Over Easter my family and I spent 4 days in wonderful Cornwall. This was a family holiday as well as reconnaissance for Cornwall Concierge.
The trip was decided a couple of months in advance, so imagine our delight when we saw that the weather was due to turn from the wet and grey we've had for the past 6 or so months, to wonderful sunshine on the very day we were arriving.
Apart from planning to take the trip and booking hotels in St Ives, Newquay and Liskeard, we hadn't planned much. We wanted to ask the locals about where to go, see our trip unfold as we were going and not be tied to a plan.. we were doing CORNWALL UNPLANNED!
These are some of the amazing places we would have never experienced if we had planned our trip from home:
Porthmeor Beach
Image credit: Cornwall Concierge.
When in St Ives, you are immediately drawn to the harbour-side. Shops, restaurants, cafes, the beach and the wonderful boats in the harbour, all there to draw you in and it is fantastic place. But because the harbour-side is so buzzing, Porthmeor Beach on other side of the town (a mere 5-10 minute walk from the harbour) is often forgotten. Go here for a swim, for a surf, for sunbathing and for a gentle climb up the cliff-side where the views are amazing.
Sarah's Pasties
Image credit: Cornwall Concierge.
We asked around to find out where in Looe to get the best pasties and ended up choosing Sarah's Pasties. Now, I grant you that this was not an extensive survey (we were hungry after all) and we have no frame of reference (Cornish pasties are huge, one pasty a day surely is the limit!), but the pasties we had from Sarah's Pasties really were world class and worthy of this recommendation.. and what a bonus that the shop undoubtedly is the cutest pasty shop in all of Cornwall!
Viv's Cream Teas
Image credit: Cornwall Concierge.
On our way from Wadebridge to Polzeath Beach we drove round a sharp bend and right there, a few meters down, was the most wonderful garden with blue chairs and pink parasols. The signs said Viv's Cream Teas and we called in... what a find! Once you enter the garden, you immediately forget that you're right by a road, you take your seat and you are served delicious scones with Cornish clotted cream, locally sourced jams and a lovely cuppa in beautiful vintage china. We may have stumbled upon Viv's Cream but you should put it on your list of places to definitely go and visit when you're next in Cornwall.
Belushi's in Newquay
Image credit: Cornwall Concierge.
Newquay is very much a surfer's paradise and although you're completely fine being there as a family, it really is a place geared more towards surfers and young people on holiday. We came into Newquay and happened to park next to Belushi's, a bar and restaurant. From the car park it looks like.. well, exactly what it is, a pretty cool bar and relaxed restaurant with signs telling you about live music, delicious burgers and drinks offers. We were thirsty after our drive so we decided to go in before we went down to the town centre.. and WOW, are we happy we did! The view from the inside overlooks Newquay Bay, beach and cliffs and is A-MA-ZING. And then, as if that wasn't enough, there's seating outside and you can sit out there and enjoy the sun and the views for hours on end. Definitely go to Belushi's if you're in Newquay.. the burgers looked fab too!
Trenance Gardens
Image credit: Cornwall Concierge.
We came to our hotel in Newquay at 4 o'clock in the afternoon.. not ready to go out for dinner and not really wanting to spend 2 hours in the room, we asked at reception where they suggested we go that was close and fun for the kids. They suggested Trenance Gardens. We went and had a fabulous time there. There are lovely gardens and an ice cream shop, a café, a couple of swing sets, a climbing frame and a super fun little train that the kids must have gone around on a good 8-10 times. The perfect time to spend an hour or two when in Newquay with kids.
Polperro
Image credit: Cornwall Concierge.
For the seagull pictures alone, our trip to Polperro was totally worth it... luckily for us, there was so much more to Polperro than really cool seagulls who were happy to pose for me with my camera shoved right up in their beaks. We asked a local in Looe where he thought we should go and he suggested Polperro. We went... and so must you! It is quite simply the most picturesque village with a wonderful harbour, little shops, fabulous seafood restaurants and even a couple of museums. A real must on your list of places to go when you visit Cornwall.. unless you're doing Cornwall Unplanned, of course, in which case I hope you'll tweet me to let me know where you went!
Check out Cornwall Concierge for inspiration to take your own trip to Cornwall. See also Cotswolds Concierge for hotels, restaurants, attractions and museums in wonderful Cotswolds.