Travel: Autumn in Cornwall

Praa Sands

I am sure that Cornwall is beautiful whenever you go, but I have loved my quiet week away in October. We stayed in a little cottage called The Boatshed, not far from Praa Sands which is between the Lizard and Penzance.

Museum of Cornish Life, Helston: free entry

What a gem of a museum containing not just your local historical finds and treasures but also real snapshots of social history too. There is a replica of an old shop and toys that I certainly remember being at my Nan’s house, such as The Magic Robot.

South West Coast Path: free!

The South West Coast Path is a very well documented long distance walking trail from Minehead to Poole, and we were a very short walk away from it. We walked sections from Kenneggy Cove to Praa Sands, Marazion to Perranuthnoe and Penzance to Mousehole. By far the best was from Lizard Point to Kynance Cove. Views and coastal scenery were just great breathtaking.

Tremenheere Sculpture Garden

We had this 24 acre sub-tropical garden to ourselves one Sunday morning. It is a beautiful place to visit with many sculptures on differing scales. But one of the best things was walking to the top of the garden to look out over the bay to St Michael’s Mount.

Godolphin House

As luck would have it we visited on one of the few days that this National Trust house was open to the public, as it is usually rented out as a holiday let. So, unlike most National Trust houses, you are actively encouraged to have a poke around and touch things. 

Pendennis Castle and St Mawes Castle

Pendennis Castle is a Tudor castle that defended the Falmouth estuary and subsequently became a station for soldiers during the two world wars. 

A short walk from Pendennis into Falmouth, and you can catch the ferry to visit the St Mawes Castle (also English Heritage). There is a walk each side - both quite hilly, but it is a lovely thing to do.

St Mawes

Mousehole: free

As mentioned above, we walked to the picturesque fishing village of Mousehole from Penzance. Very worthwhile, just to have a wander through the higgledy lanes of the village. The water in the harbour was so crystal clear, that there were actually swimmers in it. 

Loe Pool: free

Park at Penrose (National Trust) and you can have a lovely woodland walk alongside Loe Pool which takes you down to the beach and a sand bar. Very picturesque.

St Michael’s Mount

A trip to this area of Cornwall must incorporate a visit to St Michael’s Mount. You can sometimes access it via a causeway but you have to book to go on to island and your ferry tickets (if needed). 

We were lucky enough to hit the Mount at a very quiet time - one of the first boats over. The castle is inhabited and would be a very tricky climb for anyone with mobility issues. It felt like a very special place.

So, I loved our trip away and I will be back!

Love Mrs Jones x