5 Cosiest Places in Cornwall This Winter

As readers of this blog will know, we are pretty big fans here in Cornwall of finding the alternative stay...the off the beaten track route or the cosy retreat no-one else knows about. In part it’s what makes this part of the world so special - here are 5 places in Cornwall that are always going to stay cosy no matter how much wind and rain is thrown at them.

The Engine Inn

The coast road between St Ives and Lands End is famed the world over for its beauty and sense of isolation. One of the most remote pubs along the route in the region is the Engine Inn...and you can be guaranteed of a cosy local atmosphere, a roaring fire and a few lazy dogs rain or shine. In fact, the pub is at its most special during the off months as the tranquility of the region comes in to focus. Well worth a visit. 

A Cottage in St Ives

We're lucky at Cornish Secrets to have a number of St Ives cottages available during the quieter seasons. Although common belief is that much of the region closes down for the winter, it is becoming increasingly common to come across a thriving local scene in St Ives and many of the amenities, bars, pubs and restaurants stay open. There's nothing quite like coming back home to a warm Cornish cottage after a day out.

A Winter Spa Treatment

Visiting a spa retreat in Cornwall is very much a winter thing. The warm pools, hot tubs, jacuzzis and spas are open all year round, and provide a fantastic respite from the cold and the effects of the great outdoors. Twinning a trip to Cornwall with a spa break is becoming increasingly popular, and there are many places such as.....

A Long Beach Walk (Followed by a Cuppa….) Although we've already mentioned this in a previous post, we genuinely do think that walking on the beach in winter, as long as you're wrapped up, is one of the cosiest things to do. Sitting wind burnt in the car afterwards with a flask of tea and an 'everything is alright in the world' grin is a feeling not to be missed.

A Fantastic Meal Whether it’s in a pub, a fancy restaurant or like most people, somewhere in the middle - going for a great meal in winter is both life affirming and as enjoyable as anything else you could do. As you know Cornwall has a wonderful reputation for excellent food and the majority of it now is locally sources...sometimes even fresh during the winter. Hats off to the fisherman!

Nathan Outlaw

...and if you're not convinced, how about this video from Visit Cornwall....

10 Places in Cornwall You'd Rather be Now

There’s going to be hundreds of places we’ve missed out here - but let us know! Contact us on Twitter, Google + or Facebook and let us know where we need to include!

Godrevy Beach

This place at Sunset. That’s all

The Watering Hole - Perranporth

The thought of a bar on the beach better than sitting in the office? Thought so

Pendeen

Exploring the cobbled streets of St Ives

Mustard & Rye, Truro

Stylish Burgers a la Patty & Bun. Definitely worth a visit

Taking a trip to the Isles of Scilly





Surfing at Sennen

Floating down the river from Truro to Falmouth

Exploring the abundance of wilderness

Strolling around one of the famous great gardens of Cornwall

Credits: Kfien, Isles of Scilly Travel, Herry Lawford, MadnZany, Visit Cornwall, Mustard & Rye

5 Ways to Enjoy Autumn in Cornwall

So here we are - the end of what seems like a lovely Summer...many people have returned home, the days are getting shorter and the inevitable cold, long winter is looming ever closer. Never fear however - Cornwall is arguably at its most enigmatic and beautiful during the Autumn, and there is a plethora of things to get involved with that wouldn’t ordinarily be possible during the peak of the season. Here are 5 ways to enjoy the Autumn in Cornwall.

Long, Isolated Beach Walks

Long stretches of sand are perhaps best in Cornwall when the wind is blowing, the mist is looming and the place is as empty and remote as it comes. The sun is low in the sky and being wrapped up against the cost is perhaps the most enjoyable thing to do at this time of year….

Explore Cornwall’s Cafes

Cornwall has a thriving Cafe scene, and a lot of these are warm, comfortable and cosy affairs which are perfect for the Autumn.

Visit a Cornish Pub

Along the same lines, but this time with alcohol….Cornwall’s pubs are some of the best in the south west. Sit in a pub by the coast, in the dark, and relive stories of pirates, shipwrecks and hauntings.

Museums and Galleries

With less crowds, Autumn is perfect time to visit indoor spaces in Cornwall and sample what artistic endeavours the county has to offer. From the obvious Tate gallery to the more small time affair, many galleries in Cornwall now enjoy their most successful periods out of season.

Visit a Garden

Many gardens in Cornwall are great to visit in Autumn. They will stay open well into the season and still offer a wide variety of plants and trees in their prime. Expect Japanese Maples, Hazels, Ginger Lilies and other exotic varieties. Many gardens now also host events out of season such as plays, gigs and open-air cinema screenings.

There are now many more things open till late in the season or all year round in Cornwall - if you would like suggestions on what to do or need accommodation options for this time of year, do not hesitate to contact us and we will put you in touch with our local knowledge!

The Breweries of Cornwall

Have we missed any? Do let us know!

@cornishsecrets on Twitter
+Cornish Secrets
Cornish Secrets Facebook Page

5 Must Visit Beaches in Cornwall

It’s come to the time of year when people naturally think about the beach in Cornwall. It’s bred into the county’s psyche, and visitors to the area really only come here for one thing - the coastline. We are lucky in Cornwall to have some of the best beaches and coastline in the country, and Cornish Secrets have compiled a list of 5 ‘out the way’ beautiful beaches which are must visits if you’re in the area.

Porth Chapel

One of the most beautiful beaches in this part of Cornwall. Parking in the church at St. Levan, it’s a short walk and then a decent scramble down to the beach itself - but it’s more than worth it. A secluded sunspot which is perfect for swimming, it’s become busier in recent years but is still relatively unspoiled.

Porthgwarra

The next cove along from Porthchapel is Porthgwarra, which is a privately owned beach and slipway which the public are free to use. Swimming is safe, and the small beach is a quiet haven along this part of the coastline and away from the tourist meccas of the Minack and Porthcurno

Kynance Cove - The Lizard

Kynance Cove is jaw dropping not just because of the quality of the beach but because of the scale of the cliffs around it. It’s one of the prettiest coves in the region and is dominated by huge rock formations - being able to see transoceanic liners and cargo ships in the distance also adds to the romanticism and sense of being somewhere very unique indeed.

Pollyjoke - Newquay

One of Newquay’s quieter beaches, and a real gem in this part of the world. It’s large, has fantastic campsites nearby and offers beautiful sand which you’re almost guaranteed to find a space on. A bit of a walk from nearby car parks, but well worth it.

Godrevy Beach

Okay, this might be a bit of a personal addition, but I don’t think many things can beat Godrevy Beach and the view of its lighthouse from the cliffs at sunset. It’s National Trust, and a bit busy, but if you can catch it on a perfect evening with nothing but barbeque’s and VW campers - there’s nowhere quite like it.

Cornish Secrets offer a variety of luxury Cornish cottages to suit a variety of needs - many of which are a stone’s throw from these beaches. Contact us today to find out more.

Shedworking: A Guide to Making Your Shed your Office

There is a trend rising in popularity among freelancers, homeworkers and those who own their own business to make a purpose built shed for their office. There are seemingly a number of benefits to this - and as well as the clear sense of freedom it provides it can also be a great money, time and space saver.

The decision to build your office in a shed follows the same principles of many space saving, ergonomically designed Scandinavian properties. In fact, Scandinavia is where a lot of this philosophy comes from - and it reflects the aesthetic direction....cosy fires, wooden lodges, rugs, sofas and custom furniture is the norm in these offices. One of the major perks is that it can be completely yours, and completely personalized to your needs.

Last week was Anywhere Working week - and if getting out the traditional office and expanding to a more creative space sounds like your cup of tea, bespoke sheds might just be a solution. There are numerous benefits; being in a personalized space you enjoy is a key element of productivity and if you are working in the same space every day, it needs to be a well designed and enjoyable one. Designing your own sounds a perfect option to have fundamental control out of how you spend your day and how you achieve the tasks you need to do.

The Bunkie - http://bunkie.co/

There are of course a number of considerations to be taken on board - namely logistical ones such as ease of access, location to facilities and how practical broadband and other connections can be obtained in the area you're hoping to work. However, some of designs on Shedworking and Cabin Porn are really quite inspirational and should be enough to overcome any challenges that comes your way!

Here at Cornish Secrets we are really keen on alternative stays, alternative ways of living and quirky and authentic Cornish cottages which subscribe to this philosophy. See what you think!

Welcome To The Secret Journal

The smell of spring is in the air and as the frost thaws, Cornish Secrets start their new blog!

We will be posting a variety of content on here - from exciting stuff we've discovered to news from our authentic Cornish cottages or alternative stays...as the season builds there will always be interesting content to share!

If you are thinking of booking one of our wonderful luxury Cornish cottages for a stay down this way this season, we'd be delighted to help. Do get in touch via the contact us page.