A holiday based in the UK this year seemed to be the best option for us, with our holidays most year being abroad we thought with what’s going on in the world why not travel to a part of the UK we’ve always wanted to visit. It was a much-needed break and we thought it would be a lovely way to spend our first year wedding anniversary.
Known for its incredible beaches, cobbled streets, delicious food, and beautiful coastal walks, Cornwall is a place that stole our hearts and is as picturesque as we’d seen in photos. I hope this Cornwall travel guide gives you some tips if you’re visiting anytime soon.
We drove from London to Devon where we stopped overnight near Salcombe to break the journey up, which I’d totally recommend doing. It took around four hours and the journey was made even more comfortable as we were kindly loaned the new MINI Convertable Sidewalk which was a dream to drive and was just the perfect car for a UK break.
The weather was kind to us for the week, however, the weather in Cornwall is very mysterious and unpredictable. Driving just 20 minutes from one place to another, the weather could be the complete opposite of each other. We definitely chased the sun.
Where To Stay
Our self-catering apartment we booked for the week came in the shape of a beautiful self-catering apartment called Treganna, just a short walk from the centre of St Ives and literal stones throw from the sea. We were spoilt for location. Although it was perfectly petite it was more than enough space for two and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a place to stay in St Ives, offering beautfiful views of St Ives harbour beach. We knew we were in for a treat when we were greeted with homemade scones from the lovely owners.
Where To Eat
Cornwall has an unbelievable food scene and there is no shortage of incredible places to eat. We did book most of the restaurants beforehand due to the current climate and with it being quite a busy period.
Jelberts – The only ice cream shop you need to know about in Cornwall. They serve cream and milk, not a lot else in one flavour only, vanilla. We had a couple of large scoops, topped with clotted cream and a flake. I can only describe it as a fudgy like ice cream, delicious!!
One Fish Street – This is a wonderful little seafood restaurant located in St Ives. Offering a six-course tasting menu only with a menu that changes daily. Some of the dishes we had were Thai coconut monkfish curry, crab with heritage tomatoes and sardines on toast. It was a lovely way to spend our first evening in St Ives. I’d definitely book ahead as it’s a popular spot. We left feeling one hundred percent happy full!
Prawn on The Farm – With a restaurant in London and Padstow already, POTL has a new location at Trerethern farm in Padstow, until November only. The menu is based around seafood, and all the ingredients are locally sourced or picked from the farm on site. Some of the amazing dishes we had were scallops with Thai marinade, lemon sole with olives and chili, seared tuna, and crushed spiced potatoes.
Trevaski Farm– Is famous in the area for its never-ending dessert counter and large portion sizes. I’ve never seen so many mouth-watering desserts in one place. We shared the strawberry shortbread wedged between fresh cream and strawberries and also the rolo torte. You can also pick your own fruit and veg there and shop in the deli.
Canteen – To many people, this is Cornwall’s best secret. Canteen is found tucked away in a small and surprisingly inviting industrial unit at Wheal Kitty Workshops in St Agnes. You’ll find just two dishes on the menu, one meat, one veggie, and both only cost five pounds. They also serve coffee and cake, make sure you save room for their canteen bun and brownie. We had slow smoked pork served with lentils, pickled slaw, and watermelon salsa. SO good!
St Ives Bakery– As you walk through the streets of St Ives, you’ll spot this little gem perched on the corner of Fore Street. They have beautiful towers of baked goods, freshly baked focaccia, meringues, croissants, jam & custard cruffins, rocky road, the list is endless.
Yallah Coffee – If you’re looking for amazing coffee in St Ives then this is the place to go. They roast their sustainably sourced coffee locally from their barn in Cornwall. We went here most mornings, it became a morning ritual, to sit on the bench by the harbour and drink our coffee.
Moomaid Of Zennor – After a lot of recommendations to visit here for the best cornish ice cream, you guys were right! Amazing! Hand-made on the family-run Tremedda Farm in St Ives.
The Mariners at Rock – Owned by Paul Ainsworth, you can get to The Mariners either by driving or by a short boat ride from Padstow (only runs in the evening). It’s a gorgeous spot overlooking the harbour where we managed to get a table on the balcony outside. I couldn’t resist not ordering the fish and chips, they were a posh version, very tasty!
Harbour Fish & Chips – Fish and chips is always a good idea, the owners of our apartment recommended this place. Oh my, SO good! The fish was perfectly cooked and the homemade curry sauce was delish. Funny story, we actually ended up eating them on a step down a narrow alleyway hiding from the seagulls. None the less, we absolutely loved them!
Scoff Troff Cafe – Jonny organised a takeaway picnic box for our anniversary to have on the beach from Scoff Troff. Great quality food, we picked on olives, cheeses, hummous, sundried tomatoes, cheese, and onion chutney sandwiches and a caesar salad. Would totally recommend it.
What To Do
The list is endless of things to do in Cornwall, for this trip we wanted to eat nice food, chill, and enjoy the weather, therefore I’ll mention what we got up to however there is lots more to do depending on what kind of break you want.
Spend an afternoon in the fishing village of Mousehole (pronouced mowzel so I found out). As well as being outstandibly picturesque , it’s also the perfect spot for a wander along the harbour and an al-fresco dinner at the Old Coastguard or hot chocolates at Rock Pool.
The Beaches
Porthgwarra – There are a number of beautiful beaches in Cornwall, each different in their own way. Porthgwarra is a small secluded beach just around the corner from Porthcurno. From the beautiful cobbled cottages, the crystal clear water, the tranquility of only a handful of people around, it was a perfect way to spend a morning. This really is a hidden gem. Stop by the Porthgwarra Cove cafe at the cliff tops. We refuelled on delicious homemade pasties and caramel flapjacks.
Carbis Bay – Oh my goodness, this beach! Just a 30 minute walk from St Ives, we parked up here for the whole day and enjoyed a full day of sun, dips in the sea, afternoon naps and an array of picnic food. It was the best day!
Trevaunance Cove – Arriving in St Agnes was special. It has a beautiful stretch of sand and sea surrounded by green cliff tops. Coastal walks here are perfect as they offer the most incredible views. Aside from the breathtaking ocean views, there are lots of colourful wildflowers and Cornish tin mines surrounding the paths. If you’re in the area, you must stop by Canteen for lunch.
Kynance Cove – A popular spot is the stunning Kynance Cove, situated on the Lizard Peninsula, the most photographed spot in Cornwall. Owned by and looked after by the National Trust, parking is free for members, however non-members it’s £7 for the day. We were advised to get there as early as possible to avoid any queuing to access the car park and beach. There’s a steep 15-minute walk down to the cove from the top of the cliff. The beautiful white sandy beach and the clear turquoise water are so worth it. Check the tides before you visit, at high tide, there is very little beach to enjoy. We had lunch at Polpeor cafe they serve great crab sandwiches and pasties.
I’d love to hear your recommendations for where to visit in the UK preferably near London for our next trip! If you’re heading to Cornwall soon, I hope you have the best time.
Thank you so much Emma for your tips. Me and my fiance will be visiting Cornwall in 4 weeks time and I am delighted with your tips 🙂
PS: Congratulations on your baby girl !!My niece was born last Monday and I am over the moon, can imagine how excited you are 😀
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Oh wonderful, have the best time! That’s good to know some of my tips have helped. Thank you and congrats to you as well 🙂 x
When in Cornwall always, Jam first then Cream (lots of), sit back and enjoy.
Devonians are known to adopt a more controversial approach of Cream first then Jam, the horror.