Emma and Tom's Cornish Guidebook
Local Towns
Wadebridge is a lovely old market town with lots of independent shops, cafe's, bars, restaurants and pubs. It's the gateway to the Camel Trail, now the third largest attraction in the whole of Cornwall. There are a selection of bike hire shops so you can explore either down towards Padstow along the estuary or towards Bodmin through some beautiful woodland. The tidal Camel River runs through the centre which is popular with birdwatchers, canoeists and there are some great benches and picnics stops to sit and watch the water flow by. Wadebridge is a really friendly town with a fantastic community.
133 Einheimische empfehlen
Wadebridge
Wadebridge is a lovely old market town with lots of independent shops, cafe's, bars, restaurants and pubs. It's the gateway to the Camel Trail, now the third largest attraction in the whole of Cornwall. There are a selection of bike hire shops so you can explore either down towards Padstow along the estuary or towards Bodmin through some beautiful woodland. The tidal Camel River runs through the centre which is popular with birdwatchers, canoeists and there are some great benches and picnics stops to sit and watch the water flow by. Wadebridge is a really friendly town with a fantastic community.
Padstow although popular with tourists has still retained its small harbour village charm. Yes there's loads of art galleries and you will see Rick Steins name everywhere (not a bad thing, his seafood restaurant is amazing!), nether the less you can still find some lovely cozy pubs with roaring fires in the winter. Some of the nicest pasties I've ever had have been bought here (and there have been many) and if you want to find a special gift or some Cornish fudge to take home for a loved one there's lots of lovely gift shops. Some of my favourite times in Padstow though have been in the very early morning or late in the evening when the crowds have gone, it’s all quiet and the fishing boats are just bobbing around in the harbour. Padstow is definitely worth a visit but beware of how much you are being charged, Tom almost choked on his beer last time we visited when his usual ale was double the cost.
436 Einheimische empfehlen
Padstow
Padstow although popular with tourists has still retained its small harbour village charm. Yes there's loads of art galleries and you will see Rick Steins name everywhere (not a bad thing, his seafood restaurant is amazing!), nether the less you can still find some lovely cozy pubs with roaring fires in the winter. Some of the nicest pasties I've ever had have been bought here (and there have been many) and if you want to find a special gift or some Cornish fudge to take home for a loved one there's lots of lovely gift shops. Some of my favourite times in Padstow though have been in the very early morning or late in the evening when the crowds have gone, it’s all quiet and the fishing boats are just bobbing around in the harbour. Padstow is definitely worth a visit but beware of how much you are being charged, Tom almost choked on his beer last time we visited when his usual ale was double the cost.
National Trust Property
Lanhydrock House and Garden (a National Trust Property) is one of our favourite places to visit. Unless you have more energy than me this day out can be separated out in to a couple of days of exploring. The grounds are huge with some beautiful walks through woods, fields and beautifully manicured gardens. The house tour takes you through all the rooms with all the original features and guides placed in each room to tell you interesting facts and answer any questions. At Christmas they really go all out and its a great time to visit. My kids love going here because there's always so much to see and its a great history lesson. If you’re a keen runner like myself they also hold a Parkrun event here at 9am every Saturday, its pretty challenging with some good hills to make your calves burn but is a lot quieter than some of the other local runs which I personally prefer.
119 Einheimische empfehlen
Lanhydrock House and Garden
Treffry LaneLanhydrock House and Garden (a National Trust Property) is one of our favourite places to visit. Unless you have more energy than me this day out can be separated out in to a couple of days of exploring. The grounds are huge with some beautiful walks through woods, fields and beautifully manicured gardens. The house tour takes you through all the rooms with all the original features and guides placed in each room to tell you interesting facts and answer any questions. At Christmas they really go all out and its a great time to visit. My kids love going here because there's always so much to see and its a great history lesson. If you’re a keen runner like myself they also hold a Parkrun event here at 9am every Saturday, its pretty challenging with some good hills to make your calves burn but is a lot quieter than some of the other local runs which I personally prefer.
Okay so not technically in Cornwall but definitely worth a trip here to visit the waterfall if you have time. It's a lovely drive there through stunning countryside from the cottage and we spotted some lovely cosy looking pubs on route which unfortunately we didn't get a chance to stop at. Bit of a walk down to the river and the 'whitelady' waterfall but there's a nice circular route around. It takes about an hour (or less if you are running after three excitable children and dogs). Lovely day trip out, we highly recommend.
82 Einheimische empfehlen
Lydford Gorge Tea Rooms
1 SouthgateOkay so not technically in Cornwall but definitely worth a trip here to visit the waterfall if you have time. It's a lovely drive there through stunning countryside from the cottage and we spotted some lovely cosy looking pubs on route which unfortunately we didn't get a chance to stop at. Bit of a walk down to the river and the 'whitelady' waterfall but there's a nice circular route around. It takes about an hour (or less if you are running after three excitable children and dogs). Lovely day trip out, we highly recommend.
Trerice is a small historic Tudor Manor House located just outside of Newquay . The manor house doesn't take long to look around unless you get talking to one of the tour guides (they do love a chat), but there are always loads of activities to do outside in nice weather which is when we have always visited. There's a huge cafe there with delicious looking food, but we normally take a picnic with a couple of cold ciders, sit outside and play historic garden games.
27 Einheimische empfehlen
Trerice Manor
Trerice is a small historic Tudor Manor House located just outside of Newquay . The manor house doesn't take long to look around unless you get talking to one of the tour guides (they do love a chat), but there are always loads of activities to do outside in nice weather which is when we have always visited. There's a huge cafe there with delicious looking food, but we normally take a picnic with a couple of cold ciders, sit outside and play historic garden games.
Days Out
So personally I love the Eden Project but I had a yearly members pass so just paid the once. It is expensive so have a look to see if you can get any vouchers or deals before going. There's lots to see with fascinating information about plants, sustainable living and the food in the restaurants is delicious. My children love it. A great time to visit is at Halloween, Easter or Christmas as they hold events and make the place feel really magical. I would avoid at busy times as it can get a bit stressful and for me Eden is about taking your time, wandering around and enjoying the nature.
1111 Einheimische empfehlen
Eden Project
So personally I love the Eden Project but I had a yearly members pass so just paid the once. It is expensive so have a look to see if you can get any vouchers or deals before going. There's lots to see with fascinating information about plants, sustainable living and the food in the restaurants is delicious. My children love it. A great time to visit is at Halloween, Easter or Christmas as they hold events and make the place feel really magical. I would avoid at busy times as it can get a bit stressful and for me Eden is about taking your time, wandering around and enjoying the nature.
Sightseeing
Hardly a month goes by where I don't drag the entire family for a walk up on Bodmin Moor. The views are spectacular. Take a picnic and a rain coat (just in case)and check out the amazing ancient stone formations and breathe in that beautiful Cornish air.
150 Einheimische empfehlen
Bodmin Moor
Hardly a month goes by where I don't drag the entire family for a walk up on Bodmin Moor. The views are spectacular. Take a picnic and a rain coat (just in case)and check out the amazing ancient stone formations and breathe in that beautiful Cornish air.
The Camel Trail provides access to the beautiful Cornish countryside along a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow.
It's an 18 mile largely traffic free, surfaced and virtually level multi use trail which passes through some of the most spectacular countryside in the south west. Bike Hire is available at both Padstow and Wadebridge.
33 Einheimische empfehlen
The Camel Trail
The Camel Trail provides access to the beautiful Cornish countryside along a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow.
It's an 18 mile largely traffic free, surfaced and virtually level multi use trail which passes through some of the most spectacular countryside in the south west. Bike Hire is available at both Padstow and Wadebridge.
A Walk in the Woods
Hustyn Wood has many trails and tracks which are popular with walkers and cyclists. The woods are dog friendly and we visit here most weekends, we still have loads of it to explore. Stunning in any season and only a short drive from the cottage. The road leading to the parking area has quite a few pot holes so if there’s space we recommend parking at the end of the road but please make sure you don’t block any of the entrances to the fields either side. Interesting Fact - Some of the Douglas Firs in these woods are around 115ft/35m tall.
Hustyn Wood
Hustyn Wood has many trails and tracks which are popular with walkers and cyclists. The woods are dog friendly and we visit here most weekends, we still have loads of it to explore. Stunning in any season and only a short drive from the cottage. The road leading to the parking area has quite a few pot holes so if there’s space we recommend parking at the end of the road but please make sure you don’t block any of the entrances to the fields either side. Interesting Fact - Some of the Douglas Firs in these woods are around 115ft/35m tall.
Golitha Falls are a series of spectacular cascades and waterfalls along a section of the River Fowey, its quite a trek and there's no paths as such but its great place for the adventurer and off road walker. The falls make their way through the ancient oak woodland of Draynes Wood. It's one of the best known beauty spots on Bodmin Moor and even though when we arrived we saw quite a few cars in the car park we hardly saw anyone on the walk as its all so spaced out. Wear your hiking boots or non slippery shoes.
85 Einheimische empfehlen
Golitha Falls National Nature Reserve
15 Well LnGolitha Falls are a series of spectacular cascades and waterfalls along a section of the River Fowey, its quite a trek and there's no paths as such but its great place for the adventurer and off road walker. The falls make their way through the ancient oak woodland of Draynes Wood. It's one of the best known beauty spots on Bodmin Moor and even though when we arrived we saw quite a few cars in the car park we hardly saw anyone on the walk as its all so spaced out. Wear your hiking boots or non slippery shoes.
City/town information
Bude is a great little town with something for everyone. It has loads of lovely independent shops, some great places to eat and a beautiful canal running through it.
You can hire boats to explore the canal which is something we love to do as a family.
Bude is actually my hometown so it holds a very special place in my heart. There are two huge main beaches, Summerleaze and Crooklets which are great if you fancy a spot of surfing, rockpooling or a splash in the sea. Bude Sea Pool a semi-natural amenity is free to use and a lovely option if you have young children for a safe dip. There is plenty to do in Bude so make sure you leave yourself lots of time to explore this cool little town
196 Einheimische empfehlen
Bude
13 Lansdown RdBude is a great little town with something for everyone. It has loads of lovely independent shops, some great places to eat and a beautiful canal running through it.
You can hire boats to explore the canal which is something we love to do as a family.
Bude is actually my hometown so it holds a very special place in my heart. There are two huge main beaches, Summerleaze and Crooklets which are great if you fancy a spot of surfing, rockpooling or a splash in the sea. Bude Sea Pool a semi-natural amenity is free to use and a lovely option if you have young children for a safe dip. There is plenty to do in Bude so make sure you leave yourself lots of time to explore this cool little town