We recently enjoyed 2 weeks in what we and a lot of our guests call our “happy place”. We were lucky with the weather. Most days were sunny, dry and warm with just a couple of showery days, which after the summer of 2024 was a bonus. And we did some really nice things that you may want to consider when you’re next in Cornwall or booking our cottage.
Looe and Polperro
Before Emma and I arrived at Chy An Gwedhen we had a little adventure enroute as we didn’t want to travel on a Saturday due to the amount of traffic that can be on the road during the main summer weeks, so I surprised Emma with a stop over by Polperro in a cowboy wagon which was a bargain at just £55 per night. This gave us the chance to explore Polperro and Looe and in the evenings enjoy sitting around the campfire stargazing and enjoying a glass of wine.
About an hour and thirty minutes from Chy An Holidays lies the sleepy chocolate box towns of Looe and Polperro. As you walk down the winding streets of these incredible towns you would think that you have just stepped back in time. Everyone is very friendly there and they have some cozy independent shops and cafe’s. The harbour beach in Polperro is a treasure trove for any sea glass hunters and there is a wonderful safe beach in Looe that is Perfect for experienced swimmers and beginners.The only drawback we found about Polperro was the cost of the parking: £7 for 3 hours or £12 for 6 hours and it is cash only.
Tag along and see for yourself.
Eden Project
About the same length of time from Chy An is the absolutely stunning Eden Project. Built in 2002 from an old quarry, the Eden Project is one of the world leaders when it comes to climate education and conservation, combining learning, beautiful things and fun. Starting with the outdoor gardens which wend their way down to the centre of Eden where you can find adventure play area and natures playground.With 2 biodomes, one Mediterranean and the other rainforest, this spectacular place has something to offer for the whole family. It is very wheelchair friendly and dogs can visit outside of the biodomes but not in them. They also have a lot of art exhibitions, theatre shows and talks all focused on conserving the environment. And once you pay you don’t have to pay again for the whole year definitely worth a visit.
For the more adventurous, there is a zip line where you can fly over the top of Eden and admire the full 30 acres of Eden, if you have your eyes open. (This isn’t included in the entrance fee)
St Erth to St Ives on the train
The next highlight was the train journey from St Erth to St Ives, one of the most scenic train journeys in the country. It is a short 20 minute ride but around each bend is another wow moment. St Erth is just a 20 minute drive away and you can park your car at the station car park for just over £4 during the week or £2.90 at the weekends for the full day.and the ticket is just £4.00 per person return. The station at St Erth is a beautiful old fashioned station and there is even a tea room during busy times.
The views on this train journey genuinely take your breath away. It has wide stretching white sands of Hayle beach and estuary where you may spot some unusual birds, it then takes you on the coastal journey like no other and takes you past Carbis Bay where you can stop off. You would think that you were no longer in England but somewhere in the Mediterranean. With stunning blue water, you end the train journey in St Ives and the car park takes you down to Porthminster beach which has a Beach Bar and restaurant and a hut where you can hire SUPS (stand up and paddle-board), Surf Boards, Body Boards and Kayaks.
After exploring St Ives we came back to the Ped n Olva Hotel which has a restaurant overlooking the beach and here we had a wonderful meal of soup and fish specials, before catching the train back to St Erth for the equally stunning journey home.
We had a fabulous break and hope you enjoyed this little snapshot of what we got up to which shows you can make your holiday as busy as you wish or just kick back and relax, we think we got the balance just right over the 2 weeks.