The Old Harbour Masters House is suitable for 6 adult guests and 2 children. Four bedrooms: 1 x super-king-size with balcony and en-suite bath, shower over, walk in shower, double basin and WC, 1 x king-size with en-suite walk-in shower, basin, and WC, 1 x twin with balcony, 1 x child’s bunk with balcony. Bathroom with bath, shower over, walk-in shower, basin, and WC. Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining area, and sitting area. Utility. Sitting room with woodburning stove
This small town and civil parish lies at the mouth of the River Fowey in south Cornwall. The estuary of the River Fowey forms a natural harbour, which enabled the town to become an important trading centre. There is a wealth of things to see and do in and around the harbour. Whether you enjoy getting out on the water, playing golf or finding out more about the history of the area, you are sure to find something to suit the whole family. Harbour cruises leave the Town Quay regularly in season giving you a superb view of the town, but for the more adventurous, rent your own self-drive boat, kayak or paddle board and explore the waters for yourselves! The town is steeped in history, so why not join a guided tour of either Fowey or Polruan? You can even join an owl experience, play golf, go horse riding or pursue your artistic talents with pottery or painting courses. There is the aquarium, museum and St Catherine’s Castle, as well as Readymoney Cove, all waiting to be explored. If you get peckish, or fancy something thirst quenching along the way, there is a plethora of pubs, inns, cafes and restaurants to choose. Whenever you plan to visit, keep a look out for the festivals, fairs, markets and theatre performances on throughout the year. There are many family attractions in the area, including Mevagissey and Charlestown harbours, the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Discover them all from this fantastic base!
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.
