Summer in Cornwall

Summer this year is gearing up to be another scorcher in the UK, raising the question as to why you’d bother hopping aboard a plan in search of the sun! Especially here in Cornwall, when the sun shines on the opalescent coastline, it feels half a world away from the England that many might stereotypically hold in their mind’s eye. The sands are golden, the ocean inviting, and with incredible history, architecture, heritage and activities for visitors of all ages, it’s no surprise that so many people in the UK are choosing instead to drive, rather than fly, to their summer holiday destination.

As a staycation destination, Cornwall is world class in terms of its beaches, water quality, and gorgeous swathes of countryside and woodland that undulate between coasts. There are plenty of easy-to-access stretches of sand that beckon to families seeking the ultimate ‘bucket and spade’ holiday, with nearby cafés and après-surf bars providing much-needed ice creams, coffees and cold-ones. Between these, however, are where the hidden gems can be found, and those willing to walk awhile – wherever on the coast they’re staying – will be rewarded with secluded clifftop picnic spots and off-the-beaten-track coves that you’ll often have to yourselves.

In terms of things to do, well, where better to try your hand at surfing, paddle boarding, snorkelling, coasteering, or sea swimming than in a county surrounded by the ocean on three sides? Here in Polzeath, adventurous types can take to the waves with the help of Wavehunters. Especially handy if you’re staying nearby at Polzeath Beach House, this excellent surf school provides a handy means of keeping the kids busy whilst the two of you enjoy some quality time sipping cocktails overlooking the Atlantic.

All of this sounds great, but you may well be thinking “so what?” For those of you who’ve yet to book your holiday for 2023, you’re probably thinking it’s too late, so what’s the point in dreaming over something that’s not meant to be? Well, the first thing to say is that at a time when more are choosing to stay on home soil, fewer and fewer people are booking their stays in advance. And with the upward trend in staycations here in Cornwall, there is perhaps now more accommodation available than ever, making the task of finding that last-minute getaway all the more achievable. Don’t forget, when you’re not having to book your flights, check in a day early, and be there on time lest you miss your flight, it’s far easier to be spontaneous – to decide at the last minute that you’re going to escape for the weekend – and this is a trend we’re seeing much more of here in the Duchy.

So, if you’ve yet to make plans for your 2023 break – be it in the summer, the shoulder months, or even into the autumn and early winter – be sure to head online and check for availability. You may well be surprised at what you find, and sometimes, it’s those last-minute bouts of spontaneity that make for the fondest life-long memories.