A Mini Guide to Cornwall
A few weeks ago we were meant to be boarding a plane to sunny Ibiza, instead we were packing up my car and heading out of London down to Cornwall. With our plans changing fairly last minute and what felt like the whole of the UK also booking a stay in the South West, we were lucky to find a gorgeous house in the centre of Newquay. Beautifully designed, with five bedrooms, a sauna and a huge living space which we definitely made the most out of each evening.
House we stayed in: www.dwellcornwall.co.uk/huers-house
I admit that Newquay wasn’t top of my list of places to stay, mainly from growing up an hour away and the town having a bit of a reputation as a teenage ‘right of passage’ holiday destination. However, while there are certainly areas of Newquay that still fit that category there are also a few gems, including the Pavillion Bakery (which is the sister site to one of my local stores in London). Plus such great base to explore the rest of Cornwall. Find my beach recommendations at the bottom of this post.
A big thank you to Antler who very kindly sent me some of their cases [gifted] for the new collection which have already been put to good use moving me back to London but nice to finally be able to use on a little trip away. The Camber cases, which are inspired by the seaside with a choice of sea green (pictured below) or sky blue. The case itself features shells, a by-product of the seafood industry, so they fitted in perfectly by the seaside and thankfully the hard case withstood being very squished on the car ride down. You can find the cases > here < if you’re after some yourself.
Walk from Carbis Bay to St Ives
With some September sunshine on our side, Mary and I headed an hour west of Newquay to St Ives. Being one of the main tourist hot spots in Cornwall, we knew it would be busy so instead choose to park at nearby Carbis Bay and walk along the coast to St Ives. The walk itself is around half an hour but definitely allow yourself time to stop and admire the view, because you certainly will want to. It was hard to believe we weren’t looking out over the Mediterranean with the colour of the water. The photos below are unfiltered! It was one of those walks where you stop and literally say ‘wow’ every few steps.
St Ives itself it beautiful, with the town overlooking the harbour and another few beaches either side. It was packed so didn’t spend much time there this time around but can highly recommend St Ives Bakery along with the Barbara Hepworth Gallery and TATE which I’ve visited on another visit.
We instead opted for pasties on the beach and a swim (unfortunately the warmth of the water didn’t quite match the Med). While Porthminster beach was lovely we much preferred the quietness of Carbis Bay so grabbed an ice cream and set off for another swim there.
St Ives
Carbis Bay
Carbis Bay
Carbis Bay
While walking from Carbis Bay to St Ives you get a glimse of The Towans in the distance. A three-mile stretch of coastal dunes from the estuary of the River Hayle to Gwithian beach. We stopped by on our way home for a winy walk along the sand dunes. Compared with the calm shores near St Ives, this stretch of beach is much better for those looking to surf, though if you are looking to get access onto the beach I recommend following the road all the way down to Gwithian Towans long stay car park, as we discovered the steep cliffs make it impossible to get from the dunes down to the beach.
Gwithian Beach with Godfrey lighthouse in the distance
Bedruthan Steps
On a slightly colder and windier day we headed for a long coastal walk past Bedruthan Steps. We started at Porthcothan to Mawgan Porth which works out around 10km each direction, alternatively there is a car park and national trust cafe at for a shorter walk or just for a quick stop at the viewpoint. Lots of good food options at Mawgan Porth though make sure you’re there before 2:30 if you’re after lunch. Lots of spectacular coast line and crystal clear waters!
Porthcothan beach
Bedruthan Steps
Bedruthan Steps
BEACH RECOMMENDATIONS
Just a few beach recommendations in Cornwall:
Head to the North Coast if you’re looking to surf (with the exception of St Ives)
Crantock Bay - close to Newquay with large sand dunes
Watergate Bay - two mile long, sandy beach - great for surfing
Fistral Beach - in Newquay and considered one of the best surfing beaches
Godrevy Beach - one of the more exposed beaches on the north coast making for dramatic and rugged coastline and at the far end of a three-mile long sandy beach
Sennen Cove - just around the corner from lands end, sandy beaches and good for surfing
Constantine Bay - just outside Padstow and another popular spot for surfing
Porthminster Beach - a few minutes walk from the centre of St Ives, with food available on the beach and beautiful crystal clear waters
Carbis Bay - probably my favourite north coast beach I’ve visited, much quieter than Portminster but still with sandy beaches and turquoise waters
South Coast for much calmer waters
Lantic Bay - (near Fowey) - one of my favourite beaches in Cornwall. Big sandy beach with quiet water but a bit of a walk and steep decent to access
Kynance Cove - (Lizard Peninsula) - probably one of Cornwall’s most photographed spot, and for good reason. On a summers day you can expect crystal clear turquoise water
Polkerris Beach - a little bay and highly recommend stopping off at Sams on the Beach for food
Polurrian Beach - large sandy beach. Park at Mullion Cove or Poldhu Cove and about 20 minute walk
Marazion Beach - sandy beach with views across to St Michael’s Mount
Porthcurno Beach - crystal clear waters and also close to the Minack theatre which is also worth a visit