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Awesome Devon and Cornwall Road Trip: 1 Week Itinerary

03/03/2021 2 Comments

Devon and Cornwall are summer holiday favourites amongst Brits, with some of the prettiest seaside towns, harbours, beaches, coastal walks, and villages on England’s South West coastline.

A few years ago, I visited Devon and Cornwall with my partner, and this is the exact itinerary we took. There is quite a lot packed in, but the good thing about Cornwall is that you never really have to drive far to get to each of the destinations.

Here is my 1 week itinerary for a Devon and Cornwall road trip…

Day 1: Arrive to Lynmouth, Devon

Arrival day. I originally travelled from London, but we first stopped in Wales, so I made my way to North Devon from there. Depending on where you are coming from in the UK, this could be an all day trip.

I arrived in the late afternoon/ evening and was pleasantly surprised to see the Lynmouth Regatta and Maritime Festival was on. There was that beautiful smell from a barbeque wafting its way around the village, the locals dressed up and singing folk songs and of course the boat race.

The villages of Lynmouth and Lynton sit between a 450-foot cliff (don’t worry you can use the cliff railway to get up to the top). Lynmouth is very secluded, with a beautiful stream flowing through, which at sunset or sunrise is extremely picturesque.

Use this time to have a wander around the village, grab some fish and chips by the ocean and watch the sun go down.

Accommodation: Lynmouth (2 nights)

There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses to stay near Lynmouth, UK. I found Airbnb to be the cheapest and found a large room right across from the ocean for around £60.

Day 2: Lynmouth, Devon

Today you can explore more of this beautiful village. Walk around the village, discovering the quaint little shops and cafes, as well as the ocean/ harbour front. I went for a walk up to the twin village of Lynton (you could take the cliff railway if needed but the walk is so picturesque).

The walk will take you up on a steep path through woodland, and eventually leading out to incredible views over the ocean. Following the ocean path, you will soon reach the Valley of Rocks (where you may see a group of goats grazing!). Behind these rocks is another path, slightly inland and views over the countryside valley. It was so pretty; I seriously could not stop taking photos! The path will lead to Lynton, where you can explore, before taking the cliff railway back down to Lynmouth.

The afternoon can be spent by playing a game of mini golf, which is situated right by the ocean. Not sure I have come across a spot so pretty for a round of putt putt before!

Accommodation: Lynmouth
Another night in your Lynmouth accommodation.

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Day 3: Clovelly, Devon

Next stop on your Devon and Cornwall trip, get up early and drive around an hour to the working fishing village of Clovelly. This is one of the prettiest little villages, although it is very steep. The cobbled path makes its way down to the fishing harbour. Along the way there small art galleries, a church, museum, ice cream parlours, cafes, pubs, gift shops and tea rooms.

The village does not have any cars which gives it a really authentic and relaxed vibe. There is also a small fee to enter the village (kind of strange right?) but believe me, it’s worth it. You can also make use of the arts and crafts workshops for a little extra, plus pat the donkeys that live here.

After you have spent some time exploring the village, you can either walk back up or take one of the cars from the harbour, which will drive you back up. Here, we continue on to Cornwall and St Ives, the drive takes around 2 hours.
Me and my partner actually stayed in Carbis Bay (which is close to St Ives and could be a cheaper option). We were quite exhausted once we arrived in Cornwall, so we just walked to a local Spanish restaurant for dinner and then relaxed at the accommodation. If staying in St Ives, you could go for an evening stroll by the beach.

Accommodation: St Ives (or Carbis Bay)
1 night in St Ives. There are accommodation options from budget hostels, bnbs, Airbnb, self catering cottages, camping, hotels, you name it! I stayed in Carbis Bay (around 15 minute drive from St Ives) and found it a little cheaper. If booking for St Ives, try and get in early for the best deals.

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Day 4: St Ives & Penzance Cornwall

St Ives deserves most of your day, as there is plenty to do here, so be sure to get up early! We first had a wander around the village, stopping for coffee at the Yallah coffee kiosk (delicious coffee!).

We then headed to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.This is part of the Tate and you can buy a joint ticket to see both museums. St Ives is known for its incredible light and so draws artists to its shores. The Sculpture Garden has many of Hepworth’s art pieces and includes her studio where she worked. Also be sure to check out the Tate Gallery, which is situated right in front of the beach, with some incredible views.

After some lunch, head to one of the four beaches St Ives has to offer. Porthmeor beach, in front of the Tate gallery is popular with surfers, as well as families, and the harbour beach offers relaxed swimming.

Towards the end of the day, start your drive to the market town of Penzance, which will only take around 20 minutes. Once at Penzance you can go for an evening walk along the promenade, check out the Jubilee Pool right on the seafront or wander the pretty streets. There are also plenty of places to eat here with many cuisines available.

Accommodation: Penzance (2 nights)

Spend 2 nights in Penzance, I stayed at a lovely Airbnb run by a lovely lady. We had our own little living room too- for the price of a hotel room (or cheaper). Of course, there are nicer hotels, cosy bnbs and guesthouses to choose from too.

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Day 5: Botallack Mine, Cape Cornwall, Lands End & Porthcurno, Cornwall

Day 5 is quite jam packed, but the driving distance is pretty short between destinations.

Start by driving from your accommodation in Penzance to the Botallack Mine, which will take around 20 minutes. Here you will find ruins of mines, perched right on the cliff tops. There is a small museum and café with friendly staff who will talk to you about the history of the place. You can take the short walk around the old engine houses, taking in the stunning rugged scenery as you go. Be sure to have a spot of cake after you walk!

Then it’s just an 8 minute drive to Cape Cornwall, the more wild and less touristy version of Lands End. You probably will not spend too long here, unless you want a quick coastal walk, but it’s a scenic spot for photographers. A 20 minute drive will take you to Land’s End, the most South-Westerly part of the UK. This is a tourist attraction, so you will find more people, cafes, an arcade, even a 5D cinema! The views out over the ocean are lovely though, and there are even a few farm animals to check out, as well as a pretty coastal path.

An 11 minute drive from Lands End will take you to Porthcurno, a pretty beach looking like something out of Europe, rather than England! The beautiful turquoise blue waters are clear, and the beach golden. You could spend some time at the beach or even visit the Minack Open Air Theatre, which is situated on the cliff above the beach. They still hold operas and performances here, and the backdrop is absolutely stunning.

Heading back to Penzance via a 25 minute drive, have a relaxing dinner by the promenade or just relax in your accommodation, you will likely be tired!

Accommodation: Penzance

Your second night in Penzance.

Day 6: Mousehole, St Michaels Mt, Polperro, Looe, Cornwall

Another long day, so get up early here and drive for 10 minutes down to the pretty harbour village of Mousehole. This quaint village boasts a pretty fishing harbour, independent art galleries, souvenir shops, cute cafes, and pretty scenery. Spend the morning here and have a nice brunch, before setting off to St Michaels Mount (just under a 20 minute drive).

Not to be confused with the one in France, St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island in Mount’s Bay, Cornwall. Visitors can cross over to the ocean at low tide or by boat at high tide, to visit the castle and gardens.

After this, there is a longer drive of 90 minutes to reach the village of Polperro. This is such a pretty harbour village, complete with quaint laneways lined with flowers, unique gift shops, small galleries, as well as pubs, cafes and restaurants. There is even a pretty little beach with a small cave to explore.

If you have time, Looe is only a 11 minute drive away and is also a lovely little town. I did not spend too long here as time was getting on, but we had a walk around and people watched by the picturesque river. A 15 minute drive from Looe will take you to the small town of Seaton. This Seaton is not to be confused with the one in Devon (confusing!).
Once here you can check in and relax. Our Airbnb host had a cream tea set up for us, which we enjoyed with views out to the beach. In the evening we had a little walk along the beach and got some dinner from the pub.

Accommodation: Seaton, Cornwall (2 nights)

Seaton is a small town so there may not be too many options, I would recommend an Airbnb. There are plenty of options just outside if need be, and only a short drive away. I actually wanted to get accommodation Kingsand and Cawsand but they were limited and expensive, but it turns out Seaton was such a relaxing break, I would recommend it!

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Day 7: Seaton, Kindsand & Cawsand, Devon and Cornwall

Getting up early, I made the most of our accommodation being only a few minutes walk to the beach, and went for an early morning swim. If you are feeling a little tired, this will surely wake you up! It may have been summer, but the water is still freezing haha.

After some breakfast, make the 25 minute long drive to the beautiful twin villages of Kingsand and Cawsand, which are right on the border between Devon and Cornwall. I think this was my favourite place from the whole of this trip- I felt like I was in Italy or something. We had incredible summer weather, and the white cottages, against the blue of the sea was just so beautiful. Explore both villages, take a dip in the ocean, or you could even try stand up paddle boarding (SUP). I did this, and paddled out around the pretty coves, the water cold but crystal clear.

You can also take a pretty woodland walk, which leads out to a coastal path, and to access to some small secret coves/ mini beaches. Towards the end of the day, head back to Seaton. There is not too much to do here, but if you have time our host mentioned there was a pretty woodland walk nearby. I just enjoyed relaxing in the evenings, right by the ocean.

Accommodation: Seaton, Cornwall

A second night by the quiet seaside village.

Day 8: Seaton, Cornwall and drive home via Dartmoor National Park, Devon

The last day of Devon and Cornwall…boo!! But the adventures are not over yet. Now, this may depend on your home destination, but it is most likely you will be able to drive back through Dartmoor National Park. The roads will take you over rolling hills and open countryside, where you will be able to see the wild horses that live here. There are a few small villages to stop at for food. We stopped at a really pretty place situated by a woodland stream. We only drove through but if you wanted to extend your trip and make use of the hiking here, you could do.

So that’s it… my weeks itinerary for an awesome Devon and Cornwall road trip. Hope you enjoyed! And please share to anyone you know would love this trip!

You might like: The Botallack Mine Walk: Cornwall

England

Exploring Lands End Cornwall and Surrounding Areas

03/12/2020 4 Comments

Cornwall is such a beautiful part of England, particularly in the summer when the suns out (hopefully) and the water is a beautiful turquoise colour. Land’s End Cornwall and other nearby areas have always been a popular summer holiday sport for Brits. With everything from the rolling hills of the pretty English countryside, to quaint little harbour towns and seaside villages, this is a great place to explore.

What can you do in Lands End Cornwall and beyond?

Lands End

Lands End is the most South-Westerly part of the UK and sits on 200ft high granite cliff tops, which on a clear day you can even see the Isle of Scilly. Along with the views there are a number of family attractions, eateries, arcades, gift shops, farm animals and more. Great for kids, a little touristy maybe but it does host great views! The surrounding areas are all within easy reach and are just as beautiful.

Cape Cornwall

Owned by the National Trust, Cape Cornwall is one of only two capes in the UK and sits at the spot where two oceans meet. A short drive from Lands End Cornwall, I would say this is a much more rugged and tourist spot to visit. If you like a more natural attraction, then I would come here over Lands End. You can walk up the small mound, on which sits a chimney stack, built back in the copper and tin mining days. This can also be a great spot for bird watching and even seeing dolphins out in the ocean.

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The Minack Open Air Theatre

The Minack Open Air Theatre is situated in a stunning setting, right on the cliff edge. First built in the 1930’s, this open-air theatre had its first performance, ‘The Tempest’ in 1932, the stage being lit up by batteries and car lights. Nowadays you can still see performances, opera, plays and musicals. By day, the theatre is set amongst a gorgeous backdrop of turquoise blue ocean and by night the moon lights up the sea, creating quite a magical atmosphere.

Porthcurno Beach

I was lucky enough to be travelling around the Lands End area in Cornwall whilst England was going through a heatwave. The hot sunny days make Porthcurno beach look like a paradise you would typically not expect from the UK! The water was so blue and clear, and the sand soft and white, it was hard to believe this is in the UK. The nearby Porthcurno Telegraph Museum is a great insight into Cornwall’s past and its pioneering involvement in global communications.

Coastal Path Near Lands End Cornwall

There are many coastal paths near Lands End and the UK has hundreds country-wide, that often stretch on for miles. Walking along the path you will spot big cliff faces, old ruins, pretty flowers, gorgeous little coves, and quant towns. The terrain can vary quite a bit which keeps the walk really interesting and allows for some awesome photo opportunities.

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Botallack Mine

Sitting amongst the wild and rugged landscape the Botallack Mine is situated right on the edge of the cliff, with dramatic views from all sides. There is a short or longer walk around the historic mining and industrial landmarks, set alongside the pretty (and some rare) wildflowers. There is also a small National Trust museum and café, where the friendly staff are eager to help. I have a longer post on the Botallack Mine here if you’re interested.

Mousehole

Pronounced ‘mous-ul’, not ‘mouse hole’ which was what I was saying the entire time I was there, is one of the prettiest little harbour town’s Cornwall has to offer. This small fishing village sits between Lands End Cornwall and Penzance. It has an old-world charm, with small gift shops, restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlours and art galleries. This is such a relaxing way to spend and afternoon! For more info on Mousehole, then read my longer post here.

St Michael’s Mount

A little further from Lands End (but still only around a 30-minute drive) is the beautiful St Michael’s Mount, the Cornish counterpart of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France. I didn’t actually walk up to the mount as the tide was starting to come in (and I do regret this, so do make sure you plan your visit in time with the tides, if you want to see the castle and gardens). Even just from the outside though, you can get stunning views and the local town is also really pretty.

St Ives

If you are heading to St Ives on a sunny summer’s day, be warned, it gets very busy! Although it is just so pretty it is still worth it! There is actually a lot to do here so be sure to spend at least a whole day here. St Ives has four different beaches to choose from, some calm and secluded and some great for surfers.

The town is also home to the Tate gallery, set on a backdrop of a stunning beach. There are of course the usual small, independent art galleries dotted around the place which are all a worthwhile visit. St Ives is known for its incredible light and has been home to many artists over the years, including Barbara Hepworth. You can visit her old home which is now a museum.

As well as this, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, souvenir shops and everything else a beachside town usually has.

Travelling to Lands End Cornwall

By train: You will need to catch a train to Penzance station, which is located right by the seafront. This is the closest you can get by train, so you will need to catch local buses to the other areas.
By bus: National Express runs coach service to Penzance.
By car: Take the M4 motorway (from London) or the M6 motorway (from Manchester) and enter the M5 motorway heading to Exeter. Then join the A30 which will take you to Cornwall.

I really hope you enjoyed my post on Lands End and nearby places. This is such a beautiful part of the world. If you would like to here more from me, why not sign up to my monthly newsletter for recent updates.

England

A Guide to: St Ives, Cornwall

28/02/2019 20 Comments

a guide to_ st ives, cornwall — Save me to Pinterest 🙂

Artists have been drawn to St Ives for years, enticed by its subtle and romantic light. If you ask any artist whose taken home here they will say it’s because there’s something special about the light. The artistic nature of the town is evident, with museums, galleries and quirky art shops lining the laneways.

But St Ives is not just a town for artists. Surfers and food lovers are also drawn to this relaxed, outdoor living. St Ives, somewhat surprisingly has a great food scene. There is everything from beach bars, restaurants, fish & chips, ice cream shops, independent coffee shops, vegetarian cafes, bakeries and a wide selection of international cuisines.

St Ives, Cornwall, things to do — The harbour is lined with cafes and restaurants

Surfers have their pick of four stunning beaches close to the town, as well as a surf school for beginners. For more advanced surfers, the swell in winter can get pretty big. One of the most popular beaches for both families and surfers is Porthmeor beach. This has a stunning coastal backdrop and sits opposite the Tate gallery. Harbour beach and Porthminster Beach are also sheltered beaches, great for swimming.

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Things to do in St Ives…

Barbara Hepworth Museum

This was actually Hepworth’s personal studio from 1949 until she died in 1975. The small space and beauty really lies in the garden, where her sculptures sit (most of which were placed by Hepworth herself). The tranquil setting has a tropical vibe lined with palm trees and the sun pushing it’s way through the leaves, hitting the sculptures in a perfect formation.

St Ives, Cornwall, Hepworth museum — Hepworth’s sculpures

This is a very interesting visit, to find out more about Hepworth’s life and just to sit where she sat, and take in the beautiful setting. You can buy a combined ticket with the Tate gallery which will work out cheaper. I would recommend doing both!

St Ives Tate Gallery

I had no idea there was even a section of the Tate gallery in St Ives before my visit but it may even be better than the London one. If not just purely for the views from inside, that back onto the beach, through a giant glass window shaped in a semi circle.

The art as you might expect is pretty contemporary but there are some interesting works to be seen. The building has just been through a £20million refurbishment and some of the rooms and architecture are quite spectacular.

More on Cornwall: Kingsand and Cawsand: Undiscovered Cornwall

Soak up the sun on the Beach

the beach, St Ives, Cornwall — St Ives has 4 main beaches

There are no shortage of beautiful beaches here. On a hot sunny day, with the water turning a gorgeous turquoise colour, there’s no better way to relax then to head to the beach. The Harbour beach is basically in the town if you don’t want to walk much and is a hub for atmosphere. Beware of the seagulls though- they will pinch your lunch!

If you’ve come from the Tate, well, Porthmeor beach is just in front, along with the beach cafe. Art, beaches and food- what else do you need!

Explore the Cobbled Streets of St Ives

I loved just wandering around the backstreets and checking out the cute shops along the way. St Ives has some really pretty streets and quirky fisherman’s cottages, all adorned with tools lying outside ready to be used.

St Ives, Cornwall, fishermans cottage — Fishermans cottage

Flowers hang from baskets along the narrow streets that open up to hidden galleries, pretty boutiques and handmade craft shops. Fore street is supposed the be one of the prettiest but was super busy when I went, so for unspoilt photographs, head there early!

Where to get good coffee in St Ives:

St Ives is up and coming on the coffee scene with lots of independent coffee shops popping up. I happened to stumble across a small one man, hole in the wall type thing, serving coffee by Yallah coffee roasters. The guy said that this was the first day they were even open and the only place they are situated themselves (they provide beans for various cafes also).

Ethically produced coffee

The coffee was delicious and locally roasted- what a find. The farms they use are sustainable, environmentally friends, plus all takeaway cups are biodegradable. Be sure to check it out in front of the harbour beach.

Where to Eat in St Ives:

As I said at the top, there are many places to eat, from nicer restaurants to relaxed beach bars. Above the coffee place I just mentioned sits The Surf Shack- a shabby chic cafe with relaxed vibe.

There are tonnes of bakeries, cafes and diners to choose from. Head to either Fore street or along the harbour for a variety of choices.

Where to stay in St Ives:

Airbnb St Ives, Cornwall — Cosy Airbnb in Carbis Bay

There are plenty of accommodation options for all budgets, from hotels to budget hostels. If you have a car then getting a holiday cottage rental may work out good value for you. I had an Airbnb in Carbis Bay which is only a 15 min drive/train ride into St Ives. Staying just outside the main town may be cheaper also.

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Getting to St Ives:

Easily accessible by overnight trains from London Paddington, the Midlands and the North. You can also get a coach with National Express to Penzance and then hop on a local bus to St Ives. By car, St Ives is just off the A30 and the nearest airport is Newquay. For more info check out the official site.

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England

Mousehole Cornwall: A Quaint Fishing Village

13/02/2019 20 Comments

If you’re looking for a quaint and traditional Cornish fishing village, away from the crowds then Mousehole is the place to go. Not too frequently visited by tourists, this tiny and peaceful harbour village holds so much charm and authenticity, it’s the perfect weekend getaway.

Mousehole is a small working fishing village which sits about a 15 minute drive from Penzance (trains run daily from London to Penzance). Walking around Mousehole it feels as if you are discovering this old-world village for yourselves rather than a tourist destination to visit. Walk around the pretty laneways and stop in the small cafes and art galleries along the way. Or stroll along the harbour where the local fishermen’s cottages are neatly placed, with a prime view of the beautiful harbour.

Mousehole, Cornwall. — Exploring the small laneways

You will see couples sitting on the benches lining the harbour, children playing in the water, someone reading a good book and local fishermen attending to their boats. For such a small and unassuming village, a lot goes on if you stop and take the time to look.

Mousehole harbour Cornwall. — The harbour

As you walk around the cobbled lanes, you may come across small stalls outside peoples homes, selling handmade crafty things or old books. All complete with honesty boxes in which you pay- it works with trust here. I found this quite charming.

Handmade items for sale

Explore the several gift shops close to the harbour, each with handmade items, inspired by the sea and ocean. I found a really interesting shop just off from the harbour called The Ark. Inside were quirky witchcraft type items like vintage mini potion bottles and lucky charms. Great for unique gifts and original items for the home.

mousehole cornwall travel blog — View back down over the harbour

Just opposite this shop is a small public footway which heads up a hill and through the grass and bushes. After we pushed our way to the top we came out at a private road so walked along and then back down to the harbour. You are rewarded by beautiful views back down over the village.

shop in Mousehole, Cornwall. — Cute lil souvenir shops

gift shop Mousehole, Cornwall. — Gift shop inspired by the sea

For places to eat in Mousehole there’s a choice of pubs, restaurants and cafes. We stopped at a pretty little cafe for brunch and sat outside in the garden, surrounded by white walls and green palms. Hard to believe we were still in the UK!

cafe in Mousehole, Cornwall. — Are we in the UK or Spain?!

english breakfast, Mousehole, Cornwall. — Couldn’t resist

Places nearby Mousehole…

There are also many walks you can do in the surrounding area, as well as some stunning beaches close by too. One of which is Porthcurno beach which on a sunny day wouldn’t look out of place in the Mediterranean. Mousehole is also close to St Michael’s Mount and Lands End. A perfect little base to explore this pretty section of Cornwall.

Stunning beaches nearby

Also nearby is St Michael’s Mount

So if you want a place to just relax or take in the Cornish way of life then come to Mousehole! This authentic village is situated away from the hustle and bustle of neighbouring villages and still holds so much of its natural charm and beauty.

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England

Kingsand and Cawsand: Undiscovered Cornwall

12/09/2018 No Comments

Walking down cobbled laneways lined with bright pink flowers. White and pastel coloured houses against a backdrop of a deep blue sky. Intricate wooden doors and gates. Turquoise waters lapping onto the shore. No, we are not in the Mediterranean- we are in Cornwall!

But this is exactly what it feels like- somewhere aboard. Of course it helps that we are having one of the best summers on record. Close to 30 degrees everyday (can’t complain). Everything just brightens and glows in the sun. I feel relaxed, happy and content as I walk these fascinating streets, along with my boyfriend who has travelled all the way from Australia (he’s my lucky charm with this weather). Everything about this place is so inviting. Almost so much so that I want to move here!

seaside village — It’s a picture postcard kinda place

So where are we? Kingsand and Cawsand are two small villages in Cornwall, right on the border with Devon. In fact, Kingsand used to be a part of Devon until 1844 when the boundary changed. We come across a house that used to be on this border and now is appropriately named ‘Devon Corn’.

house on the border with Devon and Cornwall

The house on the border

What can you do in Kingsand and Cawsand?

The first thing we do is just to walk around and explore. The villages are so close to each other and we lazily wander the streets, taking mini detours down unassuming little laneways. Locals take pride in their properties here. Every house is perfectly painted in a fresh pastel colour or a bright white. Flowers in hanging baskets are well kept and windowsills are thoughtfully decorated.

We look down onto the beach. Could be anywhere in Europe with those turquoise waters- I just cant believe the colour. Such a deep green/blue shade and clear as well. We are here quite early and it appears the town is just waking up. There are a few bathers in the water. I imagine its much colder than appearances might suggest. The beach is situated in a little cove, with rolling green hills in the background. My boyfriend comments of the rugged beauty and diversity of the English coastline. Something not seen as much ‘down under’.

boy in blue waters, Cornish seaside village — Kingsand

I though Lynmouth (Devon) was pretty but this is beginning to be my favourite place so far. We are at the end of a week long trip around Cornwall and this is the perfect end. We walk past the one pub and onto Kingsand which is only a five minute walk away. I like how these two villages intertwine- you never quite know which one your in. I think we are in Kingsand but the sign says Cawsand beach- confusing! Anyway Kingsand is much the same and we wander around a couple of tourist/beach souvenir shops. Everything is handmade from the one off cards, to little wooden ornaments and photo frames. I feel like spending!

looking out over Kingsand and Cawsand viallges

After some gift buying (for myself), we head onto one of the little coves on the Kingsand side. There are many of these small coves, like little private beaches with only room for a handful of people. The locals are starting to gear up for the day, setting up their beach towels and deckchairs. Some of the younger and more adventurous are jumping from wall and into the water. I’m just perfectly happy to stand and watch on this one.

boy jumping of a wall into the ocean — Local boy jumping from the wall!

Time for some activity…

After some lunch in the pub we decide to take up paddle boarding. Neither of us have tried this before and it’s very cheap, so we hire out a SUP for 30 minutes. It’s pretty easy to master, even though my boyfriend falls off immediately. He blames it on his ‘slippery’ board (hmmm). The water is super calm as we paddle fairly close to shore and admire the views looking back at us. A good half hour well spent!

Time to brave the water. It’s hot outside and the clear, turquoise waters look oh so inviting. It’s freezing. But ‘if you keep moving’ it’s fine haha. Cold water aside its lovely to just swim in the ocean with the sun on my face. Looking back at the view from the water is gorgeous. You can really see the hills in the background and all the pretty houses up on the cliffs.

walking in the shallows, Cawsand — Water still cold but refreshing 🙂

After drying off we head onto the coastal path, not sure what to expect. We walk up and through the countryside towards Penlee Point. We were on the beach five minutes ago and now we are in pretty woodlands. I love that you get a bit of everything here. We come off the path at Queen Adelaide’s Grotto, which was once a lookout and was named after Queen Adelaide after she visited in 1827. Now it’s an old ruin situated in the cliff by Penlee Point. The stone archways are pretty magnificent, backing out to unobstructed views of the rugged coastline.

old ruin on a cliff top — Queen Adelaide Grotto

Coast seen through archways of old ruins — Yes, we are still in England hehe

We carry on walking down from here to find some steps leading down onto the beach. There are many coves formed by the rocks, the shallow blue waters gently rolling in, creating an idyllic little haven. We just sit from above and take in the view. A women is relaxing on the beach with her dog, who’s loving it’s environment. As hunger calls, we decide to head back for a mandatory ice cream. This sleepy town has served us well.