Why don’t you wander along to one of the fantastic sanctuaries or zoos and introduce yourself to the residents.  They will be delighted to show off their colourful plumes, agile climbing skills and sharp teeth.

Experience the exhilaration of getting up close to the feline, furry or feathered. Watch seals swimming effortlessly around their watery surrounds.  Look on in amazement at the cheeky monkeys showing off their incredible acrobatic skills.  Hear incredible rescue stories and happy endings.

The keepers try to create natural habitats in the enclosures to help the animals feel more at home. Entrance fees normally go straight towards feed and housing.  Lose yourself in the local countryside views.  Listen to the relaxing sounds of nature as you walk around admiring the variety of fascinating creatures.

Monkey Sanctuary

Visit the Monkey Sanctuary in Looe, set in beautiful woodland overlooking the Cornish coast.  The sanctuary has been offering a home to monkeys since 1964.  Twenty eight monkeys reside here each with their own distinct characters and personalities.

The wildlife gardens are designed to be attractive to both visitors and wildlife.  Visit the Bat Cave and Wildlife room and gain a fascinating insight into the mysterious world of the rare lesser horseshoe bat.  There’s a lovely play area where your little monkeys can let off steam whilst you can sit, rest your feet and enjoy the views.

A Tree Top café is situated overlooking the sanctuary grounds serving vegetarian food.  Enjoy a meal in the sunshine on the decking or beside the fragrant herb garden. This is a fantastic day out for the whole family.

Looe has a wide variety of pubs, restaurants, shops and art galleries to browse in with many attractions and activities in Looe and nearby.  We have some lovely Cottages available in the Looe area

Tamar Otter Sanctuary

Tamar Otter Sanctuary is a delightful attraction for all the family and a day out you won’t forget. The sanctuary was originally established to re-home and breed the British Otter at a time when their continued existence in the wild was looking doubtful.

There are a wide variety of animals to see from British and Asian Short Clawed Otters to Deer, Owls, Peacocks, and Waterfowl.

Stroll along the woodland walk to the old Quarry and visit the endangered Scottish Wildcats.  Meet Karaluh and Tooky the tame Owls.

Enjoy a delicious quiche or jacket potato in the Tea Room followed by a delicious home made cake.

Launceston is typically Cornish, with its Georgian houses, intricately carved church, narrow streets and a market square.  Check out cottages we have available in the Launceston area

The National Seal Sanctuary

The National Seal Sanctuary is located on the beautiful Helford River in the village of Gweek.  Most seasons the rehabilitation and release centre rescue over 40 pups.

The Sanctuary is a permanent home to a community of adult seals, who for various reasons can not be released back into the wild.  The highlight of any visit has to be feeding time.  Other animals have also found a haven here, otters, penguins, sheep ponies and goats.

Daily interactive talks and feeding demonstrations make this a day out for the whole family.  Children are sometimes allowed to feed the seals.

Gweek is a tiny port at the top of the Helford River. Have a look at the great selection of cottages we have in the Gweek area.

Wingz Bird Sanctuary

Wingz Bird Sanctuary is a family run business based on a private collection built up over 26 years.  Set in three acres of the beautiful Cornish countryside just a few miles from the coast of Par.

Enjoy walking through the exotically planted gardens and experience the wonderful colours and sounds of the birds and animals.  Animals to visit are the popular meerkats, Japanese white-bellied squirrels, chipmunks, guinea pigs, tortoise, wallabies and marmosets.

They have eighty five species in their collection.  Many of these are rare and twelve are endangered.  All of the enclosures are individually tailored to recreate the natural habitat of the bird or animal living within them.  This has provided an enriching environment, creating a successful breeding programme.

Par is located on the South Coast and Cornwall and will provide you with an excellent base for exploring the coastline.  Have a look at cottages available in the Par area

Newquay Zoo

Newquay Zoo is situated in a lovely location in this popular coastal town.  The zoo is set in ten acres of sub-tropical gardens and is home to more than 130 species.

A wide range of animals, bugs and birds are residing here.  From red panda’s to ostrich’s to scary eight legged spiders, walk around to discover all these fascinating creatures from both home and away.

With plenty of keeper talks, animal encounters and feeding times throughout the day there is plenty to keep you entertained.

Newquay is a very popular coastal town surrounded by great beaches with plenty of attractions and entertainment.  Check out the selection of cottages we have in the Newquay area.

Wander through the winding network of narrow streets and have a look around the fascinating 15^th-century Church of St Petroc.  Visit the captivating Elizabethan ‘Prideaux Place’ and take a guided tour around the historical house, stunningly restored gardens and enjoy the breathtaking scenery

Padstow is fast becoming a popular destination for food lovers with some fantastic restaurants opening up in the area serving the freshest of local fish and seafood and Cornish cuisine at its best.  Visit the National Lobster Hatchery for a rare sighting of young lobsters being raised ready to be released.

Visit the town on May Day, and join in with the two groups of white, red and blue attired locals in dancing throughout Padstows streets decorated with greenery, flowers and flags. Celebrate the start of spring enjoying the music and festivities with the gruesome ‘Obby Oss’s trying their luck at catching the young maidens as they pass through the town then wander back to your cosy Cornish cottage to rest your tired feet. 

Hire a bike and cycle along the beautiful Camel Estuary to either Wadebridge or Bodmin and keep your eyes open for the many varieties of birds and otters that habitat this area.

Dine in a modern seafood restaurant overlooking the ocean.  Visit century’s old traditional cosy pubs on the top of windswept moors. Tuck into some delicious locally reared steak, vegetables and new potatoes.  Mop up the last of your moules mariniere with freshly baked warm bread.  Wash it all down with a refreshing glass of crisp white wine.

Even in the quieter winter months in Cornwall you can still find places bustling with trade. Find a cosy café,indulge in a scrumptious Cornish Cream Tea and partake in a spot of people watching.

No 6, Padstow

No 6,set in a renovated 18^th century townhouse in the picturesque harbour town of Padstow, is my number one choice for celebrating that special occasion or for a romantic evening with your partner. .Be prepared for an intimate dining experience.

Menus feature delicious local, seasonal ingredients.  Food is cooked in a simple modern style with a Cornish influence.  Everything they serve in the restaurant, from the bread to the chocolate truffles, is made by their team of chefs.

If you can’t decide what to have for dessert then I can highly recommend the No 6 special.  With popping candy, doughnut dippers and a variety of other sweet succulent treats this is a fun and scrumptious choice you won’t regret.

Stay in a cottage in the Padstow area to enjoy this picturesque fishing village

The Bay View Inn, Bude

Where old fashioned local pub meets modern chilled bar. Stunning views overlook the popular surfing beach of Widemouth Bay.

Cuisine is traditional and modern. The chef’s use fresh local ingredients with specials available every day. The Bay View Inn is a lovely setting for cosy, romantic dinners or family meals.

A large outside decking area is perfect for warm sunny evenings, especially to view the sunset. The Bay View Inn is a perfect place to stop for lunch whilst exploring the rugged north coast.

We have cottages available in the town of Bude on the north coast

Lewinnick Lodge, Newquay

Lewinnick Lodge is nestled above the cliffs of Pentire Headland on the outskirts of Newquay.  Views sweep across the Atlantic and along the coast, great location for watching the fishing boats heading back to harbour.

The restaurant serves food throughout the day from breakfast until late.  Menu options are modern with British and world cuisine offered using the best local produce with an emphasis on fresh fish.  Overlooking the ocean whilst tucking into some delicious seafood will enhance the flavours and make for a truly special experience.

With large comfortable sofa’s in the bar area you’ll want to stay all day.  Friendly employees will provide you with a warm welcome.

Check out our selection of cottages in the Newquay area

 Sams, Fowey

As soon as you walk through the door of Sam’s with its 60’s style deco and funky music you know you’re in for a great experience. With customers travelling from all over Cornwall to dine here you know it’s got to be good to have such a great reputation.

Service is relaxed with food that’s very reasonably priced.  A huge range of seafood is on offer.  If you’re feeling hungry then tuck into Sam’s famous Scooby Burger that consists of two burgers, cheese, bacon, egg and pineapple all piled on top of each other.

Because you can’t book for the restaurant you might need to wait a little while for a table.  Not to worry though because you can pop upstairs to the lounge to try a variety of cocktails including options for kids to start your evening.

Stay in one of our cottages to explore the Fowey area

The Turks Head, Penzance

When visiting West Cornwall, a meal at the oldest pub in Penzance is a must.  This 13^th century Inn has an underground tunnel that leads from the harbour, ideal for pirates and smugglers transporting their bounty before settling in for an evening at the bar.

The pub provides a warm and friendly atmosphere in very authentic and traditional surroundings.  Food offered is fresh fine local produce and an impressive range of fish dishes.  The fish pie seems to be very popular with patrons.

Bar meals are available if you can’t bear to tear yourself away from admiring the fine selection of real ales available.

We have a selection of cottages in the Penzance area

Beautiful turquoise green water washes around the coastline here and blackened castle ruins still cling to a wind-swept and wave lashed island.  Walk across the narrow bridge and climb up steep steps to discover King Arthur’s mysterious castle for yourself and explore its history which stretches back as far as Roman times.  Look down to the shore from the cliffs and spot Merlin’s Cave hidden amongst the rocks which is accessible at low tide.  .

Tintagel has a selection of gift shops, tea rooms and many fine eating establishments so enjoy a day of retail therapy or sit back and relax and eat some delicious Cornish cuisine. Ideally positioned on the north coast, within easy reach of Bodmin Moor and Padstow, Tintagel is in a great spot to explore North and Mid Cornwall.

Visit the 14^th century Old Post Office, a manor in miniature with its topsy-turvy roof and ancient stonework.  Walk along the wild flower covered cliffs in the summer and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the North Cornish coast.

Surrounded by myth and legend and enhanced by the dramatic scenery, Tintagel doesn’t disappoint. Spectacularly located on the north coast of Cornwall;  staying in the Tintagel area will be the perfect base for your self catering holiday.

Say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new in your homely Cornish cottage with a glass of bubbly to toast friends and family.  Sing ‘auld lang syne’ as loud as you can and kiss your loved one under the mistletoe.

Crawl into the bed of your Cornish Traditional Cottage with a feeling of contentment and aching feet in the early hours.  Clear your head in the morning by taking a refreshing walk on an empty beach and then head back to your bolthole to relax and unwind.

St Ives
Join in with the celebrations taking place in the fantastic town of St Ives.  It has a national reputation for being one of the places to see in the New Year.  Most people decide to wear fancy dress.  The harbour is the main meeting place with the party spilling on to the beach when the tide is out.  At midnight fireworks provide a dramatic display over the beaches and town.

Looe
Stay in Looe on New Years Eve for fancy dress, partying, and fireworks.  Said by the times newspaper to be one of the top four places in the United Kingdom to celebrate.  This small fishing town is host to an influx of visitors.  Crowds begin in the town and slowly more towards the seafront for a fireworks display at the start of the New Year.

Newquay

It’s an unwritten rule that revellers visiting Newquay will be wearing some amazing, outrageous and bizarre costumes.  With so many bars and pubs in it’s a great choice if you are looking to bar crawl.  The main crowd gathers at the Central square and spread throughout the town.  Clubs such as Berties and Sailors are popular with those who want to dance the night away.

Newquay

Stretch your legs and stroll along the cliff paths where walkers will be awarded with views of the Huer’s House where lookouts once scanned the sea for shoals of pilchards and the tea caverns used by smugglers to hide their contraband.  Walk out onto any of the Headlands and be surrounded by water on three sides, watch the waves crashing against the cliffs and feel rejuvenated and alive.

In the picturesque harbour the lobster pots are still stacked up with fisherman carrying on with their age old occupation and heading out to sea daily.  A zoo, fun pool and boating lake are situated here along with many other local attractions close by which makes Newquay an ideal base to stay and explore the rest of Cornwall from.

Enjoy a quiet pint of ale in one of the traditional old pubs of Newquay or dance the night away until the early hours in one of the popular energetic nightclubs or bars.

Boasting nine long, easily accessible sandy beaches, numerous restaurants, bars and clubs, it’s little wonder self catering in the ‘Surfing Capital of Britain’ is so popular.

The River Looe separates residential West Looe from the popular water front and sandy beach of East Looe.  East Looe has a wide variety of pubs, restaurants, shops and art galleries to browse in with many attractions and activities to do in Looe and nearby.

The town still has a very active working harbour and fishing community.  The arrival of the small fishing fleet returning from sea is not to be missed, the Banjo Pier offering a perfect view point.  Locally caught fish can be found on the menus of many of the town’s restaurants

Take a boat trip out to the privately owned Looe Island, and enjoy magnificent coastal view across to the mainland, this is a natural sanctuary for sea and woodland birds and lies half a mile offshore.  This is a brilliant alternative way to view Cornwall.  Pop along to the famous Monkey Sanctuary and spend a day making some new furry friends and walking around the beautiful wildlife gardens, home to local plants and insect species.

Just short drives away are the fascinating and historical towns of Fowey and Liskeard, staying in a Cornish cottage in Looe is in an ideal location for exploring the South coast of Cornwall and learning its fascinating facts and many hidden secrets.

Discussions are following the lines of will we be waking up to a white Christmas this year or not and how do you get the perfect roast potatoes?  Answers on a postcard please.

Cornwall offers a truly spectacular setting in which to spend your Christmas. With the county’s stunning scenery you will be hard pushed not to feel a tinselling of joyful cheer.

Experience the jubilation of waking up in a Cornish cottage on Christmas morning surrounded by family and friends.  Tempting aroma’s of orange and cinnamon waft through from the mulled wine bubbling on the aga.

Stay in and cook up a festive feast in the comfort of your self catering cottage.  Don’t feel like slaving over a hot stove all day? Visit one of the many local pubs and restaurants offering Christmas lunch and let someone else do all the hard work.

Step outside for a refreshing Christmas day walk on the beach. Walking your lunch off will make room for more treats on your return to your warm cosy cottage.
Sit in front of a flickering fire and overindulge in mince pies and chocolate Yule log.
Fall in to bed at the end of the day with a full stomach and a happy heart.

Falmouth at Christmas

On the 16th to the 18th of December visit Falmouth. Wander through the town and browse around the shops.  Performance artists can be found throughout the town.  These include mime artists, poetry recitals, jugglers, impromptu plays and more.

A Christmas lunchtime concert will be held in the Parish Church at twelve noon on the 17th December.  There will be informal community carols with seasonal Christmas music and readings.

On Christmas Eve, choirs from all across Cornwall will gather in Falmouth to sing Christmas carols.  This tradition has been taking place for over 100 years.

Stay in a cottage in the Falmouth area at Christmas and enjoy the festivities

Lostwithiel Dickensian Evening

For a great Cornish traditional Christmas join in on the 15th of December till late.  Enjoy the atmosphere with live music, festive food and lots of good will.  This Victorian themed evening is a great experience and perfect for buying your last few Christmas presents.

Shop keepers are dressed up in period costume, offering warm welcomes.  You might be lucky and be offered some mulled wine to help keep the cold away as you enjoy the celebrations.

Bands will be playing, Choirs singing and bell ringers ringing.  Along with buskers and street entertainers.

Staying in a cottage in the Lostwithiel area will give you a great base for exploring south Cornwall

Santa by Steam, Bodmin and Wenford Railway

For a wonderful nostalgic trip, hop aboard a Steam Train with the Bodmin and Wenford railway.

Children can meet Santa in his grotto and receive a special gift.  Enjoy this festive one hour return journey through the Cornish countryside.
A seasonal drink and mince pie will also be available for the adults at the station either before or after your journey.

The area of Bodmin is just 30 minutes away from the stunning north and south coast beaches.  

Mousehole Christmas Lights

The Christmas lights in Mousehole are a truly beautiful sight.   The lights switch on will be held on the 17th December at 7.30pm with an open air carol singing and a service.

Sea serpents, fishing boats and whales are lit up in the harbour.  The centrepiece is the millennium Celtic cross on St Clement Island, generated by a wind generator.

Wander through the narrow streets.   Follow the winding string of lanterns through the streets. Some are barely wide enough to walk through.  Browse through the gift shops, and stop for a rest in one of the local restaurants and café’s.

Mousehole is a picturesque small village on the west of Cornwall.  We have cottage’s available in the Mousehole area  

Montol Festival Penzance

This is a six day art and community festival based on the Cornish traditions of the past.  Ending in the main event, Montol Eve on the 21st of December.

Throughout the week there are lantern and mask making workshops.  Bands, carol services, arts and crafts fairs and late night shopping in Penzance.

On the 21st of December the people of Penzance take part in many of the Cornish traditional customs of Midwinter and Christmas including Guise dancing.  Many wear traditional masks, dress in disguise and wear mock formal costume.  Montol Eve has the theme of light and darkness.  During the proceedings you can listen to traditional music, watch fire throwing and join in the carols.

Staying in a cottage in the Penzance area will give you easy access to the surrounding areas of St Ives and Falmouth.  

Take a gentle stroll along the Esplanade and roam throughout the warren of narrow streets, stop for a pint, fish and chips or a cream tea in one of the many welcoming café’s or restaurants situated on the waterfront.

Hike along the cliffs and down to Ready Money Cove a popular and sheltered beach lying at the mouth of the River Fowey River. Visit St Catherine’s Castle built in the 1530’s to defend Fowey harbour and learn about the fascinating history of the surrounding area.

Daphne Du Maurier lived in Fowey for most of her life and was influenced by the tranquil and peaceful surroundings which influenced some of her greatest works, a literacy festival takes place in May in her honour.

If you’re looking for an activity filled trip then take part in one of the wide range of water based activities available in the area, including boating trips, kayaking, water sports and fishing.

Perched on the edge of the estuary with views seaward, Fowey is popular with boating and fishing enthusiasts while accommodating the most discerning land-lover! Enjoy Fowey whilst staying in a  self catering cottage in Cornwall.

Now is the time to get outside and explore the local area.  Whether you are staying in the North, South or West of Cornwall there will be some fantastic walks nearby.

Pull on your walking boots, wrap up warm and step outside.  Meet Cornwall face to face.  Walk along coastal paths and watch huge swells rolling towards the shore.  Climb over stiles and follow the footpaths. Stop along the way for a delicious pub lunch and a refreshing drink.  Set off again with renewed energy and a full stomach.

Hike through the hauntingly beautiful landscapes.  Saunter through scenic woods and bound over babbling brooks.  There’s nothing like fresh Cornish air to rejuvenate your mind and put a spring in your step.

When you arrive back at your Cornish cottage, relax and rest your feet.  Make yourself a nice hot drink and decide where to go tomorrow!

Bodmin Moor

This majestic wilderness is set in a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.  Visitors to Bodmin Moor can explore Bronze Age settlements, burial chambers and holy wells.

Walk through moorland tracks, paths and follow disused quarry tramways.  Start at one of the highest places in Cornwall ‘The Minions’.  Walk on a circular route passing the famous Hurlers Circles and Pipers Stones.  Visit the Cheesewring Quarry and pass some fascinating granite mounds.

Finish up back at the highest pub in Cornwall ‘The Cheesewring’ and enjoy a steaming hot delicious meal.

We have a collection of Cornish cottages in the Bodmin Moor area awarding you with an ideal base to explore the mysterious moors.

Cotehele

Follow a historical journey along the River Tamar.  From Calstock’s Victorian viaduct to the area’s finest architectural gem, the manor house of Cotehele.  Explore the surrounding area and discover its history and fascinating past.

Walk along the River Tamar to reach the Rail viaduct of 1906.  The viaduct is an enduring memorial to industrial progress and later decline.  This was once a bustling river port from Saxon times.

For superb views head to just beyond the Tamar Valley office for a stunning vantage point of the surrounding area.

We have Cornish cottages available in Cotehele located on the beautiful South coast of Cornwall

Morwenstow

Morwenstow is a wild outpost of dramatic and beautiful scenery with some fantastic routes to walk nearby.  With scenic walks through high cliffs and deep grassy valleys.  The area is backed by quiet woods and farmland.  Welcoming pubs are situated along the way for refreshments.

This was once a base for wreckers who lured ships onto the rocks.  A one-time home of the eccentric Victorian parson-poet Robert. S. Hawker.  He introduced the Harvest Festival and gave Christian burials to shipwrecked seamen washed up on the shores of the parish.

We have Cornish cottages in the Morwenstow area available.

Mount Edgcumbe

Explore the peninsula that extends into the River Tamar.  Mount Edgcumbe is a stunning Tudor home built in the early 16th century.  The Grade 1 listed gardens of the property have remained largely unchanged.

This provides a stunning parkland environment on the banks of the Tamar.  Wander through the mansions grounds and along the surrounding coastal paths.  Explore the wooded shorelines.  Enjoy the spectacular views over Plymouth Sand.

Staying in this area near the county border will give you the opportunity to explore both Devon and Cornwall.  We have Cornish cottages available in the Kingsand area.

Bedruthan Steps

For stunning and dramatic coastal scenery this is the walk for you.  I spend most of my evenings in the summer walking my dog along these coastal paths.

Ancient rock formations have created breathtakingly beautiful views.  At low tide you are able to walk down a steep staircase to Bedruthan Beach.  The beach feels so unreal and magical with its seaweed covered rocks and archways through the rocks.  The area was named after a legendary Cornish giant who used the rocks as stepping stones.

If you keep walking north down the cliff park you will come to Park Head.  This is a headland jutting out to sea where you are able to view the remains of an Iron Age Embankment.

For great access to popular seaside coastal towns such as Padstow and Newquay staying in a Cornish cottage in the Mawgan Porth area will put you in close proximity.