Rainy day ideas

It is 3.20pm and it has just stopped raining.  Luckily the whole of the country is like this however the weather man did say it was meant to be sunny and muggy here today so it is always disappointing when you wake up to find that horrible lingering mist that we are occasionally blessed with down here.

Do not despair though; there is  always something to to keep you entertained in Cornwall and we proved that last week when my parents visited and they tested out lots of places with Jessica who is now 13 months old.  They highly recommend Newquay Aquarium - it was very child friendly and the cafe was very accommodating too.  With a child that is almost walking the layout was good and allowed little people to get right up close to the glass.

I had the pleasure of visiting Newquay Zoo with them and Jessica.  Not the world's biggest zoo but it is very well laid out and there are some nice touches like the tarzan trail for older children.   We went on a misty day and as often happens on a wet day here the weather had cleared by lunchtime, however with our water proofs and lots of trees to protect us we had a great time.  We really liked the petting area and the cafe was very good too with lovely freshly prepared food.

Continuing on the food theme we also visited Griggs Cafe and shop.  The food in the Cafe was lovely, it tasted fantastic and it was really busy too.  We will certainly be going back to sample the breakfasts there in the very near future.

We also spent a few days down at Charlestown as the old fishing harbour is playing host to a Norwegian film crew at the moment.  The production company have taken over the whole of the harbour and have even added an island, forge and market stalls.  Whilst we were there we saw a young boy climb down the harbour wall and a scene where there are coming off a tall ship being filmed.  They even had real life geese, chickens, donkeys and Shetland ponies on set.  It was absolutely fascinating to watch it being film.

If you are not able to visit Cornwall for a while then you can see it as it's best in Richard Curtis' latest, and apparently final block buster - About Time.  The film is set in London and Porthpean, just down the road from here.  It was filmed down here last summer, so the wedding scene where it gets completely washed out is fairly accurate we think!  It is a brilliant film - Richard Curtis at his best - just take a box of tissues with you.

Lots of dates for your diaries

I think most locals will agree that there is certainly a chill in the air, however I can confirm when the sun is out it is still very powerful and warm.   If I am honest with you we are moving into our favourite time of year here.  Don't get me wrong, summer in a sunny Cornwall is awesome, however hot days in September and October feel extra special, especially as everything is a little bit quieter and calmer.  

As locals we know that there are some brilliant events in the coming weeks and we also know the best places to find a roaring fire to snuggle up next to after a long bracing walk.  My favourite fire to nestle in to is at the Polgooth Inn.  The fire is in the heart of the pub, and with a pint of local ale warming your insides you can't go wrong.  The Eden Cafe in town also has an amazing fire.  The large open burner has sofas all around it so you can enjoy a lovely treat off their menu whilst being tucked into cosy chairs.  Right now, at this time of year when it is still warm enough to enjoy the lunch time sun but you want to feel like winter is coming my all time favourite place to go is the Duchy Nursery just outside Lostwithel.  Their food is brilliant, their plants are fantastic and their shop will want you make to buy everything.  But my favoutite thing is sitting outside in the sun whilst smelling their wood burner that burns away inside...there is something about that smell that gets me ready for the winter!

If you are planning a visit to Cornwall in the quieter months then why not plan it around one of the many events up and coming.  

Roseland Festival - 21st September - 6th October.  The full programme can be found here, but with lots of community events, talks, shows, dining and a quiz you are sure to find something of interest.  The Philleigh Way Cookery evenings looks particularly good.

Cornwall Food & Drink Fair - 27th - 29th September.  We loved this last year with all things foodie and Cornish showcased in one location.  We would advise going early though as it does get very busy.  If you don't manage to fill yourself up on all the tasters then why not treat yourself to lunch at The Old Grammar School - we love their food.

Boscastle Food, Art & Craft Festival - 5th - 6th October.  This small village knows how to enjoy food -and this year the programme looks even better than usual with famous chefs, cooking demonstrations, talks, barn dances and concerts this is one not to be missed.

Falmouth Oyster Festival - 10th - 13th October.  Love them or hate them oysters are a bit like marmite. But the festival celebrates the start of dredging season and brings together music, food and crafts to celebrate.

St Austell Torch Light Carnival - 16th November.  This stunning events sees the streets of St Austell lit up with stunning torches crafted by local community groups and businesses   The Family event creeps through the streets of St Austell with a carnival feel to it

Fowey Christmas Market - 29th November -1st December.  The beautiful village of Fowey is transformed with a Christmas market and Christmas light switch on.

Padstow Christmas Festival - 5th - 8th December.  With the harbour decked out and some of Cornwall's best chefs all under one roof then you will be spoilt for choice.  The small fishing harbour has a magical feel for this wonderful festival.