|
Things
to See and Do
We are in the countryside of St Kew
Parish, just inland from Port Isaac on the fabulous North
Coast of Cornwall, overlooking the valley of the River Allen.
Brightor Wood, the same acreage today as was recorded in the
Doomsday Book, stretches out of sight along the valley. The
farmstead is the only property on "our" lane, a few minutes
walk from St Kew Highway with its local shops and pub. There
are miles of lanes and rural footpaths to explore. The A39
Atlantic Highway is easily accessible, making us the perfect
base for exploring all Cornwall has to offer.
Beaches
The nearby beaches of Polzeath, Rock and Daymer have miles
of golden sands, and offer surf and safe bathing. There is
a surf school at Polzeath if you want to learn! Between Padstow
and Newquay are a series of bays with more surfing, sand dunes,
and even Jamie Oliver's Fifteen
Restaurant.
The
Camel Estuary
The estuary is famed for its wildlife, in particular for birds;
it is easily accessible for the entire 5 miles from Wadebridge
to Padstow from the Camel Trail, and is very popular for birdwatching.
Near the sea, between Padstow and Rock, sailing and a wide
range of water sports can be enjoyed. On a breezy day the
flotillas of dingys and windsurfers with brightly coloured
sails make fascinating viewing.
Walking
and Cycling
The coastal footpath offers miles of spectacular walks along
rugged cliffs and sheltered coves. A network of rural footpaths
crisscrosses the parish. The Camel
Trail follows the route of the old branch line for eighteen
miles from just below Bodmin Moor all the way to Padstow,
following the River Camel; both cycling and walking are encouraged,
with cycle hire available in Wadebridge.
Harbours
and towns
Wadebridge is our nearest market town, a thriving local centre
with supermarkets and a wealth of local shops. Padstow is
centred around its picturesque working harbour, with lanes
to explore and many fine restaurants. Port Isaac, recently
famous for TV's "Doc Martin" has charming cottages in impossibly
narrow lanes surrounding its lovely harbour.
Gardens
and Houses
Cornwall is famous for its gardens and country houses; nearby,
Pencarrow is still
a delightful family home with gardens and craft centre well
worth a visit. At Padstow, Prideaux
House has a wonderful setting with its ancient deer park
overlooking the town. Further afield, the National Trust own
many fine houses, all open to the public. Gardens such as
Lanhydrock,
Caerhayes, Boconnoc,
Trelissick,
Trebah, Trengwainton
and the Lost Gardens of Heligan
are spectacular, particularly in the spring.
History
and Legend
Cornwall traces its history back beyond Celtic times, with
much archeological evidence of ancient settlements. On the
North Coast, nearby Tintagel
Castle is the legendary home of King Arthur, whilst the
story of Tristan and Iseult is centred on Restormel
Castle at Lostwithiel, where Tristan's father, King Mark
ruled. Padstow celebrates the coming of summer each May Day
with its famous and age old 'Obby 'Oss, which dances throughout
the town. In more recent times, the roots of the industrial
revolution can be traced through the relics of the deep mining
for tin and copper, which have earned World Heritage Site
status for Cornwall.
Arts and Culture
Cornwall has a vibrant modern arts culture; look out for many
art galleries, and open air theatre. There are festivals such
as St Endellion Music Festival, Wadebridge Folk Festival.
Overlooking the Camel Estuary, Poet Laureate Sir John Betjmen
is buried in the churchyard of St Enodoc Church. Further west
in St Ives, the Tate
Gallery celebrates the St Ives school of artists with an impressive
programme of contemporary art.
Pubs
and Restaurants
You can eat really well in Cornwall! Celebrity chefs such
as Rick Stein have
led the way, and really excellent restaurants abound. There
are lovely country pubs serving excellent food and locally
brewed beer, such as the St Kew Inn at nearby St Kew Churchtown
|
