Single-storey. Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x twin. Bathroom with walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC. Kitchen/diner. Sitting room
Porthcothan is a lovely coastal village resting between Constantine Bay and Newquay. The village is known for its sandy beach and legends of smuggling. For those looking to soak up the sun and surf, Porthcothan is a stunning beach offering golden sands and rolling waves ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing enthusiasts alike. Enjoy a picturesque day by the coast, complete with breathtaking views and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. Take a leisurely stroll along the Southwest Coast Path, where you can immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty, whilst spotting local wildlife or simply enjoying the fresh sea air. If you fancy a taste of local cuisine, visit one of the charming cafés nearby for a treat after your beach activities, while you can stock up on essentials at the nearby Tesco Superstore or St Mawgan Stores. Just a short drive away, the vibrant town of Newquay awaits, famed for its stunning beaches and surf culture—ideal for those exploring the many beaches Cornwall has to offer. Families can visit attractions here such as the Newquay Zoo or Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay. For a taste of local flavours, venture to Padstow, where you can stroll along the picturesque harbour, indulge in freshly caught seafood, and visit the famous Rick Stein’s restaurants. Discover more scenic walks along the Southwest Coast Path that offer breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and hidden coves, or pop into Padstow Museum showcasing various artifacts on the history of the area.
With its sweeping beaches, rugged moorlands, hidden woodlands, and rolling countryside estates, Cornwall is a superb destination if you want to spend some time bird watching on holiday.
One of the best spots is Hayle Estuary Nature Reserve, managed by the RSPB. This rich wetland habitat attracts a variety of birdlife, including teals, wigeons, and goosanders. While winter offers the highest numbers, spring and early summer also bring migrant waders such as oystercatchers, dunlins, and whimbrels to the tidal pools and marshes.
Marazion Marsh, also managed by the RSPB and overlooking the iconic St Michael’s Mount near Penzance, boasts Cornwall’s largest reedbed. It’s a haven for species like chiffchaffs, Cetti’s warblers, little egrets, and grey herons. Bitterns are regularly recorded here, and birds of prey, including sparrowhawks and buzzards, are often spotted too.
For a variety of songbirds and raptors, head to the Rame Peninsula near Cawsand. This beautiful area of tidal creeks, sandy beaches, and peaceful farmland attracts goldcrests, firecrests, warblers, and buntings. You may also glimpse birds of prey such as hobbies, merlins, peregrine falcons, and, if you’re lucky, the rare hen harrier.
At Stithians Lake, a large reservoir, breeding birds like little grebes, coots, and moorhens are common. Waders such as greenshanks, ruffs, and curlew sandpipers can also be seen foraging along the muddy banks.
Not far from St Ives, St Ives Island, actually a headland between Porthmeor and Porthgwidden beaches, is a top spot for seabird watching, especially in autumn. Huge flocks of skuas, terns, gannets, fulmars, and auks pass by, alongside waders like purple sandpipers, whimbrels, and turnstones.
Finally, no trip to Cornwall would be complete without exploring Bodmin Moor. This dramatic granite moorland, scattered with ancient ruins and rich in wildlife, is especially rewarding in spring and summer, when skylarks, stonechats, wheatears, and sedge warblers arrive to breed. In autumn and winter, the moor plays host to thousands of golden plovers, along with snipes and the more elusive jack snipe.
