 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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 Stowes Hill Bodmin Moor (click on images to enlarge)  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 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.
 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.
 Walking towards Rame Head 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...  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.
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.
Cornwall’s stunning beauty will once more be the backdrop for the next series of Poldark, which is anxiously awaited. Many will be looking forward to Aidan Turner rippling his muscles, but the breathtaking Cornish scenery will also be the star.  Clifftop mines can be found all along this rugged coastline  Porthcothan the area is the backdrop to many scenes Filmed in Autumn and Winter, skinny dipping and scything are not expected to feature this time. But the hard life of Cornish miners will be portrayed in the storyline, and today the countryside is still dotted with mining relics evoking memories of the rich heritage of Cornish mining. For those wishing to capture the spirit of Poldark in Cornwall, there is so much to see, with mine engine houses perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, the historic harbour at Charlestown, wild Bodmin moor with varied mining relics or the many beautiful beaches. Cider Cottage is well placed to get to many Poldark filming locations, with nearby Craddock Moor at Minions on the doorstep, Porthcothan and Stepper Point not too far away on the north coast and Charlestown within easy reach. A day trip can take in some of the other locations further west.  The lonely crossroads featured in the first series on Craddock Moor nr. Minions  Historic Charlestown  The Cornish Times reports that Liskeard has topped a poll by coach company National Express to uncover the nation's 'hidden gems'.
National Express carried out the survey, it said, 'to recognise places offering real tourist charm' and encourage people to travel to some of England's smaller towns and villages. Liskeard pulled in more than a quarter of the votes in the poll of 1,000 people, clearly ahead of Wells in Somerset, which came in second. The rest of the top 10 was: 3. Bakewell (Derbyshire) 4. Thirsk (North Yorkshire) 5. Grange-over-Sands (Cumbria) 6. Starcross (Devon) 7. Bidford-on-Avon (Warwickshire) 8. Mablethorpe (Lincolnshire) 9. Frinton-on-Sea (Essex) 10. Ashby-de-la-Zouch (Leicestershire) Liskeard Tourist Information Manager, Tina Barrett said "It's very exciting, a real credit for the town". Tina plans to use the news to market the town on social media. Town Councillor Hella Tovar said "It's great news. You only have to look up at the buildings to see how lovely it is". National Express managing director, Tom Stables said "We hope our list helps to reveal Liskeard's charms to people further afield. With lovely leisure trails and stacks of old-school charm, for many people Liskeard truly is a hidden gem". So there you have it - and we knew it all along - Liskeard is a great place to spend some time. Friendly people, proud architecture, great food and drink, stunning countryside, and closer than you think. A Hidden Gem. Cornwall is blessed with numerous, beaches, from quiet hidden away coves to vast long stretches of golden sand. The rugged North coast has lots to offer with its renowned surfing beaches pounded by Atlantic rollers - certainly worth visiting and not too far to travel to from Cider Cottage.
 The end of the Smuggler's path But nearer here on the gentler South coast we have some super little coves. Our favourite is approached through woodland down an old Smuggler's path. It’s a lovely sheltered gently sloping bay and the water is warmed on an incoming tide after the sun has heated up the sand. A comment from a relative who was visiting with us, said it was like swimming in an infinity pool. Another bonus is it is never crowded, the 20 minute walk may deter some, but with a 4 and 6 year old in tow there were no complaints only anticipation and excitement.  One of our favourite beaches There are many other beaches within easy reach of Cider Cottage and we even have a tide clock in the cottage so our guests can plan the best time to visit the coast. Whether it's for crabbing in Looe at high tide, a paddle or swim at one of our secret hidden away coves, or a beach with easy access. With Cornwall's extensive coastline, the choice is endless.
 An ancient donkey track leads to the hidden gem  Spring has sprung and its lovely here in the Cornish countryside. Lambs baaing, woodpeckers drumming in the woods and birdsong fills the air. We even spotted Swallows quite early this year in March, hoping this bodes well for a good Summer.  An invasion of cuteness in our parking area The lanes are bursting with colour, with primroses in abundance and bluebells are starting to make an apearance in the woods too, it's a feast for the eyes.
What better time to visit Cornwall, and Cider Cottage think super coastal and moorland walks, cosy pubs and quite coves. The natural beauty of Cornwall awaits. |
New AuthorIn 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. Archives
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