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Cosy rooms in Cornwall with 15% off

Nature at it's finest

Coastal adventures this summer

Summer getaways with 15% off

Fresh and local ingredients

Planning your summer holidays in Cornwall

Summer holidays in Cornwall

Staycations with 15% off this summer

The staycation is dead, they say. But they’ve never been to the Cornish Coast.

Those who dare to venture this far south will tell you a holiday in Newquay is unlike any other. Trips to this Celtic nation promise breathtaking views, expansive beaches and world-class activities.

And where better to base that stay than at the Plume of Feathers? Starting here, let us take you on a journey through what your stay in Cornwall could look like…

Greenery Itinerary AM

9:00am – Breakfast at The Plume of Feathers
Why start anywhere else? Roll out of your downy sheets and pad downstairs for a hearty pub breakfast. View our breakfast menu here.

10:30am – Lost gardens of Heligan
A 30 minute drive from The Plume brings you to the Lost Gardens of Heligan– Europe’s largest garden restoration project with roots from before WW1.

Purveyors of the serene and gardeners alike will enjoy their botanical variety, tropical gardens (the only outdoor tropical garden in the UK), ancient woodlands and farms. Discover large installations along their whimsical woodland path like The Giant’s Head, Mud Maid and Grey Lady.

Heligan Gardens make up 200 acres of land, so allow a few hours to wander as you please. You’ll find cafes and gift shops dotted around, so no need to pack lunch, but you will need to buy a ticket online first.

This venue is open every day of the week from 10:00am – 6:00pm, but do watch for weather warnings that may affect opening times.

Greenery Itinerary PM

12:30pm – Mevagissey, Saint Austell

Drive 5 minutes from Heligan to reach Mevagissey, a postcard-perfect fishing village. If your journey falls at the end of June, you may stumble across their Feast Week celebrations, including public displays, music and floral dances. 

Characterised by its colourful buildings jutted against the harbour, this traditional village is a great spot to stop for lunch. Here’s our recommendations for where to try:

ONE Polkirt Hill Restaurant

A respectable, sit-down restaurant showcasing the best of the Cornish catch. This option is a little more expensive than the others, but a wonderful setting to try fresh fish with gourmet trappings.

The Lighthouse Cafe

This humbler, friendly cafe offers a variety of coffee, cakes, cream teas, crepes and traditional english fry ups to satiate your appetite.

The Kings Arms

A classic local pub offering quality fare and a comfortable place to sit. Loved by locals, this place is good value for money with respectable portion sizes.

1:30pm – The Eden Project

Drive 20 minutes to visit a wonder of the noughties world: The Eden Project. These instantly recognisable domes are home to two separate indoor biomes, outdoor gardens, exhibitions and even aerial and zip wire experiences.

You will need a ticket to visit, but it’s worth the price: this cornucopia of biodiversity is the indoor answer to the gardens of Heligan and a great alternative if the weather puts you off the former.

3:00pm – Trevibban Mill Vineyard

If you’re not yet spent, stagger your return journey with a 30 minute detour to Trevibban Mill Winery. On Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays this venue runs 3:00pm tours that end on a wine tasting session in the south facing room: a good place to be as the sun wanes in the sky.

When the tour isn’t on, this venue is open 12:00pm – 5:00pm every Tuesday to Saturday, with wine or cider tastings available without the guided tour! Be sure to book in advance.

5:00pm – Homeward bound

What a day! Luckily, it’s only a 20 minute drive back from your final stop – and we know the designated driver will have responsibly avoided the vino!

Enjoy dinner at the Plume of Feathers and reflect on the events of the day from a cosy bedroom.

Coast Itinerary AM

9:00am – Breakfast a la Plume

Take the most important meal of the day in your historic pub in the heart of Cornwall. Discover our Breakfast menu.

10:30am – Perranporth Beach

Cruise the 20 minutes by car to Perranporth Beach, winner of the Seaside Award 2022. Fringed by craggy cliffs, this charming sandy beach is fantastic for snorkelling and watersports. Why not get in touch with Stoked Surf School to book in a lesson?

Trek 20 minutes up the hill to see the ruins of the 800AD St Piran’s Oratory, take a dip in Chapel Rock natural sea pool, or enjoy a snack at one of this beach’s seaside cafes.

11:00am – St Agnes

A 12 minute drive away from Perranporth you’ll find St Agnes: a heritage coastline with National Trust presence at it’s tip. You’re welcome to drive this distance, but we’d recommend making an activity of it by travelling on foot.

The full walk takes 1hr 30mins (or 2hrs to St Agnes head) but follows a trail rich with views and scars from the mining history of the area. Eagle-eyed tourists might even catch a glimpse of wild seals or dolphins.

Coast Itinerary PM

12:30pm – Lunch

After all that walking, it’s surely time for a spot of lunch! Here’s some ideas of where to try:

Schooners

This casual bar en route boasts views of the seafront, cornish specials and pints in the sunshine. A nice mix of large and small meals from tapas to homemade pizza.

Genki

Ideal for vegans and the health-conscious, this establishment offers smoothies, acai bowls, dahls and fresh salads. 

The Tap House – right next to station

A surfer-themed, quirkier-than-average pub with rave reviews on food and a selection of 80 types of Gin! This option is also well-positioned 60 seconds from the local station.

2:30pm – Heading back

It’s time to get the car. Either follow the same route that brought you here, or take the U1A coast to coast train from Peterville to N-bound Beach Road (N).

From there, it’s a 20 minute drive back to The Plume, or a stepping stone to visit some other lesser known local attractions:

Sally’s bottom (20 minute drive from Perranporth, 36 from The Plume of Feathers)

A secluded, rocky, dog-friendly beach at the bottom of steep steps. A unique and lesser-known place to visit on this side of the coast.

Godrevy Lighthouse (35 minutes from Perranporth or The Plume of Feathers)

The inspiration for Virginia Woolf’s “To the Lighthouse”. You can’t go in, but a boat trip from Godrevy Point will take you to the rocks at its base, where a local seal colony are known to bask here in the sun.

Trips leave between 10:00am and 3:30pm. Be sure to book online first and plan around the tide.

Holywell Cave (17 minute drive from Perranporth, 16 from The Plume of Feathers)

At low tide, curious visitors can explore this natural cave tucked at the edge of Holywell bay. The structure consists of mottled stone, geological features and slippery steps that lead back into the cliff itself. An interesting find!

Evening – Day’s end

Enough beaches to last a lifetime! If you can handle one more seav iew, why not visit our sister site the Lewinnick Lodge (20 minute drive) for a cliff-top dining experience overlooking the water. If not – it’s time to have a well-deserved rest.

This is only a sample of the incredible diversity Cornwall has to offer. 48 hours may not be enough, but it’s a great place to start.

Book your summer break in Cornwall here with a 15% off