Things to do

There’s so much to see and do In West Cornwall, but these are some of our favourites…

By foot

Either a walk from the Mill over to the coast path to Porthcurno or Pedn Vounder (note that Pedn Vounder beach is a clamber down a cliff – it is spectacular but hard to get to – it is also classed as a nudist beach – just a warning!), sit on the beach, maybe a dip in the sea, then climb up the cliff to The Minack Theatre for a look around this amazing place. Stop for a cup of tea and a spot of lunch in the café if there are no performances on, but do try and get to see a performance if you are able (pre-booking a must!) it’s worth it for the ambiance and setting – even if you are not keen on the show!

Detour over to the Telegraph Museum in Porthcurno to find out all about the first communications ever, sent to India from Porthcurno. Walk back over the coast path and stop in at the Logan Rock for a pint and If you’re feeling refreshed call in at the beautiful Penberth Cove where Poldark was filmed – it’s an unspoilt working fishing cove with an old capstan that used to pull the boats up the slipway. From there head back to the Mill, and relax!

By Car

A short drive to Lands End to have you picture taken by the famous sign post then a hop down the road to Sennen Cove for a walk on the beach. Lunch at The Old Success Inn and then to Porthgwarra to park and easy walk up to Gwennap Head. This is an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and you will have the best chance of seeing the Cornish Chough birds nesting on the cliffs here. Lovely café in Porthgwarra for tea and cake!

If you don’t fancy Porthgwarra then you could head on over to St Just and go down to Cape Cornwall – this is beautiful – here you will find Priests Cove which is still used as a fishing cove today and also take a walk up to the Heinz memorial for an amazing view over the Cape. The Cape is where 2 oceans meet – the Atlantic and the English channel – you are highly likely to see some seals down here! Stop off in the square in St Just at one of the pubs for a pint!

Penzance Day Trip

You could do the Marine Discovery boat trip which is fantastic! It is a sailing catamaran called the Shearwater and you could encounter grey seals, dolphins, sunfish or even minke whales and basking sharks! (Call 07749 277110 for enquiries).

When you have finished you could nip round to the amazing Art Deco sea water Lido – Jubilee Pool – they have open air swimming and a geothermal heated pool. You do need to book in advance for both (01736 369224). They also have a wonderful café!

If you don’t fancy getting wet then head over to Marazion and visit St Michael’s Mount – This is National Trust – the Castle sits on a tidal island in Mounts Bay and if it is low tide you can walk over otherwise you have to get a little boat. (01736 710507). Great café in Marazion main car park called ‘Jordans’ – do amazing takeaways!

Stop off at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens nr Gulval – exotic plant filled gardens with modern art installations, fantastic views over St Michaels Mount and a wonderful café! (01736 448089).

If you have not eaten enough then you can squeeze an ice cream in at Jelberts in Newlyn – famous around these parts! Shop is nothing to look at and is very basic but Mr Jelbert makes the ice cream himself and only has a certain amount every day available – they is usually a big queue! (Mr Jelbert is Helen Glover, the Olympic rower’s father) Finish off with dinner at Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar or the Tolcarne Inn – or fish and chips from Lewis’s – all in Newlyn. Alternatively drive round to Mousehole, eat at 2 Fore Street and a stroll around the harbour before heading home!

St Ives Day Trip

Drive over to St Erth Park & Ride (as you are highly unlikely to get a space in St Ives – parking is a nightmare) leave your car here and hop on the little branch line over to St Ives – the views as you ride on are amazing!

Once off the train have lunch at the Porthminster Beach Cafe or Porthmeor Beach Cafe – both are amazing!

Then a look around the Tate St Ives Gallery and over to the Barabara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden.

Have a wander around the little galleries and shops in the town which are well worth a visit and enjoy a pasty from the St Ives Bakery!

Relax on one of the lovely beaches, maybe a boat ride over to Seal Island or a surfing lesson and then drop in to the Rum & Crab Shack or The Hub for cocktails before heading home!