Our Guide To Cornwall in Summer - Part 2

Where is the summer? Biblical storms and weather warnings are not helping my anxiety levels as the 6-8 week school holiday approaches. Those of you heading down to Cornwall this summer may be freaking out, but don’t panic - there are things to do other than crabbing and eating £5 ice creams in the rain. In this post I will try and give you some rainy day ideas as well activities that are a little off the beaten track.

Dog Days Out

Many popular beaches in Cornwall allow dogs before 10am and after 6pm (details here). Our favourite all day dog friendly beaches on the South Coast include Flushing and Grebe. The former is a pebbly beach with plentiful rock pools, swings hanging in the trees and the local shop sells pasties and ice creams. The newly opened Habour House in Flushing, is a foodies dreamboat. Breakfast and lunch are more budget friendly options at this formidable pub.

Grebe is a magical beach and by far my favorite place to swim in Cornwall. Park in the nearby National Trust Car-park and wind your way down the track to this beautiful cove lined by overhanging ewe trees. Access is a little tricky for strollers etc but well worth the effort. There are many walks from this point that are detailed on the map in the car-park. We enjoy the 45 minute walk along the coast to the Ferry Boat Inn.

Living in this very damp corner of the country means that the gardens are glorious. Pretend you’re a pixie and walk under the gunnera or enjoy the enormous hydrangeas reminiscent of 1950’s swimming caps. Trebah and Enys Gardens are lesser known properties that welcome dogs onto the grounds.

Rainy Days In

Cornwall has some excellent independent cinemas that show mainstream as well as more unusual films (listed here). Likewise there are a lot of galleries dotted around the county including Newlyn, The Barbican, and Barbara Hepworth. Many of these will include activities for children that you can book onto. Sailors Jail in Falmouth is a studio designated to art classes for adults and children.

For those seeking action there is an excellent climbing centre in Wadebridge. Falmouth Maritime Museum can get crowded but it definitely has something for everyone including an indoor playground (kids go free). Flow Riders is perfect for surfers with itchy feet and you will find football golf and all the usual suspects in most main towns.

Restorative Days

Beach Sauna’s are popping up all over Cornwall. Whatever the weather it feels good to sweat out the chips and take a cold plunge in the sea afterwards. We like Kiln Sauna currently on Gylly Beach.

There are loads of yoga and wellness centres across Cornwall. I can recommend Falmouth Yoga Space and Sunshine Cafe and Yoga. The latter serves lovely food and offers a wide range of classes and therapeutic services. There are plenty of spas across the county which are stunning but also quite hefty on the budget. For spa value, I would recommend the hydrothermal experience at St Michael’s Hotel.

A visit to the church at St Just in Roseland cannot fail to warm your heart regardless of your religious beliefs. Set in the most beautiful gardens on the Fal Estuary, it is a magical and ancient place to visit. If you can catch a service, you will be made very welcome and I am sure you will come away feeling a little lighter (they also tolerate rowdy kids and muddy dogs).

Shopping Days

I understand that grocery shopping exclusively at independent stores is too expensive for most families. However, where you can please buy from a local bakery, butcher or fishmonger (links attached). Farmers market including Tregrew Food Barn (undercover) have a great atmosphere and very high quality local produce.

Wishing everyone a happy July. I know it’s grim out there, but the sun has to come out at some point.

Sophie xxx