With the temperatures rising, the evenings drawing out and the hedgerows, fields and gardens springing into life, Easter is a beautiful time of year to explore Cornwall – and that’s especially true in Cardinham Woods and Glynn Barton. An oasis of calm, peace and tranquillity. Here are just some of our favourite things to do at this time of year:
Visit the local beaches
With milder temperatures and none of the summer crowds to contend with, spring is a great time to enjoy some of Cornwall’s beautiful beaches. Order a hamper from the Cornish Food Box Company for a picnic before heading off to the coast to enjoy lunch on the sand. Our favourite beaches are Polzeath and Harlyn Bay where you’ll find plenty of rock pools to explore! Others include Rock and Daymer Bay on the north coast and Polkerris and Porthluney Cove at Caerhays Castle on the south coast. Take a long walk along the coastline, have a go at picking mussels, enjoy a game of cricket or rounders, or build a fort in the sand – the possibilities are endless!
Our handy book in all the cottages has some great ideas for which areas to hit– or if you’d like further recommendations just come and have a chat.
Jump on a bike
Whether you bring your own bikes along or choose to hire them, there are a great range of nearby routes to explore. The Camel Trail offers a fun day of cycling for the whole family, with equipment hire easily available (for those starting at Wadebridge we recommend Bridge Bike Hire) It’s 5 miles and there is a fantastic hot chocolate stop along the way!
Those looking for more of a challenge will love the mountain biking trails through Cardinham Woods where you’ll find the main Bodmin Beast cycle trail and the two, more difficult, red grade trails Dialled-In-Dave and Hell’s Teeth, which loop off it. The cafe in the woods is AMAZING, with a lovely range of homemade dishes as well as some delicious cakes (vegan, gluten options too!) and scones to enjoy.
Enjoy a coastal walk
Dramatic views, crashing waves and small coves just waiting to be explored; Cornwall’s section of the South West Coast Path extends for around 300 miles, providing plenty of stunning routes to explore – often without another person in sight.
One of our favourites is Menabilly to Polkerris- about 1 hour with little legs in tow. Starting near Menabilly – the estate that inspired Manderlay, the house made famous by Daphne Du Maurier’s novel Rebecca and her home for many years – the route will take you past Polridmouth Beach before heading west on the South West Coast Path to the National Trust’s ‘Gribbin Daymarker’ and on towards the idyllic hamlet of Polkerris. A fantastic route that offers stunning views.
Why not treat yourself to a hot chocolate or bite to eat before heading back? Sam’s on the Beach and the Rashleigh Inn both offer great menus and are super family friendly.
Try your hand at crabbing
One of our top activities on a sunny day, we love to spend a morning or afternoon crabbing at the harbour in Fowey. Grab yourself a bucket and line from our supply and head on down. Make sure to park at Readymoney Cove (parking in Fowey is terrible!) and then walk along the esplanade to the town. Its about 15 minutes with great views and secret gardens for the kids to explore along the way. It means you can also stop off for a well earned dip on the way back- it’s a wonderful place to enjoy a family day out.
Spend a day exploring beautiful Fowey
It was whilst staying in this idyllic waterside town that Kenneth Grahame dreamed of Toad, Ratty and The Wind in the Willows – and it isn’t difficult to see why. Enjoy the spectacular views over the river whilst winding your way around the narrow streets, exploring the many independent shops and cafes tucked away as you go by.
We love visiting many of the restaurants here, including the pizzeria Bufala, Appleton’s – where you’ll find Italian dishes with a contemporary twist – and Fitzroy, which offers modern British dining using local Cornish produce.
Visit some of Cornwall’s spectacular waterfalls
Only around a 20-minute drive from us here at Glynn Barton, you’ll find Golitha Falls; a series of spectacular cascades and waterfalls located within an ancient oak woodland.
We recommend following the circular trail – where you’ll find information boards letting you know what to look out for along the way – before heading to Inkie’s Smokehouse, a restaurant tucked away behind the trees that provides a delicious range of authentic wood smoked BBQ dishes. Highly recommended!
Enjoy Cornwall’s magnificent gardens
We couldn’t write about Cornwall at this time of year without mentioning the many beautiful gardens around the county which burst into colour during spring. See the spectacular Magnolias, Camelias and array of spring flowers transform the landscapes into a sea of colour at some of our favourites that include Caerhays Castle, Trewithen, Pencarrow, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
Nearby events
Still stuck for ideas? No problem, here are just some of the events taking place nearby during the Easter holidays:
Easter at Eden: 28th March – 19th April
Practise your pouncing, drumming and balancing skills at the wildlife playground or follow the springtime trail with yummy chocolate treats.
Paradise Park: 28th March – 19th April
Take on the Easter Golden Egg Challenge around the park and claim your chocolate reward!
The Lost Gardens of Heligan: Starting 28th March
Explore the delights of Heligan in spring by following the story trail that includes crafts and outdoor games, as well as the opportunity to meet new-born lambs and other rare breed animals.
Newquay Zoo: 28th March – 13th April
Complete the Eggstreme Easter Egg Trail and claim your chocolate treat.
Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt at Trerice: 28th March – 13th April
Celebrate spring with a nature-themed Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt around the garden! Follow the clues and finish your adventure with a Cadbury treat at the end.
