We were born out of a hunger for travel, spending the last few decades travelling to far-flung corners of the globe. Whilst we love exploring overseas, some of our favourite spots will always be right here at home. They are the craggy coves of the Cornish coastline, a secret beach we’ve happened to stumble across after taking a wrong turn, freshly caught mackerel picked up from the market that morning and the first taste of local beer. In the first instalment of our new travel series, we share secret swimming spots and hidden gems that have excited and inspired us over the years.
Beach blues
We love Cornwall’s glittering blues, rustic sands and weathered green tones. Nestled away on the peaceful south coast, Lantic Bay beach stands at the bottom of a steep set of stone stairs. Only accessed via a 20-minute walk, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views, calm waters and very few visitors even on a summer’s day. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled, as you can pick wild sea cabbage from the banks and take it home for supper! On the north coast, Gwynver is our go-to even when the surf isn’t pumping. Again, this hidden corner of the coast doesn’t come easy but the journey is all part of the adventure and once you’re down at the bottom you’ll be met with white sands and a cliff edge that’s been taken over by nature.
*Both are dog-friendly all year round!
Off-the-beaten track
All around Cornwall, you will find hidden coastal paths that veer off into fern-covered banks and coast side forests. We love exploring the numerous hiking paths, especially with the dogs in tow and have a few firm favourites pinned to our map. At sunset, nothing beats a stroll from St Agnes to Porthtowan Tidal Pool where you can have a dip if you hit the tide right. You’ll pass the iconic Wheel Coates, a former tin mine that nods to the region’s mining heritage, as surfers take to the waves below. With the sun setting right on the horizon, finish the day with a drink in hand at Schooners – it has one of the best views around! Over on the north coast, we’ll never grow tired of visiting Cornwall’s largest seal colony on Mutton’s Cove – best seen between late September and early spring.
Foodie favourites
From seaside shacks to farm stays and secret supper clubs, Cornwall is certainly paving the way with its fantastic foodie ties. If we’re not sipping local ale down on the pontoon at The Pandora Inn, we’re tucking into locally-sourced oysters at Falmouth’s Mine. The New Yard restaurant on the Trelowarren Estate is a real one-of-a-kind experience, where the seven-course tasting menu changes weekly depending on what’s growing in the kitchen garden. If you find yourself close to Newlyn, make sure to stop by at Argoe on the harbour where the day’s catch is served straight from the boat. And down towards St Ives, the Moomaid in Zennor has such delicious homemade ice cream you’ll be dreaming of it for weeks.
Never stop exploring
Whilst it’s hard to tear yourself away from the beach, this incredible county is also full of cultural gems hidden in every corner. Trebah Gardens is a sub-tropical paradise with a coastal backdrop, where you can admire four miles of exotic plants and enjoy a bit of open-air theatre to boot. The Lost Gardens of Heligan spans 200 acres, having been resurrected from the brambles where they sat undiscovered for almost 50 years! We always seek out exhibitions so naturally, we are drawn to the Tate Modern’s Barbara Hepworth Museum and Gardens. Wandering through workshops stocked high with ceramics and sculptures, it’s hard not to feel totally inspired by the surroundings.
We hope our travel guide has encouraged you to set off on a new adventure this summer. To invite a touch of Cornish cool into your home, explore our coastal homewares collection.