Sunday, 21 August 2011

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.




Tuesday, 9 August 2011

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.

Sunday, 31 July 2011

better late than never!

Sorry the blog is a few days late this week.  With full cottages and camp site we have been rather busy.  Coupled with fabulous weather this week, I have not been on the computer much. 


On Monday evening Richard (Judith & John's son and my Husband) and I popped down to Porthpean beach (pictured).  The beach was empty, but the sun was out and the sea was as calm as a mill pond.  A short drive away, it is well worth a visit.  There is a car park that costs £2 across from the beach.  I stocked up on portable BBQ's in this weeks shopping, so we can have our tea on the beach on future visits!


Judith has been grateful to the helpers she has with the animals over the last few weeks.  Pictured are George, Lucy, Catherine and Jenny who were eager egg collectors a few weeks ago.  Keep an eye out for the 'Frizzles' that are joining the flock.  The strangest looking chickens I have ever seen look like their feathers are on upside down!  



Over the summer outdoor theatre comes to life in Cornwall.  There are so many places to choose from.  The Minack, which I have previously mentioned is always popular. But there are also a number of touring theatres to chose from.   The Miracle Theatre Company are currently touring with The Death of Sherlock Holmes, they are performing at Heligan on Wednesday night, a stunning setting where you can take your own picnic.  They tour until 29th August.  Or there is Judith's favourite - the Kneehigh Theatre who perform near Truro.


Don't forget you can get all the latest information about Tregongeeves Farm Cottages and River Valley Holiday Park by following us on Facebook.  We would love to see your pictures posted on these pages too.

Friday, 22 July 2011

A bit of a treat

The view from the Scarlet
Well, this week has not been the brightest, in fact it has been more like autumn at times, however yesterday the weather turned for the better.  It was a stunning day with beautiful blue skies.  Richard and I both had the day off so we took the opportunity to sample The Scarlet - we like to try things before we recommend them to you!


We can really recommend the Scarlet.  They are doing a super lunch offer over the summer; 2 courses for £16 or 3 courses for £19, and if your sign up for their newsletter you get a free glass of bubbly each!  Obviously we went for research purposes only, but the stunning location of The Scarlet over looking Mawgan Porth beach, with the hot tubs and natural swimming pool nestled in the cliffs makes it feel like a real treat.


After lunch we had a fabulous drive along the coastal road passing Bedruthan Steps, St Merryn and the Cornish Arms, Rick Stein's latest business venture.  We then stopped off at Padstow to take in the small but beautiful fishing village, made famous by the Stein empire.


This weekend sees a lot of events on around Cornwall; at the Royal Cornall Showground there is a 'Grand Day Out' - lots of events and activities in aid of the local hospice.  It is also The Bocnonnoc Steam Fair, a sight not to be missed!


Closer to home, next weekend sees the start of the Charlestown Regatta, a packed week of fun and entertainment for the family.

Saturday, 16 July 2011

Quick update...

...I forgot to mention, we have a couple of very good availability offers.  Check out our homepage to see which cottages are available in the coming month due to last minute cancellations.

Moor nice weather

This week we have been blessed with stunning sunshine every day, with just a light wind every now and again it has been glorious.  Sadly it has changed a little for the weekend, but we are optimistic it will be nice again by Monday!

Making the most of the weather Judith and Richard ventured out to Bodmin Moor for a lovely walk with the dogs (pictured).  The Moor, famed for it’s potential ‘beast’ is a scenic place for walks with unspoilt views.  No beast was spotted on Judith’s walk but the views were enjoyed.

The animals are growing very fast in this lovely weather.  River Valley now has a full selection of animals.  Judith treated us to two new runner ducks to keep Jemima company and a selection of chickens.   The pets corner at Tregongeeves has also had a bit of a face lift.  Declan, Wilma and Betty are now all up near the stables, keeping Splodge the pig company.  There are also two chicken runs and lots and lots of chicks.  Judith is always grateful of willing helpers to collect eggs and feed the flock, so don’t be shy to ask to help out in the mornings.

During the damper weather, it is always a good time to visit some of the Counties indoor attractions.  About 60% of The Eden Project is under cover so it is a good choice; then in between the showers you could take in the extensive grounds the Biomes are set within. 

Or why not visit the St Austell Brewery Centre.  Not only an interesting tour, but a chance to sample some of the great ales they produce.

Failing that St Austell has a great cinema, showing Harry Potter and all the summers latest releases.

I am off to St Ewe, a tiny but beautiful village, this afternoon to sell ice creams at their church fete.  I have everything crossed the rain moves up country so I stay dry!

Friday, 8 July 2011

Heidi-hi!

Hello,


It is Heidi writing the blog today - I think I will be writing it over the summer months whilst Judith is super busy welcoming guests and tending to the ever growing number of animals.  I am Judith's daughter-in-law and live at River Valley, but am up at Tregongeeves most days so I am sure you will see me about.  Like Judith I share a huge love of animals, I have to confess that it is a close call between Declan, Splodge and Alice as to who is my favourite!


Charlestown
The weather this week has been some what of a mixed bag, baking hot one minute, heavy showers the next, we have been caught out more than once this week.  We have checked the weather though and it is meant to become more settled thankfully next week.


Judith has been mentioning the Feast weeks in previous blogs, and last weekend we popped to the Mevagissey Feast week finale, a carnival and fireworks with Judith and John.  What a night it was, the parade was stunning, full of colour, music and fun.  And then there were the fireworks.  They were stunning, being let off over the harbour.  If you get a chance to visit one of the feast weeks we really recommend going.  We also popped over to Polperro Festival a few weeks back which was ever so much fun.
Polperro Festival


Recently my Uncle visited, as an exit navy man he was ever so excited about visiting the Ship Wreck Centre at Charlestown.  The museum is very quirky and full of history about the local area, it is well worth a visit.  If you are into maritime things, then Falmouth is also a fantastic place to visit.  Home to the National Maratime Museum, you are sure to be in a treat.  If it is being on the water that 'floats your boat' then why not take a trip on the Mevagissey to Fowey Ferry - the small boat is good value, and if you are really lucky the Captain will stop to look at things on the way suck as basking sharks which can be found off the coast at this time of year.

Fireworks at Mevagissey

Decorations throughout Mevagissey