Our local guide
The beaches, walks and suppers we'd recommend to friends. Places marked here are general suggestions for this demo.
01 · Beaches
Beaches
This stretch of coast is all about small, sheltered coves rather than big surf beaches, which makes it lovely for swimming, paddling and rock-pooling.
Porthwenna Cove
Our own little beach, five minutes from both cottages. Sandy at low tide, with rock pools at either end. Go early on summer mornings and you may have it to yourselves.
The river beaches
Upstream, the creeks are lined with tiny shingle beaches under the trees. Calm, warm water and perfect for little ones or a paddleboard.
A bigger sandy bay
Twenty minutes' drive brings you to a wide, lifeguarded beach with a café and loos, ideal for a full family day.
Local tip: Check the tide times before you set off: some coves disappear completely at high tide. There's a tide table in each cottage.
02 · Food and drink
Food and drink
You won't go hungry here. Fresh fish comes off the boats most mornings, and the farm shops are full of Cornish cheese, cream and cider.
The village pub
Two minutes from Gull's Rest: crab sandwiches at lunch, fish suppers by the fire in the evening. Book ahead in August.
Harbour-side café
Breakfast baps, proper coffee and cakes. Grab a pasty to take on the coast path.
Farm shop on the hill
Fill your fridge with local veg, sausages, clotted cream and Cornish gin. Many items in your welcome hamper come from here.
Riverside restaurant by boat
Take the little seasonal ferry across the river for a long lunch looking out over the water.
Local tip: Fancy a night in? Ask us for the number of the local fishmonger, who can deliver a seafood platter to your door.
03 · Walks
Walks
The South West Coast Path runs right through the village, and there are gentle woodland and river walks too. Muddy boots are very welcome.
Cove to headland loop (3 miles)
Up onto the cliffs, round the headland and back through the fields. Wildflowers in spring, seals below the point in autumn.
The creek walk (4 miles, easy)
A flat, shady path along the river through ancient oak woods. Good in any weather, and there's a pub halfway.
The big day out (8 miles)
Follow the coast path to the next village, have lunch, and catch the bus back. Ask us for the timetable.
Local tip: We keep OS maps, walking guides and a dog-towel stash in both cottages. Help yourself.
04 · Family days out
Family days out
Lots to keep children of all ages busy, much of it free.
Crabbing off the harbour wall
Buy a line and bucket at the village shop. Bacon makes the best bait. Endless fun, and you can count your catch before letting them go.
A boat trip on the river
Hop on a trip boat to spot herons, seals and egrets, or hire a little motorboat and explore the creeks yourself.
Gardens and adventure playgrounds
Several big subtropical gardens within half an hour, with jungle-like valleys running down to the sea.
Local tip: Tide House has a box of buckets, spades, kites and boogie boards in the shed.
05 · Rainy-day ideas
Rainy-day ideas
Cornish weather changes quickly, and a grey morning often turns into a golden afternoon. Until then, here are some cosy plans.
The maritime museum in town
Boats, storms and shipwrecks, with a tower overlooking the harbour. Easily fills half a day.
Galleries and makers
Falmouth and the surrounding villages are full of small galleries, potters and printmakers.
A long, lazy lunch
Find a pub with a fire, order the fish, and watch the rain over the water.
Stay in
Light the wood burner, raid the board-game cupboard and break out the hamper. Honestly, it's one of the best bits.
Local tip: Check the forecast hour by hour: the rain often clears from the west by lunchtime.
Come and see it for yourself
Two cottages, one little harbour, and a welcome hamper waiting when you book direct.