There’s always an air of excitement around Cornwall at this time of year.  Don’t get me wrong, winter in Cornwall can be great, but with our amazing beaches and sub-tropical climate the summers are something truly special, which is why you will want to just get outside and play

Long lazy lunches resting weary legs after a morning surf;  men flocking to the BBQ like bees to honey; ice cream dripping down your fingers;. catching the last of the evening sun with a refreshing pint of cider; Cornwall was made for holiday moments like these.

And there’s plenty more to experience when spending time in this magical county.  The next few months are a perfect time to visit and immerse yourself in some Cornish culture, from beer festivals to agricultural fairs.

I’ve given you my top five but there are plenty more which you can check out in our new Cornwall Guide.

Royal Cornwall Show: 7th, 8th and 9^th of June.

In the weeks running up to the show you will hear two words from many locals to each other around Cornwall ‘Goin Show?’ This is a huge event in Cornwall’s calendar eagerly anticipated and bringing in many visitors from far and wide

Wear a comfortable pair of shoes as there’s a lot of ground to cover.  Whether you’re looking to a buy a tractor, a hot tub or a new sunhat this is the place.  With thousands of stalls, exhibits and activities there’s much to see and do around every corner.  It will be very difficult to fit it all in (good job it’s on for three days then).

The show has been running now for 219 years and still sticks to its agricultural roots but with plenty of extras thrown in.   Perfect for a family day out make sure you’re around to watch the dog shows.  Pop in and say hello to creatures great and small in the animal tents.  The flower tents are a sight to behold with their eye-catching colours and strong scents.  Most importantly when you’re a bit hot and tired and need a sit down visit one of the many beer tents and try some of our delicious local ale or cider.

The Royal Cornwall Show takes place near the historical town of Wadebridge.  Check out our cottages in the Wadebridge area.

Rock Oyster Festival: 22^nd – 24^th June

The Rock Oyster Festival is a fantastic Cornish celebration of food, music and art.  Watch cooking demonstrations by some of the best chefs in the region.

Dance along to some of the amazing live singers and bands that have been booked to entertain and amuse you.  For the kids there’s circus acts, face painting and juggling trampolinists.

Hugely popular this festival is a must for those looking to kick back, try some great Cornish food and enjoy a weekend of merriment.

Located along the estuary on the River Camel, we have cottages available in the Rock area.

Newlyn Fish Festival: 27th August

If you enjoy both fish and festivals then this is the one for you.  Eat delicious fresh seafood to your hearts content whilst watching cooking demonstrations from local restaurant owners and well known chefs.  Tap your feet along to some brilliant live music.

Bid in the Fish Auction and win yourself something tasty to take back to your cottage and cook up a feast with.   You can delight your family and friends with some of the skills you learnt watching the cooking demonstrations.  Line up along the harbour to watch the historical lugger race and pick your favourite boat to cheer on.

Some of the best food that Cornwall has to offer will be here, so sample some delicious Cornish clotted ice cream, grilled mackerel or some mouth watering barbequed lobster.

We have some fantastic cottages near Newlyn giving you the perfect base to explore the West Cornwall coast.

Boardmasters: 8th – 12th August

With lots of stalls, beer tents and a generally great holiday atmosphere, Fistral is the place to hang out during the day.

This is Europe’s only surf, skate and musical festival and it’s held right here annually, in Newquay.  Head to the famous beach to sit back, catch some rays and watch the surfing championships. A huge half pipe is set up for skating which makes for compelling viewing. All of this is free to visit and makes for a lovely weekend with a great chilled out vibe.

On the Friday and Saturday nights head over to Watergate Bay to join the festival dancing with some huge headlining music acts.  This year they include Ed Sheeran and Dizzee Rascal.  You will need to book tickets in advance though so visit the Boardmasters website for more information.

We have cottages available in the Newquay area.  This popular seaside town has a great number of attractions and fantastic beaches in the area.

Golowan Festival: 16th – 24th June

This is a recent revival of an ancient festival celebrated in years gone by to mark the arrival of Midsummer.  Running for ten day period throughout June this is the most colourful community festival in Cornwall attracting over 70,000 visitors.

Traditionally the town’s streets were lined with burning tar barrels which were paraded around.  Unsurprisingly this no longer happens but with the large paper mache and wicker creations the festival is still an outstanding sight to see.

Quay Day on the Saturday sees the town centre transformed with banners and leafy decorations, the streets are closed with street markets.  A fantastic procession and serpent dance takes place.

The Golowan Festival takes place in Penzance.  Check out the selection of cottages we have in the Penzance area.   

Stroll around Bodmin moor, the mystical landscape that hasn’t changed since the beginning of time.  With its ancient granite tors and panoramic views this area has inspired many local and visiting poets, sculptors and writers.

Explore the ancient ruins of Tintagel castle which claims to be the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur.  Climb the steep steps to find yourself on an island joined to the mainland by one bridge with panoramic views of the North coast from this amazing vantage point. When the tide is out, clamber down the rocks to the cove below to visit Merlin’s cave for a truly atmospheric experience.

Whilst exploring the many miles of stunning coastline take a moment to sit beside wildflowers blowing in the breeze, breathe in the fresh salty Cornish air and let your worries blow away.  Take advantage of one of the many spectacular picnic spots to recharge the batteries. Shelter in one of our welcoming pubs along the way and sample one of our fine Cornish ales or refreshing ciders.

Try a spot of surfing; North Cornwall’s beaches have some of the best surf in the country with perfect sets of waves rolling in one after the other.  Conditions are great for both the experienced surfers and new beginners looking to try out this energizing and invigorating sport.

If you are looking for a North Cornwall cottage, Cornish Traditional Cottages has a great selection hand-picked cottages to share with you.

Spontaneity is the spice of life! If you have decided to go away at the last minute then we have a great range of last minute cottages in Cornwall for you to choose from. You certainly won’t regret it; self catering in Cornwall has never been so good.

You can either stay in the rural countryside, near one of our beautiful beaches or in a historical town; choose from a wide variety of options which holiday cottage will be suited to your needs.

Many people are unable to think about booking up a holiday in advance but if you still want to take your family away for a last minute cottage holiday, then Cornwall is a wonderful place to visit.  We have warmer temperatures than the rest of Britain, surrounded by more than 300 beautiful beaches and countryside, and with loads of brilliant attractions to visit and explore there is a never ending supply of activities to amuse you in Cornwall

Surprise your partner and arrange an unexpected exciting romantic getaway to a last minute cottage in Cornwall, and show them how much you care.  With many fantastic restaurants and stunning walks this is the perfect couple’s getaway.

All of us need a break to clear our heads and unwind occasionally, for those with an impulsive nature; there are still plenty of opportunities for you to have a holiday in Cornwall in a last minute holiday cottage.

It’s not only more enjoyable but also practical to take your dog away on holiday with you.  No need to arrange kennelling or asking friends to take care of them whilst you’re away and your dog will love it too!  For most owners the thought of leaving their beloved pet at home just isn’t an option and with so much dog friendly accommodation available in Cornwall it would be a real pity to leave them behind.

Staying in a pet friendly cottage provides a base with freedom to explore.  The county is extremely fond of pets with many of our local pubs and attractions welcoming dogs and their owners.

There are a huge variety of spectacular cliff top, beach and woodland walks.  Bringing your dog along will give you even more great reasons to get out,  see the Cornish coast and countryside, and explore the more remote and wild corners you might otherwise have missed.

The vast majority of our beautiful beaches are open all year for our fur covered friends.  Watching your dog chasing seagulls, bouncing in the waves and splashing through rock pools will have you thinking about a more permanent move to this special county.

Sit back and relax in the evenings with your exhausted playmate curled up at your feet after a day of adventure. A perfect end to the perfect day in your pet friendly cottage.

As you can see in the photo’s  my dog ‘Rolo’ and his brother ‘Winston’ are enjoying all Cornwall has to offer.

Start your day with a brisk early morning walk before breakfast, build up an appetite with the sunrise and be the first footprints on the beach.  Let your lungs fill with the clean salty air blowing in from the ocean.

Paddle your feet in the waters and jump over the rolling waves.  Hire a board and have a go at surfing or body boarding and discover a new favourite hobby.  Explore the fascinating rock pools for their marine inhabitants, find mermaid’s purses and listen for the sound of the ocean in seashells.  Throw slimy seaweed at each other and hold sandcastle building competitions.

When the seas are big and angry and the white horses are galloping towards the shoreline, brace yourself against the Atlantic winds and let everyday worries blow away.   In the evenings, take a blanket, share a bottle and have a romantic picnic whilst the sun sets, then go back to your welcoming and cosy holiday cottage. Where better to be by the sea than Cornwall?

The calming, meditative sound of crashing waves and the smell of the sea mist will capture you and draw you closer to nature; what can be better than a cottage by the sea?  A self catering cottage in Cornwall by the sea is the ultimate way to unwind.

Hike to the top of Brown Willy on Bodmin Moor the highest point, to see the county in all its dramatic beauty.  From this incredible viewpoint admire the wonderful panoramic scenes and fascinating granite rock formations that are scattered around the ever changing landscape.

Explore the many miles of dramatic coastline, with delicate wildflowers swaying in the breeze and waves crashing against the shorelines. Witness dolphins playing as they enter into the warmer shallows and leap over waves.  Look out for the large dark shadows of the plankton-feeding giant basking sharks in the summer.

Watch fisherman head off daily out to sea from picturesque harbour villages as many generations of seafarers have done before them, returning later loaded up with delicious seafood.  Follow footpaths through atmospheric woodlands, step over stiles, and walk through valleys of beautiful meadows.  Watch the breathtaking sunsets with a picnic and a bottle of wine sat on one of Cornwall’s three hundred beaches..  You will be more than spoilt for choice.

Take a trip to one of the local breweries to find out how our delicious Cornish ales and ciders are created, you may even get to sample some produce.  Pop in to the county’s galleries and admire local artwork and sculpture, treat yourself to a nice memory of a wonderful trip.  Investigate the historical significance of the effect mining had on this part of the world and visit the ancient engine houses and stacks that are all that remain of this once rich industry.

Visit one of the English Heritage or National Trust protected properties.  Walk in the footsteps of Edwardians and Victorians and admire the interiors and fashions of their day. Spend your afternoons wandering through stately gardens and enjoy vibrant blooming flowers and plants in abundance.  Follow the twists and turns of worn paths and peep over walls to discover hundreds of years of growth and history.

Admire unique and expressive artwork and sculpture displayed in Cornwall’s galleries from well known artists and discover new ones you’re yet to hear of.   Cornish museums feature a wide range of fascinating and enthralling artefacts. Gain knowledge of local history in captivating and interesting displays.

From beautiful mansions to haunted old gaols, all of these historical buildings have fascinating stories to tell to enthral and captivate you.  Why not join in with a ghost hunting tour and take part in a spooky tale of your own.

Visit the Eden Project, described as the eighth wonder of the world and probably the most talked about garden on earth.  Holder of the biggest rainforest in captivity with intriguing events exhibits and over a million plants to keep you entertained and amused.

Take a trip to the zoo, and call in at the animal parks and sanctuaries to see and learn about the wildlife residing in Cornwall from both home and away.  Get up close to creepy crawlies at Newquay Zoo and meet the rescued seals at the National Seal Sanctuary in Gweek.

Over the years Cornwall has built up a great reputation for its remarkable restaurants, pubs and café’s. Whether its food or drink you’re after it won’t be hard to find the perfect spot to rest your feet, fill your stomach and quench your thirst.

Many renowned chefs have chosen to open restaurants in the county to take advantage of the local Cornish produce that features heavily in Cornwall’s food.  Most restaurants and pubs have menus offering seasonal food sourced from the surrounding area’s to keep it as fresh and local as possible.

Eating out in Cornwall can offer visitors a truly memorable dining experience.  From modern seafood restaurants overlooking Padstow’s harbour to century’s old traditional pubs on the top of windswept moors, delicious mouth watering food can be found in a variety of locations.

Sit in front of a flickering log fire and tuck into a locally reared meaty steak and chips.  Mop up the last of your moules mariniere with freshly baked bread and wash down with a refreshing glass of crisp white wine.  Watch the world go by in a cosy café and indulge in a scrumptious Cornish Cream Tea.

Overlooking the ocean whilst tucking into some delicious seafood will enhance the flavours and make for a truly special experience. Succulent lobster, crabs and line-caught mackerel freshly delivered from the harbour are available on most local menus.

Pop in to one of Cornwall’s many pubs for a pint of locally brewed real ale or a refreshing glass of cider and meet some local characters who have many stories to share to amuse and entertain.  You may even be sat with the fisherman who caught your dinner.

And of course don’t go home without having a traditional Cornish steaming hot pasty with a pint or cider to complete your Cornwall experience.

From day one she’s been picking you up and pointing you in the right direction.  Sharing reassuring words in her arms as you sobbed your eye’s out over a teenage crush..

Whether you’re eight or twenty eight she’s always keen to pass on her wise advice and you may not always agree, but ultimately and annoyingly enough, she’s normally right. It’s only when we start repeating her life coaching mantras that we realize how scarily similar we are.

Treat your mum to an extra special surprise for mother’s day with a trip to Cornwall, staying in one of our comfortable cottages located throughout the county.  With the budding green leaves appearing on the trees and the summer flowers cautiously rearing their pretty heads this is a great time to visit.  The breeze is pure, the sea glistens and the wildlife, abundant.

Here are some words of advice from our mother’s that have stuck with us, although we’ve not necessarily taken heed…

• Don’t trust a man with a mustache.
• Always wear clean underwear as you never know when you’ll be hit by a bus.
• Eating carrots will help you see in the dark.
• Don’t pull silly faces because if the wind changes you’ll stay like that.
• Learn your manners as you never know when the queen will invite you for tea.

Here are some great places to take your mum when holidaying in Cornwall…

Eden project, St Austell

Spring is a wonderful time to visit this very popular attraction.  With beautiful flowers blooming from thousands of flower beds your mother will enjoy the spectacular scenery immensely.

Visit the world’s largest rainforest in captivity with steamy jungles and waterfalls.  Then head over to the Mediterranean Biome for the lemon trees, olive groves, vine and cork trees.

With so many activities and events this is a wonderful day out and your mum will truly appreciate spending her time surrounded by such beauty.

The Eden project is situated in a disused quarry near St Austell.  We have some fantastic South Cornwall cottages giving you the perfect base to explore the coast. 

Hall for Cornwall

For an entertaining evening out, head to the beautiful town of Truro for a visit to the theatre.  The Hall of Cornwall is an intimate venue with a great selection of restaurants and bars nearby for a drinks and a meal before or after the show.  Two fantastic productions are on around Mother’s day:-

22^nd March – 24^th March

The Duchy Ballet is bringing Jules Perrot’s spectacular ballet, Gilelle to life.  First performed in 1841 this remains one of the most popular and romantic ballets ever performed.  With a full cast of outstanding dancers, a beautiful musical score and dazzling costume design, this will be a memorable evening.

26^th March – 28^th March

The English Touring Opera has two fantastic shows taking place over three days.  Rossini’s masterpiece ‘The Barber of Seville’ is a firm favourite with audiences all around the world.  On the Tuesday, Tchaikovsky’s romantic classic ‘Eugene Onegin’ production will be taking place with its heartfelt arias and ensembles and its splendid choruses and ballroom scenes.

We have cottages available in the Truro area.  The historical bustling cathedral city has some beautiful buildings and a great deal of charm.

River Spa, Wadebridge

Spoil your mother with a rejuvenating massage at the River Spa.  Highly recommended by me! They only use organic Cornish products which smell amazing! Feel the wave of relaxation pass over you as soon as you walk through the door of this gorgeous spa in Wadebridge.

Treat your mum to the Mother’s Day special. An hour of heavenly treatments, starting with a back, neck and shoulder massage.  Finished with a mini facial for only £35.00- the usual price is £50!

Take her along to one of Wadebridge’s welcoming local pubs after her treat to carry on the celebrations with a glass of wine and a delicious lunch.

Wadebridge is one of north Cornwall’s main market towns. This centrally located town has much to offer.  We have some lovely cottages in the Wadebridge area available.

Purely Cornish, Looe

For an added treat to complete the Cornish experience order a beautiful gift from Purely Cornish. Buy on line or visit their shop in Looe for some fantastic Cornish delights.

Choose from a hamper filled with Cornish chocolate and Cornish clotted cream fudge.   Strawberry cream liquor, and honeycomb beautifully presented in a wicker basket.  Alternatively go for the basket filled with Boddingtons raspberry jam and honeycomb or Simply Cornish chocolate chip biscuits and Kernow lemon meringue flavor chocolate (my mouth is watering just thinking about it).

If your mum’s anything like mine she will love a tipple or two (or three). How about a couple of bottles of Cornish Orchards blush? A fresh fruity cider with soft berry overtones, this is the perfect drink to enjoy as the warmth of spring takes hold.

We have a great selection of cottages in the Looe area; this picturesque harbour town is extremely popular with visitors.

Cornwall spring flower Show, Boconnoc House, Lostwithiel.  Saturday 31^st March – Sunday 1^st April

Plan your trip to Cornwall to coincide with the Cornwall Spring Show.  Being the 100^th show this is bound to be a spectacular event.

The Cornwall Spring Show takes place in the grounds of Boconnoc House, an 18^th Century mansion in Lostwithiel.  Over the two days enjoy horticultural trade stands, competitive classes and thousands of pretty petals and blooming flowers.

With over 100 trade stands, show gardens and gardening experts on hand there is plenty for visitors to see, do and buy.  Dogs on leads are welcome so you can take your four legged friend along with you.

This is an ideal location for exploring the splendid Fowey River Valley and is also within easy reach of the sandy beaches of the Cornish Riviera.  Check out our cottages near Lostwithiel.

Enjoy some fish and chips whilst watching the pleasure craft and fishing boats mingle together in the still working busy harbour.  Take a sightseeing trip out to sea or try your hand at fishing.  Mevagissey has had a colourful history throughout the years; boatbuilding and fishing were frequently used as a cover up for a healthy smuggling trade.

Visit and stay in a Cornish cottage in June to join in the festivities for the famous Mevagissey Feast Week for exhibitions, demonstrations, live music, fireworks and delicious fish dishes.  Visit the Aquarium on the harbour to see local species and appreciate the diversity of the local marine wildlife.

Set in a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and situated on the eastern side of the Roseland there is a wide choice of beaches and stunning secluded coves nearby.  Take a stroll along the cliff tops and fill your lungs with crisp clean Cornish air and admire the breathtaking scenery before heading back to your cottage in Mevagissey and spending the evening relaxing and enjoying the tranquillity that staying in Cornwall will award you. 

The award winning and beautiful Lost Gardens of Heligan are a short drive away along with the amazing and popular visitor attraction Eden Project.

Take a trip on the passenger ferry to Fowey and explore further reaches of beautiful Cornwall.