|
Our days here revolve around the rhythm of the sea and its tides, which can be found on magicseaweed.com/praa sands. Low tide is usually best for both surfing and boogie boarding. Watch out for the rip tide in front of the house and if you find yourself being swept out to sea, swim at right angles to the rip before swimming back to shore. If you prefer to have an expert with you, surf lessons can be booked with Dan Joel, either here at the house or at his surf school in Poldhu. In the summer months, the surf school at Praa opens which also runs lessons.
|
|
Low tide is also good for mussel collecting from the rocks. There is a saying that you should not collect mussels when the month does not have an ‘r’ in it (so May, June, July, August), however, the sea here is SO cold, any month is good! We also love to go rock pooling at low tide in between the dinosaur egg rocks and catch tiny fish and shrimps in nets.
|
|
Low tide is also perfect for a trip to St Michael’s Mount. You can walk across from Marazion and explore the incredible castle and grounds. Once home to the fearsome giant Cormoran, slain by Jack the Giant Killer, you can seek out his heart amongst the cobblestones….
|
|
High tide is a good time to take the coastal path left and walk to Porthleven, past the beautiful Wheal Trewavas tin mines, precariously perched on the cliffs and past the rock stack known as Camel Rock (though we think it looks more like a duck!) Look out for seals and dolphins on the way. It’s around a 2 hour gentle walk (1 1/2 hours if walking fast!)
|
|
Porthleven has some of our favourite places to eat and drink:
‘Landed’ opened in 2021 has the best take away local line caught fish & chips. ‘The Mussel Shoal’ directly on the harbour front, has amazing squid and mussels and has outdoor seating sheltered from the wind and music in the summer evenings. ‘Kota Kai’ is great for all sorts of fish and asian style cuisine and has outdoor seating on the green in the summer months. ‘Origins’ coffee has the best coffee, sausage rolls and banana bread. ‘Nauti but Ice’ has delicious local Roskilly’s ice cream. We also love driving to Porthleven at high tide, and jumping off the high harbour walls in wetsuits, remembering to bring towels and warm clothes for the ride home! Porthleven is also great for crabbing. Crab nets and bacon bait can be bought from the Porthleven Supermarket. We mostly love just being at the house, watching the ocean, looking out for dolphins, seals and sunfish, submarines, fishing boats, surfers and kite surfers. Binoculars are kept in the front kitchen cupboard for close ups! In this drawer you will also find water colours, paint brushes, pens, pencils and paper for your creativity to flow. |
|
Mid-tide on calm sea days, we put on wetsuits and walk to the Western end of the beach to climb and follow the rocks around the coast, coasteering (a word for climbing and walking over, around and through rocks and jumping off them.) It’s great fun.
|
|
Other special places we love and need a mention are Barbara Hepworth’s Studio and garden in St Ives and Tate St Ives, both a 20 minute drive away.
...and the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens in Penzance. Tremenheere combines contemporary art installations within its exotic sub-tropical planting. It also has a great cafe! |
other activities
Boat trips: can be arranged from Porthleven for either sightseeing or fishing. Call Mollie May Charters 07508 355252.
Horse Riding: Bespoke horse riding can be arranged with our friends at www.cornwallswimminghorses.co.uk
Wellbeing: Massage, yoga and personal training can be arranged through Home Spa Cornwall. They have great local therapists who can come to the house. www.homespacornwall.co.uk. 07525 852231 or email [email protected]
Star gazing: The sky at night can be incredibly clear. The Night Sky app is free to download onto your phone to help identify constellations
Our Favourite Restaurants
Falmouth Packet Inn: Rosudgeon, Nr Marazion, Penzance. Gastro pub with great food, local beer and a friendly welcome. 5 minutes by car.
Porthminster Beach Cafe: St Ives. Incredible views of Porthminster Beach. Cornish cuisine with global influences. Located right next to the local St Ives branch line station (10 minute train journey from St Erth where you can leave the car) This is our favourite Cornish restaurant and worth a visit.
Horse Riding: Bespoke horse riding can be arranged with our friends at www.cornwallswimminghorses.co.uk
Wellbeing: Massage, yoga and personal training can be arranged through Home Spa Cornwall. They have great local therapists who can come to the house. www.homespacornwall.co.uk. 07525 852231 or email [email protected]
Star gazing: The sky at night can be incredibly clear. The Night Sky app is free to download onto your phone to help identify constellations
Our Favourite Restaurants
Falmouth Packet Inn: Rosudgeon, Nr Marazion, Penzance. Gastro pub with great food, local beer and a friendly welcome. 5 minutes by car.
Porthminster Beach Cafe: St Ives. Incredible views of Porthminster Beach. Cornish cuisine with global influences. Located right next to the local St Ives branch line station (10 minute train journey from St Erth where you can leave the car) This is our favourite Cornish restaurant and worth a visit.
say hello
For anything Little Cottage related, please get in touch, either by email [email protected] or through our contact form.
