WHAT TO DO: Discover Cornwall’s most Instagrammed beach

Pedn Vounder beach Treen Porthcurno Cornwall Sophie Tweedale image

Pedn Vounder, above, is Cornwall’s least well-kept secret beach, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. The fine white sand and clear blue waters will definitely fool your IG followers that you’re not in the UK at all and on a calm sunny day, you probably won’t feel like you are either. The best shots are from above, from the coast path, but you’ll need a head for heights and some good walking shoes as it’s a bit of a climb, and we wouldn’t recommend it for young kids / dogs. It’s also, just FYI, a naturist beach, so don’t be surprised!

If you tire of the fine white sands, or maybe for later in the day, book a show. Yes, really! Muddy-award winning theatre The Minack sits perched atop the cliff overlooking Porthcurno beach (next door to Pedn Vounder). It is not just plays, The Minack also hosts all manner of gigs and concerts, as well as kid-friendly theatre and story telling.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY: Bracken Bank, Porthcurno

bracken bank porthcurno the travel chapter cornish horizons Cornwall

How Bracken Bank has August availability I am not sure, as it is a beauty! Four bedrooms with a commanding location overlooking the valley and beach, and attention to detail in every aspect, this is an exceptional living experience for those seeking a truly luxurious coastal retreat.

Last min availability & Muddy discounts: book through Cornish Horizons from 18 – 31 August with 20% discount

WHAT TO DO: Walk the canal and take a swim in Cornwall’s largest sea pool

Bude Canal is a lovely flat accessible walk and if you start at Whalesborough you can meander along admiring the birds and the wildlife until you come to the town. Of course you could hit the shops and/ or grab a bite but our money is always on having a swim at Bude’s famous Sea Pool, above, to work up an appetite first.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY: Whalesborough Cottage, Marnamchurch, Bude

Aerial view of Whalesborough Farm Luxury Resort Bude

Lovingly renovated, the 17^th Century Whalesborough Cottage is a four-bedroom, pet-friendly property sleeping eight. It features a large open plan kitchen, lounge-diner and direct access to an enclosed garden with hot tub and countryside views. Guests also can make use of the indoor pool, gym and spa at The W Club, and theres an onsite restaurant too.

Last min availability & Muddy discounts: Whalesborough Cottage can be booked from 18 August for a week. Whalesborough is offering 20% off all breaks arriving before 01 September, quote SUMMER23 to book or call 01288 361940.

WHAT TO DO: See a band on a barge

Sailing barge Lady Daphne, credit James Pearce, Charlestown Cornwall

The Lady Daphne, a historic Thames Sailing Barge, is moored up in Charlestown harbour. Celebrating her centenary in 2023, she spent most of her years involved in the china clay industry, memorably shipwrecked in 1928 off Scilly when her skipper was lost overboard but continued as a working vessel once her crew were rescued, skippered latterly by a descendant of a former Charlestown Harbourmaster. These days she is host to all sorts of workshops and gigs, including Harry Glasson who plays on 30 August.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY: Boscundle Manor, St Austell

Audrey Lounge Boscundle Manor St Austell

Just up the road from Charlestown is Boscundle Manor, a chic grade II losted manor house with oodles of charm and character. Audrey is Boscundle Manor’s self-catering suite, a king size one bedroom that sleeps two, an open plan kitchen/diner living room, over 16s only.

Last min availability & Muddy discounts: Audrey is available 29-31 August and Boscundle is offering Muddy Cornwall readers 3 nights for 2 discount for stays up to the end of the school holiday. To access this offer guests can call the hotel or e-mail hello@boscundlemanor.com. Also included in this price is Full Cornish Breakfast so you do not even have to cook if you don’t want to!

WHAT TO DO: The Lost Gardens of Heligan

GG Heligan Foxgloves in Lantavy looking to peruppa

Once overgrown, lost to the brambles of time, the 200 acres of garden and estate at The Lost Gardens of Heligan have been beautifully and gradually restored – perfect for the whole family to explore. Don’t miss the new playground on the East Lawn, the old favourite rope bridge, or, the new adventure trail inspired by the much-loved picture book, Superworm, by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Follow in the underground superhero’s footsteps through a section of the estate; taking in extraordinary meadows and woodland walks to showcase the superpowers of soil, and the minibeasts and mega-beings who live in the soil. Dog-friendly, until 10 Sept.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY: Haven Retreat, Gorran Haven

Haven Retreat Goran Haven Beach Retreats

Haven Retreat is a large, four bedroomed detached property tucked away in the village of Gorran Haven on Cornwall’s south coast. With traditional cottages perched along narrow streets, sandy beaches perfect for kayaking from, and a picturesque harbour, Gorran Haven is the epitome of a quintessentially Cornish fishing village.

Last min availability & Muddy discounts: Book through Beach Retreats for a weeks holiday starting 26 August for 20% discount – was £3,937, now £3,143.

WHAT TO DO: Take a private surf lesson

Yes, that is yours truly standing on a board in six inches of white water, and so could you be with the fab instructors at George’s Surf School, who are kind and encouraging coaches and will have you up and riding before you know it! There’s nowt wrong with a group lesson of course, but book a one-to-one session and they’ll tailor it all to your specific needs, plus the conditions for the day.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY: Memories, Highcliffe

Highcliffe Memories Bedroom with bed and candle Trebetherick Cornwall UK

Just up the road from the beach is Memories, one of the new fabulous Highcliffe houses with 4 bedrooms and bathrooms. From the early design, to the final specification everything has been carefully considered to create a fantastic space for entertaining, both visually and practically. Outside, the private south east facing terrace has a large wicker sofa and chairs perfect for summer lounging, an outdoor shower and access to the utility and downstairs bathroom, complete with a wet room style shower – great for washing off sandy toes after a long day at the beach.

Last min availability & Muddy discounts: Memories is available from 10 August at £3402 for seven nights.

WHAT TO DO: Cycle the Camel Trail

Hire bikes at Padstow and get pedalling along this old railway line heading towards Wadebridge (or, start at Wadebridge and cycle either to Padstow or the other way towards Bodmin) – it’s largely flat, so pretty easy going, and the views of the river are awesome. Time your cycle during the day and you’ll find refreshments part the way along at the Atlantic Coast Express (in a converted goods wagon), or, head into Wadebridge and hit up Craftworks or Fat Pepper Co. On the Bodmin part of the route, you can stop for a glass of fizz at Camel Valley too.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY: Retallack Resort , Nr Wadebridge

Retallack Resort is nestled in the Cornish countryside just 15 minutes from Padstow with a selection of wow-factor exclusive accommodation, from premium rooftop barns to beautiful lakeside apartments. Facilities include a bar and eatery, swimming pool, spa, water sports and Cornwall’s only FlowRider surf simulator – plus, you can bring the dog too!

Last min availability & Muddy discounts: A three night weekend stay is available from £556 (Arriving 11 August) and four night midweek is from £530 (arriving 14 August).

WHAT TO DO: Follow in Daphne du Maurier’s footsteps

This lovely circular walk takes in two beautiful coves (Readymoney and Polridmouth) as well as St Catherine’s Castle and makes a fab summer day out for Daphne fans. Polridmouth Cove is known to literary fans as Rebecca’s beach in Daphne du Maurier’s novel Rebecca. At the back of the beach is Menabilly estate and the Georgian mansion that was home to Du Maurier from 1943 to 1969. At low tide you can see the shipwreck that features in the book, and both Polridmouth and Readymoney make lovely places for a swim and lounge on the beach.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY: Marners Rock No 3, Fowey

Marners Rock No 3 Fowey chair near window overlooking water Cornwall UK

Marners Rock No 3 is an uber stylish 3-bedroom apartment that sleeps up to 6 guests, overlooking the mouth of the estuary at Fowey, and just a short meander to Readymoney Beach, where Daphne du Maurier lived in Readymoney House during WWII and which inspired many of her best known works.

The main room of this lovely apartment is the large open plan kitchen and living room from which you can enjoy from every angle of the beautiful views out over the river and out to sea from the private terrace and sitting room with big windows.

Last min availability & Muddy discounts: Book for either 14-19 August or 25-27 August. From £630 per night or £3150 for five nights.

WHAT TO DO: Ride a Monster Slip and Slide

Find oodles of almost unexpected fun, even for adults, on the four 360ft slides based in a field near Bude. £13.50pp for an hours session. Under 4s must be accompanied by an adult, book in advance to secure a time slot. Dogs and spectators welcome. Catering van on site, single and double inflatable rings are included in the ticket, as are super-fast body boards. Wetsuits available to hire for £3 per session. Also on-site is a pro-photographer, so you can buy a fancy pic to put on the fridge at home too.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY: Ravenscourt, Bude

Ravenscourt is a grand, Grade II listed building, draped with pretty wisteria, stands tall amidst the immaculate gardens which wrap around the house. Ravenscourt beautifully blends opulence and grandeur with rich textures, bold wallpapers and warm tones. Sleeps 10 guests across five bedrooms, with three bathrooms (two ensuite) and is dog-friendly.

Last min availability & Muddy discounts: Availability from the 18 August onwards, bookable through Cornish Secrets.

WHAT TO DO: Take a water safari

The best way to see wildlife is from the water, and we like the coast just off Port Isaac, Polzeath and Rock. Wavehunters, who know all the secret places and where the dolphins are likely to be, are the charter of choice for Muddy – they run exhilarating and magical wildlife spotting and sightseeing trips and charters from Port Isaac (as well as Rock and Padstow). Sit at the front of the boat for the fastest seat, and if you choose private hire, you can swim off the boat too when conditions are right.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY: Dolphin House, Port Isaac

DolphinHouse Latitude50 Port Isaac Cornwall Exterior view

Wrapped up in history and romance, this rather appropriately named three-storey cottage occupies one of the most coveted spots in Port Isaac and sleeps up to ten. Conveniently located but also with a fully enclosed and perfectly sheltered garden so perfect for kids and dogs.

Last min availability & Muddy discounts: Book through Latitude50 where there is just one week left to book from 19 August.

WHAT TO DO: Try wingfoiling

Winging, Wingfoiling and Wingsurfing – all the name for this new sport using the wind and wings! Head to Stithians Lake to try it with the lads at Viking Foils who teach all sorts of wing foiled sports. Their home on the lake is perfect for learning as you don’t have to get to grips with tides and waves, just wind. They also offer kit rental at affordable prices, and even sell it as well, if you get a real taste for it.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY: The Stables, The Cornish Place, Gwennap

stables hot tub the cornish place gwennap redruth cornwall uk

Thoughtfully renovated by Andi and Andrea from the original barn and stables of their Victorian dairy farm, The Cornish Place is now two and three bedroom cottages. Cakes and ice cream are available on-site, plus there’s a gym, spa treatments, and dog and baby sitting available. Should you want to leave (um, why!) The Cornish Place is a fabulously central location to be based, with plenty to do in every direction!

Last min availability & Muddy discounts: Book The Stables from 20th August until 31st, or, make it a short break with 30% off using code OFFER30

WHAT TO DO: Festival to celebrate the Tall Ships, St Mawes

A fleet of the world’s finest tall ships set their course to arrive in the port for the start of the prestigious race, ‘Magellan Elcano’, marking the sixth time Falmouth has hosted the significant occasion, the previous one taking place in 2014. On 18 August the Lookout St Mawes Festival is celebrating the Tall Ships Race with a festival of food, drink and music at Newton Farm overlooking the estuary and St Mawes itself. Simon Stallard will serve up paella at long tables for 400, there’s a Fortnum & Mason champagne bar, a gin bar and much more. Tickets are £50 per adult, £20 per child and include the feast.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY: Castaway, St Mawes

Castaway is an adorable Gem made just for two guests (and babes in arms) and has been creatively and thoughtfully styled by the Gems Interiors team. Awake to the gentle clinking of the yachts on the water and soak up the river life as boats quite literally sail by your holiday door – a private deck has a hot tub, and the open plan single story wooden building with a kitchen and dining room, plus a bedroom with a king-size bed.

Last min availability & Muddy discounts: Bookings through Cornish Gems for week long stays only, save 20% for the week commencing 17 Aug.

OR, Get on board one of the Tall Ships

Tall ships on parade of sail in falmouth Cornwall UK photocredit Bren Fitzgerald

Visitors will have the opportunity to board some of the historic tall ships, for a self-guided tour (there will be volunteer liasion officers and tall ships crew on hand to support your visit), on the first three days, as they will be sited within the A&P Falmouth Docks. For £5.50 per adult and £2.50 a child you can book a tour on one of the magnificent boats.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY: Cannonball, Falmouth

Placed perfectly overlooking one of the finest sea views in Falmouth and balanced on the quiet peripheries of the vibrant Old High Street, this handsome 17th century home has a rich maritime history and oodles of charm.

Evolving from a humble, two-up-two-down cottage, to today’s much grander and more generous abode, worthy of a Packet Ship Captain, Cannonball’s namesake is derived from a rogue cannonball that was discovered in the wall during one phase of the renovations.

The property is set over three floors, with a layout that flows easily. Beautifully restored, this abode is bright, spacious and well-styled throughout. Here, luxury meets laid-back coastal living, and generous interiors are brought to life through its celebration of light, exposed original features, boutique furnishings and a curated collection of artwork sourced from local Cornish artists.

Last min availability & Muddy discounts: Cannonball is available for two weeks from August 18 bookable through Cornish Holiday Cottages. The remaining August weeks are reduced by 20%, now only £2390 (was £2981).

WHAT TO DO: Watch a BBC Prom, live

Truro’s Hall for Cornwall has all manner of performances, from sing-along musicals to west end shows, celebrated comedians, Cornish panto, and, on 27 August, BBC Proms at Truro, where the Kaleidescope Chamber Collective makes its proms debut, performing Schubert, Coleridge-Taylor and Gershwin.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY: Mannings Apartments, Truro

So close to Hall for Cornwall you won’t even need a coat (it is August, but it’s also Cornwall!), Mannings stylish apartments won a Cornish Buildings Group award for the sensitive conversion of an historic site. Each one is spacious and light, with open plan living and a fully fitted kitchen it’s up to you to decide whether to cook, grab a take away meal from M&S or step into Mannings restaurant. They are also dog friendly on the ground floor.

Last min availability & Muddy discounts: Book a three day apartment stay over 24-29 August and save 25% plus enjoy complimentary car parking and breakfast buffet.

& ONE FOR THOSE WHO’D RATHER NOT SELF-CATER!

WHAT TO DO: Silent Disco Beach Yoga, Fistral

Join National winners of Best Yoga Studio, Oceanflow Yoga, for their gorgeous pop-up silent disco beach yoga on 26 August. The Saturday SUNSET session will be timed with the famous Cornish sunsets we experience here in Newquay. Practice Vinyasa yoga to Balearic beats whilst watching the sun drop down into the ocean. You will find them with their toes in the sand towards the north end of the beach (look for the tall flags) where there is ample space for everyone to practice together. Book in advance, £12pp, beginners welcome. You’ll be guided through the flow by Jen through the headphones, with demonstrators to follow too. You’ll need a mat or a towel to practice on. Just lovely!

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY: The Esplanade, Fistral, Newquay

Esplanade Hotel Newquay May 2023 bedroom with sea view and sea painting Cornwall UK

Up on the cliff tops just up from Fistral beach itself is The Esplanade. No matter what your family set-up, you’ll find plenty of options – from family rooms with bunkbeds, to a double with sofa bed, all 85 rooms are en-suite. A babysitting service is provided so adults can enjoy live entertainment in the kid-free Elements Cocktail Bar. The whole clan meanwhile can enjoy films in the new cinema room and splash to their hearts content in the swimming pool. Parents wanting a little peace and quiet can also escape to the adults only spa at sister hotel, Fistral Spa, just up the road.

Last min availability & Muddy discounts: Kids eat breakfast free with all BB and DBB packages for families throughout the Summer Holidays along with free daily family activities also provided including silent disco, live music, caricaturist and magic shows – everything to keep the kids entertained no matter the weather. Use code MUDDY10 for a 10% discount on your stay.

All dates correct at time of publication but please contact and check directly

13 ways to have fun on your summer Cornish stay-cation

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