Things to Do in Cornwall this Spring
Although I make work which get shipped all around the world, creating hats and headpieces for clients based in sunny climes or winter wonderlands, I’m very lucky to be able to craft my creations from my studio in the village of Veryan in Cornwall. I love having visitors to my studio but quite often for long-distance clients, we end up working remotely and most of our conversations take place over email and video link with clients able to view their pieces via video and photo updates as they literally watch it come together.
However, I’ve grown up in Cornwall and moving back here was the obvious thing to do – I love the county, the beaches, the endless beautiful walks, it’s a dream location for dogs and my family are based here also, it’s a no brainer. What I try to do when I can is make the most of the beautiful county I live in and not spend all of my time with my head down in the materials, a makers gotta have fun too! So here are my top tips, for fellow Cornish makers, clients who ask about visiting Cornwall or anyone looking to spend some time in our creative county this spring, here’s where you’ll find me and what I recommend…
Visiting the Beaches
Simple yet essential, you can’t visit Cornwall without visiting the beach. And with so much choice of secluded coves, long stretches of sand and coastal wanderings, we are totally spoilt for choice. Between now and Easter for those of us with furry friends there is even more choice as most beaches in the county are dog friendly until then (and there are still many that are dog friendly all year round if you choose to visit after Easter). Some of my favourites include Gwithian, Towen on the Roseland and the hidden paradise that is Carne Beach which is only a 30 minute stroll from the studio, perfect for lunch break walks with Mavis or a dip in the sea when the weather’s a little warmer.
Get on a Stand Up Paddle Board
I’ve been wanting to try my hand (or rather my balance) at Stand-Up Paddle Boarding for a while! One of the worlds oldest watersports, originating from Hawaii, it’s the perfect way to get out on the waves and explore the sea whilst building a balanced core and getting fit. I love the look of the tours run by Get On Board, exploring the St Mawes Harbour, heading towards St Mawes Castle and crossing the bay to explore St Antony’s Beach. https://www.getonboardsup.co.uk
Enjoy the Taste of the South West
There’s nothing like exploring the Cornish dining scene to make for a relaxed weekend or romantic evening out. The Hidden Hut at Porthcurnick Beach is one of my absolute favourite places and with good reason – Soup Sundays, hot pasties and freshly baked cakes a-plenty, or why not book one of their famous Open Air Feast Night dinners, but be quick, this is a seriously special place and tickets sell out quickly I’m also ever so slightly biased as my wonderful husband works here http://www.hiddenhut.co.uk as well as at Tatams coffee and Tatams Taverna their new evening takeaway (no need to book just turn up!) http://www.tatams.co .
If you are near Gwithian beach in Hayle why not visit our friends in the iconic Turquoise Hungry Horse box https://www.hungryhorsebox.co.uk .
Indulge in a Local Festival
With two massive festivals happening this spring, I’ll be making time to enjoy a bit of both. The Made In Cornwall Easter Fair takes place on Lemon Quay in Truro from 29th to 31st March and is a must-visit to pick up some artistic and handcrafted Cornish products and specialty food and drink. Then the Fal River Festival kicks off on 25th May until 3rd June and will include the usual mix of music and drama, arts and crafts, literature, talks, family fun, fantastic food and both seaside and shoreside celebrations. It’s a lot of fun for Falmouth, Truro and the Roseland area as we all celebrate our Outstanding Area of Natural Beauty. https://www.falriver.co.uk/whats-on/fal-river-festival-2018
Get Arty
There is nothing like a bit of art and culture. For me, I’ll be enjoying the upcoming Open Studios (19-28 May) where local artists, including myself, open their studios so the public can visit and see them at work in their surroundings. I myself am offering fun millinery workshops which you can check out on my workshop page HERE.
I’ll also be heading to The Tate St Ives at some point this spring as their exhibitions and workshops look fantastic for the upcoming months. I’m particularly interested in their film screening, The Art of Cornwall and their tour and exhibition on Virginia Woolf.
Take a Pottery Class
Speaking of getting arty, I think it would be fun to try my hand at some pottery and I noticed that The Bedruthan Hotel are running taster sessions on Saturday mornings. The perfect way to get messy and creative, exploring different types of Cornish clay https://www.bedruthan.com/arts-event/ . Also Frances Osborne of Fraddon Pottery offers one-to one classes by request. https://fraddonpottery.wordpress.com
Enjoy Afternoon Tea by the Sea
Finally, you can’t beat a bit of relaxation and as the weather gets a little brighter, I’ll be braving it al fresco and enjoying Afternoon Tea at The Quarterdeck, situated at the nearby Nare Hotel. A relaxed wander from my studio in Veryan, I’ll be able to walk the calories off on the way back and it’s a wonderful way to while away an afternoon. http://www.narehotel.co.uk
Of course, if you’re visiting Cornwall, the Roseland or specifically The Nare, why not pop in and say hello? I love to have visitors and will make you a nice cup of tea and show you some of my work, I may even know a thing or two about pottery by then (although I think I’ll stick to millinery for now!)
