What to See and Do in the Local Area

Within a short distance from the house there are many wonderful beaches and coves. Some, in more sheltered coves, offer the chance to really get away and enjoy some gently swimming, while others provide excellent facilities for surfers and body boarders. Our favourites include Church Cove (with its 13th century sunken church amongst the dunes), Poldhu and Dollar coves on our doorstep, as all offer gentle swimming and body boarding. Surf lessons are available at Poldhu. There is a National Trust teashop at Dollar/Church Cove and a cafe at Poldhu.

The Lizard is steeped in history with much to see and do. Lizard Point is the most southerly point in Britain. There are dramatic cliff walks and amazing geological features, and in summer, basking sharks may be seen.

Two miles north of the Lizard is the famous Kynance Cove, a real gem and popular since Victorian times. Kynance is possibly one of the most photographed beaches in England with its white sand, turquoise water, stunning rock formations, interconnecting caves, arches, stacks and blow holes and a wonderful cafe!

Other attractions nearby include:

The ancient and charming port of Porthleven which boasts good restaurants, cafes and surf.

Just round the coast from Chydane and Porthleven is Mount’s Bay. Visit St Michael’s Mount by crossing the causeway from Marazion at low tide.

Falmouth has the amazing Maritime Museum with exhibitions suitable for all ages.

The Helford River with its creeks and inlets, including Frenchman’s Creek of Daphne du Maurier fame. Rising from the Helford River are the famous gardens of Trebah and Glendurgan which are National Trust owned.

The Minack Theatre was carved out of the rock by Rowena Cade in the 1920’s. For details of performances in Cornwall’s theatre under the stars, please see the Minack Theatre website.

Looking down from the Minack Theatre is the truly stunning Porthcurno beach, full of golden sands and a contrast to the backgound of the turquoise sea. Just inland is the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum with its secret WWII tunnels.

There are museums and art galleries to visit in St Ives including the famous Tate Gallery.

The Penrose Estate has beautiful woodland walks.

Slightly further away but no holiday to Cornwall would be complete without a visit to the Eden Project with its biodomes housing many tropical plants.

Equally impressive is the Lost Gardens of Heligan, re–discovered in 1990 after decades of neglect, and restored on a shoestring budget by a small band of enthusiasts. Visit the Jungle with it’s tropical plants including bananas, walk along the Lost Valley, stop and look at the flowers and plants in the Northern Gardens and the produce in the vegetable gardens which supply the restaurant and cafe.

For younger guests in particular, close by is Flambards with rides, exhibitions and family entertainment.

For golfers, Mullion, West Cornwall and Falmouth Golf Clubs are nearby. Trevose Golf Club and St Enodoc Golf Club (considered one of the best in England!) are slightly further afield but well worth the drive.