Bank Holiday brings the sun out

The weather has turned for the better down here in Cornwall.  We have had blue skies since Saturday and it looks here to stay (hopefully!).  


I was pleased to met someone today who reads the blog and is staying in the cottages this week...it is always nice to know we have readers!  I should explain that the blogs have been a bit sporadic the last few weeks as Richard and I have moved into a house (from the temporary caravan we were in).  Turns our peak holiday season is not the best time to move, but we are in now and things are slowly returning to normal.


For the last few months there have been just two donkeys at Tregongeeves; Bob and Blossom have had a little holiday at River Valley.  They will be returning this week, so there will be once again four donkeys in the front paddock.  Judith has had yet more bad luck with Tom, her horse, he had now developed a cough which cut short a ride last week, hopefully he will be fighting fit again soon.  Thankfully Judith has been helped out this week lots with willing egg collectors and Splodge feeders!


Last week Richard took a trip to the St Austell Brewery for a tour.  He has been wanting to go for a while, and it certainly did not disappoint.  The inside tour is perfect for a rainy day, informing you on how the beer is made with an interesting and funny tour, followed by a little bit of tasting afterwards! (I think there may have been a bit more than a little tasting going on!!)


Tregongeeves is situated perfectly to reach so many nice places to eat.  The Polgooth is nearest pub, in the village.  It is within walking distance, although there is a big hill to contend with, however eat and drink enough and you will not notice.  A short drive away in Gorran is the Barley Sheaf, a newly opened family run pub (a favourite of Judith's at the moment), or why not try the Kings Arms at Tregony - great home cooked food.


Tomorrow Judith is cooking pasties for us all.  They really are an experience.  I have started starving myself already as Judith is unable to make small pasties, only very, very large ones!  Whilst visiting you have to experience a 'real pasty'.  According to locals Rowe's is the best pasty maker, which you can get hold of in St Austell town.


If you fancy a short break in Cornwall this Autumn, don't forget you could pop down to River Valley Holiday Park.  Our 5 star caravan and camping site is well equipped with in door swimming pool, bike hire and children's play area.  Prices start from £30 a night (minimum of three nights).  Give Alison or Richard a call for more information on 01726 73533

time 'flies' when you are having fun

My, my, where has the time gone this past few weeks?  We have been flat out at Tregongeeves and River Valley.  Both the cottages and the holiday park have been full, and on top of that my twin borther and his girl friend have been visiting.  That has meant Richard and I have taken a few days out to share some Cornish delights with them.

Last week was the Fowey Regatta.  We popped over to see the Red Arrows before their tragic accident.  We then went over to Sam's on the Beach at Polkerris for a late supper - the food was amazing, and the sunset was pretty good too!

 Last Sunday we look the train from St Erth, into St Ives.  It was a stunning day, making St Ives look as wonderful as ever.  After a stroll and a well deserved afternoon tea (lashings of clotted cream and strawberry jam) we whizzed the short drive over to St Michael's Mount.

I spent a bit of time up with the animals at Tregongeeves this week.  Declan is my favourite!  If you stand in the field in front of the paddocks and call his name he comes running.  He loves it if you stratch his back - I don't think he can reach himself through all that wool!  He is pictured giving me a little kiss.

come rain or shine you can always have fun in Cornwall!

Richard and I decided to take note of the Blog and go to an outdoor show last week.   We went to see The Death of Sherlock Holmes at The Lost Garden of Heligans.  What an adventure it turned out to be!  We booked the tickets in the morning when the skies were blue.  By the evening fortunes had changed slightly, with the heavens opening.  Wet doesn't really do it justice - we were soaked to the skin.  But, we are British, so we picniced in style, we had a lovely spread with a bottle of Rose to help it go down.  The show was absolutely fantastic.  We have not laughed so much for a long time.  The show is touring all summer, and worth a visit if you get a chance.


This weekend we took the Mevagissey Ferry across to Fowey.  The small ferry takes 35 minutes to cross St Austell bay, it is lovely to see the coast line from a different angle, a thoroughly good day out.  Although I can recommend you don't sit at the back of the boat - I learnt the hard way that it is rather wet at the back (there is a common theme with this blog!)


Talking of Fowey, the Fowey Regatta starts this Sunday, there is a carnival on Wednesday night and the Red Arrows fly down the valley on the Thursday night.  I love the Red Arrows so am very excited about seeing them.


We can also highly recommend the Labyrinth Circus at Eden.  Now I must declare that I work part-time at Eden so I might be slightly bias, but the circus is utterly breath taking.  Not a circus as you know it, it is all on high ropes, and a little abstract but your heart will be in your mouth watching their stunning routine.  Also a handy tip for you, Eden is doing late night evening opening, if you go in after 3.30pm tickets are cheaper, but you can get annual passes so you could go back in your holiday for the full experience.


As I write the skies are lovely and blue, not a cloud in the sky, perfect barbecue weather.  If you are looking for a local butcher - Kittows is the place to go.  Situated opposite Tesco's the family run butchers produces the best sausages and burgers, and also has a large selection of local produce.