Another Holiday in Cornwall

This was the tenth year in succession that we have had a weeks holiday in Cornwall. Every year we stay at Port Quin, previously at Doyden, but for the last two years at a cottage called Lacombe (that can be found on the National Trust cottages website) near the tiny harbour. It is the white building on the far left, and was used in the TV series "Poldark". We arrived on Thursday to wonderful weather and the photo above is taken as we had time for a walk along the cliffs towards Port Isaac.

The next day was equally fine and we took the walk we usually do along the coastal path to Pentire Point. Here are great views of Polzeath, and a good place to eat our lunch.

The tide was coming back in as we reached Lundy Bay on our return, so we could not venture too far along the beach. We were out for over five hours, so pretty tired when we arrived back at the cottage.

However, it was such a lovely late afternoon, we drove the short way to Port Isaac for a slow stroll around the harbour.

The next day was pretty windy with showers and the sea kayaking we had planned was cancelled. Alison had a run whilst I drove to Polzeath to look at the waves and buy a newspaper. So it was good to have a rest after the previous day's long walk. We headed into Wadebridge for lunch but some heavy showers persuaded us back to the cottage for the afternoon.

The next day was even windier but sunny, and we made our way to Padstow. We had a great walk up to the monument and along the cliffs where we had a superb view of the windsurfers making use of the conditions. The walk back along the beach was equally spectacular. Lunch of sausage and chips at The Quayside cafe and a stroll around the shops.

The forecast for Monday was not very promising, and as we headed towards Helston on the day we explore somewhere new, the rain was unrelenting. We were very quiet in the car. However as we arrived at the town, the rain had stopped. Nothing much to see in Helston, so after a cafe stop for tea and cherry cake, we headed to the National Seal Sanctuary at Gweek that was not far away. When we arrived it wasn't long before the sun came out and a beautiful day began. We were amazed just how many seals were there, all having been rescued because of injury or abandonment. Last year 49 pups had been rescued, looked after and released back into the wild. On our visit we saw a week old abandoned pup called Murray in their hospital.

The older seals (Common, Fur and Gray Seals) are in separate spacious tanks and are amazing. There are also penguins, otters and sea lions. Alison helped to feed them.

We were there over three hours, it is such a wonderful place in a magnificent setting by the estuary. It was now such a nice day that we headed down the Lizard Peninsula to have a look at Kynance Cove, again somewhere new for us, and very impressive it is too.

The National Trust look after the area with car parks and a tearoom where we were just in time to have a cup of tea sitting at a table overlooking the bay. Quite incredible.

It was raining when we woke the next day, and it didn't stop until we went to bed that night. It was only light in the morning so we took the short drive to Polzeath for a superb session of bodyboarding. The waves had never been better. After a shower and change back at the cottage, it was time for lunch at our usual cafe in Wadebridge. The rain became heavier in the afternoon, but we did not have long to rest before we were off to have dinner at Fifteen at Watergate Bay. A table by the window overlooking the beach meant that we had great views of the crashing waves. The meal was fabulous, the best ever tasting menu.

The following morning was sunny, but still slightly cool as it had been all week, so we still went on our planned visit to The Lost Gardens of Heligan. We never tire of going there, and the tea room is splendid.

On our last day we usually head straight home after packing the car. But Thursday looked to be such a nice day we decided to make up for the day we missed where Alison runs from the cottage to Rock and takes the ferry to Padstow. I have driven there and hired a bike to cycle down the Camel Trail to Wadebridge and back.

We then meet at the car park, I have most of the fish and chips at The Quayside cafe, and then we walk up to the monument (again), some last bits of shopping before heading home. Once again a thoroughly enjoyable week.