After Ibiza was cancelled for the second time we decided to finally take a trip to Dan’s beloved Cornwall.
It was an early start and 7 hours later we made it to Padstow, a small and quaint fishing town, where we spent a couple of hours pottering around. We picked a great spot on the harbour for some people watching and a pint. After a short walk up to the view point to takes some snaps of the bay we stopped for fish and chips, keeping a close eye on the hovering seagulls.
Back on the road and an hour down the coast we made it to St Ives! We had a really cute little apartment at the top of the hill and after ditching the bags we headed straight to Porthmeor beach. It was a gorgeous evening and we chose a lovely spot to watch the sun go down with a few drinks.
We then wandered the cobbled streets over to the other side of town and the busy harbour area where most of the bars and restaurants are, this side also looks over to Porthminster beach. We were booked into Caffe Pasta and had a quick and tasty bite to eat before heading home, shattered!
The next day was drizzle. After a lazy morning we donned our rain jackets and headed out for a look around the little shops and galleries. Dan went straight in for the traditional Cornish pasty which he said was delicious and I took his word for it.
We then decided to brave a walk around the headland and past the third beach in St Ives, Porthgwidden which is a cute little cove, and despite the weather the coastline was still pretty impressive. Next up was lunch at Porthmeor beach cafe and we really went for it. 2 bottles of fizz and some absolutely fantastic tapas, finished off with affogato, wonderful!
A little tipsy we then spent an hour wandering around the Tate which is just next door and had some really great exhibitions! We then decided to head home and treat ourselves to an afternoon nap. That evening we were booked into Source Kitchen which is a pretty fancy little place but still stuffed from lunch we opted to share some cheese and red wine, we did manage to squeeze in a honey tart too.
Sunday was an early start and a 20 minute drive to the village of Lizard. We ditched the car and walked down to the headland which is the most southernly point in Britain! The coastline is rugged and imposing but covered in gorgeous sea flowers, quite the sight. An hour or so wander up the coast brings you to Kynance Cove and we arrived just as the sun came out and the water started to sparkle. After a pit stop at the cafe for ironically the worst cream tea of our lives we started to explore. This place is incredible, the colour of the water and many rocky little beaches are just stunning, easy to get caught out here though as the tide comes in very quickly!
We then headed back to St Ives where the weather had also improved so we went straight to beach to relax for a few hours, perfect! We had an early dinner at Porthminster Kitchen along with a lovely bottle of rose before a Nutella crepe and a golden hour nap on the beach. We finished the day with a G&T at West Beach Cafe as the sun set, Dan even beat me at cards.
Monday was the ‘big day out’ and we drove over to Marazion and parked up, the tide was low so we were able to walk across the causeway to St Michael’s Mount. We had a combi ticket so climbed up to the castle first which has some great views and we then wandered through the gardens which have an array of amazing and almost Jurassic feeling plants, a great little spot.
We then drove 20min along the coast to Mousehole, a sleepy little village where we stopped for a pub lunch at the Ship Inn and Cornish ice cream at the harbour, 4 flavours no less! Another 20min brought us to Porthcurno beach which is another stunner and honestly rivalled some of the best beaches we have been to, although the water was dramatically colder. A couple of hours reading our books and playing bat and ball and we headed up the steep coastal path for some spectacular views back to the beach. Minack theatre is also just round the corner and cut into the cliff, but tickets were sold out so that’s one for next time.
A hairy journey home as the roads are very narrow, and after a quick change we put our names down for the Thai restaurant and enjoyed a couple of cocktails on the harbour while we waited. The food was super tasty and we finished the evening with a final walk along the beach and were treated to the most glorious colours from the sunset.
On the way back up North we stopped for a night in the Cotswolds and some luxury at Dormy House. As soon as we arrived we headed straight for the spa and a few lengths in the pool. Keen to make the most of what was a very sunny day we spent the rest of it relaxing on the terrace and enjoying a lazy lunch. After another dip in pool we checked in to our room and then after a couple of drinks at the bar, straight to our huge and comfy bed.
The next morning was another spa session and then after breakfast an hour on the terrace before we went on what we thought would be a short ramble around the estate and turned out the be a very sweaty stomp, but provided some beautiful views of the countryside.
So another whistle stop tour but a gorgeous part of the country, we will be back!
If you like Piña Coladas... 