possible, or taking advantage of car share schemes, are two ways to lessen the environmental damage of your travel. An increasing amount of self catering, b&b and hotel owners are looking into ways to make their property more environmentally friendly, for example by using sustainable energy or by employing water saving devices.
To be ethical, a holiday will often include some activities that are beneficial to the people who live in the area as well as being enjoyable for the holiday makers. An ethical holiday does not mean that you have to spend a week harvesting someone else’s farm, but instead can be an opportunity to engage in exciting and interesting community or conservation projects.
Let’s not forget though, holidays are a time for indulgence and maximum relaxation. Holidaymakers who tend to buy fair trade products do not need to stop doing this just because they are not at home. Thanks to the increasing availability of fair trade items throughout the UK, luxury products such as chocolate and coffee can be bought in outlets the country over. For goods that can be easily produced in the UK, it is also important to try and buy local produce.
Published May 10, 2011
There’s loads to do on rainy days in Cornwall in your holiday home itself, provided you plan ahead and take books, games and entertainment with you. These days the best Cornish self catering accommodation has broadband or WiFi and satellite or cable telly as standard. Alternatively you can always throw caution to the wind, don your cagoule and head outdoors whatever the weather.
What’s the best gear to take with you if you want to take the county by storm and make your Cornwall holiday accommodation a base for the adventures of a lifetime?
Wellies are excellent for rock pooling when it’s too chilly to go barefoot. But they’re terrible for walking in. Your socks inevitably gather into a sweaty clump around your toes, which is horribly uncomfortable. And if you walk in wellies with bare feet for any distance they slop about and rub. Short walks on the wonderful Cornish coastal path don’t require you to spend a bomb on pukka walking boots. Sturdy trainers are fine and often much lighter. But you’ll need proper boots if you plan stalwart long distance walking because they support your ankles. With boots it’s good to wear a pair of thin cotton socks under a thick pair so you’re less likely to get rubbing and blisters.
Cagoules are hardly the last word in sartorial elegance but they’re perfect to keep the wet and wind out. A light one will do for summer but because winter in Cornwall can be wild, a heavier waterproof might be best for off season breaks. Zip fronts are much better than over-the-head versions because you can unzip to cool off without having to stop and undress. Wear a cotton t shirt, thin wool jumper and thick zip-up wool cardigan in winter so you can mix-n-match as you warm up and cool down. Plus, layers help trap warm air.
And you can’t beat a hat! Whether you’re hirsute on top or fashionably bald, have big hair or a sleek, short crop, the sun can burn your scalp. Wear sun-proof hats in summer. And thermal, waterproof hats in winter. When it’s really cold and windy a hat with furry ear flaps fits the bill beautifully.
If you don’t wear glasses already, you can keep the wind out of your eyes off season – enjoying the spectacular scenery in comfort – with ‘no prescription’ specs. Which might sound silly buy walking west along the coastal path against a stiff prevailing gale really can bring the tears to your eyes!
Best of all, Cornwall holiday accommodation is ideal for all-weather holidays because unlike a tent, B&B or hotel room, you’ve got masses of space to store and dry your wet weather gear. Just one of the reasons it’s such a popular choice all year round.
Published February 26, 2011
Bude is an excellent place from which to discover the pleasures of Devon and Cornwall. Particularly when holiday cottages to rent in today’s market are often times so lavish. This summer UK tourists seeking a staycation with a difference are scrambling to book self-catering holidays in the mellow, sunny Westcountry. So what is available in and around Bude for summer 2011? And which are the greatest nearby attractions?
Numerous cottages in the UK’s much-loved holiday counties are pet friendly, and that means you can bring your best furry friend with you. There is plenty of opportunity for family friendly self-catering and a few luxury cottages also come with a heated outdoor pool. Select yours carefully and you may even end up benefiting from an all private woods, an all weather tennis court and dedicated youngsters’ play areas. Acres upon acres of well maintained gardens with aromatic, exquisitely planted landscapes and smooth lawns. Wonderful!
Take picturesque Bridgerule, just a few miles away from Bude itself. Close by Bude’s surfer’s heaven, every one of the regions beaches are breathtaking. Widemouth Bay as well as the charming South West coastal path are just ten minutes drive away. And there’s 4 star luxury self catering accommodation in the heart of the village at Glebe House, a group of outstanding Georgian properties of durable stone with wooden beams, traditional studded doors and a warm, agreeable atmosphere. Well behaved pets are welcome too, by arrangement, which can be terrific news if the children can’t bear to go on holiday without their dog.
Wherever you holiday you can find plenty to do in the area and not too much further afield from the numerous alluring holiday cottages in the countries balmiest holiday paradise. There’s countryside shows with displays of artistry, farm animals, riding events, stalls with local produce, fairground rides and entertainment for the little ones. There’s the Bude Jazz festival in the last week of August. There is the historic Bude Canal, dug out from the tough earth to transport coal, sand and limestone to remote outlying areas for soil improvement. There’s the old Museum, in past times a smithy. And, it goes without saying, there’s always terrific food.
Food aficionados adore self catering cottages in the Westcountry. Previously a culinary no mans land, Britain happens to be solidly on the world-wide foodie map and, to prove the point, you’ll find gastro-pubs and exceptional eating places almost everywhere. You can partake of some of the finest Indian food in the region. Fire up your taste buds with delicious locally caught fish. Or visit one of the areas numerous informal surf-style cafes and diners, suppliers of great fast food to hungry surfers and water sports enthusiasts from all around the globe!
The tea rooms of Cornwall and Devon are world famous for cream teas. There’s an abundance of really great farm B&B’s and country house hotels. And appealing places such as Tintagel, Boscastle, Clovelly and Padstow are all in easy reach for laid back days out exploring in the sunshine. How about a last minute visit to the Westcountry? It certainly is worth a go. However it’s almost certainly better to reserve self catering Cornwall or Devon early, especially if you wish to be close to the coast!