Heather’s gems of the south coast:

So you’re planning a day trip (or two) and you’ve decided on a “chill day” - far from the maddening crowds”

I got just the trip for you!

You may well have heard of Charlestown (Poldark filming) and Mevagissey (working fishing harbour) on the south coast - lovely though they are, they can be very busy, especially in the peak summer months.

So why not begin your day just around the corner from Charlestown at Porthpean – a beautiful secluded cove with rock pools in abundance at low tide and a haven for water sports enthusiasts with kayaking and paddleboards available for hire.

From here the coast road will take you to the pretty village square at Pentewan where there is a lovely café which serves supreme cream teas and a variety of other delicious food and drink.

From here on to Portmellon (just beyond Mevagissey.) This little coastal village is a quiet hub of activity and it is easy to while away a few hours here watching the world go by. If you feel so inclined, a very picturesque walk awaits you along the coastal path to Chapel Point and to Gorran Haven if you choose to walk a bit further.

Gorran is a pretty little coastal village with a very good fish ‘n chip shop, a lovely bakery and an interesting harbour  beach (at low tide) where you can linger on the slipway and take in the beauty of the place and enjoy an ice cream whatever time of day!

Vault beach is next to visit. Drive up the steep Lamledra hill out of Gorran and park in the National Trust car park at the top. A lovely walk awaits you across two fields (great for dogs too) down to the most idyllic and secluded long beach - you’re really able to avoid the crowds here – sea swimming and a sunset bbq  is just amazing.

Just up the coast to Hemmick Beach – park at the National Trust car park and walk to either the beautiful Hemmick beach or Dodman Point. At low tide Hemmick is an absolute gem, coves upon coves, and very few people.

Caerhays Castle – a stunning National Trust property – overlooks Porthluney beach and is especially beautiful in the springtime when the National Collection of Magnolias and Camelias are in full bloom. The Castle and gardens are open to the public between February and June each year.

If you have more time to visit the South coast, I suggest that you continue round the coast to Portholland where there are a few fisherman’s cottages (one of which is a little shop and café), well worth a visit if you have time. From here take a little turn inland to Veryan to see the round houses - this thriving little village has everything you could wish for in terms of local produce, food and drink – enjoy!

Carne and Pendower beaches (adjacent to each other, you can walk from one to the other at low tide) are family friendly beaches but never feel busy because they cover such a large expanse. There is an ice cream cart and for a more sophisticated dining experience visit the Quarterdeck Restaurant at the Nare hotel which overlooks Carne beach.  

The Hidden Hut, on the coast path to the East of Portscatho, offers an amazing range of food (they also host feast nights in the summer months.) The Hidden hut has to be on your holiday agenda and you can laze away a few hours on the Porthcurnick beach here at the same time!

The pub at Philleigh (on the way to the King Harry ferry) is a beautiful country pub selling good food and has a lovely pub garden and micro-brewery to enjoy a drink anytime of day.

Finally, the King Harry ferry is an exciting and picturesque way to continue your onward journey to Lord Falmouth’s estate at Trelissick , Mylor, the Pandora Inn and beyond to Falmouth. Enjoy!

This little itinerary is just a flavour of what the South Coast has to offer – take some time and visit – you won’t be disappointed.

Heather and Andy