Your Bucket (and spade) list this summer in Cornwall

Cornwall has the most amazing beaches in the United Kingdom (if we say so ourselves) and the summer is the most idyllic time to enjoy such treasures. From June to August the beaches can be extremely popular, but we suggest a few local favourites that you’ll return to time and time again. Just don’t tell anyone else…

Portreath Beach is a secluded and tranquil beach and just perfect for seaglass hunting and beachcombing this summer. The beach is only 30 minutes away and well worth the trip out to escape the crowds.

Port Isaac harbour and beach is only an hour away by car and is a gorgeous village with picture perfect harbour and small beach. It’s a great location if you want to catch a glimpse of dolphins during the summer as the waters begin to warm up.

Only nine miles from Newquay you’ll find Perranporth Beach – the legendary landing spot of St.Piran. An expansive beach with dozens of rockpools for the kids to explore and a watering hole for mum and dad too. Although a popular destination in the summer it’s one that should definitely be added to your bucket list.

Other notable mentions are: Kynance Cove (in the south), Polzeath Beach (two miles from Padstow) and Harlyn Bay (30 minutes to the north)

Cornwall is renowned for its amazing ingredients, so many that it can be bewildering to the food lover. Here’s a top three of must-tries when you visit this summer.

The Cornish Pasty

So much has been said about the humble pasty, needless to say there’s no pasty like ours. With its origins in the Cornish tin mines, lunch was made for the miners so they could enjoy a hearty meal even with dirty hands leaving the crust to discard. Nowadays the fillings are vast and their appeal is far wider than the hard-working tin miners of old.

If we had to recommend the finest artisan of the pasty (apart from our chef Nick Lawrie) we’d wholeheartedly recommend Pengenna Pasties in Tintagel – family run business since 1985. While you’re there you may be tempted to burn off the calories with a walk to Tintagel Castle.

The Cream Tea – Jam first, then cream

There has been much debate whether the jam goes first or the cream (This all depends on whether you’re from Devon or Cornwall) but officially for the record in Cornwall it should be jam first then the cream. After that you’re flying when you wash it down with a piping hot cup of tea served from a china pot. The Lodge is listed in the illustrious Cream Tea Guide so if you ask us head to the bar and order yours with a fabulous view on the side.

The Stargazy Pie

Perhaps the strangest of all traditional Cornish dishes, the Stargazy Pie made with pilchards, eggs and potato. Originating in Mousehole, it was created to celebrate Tom Bawcock’s Eve. Referenced in a book called ‘Yuck, disgusting things people eat’ by one author for the New York Daily News, we reckon he doesn’t know a good pie when he sees one. We recommend visiting the Old Ship in Mousehole on Tom Bawcock’s Eve to sample it this oddity at its finest.