Art – St Ives is a mecca for artists of all types; you’ll find the Barbara Hepworth Museum and the Tate
Birds – The RSPB Hayle Estuary is on the outskirts of St Ives and plays host to a plethora of migratory birds, however, if you’re staying in Lelant you can listen out for the call of the red-legged seriema which is actually a resident at Paradise Park www.paradisepark.org.uk (a great day out for all the family).
Boat Hire – Get down to the harbour in St Ives to take a boat trip around the bay – or hire a speed boat and go exploring by yourself!
Downhill Mountain Biking – Facebook Cornwall Freeride or www.cornwallfreeriders.co.uk for details of the local routes and meetings
Eating Out – St Ives is just jam-packed with fantastic restaurants – our favourites are Alba (01736 797222) for fine dining with a view, Black Rock (01736 791911) for exquisite local produce cooked with passion and The Mermaid (01736 796816) for classic dishes in comfy surroundings.
You’ll find a handful of Meaderies in and around Penzance for dimly-lit, rustic dining where a drink of ‘mead’ is a must!
Ice-cream lovers must visit Mr B’s in Hayle for home-made ice-creams in ever changing flavours.
Fishing – visit the tackle shop in St Ives for info on where to go and what to take
Getting into / around Cornwall – The roads around Cornwall can get very busy in the summer – tractors do not take holidays! Make good use of the public transport and let someone else do the driving while you take in the amazing views. A perfect example of this would be the St Ives ‘Park & Ride’, the short train journey from Lelant takes in stunning views of long sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Take the open top bus around the west tip of Cornwall for some simply stunning scenery.
Golf – You’ll find 18 hole courses in Lelant (West Cornwall Golf Club 01736 753401) and at Tregenna Castle Hotel (01736 795254) (both with views to die for) and a Pitch & Putt course in St Erth.
Pampering – Yes – that’s what I go on holiday for! Ren Room (01736 794939) and Ocean Spa (01736 448545) in St ives provide luxurious surroundings and can cater for all your beauty and relaxation needs.
Bedford Road (01736 799992) is where we go for hair ‘therapy’ – guaranteed to walk out feeling a million dollars!
If you prefer to stay in the comfort of your Cornish Holiday Home then give Alicia (07548 544609) a call for nails, lashes and other finishing touches.
Pasties / Butchers – Vivian Olds in St Just – definitely worth the drive to get the best steak you’ve ever tasted! Hampsons the butchers in Hayle is a much shorter journey if you’re after the best pasty you’ve ever tasted!
Seafood – A couple of little gems we’ve found… Seafayrers fish wholesalers in St Erth – get there early to pick up a good catch. Hayle crab market – for crabs, spider carbs, crayfish and lobsters – just call David for advice on how to prepare them!
Shops – St Ives, Penzance, Truro, Plymouth. St Ives is a Mecca for artists and restaurant lovers and has plenty of bespoke and kitsch gift shops. Penzance offers the convenience of a larger town with more of your high street shops. The city of Truro with its historic cathedral offers top restaurants, bars and shops is just 25 minutes away. For House of Fraser and all the usual suspects, you’ll find in a modern day shopping mall a trip to Plymouth is under two hours away by train.
Surfing / Kayaking / Spear fishing – can you come to Cornwall and not get wet?? Try a surf lesson or join Glenn (07533 695 031) on Carbis Bay beach for an introduction to Kayaking on Monday evenings (www.oceansportuk.com). Call David to find out the best places for spear fishing!
The Beaches – St Ives has three stunning beaches with plenty of first class services, however, when the sun shines, get there early to claim your spot! If your dog’s come on holiday too take them onto Porthkidney sands at Lelant for fun in the water – you’ll have to take a picnic and note that there are no toilet facilities.
Theatre – KidzRUs produce jaw-droppingly professional shows throughout the year in St Ives, if you fancy any of the shows on offer do not miss out – you wont regret it!
The Minack Theatre is famous for its stunning setting; if the show’s not to your fancy you can just take a walk around.
The Hall For Cornwall, www.hallforcornwall.co.uk, in Truro has a year round variety of shows.
Walking – visit the tourist information or www.cornwalls.co.uk/sports_and_activities/walking/ for details of rambling groups around the south west.
Wines – On your way into St Ives stop off at Scarlet Wines in Lelant and pick up a selection of your favourite wines to kick-start your relaxing holiday!