Most Haunted Places in Cornwall

As darkness falls across Cornwall and Halloween edges closer, tales of ghosts and ghouls emerge from all quarters. Cornwall is a county infused with myth and legend, but this reaches a paranormal peak at this time of year. To celebrate the spooky season we visit some of the most haunted places in Cornwall.

Jamaica Inn

Located in a lonely spot in the middle of windswept Bodmin Moor, Jamaica Inn is reputed to be one of the most haunted places in the country. It has served as a coaching inn for centuries and is renowned for tales of smuggling, murder and mystery - accentuated by Daphne du Maurier’s famous novel about the inn.

Landlords and guests have experienced many spooky goings-on at Jamaica Inn, which is said to be haunted by a ragtag of ghosts including a murdered highwayman in a tricorn hat and cloak who is seen to drift through solid doors. Ghostly incidents are so common that popular TV programme Most Haunted said the episode they recorded at Jamaica Inn was the spookiest ever. Visitors can learn more about the inn’s colourful history in the museum or ‘sleep with the ghosts’ by staying overnight in the hotel.

Pendennis Castle

As one of Cornwall’s oldest buildings and the site of many a battle, it’s little wonder that ghosts are said to roam Pendennis Castle. This fortress stands guard at the mouth of the Fal Estuary, near Falmouth and was built during the reign of Henry VIII to protect the port from invasion. During the English Civil War, Pendennis was the last Royalist stronghold to fall after a six-month siege in which many people died.

At Halloween time guests are invited to join an eerie evening tour to learn all about dark deeds and ghostly apparitions which haunt the castle to this day. The castle is said to be haunted by at least eight different ghosts, including the screams of a kitchen maid who fell to her death and the footsteps of soldiers on narrow staircases.

Bodmin Jail

Bodmin Jail is a cold and foreboding place famous for its dark and sinister past when murderers, smugglers and thieves were locked up in dank dungeons. Some seriously sinister characters were detained here and public hangings were held at the jail up until 1909. Considered to be one of Britain’s most haunted places, Bodmin Jail’s notorious ghosts include that of Selina Wadge who was hung for the murder of her child. Children have reported seeing a lady in a long dress crying and pregnant women have been known to become very emotional in the ‘presence’ of this spirit.

The jail is now a museum where brave visitors can descend into the bowels of this dark prison and learn about the lives of its inmates. Gruesome exhibits include the Execution Pit which features a restored hanging ‘long drop’ platform. Bodmin Jail hosts regular Overnight Ghost Walks where visitors get time to soak up the spooky atmosphere and attend various workshops on paranormal activity.

Wheal Coates Mine

Cornwall’s mines were dark and dangerous places, where terrifying accidents led to many deaths below ground. Wheal Coates Mine on the cliff at Chapel Porth, Near St Agnes, is said to be haunted by the ghosts of dead miners. Today visitors can see the ruins of the cliff top engine house which casts an eerie shadow over the rugged coastal scenery.

On a cold and windy day, when the spot is deserted, some visitors have said they have heard spooky whispers, perhaps exasperated by the crashing waves which echo up through the mines and rattle the grate in the floor of this ghostly ruin.

Museum of Witchcraft

This museum may not be haunted, as far as we know, but it’s definitely a particularly spooky visitor attraction. The Museum of Witchcraft has been located in Boscastle for over half a century and houses the world’s largest collection of artefacts related to witchcraft. When visitors step through the door, adorned with a picture of a witch, they are confronted with eerie exhibits of the occult which send shivers down the spine.

Visitors can navigate their way through the packed rooms with sections devoted to the Wiccan wheel of the year, ritual magic, divination, stone circles and protective charms. There is also a small section on Satanism containing a medallion given to the museum by the Church of Satan. Despite its scary subject matter, the Museum of Witchcraft is very popular with visitors especially at Halloween.

Enjoy a Spooky Stay in Cornwall

Visitors looking for a break in Cornwall at Halloween time should check out the holiday cottages, houses and apartments which offer a safe retreat from the spooky and scary attractions on this list. Visit www.carbisbayholidays.co.uk to find available holiday properties.

Image credits:
Jamaica Inn Sign
© Copyright Steve Daniels and licensed for reuse under Creative Commons License

Pendennis Castle keep
© Nilfanion and licensed for reuse under Creative Commons License

Bodmin Jail building
©  Ron Strutt [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Wheal Coates
© Copyright Tony Atkin and licensed for reuse under Creative Commons License

Cunning Woman at Museum of Witchcraft in Boscastle
©  Midnightblueowl at English Wikipedia [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

Ten Reasons Why Cornwall is Fantastic in the Autumn

If you thought Cornwall was purely a summer holiday destination then think again. All four seasons have their own unique characteristics and offer many distinct reasons to visit. The autumn is a particularly special time when Cornwall is quieter and returns to a more natural pace of life after the high summer season. But there’s still plenty to do and see as nature puts on a a show of its own and the weather can often stay warm right up until the end of October.

So why should you visit Cornwall in the autumn? We give you 10 reasons to visit.

1. Enjoy a Quieter Cornwall

It’s lovely in Cornwall in the summer, but let’s face it - it can be pretty hectic. Packed beaches and queues at attractions are just some of the downsides of visiting Cornwall in the school summer holiday. But as soon as school starts again, the crowds disappear leaving a much more peaceful Cornwall for you to enjoy in the autumn. There is more space to to enjoy the tranquil nature of this stunning destination. Take a stroll along the beach, across the cliff-tops or through the streets and have a relaxing break free from the stresses of daily life.

2. Find Cheaper Accommodation

Finding the perfect accommodation in the summer requires early planning as the best properties are in high demand and command high prices. But if you look outside the main summer season, you will be amazed at the choice of accommodation in Cornwall at rather reasonable prices. Autumn is one of these shoulder periods when it’s just as enjoyable to visit Cornwall but you don’t have to break the bank to stay. To find accommodation for an autumn break, check out the collection of first class properties at Carbis Bay Holidays.

3. Enjoy Autumn Colours

Cornwall is particularly beautiful in the autumn when the trees glow brown, red and gold. Throughout the county, there are wooded valleys, parks and gardens where you can see a display of colour which contrast perfectly against the rugged moors and beaches. Some great places to catch an autumnal display include Anne’s Wood near Lelant, Golitha Falls near Bodmin or any of the National Trust gardens such as Glendurgan, Trelissick and Lanhydrock.

4. Ride Bigger Waves

After the summer flat spell, the first swells of autumn are warmly welcomed by Cornwall’s community of surfers. This is generally the season when well-groomed swells generated on the other side of the Atlantic push into the coast and create fun, wave-riding conditions on the beaches. While the bigger waves are best left to the professionals, it is still possible to learn to surf at some of the more sheltered beaches in Cornwall. And if you’re not up for the challenge yourself, you can always watch the acrobatic performances of seasoned surfers on beaches all along the coast.

5. Bathe in the Warm Sea

Having been warmed by the sun all summer, the sea remains warm well into autumn making it a great time to paddle or swim in the sea. If you pick a sheltered cove or choose a day when the waves are not too big, you can immerse yourself in the ocean and bathe in the beautiful surroundings. Carbis Bay is an idyllic spot for a swim, so is Battery Rocks in Penzance which is generally sheltered from prevailing wind and waves. There are also some natural bathing pools and man made tidal pools scattered along the coast, including large rock pools at Portreath, Cape Cornwall and Mousehole.

6. Reserve a Restaurant

Another reason to visit Cornwall in the autumn is the ability to dine at popular restaurants, at short notice, which have often been booked up for months. There are plenty of options for fine dining in Cornwall and you will have the pick of the crop in autumn. If you’re in the St Ives area, check out Seagrass or the Porthminster Cafe. If you’re into food and want to explore further afield, The Driftwood in Portscatho, Nathan Outlaw’s Restaurant in St Enodoc and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen at Watergate Bay are well worth the journey.

7. Travel Without Delay

There’s nothing worse that spending your holiday time snarled up in traffic. Luckily traffic jams are rare in Cornwall and limited to peak holiday periods. But anyone who knows Cornwall will tell you that the small roads to villages and remote beaches can be slow going in the summer. In the autumn it’s much easier to get from A to B and explore everything that Cornwall has to offer.

8. Enjoy Some Spectacular Events

Just because the summer is over, doesn’t mean Cornwall shuts up shop during the autumn. There is still a packed schedule of events and entertainment at this time of year. Chief among these is the St Ives September Festival, Harvest Festival at the Eden Project, the Fal River Walking Festival and the Cornwall Food and Drink Festival in Truro. See the VisitCornwall’s What’s On pages for more information.

9. Explore Wilderness Areas

While we all hope that we get an Indian Summer, it’s not always warm enough to sit on the beach for long periods in the autumn months. But it is a fantastic time to set off on foot to explore some of Cornwall’s ‘wilderness’ areas including secluded coves, remote stretches of the coast, rugged moors or simply park up and watch the waves crashing against headlands. Such natural attractions include Cape Cornwall, the Land’s End coastline, as well as Golitha Falls and Rough Tor up on Bodmin Moor.

10. Chill Out in Style

Above all autumn is a great time to sit back, relax and admire the spectacular Cornish scenery. This can be done from the comfort of your own seaview holiday accommodation (see www.carbisbayholidays.co.uk) or a cosy coastal cafe or pub. For deeper relaxation, you could treat yourself to spa treatments at plush hotels and day spas throughout Cornwall.

Hot Summer Events in and around St Ives

St Ives is at its best in the heat of summer. There’s a great atmosphere as holidaymakers mingle with locals in the cobbled streets and pack out the beaches on steamy summer days. It’s also the time of year when St Ives and the local area comes alive with hot summer events to keep everyone entertained and engaged in the unique character of this part of West Cornwall.

There’s plenty going on throughout the summer months. But for holidaymakers looking to enhance their stay by witnessing or joining some local festivities, here is our pick of the best events in and around St Ives this summer.

20 June - Surf Cinema on the Beach

St Ives Surf School is hosting a big screen cinema on Porthmeor Beach in conjunction with Rhythm Clothing. The evening kicks off at around 8pm with free pizza, followed at 9pm by screenings of the latest surf lifestyle films starring Rhythm’s surfers and artists. The chilled-out event is free for anyone to attend and is a chance for locals and visitors to get together for a fun evening of surf infused entertainment.

20-23 June - Tate St Ives 21st Birthday Long Weekend

It’s been 21 years since the Tate opened above Porthmeor Beach in St Ives and the gallery is celebrating with a weekend of events. Visitors can join a Late at Tate open evening with free entry and talks about famous St Ives artists. On Super Sunday families can get in free to get creative, investigate art, play with ideas and explore the galleries.

22 June - St Ives Surf School Swellboard Shootout

The Swellboard Shootout on Porthmeor Beach is a fancy dress, charity surfing competition organised by St Ives Surf School (www.stivessurfschool.co.uk). In this fun local event, businesses, friends and families compete as teams of 4 in a tag team contest where competitors are judged on the quality and creativity of their fancy dress, as well as surfing ability and entertainment value. Sponsored by Australian clothing brand ‘Rhythm’, all proceeds from the event will go to Surfers Against Sewage, RNLI and The WaveProject.

21-29 June 2014 - Golowan Festival

This colourful event in nearby Penzance is a community celebration of the traditional Feast of St. John. The festival has a packed programme of artists in celebration of music, performing arts and theatre. Events include a fireworks display on the prom, spectacular parades through the streets and a host of street entertainment.

29 June 2014 - St Ives Pilot Gig Club Regatta

Teams of rowers will race each other in traditional pilot gig boats in this most Cornish of sports. These 32 feet long rowing boats with six rowers and a cox are based on the original gigs used to take pilots out to sailing ships as they approached the coast of Cornwall. The first pilot aboard the ship got the job, so the gigs evolved into very fast seagoing rowing boats. Today teams from throughout Cornwall regularly race the boats at regattas such as the annual race from Carbis Bay to St Ives Harbour.

04-19 July 2014 - Lafrowda Festival

Down the road in St Just this annual community event celebrating the arts is a feast for the senses with street performers, stalls, refreshments, bouncy castles and three spectacular processions. The main event is the colourful Lafrowda Day parade and lantern procession through the town on 19 July.

06 July 2014 - St Ives RNLI Sportive

This friendly cycling event starts and finishes at St Ives Lifeboat Station. Organised to raise money for the lifesaving charity, it’s a chance for cyclists of all abilities to get together for a scenic ride around the coast of West Penwith. Spectators can watch as hundreds of cyclists depart through the town and return later in the day for celebrations.

12 July 2014 - St Ives Biathlon

This event is quite a spectacle as hoards of lifeguards and super fit competitors run from the town centre in St Ives to either Porthminster Beach or Carbis Bay and then swim back to the harbour in this annual race. Organised by the St Ives Surf Life Saving Club, the Biathlon is a great challenge which is also open to novices. This exciting local event brings the community together and turns into one big party in the pubs around the harbour.

August 2014 (date tbc) - St Ives Raft Race

The annual St Ives raft race is one of the highlights of the summer calendar. This is a fun evening where local people and businesses race the length of the harbour on hand-made rafts while dressed in fancy dress. In a combination of competitive spirit, mischievous fun and mayhem, the whole two explodes into party atmosphere as pirates, mermaids and other costumed teams invade the harbour for a memorable evening.

07 August 2014 - St Ives Lifeboat Day

The St Ives Lifeboat Station will host its annual fun packed open day where visitors get a chance to see the RNLI Lifeboats on display and in action on the water in a joint demonstration with a Search & Rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose. The RNLI also organise a BBQ and market stalls selling cakes and local crafts - all to raise money for the charity.

09-10 August - St Ives Summer Beer & Cider Festival

The Guildhall will come alive with a celebration of Cornish beer and cider plus a selection of real ales, beers and ciders from around the UK. Live music will add to the atmosphere for what is always a popular and lively event.

25 August 2014 - Newlyn Fish Festival

Nearby Newlyn hosts one of the UK’s biggest fish festivals at the end of August. This celebration of all things fishy includes a fish market, cooking demonstrations and the chance to sample the best local fish and seafood, while raising money for the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen.

13-27 September - St Ives September Festival

As one of the biggest events of the year in St Ives, the September Festival of music, entertainment, arts and film attracts performers and visitors from far and wide. Visitors can choose from over 300 music concerts, comedy gigs, plays, workshops, gallery visits and other arty events to experience at venues throughout the town during the two-week festival.

If you're thinking about visiting St Ives this summer visit Carbis Bay Holidays for school summer holiday accommodation in Cornwall.

Where to Visit for Art Holidays in Cornwall

We all know Cornwall is a bright and vibrant place to visit. But if you want to add even more colour to your holiday in Cornwall, you might want to consider hitting the art trail to experience the fabulous art for which this location is renowned. With its rich artistic heritage and inspirational scenery, there are few holiday destinations better suited to art fans. It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced artist, aspiring painter or simply wish to soak up the artistic atmosphere, Cornwall presents a culture infused with a fantastic diversity of artistic styles and genres.

Painting in St Ives. Photo by Charles Musselwhite

Explore Fine Art in St Ives

You can’t wander far in any town in Cornwall without stumbling across an art gallery or souvenir shop selling paintings, prints, photographs and crafts celebrating the Cornish landscape and lifestyle. In some locations the creative work of local artists literally spills out on to the streets and this is especially true in St Ives. Renowned for its quality of light and beautiful scenery, St Ives has been  inspiring artists and visitors for generations.

In fact some of the earliest tourists visiting Cornwall were artists, drawn by the fantastic sea vistas, boundless skies and growing artisan community that frequented St Ives. Famous painters Turner, Sickert and Whistler were all known to have visited the area in the 19th Century and in 1920 the internationally renowned potter Bernard Leach set up a studio in St Ives. It is possible to see works of this great potter, plus artists who have followed in his footsteps, at the Leach Pottery museum.

Other artists followed and mingled with locally born painters such as Alfred Wallis to form a community of artists, who made St Ives famous worldwide. The British painter Ben Nicholson joined the St Ives collective when he moved here with his wife Barbara Hepworth at the outbreak of the second world war in 1939. Nicholson later left but Hepworth lived and worked as a sculptor in the town at Trewyn Studios until her death in 1975. It is possible to see many of her great works and visit the studio where she worked at the Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden.

Many art schools were established in St Ives at the time and in the decades that followed. Today you can join painting, drawing and sculpting classes while on holiday in the area. St Ives is so important to the British art scene that in the early 1990s the Tate organisation built and opened Tate St Ives to showcase noteworthy local and international exhibitions. It remains a must-see attraction if you’re staying in this part of Cornwall. There are dozens of other great art galleries and crafts shops to explore in the town, including outlets for Cornish glassware artist Jo Downs.

Sculpture at the Barbara Hepworth Museum. Photo by Sarah Charlesworth

Experience Spectacular Art in Newlyn

Nearby Newlyn has had an equally rich artistic history. Like St Ives, it became the location for a important artists’ colony known as the Newlyn School. Much smaller than St Ives, Newlyn was, and still is, a thriving fishing village providing much inspiration to visiting and resident artists. Big names in the movement included Lamorna Birch and Stanhope Forbes.

Today you can see some of the fine art produced during that period and the work of contemporary artists in galleries, including the Newlyn Art Gallery and a variety of other galleries in nearby Penzance.  Penlee House Gallery and Museum has a fascinating exhibition of painters from the Newlyn School and their influence on modern artists. The PZ  Exchange, The Contemporary Gallery and other independent galleries provide a showcase of old and new artists from across the county. If you fancy participating in some art classes, you can learn from local artists at the Newlyn School of Art.

Find Up-And-Coming Art in Falmouth

Falmouth is another town which has attracted artists over the centuries, thanks to its wonderful seascapes and narrow bustling streets. Soaked in maritime history, Falmouth is a huge natural port littered with sailing boats of all sizes and colours. It’s little wonder that painters and artists used these wonderful scenes as inspiration for their artwork.

The best place to visit for art lovers is the Falmouth Art Museum, which has fine collection of 19th and 20th century art plus contemporary exhibitions by Cornish artists. It is also possible to catch the works of up-and-coming artists in the boutique galleries around the town or at end-of-year shows at the Falmouth School of Art. This famous art school which only recently acquired university status has attracted talented students from UK and world for over a century.

Witness a Wealth of Art in Fowey

Heading further east on the Cornwall art trail leads you to the small artists enclave of Fowey, which seems to be bursting at the seams with galleries and craft shops. Located on the Fowey estuary, amid yet more stunning Cornish scenery, the town bathes in glorious natural light providing a continuing source of inspiration and fascination for local artists.

One of the best places to head for great art is the Fowey River Gallery, which hosts an ever-changing display of exhibitions and new works by prominent local artists. Also worth a visit is the Toe in the Water Gallery which showcases and sells art and crafts inspired by the sea and coastline.

More Great Art in Padstow

This outpost of Cornish art on the rugged North Coast is a picturesque fishing town located on the colourful Camel estuary. Padstow and the surrounding area is home to many notable artists who draw inspiration from the rocky coastline, sandy shores and deep blue sea. Among these is the superb contemporary artist David Pearce who regularly exhibits his modern sea scenes at shows worldwide and locally at Padstow Fine Art.

Like all the other locations on the Cornish art trail, the streets of Padstow are lined with galleries, art shops and craft stores selling paintings and objets d’art of all standards, for all budgets. One of the newest galleries in Padstow, the Drang Gallery caters to the wealthier end  with its display of exciting works by established British artists, previously including Damien Hirst and Sir Terry Frost.

Get Set for Your Art Holiday in Cornwall

Whether you want to admire great works, pick up a momento or immerse yourself in the creative vibe, the Cornish art trail will lead you through some of the most beautiful, culturally rich locations Cornwall has to offer taking you on a tour through the treasure trove of historic and contemporary art found in Cornwall today. If you want to carve your own trail or simply soak up the art scene, St Ives  is the perfect base for you to create, immerse and explore Cornwall’s arty side. Visit Carbis Bay Holidays for self catering holiday accommodation in the town and the surrounding area.

St Ives Holiday Resort Strong Start for Spring

We're pleased to report that our holiday accommodation bookings in St Ives are strong this spring, which is great news following a particularly long and stormy winter. Here's a little press release we put out on our exciting success in providing fantastic holiday accommodation for holidaymakers in St Ives.

After surviving the worst winter storms in a generation, businesses in St Ives in Cornwall are busy preparing for the Spring season and a busy Easter holiday. One such business is Carbis Bay Holidays which has expanded from nearby Carbis Bay to offer a growing number of holiday properties in St Ives.

The holiday accommodation provider reports that St Ives is well and truly #openforbusiness, with strong bookings for 2014 at the 50 or so self-catering cottages, houses and apartments it represents in the town.

Although the winter storms caused some damage along the beaches in St Ives, the properties managed by Carbis Bay Holidays were unscathed. The company says holidaymakers should expect the same excellent standards and superb tourism facilities for which St Ives is known and loved.

Amanda O’Toole from Carbis Bay Holidays said: “VisitCornwall has done an excellent job with its #openforbusiness campaign to reassure people travelling to Cornwall that they can still enjoy excellent holidays. It seems like this message has worked as bookings for accommodation in St Ives are looking very good for Easter and beyond.”

This is great news for the company which entered the highly competitive St Ives holiday market, after gaining success and a loyal following for its property portfolio in nearby Carbis Bay.

Carbis Bay Holidays was established in 2000 and built up a solid reputation by marketing only a handful of very local superior seaside properties. Over the years, the company has built on this early success by only taking on a hand-picked selection of high-end properties throughout the St Ives and Carbis Bay area.

The company now represents 130 properties in total, well over a third of which are based in St Ives.

Amanda O’Toole commented: “St Ives was a natural progression for us. We’re only next door, so we know the town extremely well and are able to service the properties to the same high standards. Many guests who stay with us in Carbis Bay, love to experience everything that St Ives has to offer - and vice versa. So we knew there would be strong demand from our customers.

“St Ives is a superb tourist destination - it’s beautiful, culturally rich and vibrant. It’s good to see it thriving as a holiday resort, despite what Mother Nature threw at it earlier this year.”

* Carbis Bay Holidays welcomes the opportunity to talk to quality holiday accommodation owners in St Ives about how they can maximise their rental return. Please contact Operations Director Richard Brindley on 01736 630015 to arrange a visit. Or see www.carbisbayholidays.co.uk for more information.

Best Beaches for Surfing in and around St Ives

If you’re visiting St Ives in Cornwall this summer, you really should try surfing. The sport of surfing is a vibrant part of the culture and lifestyle of Cornwall, and St Ives is a hotspot for surfing activity. To leave Cornwall without having tried surfing, is like visiting Cornwall without ever tasting a Cornish pasty. It’s simply something you should do to get under the skin of this holiday destination and immerse yourself in the Cornish vibe.

Of course you wouldn’t just try surfing because of its connection with Cornwall. It is also a fabulous activity which allows you to have fun in the sea and experience the power of nature as you ride waves along the shore. It is also a healthy exercise and is great fun for all ages and abilities, especially families who are staying locally in St Ives holiday accommodation.

Surfing at Porthmeor Beach, St Ives
The best place to start your surfing adventure in St Ives is Porthmeor Beach. This half-mile stretch of sand is located right in the heart of town, overlooked by the prestigious Tate Gallery. The beach faces north west, so it is slightly sheltered from the biggest swells and strongest winds. This means the waves are often cleaner and gentler here than west facing beaches, so Porthmeor Beach is perfect for learning to surf most of the time. St Ives Surf School runs surf lessons here (see discount information below). A surfing lesson at Porthmeor Beach is a superb activity to experience while you are on holiday in the St Ives area.

Surfing at Sennen Beach
Just a short drive away from St Ives and Carbis Bay, at the far end of West Penwith is the pretty fishing village of Sennen with its crescent of golden sand renowned for its quality surf conditions. As this beach is located right at the tip of Cornwall, near Land’s End, Sennen Beach does pick up most Atlantic Ocean swells. On big wave days, the surfing is best left to the local pros. But when the conditions are calm, Sennen is one of the few places where you can pick up some beginner size waves. There is also the very good Sennen Surf School here, with professional surf instructors eager to teach you in the ways of wave riding.

Surfing at Gwithian Beach
Located just the other side of Carbis Bay, at the other end of the Hayle Towans, Gwithian is one of the hottest surf destinations in the area. This beach is also exposed to the best swells rolling in from the Atlantic, which can deliver big barreling waves for experienced surfers some days. But on other days, beginner surfers can enjoy calmer waves and surf conditions suitable for learning how to surf. If you check the surf forecast and choose your visit correctly, you will be rewarded with some awesome waves in the shadow of Godrevy Lighthouse. Gwithian Academy of Surfing runs surfing lessons here for beginners and progressing surfers.

Surfing at Praa Sands
Praa Sands is only a 20 minute drive away from St Ives, but has a very different outlook and atmosphere to the rugged beaches of the north coast. When you pass Penzance you’ve turned the corner onto the south coast of West Cornwall, with generally gentler, greener coastal scenery. Surf conditions on the south coast can be world class, especially at nearby Porthleven with its renowned rocky reef break. The waves can also be big and hollow at Praa Sands, but generally in the summer months, the waves break gently onto a soft sandy beach. This makes it a good location for families with small children to try surfing and master core board skills without battling it out through big breakers. Stones Reef Surf Shop, located right on the beach, provides surfboard hire and surfing lessons.

Let’s Go Surfing!
So there you have it. A round-up of the best places to learn to surf and enjoy surfing while you are on holiday in St Ives or Carbis Bay. But your surfing adventure needn’t end there. There are surfing beaches, coves and more advanced surf spots to explore along the entire coastline of Cornwall. Once you’ve had your initial surf lessons and feel comfortable in the water, you can just pick up a board and explore. You’ll be assured a true Cornish adventure.

For more information on surfing in St Ives or to book surfing lessons at Porthmeor Beach, please visit the St Ives Surf School website. Remember that if you’re on holiday in St Ives with Carbis Bay Holidays, you can get 20% off the price of surf lessons with this surf school.

If you’re a keen surfer or want to try surfing while on holiday in St Ives, please check out the range of holiday cottages, houses and apartments near Porthmeor Beach on the Carbis Bay Holidays website.

Ancient Forests Uncovered at Mount's Bay

This is amazing. An ancient submerged forest has been uncovered at Mount's Bay, near Penzance, following the recent storms.

Frank Howie/Cornwall Wildlife Trust

It seems that the stormy seas which wreaked havoc on the coast in early February has uncovered stumps of ancient oak, beech and pine trees. These large tree stumps are between 4,000 and 6,000 years old and have been preserved all this time by sand and shingle.

I'm not sure how long the ancient forest in Mount's Bay will remain visible before shifting sands cover them over again, but experts are warning visitors not to investigate.

Frank Howie, Cornwall Wildlife Trustee and chair of the county's Geoconservation Group, said: "The storms have revealed two to five metre trunks of pine and oak as well as the remains of hazel thickets with well-preserved cob nuts and acorns washed out by streams running across the beach.

"These forests were growing four or five thousand years when climate was slightly warmer than today.

"They were not flooded at the end of the last ice age which happened around 12,000 years ago.”

The above quote is an excerpt from an article in The Telegraph. To read full article go here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/10653204/Submerged-forests-revealed-by-UK-storms.html