What to do in Cornwall on the longest day of the year

Midsummer’s day is almost upon us, meaning that those on their cottage holidays in St Ives or other delightful areas in Cornwall have maximum sunshine in which to explore the Duchy’s many hidden treasures. With so much to do, it’s likely that you may struggle to work out how to enjoy 21 June: the longest day of the year. Fortunately, the team at Powells have created this guide to help you make the most of the extended daylight.

The early rise

We start, as most people do, in the morning. Although there was much deliberation in our office about the time which people prefer to rise on their cottage holidays, we managed to come to an agreement that 7am is the perfect time to wake and spend some time reading a local newspaper.

Enjoy a dog walk on the beach

It’s now time to turn your attention to your pets, and if you are enjoying one of our fantastic dog friendly cottages in Cornwall, why not get out and enjoy some time at the beach before the sunbathers arrive?

Head to St Ives for some breakfast

By this time you’re sure to be peckish, and what better way to satisfy your hunger than with a delicious hearty breakfast? If you’re staying in West Cornwall, a trip to St Ives means you can start the day right in the peace and tranquillity of the harbour. Among the favourite breakfast spots are the Balcony Bar and & Kitchen, The Beach Restaurant and The Beachcomber.

Try a spot of surfing at Fistral Beach

If you came without your dog, you are sure to be itching to head to the beach; if you are still feeling tired after the early start, going for a spot of surfing could be a great method of waking you up. Don’t worry if you are new to the sport, because the Quiksilver Surf School at Newquay’s Fistral Beach are on hand to help you paddle through. With coaching available for all abilities, click here to visit the official website.

Tuck into a beautiful lunch at Padstow

As well as the stunning vistas that this charming town boasts, Padstow has developed a rich relationship with food over the years, thanks mainly to Rick Stein after he opened his flagship venue – The Seafood Restaurant – back in 1975. This acclaim has recently been enhanced thanks to the opening of Paul Ainsworth at Number 6 – an establishment which become the first Padstow restaurant to gain a Michelin Star thanks to its simple and modern style with a Cornish and British influence.

Enjoy family fun at some top attractions

Following lunch, why not treat the kids with a trip to one of the Duchy’s fantastic attractions? If you are looking to entertain people of all ages, heading to Flambards near Helston is a decision you won’t regret. With everything from historical exhibitions to a host of rides and activities, there’s more than enough to keep everyone entertained throughout the day.

Another family favourite is Bodmin Jail, a popular historical site that served as a formidable prison for nearly 150 years until its closure in 1927. Preserved in its present state for the public to enjoy, visitors can now marvel at the ruins of the Naval Prison, explore the civil wing, or sit back and enjoy a delicious cream tea.

For the horticultural enthusiast, there’s always the Lost Gardens of Heligan, an attraction near St Austell which is renowned all over the world for its spectacular sculpture gardens. Here’s a little quote they provided us:

“With the longest day fast approaching, we can’t think of many better ways to spend the day than exploring one of the most magical and mysterious estates in England.

Enjoy 200 acres of Productive Gardens, Victorian Pleasure Grounds, a sub-tropical Jungle valley, a pioneering Wildlife Project offering visitors a close-up view of Heligan’s wildlife and beyond.”

Finally we have Screech Owl Sanctuary near Indian Queens, giving the family the chance to get up close and personal with owls from all over the world, as well as emus, meerkats and falcons. The picture below is of one of the sanctuary’s newest residents, a two month old Indian Scoops owl chick named ’Precious’.

Enjoy a traditional pint of ale before dinner

After a long day of exploration, it’s about time you took time to relax in your large holiday cottage in Cornwall and enjoy the sunshine. What better time to sample some of the acclaimed beers and ales which are produced right here in the Duchy?

Among the most well-known is Sharp’s brewery. Based in Rock, their most famous product is Doom Bar, which has quickly grown in regard and is now the best-selling cask beer in the UK. Other popular beers they produce include the Cornish Coaster, Cornish Pilsner and Sharp’s Special.

It’s now time for dinner, and wherever you head on your Cornwall cottage holidays there is sure to be a fantastic restaurant waiting to tantalise your tastebuds. 

Finish the day off with a sunset view

After enjoying a beautiful meal, it’s almost time to admire the sun as it heads back beyond the horizon. While you can admire it from anywhere, heading to the coast offers the best opportunity to see it at its best. It’s set to start at 9.21pm.

If you are reading this in the passing days and got a chance to capture the beautiful sunset on your camera, be sure to share your photo through our Facebook and Twitter pages.

This content was written by Ben Edwards. Please feel free to visit my Google+ Profile to read more stories.

Image Credit: Flambards, Rick Smith, Julian Stephens, Screech Owl Sanctuary