The Real Cornwall

Cornwall, a holiday for many and a home to others but why do we all love it so much? There’s so many reasons, it’s impossible to list them all but one thing I particularly value is the great local produce that’s available year on year. From bacon for your breakfast to the world-famous clotted cream, we’ve got the very best produce right here in Cornwall.

If you’ve stayed at Tregongeeves before you’ll have had the pleasure of trying some of the best Cornish produce in your welcome pack.  We think it’s about time to shine some light on those responsible for producing such tasty food. 

Niles Bakery: You can always rely on the team at St Austell to provide you with a nice fresh loaf or if you’re feeling like a sweet treat their pastries are on a whole new level of deliciousness.

TrewithenDairy Farm: As their slogan says “Happy Healthy Cornish Cows” and if that wasn’t enough to put a smile on your face, the creamy taste that runs throughout their produce definitely will be.

Kittow’sButchers: Famous for their sausages, this award-winning butchers is based just down the road at Kilhallon Farm in Par. They are the ideal of a family business and if you like you can even follow their blog to find out what’s going down on the farm including how Laudamus, the Pedigree Ruby Red Devon Cow, is getting on with all his wives.

These are only a few of our favourite producers - we haven't even mentioned all the amazing fishing folk! -  but it's thanks to them that our guests get a delicious taster of real Cornwall. 

'Tis balmy

Now hopefully I will not curse the weather but  it is gorgeous at the moment.  Two days on the beach this week have resulted in a house full of sand but it is worth it to hear the crashing of the waves and see our little one exploring the sand.  Day one was spent on this coast at Porthpean - I have mentioned it before but it is such a lovely little spot and a little bit of a hidden gem.  The car park is £3 for the day and there is a small shop on the beach selling ice creams and bits & bobs.  There are also toilets.  As for the beach itself it is clean and sheltered and has a large selection of rock pools to explore.  If you fancy a change whilst there you could venture up onto the coastal path; Duporth and then Charlestown are only a short walk away.

Our second beach this week was Treyarnon Bay which is on the north coast.  The large sandy expanse was very quiet and sheltered but the waves were big.  The beach, which has lifeguards present is stunning and bigger enough to hold the crowds I am sure it would attract on a Saturday.  Again the car park was £3 for the whole day and there were toilets and food on offer - we took a picnic which was just lovely.  After the beach we strolled along the flat cliffs taken in a bit more of the coastal path - it is such a different coast to the south coast.

After a visit to the north coast why not pop into Kingsley Village - this shopping outlet stocks locks of local bits and bobs and has a fantastic food hall that does amazing cakes and meat for the BBQ.

Finally I must apolgise for the delay writing this blog.  My brother got married in Southampton last week so we have been away for a few days which with a little one means lots of packing and then lots of washing.  Any of you staying from this Saturday (8th June) will notice one big difference - no Judith & John! They are off for a few days away so Richard, Jessica and I will be moving in

 to man the ship whilst they are away.  I am in charge of the animals - which I am slightly nervous about so be prepared for lots of animal stories next week.  Apparently I just need to ensure they are all standing when Judith returns.... fingers crossed!

Rainy day ideas

Ok, I am not going to liar to you, the sun does not always shine in Cornwall.  In fact right now it is horrid, heavy rain and a little bit of wind thrown in too.  I think most of the country is getting this, but I thought I would give you some rainy day ideas for when you come to stay.

How about doing something where you get wet anyway?  You could take a surf lesson at Fistral?  Or try your hand at canoeing on the River Fowey? Or how about learning to fish or a sea safari?

If you just want to go somewhere and stay dry then how about the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay?  Or visit some real caves.  The Carnglaze Caverns are not only interesting; they will also set you imagination going of times gone by.  Or as you are near the coast wherever you are in Cornwall why not take a stroll around the Maritime Muesum.  You can convert your ticket into an annual past so you can go back again again throughout your stay. It is worth noting that many people (some times thousands) flock to The Eden Project on a rainy day thinking that a) it is all indoors and b) it will be quiet - two HUGE mistakes.  The Biomes at Eden are good but the grounds it is set in are equally as impressive.  If you do want to go on a rainy day our advice is to head there as soon as it opens or just after lunch when it will be a little bit quieter.

If history is more your thing how about a tour round a historic house.  Cornwall has some stunning houses that are well worth a visit including; Pencarrow House is not only stunning but is also dog friendly.  Lanhydrock is a firm favorite of ours as is Cotehele - the drive is well worth it.

How about just being a kid for the day and enjoying Cornwall's equivalent of theme parks; there is Dairyland, Flambards, Crealy's or Paradise Park.  Or if you need to have some soft play fun why now visit St Austell's Kidzone.

A few more new arrivals!

Hello there,

Jemina and her friends!

I am back after a lovely week away.  We visited the Appleby Horse Fair with our two friends, it really was very interesting with so much to look at and so many interesting people.  We managed to squeeze in some wonderful walks in around Hawkshead.  I am glad to get back though to the hustle and bustle of Tregongeeves.


Whilst I was gone we had a devastating fox attack down at River Valley, he took all the chickens and two ducks.  So Heidi & Alison are on the offensive, making the run more secure and tidying it up.  In the meantime they have acquired a duckling (Jemina) and 6 chicks of various varieties.  They are up in the Tregongeeves stables, so take a look at them if your visiting, they are so adorable.


The summer season brings Cornwall to life with so many events and activtites on.  In the coming weeks we have guests staying with us who are visiting the Eden Project Sessions - various musicians are playing throughout July in their outdoor stage.  Talking of musicians Alison, Charmaine and I visited Cardiff this week to watch Take That in concert - what a show, we had a super time.


I also noticed the programme for the Minack Theatre this week, it looks like they are some greats shows being performed this summer - and all at a cheap price, tickets are usually around £9.  The Minack is an outdoor theatre on the edge of the cliffs - the stunning location means it creates a wonderful atmosphere.


Off to catch up on bits and pieces now!

Enjoy this weather on a beach!

With Judith on a well deserved break this week in Windermere, Richard and I have been appointed as the official blog writer, animal looker-afterer, and house sitters! 

This week has not been a good one on the animal front.  At River Valley we have something preying on our poor chickens and ducks.  This week we have lost six chickens and one of our new ducks – Tafty, the pretty little female.  The animals are being kept in their pen for a few days to try and put the suspect fox off them.

On a happier note the chicks at Tregongeeves are growing up very fast.  We should soon be able to work out how many cockerels and how many hens we have.  Judith has had some helpers this week; with children from Gallery helping collect eggs, and feed Splodge his favourite food…black bananas!

With this glorious sunshine it is a great excuse to hit the beach.  From River Valley, you can hire bikes and head down to Pentewan, a beautiful little village with a pub who’s beer garden is over looking the old harbour.

Or you could try Porthpean, a great sandy family beach, with parking, a small shop and at low tide there are lots of little rock pools to explore. 

Whatever you are up to, we hope you are enjoying this great weather

Heidi & Richard