Cornwall has some of the mildest
winters in Britain. I can’t actually provide any empirical evidence to
support this audacious claim but I have friends the length and breadth of the
land and generally those not in this neck of the woods do seem to bang on a bit
about the cold . While I can express some sympathy, the solution is clear
to me.: a) put on a jumper or b) come down to Rayle Farm!
I won’t pretend that it does not rain
in Cornwall because that isn’t the case. However, once many of the
visitors have left, after October, there is lots to do here and armed with a
raincoat, the world is your oyster. For starters, if you are interested
in pet friendly holidays, Portreath has a great deal to offer as indeed does
much of the coastline in Cornwall. You see, out of season, dogs and their
responsible owners are allowed onto the beaches to frolic, run and catch sandy
tennis balls in their mouths although, it is mainly the animals that
indulge in this last activity, needless to say! My visitors enjoy the
walk down the old tramway to Portreath and then home again through Tehidy Woods
where a delicious bowl of soup or a cake can be enjoyed.
Of course it can be a bit blustery
sometimes and a really nice, but sheltered walk can be had in Jericho Valley,
near to St. Agnes. This walk culminates in a lovely view of the sea as
well as glimpses of Cornwall’s mining past. You won’t see many people on
this walk but it was no more than 100 years ago that the cove that you arrive
at would have been a hive of activity with pasty wielding
miners going into the pits some of which had tunnels that stretched for
miles under the sea. Indeed if you want to experience the whole
subterranean work environment thing and Snow White’s seven dwarfs have not
given you your fix, then do go to the Geevor Tin Mine. There is an
underground tour as well as a restorative cream tea available afterwards for
when you resurface again.
Rather you than me and indeed if you
can think of nothing better than loafing around on the rocks, enjoying the
sight of the waves crashing down around you, you would be considered a little
foolhardy but would be able to keep the seals company. They congregate
near to Godrevy lighthouse each winter, perhaps not drawn by the hearty
breakfasts in the Café but more likely the balmy weather. Indeed I myself
have had a picnic on Godrevy beach on Boxing Day and although we had by then
had our fill of turkey and the like, the gulls seemed to have left some room to
chow down on a few left-overs, Much to the delight of Marli of
course who has more of a chance of catching an over indulgent bird than he
might otherwise have. I have no idea what he would do with it if he were
to catch a gull incidentally as to date he has been unsuccessful, but
enthusiastic nonetheless. Marli by the way is my dog and not one of my
offspring, perhaps I should mention.
This time of year may be an ideal
time for you to go and see the Minack Theatre which is quite close to Lands End
and rather more interesting if you want my opinion. This is a lovely
cliff side theatre which unless you have the presence of mind to book tickets
for well in advance, you will have little chance of enjoying a performance
here. However, it really is quite magical and even if no one is treading
the boards when you visit, there is nothing to stop you delivering a soliloquy
or two.
The Tate Gallery in St Ives is well
worth a visit as well. It is a lovely building with delightful views out
over the sea. Some of the art may not be entirely to your taste but
I am sure that you will find at least something there that you like.
Failing that, the town itself is terribly quaint with a fine selection of shops
and galleries to explore. Be warned though that if you do succumb to a
delicious cone of Cornish Icecream, some of the gulls that can still get
airborne after Boxing Day and have been known to make off with some
unfortunate’s treat. The one consolation of course has to be that the
ensuing icecream headache has got to be unbearable, all things considered!
Cornwall has many activities to enjoy
during the winter months, whether it is a visit to an historical mansion like
Lanhydrock that floats your boat or maybe you would prefer to mosey around the
gardens at Trelissick, which more often than not has daffodils and Camellias
flowering as early as December.
I’m really just scratching the
surface here but if you are at a bit of a loose end this winter and fancy
heading to warmer climes, we look forward to seeing you here at Rayle Farm.
