A QUIET WEEKEND IN CORNWALL TO REMEMBER

Sometimes all anyone needs is a weekend away, in Cornwall. Away from the chores, the need to do a food shop, catch up on work or (heaven forbid) do anything strenuous. A weekend away in a nice place that isn’t home. No 3G, no TV, just some fresh air and sea views. Time to relax, switch off and ponder. Always a treat.

Even more so, it is worth taking advantage of this at the worst of times. To make it a better time. Sadly just after Christmas my Gran passed away. We decided to go where she loved. To Cornwall. And keep on exploring and remembering. A windswept cliff with a stunning view. A fitting link from the past to the future ❤️

For this little trip, because there were family priorities, we made no plans. Here’s my thoughts on why it was such a relaxing last minute break:

Somewhere new

Then there’s no expectations. St Agnes wasn’t somewhere we knew. It just happened to be along the coast from my favourite engine house! Thankfully it is a hidden gem between busy and built up Perranporth and Portreath. Turns out it is a surfer’s paradise and totally chilled, with stunning scenery. Expectations surpassed.

Space to ourselves

We didn’t want to be holed up in a hotel with other people bustling around. Instead we wanted space and no breakfast times to keep to! I found a gorgeous little cottage in Trevaunance Cove. It had me at hello with its sea views. My fleeting research stopped as soon as I saw it! Thank goodness for there being late availability, an added benefit of winter travel in the UK!

No dinner bookings

And don’t plan to do any cooking either. All that we took with us for the kitchen was milk and porridge. Every meal, apart from morning porridge, we ate out, as walk in punters. Chilled and easy, and a treat. It was surprisingly busy in the village of St Agnes. Happily it was all locals, enjoying the quiet time of year! The food was excellent, unfussy and great value. Mr P even found a coffee shop with vegan cake when he went in search of breakfast!

Packing for all weather

This is the UK in winter after all. So it’s important to be ready to pounce on the sun if it pops out. Or to man up and walk in the fog and mizzle if it doesn’t. We filled the car with warm outdoor clothes, boots and wellies. Turns out it was mild! So mild the daffodils were in bloom. It fooled us spring was on the way, we were walking in just jumpers at one point!

Short bursts of energy

We went for little walks this way and that from our cottage. Let’s face it, it’s beautiful any which way you go! North-east for cute coves and chimney stacks. South-west for the beautiful Wheal Coates. Less planning than a full day hike. And since we didn’t pack picnic stuff or a flask, more sensible!!

An interest in history

I’m proud of my Cornish heritage so a trip doesn’t go by when we don’t go and find another tin mine to ogle. The scenery in Cornwall is littered with the relics of the mining era. This part of the UK was the richest place in the world bay in the hey day. It’s incredible to think just how different and busy it would have been. And to not dwell on just how many shafts and tunnels there are under your feet! I particularly love engine houses. The area around St Agnes is littered with chimneys and houses – any new find is a treat!

A comfortable seat

Preferably with a view. I sat with tea and my kindle on the window seat in our bedroom and watched the waves break and the surfers catch waves. Mesmerising and relaxing. So much so my tea went cold and I didn’t read much kindle!

The funeral was terribly sad. But to relax in a beautiful much-loved place was just what was needed. And we discovered new things too. It isn’t just in my opinion that she made the best pasties in Cornwall. Everyone agrees. And my grandparents really were the champions of hidden gem daytrips and picnics. They truly did know the best of the beautiful secret places in Cornwall. In fact more so than many other Cornish people. I’m thrilled that we’ve managed to visit so many ourselves over the years already and enjoy their Cornwall so fully. An ongoing tribute ❤️

This Cornish benediction was chosen for the funeral. I have never heard it before but it is beautiful. It puts so much more eloquently than I ever could what a blessing Cornwall is to our family ❤️

The peace of the running wave to you

The peace of the flowing air to you

The peace of the quiet earth to you

The peace of the shining stars to you

And the peace of the son of peace to you

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