Cornwall: the quintessential destination for a British getaway but what if I told you that apart from dipping my toe in for a destination wedding a few years ago I’d never been?
We decided to change that with a getaway to Cornwall last month. Decided upon, planned and booked the day before it really was a last-minute decision. Catching the train from London all the way down to Cornwall – will share more on Cornwall by train in a separate post – I have to admit I was somewhat naive (or perhaps just lazy to not look at the train times!) at just how long it took to venture past the first few fields of Cornwall in total it took us over five hours including changes.
We chose to base ourselves in Hayle which may not seem the most obvious choice however it’s on the main London to Penzance line making getting about without a car convenient and quick. Plus it’s location on the north coast of Cornwall which is beautiful and very much undisturbed. Another factor unlike the more well-known destinations of Saint Ives and Carbis Bay Airbnbs were much more reasonable in comparison.
When it came to picking somewhere to stay Airbnb was really the best way to go, we chose two nights in this great self-contained studio accommodation. The host was amazing even accommodating my rather bizarre request for a hairdryer with a nozzle to service Lé Bob while we were away. Just under 10 minute walk from the train station it was a great base for a stay and I wouldn’t just recommend it we would happily stay again.
With the first day being taken up with travel, it was off to the supermarket for supplies and a nice dinner cooked in the Airbnb before an early night ready for a full day of exploring.
Our first full day saw us set off to Carbis Bay and it didn’t disappoint; it most certainly lived up to the hype. Breathtakingly beautiful, we lucked out on the morning sunshine and found ourselves the most perfect spot for coffee at the one and only Carbis Bay Hotel – that’s the one where the G7 summit was held last year. Yes the hotel is on the expensive side but there’s loads of eateries and outlets so you can enjoy a slice of the experience without being a resident.
One thing I soon discovered about Cornwall is that there are more coastal paths than grains of sand so we walked from Carbis Bay to Saint Ives: take note it is rather steep but just like pretty much every twist and turn in Cornwall you are rewarded with outstanding views.
A last-minute getaway meant that our plans were fluid which giving us flexibility, so we hadn’t decided where to have lunch. Saint Ives even though it was April was pretty packed. It’s beautiful, it’s quaint, it has the tiny streets, everything you’ve come to associate with Cornwall but also the crowds so we stopped for a quick pint and then we jumped on the train and headed to Lelant. Whilst lesser known, Lelant still has beautiful views over the Hayle estuary, directly from the train platform which is handy if you’re trying to squeeze as much of Cornwall in as possible. It’s a steep climb there’s that word again from the station to the village but we were rewarded by an absolute gem of a local pub for lunch; The Badger Inn is one of those pubs you remember from being a child, a real sign you’re far away from bug cities – no chains, no pretence just true Great British pubs. A simple yet exceedingly hearty and delicious lunch was just what we needed.
Refuelled we made our way to Penzance which fun fact is the end of the line for mainland British railway, you’ve literally run out of track. Straight out of the station is the coastal path that leads all the way to Marazion. It’s a little under 4 miles it’s no short stroll but the views as you approach Marazion and also Saint Michaels mount are worth any sore feet you might acquire.
We missed the low tide which would’ve allowed us to cross by foot to St Michaels mount and it’s probably for the best as we just didn’t have time but it looked beautiful even from the mainland. Top tip don’t think just because you’ve walked all the way there that you have to do the return journey by foot there are plenty of buses that would take you back into Penzance.
Tired after an absolutely packed first day exploring Cornwall we jumped on the train back to Hayle and our Airbnb for a quick freshen up before dinner. We chose The Terrace after a quick Google and weren’t disappointed. Ordering from the special menu we both opted for hake in different ways and the fish was so fresh as you would expect in Cornwall – it was sublime. Great wine list can highly recommend the Sauvignon blanc.
It’s no surprise that we were early to bed, tired, happy and ready for day two.
