The Best Way to spend 3 Days in Cornwall

 

A long weekend or a mid-week stay is enough time to hit some of Cornwall’s most popular spots and Trevornick, located on the north coast just outside of Newquay makes a great base. Explore the 422 miles of coast path, wander around the timeless harbour villages and pop into the artisan bakeries for freshly baked pasties before retiring for the night in some of the UK’s most famous restaurants. Here’s our recommendation on the best way to spend 3 perfectly paced days in Cornwall.

 

Day One: Stay Close To Home On The North Cornish Coast

 

Start slow in Holywell Bay: set off for a walk from Trevornick along the winding path through the towering sand dunes that frame the expansive sandy beach and turquoise waters of Holywell Bay. Wander into the picturesque village and enjoy a well-deserved flat-white and eggs on toast at local’s favourite, Holywell Bay Beach Bar – we highly recommend grabbing a table outside on the decking to soak in the morning sun.

 

Late morning: pack up the car and head to nearby Newquay setting the sat nav for Fistral Beach. Wander the surf shops, go for a surf (it’s a great place for lessons) or simply throw down a blanket and settle in for a day on the sand. If you have little ones in tow – Newquay Zoo is a wonderful place to go for a walk on the wild side. With penguins, monkeys and zebras, it sets imaginations alight.

 

Afternoon wanders: if the weather is not quite good enough for a day on the beach, it’s time to go for a wander. Head into Newquay and have some fun in the arcades and enjoy retro games at Cave Activity Bar. If you prefer being outside, walk the renowned South West coast path – recently made famous by the film The Salt Path. Starting at Fistral Beach, turn right and head for the harbour watching out for seals along the way or turn left and head for Pentire Headland to admire the views of Crantock Beach and The Gannel Estuary.

 

Evening dinner out: give yourself the night off from cooking. Staying in the Fistral Beach area, we highly recommend a pizza and a pint of ice-cold cider at The Stable – it’s a great place to watch the sunset or if you are lover of seafood, you have to try The Fish House. If time isn’t on your side and you need to get the kids to sleep grab fish and chips from Rick Stein’s and head back to Trevornick.

Day Two: Pack For Padstow

 

Rise and shine for Padstow: loved by all who visit, and an absolute must do when visiting Cornwall. This popular harbour can be very busy so it’s best to begin the day early before the crowds arrive. Rick Stein’s culinary imprint is everywhere but if you like a view with your breakfast, head to Pucelli’s. Overlooking the harbour, watch the morning sun dance on the bobbing boats and relax as the scent of breakfast gently fills air. The Eggs Benedict is particularly good!

 

Late morning: grab a pasty for lunch from popular Chough Bakery and work off breakfast with a stroll along the estuary heading for Hawker’s Cove where beautiful panoramic views of the coastline will take your breath away. If you’re looking for more adventure, hire bikes and ride the Camel Trail – a serene and flat route where oystercatchers flit above the water. The route to Wadebridge is gentle and rewardingly scenic.

 

In the afternoon, set sail: charter a boat or book a sea safari to explore the estuary’s hidden coves and, if you’re lucky, spot seals or puffins. Alternatively, take the ferry to Rock – just 5 minutes across the water – and explore its wind-brushed beaches and the cool, calm vibe of this upscale enclave. Or if you’re in need of some adrenaline, water-ski, wakeboard or hire a paddleboard from Camel Ski to experience life on the water.

 

Set the scene for dinner: with so many award-winning restaurants, choosing where to go for dinner can be a difficult decision. Perhaps the most obvious one is Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant where the menu is packed with fresh catch of the day. For something more casual, head to Paul Ainsworth’s Caffè Rojano. Mediterranean-inspired, think wood-fired pizzas, small plates of truffle arancini, and fresh, house-made pasta.

 

Prefer something even more laidback? Prawn on the Lawn serves up small plates with a global twist – Korean crab claws, mackerel ceviche – in a chic, seafood-focused wine bar setting. It’s tiny but incredible.

Day Three: Make Lasting Memories

 

Early morning: by 9am park up at Marazion to explore St Michael’s Mount. At low-tide, walk the ancient cobbled causeway across to the island or if the tide is in, take the small speed boat which is heaps of fun, especially with children in tow. Slowly wander the sub-tropical gardens before exploring the many historic castle rooms. Make your way to the top of the turret for the best views across Mount’s Bay.

 

Late morning: after a busy few hours walking the grounds, put your backpack down in the cool shade of the Island Café and sit down to brunch. This is a quiet spot to tuck into delicious homemade food and soak in the spectacular sea views. We highly recommend taking away a large slice of cake to enjoy on the journey back across the bay.

 

St Ives for the afternoon: leave the dramatic views of the mount behind and set off for the softness of St Ives. A place where white sandy beaches and turquoise waters are often mistaken for the shores of the Caribbean. Wander the labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets lined with independent shops selling souvenirs you’ll treasure.

 

Dinner with a view: it has to be Porthmeor Beach Cafè. Perched on the beach with unbeatable sea views across the beach and beyond – this really is one of the best places you’ll ever have dinner. Al fresco seafood tapas accompanied by wonderful sunset views – booking ahead is essential here. If your trip is a spontaneous one and booking ahead wasn’t an option, head to Silco Bar and Kitchen located in the harbour or pick up fish and chips and perch on the sea wall taking in the sights and sounds.

 

 

What To Pack:

• Cornish weather is nothing if not changeable, so we recommend packing layers! From waterproofs to shorts and wooly jumpers to t-shirts. A good pair of flip flops and walking boots are also essentials
• Binoculars (for seal-spotting), a book for beach days (if you haven’t read The Salt Path, we highly recommend it) and swimmers because the allure of a dip in the sea is often irresistible

Best time to go:
May to September offers the best chance of sunshine and long, lingering evenings, but autumn is quieter and no less beautiful. There is so much to see and do in Cornwall it can be hard to know the best way to spend 3 days here.

Book your stay at Trevornick and we look forward to welcoming you to Cornwall.