The Cornish Rambler Blog

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The Picturesque Mullion Cove

Mullion Cove is a picturesque fishing village located on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall. It is known as a stunning area of natural beauty with its rugged coastline and historical significance. Here are some of the reasons you should visit the Lizard area and in particular Mullion:

Mullion Cove is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty. With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and its rugged coastline. The village of Mullion is surrounded by beautiful cliff walks, golden sandy beaches, and crystal-clear water. It makes a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful and scenic holiday. The Lizard Peninsula itself is home to a wide variety of wildlife. This includes seals, dolphins, and rare birds, such as peregrine falcons and choughs. The area around the cove is particularly rich in wildlife. You may even be lucky enough. like we were, to spot some of these animals during your visit.

Mullion has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation going right back to the Bronze Age. The village was once a busy fishing port during the 18th/19th centuries. Many of the buildings in the area are of historical significance. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your visit. These include: surfing, swimming, fishing, and hiking. The village is also home to a selection of excellent restaurants, cafes, and pubs, where you can enjoy delicious local food and or a drink or two.

Mullion Cove is a stunning historical area. It offers tourists the opportunity to see some of the best of Cornwall’s natural scenery. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, there is something for everyone.

Mullion Cove

Getting there:

From Helston take the A3083 south towards The Lizard. At the Mullion Holiday Park turn right onto the B3296 towards Mullion. Drive through the village and follow signs to Mullion Cove/Harbour. Note: Sat Nav: Use postcode TR12 7EP

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The Devon & Cornwall Scone Debate

Devon or Cornwall? That would normally be a debate for anyone planning their Cornwall holidays or a summer staycation in Devon. However the scone debate is all about one of the great traditions of these two great counties. The Great British cream tea. There is no doubting the quality of the ingredients. The scones, the clotted cream and the jam from both Devon and Cornwall, are of the finest quality you will find anywhere in the British Isles.

The real debate here is how the scone should be served. The first way is jam topped with clotted cream. The second way is clotted cream topped with jam. If you didn’t know already the Cornish way is to have clotted cream and then jam on top. The Devon way is to have the jam first and then clotted cream on top. This may seem like a trivial matter to some. But for the local people either side of the Tamar River. It has been a bone of contention for many centuries.

Queen Elizabeth II decides?…

A keen champion of the best of British traditions. Queen Elizabeth the second, according to one of here former chefs, preferred the jam on first. Darren McGrady, who worked for the royal family for nearly a decade wrote on his Twitter account.

“Jam first at Buckingham Palace garden parties!”

He went on to say…

“The Queen always had homemade Balmoral jam first,” the chef and author added in a subsequent tweet, “with clotted cream on top at Buckingham Palace garden parties in the royal tea tent and all royal tea parties.”

Does it really matter?

The difference between a Devon and Cornish scone doesn’t really matter. Just make sure your scone is topped with clotted cream from the West Country. Then a spoonful of jam from one of their fantastic producers. Whichever one comes first, cream or jam, it’s up to you!

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The Ultimate Cornish Pasty

The cold winter months are a perfect time to enjoy one the finest foods to come from the county of Cornwall. This is our take on the ultimate Cornish pasty. Adding some sweetness of a butternut squash, herby sage leaves and a kick of chilli!

The history of the Cornish pasty goes back to medieval times. But the modern version of the pasty is associated with the tin miners of Cornwall in the seventeenth & eighteenth centuries. Traditionally made with a skirt steak, the pasty had pleated edge or seam, which was used as a disposable handle.

Ingredients
  • 500g plain flour.
  • Sea & pepper salt to taste.
  • 100g of beef dripping.
  • 150g butter.
  • 1 egg.
  • 400g of steak, trimmed then cut into medium sized cubes.
  • 400g potatoes, cut into small cubes.
  • 200g butternut squash, cut into small cubes.
  • 4 chopped sage leaves.
  • 1 tablespoon of dried chilli flakes.
  • 2 medium sized chopped onions.
  • Salt & pepper to taste.
Method
  1. For the pastry – combine the flour, salt, pepper and dripping in a bowl until until a crumb style texture is formed. Add 100-150ml cold water to bring the mixture together. Spend around five minutes kneading the pastry mix until it starts to become elastic.
  2. Wrap the pasty in cling film and chill for 2 hours in the fridge.
  3. Preheat your oven to 200c and line a large baking tray with greaseproof paper.
  4. Divide the pastry into six balls, then roll each one out to about 20cm in diameter.
  5. For the filling- heap the filling onto one side of each pastry circle, brush the border with beaten egg, then fold the pastry over the top and seal in a half-circle. Then simply crimp and twist the edge, tucking the ends beneath. Transfer to the baking tray and brush with the egg to glaze.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes at 200c. Then reduce the oven to 160c and bake for a further 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Leave the pasties to cool at least ten minutes before serving.

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Padstow Christmas Festival

The Padstow Christmas Festival in Cornwall this year, runs from Thursday the 1st of December to Sunday 4th of December. After being postponed for the last few years due to Covid restrictions, it is back with a bang! There is a stellar line up of celebrity chefs scheduled to appear over the four days of the event. These chefs include some legendary British culinary icons. Such as Rick Stein, Nathan Outlaw, Angela Hartnett, Paul Ainsworth, Phil Vickery, Glynn Purnell, Micheal Caines and Brian Turner.

The celebrity chefs will be appearing alongside with some of the hottest up and coming talent in the food industry. Giving you some inspiration on how to serve up the perfect Christmas feast for your family and friends. From party foods to the main event, all bases are covered. You can find a full timetable and can also purchase tickets for the festival here.

Alongside the celebrity chef demonstrations there will be a great selection of food market stalls. All dotted around Padstow’s picture postcard harbour side location. Showcasing the very best of West Country produce. From artisan bread and pastries, to chocolates, cheese, preserves & pickles. There will also be some of the finest craft beer, cider, gin, rum, vodka and brandy producers in the region on display.

After a long day sampling the very best artisan produce Cornwall has to offer. Padstow is the perfect place to wind down and relax for the evening. There is a superb collection of bars and restaurants surrounding the harbour to suit all tastes. Check out our guide to eating out in Padstow to see what you might fancy. If you are staying in the area for for all four days, why not sample more than one?

For arts and crafts enthusiasts, there is also a late night shopping slot. Featuring a range of local community stalls and vendors from across the South West. This will start at 5pm on Friday 2nd December.

Padstow Christmas Festival

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Forage and Cook Cornish Mussels

Surround on three sides by the sea. The United Kingdom’s southern most county is a great place to forage and cook Cornish mussels.

Foraging Mussels

The abundance of rocks on Cornwall’s many tidal and clean beaches create a natural environment for mussels to grow in abundance. Mussels are also one of the most sustainable seafoods to source in the waters around the British Isles.  

When collecting mussels on Cornish beaches there are a few basic rules to follow:

  • Make a note of the tide times before you set off.
  • Check the water quality of the beach you are collecting the mussels on.
  • Only pick mussels that are over 5cm in length.
  • Only collect mussels when the month of the year has an ‘R’ in it.
  • Avoid foraging for mussels near harbours and areas of marine traffic.

Preparing Mussels

  • Throw away any cracked or open mussels.
  • Store them in a refrigerator until ready to use.
  • Cook within 1-2 days of picking.
  • Soak the mussels in cold salted water for around 15 minutes
  • Remove the beard and any sand, then rinse with cold water.
  • Dry each mussel off with kitchen towel.

Moules Marinières

There are many ingredients to cook with Mussels that all taste amazing! Our personal favourite is the classic Moules Marinières. Roughly translated as French Mussels in a white wine & garlic sauce. For this recipe maybe we can change the name to Moules Kernow! Preparation time is around 20 minutes and the cook time around 15 minutes.

ingredients
  • 25-30 Mussels (serves 2 people)
  • Generous glass of dry white wine.
  • Knob of full fat butter.
  • 2 chopped shallots.
  • 3 crushed garlic cloves.
  • Sprig of chopped parsley.
Method
  • Put the Mussels into a pan, pour in the wine and cover.
  • Bring to the boil then turn down to simmer for 5-6 minutes.
  • Remove the mussels and set to one side.
  • Discard any non opened mussels.
  • Pour the remaining cooking liquid into a jug and let it settle.
  • In a separate pan, melt the butter on a medium heat.
  • Add the shallots and garlic.
  • Filter the cooking liquid through a clean kitchen cloth into the pan.
  • Stir for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Pour the sauce over the mussels in a serving bowl.
  • Finish with chopped parsley sprinkled over the top.

A freshly baked hunk of crusty bread is the ideal accompaniment!

Forage and Cook Cornish Mussels

..and finally, some words of advice.

Mussels can occasionally contain some fairly nasty toxins and chemicals. Most can be easily removed by cooking. Others are much less common. But their impact can be much more severe and are almost impossible to remove in the cooking process.

If you are informed and careful about where you forage mussels from. Also how you prepare and cook them, then you will be fine.

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Cornwall Car Ferries

One of delights of driving in Cornwall along the coastal route is crossing beautiful rivers via these two Cornwall car ferries.

Bodinnick Ferry

The Bodinnick Ferry is perfect for anyone wishing to travel on day trips to the towns of Looe or Polperro in eastern part of Cornwall. As well as Fowey and other towns and villages further across to the western areas of the county. The ferry crosses the beautiful River Fowey in just a few minutes.

The ferry can accommodate up to fifteen cars and is also used to carry foot passengers and motorbikes. Vehicles up to ten tonnes in weight are also welcome to use this service. Such as camper vans, mini buses and smaller lorries. Please note that coaches are not suitable. This is due to the access roads leading down to the ferry.

The service is open for 362 days of the year. It is only closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

For the latest service timetable updates. Visit the Bodinnick Ferry facebook page.

Sat Nav Directions – Slipway, Bodinnick PL23 1LX.

Cornwall car ferries

King Harry Ferry

The King Harry Ferry links St Mawes and Roseland with Truro and Falmouth crossing the Fal river. The service is very popular all year round. Using the ferry cuts out around 30 miles of driving using the alternative route. As a result it is very popular all year round, with both local commuters and tourists.

The service operates daily. Every 20 minutes from each side, up until 10pm in the summer months and up until 7pm in the winter months. The crossing takes around 10 minutes. There is plenty of time to take in the views of one of Cornwall’s deepest and most spectacular rivers.

For the latest service timetable updates. Visit the King Harry Ferry website.

Sat Nav Directions – 2 Ferry Cottages, Feock, Truro TR3 6QJ.

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Step Back in Time at Port Quin

Travelling along the coast heading South from the historic Cornish fishing village of Port Issac, is the charming and peaceful inlet of Port Quin. The natural rocky cove gets it’s name from the Port Quin Bay, which is located in close proximity. It has historically provided a natural shelter and harbour for sea going vessels.

The occasional small fishing boat heading in or out of Port Quin may be spotted still. But today the crystal clear waters of the cove are mainly used for kayaking, coasteering, snorkelling and swimming. At low tide there are also lots of caves, rock pools, nooks and crannies to explore.

The surrounding coastline and cliffs around Port Quin also provide a great place to explore. It is one of the United Kingdom’s more amazing stretches of unspoilt coastline. Port Quin also links quite nicely onto the South West Coastal Path so it’s an ideal start or end point for walkers.

Port Quin

In 1827 the headland at Doyden point was bought by a wealthy local businessman Samuel Symons. He built a small gothic style tower on it to entertain family & friends. Once used in the TV drama Poldark in the 1970’s. It has since been turned it into a holiday cottage owned by the National Trust. It was also used in the popular TV series Doc Martin, starring Martin Clunes in 2011.

Port Quin has a feeling that you are travelling back in time, as you head down the winding lanes towards the sea. If you are looking for an authentic Cornish hamlet off the beaten track and away from the usual tourist areas. Port Quin is most definitely worth a visit.

Further Information.

Dog owners be aware. The beach has a seasonal dog ban that runs from Easter Sunday until October 1st.

Port Quin by car, use postcode: PL29 3SU

Walking, use grid ref: SW 9711 8051

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Amazing Gardens in Cornwall.

Cornwall Holidays are one of the best ways to spend your time off in the United Kingdom this spring time. Not only is the weather warmer and sunnier than the rest of the country. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces suitable for the family and not forgetting dogs!

Public gardens to visit on your Cornwall holidays.

Spring in Cornwall shows off some of the wonderful gardens of the county in all their magnificent splendour. So by April the native flowers have started to bloom, from daffodils to white wild garlic flowers to stonecrops and bluebells. We have picked out three of Cornwall’s best kept public gardens for you to visit.

Trebah Gardens is a situated near the Helford River and has nearly 30 acres of gardens to explore. Trebah features mile upon mile of exotic planting to wind your way though. They even have their own private beach to explore. The gardens have a superb restaurant on site and they are also dog friendly too!

Lanhydrock House & Gardens are located near to Bodmin and are owned by the National Trust. The estate offers both a wonderful insight into elegant Victorian life as well as some stunning walks though the extensive gardens. From ancient woodland paths to riverside walkways you can easily spend a day in this charming location. The outdoor garden areas are dog friendly and there is a cafe on site serving hot and cold meals, sandwiches, drinks and snacks.

Trelissick Gardens owned by the National Trust is near to the Cornish city of Truro and lies with one of Cornwall’s designated areas of ‘Outstanding Natural Beauty’. Just west of the King Harry Ferry and is set on it’s very own peninsula. The gardens offer over 300 acres of woodland walks and parkland strolls with leading down to the river Fal and towards Falmouth. The site has a cafe and shop, dogs on leads are also welcome.

gardens in Cornwall
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The Best Christmas Markets in Cornwall

the best christmas markets in cornwall

The best Christmas markets in Cornwall are magical experience for people visiting the United Kingdom’s southern most county. Towns, villages and small harbours across the region will be alive with Christmas cheer. Some places where Xmas festivals, markets and events are happening this year include: Padstow, Fowey, Mount Edgcumbe, Flambards Theme Park, Truro, Newquay, Wadebridge, Helston, Mousehole & Looe.

You really are spoiled for choice! So, we are going to help you decide which market you should definitely visit. We have picked out the The Enchanted Christmas Market. This Cornish Christmas event will be held at the Royal Cornwall Events Centre. Located near Wadebridge, over two consecutive long weekends in December.

The first weekend is from Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th of December. The second weekend is from Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th of December. Over one hundred traders will be at the event. There will also be a festive food court and plenty bars for the adults to sample a glass or two of mulled wine.

…and for the children

There will be reindeers, giant polar bears and even a life size gingerbread house to keep the them entertained. The kids can also have an audience with Santa, where he will be telling stories and might even sing the odd song! There is even a 20m synthetic ice rink on site to discover, if you want to show off your skating skills! This is available to book separately.

Opening and closing times for each day of the event vary and tickets are available to book by morning or afternoon session. This is to ease capacity and for parking access. To see the latest updates on tickets and scheduling you can follow their Facebook page @theenchantedchristmasmarket.

For visitors to any of the Christmas markets across Cornwall this December. There is a great range of quality self catering accommodation available to choose from, to suit any budget.

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The Boardmasters Festival

boardmasters festival

With the UK set for a full easing of Covid-19 restrictions from the 19th of July. Music fans heading to the Boardmasters Festival located on the outskirts of Newquay in Cornwall can breath a sigh of relief.

Music

The iconic South West music festival this year now looks now certain to go ahead on schedule. It runs from the 11th of August to the 15th of August. Some of the headline acts already booked to play their sets this year include: Foals, Gorilliaz, Jorjah Smith, Dizzie Rascal, Sam Fender and the Kooks. In total over the five days the festival runs, there are well over 150 acts taking to the various stages across the festival site.

This year there are 11 stages & venues in total, these are. The main stage, unleashed, land of saints, the point, the view, corona sunsets, keg & pasty, the netloft, VIP, the dockyard & the silent disco.

Camping

Many of the visitors who attend the festival choose to camp on site. The organisers of Boardmasters offer a wide range of camping options from boutique tipis and bedouin tents to standard tent pitches. There are also pitches for camper vans, these pitches tend to sell out very quickly. You can check the latest on site camping availability by visiting the Boardmasters official website. Alternative accommodation perfect for festival goers is plentiful in Newquay and the surrounding areas. For the latest availability on holiday cottages and apartments use the search function on our homepage.

Surfing

As well as music and entertainment, the festival also hosts the Boardmasters Open surf competition. This is held at the iconic Fistral Beach in Newquay. Thousands of fans flock down to beach to watch some of the best professional and amateur surfers from the UK and overseas show off their wave riding skills. The festival organisers are also an avid supporter of the Cornwall based environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage.