Cider Cottage at Woodhill Manor - Liskeard, Cornwall

A new season at Cider Cottage

1/5/2022

The opening season for us proved to be very busy with lots of lovely visitors having a great time visiting Cornwall. This season, with travel restrictions abroad being lifted Cornwall is generally quieter and so bookings are lighter than last year.
The onset of some sunny and warm weather in June reminds us of how beautiful this place is and a fantastic destination to explore all Cornwall has to offer. Living here is a dream and we get chance to walk around some of the gorgeous countryside and coastline of south east Cornwall, all within easy access of Cider Cottage.
Here are some of the day trips we have managed in the last few months.

Talland to Polperro walk

Night out in Looe

Downderry beach walk

Sunrise on East Looe coast path

Walk from Crow's Nest onto Bodmin Moor at dusk

5/3/21
Despite the peace and tranquility here at Cider Cottage, as Spring approaches everything is bursting into life. Oblivious to the horrors of the pandemic the wildlife continues to sprout and prepare itself for a busy time ahead. Over 25 species of birds have been noted in and around the garden, mainly feasting and building themselves up for parenthood in the coming months. And as the mornings become lighter, they remind us that it is time to get up and enjoy the beautiful surroundings here. Those more nocturnal birds such as the owls can be heard clearly in the woods below Cider Cottage, reminding us that nature is busy at work during the night twoo !!
Snowdrops, daffodils and early camelias are all around us and the buds on the trees are swelling, just waiting for the signal to burst out in all their glory. There is a lot to look forward to ..............

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A special place, in unusual times

29/10/2020

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As our season ends, it's time to reflect on this unusual year here at Cider Cottage. We increased our stringent cleaning regimes and complied with all the necessary adjustments to make the cottage safe for our guests. And we received the 'Good to Go' award from Visit England and were ready to open the cottage in late July.

It was of course a very short season for us, but the Summer saw plenty of families enjoying a welcome escape here at Cider Cottage and a chance to make some happy memories in Cornwall. Our Autumn guests were mostly couples, who took the opportunity to visit at this quieter time to unwind and relax in the cottage and garden, whilst also getting out and about to a wide variety of locations.

We were so pleased to share this tranquil haven with our guests and to help alleviate some of the stress created by the current situation. Hoping next year many more guests will be able to discover this secluded corner of Cornwall and experience what makes it so special.

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Memories to cherish in a secluded Cornish haven

3/3/2020

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After a very wet Winter here in the UK, its lovely to see the sun again and everything in the garden bursting into life once more. The snowdrops in January cheer up dreary days, but nothing can beat the array of colour in the garden from now on with the promise of more colourful displays as the year progresses.

Here at Cider Cottage we are preparing for the new season which starts in April at Easter.

Hopefully by Easter we will be welcoming a warmer and drier Spring and be looking forward to a wonderful Cornish Summer.

But come rain or shine, nothing beats the seclusion and peace of Cider Cottage, a real escape from the stress of daily life. A truly relaxing and healing place. Not our words, but reflections from some of our many happy guests.

We look forward to those warmer days and sharing our little corner of the Cornish countryside with our guests. Each making their own special, lasting memories, especially the children. Whether that’s beating Dad at Cornish Monopoly, crabbing at Looe, body boarding in the waves, making sandcastles, rock pooling or simply enjoying a genuine Cornish pasty.

Memories made in Cornwall last a lifetime.

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Holiday highlights in Cornwall

15/11/2019

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After another busy season here at Cider Cottage, we had the pleasure of welcoming many happy new and returning guests.

The feedback and comments from our customers has been super and we are very pleased that so many happy memories have been made during their stay here. Everyone finds it a calm and relaxing place to spend their holiday.

Some simply enjoy the peace of the garden, exploring the woods or relaxing in the hammock and walking locally. Combined with visiting the local beaches and the moor, or travelling on the train from Liskeard down the valley to Looe, which is always a favourite for all ages.

The train between Liskeard & Looe

Others have enjoyed many activities very local to Cider Cottage, from horse riding, zip wires, football-golf and surfing to rock pooling, crabbing, coastal and moor walking to name a few.

Local attractions are visited too, like Carnglaze Caverns, Goliatha falls, Minions, Polperro, Fowey, the Eden project, & Charlestown. And it’s not far to The Lost Gardens of Heligan, near Mevagissey or a trip to North Cornwall to visit Padstow, Tintagel, Boscastle or Port Issac of Doc. Martin & Fishermen’s Friends fame. Some also venture further west during their stay here to St. Ives, St. Michael’s Mount, Mousehole and some even visit Lands End.

Our guests love the location of Cider Cottage which is closer to the rest of the UK, being only 25 mins drive from the border with Devon, over the Tamar Bridge. With good road and public transport links and just a mile from the market town of Liskeard which offers all the amenities they need.

No wonder some visitors return year after year, once they discover our little corner of Cornish heaven.

We hope to welcome many more happy guests in 2020, making their own special memories at Cider Cottage.

Looe on a Summer day

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Poldark country

29/6/2019

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Porthcothan

Bodmin Moor

With Poldark returning to our TV screens shortly, the glorious Cornish scenery will be showcased once again. Many will be tempted to visit Cornwall and experience for themselves the stunning coastline and countryside, and tread in the footsteps of Ross and Demelza.

Bodmin Moor, close to Cider Cottage, is where early scenes of the first series were filmed and it's a stunning place to explore with glorious views all around. A little further on across the moor is St. Breward and it’s in this area where the house which doubled as Ross & Demelza’s home, Nampara, is located. This can be viewed from a narrow road close by.

Holywell Bay

The Holy well in a cave at Holywell Bay

Charlestown Harbour

A trip to the North coast around Porthcothan brings us to the area where Ross is often seen galloping across the headland on his trusty steed. A little further west is Holywell Bay and the beautiful cave Morwenna and Drake visited. The beach also features in many scenes in the series.

Lots of filming takes place at the port of Charlestown and it's a super location to visit and soak up the atmosphere. This romantic harbour is the home port for a famous collection of old ships which are employed in film projects all over the world bringing work and life to the quays and harbour buildings and are a particular draw for visitors. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, gift shops and a Shipwreck & Heritage Centre, to be enjoyed whilst taking in the breathtaking views out over St Austell Bay.

Further afield are many other locations used in filming the series and for anyone who wants to explore the filming locations, we can share our local knowledge to help make a memorable trip.

What better time to explore the beautiful Cornish scenery than late Summer/early Autumn when the sea is warm, there is a good chance the sun is out and the peak Summer crowds have dispersed.

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Spring: An early break brings many rewards

10/2/2019

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Spring is a great time to visit Cornwall. If you don't have to rely on School Holiday time to take a trip, why not reap the benefits of an early break away. With surprisingly warm west country weather, April May and June can be a excellent time to visit.

There are miles of uncrowded beaches, pretty harbour towns with winding narrow streets. Sweeping moors and countryside offering a myriad of walking routes and exploration opportunities. Add to all that the colourful spring flowers bursting into bloom, bringing the Cornish landscape to life after the long Winter.

There is plenty to see and do, lots of places to explore, historic houses to visit and many local events for example in May the famous Obby Oss Day is celebrated in Padstow, which is a very unique experience with an atmosphere all of it’s own. The Fowey festival of words and music is another May event. In June the Royal Cornwall Show takes place, as does the popular Polperro Music & Arts festival and the Looe festival of food and drink.

June also heralds a fantastic display of poppies with the backdrop of the sea up on the North Coast at West Pentire. Its a stunning visual treat and each year we can never resist a trip to see them. On the coast path which winds its way around Cornwall, Springtime blooms add extra colour to the stunning scenery. Bluebells are at their best in May, pink thrift abounds in June and the yellow gorse seems to be in bloom for ages, brightening up even the dullest day.

Making the most of the less busy months for a Cornish visit is certainly recommended. Cider Cottage is an ideal base, with great Spring prices and no extras to pay.

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Exploring on two wheels

11/1/2019

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Old Mining ruins

Siblyback Lake

There are plenty of opportunities for cycling here in Cornwall. The Caradon Trail runs past the end of our driveway, so for those who don't mind tackling some
steep sections with on and off road cycling, what could be better?

For those who prefer off-road cycle trails, Siblyback Lake is very nearby up on the moor and has a level route running right around the lake. It is ideal for children too, with a circuit of the lake being only 2 miles. There is also a play area and lots of activities available there, including kayaking, fishing & paddle boarding.

Cycling around Siblyback Lake

Through the woods at Siblyback

Family fun on the trail

The famous Camel Trail makes a great day out, and bikes can be hired locally for all the family. The level trail runs along the old railway line from Bodmin to Padstow but you can decide how far to go. A shorter alternative is to to start at Wadebridge. After your ride, the reward of fish and chips at one of the renowned restaurants in the characterful harbour town of Padstow would be hard to resist.

There are plenty of other off-road trails in easy reach of Cider Cottage; Lanhydrock Cycle Hub, Cardingham Woods, the Clay trails and the Tamar Trails, just over the border in Devon, to name but a few. Just view the links below and plan your trip.

Camel Trail

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Escape, relax, enjoy.

27/8/2018

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With the exceptional warm Summer this year, record numbers flocked to the coast to cool off. With one of the most varied and beautiful coastlines in the UK, it's no wonder that Cornwall was a popular choice for many. But finding a secluded spot is easier than you would expect with over 300 beaches to choose from.

14 Minutes walk to this seculded cove from the nearby car park.

Our local beaches down at Looe, Talland Bay and Seaton are family friendly with easy access. But a short walk of 10 mins or so can take you to some delightful hidden away coves too.

If wide open spaces appeal there are plenty of beaches that fit that bill too, Whitsand Bay with 3 miles of sand for example. Of course there is always the moor near to Cider Cottage, this vast landscape with its tors, standing stones and mining history is just waiting to be explored.

Sharp Tor, Bodmin Moor a short drive from Cider Cottage and an easy climb to reach the summit

So although Cornwall is a very popular holiday destination, it really is possible to escape from it all here at Cider Cottage as many of our guests have found. Whether relaxing in the garden watching the Buzzards soaring overhead, exploring the local area from the doorstep or taking a short trip to the beautiful moor or sparkling sea.

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Car free, Care free days......

18/2/2018

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Train on the scenic Liskeard - Looe branch line

Looe Valley branch line

Open top bus to Lands End

There is lots to do and see near to Cider Cottage, but a day visit to other Cornish delights is hard to resist.

For some day trips in Cornwall the car is the only option. But occasionally it’s great to give the driver a rest and get out and about on the train or bus, particularly the open toppers.

Fortunately Liskeard railway station is not far from Cider Cottage, and it has very reasonable parking charges. Most of our guests enjoy a trip on the very scenic Looe Valley branch line, which cannot be missed. But there are great connections from Liskeard for going further afield too.

A visit to St. Ives is quite easy by train and again very scenic. Parking in St. Ives is difficult and expensive, so a relaxing train trip takes all that hassle away. Penzance is another destination to consider where there is the option of a bus ride to Marazion to visit nearby St. Michael’s Mount, and the ever popular Mousehole, or maybe take a trip to Lands End on the open topper.

There is also the Cathedral City of Truro, with its connections to Falmouth. In the other direction, the picturesque Tamar Valley line is also easily reached by train from Liskeard.

All are excellent day trips by train and what a treat to avoid the roads. We have all the timetables and details in Cider Cottage to make a car free day easy to plan ahead. And of course we are on hand to offer advice and help if required, having travelled extensively ourselves by Public Transport in Cornwall.

Great scenic railways

St Michael's Mount

The Mousehole bus

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As thoughts turn to Spring

8/1/2018

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As the New Year gets underway our thoughts turn to the welcome of Spring. Snowdrops start to appear and the bare winter soil is bought back to life with colourful new growth appearing.

Here at Cider Cottage our season begins at Easter and we look forward to the new season when we will welcome guests both old and new. We have had visitors from as far away as Australia and Canada and of course many from the UK and wider Europe, all wanting to share our little corner of Cornish countryside.

Spring of course is the ideal time to visit, its less busy than the Summer months and Cornwall has a warm climate, so it can be very pleasant in the Springtime. There is so much to see and do whatever the weather with many indoor attractions, stately homes and historic buildings to visit.

Antony House

As for springtime colour, the hedgerows locally here around Cider Cottage burst with so many colourful blooms, it's a treat to see. And our local town Liskeard was the winner of many awards recently for its super floral displays in the Town centre, thanks to the superb efforts of local volunteers and traders.

Of course the beautiful Cornish countryside and coastline is wonderful any time of the year and we are looking forward to welcoming many more happy guests during 2018.

Looe

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In Feb 2021 Keith and Karen Burden took ownership of Cider Cottage whilst Lynn and Peter the previous owners moved closer to the sea to explore and enjoy more of a coastal life.
Karen and Keith want to keep up the very high standards set by the previous owners and very much look forward to welcoming guests again as soon as Government restrictions are lifted and it is safe to do so.
Lynn and Peter Murnaghan moved from Winchester, Hampshire to Woodhill Manor in Summer 2011. We then spent a good deal of time and energy renovating Cider Cottage to create a fabulous self-catering holiday venue for discerning guests.

© cidercottage.com 2021

A new season at Cider Cottage

A special place, in unusual times

Memories to cherish in a secluded Cornish haven

Holiday highlights in Cornwall

Poldark country

Spring: An early break brings many rewards

Exploring on two wheels

Escape, relax, enjoy.

Car free, Care free days......

As thoughts turn to Spring

New Author

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