Travel tips for your Cornwall summer staycation

One of our favourite things about Cornwall is that almost anyone can find their dream holiday, right here. You might be an avid art lover, who wants nothing more than to get lost among tiny galleries on the cobbled streets of St Ives. Or, perhaps, you’re an adrenaline junkie, who wants to feel the power of the sea as you take on your next wave at Cornwall’s most iconic surf spots.

For slow-going beach lovers, spend your days soaking up the sunshine at beaches like Fistral Beach, Perranporth, and Watergate Bay, while families enjoy attractions including the Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan and Newquay Zoo.

And for the hikers among us? There’s nothing quite like experiencing  the South West Coast Path, where breathtaking sea views await around every corner.

Finally, if you’re a foodie, you want to be making the most of the many food festivals and events happening across Cornwall this summer. With top chefs sharing their culinary genius, you could even pick up some top tips along the way. In fact, you can see our full summer events guide, including some of Cornwall’s top music festivals, from our sister venue, Lewinnick Lodge.

While Cornish summers often bring warm sunshine, the weather can change quickly, so it’s worth packing for every possibility. In fact, be prepared for weather to change within a few hours!

Our advice? Make sure you’ve stocked up on these key essentials before you set off:

• Comfortable walking shoes (especially if you’re hitting the South West Coast Path)
• Lightweight clothing for warm days
• A waterproof jacket for the occasional shower
• Sun cream, sunglasses, and a hat
• Swimwear and towels for beach days
• A reusable water bottle for exploring (let’s reduce single-use plastic as much as we can!)
• Warm jumpers for those cooler evenings
• Binoculars for nature spotters
• A map – because not everywhere has signal
• An empty stomach ready for Cornish pasties

If you’re planning a longer coastal hike, you’ll probably want to prep some extra support gear, and make sure you’re up to speed on the latest safety advice from the RNLI.

Summer is Cornwall’s busiest season, so booking accommodation well in advance is highly recommended (you can check out our latest room availability, here). That said, it’s never too late to find somewhere, and even a last minute trip can make the best getaway!

For getting here, travelling by car is often considered the most flexible way of visiting Cornwall, but why not check out our sustainable travel guide to help reduce impact? There are plenty of ways to get around without getting behind the wheel, no matter where you are. That said, if you are travelling by car, you’ll find The Plume conveniently located just off the A30 in Mitchell, making it an ideal base for exploring every corner of the county (with easy access from train and bus stations in nearby Newquay and Truro).

Starting your days early can help you beat the crowds at popular attractions or nab the best beach spots, while making the most of Cornwall’s beautiful summer mornings. It also means, if you’re driving, you’re less likely to get stuck in any traffic on your way to your favourite beauty spots.

And if you’re planning to hit up some of Cornwall’s most popular restaurants, like Paul Ainsworth’s No6 in Padstow or the newly opened Ugly Butterfly in Newquay, it’s worth putting your name down early to avoid disappointment. For foodies looking for a proper Cornish pub experience, and a menu celebrating the best of flavours on our doorstep, book your table here at The Plume – you won’t be disappointed.