1-      Get wet! If it’s raining anyway, why not do it properly and jump straight in the sea and take part in many of the water-based activities on offer? There really is something for everyone, from the obvious surfing lessons to kite-surfing and coasteering. A real chance to let off some steam after being cooped up inside your cottage in Cornwall!

2-      Storm watching. If it’s just the chance to change the scenery and have someone else serve you food and drinks, then you could do worse than finding yourself a cosy spot in a café or bar with a picture window to soak in the tempestuous weather and a warm fire to make sure you can snuggle up in front of. Watch the waves roll and rain fall over a nice hot chocolate.

3-      Travel the tracks. Jump aboard on of Cornwall’s branch line services and enjoy the moving scenery of the countryside and towns towards coastal locations. Or step back in time, kick back a gear and travel on the Bodmin – Wenford railway aboard a steam train. If admiring the scenery isn’t enough from the steam train, coincide you journey with one of their ‘Murder Mystery’ events for a real treat.

4-      Step back in time. From pirates to Kings, Cornwall has been host to some interesting characters over the centuries and each has left some kind of legacy. Discover castles, shipwrecks, convicts and smugglers – enough to get any imagination running wild.

5-      Go with it. Get your wet weather gear on or join the hoards of others wandering Cornwall in their shorts and flip-flops. The less to get wet, the less there is to dry! After all, it is only rain : )

We’ve put our heads together in the office and come up with our favourite all year* round dog friendly beaches in Cornwall, to help when holidaying in the south west.

- Constantine Bay on the north coast. A firm favourite with Vicky who say’s that the sandy beach is wide and flat and the tide goes out a long way, so there’s plenty of room for your dog to enjoy. For a bit of exploration, when the tide goes out there are plenty of nooks and crannies for some rocking pooling . With parking and  toilets all to hand, you can while away a day here without realising.

-Gwenver. Just less then mile from Sennen Cove right down the west of Cornwall, this secluded suntrap is a well-kept secret (until today!). With only a few parking spaces but no other facilities you stand a good chance of having the beach to yourselves, particularly in winter. But mostly you’ll find surfers and walkers wanting to share this pictureseque spot that feels like you’re at the end of the world.

-Talland Bay. There are a few smaller beaches and then main beach at Talland Bay is a wonderful place to spend a day. Either walk the coastal path from either Looe or Polperro if you want to exercise your dog and yourselves whilst enjoying the breathtaking scenery or park up and take a stroll through the village. Walking on the beach is a little restricted at high tide but when it begins to go out there are plenty of rock pools to be be explored. A great beach cafe and shop will make sure all humans are fed and watered after running around after their pet friends!

*Information subject to change. We recommend checking details before heading down to the beach with your dog in tow.

Technically The British Firework Championships shouldn’t be featured on here seeing as they’re held on Plymouth Hoe, but I just couldn’t resist as fireworks are one of my most favourite things. And best of all, it’s FREE.

Now in its 14^th year, drawing the best 6 fireworks display companies together in this almighty competition held over 10^th -11^th August 2010 in which the winner will represent Britain at the international competition. Starting with early evening entertainment courtesy of local station, Heart radio and the obligatory food stalls, fun fair rides to entertain the most impatient of people while waiting for it to get dark and the real fun begin.

Each spectacular and extravagant display lasts ten minutes, so expect plenty of Ooooo’s and Aaaaaaaah’s whilst the sky above Plymouth is lit up. With crowds in excess of 200,000, you’ll have to make sure you get there early to get a prime view point or if you are staying in a cottage in Cornwall, we’ve  found somewhere that means there’s no need for you to even cross the Tamar.

Stay at Edgcumbe Cottage and you will not only have a prime location for firework spotting from the Cremyll over to Plymouth Hoe but you are right on the doorstep to the wonderful Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park. Take a tour of the former house of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe (admission charged) or spend the summer days wandering the immaculately manicured 865 acres of country and formal gardens, all for free. A wonderful location that will make sure your self catering holiday in Cornwall goes with a bang! (Sorry, had to be done.)

The North coast boasts over 60 miles of dramatic Atlantic cliff tops, with miles of sandy beaches interspersed with fishing villages and market towns. Bedruthan Steps just North of Newquay is one of the country’s most extraordinary beaches, with large slate outcrops strewn across the bay, whilst the tranquil and historic port of Boscastle decorated in white washed, thatch covered cottages with it’s tales of smuggling and shipwrecks, is a treat. From King Arthur’s castle at Tintagel to kayaking along the coastline, the North coast has much to entertain. Whether it’s the Atlantic surf, horse riding, sunbathing or rambling along the coast path, the majestic splendor and endless opportunities are guaranteed to delight.

Just like the North coast, the South coast offers much in the way of scenic coastline and rolling countryside, and the Roseland peninsula is no exception. Situated centrally along the Cornish coastline, the Roseland is one of the most picturesque and unspoilt areas of Cornwall, positioned within the gulf stream, the climate is mild and often reaches Mediterranean temperatures producing spectacular gardens, very few places compare. With meandering rivers, quaint hamlets and secluded coves to discover, you will be spoilt for choice. Hike along the cliff tops and down to some of the most deserted beaches, such as Portholland or browse the shop fronts of St Mawes a bustling harbour village and sailing hotspot. From snorkling and windsurfing to fishing and cycling the Roseland will not disappoint.

Self catering holiday cottages are an ideal way to explore the many beautiful and secluded locations of the North and South coast, offering freedom to come and go as you please. The Cob at the hamlet of Treligga, a stone’s throw from the famous fishing village of Port Issac, the home of Doc Martin, is a perfect place to experience the Northern coast of Cornwall in all of its glory. Watch the fishing fleet depart from the harbour at dawn and on their return, purchase some superb fish to rustle up a truly local dish back at the holiday cottage, or why not eat out, with freshly caught fish dominating the evening menus, the choice is yours. Garden Cottage located in Veryan on the Roseland peninsula is ideal for exploring the South coast, only a short drive from tranquil and charming village of Tregony and the wet fish shop on the harbour front at St Mawes. Why not take the St Mawes Ferry to the busy port of Falmouth between the 9^th and 14^th of August to marvel at the magnificent yacht races, boats and catamarans involved in the Henri-Lloyd Regatta Week, with late services to ensure enjoyment of the Red Arrows and spectacular firework displays.

Early August is a wonderful time to holiday in Cornwall, with a multitude of things to do and see both on the North and South coast and self catering cottages are one of the best ways to enjoy the local lifestyle.

So visit Cornwall and discover your favourite – I’m a tea and marmite girl myself!

The first thing to do before you even book your next holiday to Cornwall is research. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth visit, by doing some research about either the area or holiday cottage you are planning on staying in will mean a better experience all around. The most important thing to check is, of course, whether it is a dog friendly holiday cottage. There’s no point in spending time dreaming about that luxury apartment if they won’t allow your dog to stay too. Once you’ve found somewhere, make sure you check all the facilities that are provided and that they are suitable for you. Imagine arriving for your holiday to find that the accommodation is on the third floor and no outside space for your four-legged friend to run around in- not a good start. Many self catering holiday cottages in Cornwall are based on farms or have animals nearby, so it is important as a responsible pet owner to be respectful of other animals or wildlife and be sure to keep your pets under control at all times. This is especially so if you plan to explore the extensive Cornish coastal footpaths that often run through farmland. Being an all year round destination, visitors are encouraged to enjoy many of the attractions on offer regardless of season. This is particularly so for the beaches that Cornwall is famous for- we want everyone to enjoy them! That’s why there are over 80 beaches year round dog friendly beaches around Cornwall’s shores, for you and your dog to enjoy, even on the hottest of mid-summer days. Even our furry friends deserve a dip in the water to cool off.

So this year, don’t let your choice of accommodation rule out the chances for ALL your family to enjoy the annual cottage holiday in Cornwall. All it takes is some research and perhaps a bit of planning, but the effort will be rewarded.

Taking place from June 27^th to July 4^th 2010, you could get into the heart of the action by staying just 75 yards from the harbour in Seagull Cottage. An ideal self catering holiday cottage to make sure you won’t miss the fishing boat race around the bay on the opening day. Live music, Air Sea Rescue demonstrations and the Fish Festival, where you can pick up some local produce to take to the Teddy Bear’s Picnic or to enjoy in your holiday cottage, and children’s entertainment that will be sure to exhaust even the most demanding of children are all part of the week.

Feast Week is one of the busiest times for Mevagissey, the narrow streets and hoards of people can make parking somewhat of a headache at this time! Some people decide to stay just outside to be able to enjoy Mevagissey but to also explore other parts of Cornwall. Cottages nearby are an ideal way to spend your holiday, places such as White Cottage in the quaint village of Veryan or Primrose Cottage in Portloe, are perfect base to combine family holiday fun with a visit to the big finale on Saturday, July 4^th starting with the traditional Flora Dance being led by the children of Mevagissey School and ending in a magnificent fireworks display- not to be missed!

Fit in a visit to the first Rock Oyster Festival is set to take place 19^th- 20^th June at Pothilly Farm in Rock while self catering in holiday cottage nearby such as Tristan’s Hydaway or Carlyon Farm Wing. During this two day celebration of all things ‘oyster’ and the sea, the Rock Oyster Festival promises ‘a heady mixture of oysters, mussels and other local food from top producers with a jam packed weekend of activities and entertainment.’ So if you like your entertainment to be family friendly, foodie with funky music- don’t miss out!

Pop down to Falmouth on the 18^th, 19^th or 20^th June and you will be lucky enough to be entertained by any one of the 24 shanty groups taking part in the Falmouth International Shanty Festival. A free event aimed at preserving and promoting the maritime heritage of Falmouth and Cornwall, raise money for the RNLI and ensure that everyone has fun doing so! To enjoy the full event and everything that Falmouth has to offer, a stay at The Hideaway or Olive Cottage will put you in a prime location, you may even catch a note or two in the air from the garden. With groups from all over, including Germany, France and the Netherlands, there will be plenty of opportunities to listen to the international shanties and see if you can recognise the difference between a Capstan and a Stamp and Go.

Now this really is the stuff that little girl’s dreams are made of; glitter, tutu’s and wings are a must during The 3 Wishes Faery Fest at Colliford Lake on Bodmin Moor. This family friendly 3 day festival from 18^th- 20^th June means total absorption into all things Faery; with the help of music and performers, workshops that include how to make your own faery wand (an essential bit of kit), the latest in faery fashion and many more surprises are promised. Get carried away with the faeries and camp during the festival or stay at either the aptly named Dreamcatcher or Moondance self catering holiday cottages nearby on Bodmin Moor and still be able to enjoy the added bonus of the solstice celebrations.

So for those who thought Cornwall was all about the Royal Cornwall Show and Run to the Sun, hopefully this has introduced you to a few alternative things to do while on your self catering holiday in Cornwall.

Yet with some planning and a bit of imagination (and sometimes a lot of guts!) there are some interesting alternatives to travelling around Cornwall while on your self catering holiday and uncover some little gems you wouldn’t necessarily see whilst using the most well trodden paths throughout the South West.

The former artists’ colony of St. Ives encompasses all the charm of the quaint Cornish villages and continues to attract many visitors each year. Even if you’ve been to St. Ives before, a trip on the St. Ives Railway, a short journey across from St. Erth train station, is an opportunity to experience the dramatic views of Hayle Towans and Carbis Bay before arriving in St. Ives. Staying at nearby Brea Cottage and with trains running every day (except Christmas and Boxing Day, all you have to do is make sure you don’t miss the last train back to your holiday cottage.

To get out and about on public transport, you could wait for a sunny day or pack your waterproofs and head out on FirstGroup’s Service 300 open top ‘Cornwall Explorer’ if you’re having a self catering holiday in the West of Cornwall. Sit on the top deck and see over the Cornish hedgerows and feel the wind on your face as you travel through West Cornwall. Buy a day ticket and you can hop on and off the First bus routes enjoying places such as Mousehole, Newlyn and Land’s End for as long as you want.

Fancy spending the morning in Mevagissey and be in Fowey in time for afternoon tea or vice versa? Well, by using the Mevagissey to Fowey ferry or more lovingly known as the Bessie-James, you can arrive in Fowey after a 35 minute boat ride that follows the spectacular coastline. Even well behaved dogs are welcome aboard this regular service that picks up and drops off on Lighthouse Quay, Mevagissey and Whitehouse Quay, Fowey, leaving you more than enough time to explore the galleries, coffee shops and perhaps the pubs too (seeing as no-one is driving!)

For a more serene and individual opportunity to explore the coastline at your leisure, why not hire a kayak or canoe and head out on your own? Many beach shops can arrange the hire of all the equipment and guide you to some of the best spots for a morning or full day’s excursion or pop on over to the Harlyn Bay Surf  School on the North coast for their expert tution.

For some though, being on the ground just doesn’t offer the same perspective as perhaps the sky. Cornwall offers some of the most incredible aerial views spanning the county, and from the air you can trace the contours of moorlands and coastlands that Cornwall is famed for and possibility even the Cornish traditional holiday cottage you’re staying in. For the traditional, take a trip to Bodmin or Perranporth airfields for a trial flight that will amaze or for those wanting something just that little bit different, head on down to Cloud 9 at Redruth where they can offer hang gliding, paragliding and paramotoring…..you’ve just got to remember to keep your eyes open though!!

Or forget all that and just get out and walk. Do your bit towards the environment and save yourself some money whilst seeing the best of what Cornwall has to offer, up close and personal at your own pace. With over 630 miles of coastal paths alone, you won’t need to see them same thing twice!

So, in no particular order, here are just some of our ideas for how to spend your bank holiday in Cornwall……feel free to add any of your own too.

5- Beaches. Best enjoyed when the sun comes out but obviously with the unpredictable British weather, the many beaches we have to choose from in Cornwall can all offer a multitude of ways to be enjoyed on even the wettest bank holiday in Cornwall; Kite surfing on the long sandy beach west coast beach at Marazion, or a simply gaze out of your cosy self catering holiday cottage at the beach outside. Little Quoit, sleeping 2, has spectacular views over Rocky Valley and Bossiney Cove, midway between Tintagel and Boscastle that can be soaked up from the relaxing conservatory.

4- Walks. Not just any old walk, why not try a Treasure Trail that means that everyone can enjoy a exploring new places, whilst venturing a little further perhaps than whet the local shops or pub has to offer! Or perhaps set a route and discover the spectacular paths running along Cornwall’s incredible coastline? A stay at Highertown Barn in Camelford would be the ideal base for a large group or family to spend a week discovering the wilds of Bodmin Moor.

3- Eat and drink. These two go hand in hand as Cornwall has some of the finest local ingredients that could make up a most memorable feast. Whether you decide that it’s one of Cornwall’s famous restaurants such as Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen or a picnic made up of local pasties and cream teas, washed down with some fine ale or scrumpy, you have the freedom to sample it all by staying in a self catering holiday cottage in Cornwall.

2- Golf. If you’re in the habit of spoiling a good walk (in Mark Twain’s opinion), with around 30 courses to choose from then Cornwall is just the place. A stay at the 3 smile property, the Old Chapel House, with 2 free memberships to Bowood Park Golf Club makes this four bedroom property just outside of Tintagel a must!

1- The Eden Project. Rain or shine, young or old; Eden is a place that should be visited at least once. With seasonal changes and interactive displays, Eden will entertain all ages and you can return day after day to enjoy it all.

And there you have it. A tough list to compile so let us know what you would’ve included or what you’ll be up to during your bank holiday weekend in Cornwall.

Helston Flora Day, held annually on 8th May (except when the date falls on a Sunday or Monday and then it is the preceding Saturday) is the celebration to mark the coming of spring and passing of winter.

The town is packed out for the whole day as people line the colourful, flower decorated streets to watch the four dances and Hal-an-Tow (a mystery play) throughout the day. The Flora Dance, or Furry Dance, winds its way through the town and doesn’t deviate, even it means dancing through people’s homes, gardens and shops.

Be close to the action and be part of the ancient tradition by staying close by at Meadow View, sleeping up to 6 and welcomes pets.

Morning Dance : Starts from the Guildhall at 7am

The Hal-an-Tow : Starts on St John’s Bridge at 8:30am

The Children’s Dance : Starts from Wendron Street at 9:50am

The Midday Dance : Starts from the Guildhall at 12 noon

The Evening Dance : Starts from the Guildhall at 5pm

…..And the bonus with this Flora Dance is that there’s no sign of Terry Wogan!