Indian summer?

After a fantastic summer we could just be about to enjoy an Indian Summer too as it has been fantastic here over the past few days.  We have had lots of friends visiting so have been enjoying Cornwall with them, which to be honest is a rare treat over the summer months.  We have been off enjoying breakfast at The Lewinnick Lodge recently - set on the edge of the cliff the stunning views are perfectly complimented with great food at reasonable prices.  There were thirteen of us and three babies so we opted for breakfast which was just lovely.  Most of the group had food envy for my waffles with bacon and maple syrup, whilst I looked on enviously at the hearty Cornish breakfast.  After we had eaten we headed on to Watergate Bay to enjoy the sun.  It was stunning as the tide was the furthest I have seen it out.

We also ventured over to Padstow.  The more energetic biked from here, whilst the more sensible biked from Wadebridge along the Camel Trail which is a brilliant way to get to Padstow.  We were rewarded with a pasty from the award winning Chough Bakery.  There are delious with the additional of clotted cream making them extra special.  We the strolled around the pretty village taking in the lovely shops and in particular Rick Stein's small empire.  His cake shop is very good!  We then indulged in some Roskilly's ice cream.  I had cream tea flavour, which was divine and well worth every single calorie!

Finally we went for a stroll around The Lost Gardens of Heligan.  It is the best I have seen the vegetable patch and put my efforts to shame, however it was beautiful and despite the car park being full it didn't feel like it was full of people.  We were spoilt for choice at lunch with their delicious selection  - I opted for Marconi cheese which was a good choice.  Now it is back to work and back to the diet!

With the children heading back to school Cornwall steps back to it's sleepy pace that so many people fall in love with after the busy school holidays.  Don't be fooled into thinking there is nothing on - on the contrary they are lots of local events and festivals that are well worth a visit in fact September is a wonderful time to visit Cornwall, not only is it quieter but it is also often very warm too.  Dates to put in your diary include:

• 8th September - World Bellyboard Championships at St Agness
• 12th - 15th September - Heritage Open Days with free entry to
• Lanhydroch
• Gribbin Daymark
• Glendurgan
• Godolphin Garden
• Porthcurno Telegraph Museum
• East Pool Mine, to name but a few
• 14th September - St Ives September Fest, with exhibitions, poetry, walks and festivals
• 21st September - Roseland Fesitval - a community festival celebrating all local things.

summer is back

Hello,

Sorry I have not posted for a few weeks; what with us all being at one time or another over the last few weeks and it being the peak of the season we have been a little bit rushed off our feet.  I am pleased to report we are all now fighting fit and raring to go and enjoying this stunning weather again.  We watched Countryfile last night with everything crossed and it looks like we are going to be blessed with sun, sun and more sun over the bank holiday!  We are even hopeful for an Indian Summer.

If you need a bit of a Cornish fix you can get one in cinemas in the next few weeks as the latest Richard Curtis film - About Time- is screened.  The romantic comedy was shot around local areas including Porthpean, Port Holland and on the north coast.  If you want to see how filming takes place for yourself then pop along to Charlestown where the harbour is currently being used for filming - no one knows which film it is they are shooting, but they have built new bits into the docks and are there until September.

Sometimes real life action is much better than movie screens and this week you can capture some real excitement with the Fowey Regatta.  The fantastic event takes place throughout the week with children's story telling tomorrow along with the Town Band playing on the Quay and raft racing.  On Wednesday there is a carnival possession throughout the town.  On Thursday there is a pasty eating competition (only in Cornwall!) and a giant pasty competition, music and by far the highlight of the week for me - the Red Arrows, give a breath taking display through the estuary.  You can sit in a number of places and watch the demonstration for free.  On Friday there is a family sports day and a band playing on the Quay.  Then finally on Saturday there is gig racing (a type of Cornish boat), entertainment and fireworks.

If food is more your 'thing' then the Cornwall will certainly deliver and the Cornwall Food & Drink website will provide you with all the information about events that are happening locally.  Of note is the Cornwall Food and Drink Festival taking place 27th -29th September.  The huge festival will showcase the best of Cornish produce, so well worth a visit.  We are very much looking forward to sampling the Philleigh Way.  A brand new cookery school and eatery which seems to be getting rave reviews.  Nestled in the heart of the Roseland the Philleigh Way has a fresh vibrant feel to it and offers some really interesting evenings, all of which must be booked in advance.

Wonderful walks and fabulous regattas

So we have had a wet and wide 24 hours but thinks have thankfully calmed down a lot now which is a relief and meets if you are staying you can really get out and enjoy Cornwall.  I always think after a good dumping of rain is a good time to get put and go for a walk as everything is lovely and refreshed and looking at it's best.  There are so many brilliant walks in Cornwall it is hard to know where to begin but we we stumbled across one that is a short drive away.  Why not start from Mevagissey  and enjoy a beautiful circular walk?  If you would like to explore a little more how about the Hall Walk - my all time favourite walk I have to confess; taking in a magical cove and the village of Polruan, with a river taxi back to Fowey at the end -  it is real adventure walk.  Or why not venture onto the North Coast with a circular walk from Rock.  The tiny village has become 'the' place to be seen in Cornwall with exceptionally high house prices.  The circular walk will let you enjoy some stunning houses.

If you would prefer to relax rather than walk why not treat yourself to some serious relaxation whilst on holiday.  The Cornwall is a short drive away and boasts a large selection of treatments and day packages.  Or how about venturing to Falmouth to enjoy the St Michael's Hotel.  I have been luckily enough to enjoy their delights a few times!

If you are in Cornwall over the next few weeks don't forget that the Charlestown Regatta is well under way and the 18th sees the start of the Fowey Regatta with their fantastic Red Arrows and fireworks to close the celebrations - both are well worth a visit.

Ben and his catch

Apologies for the delay but here is the promised picture of Ben and his dad fishing.  They had a fantastic day catching whiting and mackerel, having departed on a boat from Mevagissey.  I was lucky enough to sample their catch and can confirm it was so yummy.  Ben, and his brother, dad and grandad earnt their keep whilst at Tregongeeves; up with the larks each day helping myself and Judith collect the eggs and making sure the pigs, donkeys, sheep and Alice the shetland were fed and water - all important jobs that we couldn't do without the help of guests.  Thank you if you have helped us over the holidays.

Cornwall is bursting with people visiting at the moment, and it has a real buzz about it; especially with so many activities taking place.  Next week sees the start of Charlestown Regatta, which has things on throughout the week including music on the quay and a children's sports evening and a donkey derby with real life donkeys!  Or if knights in shining armor are more your thing then why not head to the Medieval Joust at Pendennis Castle.  Next Sunday sees the Tregony Heavy Horse Show or later in month there is the St Ewe Country Fair.  Despite a being a small village St Ewe Country Fair is a real date in the diary event attracting thousands of people each year.

Don't forget if you take some good pictures
whilst on holiday to send them to us - we would love to feature you on our blog!