Our Cornwall Staycation
We have just returned from a week’s holiday in Cornwall and I have had a few requests asking me to share details of our trip. So here is a summary of highlights. At the time of travelling we followed the government guidelines for travel within the UK and Cornwall was open for visitors from July 4th +. Make sure to check the latest government guidelines before planning your break.
Cornwall was such a brilliant destination with the kids and it is amazing how a drive to the coast can help you re-set. We do actually feel like we have been away on holiday and had a break. The kids had such fun and not having to navigate an airport was much easier. We couldn’t have been made to feel more welcome and the views and setting were breathtaking. I thoroughly recommend.
I have also put together a Shopping Guide with all my top picks and travel essentials; everything from parent gadgets, to kids suncreams, kids bags and backpacks, and so on…
the drive
We drove from London to Cornwall and chose to rent a bigger car from Enterprise. I couldn’t recommend their service more highly; we had an incredibly positive experience. Renting a bigger 7-seater car for the week, made packing a lot easier and our drive to Cornwall so much more comfortable. I also really recommend these car organisers for kids, they simply attach to the back of the front car seats and hold everything neatly and within arm’s reach. I packed water bottles and lots of small snacks for the drive. Travelling with kids in a car for long periods of time can be tough, but we were lucky to have a good clear drive: leave early.
where we visited
We stayed between St Mawes and Portscatho and there were so many stunning beaches to visit in the day; relatively quiet, especially during the week. Most have small car parks for pay & display. I recommend wearing study shoes as there can be steep steps and pathways down to the beaches. Flip flops might have been wobbly, with the kids in tow. On warm days it can be really hot, so ensure you are all prepared, with suncream and hats!
Our favourite beach of the trip was this one (pictured right) Porthcurnick Beach which is home to the Hidden Hut. Queues grow quickly so if you go - make sure you aim for an early lunch. We didn’t eat out during the trip but we did pick up some picnic lunches
Hidden Hut Pea & Fennel Soup, with a crusty roll
the hidden hut, on portcurnick beach (it is hidden)
“during the day, the hut serves a small menu of simple, freshly-made lunches and refreshments. No need to book, just turn up and order. All items can be packed to takeaway onto the beach…simple outdoor stove and indoor bakery oven. The menu is always sourced from the best pick of local ingredients and made fresh each morning by our chefs.”
Other local foodie finds ~
we didn’t eat in any restaurants,
but here are some local cafes and vans all of which were recommended and some of which we were lucky enough to get takeaway from
Tatams Cafe, Portscatho ~ Coffee, hot chocolate and a small bakery counter - cheese & ham filled croissants, breakfast pasties, flapjacks and Portuguese custard tarts
The Atlantic Fryer, New Road Layby, Portscatho ~ plain and simple good old fashioned fish and chips, cooked to order whilst you wait. The fryer van moves around Portscatho, so check their facebook page to make sure you are in the right place
The Thirstea Company, Porth Farm ~ cakes and bakes, sandwiches and toasties made fresh to order, and locally made Cornish Pasties
Da Bara Bakery & Cafe, Chenoweths Business Park ~ bread and pastries, as well as local delivery
planning & food prep in Covid ~
Given the situation with Covid-19 I knew we would sadly be eating out less: I ordered a Tesco food delivery for the week to our rental cottage ~ this kept us well stocked for the trip. If you are planning a Cornish staycation and want an online order book ahead as slots go quickly. It was fun cooking in a new kitchen and I kept the food simple with roast chicken, spaghetti Bolognese, salmon and rice, lots of jacket potatoes, wraps and soups. I also bought some scones, a vanilla sponge cake and ice cream for little afternoon teas at home. I found the sea air meant everyone was hungry. You could have fun making these too, if you wanted to do some holiday baking.
aCTIVITIES AND day trips
Beach days
~ the best family fun and everyone gets fresh air, decamp to one of the beautiful Cornish beaches for the day and enjoy sand and sea. We managed to socially distance and get some much needed relaxation.
We borrowed some kid’s body boards, with a leash attached, which my little girl loved. It felt safe too, as we could hold onto the board. I also took beach toys for sand castles and beach balls.
rock pooling
~ we had a quick afternoon rock pooling in the local beach, I loved it the kids weren’t so into it. But, if you have older kids with a love of the natural world then there is so much beach life to discover and look at. You need sturdy shoes and a camera! I bought my little girl this brilliant book (#af link) before the holiday. Loads on being outdoors and fun kids activities, it has a great section on beaches.
St Mawes
We visited St Mawes which is just stunning and you can walk through the beautiful town and along the coast line, looking back at Falmouth. I hope to go back and visit both the beautiful Idle Rocks Hotel, Hotel Tresanton and St Mawes Hotel for lunches/ suppers, they looked incredible.
We walked up to see the picturesque St Mawes Castle, “wander around its charming clover-leaf shape which was originally surrounded by octagonal defences and notice the embellishment of Latin inscriptions in praise of King Henry VIII and his son Edward VI”. The views back on St Mawes and over to the lighthouse on the other side are beautiful. I also wanted to give a shout out to the Bear Cornwall Coffee Van just behind the castle and with the most delicious coffee!
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
We visited the Lost Gardens of Heligan which was so much fun with the kids, lots to explore and easy social distancing. “Heligan is one of the most mysterious estates in England. Lost to the brambles of time since the outbreak of WW1, this Sleeping Beauty was re-awakened in 1990 to become Europe’s largest garden restoration project. Today Heligan’s 200 acres are a paradise for the explorer, wildlife, plant lover and garden romantic.”
Click the link to read more but it was a great day out with the kids: with so much space to run around and explore. The kids loved the woodland walks and play areas, the jungle garden walkways and bridges, the farm area and big adventure playground. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend for a family day out.