cornwall – Rock Cottage

Easter in Cornwall is full of egg-citing activities!

Planning a trip to Cornwall at Easter? You’ll find that Easter in Cornwall is a lovely time to visit, the days are warmer, the evenings lighter and there are plenty of local events to keep the whole family entertained.

Looking to find things to do in Cornwall over the Easter holidays? Rock Cottage is perfectly placed just outside Padstow to make the most of all the Easter events in Cornwall. Relax in our cosy cottage and enjoy a drink or BBQ in our sun-trap garden, or stroll to the 2 village pubs for a lovely meal out. I’ve written out a few ideas below to get you started but there are so many egg-citing things to do in Cornwall that you can be certain that everyone will be kept busy at Easter.

School Easter holidays run locally from 31st March to 16th April (although it might be slightly different where you are) – we have a variety of short breaks or week long stays available.

Here are our Top 8 things to do at Easter in Cornwall:

1. Experience Easter at the Eden Project

Get involved with all the Easter activities planned at the Eden Project this Spring from 1st to 16th April 2023 (tickets go on sale from 2nd March, booking is recommended). From Easter egg hunts and trails to live music, there is a lot going on. Take part in 4 challenges and then make your way to the pick-and-mix station for a prize! And of course the magnificent gardens will be full of spring flowers! Located near St Austell and approximately a 40 minute drive from Rock Cottage. Take a look at their website to learn all about Easter at Eden and to book your tickets. Booking will be essential.

Tickets can be booked here

2. Easter Egg Hunts!

Chocolate eggs! Hurray! Everyone needs to have a chocolate egg hunt at Easter time and luckily the Easter Bunny has been busy hopping all over Cornwall leaving lots of chocolate eggs for you to find. The National Trust Easter egg hunt has become a annual tradition here and you’ll find accurate information on their website. The local National Trust properties include Lanhydrock, Trerice and Trelissick. Let the children and the dogs run wild in the Easter Holidays in Cornwall and explore some of the very best National Trust properties.

If visiting Lanhydrock, your children might enjoy climbing in the big play park or if they are anything like ours, they’ll enjoy climbing the trees and fallen logs across the parkland even more! The Easter Egg trail sheet at Lanhydrock costs £3 and includes an Easter Egg prize, the trail is available from 10.30am until 5.30pm from 1st April. Hop, race and hula-hoop your way through Lanhydrock’s beautiful gardens. Can you find the old Thatched Cottage which has been transformed into a House of Games especially for Easter? Learn how the Victorians celebrated Easter.

3. Get on your bike and cycle the Camel Trail

At last the weather is getting better! Spring weather in Padstow usually brings sunshine so get on your bike or strap on your walking boots and get out into the fresh Cornish air and explore the Camel Trail. The Camel Trail is a multi-user path along the Camel Estuary from Padstow to Bodmin along a disused railway line. The path is generally level and made of tarmac so provides an easy cycling and walking surface. The path is barely a couple of miles from the front door of Rock Cottage.

You can bring your own bikes and store them in our bike shed (we recommend bringing your own padlock & check your insurance) or why not hire bikes? Bikes can be hired for all ages and abilities from both Padstow, Wadebridge and Bodmin. You will find a wide choice of bike styles, including baby seats and toddler trailers, dog crates on wheels as well as helmets and everything you need for a fun day out on the trail. Some of the companies even deliver the bikes to Rock Cottage so you can cycle from the door!

The Camel Trail benefits from outstanding estuary views along the length of the trail from Padstow to Wadebridge, and then enjoy the countryside and some beautiful Spring flowers along the stretch from Wadebridge to Bodmin. If you are lucky the carpets of bluebells will be flowering in the woodlands surrounding the Camel Trail.

Lunch? There are plenty of picnic spots with a view (including picnic benches) along the route. Why not pack up a picnic using the picnic set at Rock Cottage? We like to pick up pasties from one of the pasty shops in Padstow and take them with us. Or why not enjoy fish and chips from Steins takeaway and sit and eat with a sea view! There is something really special about fish and chips by the sea. There are some delightful cafes near Bodmin serving Cornish cream teas (take a look at our page on the proper Cornish way!) or if you are in need of some liquid refreshment you can cycle direct to the Camel Valley Vineyard from the Camel Trail. I recommend a “flight of fizz”….

Every bench has view along the Camel Trail

4. Dine out for Easter Lunch

Everyone knows it wouldn’t be Easter without a proper Easter lunch. For a proper roast dinner you can’t do much better than our very own Pickwick Inn just a short stroll from Rock Cottage. Booking is essential and don’t forget to book in the bar if you are bringing your dog (you can book online on their website). If you are dining in the restaurant then you will benefit from the most amazing views over the countryside towards Padstow and the Doom Bar. The food is excellent too!

If you are out and about then how about the Cornish Arms in St Merryn? A short drive from Rock Cottage and one of Rick Stein’s Pubs, it serves a great roast. Booking online is recommended.

And of course you have all the wonderful seafood options from Rick Steins to Paul Ainsworth to Fish & Chips – there is something for everyone. Booking is strongly recommended.

A small glimpse of the views from The Pickwick Inn & Oliver’s Restaurant – walking distance from Rock Cottage

5. Eggs-plore the beach or catch a crab

There are so many beaches to explore locally, you’ll find one for every day of the week. There is a reason they refer to the local area as 7 bays for 7 days! Most beaches are dog friendly too, you might find our Dog Information Page helpful or this guide to seasonal beaches for dogs.

Bring your bucket and spade and get digging. The local Cornish beaches have lovely soft yellow sand for digging and are perfect for sand castles. We have some buckets and spades to borrow in the cottage outhouse, and a crabbing set too.

Why not try bodyboarding or surfing? You’ll find lots of places to hire boards and give it a go, or book in for a lesson to really get you off on the right foot. Harlyn Bay is about a 10 minute drive and you’ll find a surf school and surf hire available here.

If you have little ones you might like to have a go at rock pooling or crabbing? For the best information on crabbing in Padstow take a look at our blog page for everything you need to know to have a successful experience.

If you are lucky you might spot some seals!

6 . Savour locally made Easter artisan treats – not just chocolate!

Cornwall is a hub of locally made artisan foods, from Kernow Chocolate to pasties you can spend a happy time sampling food from across the region. Baker Tom’s bread is a local bakery making and selling beautiful breads and pastries. Have you tried a Kernow Curl? I particularly like their sourdough and their rosemary focaccia so give them a try if you are passing by. At Easter, Baker Tom makes some wonderful Hot Cross Buns which are available to order either locally to Rock Cottage, nationally by post or just pop into his shop in Wadebridge and pick some up for a traditional Good Friday treat.

Maybe Easter chocolate isn’t for you? We have several shops around the harbour in Padstow selling locally made fudge, maybe the perfect chocolate alternative? Buttermilk Shop just off the harbour also sells a selection of dairy-free and vegan Easter treats. It’s best to go in person and see the huge selection they have but if you want a quick online look then their website has a peek at their products.

The famous Kernow curl from Baker Tom’s shop

7. Walk (off the Easter lunch) along the South West Coast Path (SWCP)

The best way to make the most of the unique Cornish coastline is along the SWCP, treat yourselves to stunning Cornish vistas and stretch your legs along the path. The SWCP runs completely around the coast of Cornwall and lots of information can be found on their website. Plan your perfect route from short walks to whole day hikes. The website allows to search walks by location and there are lots that include Padstow so take a look. We have had several sets of guests that are walking part of the SWCP and are aiming to complete the whole 630 mile route! Don’t forget to take some Easter treats with you to keep your energy up, or there are some lovely cafes along the way. The perfect rest stop for tired legs.

Why not try the SWCP past Padstow Lifeboat Station?

8. Easter Extravaganza at Camel Creek Adventure Park

Camel Creek Adventure park is just around the corner from Rock Cottage and is an egg-citing day out for little ones. Meet and groom the ponies, say hi to the Meerkats, ride the child-friendly roller-coasters and rides. A huge indoor soft play keeps everyone busy no matter what the Cornish weather brings! A special visitors will be making scheduled appearances over the Easter Holidays. Meet the minions or maybe story time with Bing? Tickets can be booked online and full information can be found on their website.

Looking for your perfect Easter holiday accommodation in Cornwall?

You are in the right place. Find your ideal holiday cottage near Padstow here. Take a look at Rock Cottage, nestled in the centre of Saint Issey village just outside Padstow. Sleeping 4 in a king & twin room, with modern facilities but cosy cottage features, you’ll find Rock Cottage a home from home. Walking distance to 2 village pubs, dog friendly and perfectly placed within easy reach of Padstow, Port Isaac, lots of beaches and all Cornwall has to offer. Prices and availability can be checked on our website www.rockcottagepadstow.com

Planning a trip to the Minack Theatre and Porthcurno Beach?

Everyone has seen the stunning photos on Instagram and Facebook, maybe you’ve heard about the Minack Theatre from friends? Maybe you love the theatre and are passionate about the performing arts and need to visit the Minack Theatre? Maybe you’ve seen the jaw dropping photos of the view of the Minack Theatre online and need to see it for yourself? Or maybe you have never heard of the Minack Theatre and are wondering what I’m going on about?! Either way, I can assure you that it is a day well spent.

First things first. What is the Minack Theatre? From a visitors’ perspective, it is a stunning and architecturally pleasing amphitheatre carved precariously out of the cliff in Cornwall near Porthcurno Beach. With a unique position overlooking the sea, you swing from being mesmerised by the performance or the ever changing sea-scape. The Minack Theatre is open air so takes the full brunt of the Cornish weather from blisteringly hot sunny days to gale force winds and hammering rain. The Minack Theatre gets it all.

The winding paths through the botanical gardens at the Minack Theatre

Minack comes from the old Cornish word “meynek” meaning rocky place and it was on this rocky outlook that Rowena Cade started her journey of building the Minack Theatre. You might be forgiven for thinking this was an ancient theatre, the architecture takes influence from ancient Greek structures but you might be surprised to hear that the theatre is less than 100 years old. The Minack Theatre was a labour of love for Rowena Cade and you can learn all about her life and the building of the theatre (a lot by hand) in a special exhibition dedicated to her at the theatre (admission is included with your ticket).

If you are staying at Rock Cottage then you will be based just outside Padstow on the North Coast. Now, whilst the Minack Theatre is not exactly on our doorstep, nothing in Cornwall is that far away from Rock Cottage so plan a whole day out exploring the South West Coast and you’ll discover even more of Cornwall from the ease of Rock Cottage’s great location. Pack up the picnic (cooler bag, tupperware & plates are in the Cottage to borrow) or why not seek refreshment in the cafe at the Minack Theatre?

Explore the many pathways around the theatre to make the most of the unique cliff top location

On arrival to the Minack Theatre take care driving up the winding lanes before parking comfortably in the large field car park. There will be attendants to show you the best spot to park your car. The theatre welcomes dogs on a lead but please bear in mind there are a lot of steps so it might not be suitable for very small dogs (you could carry them?) or elderly/infirm dogs.

Tickets for various performances are available online but I’m not going to go into details about what to expect in this article. I want to concentrate on a day trip to see the sights of the Theatre and basically have a wander around. Full information on upcoming performances and tickets can be found online at the Minack Theatre website.

To visit the gardens and theatre, tickets can be purchased online or you can pay on the day. It can get busy during the Summer so I would strongly suggest booking in advance especially if travelling from Rock Cottage (I wouldn’t want you to be disappointed if they are at full capacity). A ticket to visit the garden and explore the theatre is just £8 per adult (parking is free) which I think represents excellent value for a good long morning or afternoon out. Your visit will probably take around 2 to 3 hours, or if you are in a rush – around 1 hour. I strongly recommend taking your time and savouring the unique position and outlook from the theatre.

As you enter the theatre you will first be greeted by a panoramic view over the whole of the site towards Porthcurno Beach and a great viewing platform. You’ll find handy little photo spots all over the theatre and you won’t be disappointed with the view!

The view of Porthcurno Beach can’t be beaten from the Minack Theatre. Look at how turquoise the sea is!

The winding path leads from the car park through the beautiful botanical gardens towards the amphitheatre itself. The planting scheme is stunning and colourful. The gardens extend to 1.5 acres and a subtropical paradise. The Minack Theatre describes their gardens as a “living art” and even the most ardent gardeners will be impressed. A selection of their plants raised from seed are available to purchase at the entrance – maybe take a little piece of Cornwall home with you!

At the top of the site you will find an adorable little cafe serving a variety of refreshments, the views from the large glass windows are incredible. Seating indoors is limited but there is plenty of capacity to enjoy a bite to eat as a takeaway sat in the theatre. At this level you will also find the Rowena Cade exhibition and public conveniences.

Carry on down into the main theatre. I don’t want to give too much away but you’ll explore the tiered seating carved from stone, the stages, and of course the view (did I mention the view enough yet?!).

The seating is a mixture of grass and stone benches – look out for the seats with the carved names of the performances from over the years.

In all, a fabulous outing. I’d suggest choosing another attraction to make the drive worth it from Rock Cottage. We tied a visit the Minack Theatre in with an afternoon at Porthcurno Beach. Literally a perfect day.

To book your stay at Rock Cottage (sleeps 4) then please check out our availability page or contact us by email

Have a fab holiday,

Charlotte.

Will my dog love a holiday in Padstow Cornwall?

Well, I can’t think of a better place to take a dog on a UK holiday than Padstow in North Cornwall! Possibly one of the most dog friendly areas in Cornwall. If you are in two minds about whether to bring your dog on holiday to Cornwall, or want to know what to expect when bringing your four legged friend with you, then read on. I’ll explain everything you need know, from what doggy equipment is provided to where is the best place to get doggy ice-cream in Padstow. Walks from the door? yes! And insight into where you can take your dog to eat out and dog friendly tourist attractions. And of course, we are a dog friendly holiday cottage (I felt like I didn’t need to say that bit – but just in case you were wondering).

Dog friendly Padstow

Firstly I’d like to say that Padstow is extremely dog friendly. You will see every breed in the town, from tiny Dachshunds to Great Danes, you’ll find that your doggy companion is welcome nearly everywhere. Most shops have dog water bowls outside and lots of the cafes or pubs allow dogs inside and definitely outside on their terraces. Padstow even has its own specialist “dog shop” called Slickers Doghouse packed full of interesting treats, collars, harnesses, toys and even dog buoyancy aids. The owners are very welcoming and happy to offer advice, and there are plenty of little treats for your dog too.

If you are looking to choose somewhere to visit where you know your dog will be welcome in Cornwall then you have found the right place.

Bringing a dog to Rock Cottage – What to expect

I have tried to make Rock Cottage the perfect balance of dog friendly but also a touch of comfort and luxury for the human guests. We very much welcome dogs (we have 2 ourselves) but we don’t compromise on cleanliness or nice furnishings. And by booking our dog friendly holiday cottage direct from the owner (us!), you avoid commission and booking fees. Win win.

The Cottage:

On the ground floor, all the flooring is hard (either Cornish slate or luxury vinyl planks) which makes washing a breeze. If you need it, you will find a dust pan and brush, a handheld Dyson and a mop & bucket. We all know that dogs love to find a muddy patch (or bog, my dog always find the bog) and love getting as sandy as possible. We are lucky to only be a short drive from multiple dog friendly beaches and dogs love to run on the sand and swim in the sea! We don’t have an outside tap at Rock Cottage but in the left-hand outhouse you will find a portable dog shower. You can fill this with lovely warm water from the kitchen tap and gently shower the excess dirt off your dog in the garden. Both my dogs love the shower! (I think its because it’s warm…!)

In the kitchen you will find a dog eating mat perfect for placing your own feeding and water bowls. I did consider providing bowls, but knowing that every dog prefers their own bowl and with the big variety of breed sizes, I ask guests to please bring their own dog bowls. I’ll post a doggy packing list below.

I always leave a Welcome Basket for the guests (tea, coffee, a sweet treat or two) and the four-legged friends don’t get left out either. A little bag of treats for the dog always goes down well. Home from home!

The kitchen and lounge are open plan with a wooden “baby” gate separating them. The gate provides a handy barrier for keeping most dogs in the kitchen when you need them to, my little Dachshund can sneak under though! The kitchen has an outside door into our garden which is enclosed and gated, perfect for night time ablutions. The garden is fully enclosed with fencing and gates on all sides (and is sufficient to keep our labrador and daschund in) but if you have any questions about the fences (do you have an escape artist?!) then please get in touch. Please do supervise your dog in the garden as I can’t promise it is dog proof.

Why not have a look at our website to check out our gallery of photos, more dog information and everything you need to know about booking a dog friendly holiday cottage? Click here

What to pack for a dog going on a dog friendly holiday to Padstow?

You will need:

Your preferred collars, harness and leads (make sure you have your identity tags)
A stash of dog poo bags for all those lovely walks
A bed or crate
A couple of towels for drying off sandy paws
Feeding and water bowls
Folding travel water bowl for use at the beach
Toys to keep them occupied (whilst you enjoy a glass of wine in the evening)
A few pounds to treat your dog to a doggy ice-cream in Padstow
Your phone camera & charger to capture all those amazing photos on the beach

We provide:

Dog feeding mat to put your bowls on
Dog treats
Dog shower
A full size freezer (ideal for a raw food diet)
A long lead for beach roaming if your dog needs to stay on the lead (stored in outhouse)
A comfortable and warm home with gas central heating and log burner
A unique location with plenty of walks from the door

Relaxing at the end of a long day exploring

Where can I walk my dog?

You can walk right out of the door of Rock Cottage! The cottage is nestled in the centre of Saint Issey village on a quiet side road, just a short drive (or long walk!) from Padstow on the North Coast of Cornwall. Rock Cottage enjoys the stunning Cornish countryside right on its doorstep and lots of the walks have panoramic views over the estuary. Why not explore the South West Coast Path and really take in the dramatic Cornish coast line? Or maybe wandering around tiny cornish villages is more your thing? You’ll find it all within easy reach of Rock Cottage.

We often take our dogs on a quick early morning stroll by turning left out of the front door. Walk around the road until you come to the play park, here you will find a green field perfect for a quick stretch of the doggy legs and lots of bushes for sniffing. If you cross the field then you will come out into another street, then past a dog poo bin at the bus stop (perfect) then home. This is a quick 15 minute walk just to get some fresh air.

For more exciting adventures you might need to consult the OS Map (you’ll find one in the drawer in the lounge). Behind the Ring O Bells pub there are multiple public foot paths which cross farm land and lead you down to the Camel Trail (or you can take a walk down the country lanes if you prefer). At the Camel Trail, your dog can swim in the tidal estuary! Dog heaven! There are lots of little beaches along the river, not the kind that you would pitch up with your bucket and spade but perfect for a dog swim. Old Town Cove is ideal for a dog swim at high tide too. The walk takes approximately 45 minutes each way.

If you want to stretch your legs even further then from the Camel Trail near Saint Issey (Old Town Cove) you can walk on to Padstow or to Wadebridge. This is quite a long walk and you may want to bring water with you for your dog. If you find the walk too long to do on the way home then you can easily catch the bus ( number 10) from Padstow back to the village. The bus allows dogs onboard and there are also dog friendly taxis available (telephone numbers are provided in our welcome pack).

This is a photo of a guest’s dog enjoy a swim in the River Camel having jogged down from Rock Cottage (photo used with permission).

Cornish dog friendly beaches

Lots of the beaches are dog friendly all year around and are only a short drive away. So if you are looking for a dog friendly holiday cottage near a beach, then bear us in mind! Some have seasonal restrictions or are closed to dogs during high season. Take a look at the attached link with info about all the dog friendly beaches, I really don’t think I can improve on the information they provide. From a personal point of view we enjoy Constantine, Harlyn Bay and Holywell (free National Trust member parking!) during the high season with our dogs. We also take our dogs to the other beaches in out of season for a change of scenery.

Don’t forget to take your travel water bowl and a supply of water if spending the day at the beach with your dog during the summer. Take care that your dog doesn’t over heat, try to provide some shade if you can or avoid the midday sun. If your dog is prone to sunburn (like my sister’s Dalmatian) then don’t forget the sun cream! If your dog struggles with recall, especially on a large Cornish beach, then feel free to borrow the long leash in the outhouse at the cottage. It gives your dog the freedom to explore without them getting lost.

Ice-cream for dogs! Where can I find this lovely treat?

Lots of places in Cornwall sell doggy ice-cream but a quick list for Padstow:

Slickers Doghouse, specialist dog shop on the harbour in Padstow
Harbour Ice-Creams, a human ice-cream shop in Padstow with a doggy selection
Pads and Paws, specialist dog shop based at Trevisker Garden Centre (well worth a stop and free parking too).

What about days out with my dog? What dog friendly attractions are near Rock Cottage?

So if you have booked your perfect dog friendly holiday cottage in Cornwall, then your next question is going to be – “what else can we do?”. Cornwall is packed full of dog friendly days out even when it is raining and you are looking for things to do.

Let’s start with the Lobster Hatchery in Padstow. Located on the quay, the large hanger style building houses the Lobster Hatchery who are a marine conservation charity focused on the education, research and preservation of the European Lobster. The interesting tour includes seeing lobsters at all different stages of life including the maternity wing, as well as exhibits about the work they do in the wild. In 2021, Rock Cottage adopted a baby lobster and followed its progress until it was released near Newquay.

Can I really bring my dog into this indoor lobster exhibit? Yes, you can! Dogs on a lead are welcome and your admission ticket allows you entry for a whole year. Why adopt your own lobster and come back to follow its progress when it is released into the wild?

Sorry about the blurry photo but Monty was enjoying looking at the lobster so much he wouldn’t keep still!

Botanical gardens – The Eden Project and Lost Gardens of Heligan

About 30-40 minutes drive to the south of Rock Cottage are the famous gardens at the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Both welcome dogs on leads. At the Eden Project the dogs are not able to go inside the domes but there are extensive other gardens to explore and enjoy, making a great day out with your dog in Cornwall. The Lost Gardens of Heligan are particularly dog friendly with dogs welcomed in all areas, they even provide you with a map with dog waste bins clearly marked. The Lost Gardens of Heligan have miles of paths to explore, tropical gardens, kitchen gardens and more (there is also a large children’s play area). Both attractions will take a full day to do in depth.

Explore the Lost Gardens of Heligan with your dog

Taking your dog to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary

The Cornish Seal sanctuary is a lovely dog friendly day out in Cornwall, and not too far from Padstow – approximately 1 hour. It might sound like a lot but its well worth it and can be combined with a visit to the South of Cornwall to make the trip worthwhile.

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary welcomes dogs in all areas apart from the Seal Hospital. Our two dogs loved their day out. The Seal Sanctuary even feature a “dog of the week” on their social media pages! We particularly loved the dog refreshment stops around the site, with water bowls, shade and a place to rest. They are so dog friendly they even provide free degradable dog poo bags and treats in the ticket office! We enjoyed meeting all the seals and listening the talks about their rehabilitation.

Meeting the seals at the sanctuary – they have such great personalities. A great doggy day out!

Other dog friendly attractions in Cornwall?

There are quite a few others too, but as we haven’t personally visited with our dogs, I haven’t included them here. The Lappa Steam railway is one we have heard of and will check out soon. Watch this space for more dog friendly days out in Cornwall! Because after all, if youare staying at a lovely dog friendly holiday cottage near Padstow then you want to be sure that you get to explore as much as possible! One thing is certain, you certainly won’t get bored in Cornwall – no matter what the weather.

So, will my dog love a holiday in Padstow at Rock Cottage?

With lots of walks on the beach, stunning cliff top walks on the South West Coast Path, in the countryside direct from the door and around the interesting fishing villages, your pooch will be having the time of their lives. Let’s not forget swimming in the sea and river. Cosy evenings in front of the log burner? Or sat out in the garden with a glass of wine? And best of all, you by their side all the time! With such a dog friendly county to explore you don’t need to leave your four legged friend behind.

Book your stay at Rock Cottage today at www.rockcottagepadstow.com and check out our availability here and our dog info here

Happy holidays!

Catching a few rays in the sun trap garden at Rock Cottage

Top 10 magical Christmas days out in Cornwall

So you’ve secured the perfect cosy cottage to spend a lovely winter break at Rock Cottage (book here!) and now you’re looking for some amazing activities to really get you in the festive mood… look no further!

Winter in Cornwall is a magical time, there is nothing more wonderful than a long bracing walk on a beach or cliff top followed by a cosy meal in a Cornish Pub with a roaring fire or enjoy a glass of wine in front of the log burner at Rock Cottage.

But at Christmas you need some extra magic. I’ve set out below the top 10 things to do in Cornwall but watch this space as I’ll update this throughout the next couple of months as more events get released. Please do check with individual event organisers before making special journeys as some events are not taking place this year due to Covid safety concerns.

In particular, the Padstow Christmas Festival which takes place on the harbourside and is one of the highlights of any foodie’s social calendar, has already been cancelled for 2021. The good news is that dates for 2022 have already been provisionally agreed.

1. Christmas lights at Mousehole Harbour

Enjoy the amazing spectacle of thousands of tiny lights in the pretty fishing village of Mousehole forming amazing shapes both around the harbour and the narrow winding streets. The lights will be going up in stages this year and being illuminated gradually (usually they have a big switching on ceremony), it is expected that all the lights will be lit by mid-December.

More information can be found here: www.mouseholelights.org.uk and donations towards the running costs can be made online

2. Eden Project – Ice skating

Where else in the country can you experience the hot steamy tropical jungle in a biome one minute and then go ice skating the next?! From October 2021 to February 2022 the Eden Project has their fabulous skating rink open, so why not get in the festive mood by enjoying a skate and then a hot chocolate. Tickets must be purchased separately online to secure your spot. The Eden Project usually hosts a variety of different Christmas events during the festive period from carol singers to mulled wine & maybe even a visit from the big man himself. For more info on skating at the Eden Project, please click here.

3. The Enchanted Christmas Market

The Christmas market takes place just around the corner from Rock Cottage at the Royal Cornwall Events Centre between 9th-12th December and 16th-19th December 2021. The indoor event boasts real reindeers, a huge variety of local artisan producers of gifts and food, photo opportunities in a mini studio and meetings with Santa on stage. Stretch your skating legs on a synthetic ice rink and warm yourselves with mulled wine from one of the bars. The perfect place to buy presents and enjoy a jolly atmosphere! Tickets can be bought online here

mmmm Christmassy drinks at the Enchanted Christmas Market

4. Santa at Bodmin & Wenford Railway

He’s back!! Visitors to the station will be greeted by Santa’s elves, before boarding the steam train to Bodmin Parkway. Whilst aboard the train children will have the chance to write their list to Santa before returning back to Bodmin General.

Once back at the main station children will have the opportunity to do some Christmas themed activities before they go and visit Santa in his unique Victorian coach. Each child will receive an age-appropriate gift and the opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa.

Santa Specials will be running on 4^th, 5^th, 11^th, 12^th, and 17^th-24^th December. Special Christmas train tickets can be booked here.

Meet Santa on the heritage steam railway

5. Lost Gardens of Heligan – An enchanting lantern experience

Follow an extended 1.5km one-way journey around the accessible Gardens to discover nature in a celebration of the wildlife that make Heligan their home all year round in the form of beautiful illuminated paraffin lanterns. Explore at your own pace, stop to take in the smells, toast marshmallows and chestnuts by the stunning fire bowls, meet the donkeys, be wowed by the glittering oak tree, and enjoy seasonal warming take away refreshments amid a truly festive backdrop for your evening. Tickets need to be booked online .

6. All wrapped up at Camel Creek Adventure Park

If you’ve got little ones then you have probably already noticed the close proximity of Rock Cottage to Camel Creek (only a couple of miles) but have you seen the details of their “All wrapped up” Christmas events? Camel Creek is an adventure park aimed at children aged approximately 2 to 10, with a mixture of animals to meet and greet, soft play and gentle theme park rides.

From 27th November to 23rd December, Camel Creek are bringing a whole host of extra Christmas themed activities to keep everyone entertained. Christmas adds extra twinkle for little ones (and grown-ups too!) and they will be delighted to see the Swampy and Dina Land transformed into Christmas Land. This is all on top of the Park’s usual fun and excitement, including the indoor play area at Creeky’s Playhouse, the Carousel and Wave Rider swings. Animal lovers have the chance to explore The Stables, Reptile House, Meerkat Enclosure and Pony Express.

Say hello to Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a little gift before exploring the enchanted tree forest with a hot chocolate or mulled wine. Why not join the elves in the workshop for some festive arts and crafts.

More information and how to book (including tickets for Father Christmas) can be found here.

7. Nadelik Lowen Padstow

Literally meaning “Merry Christmas” in Cornish, the festival of Nadelik Lowen Padstow will take place this year on 4th December. Come and join the celebration of lighting the Christmas tree, enjoy a festive drink or two and embrace Cornish culture. Make an evening of it and enjoy a meal out in the town at one of the many superb eateries. Why not catch the bus from just outside Rock Cottage so you don’t have to worry about parking (& can have a drink! mulled wine or mulled cider?) or put on your walking boots and stretch your legs.

8. All aboard at Lappa Steam Railway

Come and enjoy the wonder and magic of Christmas at Lappa Valley just outside Newquay and meet Father Christmas in his grotto. Take a nostalgic steam train ride through the wooded valley and find lots of festive fun.

Available on selected dates throughout December 2021 – book online.

9. Festive food in Padstow

I mentioned above that the amazing Christmas Food Festival in Padstow has been cancelled for 2021 but dates are already published for 2022. The food festival takes place in a huge marquee on the carpark right next to the Harbour in Padstow featuring the very best of Cornish producers from gin, cheese, beer, blankets, crafts, clothes and charcuterie – there is something for everyone. The dates for 2022 are Thursday 1st December to Sunday 4th December. If you are planning to stay at Rock Cottage then please book early as these dates sell out really quickly every year. More info about the festival can be found on their Facebook Page and bookings for Rock Cottage can be made here.

This year between 5th December and 8th December 2021 a smaller festive market will be taking place at Memorial Hall in Padstow.

Please do make reservations for meals during the festive season well in advance. Bookings for the most popular restaurants are often made up to 6 months in advance.

10. Wreath Making Workshop – bring Cornwall home!

Why not join the wreath making workshop at Bedruthan Christmas Fayre run by the fabulously talented Kate from Beach House Flowers, using sustainably sourced materials you can make a wonderful wreath which will last the whole of the festive season. The perfect Christmas souvenir from your November break at Rock Cottage. Take a little piece of Cornwall home with you!

You will need to book your space at the workshop online, the price includes entry to the Fayre and all the materials required to make your show stopper wreath. Please take a look here.

With so much to see and do, I just know you’ll have the perfect winter break at Rock Cottage and head home rested and full of festive spirit ready to enjoy the Christmas season.

Nadelik Lowen!

Who let the dogs out?

Cornwall, on the whole, is extremely dog friendly, and no where more so than Padstow. Nearly every beach welcomes dogs with only very limited restrictions during peak months. Some of the beaches have restrictions on dogs between 10am & 6pm, or operate a “lead only” policy. BUT as we move into October even those restrictions are removed.

The only beaches to have a year round dog ban are:

From 1st October

Let the dogs out! Dogs are allowed to run free on the beaches – hurray. The temporary and seasonal dog restrictions are removed from 30th September so embrace long walks with your furry friends! Obviously you always have to have your dog under control and good recall would be a sensible precaution – have you seen how big the Cornish beaches are?! My dog Monty absolutely adores stretching his legs and running on the beach, swimming in the sea, dipping his nose into rock pools and making lots of doggy friends.

This website has a plethora of information on dog friendly beaches including the individual rules applying to the each beach.

Sometimes, there are so many dogs on the beach that it seems like a dog party. Waggy tails galore. And the varieties of dogs are endless (and amazing). If you enjoy a bit of dog spotting then you can’t go wrong with pulling up a folding camping chair or picnic blanket and just sitting back and watching the dogs run past. I would describe myself as a lifelong dog fan but still I see breeds that I’ve never seen before. Glorious.

Sandy paws

No dog makes it home without at least some sand on their paws. Or in most cases, a complete coat full of the stuff.

At Rock Cottage, I have provided the next best thing to a hose (sadly we don’t have an outside tap) – a portable doggy shower. If you have never used one before then I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy they are to use and how effective. Leave your doggy friend in the garden (don’t forget to shut the gate onto the road) and find the doggy shower unit in the left hand outhouse. It can be filled with water from the kitchen tap. I suggest using slightly warm water to truly pamper your pooch and keep them comfortable. At the end of the hose is a small shower head, pump the handle to put the water under pressure then squeeze the handle and the water will come out of the shower head just like a human shower. Hose the dog off outside and let the water run away (down the drain). A quick rub dry and your dog will be ready to be let into the Cottage. Perfect! Why not light the log burner and cosy up together.

Resting after a long walk on the Cornish Coastal Path

How to find hidden gems at the Eden Project

The Eden Project is a unique experience, I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere quite like it. It’s rare to find such an inclusive day out, with accessible paths for pushchairs and wheelchairs, “things to do” for children and even dog friendly, I think you will struggle to find somewhere that entertains all ages of the family so well as the Eden Project.

What is the Eden Project?

I’m not going to paraphrase their website here. I am sure they use lots of technical language to explain the amazing work they do but i’m going to write this article from the perspective of a day visitor looking for a nice day out with all the family. Essentially it is a visitor centre to learn about sustainable living with beautiful gardens and large domes (a bit like greenhouses). There are a few cafes and also large gift shop and small plant shop.

What is a typical day out at the Eden Project like?

The site housing the Eden Project is big. When you first arrive you will park in a large car park quite high on the hill and follow the long winding path down to the arrival building. At the time of writing (July 2021) security checks are being carried out on all visitors so be prepared to empty/show the contents of your bags (a bit like airport security). I strongly recommend packing everything you need for the day into a backpack as you won’t want to walk back to the car!

Driftwood horses greet you by the Arrival Building

Just by the arrival building are the loos – good to know! Once through the ticket office you can choose to take a short path direct to the domes or meander to the left following the scenic route down. I have done both routes many times but I much prefer the scenic route. You will miss out on quite a lot if you take the quick walk route.

Take your time enjoying the gardens as you go. Don’t forget to look up and down as you go. There are lots of sculptures on the way, including the beautiful sculpture of Eve created by Peter and Sue Hill. Eve is a living sculpture so has been planted with Stipa tenuissima which means she also melts into her surroundings. Eve is part of the Myth & Folklore exhibit in the outdoor gardens and you almost feel like you are in a fairy land as you creep through the wonderful overgrown plants that shroud her.

Once you have made your way down to the centre of the project you have several buildings to choose from. The two main domes house a rainforest biome and a Mediterranean biome. The same building also houses 2 cafes and an ice cream shop (and more loos!). The stone fired pizza is very good so if you are looking for a bite to eat then why not stop for lunch. There are plenty of picnic spots too dotted around the site including an indoor picnic spot perfect for escaping the rain.

Although the Eden Project is dog friendly, dogs are not welcome in the buildings (which includes the domes) so you’ll need to take turns holding your four legged friend outside or maybe just choose to enjoy the extensive outdoor gardens instead.

Turn left into the rainforest biome. It’s like travelling abroad. The warmth of the jungle hits you the minute you enter. It even smells like a jungle with warm wet earthy air. Learn all about the different species of plants which thrive in the rainforest and also the different trades which utilise the jungle. It’s quite eye opening learning about deforestation and the devastating effects of the animals and habitats of the rainforest. Take time to spot unusual plants both high and low. Can you find real growing cacao pods? What about a pineapple? You can find beautiful flowers hidden amongst the greenery.

Sometimes you forget your are in Cornwall at all!

As you wind your way to the top of the rainforest dome you will eventually come to an area where you can carry on (accessible route) or turn left for an alternative route (not suitable for pushchair or wheelchair users or those unsteady on their feet) and cross the wobbly bridge!

Next up, the Mediterranean Dome! It is completely different in here compared to the rainforest dome. For a start it’s cooler. A different kind of warmth, a dry sunny warm as opposed to an almost oppressive wet heat in the jungle. Enjoy a stroll around the dome and look at the various plants and sculptures including a vineyard. If you have time to stop for a drink in the bar then do, it’s a lovely terrace, you can pretend you are in Greece whilst enjoying a glass of wine! Occasionally they have live classical music too.

If you have children with you then let them run off some steam in the play area. They can pretend to be mini-beasts and climb in a supersized Bug Hotel. The playground is conveniently located next to the ice-cream shop so the perfect place to stop and rest.

My children love spotting the sculptures around the gardens and running through the willow arches.

Some of the arches and “secret” pathways

One thing I haven’t mentioned so far is the Hangloose Adventure. Every now and again you hear a whizzing noise and see a brave soul speeding overhead on a massively high and long zip wire over the domes. The skywire is England’s longest and fastest zip wire experience! Why not be brave and give it a go! Booking online is available here .

Finally it is time to head home. The gift shop at the exit is beautiful. The shop showcases a lot of locally made produce such as Kernow Chocolate made in St Eval (near Rock Cottage), honey from the bees in the Eden Project as well as lots of sustainable and ethically sourced goods. Bees Wax wraps, science kits and all sorts! Just next to the gift shop is the Plant Shop. The staff are very helpful and will often give you a box to help you carry your plants safely home.

So in conclusion the Eden Project is suitable for:

Adults of all ages interested in plants and gardening
Adults of all ages with absolutely no interest in gardening or plants but who like to stroll about pretty places and stop somewhere nice for lunch
Children who like to explore, and run and play, and spot sculptures and learn about the world
Travellers who want to experience the jungle and other climates
Eco Warriors who want to improve the positive impact on the environment
Wheelchair users or less able walkers, with so many accessible facilities you can experience all the Eden project offers
Dogs! Come and have a lovely walk.
Teenagers – why not try the Hangloose adventure?
Have I covered everyone?

So why not book your accommodation at Rock Cottage by clicking here for prices and availability and then head over to the Eden Project to book a great day out.

We’re going to the Zoo – do you wanna come too?

If you are looking for something to do then I heartily recommend a day at Newquay Zoo. Just a short 25 minute drive with lots of parking on arrival (pay &display) it is easy to get to. Booking online is required at the moment and tickets and timeslots can be booked at www.newquayzoo.org.uk

Don’t let the rain put you off – we had the pleasure of visiting the zoo in the rain just yesterday and with plenty of shelter spots and so much to see we barely noticed the rain. I thought the rain might mean the animals would be hiding in their enclosures but if anything they were more lively than ever. So don’t be put off!

You might think that zoos are only for families for children but think again. The gardens and grounds at Newquay Zoo are beautifully kept and absolutely stunning to walk through. I was particularly mesmerised by the Japanese Garden next to the Otters. Such lovely planting and so immaculate. Very inspiring.

We spent a long morning at the Zoo from around 10am to 2pm, but we could have spent longer! The penguins were very entertaining. One little penguin reluctant to get into the water, he kept waddling around the edge trying to get in or find the best spot to get in, and eventually dived in triumphantly from the side! I could have watched them all day. Lots of different penguin personalities. They are surprisingly fast in the water too!

If you get a chance then do give the cafe a try (saves on packing a picnic too!). We only stopped for a coffee and a doughnut but the menu looked good and reasonably priced too. I was very pleased to see they recommended the Cream Tea served #jamfirst! The doughnut I had looked like a zebra and was thoroughly coated in coated – delicious. It’s also good to know that the Zoo promotes recycling and our cups (& lids) were not made from single use plastic! Hurrah! Guilt free consuming all around.

Dotted around the Zoo gardens are lots of play areas for children, plenty to keep them busy including a main play park, an assault course and a long slide.

The Zoo has a huge variety of animals, from lions & zebras, to reptiles, a farm area, penguins, parrots & exotic birds, peacocks, tortoises, armidillos and monkeys.

I don’t want to give away too much because really you need to explore it all yourself.

Have a lovely day out at the Zoo and let me know what your favourite animal was! (mine was the red panda!)

Maybe you’ll meet one of the friendly peacocks?

Don’t forget to book online before you go!

Why not follow us on social media to keep up to date with all our news and local events? Facebook and Instagram

Wine on the terrace? Yes please!

Such exciting news that non-essential retail can open from 12th April. Just one week away! It’s quite incredible that locally produced Cornish wine at Camel Valley Vineyard is considered “non-essential” but anyway……

Located near Bodmin and just a short detour from the Camel Trail cycle and walking route, you will find the peaceful and utterly delightful Camel Valley Vineyard. The vineyard has been family run since 1989 and produces world class, award winning wines.

Camel Valley have won awards for their English sparkling wine which is sold nationally in Waitrose, and in London at Fortnum’s and even overseas to Japan. Many people have enjoyed a glass of their fine sparkling wine, at say the Tate in London, and then felt compelled to come and see where the wine was made and really explore the wine making process.

The vineyard is open year round Monday to Friday including bank holidays for tours, wine tastings and most popular of all, their beautiful terrace where you can enjoy wine by the glass. Please note they are closed at the weekends and only allow guide dogs.

If you would like to explore the Camel Valley Vineyard then remember to book in advance. I strongly suggest keeping an eye on their Social Media as updates on their opening and booking procedures are regularly posted. At the time of writing, bookings are being taken from a Tuesday for the following week, on a week by week basis.

Camel Valley Vineyard Facebook Page

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.