My one stipulation for UK beach holiday is that it must rival Trinidad & Tobago’s beauty. Each summer it’s a toss-up between Isle of Wight and South West Wales. In 2022 we broke tradition and went to Cornwall. It was on my bucket list for years! We spent two weeks in Cornwall indulging aquatic beauty. You know what I discovered? Cornwall is more that beautiful beaches.
Planning Our Staycation In Cornwall
During our Cornish getaway, we set up camp in the village of Lezant which backs onto Devon. We found the perfect cottage on Airbnb. It was on the grounds of the host The entire property had a river and grassland large enough for sheep to graze and a tennis court! Best of all, the popular Summerleaze Beach in Bude was only 45 minutes’ drive away. Staying there made us appreciate the green beauty of Cornwall. On the days we weren’t at the beach we explored other towns and villages such as Bodmin and St Austell. Each destination had its own green charm.
When in Bodmin Cornwall
I was drawn to Bodmin due to its Daphne du Maurier connection. It’s home to the Jamaica Inn which is the only museum dedicated to the author. Along with personal letters and photos from author, the museum also holds artefacts of a smugglers’ lifestyle from the region. Entry for a family of four is £9.95. Jamaica Inn also has accommodation if you wish to stay overnight, alternatively you can dine in its restaurant.
TIP: If you are up for it, take a walk along the Bodmin Moors . Apparently the views are the stunning and geological natural wonders await. Be sure to check your route to avoid trespassing onto private property.
After Jamaica Inn, we drove into town. Fortunate, we parked next to Priory Park, so before leaving the town we took a stroll. Park attractions include: outdoor play area, a pond, grassland, flower beds and war memorial.
Other Attractions: Visit Bodmin Town Museum. Entry is free but donations are welcome. You’ll see a replica of a traditional Cornish kitchen. Additionally, the displays about the World War reveals the impact it had on the community.
St Austell
St Austell is an old market town which is just under an hour’s drive from Lezant. The major tourist attraction, Eden Project, is a mere 8 minutes’ drive to away. If you are a Poldark fan, you’d be impressed to know that the Charlestown Harbour was a film location for the series. Lovers of the nature and the outdoors, we headed to Eden Project and Higher Tregorrick Farm.
Eden Project
Eden Project is considered to be the 8th wonder of the world. A former clay mine in Bodelva now transformed into an oasis with two biomes, play areas, outdoor gardens, learning centres. You can even zip wire above!
In the Rainforest Biome its lush and quite humid. The heat can feel oppressive in the summer months. We didn’t have the opportunity to ascend the rainforest look-out. On the day of our visit it was closed due to the extremely high temperature. We did cross the Wobbly Bridge through the treetops inside the biome. The view from that vantage point was spectacular. The true to life waterfall was another attraction for an Instagrammable moment. Plants in the Rainforest Biome came from South America, SE Asia, West Africa. I felt at home amongst the banana and cocoa trees.
Plants in the Mediterranean Biome plants came from California, South Africa and Western Australian. As you might expect the air and soil was drier but the blooms and leaves of the plants we just as vibrant. While the fragrant scent of aromatic herbs and sculptures will make you feel as though are truly on a Mediterranean holiday.
Higher Tregorrick Farm
Higher Treggorick Farm is known for its annual fundraiser Sunflower Trail. The farm overlooks St Austell and St Austell Bay. In Autumn, there’s the pumpkin patch. Check the website before you visit to find out what’s coming up.
Strolling along the path being so close to golden sunflowers was magical. Who knew there we so many varieties and the geometry of the seed patterns were ‘unreal’. They look as though be were plotted with a compass.
On grey days, sunflowers are special. They channel pure joy and carefree vibes.
Tip: Visit Pinetum Gardens St Austell. It’s the largest modern garden in Cornwall 10 gardens connected by water, 30 acres in size.
Spotlight on Glendurgan Garden
Falmouth (another Poldark film site) is almost an hour and a half form our base. We never made it that far. However, if were to visit Cornwall again, I’d like to visit Glendurgan Garden. Glendurgan Garden is National Trust property. It has the three valleys to explore. A walk through the garden will take you to a down to hamlet of Durgan on the Helford River. Yet another grand attraction in the garden is its 180-year-old maze!
Would you have a staycation in Cornwall? Where would you go? Comment below I’d love to hear from you.
If you liked this, you should reall about west Isle Of Wight. The isle is one of our favourite places to staycay in the summer and you can find me on Instagram @xpatathome
