Blog Posts - Cider Cottage at Woodhill Manor - Liskeard, Cornwall

Cider Cottage at Woodhill Manor - Liskeard, Cornwall

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.

Capture the spirit of Poldark

24/8/2016

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

More wild visitors at Cider Cottage. Oh deer!

16/7/2016

Stag relaxing in Cider Cottage Garden

Strolling past our parking area

Along with the varied wildlife visiting here at Cider Cottage we usually catch a few glimpses of deer. This year however we have been lucky to have many more visits than usual. Including two cute young fawns with their Mother.

A well disguised fawn

Twins

Although sightings cannot be guaranteed,there certainly seems to be more chance of seeing these lovely wild animals this year.Either by quietlytaking anearly morning peek into the woods, where our guests have already spotted the two babies. Or by just keeping a look out for these shy creatures.They are certainly getting bolder this year but will quickly take flight if they spot you.

Buzzard soaring over the garden

If you are not lucky enough to spot them on a visit here, there are always the buzzards soaring over the garden to bring wildlife to a stay at Cider Cottage, also owls hooting in the woods,woodpeckers and other varied birdlife, Hector our latest Pheasent visitor is often about too.

It's official - Liskeard is a Hidden Gem !

5/7/2016

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.

The gentle South's secret coves

11/5/2016

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.

North coast beauty

Miles of sand

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.

A different viewpoint

Another hidden gem close by

An ancient donkey track leads to the hidden gem

Springtime in Cornwall

14/4/2016

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.

Beachcombing, treasure from the sea.

19/1/2016

Cornwall is a great place to go beachcombing, with an endless choice of bays and beaches. It's certainly a good way to amuse the kids, who will always enjoy seeing what shells, unusual stones and driftwood they can find. They may want to make some fun art on the sand out of the bits and bobs they find.

Downderry beach South East Cornwall

No Dragons this time just a musical Minion

There is always a chance to find some of the Lego pieces that were lost at sea off the Cornish coast in 1997, when a container was washed from a ship. Lego still turns up regularly on Cornwall's beaches, especially soon after storms and to find a dragon or an octopus is the ultimate prize for the avid beachcomber. There is even a Facebook group called Lego Lost At Sea, where recent finds are shared.

On our regular beach walks we always keep a look out for what the tide has left at the high waterline and usually end up bringing something home that looks useful, indeed the sign to our Woods here at Cider Cottage is made from driftwood and there is always string from fishermen's nets, which is very useful in the garden.

Seaton Beach, Cornwall with Looe and Looe Island in the distance

The great thing about beachcombing is that it can be done any time of the year in all weathers. It's free, there is always the anticipation that you could find something interesting and kids, big and small, love hunting for treasure!

Lovely Looe & Looe Island

13/8/2015

Looe Harbour, Pier and main beach

Looe is a great place to visit with its narrow streets, bustling harbour and glorious sandy beach, a must for sunny days. This lovely fishing village is just a short drive from Cider Cottage or a senic train ride along the river valley from Liskeard Station, where the parking is only £1 for a day. Many of our guests choose the train for their first visit to Looe and say how much they enjoyed the trip.

Waiting on Looe Island beach for the boat back to Looe

Children love to catch crabs from the Harbour Wall or the Millpool causeway. There are boat and fishing trips available from the Harbour and a chance to visit magical Looe Island when the tide is right, a trip we can throughly recommend.

View to Looe Island from the coast path

There is lots of choice of places to eat
in Looe whether it's for a snack, just
fish and chips or fine dining.
There is always something special
about enjoying a meal with a
waterside view.

Minions

19/7/2015

Stowes Hill and the Cheesewring

The lonely Crossroads in Poldark - The sea was added on screen!

The sign everyone wants a photo with.

10 minutes from Cider Cottage is the village of Minions, the highest Village in Cornwall set on Bodmin Moor. A short walk will give stunning views and a chance to see ancient stone circles, historic mining engine houses, the iconic Cheesewring and much more.

It is truly a super place to explore and each time we visit we find something new. Some sequences in the recently screened TV series Poldark were filmed here. The Stagecoach scenes and lonely crossroads with Ross & Demelza on horseback. Indeed the area is often used for filming, it has such an atmospheric timeless appeal.

There is a Pub and Cafés in the village to complete a visit to this interesting scenic area. And of course the children and fans of the yellow and blue characters Minions, love having their photo taken with the Village sign.