Rock Cottage

Did you know bodyboards are killing the ocean?

A North Devon Council has become the first in the country to ban the sale of polystyrene bodyboards. Perhaps Cornwall should follow suit?

What’s the problem?

The cheap polystyrene bodyboards (often sold by supermarkets) break up very quickly and become unusable sometimes after only one use. They are almost disposable in their nature and very rarely last more than one season. They end up polluting the oceans or in landfill.

The boards leave a trail of destruction in the form of tiny polysterne balls and particles which are making their way into the oceans and affecting the food chain.

It’s incredible how many of these boards are abandoned on the beach or left piled high by bins on the beach. In North Devon over 600 bodyboards were collected from 3 beaches in just one month! According to Tidy Britain – around 16,000 are found annually! I have seen first hand countless bodyboards abandoned or broken on Cornish beaches too.

Here is a video of some of the work BeachCare do – look at those boards! https://fb.watch/3DJ-lUZuYV/

How can I help?

Why not hire a board for the day from one of our local surf shops? You’ll find them by most beaches. I’ll list a couple below and you can often book & pay online. The hire charges are reasonable and you’ll get a much better quality bodyboard – perfect for catching Cornish waves.

If you think you’ll use it lots, why not invest in a high quality board which won’t break up or even a wooden belly board? You’ll find loads of retailers all over Cornwall with plenty of helpful info on which is the best board for you.

The Pit Surf Shop in St Merryn – 10 minutes by car

Hires out all sorts of surf kit and sells it too. Book online for easy collection

https://www.thepitsurfshop.co.uk/shop

Harlyn Surf School & Hire

You’ll find all types of hire equipment as well surf lessons. Book online.

Surf Hire

Already got your own body board or surf board?

Why not bring them with you? We have an outhouse available for guests which is perfect for storing your board during your stay. You’ll find the key for the left-hand outhouse in the kitchen on the hooks.

Things to do in Cornwall by a 7 year old

By Beatrice aged 7

My name is Beatrice and I love going to Cornwall. I want to encourage other children to go to these fun places where adults can have fun too.

These are my favourite things. All of the places are near Rock Cottage and Padstow.

Pasties and Ice-Creams

I always enjoy a cocktail sized pasty (perfect for kids) to eat by Padstow harbour while I watch the boats. After my pasty, I love a Roskilly ice-cream from the little shop on the corner of the harbour. They have lots of flavours so I find it hard to choose but I like strawberry the best.

Going to the Playpark

The playpark is round the corner from Rock Cottage and only takes about 5 minutes (or less) to walk there. The playpark has a climbing frame with a big slide, a roundabout and a big basket swing. It also has a playhouse, some rockers and some normal swings. It is one of my favourite places to go because I can also run around in the field next to the playpark.

Bodyboarding

I am really good at bodyboarding. There are lots of beaches to go bodyboarding in Cornwall but my favourite is Holywell Beach, it sometimes has big waves and sometimes it has small waves. It feels like flying on to the beach. I make sure I stay between the red and yellow flags so the lifeguards can see me.

Tin Mines

I have been to a few tin mine museums. I once went to a National Trust tin mine where I got to sew a pasty made out of felt. I like watching the machines and learning about history. There is a lot for kids to do.

Making a stream on the sand at the beach

When I am at the beach, I like to make a stream. At both Polzeath beach and Holywell there is a fresh water stream running over the sand to the sea. I dig out the sand towards the stream and make a big hole with walls out of sand. I like to work with the other kids on the beach to divert the water into pools with dams. I also like to sit on my bodyboard in the pools and float around.

More ice-cream!

On the beach you can buy Mr Whippy ice-creams from the ice-cream vans which park actually on the beach on the sand! Not far to walk for ice-cream!

Crabbing

When we are at Padstow Harbour I like catching crabs and seeing the little pincers. Crabbing is where you get a net with a string and you put it into the water with some bait. When you feel a tug, you pull it back up and put it in a bucket of water. At the end you release the crabs back into the water. They “scuttle scuttle” back into the sea.

Chocolate Factory (Kernow Chocolate Factory)

What can I say about the chocolate factory? It’s fun to watch the chocolate being made and you can test the chocolate. Sometimes we have hot chocolates made in the café.

Roly Poly Fudge

In Padstow town there is a shop called Roly Poly Fudge where you can see the fudge being made through the window. You can smell the melted fudge!!! It is very yummy.

Jam first or cream first – do you know the Cornish way?

Obviously I am talking about the delicious scone! But do you know the Cornish scone way? Scones, jam and cream form part of a traditional Cornish Cream tea – and no, I don’t mean cream in your tea!

Plain scones, traditionally served with a cup of tea, jam & cream

What is a cream tea?

There is nothing better than settling down mid afternoon, preferably with the sun shining, for a traditional cream tea. Picture the scene – fresh pot of tea (Cornish tea), small jug of milk (Cornish milk), proper tea cups, scones, jam and Cornish clotted cream.

Cornish tea?

You might just spot in the background the unmissable orange packaging of Cornish Tea – designed to be an “all day and every day brew” smugglers tea is perfect for a cream tea. We include a box of local Cornish Tea in our Welcome Basket for you to enjoy at Rock Cottage. https://www.cornish-tea.co.uk/

What is clotted cream?

It’s made by gently heating cream and then cooling slowly in large pans. Rodda’s Cornish Clotted Cream is famous all over the UK and made just down the road in Redruth, they even shared my instagram post on Facebook!

So what is the Cornish scone way? What is the “other” way?!

Ever heard of scone wars? A long lived rivalry exists between Cornwall and Devon on which way is the correct way to make a scone. Jam first then cream or cream first then jam? Jam first or cream first?

The Cornish prefer jam first then cream. This is the proper way! Devonians prefer cream first then jam. The Devon way!

Which ever way you enjoy them, a scone with cream and jam is always delicious but when in Cornwall, eat them the Cornish way – you won’t regret it!

Rock Cottage is the perfect spot to enjoy a cream tea with scones the Cornish way – book online at www.rockcottagepadstow.com and come and see for yourself. The comfortable traditional holiday cottage near Padstow sleeps 4 and has a lovely enclosed sun trap garden to enjoy a cream tea. And if it a mizzle and drizzle kind of day then savour your cream tea in front of a roaring log burner.

enjoy!

How do the new Covid Rules affect my holiday booking?

Holidays are coming!

Thanks to Boris’s announcement yesterday, the end of lockdown is in sight and we are so excited to be welcoming guests to Rock Cottage from 12th April. Whilst we are disappointed not to be open for Easter, at least we are able to host guests for the second week of the Easter holidays.

Open for Easter Holidays!

We have availability the week of 12th – 19th April (which is a Monday arrival day) which is the second week of school holidays for most children. We will be making sure our generous welcome basket is Easter themed! Do let us know if you have any allergies/dietary requirements and we will make sure our treats are suitable. You can book here – Booking Form

Easter in Cornwall is so lovely, lots of fresh air and wonderful walks and spring lambs. You’ll find many of the local attractions run special events for children too so look out for treasure trails and egg hunts in the local National Trust properties and at Camel Creek adventure park.

So how do the new Covid Rules affect my trip?

The first thing to note is that from 12th April we are only able to accept single household bookings.

The great news is that from 12th April the zoos, theme parks and other outdoor attractions can also open. We have a great family day out only 2 miles away at Camel Creek www.camelcreek.co.uk

It is also expected that local pubs with outdoor space will open – we have 2 within walking distance both with outdoor space (fingers crossed they open, do check their own websites first!). The Ring O’bells is a 2 minute walk and the Pickwick is only a 10 minute walk.

Lets not forget all our lovely local shops will open from 12th April too so plenty of local goodies to stock up from Cornish Fudge to stylish interior design shops. Padstow has a huge array of shops to browse in.

When can 2 households stay together?

Lots of people like to travel with friends or perhaps bring their parents on holiday with them.

The current “roadmap” suggests that 2 households will be able to mix indoors from 17th May. If you are planning a trip away with another household you will need to make sure you book for after 17th May.

Will all the local attractions be open?

We can’t promise that everything will be open locally or that local businesses will follow the suggested opening schedule set by the Government, but we think everyone will be raring to open and welcome back guests as soon as they can.

We suggest that if you have any particular queries about shops or pubs that you contact then direct as they will be happy to help.

Where is the best pasty in Padstow?

Padstow is pasty central. There are quite a few shops specialising in the famous Cornish pasty clustered around the harbour in Padstow.

I’m proud to report that I think I’ve tasted a pasty from every shop. I’ve also been known to venture to Malcom Barnecutts in Wadebridge (also superb) and even Prima Bakeries down in Redruth (totally recommended for their frozen takeway option – very cost effective to cook at home).

I’m so keen on pasties that I even make them from scratch – see the pic at the end!

Perhaps the first question ought to be: What is a pasty?

A pasty is a tasty pastry usually savoury containing meat, potato, swede, onion and seasoning shaped like a ‘D’ and crimped down one side.

These days you can buy pasties in all sorts of different combinations:

Lamb and mint
Curried meet
Cheese and Onion
Steak and stilton
English breakfast (bacon & sausage)
Christmas dinner (turkey, potato, pig in blanket, sprout etc!)
even sweet ones involving jam and fruits!

The history of the Cornish Pasty

The humble Cornish pasty has only enjoyed protected status (PGI – protected geographical indication) since 2011 – meaning that since 2011 you know a “Cornish Pasty” is truly Cornish.

Going back a century or two, the Cornish pasty was a traditional food for the working folk of Cornwall, the fisherman and farmers but most famously the miners that worked in the many tin mines. The thick crimped crust which runs down one side of the pasty was used as a disposable handle by the miners who hands were filthy from working down the mine. The miners even had little cloth bags for carrying their pasties in to work.

If you fancy learning more about the history of the Pasty then I recommend a day out to the National Trust run Tin Mines who have a plethora of information on the topic. On one trip to a mine the children were even able to make a felt pasty to take home to learn about the different fillings.

The Chough Bakery

You can’t fail to miss The Chough Bakery right on the harbour in Padstow. The famous building with its curved building is easy to spot, and so is the queue of customers out the door! Don’t be put off by the queue though as it moves quickly. They also have a “quick serve” hatch for fast takeaway.

The reason I am mentioning Chough Bakery over the other pasty shops in Padstow is that they put clotted cream in their pasties! How delicious is that?! The clotted cream melts into the pasty mix so it isn’t creamy as such but more of a rich buttery flavour.

The Best Pasty?

I can’t commit! I recommend trying as many as possible and then let me know which is your favourite. Perhaps I could do a poll? I change my mind every time I eat one, I think my favourite is the one I’m eating!

How to light the log burner – getting started

One of the cosiest features of Rock Cottage is the lovely log burner. On a chilly evening there is nothing nicer than cuddling up on the sofa in front of a roaring fire.

Some of our guests have never lit a log burner before or it might have been a while since they did. Don’t be put off if you have never tried before. By following this easy guide your fire will soon be roaring too!

Our quick guide is below but for more detailed information – read on!

Check you have everything you need

Before you get started check you have got the following:

Supply of dried logs (our logs come from Logan’s Logs but any reputably supplied logs will be fine)
Supply of kindling. These are the small pieces of wood.
Firelighters – we supply “twizlers” natural fire starters (they look a bit like straw!)
Matches or a lighter

Rock Cottage supplies one basket of supplies which should be enough for 1 to 2 fires depending on how many logs you burn.

Please note you must not burn paper, rubbish or other wood in the log burner. It poses a fire risk as deposits build up in the flue plus there is a risk of dangerous chemicals being emitted.

Open the vents

At the front of the log burner you will see a lever. If you pull it forward then you will open the vent fully. You will need it in this position when you first light the fire. Later on, once the fire is lit, you may wish to partially close the vent.

Lay the Fire

Start with the kindling. Pile a small amount on the base of the log burner. Then add 2-3 fire lighters by nestling them between the kindling pieces. Try and ensure there is plenty of space around the kindling so it can get oxygen and burn. Add one log on top (don’t add lots at this stage as you will suffocate the fire).

Light the fire

Using matches or a lighter, start by lighting the fire lighters towards the back of the log burner (so you don’t burn your fingers) and then light the ones nearer the front. You don’t need many fire lighters to get the fire started.

Leave the door ajar whilst the fire catches. I would suggest leaving the door open for 10 to 15 minutes. Once the fire is burning properly then shut the door. You may wish to slightly push the vent handle in a bit at this stage.

Add the logs

Once the fire is burning nicely and the embers are glowing red, you can add another log on top. Just add one log at a time, it is only a small log burner and one log gives off plenty of heat. Make sure you keep the door closed whilst the log burner is on.

Safety

Do not allow pets or children to come near the log burner when it is lit. I would recommend only lighting the log burner when children or babies are safely tucked up in bed. Remember the log burner stays warm for a long time after the fire appears to have gone out.

Keep spare logs and other combustible materials away from the log burner and hearth.

Only burn proper dried logs and kindling.

Do not leave the fire unattended once lit.

Our chimney is swept once a year and a copy of the latest certificate is in the Welcome Pack. The log burner was installed by a HETAS engineer and a copy of the notice plate can be found above the stairs by the electric meter cupboard.

and relax…….

Sit back and enjoy the memorising flames with a nice glass of wine!

Discover a hidden luxury chocolate experience in Cornwall

About a ten minute drive from Rock Cottage you will find the lovely Kernow Chocolate factory in St Eval.

If you are looking for something to do on a rainy day in Cornwall then you can’t do much better than a trip to the chocolate factory. Plus admission is free! (i’m not saying you’ll come away not having spent anything though…) and plenty of free parking too.

Kernow Chocolate is a small Cornish company making delicious bars of chocolate in all the traditional combinations but a few more unusual ones too. White chocolate lemon meringue? Eton mess? Salted caramel? Dark chocolate orange (my favourite!)?

When you arrive at the Factory you can spend some time watching the skilled chocolatiers making the chocolate through the viewing window. They don’t offer factory tours but to be honest you get a great view of the chocolate making process through the large window (there are even step stools for little ones).

Immediately next to the viewing window is the most chocolately cafe in possibly the world. I can confirm that everything is delicious. And you NEED to try the hot chocolate made with a shot of pure melted chocolate…..

And after all of that chocolately loveliness there is the delectable chocolate onsite shop to explore. They stock their full range of bars, novelty chocolates and also end of line & short-date chocolate too. And a few tasters too!

Before you head off to discover the chocolate heaven…

Please check their website for opening times as they have closed their visitor centre during covid. If you are not able to visit during your holiday at Rock Cottage then I urge you to support this delicious chocolate business by buying online or many of their bars can be found for sale in the shops around Padstow and Wadebridge.

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Best bait – how to catch a crab in Padstow!

“the activity or occupation of fishing for crabs”
Collins dictionary

Have you ever been crabbing? It’s such a fun way to spend an afternoon down at Padstow Harbour. And if you are looking for the perfect crabbing Cornwall spot then read on!

I’ve spent many a day supervising little ones with buckets of water and pieces of bait, trying to lure an unsuspecting crab into our bucket to show off on the quay. There is nothing quite like the shouts of “i’ve got one, i’ve got one!” and proud little faces beaming up at you.

Crabbing is definitely a socialable affair. Friends are firmly made and best bait tips swapped – raw bacon or bits of fish? Nets or lines? It’s a slightly competitive sport. Everyone wants to be the one to have the biggest crab in their bucket!

The age old question – Which bait is best?

I’m going to come out and just say it. Bacon. Preferably smelly smoked bacon with a gnarly bit of rind. Some people will tell you that bait in the form of little fish are best, and you’ll find lots of shops selling these pre-packed fish around the harbour. BUT i still stand by bacon!

What happens to the crabs which are caught?

And at the end of the session (most people do crabbing for a couple of hours, but it’s up to you really), the crabs are released back into the harbour. I rather enjoy watching the crabs scuttle down the ramp back into the water. The crabs aren’t stupid, they head straight back to where the bait is to fatten themselves up before being caught again. Ah, the life of a Padstow Crab.

To catch the perfect crab – you will need:

A nice big bucket, ideally a clear one.
A crabbing line or crabbing net. I prefer the net as its easier but some people swear by the line.
Bait. If you are organised then I suggest chopping this up in the kitchen at Rock Cottage and putting in a Tupperware tub, otherwise wrestling with raw bacon down by the water can be a bit tricky.
Patience and a good spot. If you have small children with you then I strongly suggest heading down the boat launch ramp in the middle of the harbour (near the pasty shops and fish & chips – lunch? crabbing is hungry work!) because the edges of the harbour aren’t fenced and the drop is quite high to be sending crabbing nets over. Please supervise your little ones at all times because the Harbour is deep!

You’ll find all the supplies you need for sale around Padstow Harbour – it doesn’t cost much, a few pounds for the bucket and same again for net & bait.

I’d love to hear how you get on, did you manage to catch many crabs? If you’re happy to have your photos shared on our social media pages then i’d love to share your success! https://www.facebook.com/rockcottagepadstow

Why not book your holiday cottage near Padstow today to secure your summer dates? Rock Cottage is in the quaint village of Saint Issey just a couple of miles from Padstow making everything in easy reach. You can even catch the bus from a few steps away from Rock Cottage to save taking the car into Padstow and finding a parking space. Booking and availability checks can be made online www.rockcottagepadstow.com or drop me and email with any queries. Happy crabbing!