Where Can I Go Exploring the UK and Abroad (1)
The Old Inn, Mullion, Cornwall
July 17th, 2010
The Old Inn, Mullion, lies at the heart of the village in Mullion and has been popular with both locals and passers-by since the sixteenth century. The Old Inn is a traditional, attractive pub with a thatched roof and has a lovely large outside patio area where you can relax on a summer's day or evening. Inside, there is a sense of the history of the place with all the black and white photos of Mullion and Mullion Cove hung on the walls. There are various small rooms off the bar area for drinkers or diners and our dog was welcome to join us in the bar.
Mullion itself is situated on the Lizard Peninsula and close by are superb golden sandy beaches, Mullion Cove, and a spectacular coastline. We didn't get the chance to stay at the Old Inn or to dine there but did enjoy a couple of evenings sampling the local ales. We would have no hesitation in returning there as it would make an excellent base for further exploring this relatively unspoilt corner of Cornwall. [...]
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Mullion Cove, the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall
July 16th, 2010
Mullion Cove is a small, unspoilt fishing village and cove on the Lizard Peninsula and is owned by the National Trust. Built between 1893 and 1895 to compensate fishermen for the decline of the pilchard industry, it enabled them to build up a crab and lobster industry instead. To reach the cove by car, drive through the village of Mullion and follow the road down to Mullion Cove where there is a small car park. Although there is not a great deal to see at the cove itself, it is tranquil and definitely worth a visit. Have a stroll on the small harbour beach at low tide and wander up the cliff path where you can sit on one of the benches and enjoy the extensive views. From the cliff top you have sweeping views of the rugged headlands jutting out into the sea, stacks, and Mullion Island, home to seabirds. With a long history of fishing, smuggling and shipwrecks, there is now just a small fishing community and the tourist industry. On a sunny day, the sea is a beautiful turquoise colour and you can see why Mullion Cove is chosen by many artists to paint, whilst in winter the cove is pounded by the powerful waves. Perched on the cliff top, the Mullion Cove Hotel looks like a lovely place to stay and has a bistro as well as the hotel restaurant.
Mullion Cove makes an excellent starting point to begin a coastal walk: head to the south to Kynance Cove and Lizard Point, or to the north to Polurrian Cove, Poldhu Beach and Gunwalloe. There are various options of short or longer walks and there are footpaths crossing the countryside if you prefer a circular rather than a linear walk. [...]
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St Ives, Cornwall
July 15th, 2010
St Ives is renowned for its quaint harbour and town, golden sandy beaches and turquoise-blue sea. Since the nineteenth century it has attracted artists, drawn to the picturesque coastal scenery and perfect light for capturing the essence of the place. Situated on the north coast of the west of Cornwall, St Ives has managed to retain its charm and although very popular with tourists in summer, it is definitely worth a visit as it really is as beautiful as it looks. The narrow winding streets are lined with lovely small shops, bakeries and cafes, and the harbour is home to numerous small coloured boats, bobbing in the waves at high tide or perched on the sand at low tide.
We spent our day in St Ives browsing the shops, sampling a local pasty and local crab, followed by an afternoon spent on Porthmeor Beach. Once you've paid for a day's car parking you may as well make the most of it and spend time on one of the delightful beaches (weather permitting). Some only venture as far as the sandy beach adjacent to the harbour, but there are a couple of small sandy coves just around the headland and on the west side of the headland is a large expanse of golden sand, Porthmeor Beach, great for families and bodyboarders/surfers and with the reassurance of RNLI lifeguards in the summer. Further along the coast to the south of St Ives there are vast expanses of golden sandy beaches in and around Carbis Bay. [...]
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Trenance Farm Cottages, Mullion, The Lizard
July 15th, 2010
Trenance Farm Cottages are a cluster of farm/holiday cottages situated just off the quiet road between Mullion village and Mullion cove on the Lizard Peninsula. The location of the cottages is superb as it's just five minutes' walk to the coastal path where you have spectacular views of the cliffs and coves and miles of wonderful coastal walking in either direction. There are twelve cottages ranging from one to three bedrooms and sleeping up to 6 people, each with their own small private garden. A private heated swimming pool is open to guests in the summer months and is in a lovely sunny spot within the gardens. There are a couple of games rooms with table tennis and pool table plus a badminton net and swing in a communal garden. Through the gate leads to a large field belonging to the family, where dogs can be exercised or children can run around.
Trenance Farm Cottages are open all year round. We paid a very reasonable £515 for a week in July for a cottage sleeping 6 people. If you can stay outside of the holiday season, cottages cost from £245. Dogs are welcome outside of the school holidays. We rented the Smithy Cottage which has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a dishwasher. As with all the cottages, there is a small garden outside with table and benches. We were fortunate enough to be able to dine al fresco in the sunshine most days of our stay and to enjoy dips in the swimming pool. [...]
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Kynance Cove, Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall
July 6th, 2010
An extremely popular spot on the Lizard Peninsula, Kynance Cove has been wooing the hearts of many visitors for centuries. The Victorians used to flock to Kynance Cove to paint the landscape, and Prince Albert and Alfred Lord Tennyson were frequent visitors.
It can really be quite a spectacular site, as you work your way down the cliff path from the National Trust car park (free for members/ £3.50 others). During the summer, Kynance Cove can be a very busy spot with bathers and beach goers, although the currents at low tide are not suitable for swimming, yet so many ignore the warnings. To be honest, if you have small children, there are far better beaches along the coastline. The other point to mention if you are visiting Kynance Cove, is to check the tide times first, as the beach is fully submerged at high tide so it is always best to visit near low tide to appreciate it fully. [...]
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Where Can I Go Exploring the UK and Abroad