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Cider Cottage at Woodhill Manor - Liskeard, Cornwall

Spring: An early break brings many rewards

10/2/2019

What better time to visit Cornwall than Spring. 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.

Exploring on two wheels

11/1/2019

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

Camel Trail

Camel Trail

Escape, relax, enjoy.

27/8/2018

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.

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

18/2/2018

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

As thoughts turn to Spring

8/1/2018

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

Bodmin Moor wins Dark Sky status!

30/8/2017

Picture Bodmin Moor

Stowes Hill Bodmin Moor (click on images to enlarge)

Picture Stars Cider Cottage Liskeard Cornwall

View through the trees in our woods

As Autumn approaches there will be more opportunities to view the stars in a rich velvet sky here at Cider Cottage and up on the nearby moor. It’s great to note that Bodmin Moor has recently been designated an “International Dark Sky Landscape” by the International Dark-Sky Association.

Bodmin Moor International Dark Sky Designation covers the portion of the moor within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty plus a two mile buffer zone around it where Cider Cottage is located.

As an AONB, Bodmin Moor is one of the UK’s most cherished and outstanding working landscapes. Its Dark Sky status is expected to boost tourism and the local economy, especially in the darker spring, autumn and winter months when star gazing opportunities are at their best.

The Milky Way Cider Cottage Liskeard Cornwall

The Milky Way here at Cider Cottage

Here at Cider Cottage we provide lounging outdoor seats and blankets to aid a relaxing evening stargazing. What could be a better escape from life’s constant daily demands than staring at a star studded sky, with a mug of hot chocolate or a glass of wine on hand.

Stunning views on the South West Coast Path

15/5/2017

Looking back towards Looe

Walking on the South West Coast Path is a delight, whether its just a short stroll down to reach a hidden cove, fishing village or cosy pub. Or maybe a circular walk taking in the inland countryside and the coast, or a longer hike, with a bus or train ride back to where you started. One guarantee is that the views will be stunning which ever you choose.

Long Rock at the end of Downderry Beach

We supply plenty of maps and walking guides in Cider Cottage so its easy to plan a trip out. Of course there are also some local country walks that can be taken direct from the cottage, Liskeard Town or just a short car ride away up on the moor.

So plenty of opportunity to explore, the wonderful Cornish coast and countryside. There are walks for all abilities from kids to seasoned Hikers and its a great way to get to know more Cornish delights.

Thrift blooming in May

Cornish humour on the route The sign said."GONE TO THE PUB"

Walking towards Rame Head

10 Reasons why it's definitely not worth visiting Cornwall in May & June

17/4/2017

1. Having beaches practically to yourself is terrible...

2. Really awful. I mean who wants all that space to run around in?!

3. All those bright flowers blooming, could really hurt your eyes...

4. Absolutely nothing interesting happens in May or June...

5. Having to decide whether its Jam or Cream first on your scone is just too taxing... (Jam first always in Cornwall)

6. Especially when you have to look at views like this while eating it...

7. There is much less traffic on the roads...

8. The locals are very friendly and may take up some of your time to say hello...

9. There is so much to do, you will have trouble deciding where to go or what to do next, dreadful...

10. It's probably better just to stay at home...

History and romance on the South coast.

10/2/2017

On any visit to this area of Cornwall a trip to historic Charlestown Harbour is recommended. An unspoilt, original Grade II Listed Harbour, it’s a key location for the filming of the BBC's remake of Poldark.

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.

Charlestown is quite small but that’s part of the charm. So having visited before, we combined our recent trip with a short walk along the coast path to nearby Carlyon Bay, with it's large stretch of beach. Much of the sand there is coarse as it is comprised of quartz and other minerals. This is a legacy of the mining activities of the past. Once the China Clay was extracted the minerals washed away down the river and formed the beach that is here today. It certainly gives a distinctive crunch when walked on, along with stunning views to Gribbin head.

For us after returning along the coastal path to Charlestown, it was time for a drink and a snack in a welcoming restaurant. And a chance to take in the view on a sparkling sunny Winter’s day.

A filmmaker's dream location

13/10/2016

Yet again the film makers have chosen Cornwall. Tim Burton's lastest film Miss
Perigrine's Home for Perculiar Children, was partly filmed locally to Cider Cottage on the moor near here at Goldiggins Quarry. There is plenty to explore in this wild rugged landscape with far reaching views. Ancient stone circles, granite outcrops and mining heritage make this area a must see for any Cornish visit.

On the South coast the Caerhays area and East Portholland doubled as the 'Welsh' setting for the film, and makes a great day trip from here, with stunning beaches and a fairytale castle as a backdrop.

We chose a lovely sunny Autumn day to visit recently and certainly recommend a trip. There is a useful information board which shows all the filming locations.

Back to Cider Cottage the nearby moor was also one of the recent settings for Poldark. And local Caradon Hill also featured in the last series of Doc. Martin. It's no surprise to us that the rugged beauty of the moorland and the super Cornish coast, are such dream locations for filming.