DRIFT Bath & Bristol 2026 by Leven Media Group

£10.00

2026 Edition

B A T H

B R I S T O L

The sea

WITHIN

A journey inextricably tied to the rhythm and unpredictability of the ocean

J O U R N A L

F O R

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T H E

D I S C E R N I N G 22/10/2026 09:10

Have you got

SALT IN YOUR SOUL?

SPA DAYS • COWSHED TREATMENTS • COASTAL ESCAPES www.stmoritzhotel.co.uk I 01208 869800 I spa@stmoritzhotel.co.uk

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21/10/2026 14:22

J O U R N A L

F O R

T H E

D I S C E R N I N G

Drift /drift/

noun 1. the act of driving something along 2. the flow or the velocity of the current of a river or ocean stream

verb 1. to become driven or carried along, as by a current of water, wind, or air 2. to move or float smoothly and effortlessly

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J O U R N A L

F O R

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D I S C E R N I N G

3 D R I F T J O U R NA L . C O. U K

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On the cover Solace at Praa (detail) by David Stamp as featured from page 80.

davidstamp.co.uk

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ISSN 2632-9891

DRIFT is published by: Leven Media Group LTD Holbrook, The Moors, Porthleven, Cornwall TR13 9JX www.levenmediagroup.co.uk

© All rights reserved. Material may not be re-produced without the permission of Leven Media Group Ltd. While DRIFT will take every care to help readers with reports on properties and features, neither Leven Media Group Ltd nor its contributors can accept any liability for reader dissatisfaction arising from editorial features, editorial or advertising featured in these pages. Leven Media Group Ltd strongly advises viewing any property prior to purchasing or considerations over any ﬁnancial decisions. Leven Media Group reserves the right to accept or reject any article or material supplied for publication or to edit such material prior to publication. Leven Media Group Ltd cannot take responsibility for loss or damage of supplied materials. The opinions expressed or advice given in the publication are the views of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of

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Leven Media Group Ltd. It is suggested that further advice is taken over any actions resulting from reading any part of this magazine. Leven Media Group Ltd is a multi-platform media business with a passion for everything Cornish. Visit www.levenmediagroup. co.uk to ﬁnd out more. Our mission is to create READ-WATCHEXPERIENCE media opportunities marrying together consumers with the fabulous businesses across Cornwall. Our publishing and marketing teams are specialists in creating print and online communications, devised to achieve a range of marketing objectives. With over 20 years of marketing, brand management and magazine experience we develop eﬀective communications that deliver your message in a credible and creative way. We operate across all media channels, including: print, online and video.

22/10/2026 12:23

T E A M

Foreword History is more than a record of what has gone before; it is the thread that binds generations together, weaving a sense of identity, belonging and purpose into the fabric of our lives. Family is its custodian, carrying forward not simply names and memories, but values, traditions, craftsmanship and a deeply personal understanding of what makes something truly enduring. What we inherit holds the patina of time, the echoes of those who came before us and the stories that might otherwise be lost. Yet heritage should never stand still. Its greatest value lies in its ability to evolve, ﬁnding fresh relevance, new audiences and renewed meaning in the world we inhabit today. To honour the past is not to resist change, but to embrace it with discernment. It is to recognise the intrinsic worth of what has been entrusted to us, while having the vision to reinterpret it for a new generation. In doing so, we create a bridge between yesterday and tomorrow, where authenticity

and modernity exist in beautiful harmony. Such is the case at Polhawn Fort (8), its granite walls, arched and vaulted brick ceilings, a drawbridge, moat, turrets and impressive spiral staircases, frame a softer interior. Thurlestone Hotel (64) has been adapting to holiday trends for more than a century while always keeping family hospitality at its centre. Ally Fraser (72) honours the past in a diﬀerent form, discovering poetry in the overlooked, making and creating with curiosity from found objects. He has an instinctive ability to recognise beauty and possibility in reclaimed materials and to transform them into objects that sit somewhere between furniture, sculpture and art. Artist David Stamp (80) draws on his seafaring history, his art journey inextricably tied to the rhythm and unpredictability of the ocean. The greatest privilege is to ensure that all of the stories, spirit and substance of our past continue to inspire, delight and enrich lives for decades to come.

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C O N T E N T S

At a glance 8 L OV E I N T H E WA L L S

54 C O R N I S H A M E R I C A N A Palm Court Retreats brings an eclectic

A drawbridge between you and the rest of the world

American influence to the Cornish coast

16 A F A R M T O S T A Y A Cornish farm stay where families

56 A F T E R T H E W A V E S Pairing treatments with time by the sea

and animals share space

at Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa

24 W H E R E T I M E S L O W S D O W N Finding peace and relaxation in luxury

64 A F A M I L Y B U S I N E S S Thurlestone marks 130 years with family

surroundings, off the beaten track

hospitality at its heart

32 T H E P L O T T H I C K E N S A novel that is both entertaining and

72 A D I F F E R E N T W A Y O F S E E I N G Ally Fraser discovers poetry in the overlooked,

authentic in equal measure

making and creating with curiosity

34 J U D I C I O U S C O N T I N U I T Y

80 T H E S E A W I T H I N A lifetime at sea inspires David Stamp’s

Family stewardship has shaped a Cornish experience with lasting appeal

evocative paintings of maritime life

40 T H E F R U I T O F I M A G I N A T I O N Bringing something new to the Cornish

86 A N E W W A Y T O S C I L L Y Discover the Isles of Scilly in 2027, as a new ferry prepares to carry visitors

spirit scene

93 T H E R E ’ S M E T H O D I N

46 D R I N K T H E W I L D A I R The Lookout draws you out into the

THE MADNESS eave the everyday behind and rediscover L

endless seascape

the freedom of the great outdoors

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Love in

the WALLS

WO R D S B Y H A N N A H TA P P I N G

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I N SPI R AT I O N

A drawbridge between you and the rest of the world. Polhawn Fort’s Teresa Wicksteed on why more couples are choosing a longer, softer wedding.

as Teresa explains: “Inside, Polhawn Fort is warm, comfy and very welcoming. One of our couples said: ‘There is Love in the Walls.’ It’s surrounded on three sides by the sea, has breathtaking wild landscape and gardens, and its own beach and sauna accessed privately from the lawns.”

uilt 160 years ago to defend Britain from invasion by France, Polhawn Fort was bought by John and Teresa Wicksteed in the 1980s. After undergoing a full restoration, it became one of the first dedicated licensed wedding venues in the UK, with the first couple to be married there by a registrar in 1995 returning in 2025 to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Its history can be felt in the very walls, and in conversation with Teresa I discover why it has become such a sought-after venue for those looking for more considered nuptials.

With the rise of slow weddings, Polhawn Fort fits the bill perfectly. “We have been running weddings for 30 years, so have experienced some of the anxiety and stress that a wedding celebration can entail. The bridal couple and bridal party is on show to their guests and sometimes wider world, especially now in the age of Instagram. Couples now want to feel relaxed, prepared and supported on their wedding day,” says Teresa.

This Victorian granite fort, with eight-foot-thick walls in places, arched and vaulted brick ceilings, a drawbridge, moat, turrets and impressive spiral staircases, frames a softer interior,

MAIN Combining heritage and hospitality

INSET Sauna view across the bay

D R I F T J O U R NA L . C O. U K

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I N SPI R AT I O N

Polhawn Fort where they can be Prince and Princess of their very own castle.”

Instead of tightly packing all the celebrations into one day, at Polhawn Fort you can soak up the magic over a number of days and nights. A slow wedding here is one with more time, more relaxation and more opportunities to connect and create memories with friends and family. “Each wedding stay involves at least two nights,” adds Teresa, “often with requests for longer, meaning there is time for rest and relaxation and being in the moment either side of the big day. Cornish registrars can also build slow rituals into the legal ceremony; for example, warming the rings, stop the clock or tying the fisherman’s knot, all making time to take a breath and reflect.”

Every aspect of a Polhawn Fort wedding is considered from the moment of arrival. The experienced team assists guests with settling in, making sure that all is as expected and hearing any last-minute requests or issues: “Many couples will have visited the fort a few times between their booking and their wedding stay, so most already feel as though it is their own familiar special place,” says Teresa. “For midweek weddings, Tuesday is often the day of the wedding ceremony, but couples can choose any days of their stay. The morning can often be filled with the hustle and bustle of hair and makeup and preparation alongside caterers, videographer and photographer, while some couples opt for a calmer approach with an early morning swim and sauna or a gentle walk to Rame Head. Ceremonies can be arranged from early morning to evening, with many taking place in the beautiful gardens and couples will almost always go down to the beach for some quiet time together after the event. The evening is usually a traditional wedding party celebration inside the fort with the team on hand throughout ensuring everything runs smoothly.”

With more couples swapping flyaway honeymoons for post-wedding mini-moons, I’m keen to hear Teresa’s thoughts on the matter. “We’ve noticed this shift during the last year and it’s influencing couples booking for 2027 and 2028. Many couples mention that they might have thought of a “destination wedding” abroad, but tricky situations in airports and the costs associated with their whole family getting out there, have encouraged them to seek Cornwall as an alternative destination. With this year’s climate being positively Mediterranean, almost every wedding this summer has been outside in the sun! Some couples may book four nights, get married on the first day, and then once their guests have left, spend the remaining days enjoying a private mini-moon at

Once the wedding is over, there’s no prescription for how the remaining days are spent, as Polhawn Fort becomes a totally private space to be enjoyed by the wedding party. “Many groups will rise late and enjoy brunch together.

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A B OV E Your wedding, your way

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A B OV E Celebration and connection at your own pace

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I N SPI R AT I O N

Some may go out for a run along the coast path, or take a leisurely walk to the medieval ruined chapel on Rame Head, while others will enjoy time around the wood fire in the Great Hall. There’s the option to venture down to the beach for a wild swim and sauna, or enjoy a game of tennis overlooking the sea or some lawn games. We now have an iconic red telephone box in our grounds, filled with books, providing an escape of a different kind. There are many idyllic secluded spots inside and outside, where you can sit or lie and soak up the sounds of the sea, without traffic or outside intrusion. Every couple is unique and this time is all their own; sometimes it’s really refreshing not to have a timetable,” says Teresa.

lead a couple or group from the beach, and can also guide individuals or groups running along the coast path. In fact, most activities can be catered for, as the Rame Peninsula is a chosen area for many wellbeing practitioners.

I ask Teresa what it is about Polhawn’s setting that suits a slower approach to a wedding and honeymoon: “Polhawn Fort’s location on the Rame Peninsula is something of a forgotten corner of Cornwall; an area bypassed by most driving west towards Land’s End. At the end of its half-mile private drive, there is no intrusion from external visitors, except the occasional wild ones! Badgers, foxes, deer, many rare bird species, dolphins and the occasional nonthreatening basking shark are sometimes spotted. Being surrounded by water at Polhawn Fort, you benefit from that blue-space wellness which encourages calm, slowing breathing, lowering cortisol and blood pressure.”

The wellness offerings come in many guises at Polhawn Fort. Bespoke couples’ massages are a wonderful chance to dispel tension and connect, with yoga, held both inside and out, being very popular. A group Sound Bath can be organised, while local sauna masters can create tailored couples’ sauna rituals. For a more active approach, a local expert can lead an exhilarating coast-path walk to forage for wild plants and flowers, which are then woven into a delicious, nutritious lunch. For the most energetic, a specialist paddleboarding instructor can

Teresa tells me of a recent wedding at Polhawn Fort which truly embodied this spirit of slowing down. It included two ceremonies: one intimate affair at sunset and one with more guests on the beach on a low spring tide the following day. As it was the joining of two families

INSET Designed for restorative sleep

D R I F T J O U R NA L . C O. U K

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I N SPI R AT I O N

few months in advance. “There’s still plenty of time to plan your wedding in that time, especially if you are flexible about dates, and we can help with recommendations and plans for everything you may need. Our long weekends are still usually the first to book, so a midweek stay is sometimes available as a last-minute special deal.”

with children, time was spent chatting, swimming and playing on the beach, with games on the lawns. But the story is best told in the words of the bride herself: “It felt like the happiness and excitement of Christmas morning, mixed with the emotion of one of the most important moments of your life. Everything seemed to happen at once, and you wanted to hold on to every second. Having four days to celebrate gave us so much more than a wedding day; it gave us memories, moments with the people we love and an experience we’ll carry with us long after the celebrations were over.”

For couples considering a slower wedding, I ask Teresa for her thoughts on planning the days either side of the ceremony so the whole stay feels unhurried: “My best advice is to take advantage of our many years of experience of weddings and plan only a few things for those extra days in advance. After all, you may just want to quietly soak up the atmosphere, sit on the beach, or order fish and chips, or pasties on a whim! Polhawn Fort is a blank canvas, so you can arrange your wedding stay exactly as you wish, and every wedding here is special and different. Our experienced team can help you plan your wedding day, with advice at every stage, and you can visit Polhawn Fort as many times as you like between booking and arrival, so by the time of your celebration, you are stress-free and familiar with everything. Many couples say that makes Polhawn Fort their very own home-from-home.”

The whole building and its grounds are within a designated National Landscape (formerly an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), with the famous South West Coast Path running above and behind. The climate here is affected by the Gulf Stream, meaning extreme weather is rare, but when it does happen it’s exciting, as inside the fort you can’t fail to feel safe and protected by its thick walls. Couples come from near and far to Polhawn Fort. For those with friends and family in farflung places, a longer stay works well, as the fort sleeps up to 24, with capacity for up to 100 guests at the wedding itself. The usual lead time from booking to wedding stay is around two years, but Teresa tells me that 2026 has seen some wonderful last-minute weddings, just a

INSET Taking time to connect

polhawnfort.com

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A B OV E The view from above

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A farm

TO STAY WORDS BY JAMIE CROCKER

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R E T R E AT

A Cornish farm stay where families and animals share space.

The experience lasts around two hours, with the trek itself usually taking about an hour, and children can take part, subject to the requirement that under-12s share an alpaca with an adult. Afterwards, there is time to meet the pygmy goats, rescue ducks and chickens, and possibly some of the alpaca youngsters. The current trekking experience costs £25 per person when each has an alpaca, or £35 for two people sharing one.

here are holiday cottages that provide a place to sleep and there are places that become part of the holiday itself. Old Lanwarnick belongs to the latter category. Set across 34 acres near Duloe, the working farm combines six self-catering cottages with three glamping capsules, giving families, couples, friends and their dogs plenty of reason to spend time on the property instead of treating it as a base they leave each morning. The site has evolved around the idea that a stay can include a proper encounter with the countryside, with alpacas at its centre and woodland, fields and farm animals providing the setting. The result is a holiday business with a distinctly practical understanding of what families actually need.

That relationship with animals runs through the wider site. Dogs are welcomed throughout the accommodation, with secure exercise fields giving them space to run, while walking routes lead around the alpaca fields and through the woodland. There is dog agility, a woodland walk and practical facilities intended to make bringing a pet straightforward. The cottages also provide dog welcome packs, with towels, blankets, bowls and treats, while spare beds, crates and leads are available on request. Families with younger children receive a similar level of thought,

Animals are central to that experience. Old Lanwarnick breeds alpacas and offers trekking across its grounds, beginning with an introduction to the animals and a short demonstration before guests head along woodland paths and into the fields.

PREVIOUS The Old Farmhouse

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outdoor space and nearby shared hot tub give it a strong appeal for families who want somewhere comfortable to return to after a day out.

with travel cots, high chairs, bed guards, stair gates and other essentials available. For children, the attraction is that the farm gives them somewhere to go without requiring a car journey. There is a den-building area, a fairy trail and outdoor games, while the board-game and puzzle library gives families an option when the weather turns. Children can occupy themselves outside, dogs can exercise, and adults can have a little more breathing space without organising an excursion every few hours. The farm becomes part of the itinerary whilst the cottages offer a place to relax and kick back.

Hob Nob takes the idea of a gathering further. Formerly the home of the old cider press, it has a first-floor living area with high vaulted ceilings and countryside views. Three bedrooms can accommodate up to six guests, while three bathrooms make it suitable for families or groups who prefer to have their own space within a shared holiday house. The large kitchen and dining area are made for communal meals, with room for eight around the table, and there is a private garden, hot tub, barbecue and access to the wider facilities.

Beginning with Blackberry Barn, which is among the most popular choices for smaller families and groups, it has a king-size bedroom and a twin, with vaulted ceilings, full-height windows and a south-facing courtyard garden. Its private

TOP Blackberry Barn

Honey Pot is the smallest of the cottages, sleeping two in a king-size bedroom. Its wood burner, private patio and

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T O P L E F T & A B OV E Spice Barn

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TOP RIGHT Honey Pot

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A B OV E The Old Farmhouse

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R E T R E AT

include a fully fitted kitchen, underfloor heating beneath the original flagstone floor and walk-in showers, allowing the building’s history to remain visible without turning a family holiday into an exercise in historical reconstruction. A private hot tub completes the picture.

views across the valley make it a natural choice for couples, while its dog-friendly arrangements mean a weekend away does not have to involve leaving a much-loved companion behind. Spice Barn, proudly awarded the prestigious Visit England ROSE award (Recognition Of Service Excellence), also sleeps two and occupies a former agricultural building whose high ceilings now give its upper-floor living space a generous feel. The private patio, jacuzzi bath and access to the site’s hot tub and gym add the comforts expected from a luxury stay.

The farmhouse also illustrates the way Old Lanwarnick handles larger groups. Multiple cottages can be booked together, while the whole site is advertised for groups of up to 37 people. That creates an unusual degree of flexibility for extended families or groups of friends: people can spend time together when they choose, while individual households still retain their own accommodation.

Rainbow Cottage sits between the smaller retreats and the larger group accommodation, sleeping three across a king-size bedroom and a single room. Its previous life as the farm’s stables remains part of its character, while a Juliet balcony in the living room takes advantage of its position on the south-facing slope. The views extend across the gardens and woodland, and a walled garden provides a private outdoor area. At the top end is The Old Farmhouse, a Grade II-listed property sleeping eight across four bedrooms. Its history is unusually tangible: part of the building is recorded in the Domesday Book, while the rest dates from the seventeenth century.

The three glamping capsules, Swallow, Buzzard and Wagtail, extend the same approach to guests who want a closer connection with the outdoors. Each sleeps up to four, with a king-size bed and sofa bed, while toddler mattresses and travel cots can be requested. A handy two-ring hob indoors and a BBQ outdoors provide all the comforts required for a more substantial stay and they also have use of the site’s communal fire pit located nearby. Across the accommodation, the detail is in the practical provision. Guests receive a welcome hamper containing eggs from the farm’s hens, alongside milk, butter, bread and cake sourced nearby. The cottages have kitchens equipped for proper self-catering, with dishwashers, washer-dryers and,

Original details include vaulted bedroom ceilings, flagstones and a clome oven in what is now the dining room. Modern additions

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exploring south-east Cornwall as well as a destination in its own right.

in some cases, utility rooms. Egyptian cotton bedding, bathrobes, Wi-Fi and Smart TVs sit alongside baby equipment and dog supplies. There are also three electric-vehicle charging points and bike storage on site. Together, they answer many of the practical problems that can turn a family holiday into a logistical exercise.

Old Lanwarnick’s character comes from how these elements overlap. A child can build a den, meet an alpaca and then return to a cottage with underfloor heating. A dog can run in a secure field before settling beside a wood burner. A couple can spend the morning walking the farm and the afternoon exploring the coast before returning to a hot tub. The comforts are considerable, but the setting keeps pulling people outdoors.

The same thinking extends to the site’s environmental approach. Old Lanwarnick has installed solar panels, uses eco-friendly cleaning products and is working to enhance local biodiversity. Logs supplied for cottages with wood burners are harvested on site from fallen trees or trees removed as part of woodland management. Compostable bags, recycled-paper kitchen roll and refillable bathroom products form part of the wider provision for which the business has received recognition through Green Tourism with a silver award.

Old farm structures and stables have been converted into accommodation, retaining features such as flagstone floors and vaulted ceilings. The approach avoids turning the past into decoration for its own sake. A former cider press becomes part of Hob Nob; old stables become Rainbow Cottage; the farmhouse continues to reveal evidence of its agricultural history. The buildings remain legible as former working spaces while accommodating the expectations of contemporary holidaymakers.

At Old Lanwarnick, guests encounter those choices in the kitchen, beside the wood burner and in the way the woodland is managed. They are asked to recycle during their stay, while restrictions on candles, paper lanterns and drones reflect the practical demands of running a holiday business around livestock.

For Vicky and the team behind Old Lanwarnick, the farm is consequently more than a collection of holiday units. Its appeal depends on the interaction between accommodation, animals and land, with each part giving the others a reason to exist. For a business built around holidays, that may be the most persuasive idea of all: giving people the freedom to decide what their day looks like once they arrive.

Yet the property has not been designed to keep guests on site at all costs. The coast is close enough for a day at the beach, while Looe, Polperro and Fowey are all within roughly half an hour’s drive. The site itself as around 15 minutes from the sea, making the farm a useful starting point for

oldlanwarnick.co.uk

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TOP Blackberry Barn

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A B OV E Hob Nob

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Where time

slows DOWN WO R D S B Y H A N N A H TA P P I N G

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Finding peace and relaxation in luxury surroundings, oﬀ the beaten track.

he moment you realise you have stopped checking the time, is a moment unheralded by grand entrances or glittering excess, but rather by a gentle appreciation of the surroundings. At Tredarrup, a collection of beautifully converted holiday cottages set on a working farm in the Cornish countryside, that feeling arrives quickly. Turn off the road, pass through the granite gateposts and follow the private track towards the farm, and the pace of life at once begins to change. The traffic noise disappears and as landscape opens out, the only real question becomes whether to go exploring or just to stay exactly where you are.

The journey from London is predominantly via major roads, with the final stretch across the A30 and the A39 making the property remarkably straightforward to reach. Once there, guests are within easy driving distance of some of North Cornwall’s most celebrated beaches, villages and attractions, while enjoying the rare luxury of retreating from the crowds at the end of the day. The property is the result of a dramatic lifestyle change for its owners Nicky and Mark, who moved from London to Cornwall after decades in the capital. The decision to make Tredarrup their home was, by their own account, not entirely part of the original plan. Sometimes, however, the right place has a way of rewriting the brief. Today, the farm offers four high-end self-catering cottages, each with its own character and private space, alongside a warm, personal approach that comes from the owners living on site. That combination

For those travelling down from the capital, that sense of escape is particularly appealing. Tredarrup is far enough from the city to feel like a genuine change of scene, yet considerably more accessible than many visitors might imagine.

PREVIOUS Mill Barn

INSET Tredarrup’s owners, Nicky and Mark

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lived in. There are bookshelves filled with novels, cookbooks, maps and local guides, along with binoculars and compasses for guests who want to venture out and explore. Outside, each cottage has its own seating area, barbecue and fire pit, while the communal grounds offer sun loungers and wide views across the Allen Valley. At the end of the day, the sunset becomes an event in itself, with the last light slipping across the landscape and an unhurried evening waiting to follow.

of independence and hospitality is one of Tredarrup’s greatest strengths. Guests have the freedom of a selfcatering escape, but without the familiar frustrations of arriving at a property only to discover that the essentials have been forgotten. The cottages are thoughtfully equipped with everything needed for a genuinely comfortable stay, from beautiful crockery, cutlery and glassware to highquality kitchen appliances. There are also the practical details that make an enormous difference: dishwasher tablets, bin bags, foil and cooking essentials are all provided, meaning that a short break does not begin with an unwanted supermarket trip.

The sense of welcome begins before guests have properly unpacked. Each cottage receives a generous arrival hamper featuring tea, coffee, biscuits, cheese and other treats, alongside the ingredients needed to settle in comfortably. Bean-to-cup coffee machines provide a proper morning ritual, while the attention to detail extends to the fourlegged members of the family. Tredarrup is not merely dog-tolerant; dogs are genuinely welcomed. A dedicated canine welcome pack includes blankets, towels, poo bags, treats and a toy, making it clear that bringing a dog is not an inconvenience to be managed but part of the experience.

The interiors are equally considered. Original stone floors and wooden flooring sit alongside beautiful, high-end furnishings, with leather or velvet sofas softened by throws and cushions. Bedrooms feature generous king-size beds dressed in Egyptian cotton bedding, while fluffy towels and bathrobes add a hotellike sense of indulgence. Toiletries are provided, and every cottage has a television with Netflix and superfast Wi-Fi for those evenings when the weather, or simply the desire to stay in, wins out.

That dog-friendly philosophy is particularly valuable because luxury and dogs do not always go hand in hand. At Tredarrup, the two have been thoughtfully

Yet, this is not luxury that feels precious or over-styled. Tredarrup is designed to be

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A B OV E A warm welcome awaits

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A B OV E Farm friends

MIDDLE Stable Cottage

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TOP The Wagon

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reconciled. The surrounding farm provides plenty of space, with walks available directly from the property and further opportunities to explore nearby countryside and Bodmin Moor. There is even a secure garden attached to one of the cottages. Guests are expected to be responsible dog owners, naturally, but the overall approach is relaxed and welcoming rather than restrictive.

Location is another compelling reason to choose Tredarrup. The nearest beaches are within easy reach, while Boscastle, Port Isaac, Tintagel and Bude are all accessible for day trips. Bodmin Moor is close enough for walking and cycling, and the property provides a useful base for discovering both the north coast and Cornwall’s inland landscapes. The Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the gardens, farm shops and villages of the wider county are all within reach too.

Families are equally well catered for. The farm is home to pygmy goats, sheep, hens, a goose and running ducks, and animal feeding can become part of the holiday experience. Children can collect eggs and meet the animals, while adults can enjoy the simple pleasure of watching a family day unfold without needing to organise an itinerary. One of the property’s greatest luxuries is precisely this flexibility: a day can be spent exploring Cornwall, or it can be spent doing very little at all.

The real advantage, however, is what happens when you return. Cornwall’s most famous coastal destinations can be gloriously beautiful, but in high season they can also be gloriously busy. Tredarrup offers the best of both worlds: beaches, restaurants and attractions within easy reach, followed by the restorative quiet of the farm. There is no need to negotiate a crowded resort or navigate a busy holiday park. Instead, guests return to a private, peaceful setting where the day’s only remaining decision may be whether to light the fire pit or settle in beside the wood burner.

That choice is central to the Tredarrup experience. Couples can retreat to the privacy of their cottage for long, lazy mornings and leisurely evenings. Families can use the accommodation as a comfortable base for days out to the Eden Project, the coast or the surrounding villages. Larger groups can book all four cottages together, creating a natural setting for multi-generational gatherings, milestone birthdays and celebrations while allowing each household to retain its own space.

The personal touch is subtle but significant. Because the owners live on site, help and local knowledge are close at hand, without the sense of intrusion that can sometimes accompany a more traditional hosted stay. A comprehensive digital guide provides

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from a high-end stay, while the farm offers something more difficult to manufacture: space, quiet and a genuine sense of place.

recommendations for restaurants, farm shops, attractions, children’s activities and dog-friendly beaches, while personal suggestions are available when guests want them. It is the kind of service that makes a destination feel easier to navigate without ever dictating how a holiday should be spent.

For those seeking a Cornish escape without the stress of a complicated journey, Tredarrup makes a persuasive case. It offers the coast without requiring guests to stay in the thick of the crowds; the countryside without sacrificing comfort; and a dogfriendly welcome without compromising on style. Most importantly, it creates the conditions for a holiday that feels completely restorative.

There is also a pleasing sense that Tredarrup is evolving with purpose. The owners are exploring future possibilities including small boutique weddings and retreat experiences, while remaining selective about what fits the character of the farm. Not every fashionable holiday feature is automatically embraced. The absence of hot tubs, for example, is deliberate: the focus is on the landscape, the quality of the accommodation and the slower rhythm of rural life rather than on adding amenities for their own sake.

The greatest endorsement may be that guests do not always want to leave. Some extend their stays, others arrive with plans to explore and find themselves happily spending days on the farm instead. That is the magic of Tredarrup: it gives you every reason to go out and discover Cornwall, but just as many reasons to stay put. In a world that increasingly prizes experiences, it is a rare pleasure to find somewhere that makes doing less feel like the ultimate luxury.

That authenticity is what makes Tredarrup feel so distinctive. It is luxury, certainly, but it is a grounded form of luxury: warm, comfortable, beautifully equipped and connected to its surroundings. The cottages provide the quality one expects

INSET Little luxuries

tredarrup.com

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A B OV E & T O P L E F T Mill Barn

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The Plot THICKENS WO R D S B Y H A N N A H TA P P I N G

Former medieval Cornish language scholar turned crime writer, Myrna Combellack, delivers a novel that is both entertaining and authentic in equal measure.

Her latest novel, Lithium Betty, plunges readers into a Gothic thriller set against the backdrop of Cornwall’s mining heritage and its uncertain future. The story follows Betty, a carer who discovers a body in a remote clifftop castle and becomes entangled in a sinister conspiracy involving a corrupt police commissioner, international mining interests and a mineral rights wrangle.

Cornish village where drinking water had to be fetched from a natural spring on Carn Marth, half a mile away. Myrna tells me: “I began reading and writing as soon as I could. Without electricity, there was no entertainment, except learning to play the piano, sewing, knitting, cooking and walking. I knew every road and lane for miles around. I remember men in brightly coloured, short sleeved shirts wandering about the lanes. They were miners returning from abroad. The hillsides were littered with heavy mining equipment and in the valley, there were the remains of the tin stamps, which my mother remembered working. There were cold arsenic flues and engine houses. A child could stay out all day, but we were warned never to stray off the path, because the ground, covered in heather and gorse, could give way, and you could be lost forever in some shaft. It might take months to find you.”

Myrna’s journey to crime fiction writing began in childhood. Born in 1948, she grew up as an only child in a remote

“School was school,” continues Myrna, “with a map on the wall with a lot of pink, which depicted British territories.

hen Myrna Combellack sits down to write crime fiction, she brings something rare to the page: authenticity forged from decades of living between Cornwall’s two worlds. As a former academic specialising in medieval Cornish language at the University of Exeter, and later a schoolteacher who experienced the realities of life both locally and abroad, Myrna understands the stark contrasts that define modern Cornwall and she’s not afraid to write about them.

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Cornwall was special. It gave fast steam and the industrial revolution to the world. In the graveyards, the headstones recorded not only those who had remained or returned to the parish, but also those who died in Mexico, South Africa, Australia, South America and the United States. Our family had cousins in all of those places, so the wide world was already a familiar place. After studying English at university, I then worked for many years for the University of Exeter as an academic, still watching and scribbling, and I’ve never stopped writing fiction set in real Cornwall.”

mineral wealth, local communities desperate for prosperity and the collision between heritage and development. Lithium Betty opens with its protagonist arriving at a clifftop castle (inspired by Carn Brea but larger, more Gothic) to care for the elderly Lady Legeia, only to find her already dead. What unfolds is part murder mystery, part social commentary, as Betty navigates three very weird sisters, a corrupt police commissioner with designs on mineral rights and her own husband’s mysterious connection to an international mining conglomerate. While the novel’s setting is fictional, it evokes Camborne and Redruth, mining towns where prosperity has departed and hope hinges on lithium and tin extraction. By the end, the international company has transformed the castle into its European headquarters. It’s a tale that’s ambiguous, unsettling and deliberately so. “It’s quite kind of sinister, the way the international company works,” Myrna notes.

Despite her literary background, Myrna is refreshingly pragmatic about her craft. Working with her mentor Oliver Harris, a spy thriller writer, she learned the mathematics of successful crime fiction: a dead body within five pages, complications building to three-quarters through, then the unravelling. “It can be done almost mathematically,” she admits. Yet within these structures, Myrna’s distinctive voice emerges, one that is humorous, gritty, and unflinchingly honest about Cornwall’s economic realities. “There are rich pickings in Cornwall for the writer who is able to observe with a keen eye,” she tells me. “Winston Graham is a case in point. In his historical Poldark novels, he researched the complexities of mining, banking and political influences on his characters, rich and poor.”

Her tongue-in-cheek approach asks uncomfortable questions about who truly benefits when Cornwall becomes a commodity and Myrna is committed to showing her readers something beyond the Cornwall that exists when the visitors leave, when the mine closures bite, when the choice is one of survival. It’s this tension, between romance and reality, heritage and progress, insider and outsider, that makes Myrna’s crime fiction genuinely compelling.

Researching for Lithium Betty, Myrna delved deep into Cornwall’s mining traditions, its history, government grants and the environmental implications. The novel grapples with real tensions: international companies eyeing Cornwall’s

Lithium Betty by Myrna Combellack (PBK, RRP £18.00, November 2025) is published by Lendal Press. valleypressuk.com 33

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Judicious

CONTINUITY WORDS BY JAMIE CROCKER

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Family stewardship has shaped a Cornish experience with lasting appeal.

For guests, I think that translates into something unique. There’s a feeling of being welcomed somewhere that’s genuinely lived in and cared for, layered over time. And because we’re so personally invested, that warmth and consistency tend to segue into the experience.

e find out how the tension between operating as a holiday park whilst remaining good stewards of the land and environment is resolved into something that satisfies both exigencies. Wooda Farm Holiday Park has been family-owned since the 1970s. How has that continuity shaped the way the business feels today, both for you internally and for guests arriving on site?

In an era where many holiday parks are owned by large groups, what do you think guests gain, tangibly and emotionally, by choosing a family-run, independent business like Wooda?

Wooda is something that’s grown alongside our family over generations. It began as a working farm, then gradually evolved into a holiday park, but that sense of stewardship has never really changed.

As we’re independent, everything we do is shaped by our own values rather than a centralised model. That means we can be more considerate in how the park looks and feels, how spaces are used and how guests move through it.

Internally, it creates a very long-term mindset. We’re not making decisions for the next season; we’re thinking about the next decade, or even the next generation. There’s a real sense of responsibility, not just to the business, but to the land and to the legacy of our family who built it.

PREVIOUS The luxurious Gwelva Hills eco lodges

Tangibly, that might be the quality of accommodation, the layout of the park, or the way facilities are integrated into the landscape. But emotionally, I think

INSET There are always memories to be made at the beach

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It’s definitely something we’re very mindful of. There’s always a temptation in tourism to increase capacity, but we’ve taken a more measured approach. Wooda sits within around 40 acres of parkland, and that space is one of its defining qualities.

it goes deeper than that. Guests often tell us it feels more personal, less like they’re visiting a product, and more like they’re staying somewhere with a story. There’s also a level of flexibility. We can respond to people, adapt and make decisions quickly and intuitively.

Rather than adding more, we focus on improving what’s already here, enhancing accommodation, refining facilities, and maintaining generous spacing. We also encourage guests to engage with Cornwall in a slightly different way by exploring quieter spots, visiting outside of peak times where possible and embracing a slower pace.

The site has evolved from a working farm into a five-star holiday park. How do you retain that sense of rural authenticity while offering a polished, luxury experience? For us, the key has always been to evolve gently rather than overhaul. The farm is still very much part of Wooda’s identity; you can see it in the layout, the open spaces, even in the remnants of the original buildings and history across the site.

There’s a strong emphasis on nature, wildlife and sustainability at Wooda, from conservation work throughh to encouraging guests to engage with the landscape. How much of that is a business decision, and how much is rooted in family values?

When we’ve introduced more premium accommodation or facilities, it’s been about complementing. The lodges, holiday homes and spaces are designed to sit comfortably within the landscape. Luxury is about quality, comfort and thoughtfulness. It’s waking up to sea views, having space around you, and feeling connected to where you are.

Before Wooda was a holiday park, it was a working farm, so there’s always been a connection to the land and an understanding of its importance. That naturally extends into how we run the business today. Sustainability is something we’ve always believed in and have gradually built into everything we do. Of course, it also aligns with what guests are increasingly looking for. We’re custodians of this space, and we must protect it for future generations.

Cornwall is increasingly busy, particularly in peak season. How do you balance growth and demand with preserving the sense of space, calm and connection to nature that Wooda is known for?

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A B OV E The astonishing view from Gwelva Hill

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adjust plans, or simply take the time to listen and help.

What does a “typical” Wooda guest look like today, and how has that changed over the years as travel habits and expectations have shifted?

Those decisions might seem small, but they’re often the ones that guests remember most. It’s about treating people as individuals, not just bookings.

Historically, it was very much families returning year after year, and we still have that, which is incredibly special. But now we also see couples, dog-owners, van-lifers and guests who might previously have chosen hotels or international travel.

As Cornwall’s tourism industry becomes more commercialised, do you ever feel pressure to scale up in ways that might compromise Wooda’s identity, or is staying independent a conscious resistance to that trend?

There’s also been a shift in expectations. People are looking for higher quality and more considered experiences, whether that’s in accommodation, food, or the overall atmosphere. At the same time, there’s a growing desire for something simpler: space, nature, and meaningful time together.

Growth isn’t something we’re against, but it has to be the right kind of growth. If something compromises the sense of space, the connection to the land, or the personal feel of the park, then it’s not something we’d pursue. We’re not a holiday park built around clubhouses or swimming pools. Our guests aren’t coming to Wooda for that kind of experience.

Being family-run often implies a more personal touch. Can you share a moment or story where that independence allowed you to do something for a guest that a larger, more commercial operation simply couldn’t?

What we offer instead is a new holiday park experience; something quieter and more considered: a countryside retreat centred on quality, where entertainment might look like a local musician playing as the sun sets, or encouraging guests to immerse themselves in nature, whether that’s coastal walks or a swim in the sea pool.

It’s often the quieter moments that stay with you. We’ve had situations where guests have arrived during difficult times such as bereavements, illness and other unexpected circumstances, so being independent means we can respond empathetically. We can move bookings,

INSET Time together

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For us, being a responsible business means thinking beyond our own boundaries. We support local suppliers, employ locally, and encourage guests to engage with Cornwall in a way that benefits the wider area. It’s about being part of the community, not just operating within it and ensuring that tourism works for Cornwall, not against it.

There’s often debate around tourism’s impact on local communities in Cornwall. How does Wooda navigate being both a successful holiday destination and a responsible local business rooted in the area? It’s an important conversation, and one we’re very conscious of. Tourism is a vital part of Cornwall’s economy, but it has to be managed in a way that genuinely supports local communities rather than putting pressure on them.

Finally, when guests leave Wooda, what feeling or memory do you most hope they carry with them, and how does that tie back to being a family-run Cornish business rather than a corporate brand?

Holiday parks like Wooda have long been a core part of that infrastructure. We’re designed to accommodate visitors in a way that’s planned, managed and integrated into the landscape. There’s existing investment in facilities, space, and environmental considerations, which means we can support tourism without placing the same strain on housing or local resources.

More than anything, I hope they leave feeling like they’ve had proper time to slow down and reconnect. Whether that’s children exploring the outdoors, families spending uninterrupted time together, or couples finding a bit of calm, those are the moments that matter. wooda.co.uk

A B OV E Natural beauty abounds at Wooda

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The fruit of

IMAGINATION WO R D S B Y H A N N A H TA P P I N G

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Combining the purity of Cornwall’s unspoilt natural resources with a desire to bring something new to the Cornish spirit scene.

trawling supermarket alcohol shelves to find that missing Cornish beverage, they soon came to realise that a true Cornish apple brandy, produced in the traditional way from fruit wine, was missing from the market. “We had found a potential product and research indicated that most ‘true’ fruit brandies were distilled using a traditional copper pot still and matured in oak barrels,” explains Brian. “So, throwing caution to the wind, we located and imported a 150-litre copper still from Germany.” Enter the affectionately named, Susie.

rian Farmer and his family have come across something that seems to have so far been overlooked in the Duchy. Blending local ingredients and rich orchard flavours with a long-established tradition, Moorland Distillery has landed firmly on the map of Cornish artisan spirits. “Back in 2015 we found ourselves determined to make a truly Cornish product from scratch; a product that could be purchased for that special occasion and that would be attractive to the ever-growing tourist trade,” explains Brian.

With a vision to produce a truly Cornish product made from scratch, in Cornwall, by the Cornish, the Farmer team set out to lay the foundations for Moorland Distillery. Starting with apple juice, which is fermented into apple wine using selected yeasts, a process which

However, it seemed that many gin producers at the time were sourcing ingredients from outside the county, which was something the Farmer family didn’t want to do. After spending many hours attending craft fairs, food and drink festivals, and

INSET Brian Farmer

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After further research, a Cornish apple schnapps was added to the collection. Made from a careful blend of spirit, apple juice and spring water, the Moorland Distillery Apple Schnapps is produced at 8% and 20%. The 8% can be served over ice or with a mixer and includes honey from their own bees that live in the apple orchard. The 20% can also be served over ice, but is more popular as a base for a cocktail with prosecco, ginger ale or champagne.

is common to all true brandies, the low wines are transferred to the copper still, Susie, and gently heated to extract the apple wine spirit. “Only the very heart of the distilled alcohol is used to produce our Apple Brandy,” Brian continues, “being settled briefly before being ‘laid to rest’ in oak barrels, sealed with beeswax and left to mature. Our cellar is well ventilated which provides the advantage of barrels being exposed, to some degree, to the infamous ‘Cornish mizzle’. Early trials have shown us that this unique combination of quality natural ingredients, pure spirit, prolonged contact with oak and climate has the potential to produce an outstanding brandy. We stored our first brandy in the summer of 2016 and we launched our ‘one-year-old’ fresh bottles in the summer of 2017.”

Despite some difficult trading years during the Covid pandemic, Brian and his family have kept Moorland Distillery afloat, and together are finding success. Brian elaborates: “We have an IT expert who keeps the infrastructure up and running, an engineer who solves all our equipment running issues and another son who is

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were made for centuries by Phillips of Bristol, who, when they ceased trading, took the recipes with them. So, we started out on a journey to reproduce these much-loved herbal cordials. It took us 12 months to produce a Lovage made from natural ingredients that customers tell us tastes exactly the same as the original. And Shrub? Well… after many trials, and failures, we’re there!”

brimming with confidence when facing customers. Alongside this my wife, our ‘mission control’, has an expert eye for detail on our image which includes label design, marketing material, stall design and anything that requires that special input. I mainly focus on production, spending endless hours in the distillery or as some people call it, my ‘man cave’.” While it was not their intention to produce a wide range of products, attending shows and events has given the team a valuable insight into what niche products are desperately missed and no longer available. “Because we produce Brandy, we were asked many times, if we could make Lovage and Shrub,” Brian tells us. “Rumour has it, shipwrecked barrels of rum and brandy were hidden off Cornish shores, to be smuggled ashore in darkness. As the barrels were submerged in salt water it tainted the spirits and therefore Lovage and Shrub were a popular addition used to mask the taste. Lovage and Shrub

Moorland Distillery now offers a sweet and indulgent Cherry Brandy alongside its Apple Brandy and Apple Schnapps, as well as a five and ten-year-old Brandy, plus their beloved Rum. With all the flavours of a Cornish orchard blended into a tantalising product, it comes as no surprise that as many locals are buying the products as are sold into tourism, and it’s clear many are looking forward to what’s next for Moorland Distillery. moorlanddistillery.co.uk

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Drink the

WILD AIR WORDS BY ROSIE CATTRELL

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As though set into the cliff face itself, The Lookout draws you out into the endless seascape that wraps itself around this unique self-catering residence.

and The Alverton. While enhancements are expected to be introduced gradually to bring it up to scratch with its thriving sister hotels, The Lookout stands apart as a jewel in the collection’s ever-expanding crown. A first for the Cornish hotelier group, the recently completed residence represents an unusual opportunity for guests to relish the freedom that comes with a self-catering property, with the added comfort of The Atlantic’s leisure facilities and warm hospitality.

s Jacques Cousteau so beautifully put in his 1971 book Life and Death in a Coral Sea, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” Lingering barefooted in the sunlit warmth of The Lookout’s decked balcony, it certainly feels that way. There is a certain pull that draws your gaze along Newquay’s beachspeckled north coast and out across an endless expanse of ocean. With the day’s first coffee held in both hands, elbows resting on the glass balustrade, a hypnotic calm seems to descend, seasoned with sea salt air.

Set only steps from the hotel’s grand entrance, an unassuming white door gives no hint as to the diamond within. A turn of the key and a small flight of stairs invite curious guests to round the corner and discover for themselves what it truly means to fall under the spell of Cornwall’s wild north coast.

The latest addition to The Cornwall Hotel Collection, The Atlantic in Newquay joined an established group of historic luxury hotels across the Duchy this March to sit alongside The Greenbank, The Falmouth

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Cool creams and blues set a tranquil tone, with luxurious cushions and textiles inviting a moment of calm with a glass of something chilled in hand. A large contemporary dining table with comfortable navy blue chairs caters for evenings spent setting the world to rights, and the welcome hamper waiting on the kitchen counter offers a bottle or two to pop in the fridge and some local treats to try.

At first, the apartment’s carefully curated interiors may go unnoticed. Caught in the pull of the panoramic seascape framed in floor-to-ceiling glass, suitcases have a habit of slipping from loosening fingers to be momentarily forgotten. A cream grand piano stands patiently to the side, and brand-new furnishings await appreciation as the first few minutes are lost to the quiet comprehension of the view. Vast, all-encompassing and inescapable, this is the draw of The Lookout.

Downstairs, a soft cream carpet leads you into the impressive master suite, where a comfortable super king bed is positioned to make you feel set adrift out on the tides, lulled to sleep before waking again to endless sparkling seas. A cosy sofa bed makes room for two more guests in a more intimate sitting area, warmed with burnt orange furnishings.

To the right, the sweep of beaches that edge Newquay’s border, each beckoning sea swimmers and sunbathers alike. To the left, a vast horizon that begs exploration with a set of binoculars as gulls drift in the warm air overhead. Once the first glance begins to digest, the enchanting interiors can no longer be ignored. Thoughtfully designed by a local designer, the living area centres around the breathtaking vista that surrounds it on three sides. A luxurious sink-into sofa made for friends and families to gather together at the day’s beginning and end needs no other focus than the scene outside, although a midsized television means cosy film nights are always on the cards.

Through a set of double doors, another bedroom houses twin beds and a set of bunk beds, made for hushed, conspirative conversations of memories already made and adventures ahead. A spacious, modern bathroom with a walk-in waterfall shower means sandy toes can be rinsed in comfort, while walk-in wardrobes suggest there’s no need to live out of the suitcase.

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setting of our hotels and The Lookout does exactly that – showcasing one of the most spectacular coastal locations in Cornwall while creating a beautiful space for families and friends to come together.

Ahead of its official opening in June, The Lookout welcomed actress Helen Flanagan and her family as its first guests. “We’ve had the loveliest stay in Cornwall at the brand-new luxury residence, The Lookout at The Atlantic Hotel in Newquay,” she admitted on Instagram. “It’s such a stunning family space and the perfect little escape together. The Lookout opens soon and honestly... it’s so special.”

As custodians of some of Cornwall’s most loved historic hotels, we take great pride in investing thoughtfully and sensitively, ensuring these special places continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. The Lookout is a wonderful example of that approach and a glimpse of the exciting future ahead.”

Wandering from room to room, it’s easy to imagine little ones claiming preferred bunk beds, gazing out across the water to pick the beach of the day, or wrapping up warm in one of the Atlantic blankets from the basket by the balcony for a night of stargazing on one of the sun loungers. And yet the apartment also paints a picture of friends gathering for endless days and sun-soaked evenings in each other’s company, raising a glass to fleeting moments together.

With The Atlantic’s spa facilities on hand, a spell in the sauna and steam rooms or a dip in the indoor heated pool come free of charge and a seat in Silk’s Bar and Restaurant is always available for those who’d like to book in advance. When the first cup of coffee is drunk and the day is laid out ahead from the balcony’s rare vantage point, there’s no end to the possibilities that a stay at The Lookout offers, each day full of promise. After all, in places like this, where the natural world invites the kind of quiet immersion Ralph Waldo Emerson so admired, it’s easy to “live in the sunshine, swim the sea and drink the wild air.”

“The Lookout represents an exciting new chapter for The Atlantic and we’re delighted to have welcomed so many guests through the door,” says Ben Young, Managing Director of The Cornwall Hotel Collection. “We’ve always believed in celebrating the unique character and

atlantichotelnewquay.co.uk

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Cornish

AMERICANA

WORDS BY JAMIE CROCKER

Palm Court Retreats brings an eclectic American influence to the Cornish coast.

Designed for larger groups, Palm Court has six individually styled bedrooms, a games room with pool table and large-screen television, and a dining room seating 12 around a bespoke table. Outside are two terraces, one with a fire pit and the other with lounge seating, plus a hot tub.

he first thing you notice about Palm Court Retreats is the veranda, with white steps rising to its front porch. Just minutes from Polperro, its painted timber, deep eaves and generous proportions feel more California than Cornwall. That is no accident. Palm Court was built in the 1930s by an American architect and, when Luca and her husband discovered it in 2021, they saw the potential to create something distinctive.

Palm Lodge, new for 2026, offers a more intimate alternative. This two-bedroom, wood-clad American ranch-style house combines the coastal character of the Hamptons and Nantucket with influences from Ralph Lauren. Americana prints and carefully chosen furnishings give it a distinct personality, making it well suited to couples, romantic breaks and walkers. The properties can be booked separately or together.

The interiors have evolved through years of travel, drawing on Ibiza, California, the East and West Coasts and The Hamptons. Neutral colours and natural materials such as rattan and jute are offset by colourful artwork and music memorabilia, reflecting Luca’s husband’s career in the music industry. Original signed posters sit alongside a pastel palette inspired by Kelly Wearstler’s California Collection for Farrow & Ball. Even the seasonal playlists have been curated to complement the mood.

Their generous spaces also lend themselves to creative and wellbeing retreats, with room for yoga and other practices. Facilitators can dry-hire the properties, with local chefs, teachers and activities arranged as required.

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After a bracing walk, the Blue Peter Inn offers a warm welcome, a pint and live music. And with Christmas approaching, booking both properties together creates an inviting setting for a larger family gathering, with plenty of space for everyone to relax and enjoy time together – with an added touch of luxury.

Autumn and winter bring a different appeal to Polperro, with quieter beaches, coastal walks and cosy pubs free from the summer crowds. At Palm Court Retreats, it’s a chance to slow down, whether gathering around the dining table at Palm Court, with its two log fires and welcoming reception rooms, or settling into Palm Lodge, where wood-clad interiors and a log burner create a cosy ranch-style hideaway. TOP Palm Court Images © Rebecca Faith Photography

palmcourtretreats.co.uk A B OV E Palm Lodge

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After the

WAVES WORDS BY JAMIE CROCKER

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Pairing treatments with time by the sea at Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa.

and the sea air brings an immediate sense of escape. At our adults-only hotel, enjoy the freedom to shape each day for a stay that feels entirely your own.

spa break at Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa begins with the freedom to decide how the day unfolds. It might start with a treatment at Fistral Spa, followed by a swim or time in the sauna, then lunch overlooking the beach before a walk along the coast. For guests who prefer a slower pace, there is plenty of scope to stay close to the hotel, watch the waves and let the hours pass without an itinerary. With its adultsonly setting, sea-facing spaces, and direct access to the coast, Fistral brings together the pleasures of a Cornish hotel stay with time properly set aside to rest.

With complimentary access to Fistral Spa and the gym throughout your stay, you can move between rest and gentle movement. Fistral is open daily from 6am to 10pm, with treatments available from 10am to 6pm, allowing wellbeing to become a natural part of your time away. Between visits, linger over lunch, afternoon tea or cocktails in Bay Bar, where the waves are always part of the view.

What does a typical spa break at Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa look like from the moment a guest arrives, and how much freedom do they have to shape their time around treatments, the facilities and the rest of the hotel?

What treatments are currently available as part of a spa break, and which are proving particularly popular with guests? Signature Spa Breaks of one, two or three nights offer a choice of treatments shaped around how you would like to feel. The Restorative Treatment and Poultice Massage offer time to release tension and

From the moment you arrive at Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa, the North Cornwall coast sets the tone. Fistral Beach opens out before you, light dances across the water

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arrive: lighter, calmer and removed from the demands of everyday life. At Fistral Spa, treatments are chosen around the feeling you want to take away.

feel renewed, while the Mother GAIA pregnancy massage and GAIA Jade Facial bring gentle care and a sense of comfort. The Quiksilver Surfer Massage is a natural choice after time in the waves, helping the body feel restored. For a more immersive ritual, the GAIA Awakening, Balancing and Calming Journeys each offer a distinct route to relaxation, and the GAIA Everglowing Face & Body treatment brings together skincare and body care in one head-to-toe experience.

Time in the spa and the simple pleasure of being beside the Cornish coast combine for a stay that feels deeply restful and unmistakably Fistral. How does the hotel’s setting beside Fistral Beach influence the spa experience, particularly for guests who want to combine time at the spa with being outdoors?

The Sunday Spa Break offers a gentler close to the weekend, with a choice of a Naturally GAIA Facial, GAIA Salt & Oil Scrub or GAIA Indian Head Massage. A GAIA Back, Neck & Shoulder Hot Stone Massage is also available for a £10 supplement.

Fistral Spa offers an intimate sense of retreat, while the hotel’s sea-facing spaces keep you connected to the coast that brought you here. Wake to the sound of the waves from a sea-view room, linger over lunch or cocktails in Bay Bar, or take a seat on the outdoor terrace and feel the breeze blowing in across the beach. As evening falls, dine in the 2 AA Rosette Dune Restaurant with Fistral Beach as your backdrop.

Whichever treatment you choose, the quiet of a Fistral Spa gives you permission to fully switch off. Take time to simply be still and emerge feeling rested and a little more like yourself. The spa has a strong emphasis on relaxation and wellbeing. How have you decided what to offer, and what do you think guests are actually looking for when they book a spa break today?

With the South West Coast Path and King Charles III England Coast Path on the doorstep, enjoy picturesque walks around Pentire Headland towards the Gannel and Crantock, or stroll the golden sands of Fistral Beach into Newquay to discover its vibrant surf culture, restaurants

Guests often book a spa break because they want to feel different from the moment they

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Here at Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa, wellness extends beyond the treatment room. It can be found in movement, stillness, sea air, good food and the freedom to follow your own rhythm. At Fistral, there is no prescribed itinerary, only the space to create the kind of restorative break you need. A morning swim or fitness class might be followed by an afternoon exploring Newquay and its surf culture, before returning for a GAIA treatment, cocktails and dinner overlooking the beach.

and shops. However, you spend the day, returning to the spa brings a welcome sense of balance. What facilities can guests use during a spa break, and how much time do people typically spend using them? Complimentary access to Fistral Spa, the gym and fitness classes is included throughout your stay, giving you time to follow what feels good in the moment. Sink into the warmth of the heated vitality pool, ease tired muscles in the hot tub, and move between the sauna and steam room.

Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa is closely associated with surfing and an active coastal lifestyle. How does the spa complement that side of the hotel, particularly for guests who may spend their days walking, surfing or exploring Newquay?

Some people spend unhurried hours in the spa before or after a treatment; others return throughout the day. With access for the duration of your stay, there is no prescribed way to experience the spa and no reason to watch the clock.

After a day spent surfing, walking the coast paths or exploring Newquay and beyond, Fistral Spa becomes a welcome sanctuary for recovery.

Do most guests come specifically for the spa, or is the spa increasingly becoming part of a wider hotel break? What does that tell you about how people are using the hotel?

Choose a treatment that helps your feel refreshed and rebalanced, ready for what comes next. The GAIA Quiksilver Surfer Massage is especially suited to days spent in the waves, using warming essential oils and therapeutic touch to ease tension through the shoulders, neck and upper

Fistral Spa is at the heart of a stay at Fistral Beach Hotel. Whether guests are visiting for a spa break, spa day, or weaving in a visit as part of their hotel stay.

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Spa breaks can sometimes promise a lot in terms of wellbeing while leaving guests with a fairly standard experience. What have you done to ensure the experience here feels considered and personal?

arms. Beyond the treatment room, enjoy a swim in the pool, sink into the hot tub, and feel your shoulders drop in the steam room and sauna. Wellbeing can be as restful or as energising as you choose: yoga, Pilates and meditation invite a quieter focus, while boxing, HIIT, spinning and gym sessions keep the body moving.

Personalisation begins with a conversation about how you would like to feel. Fistral Spa therapists work with you to build a treatment that responds to you, rather than follow a fixed formula. Therapeutic touch, natural GAIA Skincare products and quiet time in serene spaces create an experience that feels genuinely individual.

What do you think makes a spa break at Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa worth choosing over booking a treatment independently and simply visiting for the day?

If someone has never stayed at Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa before and is considering booking a spa break, what would you want them to know before they arrive?

An overnight spa break gives you time to settle in. Check into an inviting room, many with sweeping views across the bay, then let the day move gently between Fistral Spa, lunch or afternoon tea in Bay Bar, cocktails and dinner in Dune Restaurant. With nowhere else to be, the relaxed feeling of your treatment can stay with you into the evening.

Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa is an adults-only coastal retreat beside one of North Cornwall’s most iconic beaches, with time to sink into Fistral Spa, dine with the sea in sight and perhaps wake to the sound of the waves from a sea-view room. The spa is your retreat, with the Atlantic waiting just outside. Explore Newquay, follow the coast path, join a fitness class or remain cocooned in the comfort of the hotel and watch the waves. The choice, and the pace, are entirely yours.

In the morning, wake to the waves and enjoy breakfast overlooking the beach before returning to the spa, stepping out onto the coast or lingering with the view a little longer. It is a complete escape, with the sea taking centre stage from arrival to departure.

fistralbeachhotel.co.uk

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A family

BUSINESS

WORDS BY JAMIE CROCKER | IMAGES BY POPPY JAKES PHOTOGRAPHY

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Thurlestone marks 130 years with family hospitality at its heart.

The first extension was agreed in 1908, when the existing house was enlarged and a drinks licence obtained. Investment and development have continued across the decades, with additions and refurbishments becoming part of the hotel’s modus operandi. The change was modest, but it established a pattern that would become central to the hotel’s story. The family made improvements as circumstances required, adapting the property to meet the changing needs of the business.

or 130 years, Thurlestone Hotel has adapted to changing holiday trends while keeping family hospitality at its centre. The story begins in 1896, when Margaret Amelia and William John Grose moved from Cornwall to Devon and took on the farmhouse that became the hotel. The arrival of the railway in Kingsbridge had begun to bring visitors into the area, and the Grose family saw an opportunity in the new traffic. They began taking paying guests, establishing a business that would remain in family hands for five generations.

Over the decades, the transformation amounts to something quite considerable. What began as a farmhouse taking in guests has become a resort with the additions of the Voyage Spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a par-three golf course, three places to eat and drink and a growing self-catering operation.

The decision proved more durable than anyone could have known. Thurlestone has grown substantially since those early days, yet the Grose family still regards hospitality as the central responsibility of ownership. For a business that has reached 130 years, that may sound like a simple premise, but the history shows that keeping it alive has required some hard decisions.

PREVIOUS The Thurlestone Hotel

INSET As it was

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A B OV E Thurlestone Retreats, the hotel’s self-catering accommodation

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serve on the board, live locally and contribute to the promotion and running of the business. Family ownership is therefore a daily presence, placing the people making decisions close to the consequences of those decisions while giving the business a long memory. Matthew Grose is the fifth-generation family member leading the business.

That development has always been tied to the way people choose to travel. The hotel’s history records major modernising investments during the 1920s and 1930s, when the family responded to changing expectations from its guests. There is a useful lesson in that pattern. A family business can retain its identity as it moves through different eras, provided that investment is made with a clear sense of what guests value.

The present operation includes accommodation, leisure, spa and dining, but the family says its central commitment remains the welcome guests receive and the care provided during their stay. The aim is to continue adapting to expectations while preserving the character and personal service associated with the hotel.

There were periods when adaptation became a matter of survival. In 1941, during the Second World War, the hotel was commandeered by the Royal Marines and used as an officer training depot. The property returned to the company and family in 1946, but the years that followed were difficult. Petrol rationing restricted travel and the hotel recorded financial losses for the next five years. In 1951, the family decided to close during the winter months as a way of helping the business recover. The hotel did not reopen for the winter season until 1971.

The latest development adheres to this maxim. Thurlestone Retreats, the hotel’s self-catering accommodation, is now entering its second year after being introduced in response to growing demand. The idea was informed by experience at the Grose family’s sister property, Mullion Cove Hotel in Cornwall, which already has eight self-catering units. Their success provided a practical model for bringing the same approach to Thurlestone.

It is an unvarnished part of the hotel’s history, and an important one. The anniversary also records a family business making a necessary decision when circumstances demanded it, then finding a way to carry on.

The Retreats have quickly found their audience, especially among multigenerational families. Their appeal is easy to understand. One generation can stay in a hotel room while another has the additional space and independence of an apartment, with the group still able

Today, the fifth generation remains closely involved. The managing director takes an active role in the hotel’s day-to-day decisions, while other family members

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courts and golf course give guests more reasons to spend time on the property between outings. The dining offer includes The Trevilder Restaurant, The Terrace Bar and The Village Inn, giving the hotel a range of settings and styles of eating. The Trevilder currently holds two AA Rosettes, while The Village Inn provides a traditional pub setting within the wider hotel operation.

to share the hotel’s facilities and services. It is a different way of organising a family holiday, and one that allows Thurlestone to accommodate guests who want greater flexibility while remaining within the wider hotel experience. It illustrates the way the Grose family approaches change. The self-catering offer has added a new strand to the business while remaining connected to the hotel. Guests staying in the Retreats can use the leisure facilities and enjoy the wider operation, bringing the two forms of accommodation into the same holiday as part of the wider hotel operation.

A resort can easily become a collection of facilities, with the guest experience divided into separate compartments. At Thurlestone, the family describes each addition as part of the same purpose: providing hospitality that responds to how people want to spend their time. The measure of success lies in whether those additions make a stay work better.

For guests, the result is a hotel that can accommodate different stays under one name. A couple can arrive for a spa break, a family can build a holiday around the pools, while a larger group can divide itself between hotel rooms and a Retreat. That range gives the business ways to welcome people who all require something slightly different.

The 130th anniversary year gives the hotel an opportunity to mark its history while keeping the business firmly in the present. Its next investment will come in January, when the hotel closes for two weeks for refurbishment of the lounge, one of its most popular guest areas. The family also intends to continue developing both the hotel and the self-catering accommodation, with comfort and luxury remaining central to the plans.

It also gives the family evidence about what guests are asking for. The success of the Retreats has confirmed the appetite for self-catering within the Thurlestone offer, among families bringing generations together. The response will inform the next stage of development, alongside investment in the main hotel.

There is already a connection to the generation that will follow. The sixth generation of the Grose family is involved in the wider business, with a family member currently working as Deputy General Manager at Mullion Cove Hotel.

The hotel’s facilities have also diversified. The Voyage Spa provides thermal facilities and treatments, while the pools, tennis

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A B OV E Coastal views and considered interiors create a welcoming retreat

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A B OV E & O P P O S I T E From tennis courts to poolside lounging, leisure comes naturally

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says something about the business itself. After 130 years, Thurlestone is still selling the same basic proposition that Margaret Amelia Grose began with in 1896: a place to stay, good hospitality and a reason to come back. The difference is the scale of what sits around that original idea.

For the Grose family, what passes between generations includes property, but also an understanding of what it means to run a hotel where guests place their holidays, celebrations and family occasions in someone else’s hands. The buildings can change, new facilities can be introduced and the shape of a holiday can evolve, but that responsibility remains.

That may be the most useful way to understand the hotel’s history. Its longevity has come through knowing when to extend the house, when to close for the winter, when to add a spa or pool, and when guests need an apartment with room for the family. The next chapter will bring its own decisions, but the Grose family already has a method for making them: invest in the business, pay attention to guests and keep hospitality at the centre.

The anniversary package offers a great way to experience the present chapter. Available for stays from the 1st November to the 22nd December 2026, it starts at £130 per person per night, based upon two people sharing, and marks the 130-year milestone with a two-night break in a classic sea-view room. The package includes dinner for two on one evening at the award-winning Trevilder Restaurant, a traditional Devon cream tea and a bottle of anniversary Gremillet Champagne. Guests also have access to the spa and leisure facilities, while treatments booked before arrival receive 20 per cent off. Room upgrades are available at a discounted rate, subject to availability. The price is a nod to the anniversary, but the offer also

At 130, Thurlestone Hotel has plenty of history behind it. More importantly, it still has a family actively deciding what comes next. thurlestone.co.uk

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A Different Way of SEEING WO R D S B Y H A N N A H TA P P I N G

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Ally Fraser discovers poetry in the overlooked, making and creating with curiosity.

willingness to explore what might happen when seemingly unrelated elements are brought together.

hether creating bespoke furniture or working with discarded materials, Ally Fraser, has an instinctive ability to recognise beauty and possibility in overlooked materials and to transform them into objects that sit somewhere between furniture, sculpture and art.

“I see value in discarded things, where other people just see rubbish,” he tells me. It is a simple observation, but one that speaks to the heart of his practice. For Ally, the process of making is not simply about imposing a design upon a material. It begins with looking, noticing and remaining open to possibility. Sometimes he seeks out particular objects; more often, he suggests, they find their way to him. Rather than beginning with a fixed outcome and sourcing materials to fulfil it, Ally allows the material itself to influence the direction of a piece. A discarded object might suggest a new form, while a knot, crack or old joint can become the detail around which an entire design develops. What others might regard as a limitation becomes an invitation.

There is a particular kind of vision required to look at something discarded and imagine what it might become. A weathered piece of timber, a broken concrete post, a sheet of perforated steel: to most, these are remnants of something finished, their usefulness exhausted. To Ally Fraser, they are the beginning of a conversation. From his workshop just outside Falmouth, Ally has built a practice around this instinct for reimagining the familiar. A furniture maker, artist and skilled joiner, he moves between bespoke commissions and more experimental work, creating pieces that are as much about the character of their materials as the purpose they ultimately serve. His work is informed by a sensitivity to form, texture and the traces left by previous lives, alongside a

MAIN Cycle dresser

Ally’s relationship with making began long before the establishment of his own workshop. At primary school,

INSET Ally Fraser

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TOP LEFT Natural timber pedestals

A B OV E Reclaimed oak staircase

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TO P R I G H T Mesh Light

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commissioned work. That freedom remains important. Although his work encompasses everything from substantial architectural joinery to smaller functional objects and sculptural pieces, the underlying impulse is consistent: to explore what a material might become, rather than simply what it is expected to be.

he remembers creating a simple desk organiser, working outdoors with plywood and a portable workbench. Even then, the possibilities extended beyond the original brief. Later, at secondary school in Kent, design technology offered greater access to tools, machinery and the freedom to experiment. An inspiring teacher helped nurture an interest that would become a defining part of his life. He went on to study furniture design at Sheffield Hallam University, where the theoretical and technical aspects of design were complemented by the opportunity to explore ideas in the workshop.

One of Ally’s favourite personal projects, Mesh Light, offers a particularly compelling illustration of this approach. Its origins lay in two objects that had little obvious connection: a broken concrete gatepost and a sheet of perforated galvanised steel. The concrete post had caught his attention years earlier. He could see its potential but had not yet found the right material to bring the idea into focus. Then, while exploring an abandoned building, he came across the missing element.

While the course involved drawing, modelling and computer-aided design, it was the practical work that drew him in most strongly. The workshop became a place to test ideas, work with different materials and discover their individual properties through experience.

“The next day when I took it back to my workshop and washed it off. I knew instantly that this would work with that concrete gatepost. I drove to collect it straight away.” The eventual pairing is an example of the way his work develops through observation and instinct. The two materials, each carrying its own history and visual character, acquire a new relationship when brought together. Neither needs to be disguised or made to appear pristine and it’s their differences that are precisely what give the resulting object its presence.

After graduating, Ally returned to college to undertake a three-year NVQ in wood machining at Leeds College of Building. He then spent five years working for joinery companies, making windows, doors and staircases. This period brought together the two sides of his training: the creative freedom of furniture design and the precision demanded by traditional joinery. In 2011, he established Ally Fraser Woodworks, moving towards independent commissions and bespoke furniture while continuing to take on specialist joinery projects. The change gave him greater freedom to explore ideas beyond the requirements of a client brief. A particularly affordable workshop space also allowed him to accumulate reclaimed materials and found objects, creating room for an artistic practice to develop alongside his

There is a patience to this way of working, a willingness to wait for the right conjunction of materials rather than forcing an idea into existence. It also reveals something about the nature of his creativity. Although Ally may have a sense of where a piece could go, the route towards its final form is rarely entirely predetermined.

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His Christmas tree coat hooks began with a similarly everyday observation. A Christmas tree, cherished and carefully decorated throughout December, quickly becomes unwanted once the festivities have passed. Rather than seeing its discarded branches as waste, Ally began experimenting with ways to retain their character, stripping away the bark and cutting the branches back to create small hooks.

Ally enjoys working with clients who are willing to leave space for discovery, offering a sense of what they need rather than an exhaustive specification of what the finished piece should be. A meeting, a conversation and a visit to the space provide the starting point. From there, the design can evolve in response to the architecture, the intended use and the character of the people who will live with it.

The transformation is modest in scale but rich in meaning. Something associated with a fleeting moment of celebration is given a second purpose, its former identity still visible in its new form. It is an approach rooted in resourcefulness, but it also asks us to reconsider our assumptions about value: how quickly we abandon objects, and how much potential remains in the things we no longer need. These hooks, along with other reclaimed products including innovative cube toys, wooden belt buckles and shelves are available to buy from the website.

His work is therefore varied by nature. One commission might involve the clean lines of a contemporary staircase; another could incorporate reclaimed oak that once formed part of a set of lock gates. He has also undertaken extensive commercial projects, including the design and making of two shops for wine merchant StarmoreBoss, where displays and fitted elements must combine visual impact with the practical demands of their setting. Such projects demonstrate the technical precision underpinning his more experimental work. The freedom to explore depends upon a thorough understanding of how materials behave, how joints are constructed and how an object will function. Creative instinct and practical skill are not opposing forces here; each informs the other. “I consider myself an artist in everything I do. It’s a way of being. It’s a way of seeing the world. It doesn’t really matter what I’m making, whether it’s a piece of furniture or a loaf of bread in the kitchen.” It is a revealing perspective. For Ally, artistic practice is not confined to a particular category of object or a designated studio activity. It is a way of approaching the world, remaining curious and finding room for invention in the everyday.

For Ally, the distinction between functional furniture and sculpture is not always particularly useful. A table may serve a practical purpose while also possessing the qualities of an artwork; a sculptural object may have a presence that is inseparable from its material construction. Ultimately, he leaves the interpretation open. The viewer brings their own perspective to a piece, deciding whether to regard it as an object for everyday use, a sculptural form or something that inhabits both worlds.“I’m not the one to decide or determine whether it’s a sculpture or just a table. As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” This openness extends to his commissions.

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TOP LEFT Ally outside his workshop

A B OV E Reclaimed oak writing desk

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TOP RIGHT Christmas tree coat hook

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A B OV E Commissions for StarmoreBoss

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TO P R I G H T Reclaimed settle

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SU STA I N

taken to the lockable specials cabinet, created for their highest-ticket offerings. Ally used a rust-pitted oil tank as the carcass for the cabinet which he polished to a reflective shine, creating a craters-on-themoon surface, as well as hand making the doors and a locking mechanism. By sandblasting the surfaces of thick toughened glass and running LED strip lights around the edge of them, Ally was able to make the shelves glow in a spectacular, illuminated fashion.

Wood remains his first passion. Each piece is individual, shaped by the conditions in which the tree grew and carrying physical evidence of that life. Working with reclaimed timber introduces another layer of history: marks, old fixings and joints that hint at the object’s previous purpose. “If a material has already been used for something and it’s got marks in it from a previous life, I embrace that. For other people that would be a limitation, for me, it’s a starting point.” Rather than erase these traces, he chooses to work with them. Knots and cracks are welcomed, their irregularities offering a visual richness that uniform, untouched surfaces cannot replicate.

For clients, this means a bespoke piece can emerge from a broad conversation about a space, its needs and its atmosphere. For his personal work, it means following curiosity wherever it leads. For those considering a bespoke piece, the process begins with a conversation. Ally prefers to meet clients, understand their space and leave room for the unexpected. Appointments can be arranged to visit the workshop, although getting in touch in advance is essential. What emerges from that first exchange may be a piece of furniture, a considered architectural detail or something less easily defined. The form will depend on the brief, the materials and the ideas that surface along the way. What remains constant is his belief that making is an act of discovery: a process of looking beyond the obvious and recognising possibilities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

This appreciation of imperfection is integral to the way Ally conceives a piece. The marks of time become part of its identity, allowing the material’s previous life to remain present within its new one. Importantly, his practice is not limited to reclaimed materials. He also works with new materials, selecting and combining them according to the demands of each commission or the possibilities of an emerging idea. The point is not to impose a single material philosophy upon every project, but to respond thoughtfully to what each one requires. Whether working with newly sourced timber, reclaimed oak, concrete, metal or an unexpected found object, he approaches the material as something to understand rather than simply control.

In a culture accustomed to replacing the old with the new, Ally’s work offers a quieter, more thoughtful proposition. It reminds us that materials carry histories, that imperfections can be beautiful and that usefulness need not end when an object’s original purpose does. Sometimes, all that is needed is a different way of seeing.

An example of which is the table created for StarmoreBoss, where rot had left a large void in a huge Beech slab that no amount of wood filler was going to hide. Ever-keen to take the opportunity to do something different, Ally turned it into a herb planter. The same approach was

allyfrasermakes.co.uk

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The sea

WITHIN WORDS BY JAMIE CROCKER

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C R E AT E

A lifetime at sea inspires David Stamp’s evocative paintings of maritime life.

avid Stamp’s art journey is inextricably tied to the rhythm and unpredictability of the ocean. For decades, the sea has been his workplace and teacher. From the weightless clarity of working as a diver to the heavy responsibility of being a skipper, David has viewed the water from every angle. Serving as a crew member for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and investigating maritime incidents further deepened his reverence for its immense power. In the face of these intense and challenging environments, art became his sanctuary, providing a space to process a lifetime of raw, elemental experiences.

of oils allows him to capture the deep, shifting gradients of open water and the dramatic play of light on a swelling wave. By incorporating mixed media, he gives his work a physical texture that evokes the coarse grit of salt, the rust of ageing hulls and the rugged tactility of life at sea. Now, as a sailor in the latter chapters of his life, he translates these memories onto the canvas. Every piece he creates is rooted in a specific lived experience – from the quiet isolation of the underwater world to the adrenaline of being out there in a storm. His art goes beyond capturing a picturesque view; it is a testament to humanity’s profound connection to the elements, giving fleeting maritime moments a permanent shoreline.

For a long time, he was based in St Ives, Cornwall, a coastal haven that has drawn artists for centuries. Walking those historic cobblestone streets, he absorbed the unique Cornish light and drew immense inspiration from the local galleries. Surrounded by this creative legacy, David found his own voice through oil and mixed media. The rich fluidity

PREVIOUS Stern View

David exhibits at the Old Lifeboat Station in Porthleven twice a year, as well as at a few art galleries and art fairs throughout the year. davidstamp.co.uk

INSET David Stamp

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TOP Breaking Light

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A B OV E Mermaids Call, Zennor

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TOP Taranis

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A B OV E Solace at Praa

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TOP Always look for the Light

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A B OV E Life’s a Beach

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TOP The Lookout

A B OV E Go with the Flow

davidstamp.co.uk

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A new way

to SCILLY WORDS BY JAMIE CROCKER

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R E T R E AT

Discover the Isles of Scilly in 2027, as a new ferry prepares to carry visitors across the Atlantic.

watching seabirds, exploring historic sites or finding a beach to enjoy for an afternoon.

ust 28 miles off the Cornish coast, the Isles of Scilly offer a holiday influenced by the sea, with whitesand beaches, clear Atlantic waters and coastal paths leading to views across the surrounding islands. For anyone considering a visit, 2027 brings an added reason to start planning, with the introduction of Scillonian IV, a new passenger ferry that will carry the familiar Scillonian name into its next chapter.

The islands lend themselves to different kinds of holidays. Some visitors arrive for a day trip, taking in the harbour and a stretch of coastline before returning to the mainland. Others stay for a week or longer, allowing time to discover several islands and appreciate their individual charms. Either way, getting there is part of the experience, and there are options to suit different preferences and itineraries.

The archipelago has five inhabited islands, each with a distinct character. St Mary’s, the largest, provides a natural starting point, with its harbour, independent shops and streets of Hugh Town. Beyond it, inter-island boats open up the rest of the archipelago, where days can be spent walking the coast,

PREVIOUS St Mary’s

For Bath and Bristol travellers, the passenger ferry from Penzance to St Mary’s offers time to settle into the journey. As the Cornish coast recedes, the open water becomes the focus, with the islands eventually appearing on the horizon.

INSET The Scillonian IV

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A B OV E Isles of Scilly Travel bring all of this within your reach

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R E T R E AT

The crossing forms a natural transition from mainland routines to island life, giving visitors time to relax before arriving in Hugh Town.

arrival of Scillonian IV will bring a fresh experience to a well-established journey; for first-time visitors, it offers another reason to discover the archipelago.

March 2027 is the scheduled introduction of Scillonian IV, marking a significant development for a route that has connected the mainland and the islands for generations. Scillonian III has served the crossing since 1977, becoming a familiar presence in Penzance and St Mary’s and part of countless family holidays, day trips and journeys home. The new vessel will continue that essential connection while bringing a contemporary passenger environment to the service.

The ferry is not the only way to reach the islands – travellers can also take to the skies with Skybus. Flights to St Mary’s operate from Land’s End, taking approximately 20 minutes, with services throughout the year. Seasonal flights from Exeter take around an hour, providing another option for those travelling from further east. The choice between sea and air allows visitors to plan their journey around the time available and the sort of trip they have in mind.

At 72 metres long, Scillonian IV has been designed for the particular demands of the route and will carry up to 600 passengers. Its facilities will include comfortable seating across three decks, larger windows to make the most of the sea views, a café and retail area, and lifts providing access to all passenger deck areas. Anti-roll technology is intended to improve stability, while the vessel’s optimised design aims to make the crossing more efficient.

For anyone already planning a holiday in Cornwall or Devon, the Isles of Scilly can make a rewarding addition to the itinerary. A few days on the mainland followed by a crossing to the islands creates an opportunity to experience two distinctive parts of the South West in one trip. Visitors can also build a longer holiday around the archipelago itself, using St Mary’s as a base and travelling between islands by boat. Each island offers its own reasons to explore. St Mary’s combines accessible coastal walking with the activity of Hugh Town, where cafés and restaurants provide places to stop after a day outdoors. The island also has beaches and historic sites to discover, making it a useful introduction to the wider archipelago. Visitors can spend a morning exploring on foot, then return to the harbour before heading out on another excursion.

These developments are as important to island residents as they are to holidaymakers. The ferry carries people, mail and essential supplies, making it an important part of everyday life in Scilly. Investment in the service therefore supports the continuing connection between the islands and the mainland, while giving visitors a better way to make the crossing. For returning passengers, the

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of landscapes and activities means there is plenty to discover.

Tresco is known for its subtropical gardens and beaches, offering a different setting for a day out. St Martin’s has broad stretches of sand and clear water, while Bryher has a more rugged landscape that rewards exploration on foot. St Agnes has a close-knit island community and its own distinctive character. Together, the islands provide plenty of variety for visitors who want to explore beyond St Mary’s, with inter-island boats making it possible to experience more than one during a stay.

For those who have travelled aboard Scillonian III, 2027 will bring a new vessel to a route that may already hold personal memories. For first-time visitors, it is an opportunity to discover a destination that remains closely connected to the sea and to the communities who live there. Scillonian IV will introduce new passenger facilities and a different onboard experience, while continuing the long-standing service between Penzance and St Mary’s.

The surrounding waters and coastline also make Scilly appealing to anyone interested in wildlife. Seabirds can be spotted around the islands, while the marine environment offers opportunities to look out for wildlife offshore. Walkers will find coastal routes with open views across the Atlantic, and those interested in food can discover a distinctive local scene shaped by produce from the islands and the surrounding sea. The combination gives visitors scope to plan active days outdoors, punctuated by time spent enjoying a meal overlooking a harbour or stopping at a café in Hugh Town.

Planning a trip begins with deciding how to travel and how long to stay. The sea crossing allows visitors to take in the approach to the islands, while Skybus provides a faster alternative from selected mainland airports. From St Mary’s, interisland boats make further exploration possible, whether the aim is to spend a day on another island or to use a longer stay to see more of the archipelago. With Scillonian IV scheduled to enter service in March 2027, the coming year offers a great opportunity to plan a visit. The Isles of Scilly are within reach of the Cornish coast, yet their beaches, island communities and Atlantic setting give them a character all of their own. Whether the plan is a day trip or a longer escape, the journey can be the beginning of an unforgettable holiday.

The islands are well suited to a holiday that leaves room for individual choices. A day trip offers an introduction to island life, with time to explore St Mary’s and enjoy the journey itself. A longer stay makes it possible to visit several islands, return to favourite places and take advantage of changing weather and conditions. The experience will depend on the season and the itinerary, but the range

islesofscilly-travel.co.uk

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A B OV E Paradise on the doorstep

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CR EATIVE GARDEN ROOMS

Creative Garden Rooms Cornwall builds the outdoor space you have been planning, from the first groundwork to the final flourish. To arrange your free site visit, contact Creative Garden Rooms Cornwall and start planning your own room at the end of the garden.

07377 640448

www.creativegardenroomscornwall.co.uk

ASPEN DEVELOPMENTS

Groundworks, landscaping and water features for Cornish homes, from a team with the machinery to match. For homeowners wrestling with awkward access, steep ground or an ambitious idea, the appeal is simple: one team that can dig, drain, build, fence and finish.

07337 640449 www.aspendevelopments.uk

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There’s method

in the MADNESS WO R D S B Y H A N N A H TA P P I N G

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I N SPI R AT I O N

Leave the everyday behind and rediscover the freedom of the great outdoors.

paddleboards and wetsuits to people keen to make the most of their time on the water. In recent years, the business has expanded to include electric bikes and outdoor lifestyle products, reflecting the many ways people now choose to spend their time outside.

rom Californian-inspired e-bikes and ingenious folding designs to surfboards shaped by decades of surf culture a family business, located on Dunveth Business Park in Wadebridge, is helping people make more of their time outdoors. One of the best things about spending time outdoors, is that there is more to discover at every turn in the track. You might have plans to spend your days on the beach, only to find yourself exploring inland lanes, seeking out new places to eat or looking for a reason to stay outside a little longer. And increasingly, that means rethinking how we get around.

The e-bike collection is especially interesting because it goes beyond a single idea of what an electric bike should be. MAD Water Sports stocks three brands – SUPER73, UTO and Kona – each offering a different approach to design, performance and practicality. SUPER73 is perhaps the most immediately recognisable. The Californian lifestyle brand brings together motorbike-inspired styling and cycling culture, with fat tyres and bold designs that stand out on the road. Its bikes are suited to urban riding and appropriate off-road terrain, appealing to riders who want their bike to be as much a statement of personal style as a means of getting around. The brand has attracted high-profile riders including Guy Ritchie, Jason Statham and writer Jez Butterworth. MAD Water Sports is the UK’s largest SUPER73 retailer and an authorised service centre, with the full range available. There is plenty of scope to make a bike your own, too, with accessories such as racks, bags, alarms and locks available in store and online.

Electric bikes have opened up a whole new way to explore, whether that means travelling between places without taking the car, heading out on a trail or simply making a spontaneous afternoon of it. In Wadebridge, MAD Water Sports has recognised this growing interest and built an offering that brings together cycling, watersports and outdoor living, all underpinned by more than two decades of experience on Cornwall’s water and coastline. This well-established family business has genuine roots in the Cornish lifestyle. It began as a specialist outdoor activity centre more than 20 years ago accommodating groups for activity holidays and training outdoor instructors in various activity specialisms. It has since evolved into a watersport retailer, supplying surfboards, PREVIOUS Super73 R-Adventure with accessories – surfboard rack and wing mirrors

What makes the buying experience worth noting is the service behind it. The team builds the bikes, fits any chosen accessories,

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TOP LEFT Kona E-bike

A B OV E Super73 R-Adventure with Pet Trailer and YETI accessories

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TO P R I G H T The vast array of surfboards in store

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TO P L E F T Kona Remote X Full Suspension Mountain bike with Kona Coca in the distance

A B OV E The new UTO OG200 passenger/cargo bike

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TO P R I G H T UTO Pro 20” Folded

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I N SPI R AT I O N

for local journeys without the need to accommodate a full-sized bike permanently. MAD Water Sports also offers hand delivery for UTO bikes, making it possible to arrange delivery around a planned stay.

charges the battery and offers hand delivery, so customers can receive their bike ready to ride. For someone travelling to Cornwall for a few days or opening up a second home for the season, that is a practical advantage. Rather than spending valuable time assembling a bike, the idea is to have everything prepared before the first outing.

The third brand in the collection, Kona, brings a more performance-led cycling heritage. Founded in Canada in 1988, the company became a pioneer in mountain biking and is known for its innovative designs. Its electric range includes highend, full-suspension mountain bikes, which have received excellent reviews and are ridden on trails around the world. For everyday journeys, Kona’s Dew-E family and three hub-drive models provide alternatives aimed at commuters and riders looking for a practical way to get around. It is a useful reminder that the appeal of an e-bike is not limited to leisure riding. For some people, it is about reaching a trail; for others, it is about making shorter journeys without relying on the car.

All SUPER73 models have multiple levels of assistance and are road legal in the UK and Europe, according to the retailer. There is also something new on the horizon, with a completely new bike due to join the range in 2027. For those who value practicality over bold styling, the French-built UTO range offers a very different proposition. Formerly known as Eovolt, UTO specialises in folding electric bikes designed to fit around everyday life. They make sense for commuters who need to take a bike onto a train or into an office, and for campers who want to carry bikes without losing valuable space in a vehicle. The smaller 16-inch models are especially useful when storage is limited, with the potential to fit into some of the smallest car boots before a journey to the start of a cycle trail. The PRO range takes convenience further with automatic gearing, meaning riders do not need to change gears manually.

Across all three brands, MAD Water Sports offers a hands-on service, including bike preparation and hand delivery. That personal approach is consistent with the business’s wider ethos: helping customers choose the right equipment for how they intend to use it, rather than simply selling them a product. The shop’s watersports roots remain central to the business. Its surfboard collection includes Thunderbolt, Firewire and Channel Islands, alongside Torq, Sharp Eye and Delperro.

UTO has also moved into the cargo and passenger market with its OG200. Designed to carry two adults and a child, as well as luggage on the front rack, it offers another option for people looking to make more journeys by bike. For second-home owners, the folding models are worth considering for their flexibility. They can be stored between visits, transported when needed and used

There is something for a wide range of surfers, from beginners looking for their first board to experienced riders searching for a more specialised design. Beginner

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is as important as the product range. Its website allows customers to order online and arrange collection on arrival or delivery to their door. That means a bike can be organised before a trip, or equipment selected in advance, leaving more time to enjoy the reason for being here.

surfboards start at around £200, and the team offers advice on finding the right board for each customer. Some Channel Islands models can also be ordered to suit individual preferences, including colours and finishes. Paddleboarders are equally well catered for, with inflatable and hard boards from Mistral, Starboard, TAHE, NSP and O’Brien, while the wetsuit collection includes full-length and shorty styles. Customers can try wetsuits on in store, with gloves, boots, hats, hoods and other accessories available for colder days on the water. The wider outdoor offering includes waterproof changing robes, dry bags, snorkels and changing mats, alongside an extensive selection of YETI products. The Wadebridge shop stocks coolers, drinkware, chairs and outdoor gear, with in-store offers available at times.

MAD Water Sports has grown beyond its original focus on surfing and paddleboarding, but it has not lost sight of what brought the business here in the first place: a love of spending time outdoors. Its e-bike collection is a natural extension of that experience, giving customers more ways to explore Cornwall, whether on two wheels, in the water or simply making the most of a day outside. For me, that is what makes the business worth knowing about. It is not simply the breadth of brands on offer, but the combination of choice, practical advice and a service designed around the customer.

For anyone planning a Cornish escape, the practical side of MAD Water Sports

madwatersports.co.uk

A B OV E YETI – find your next adventure

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Winner AWA R D S 2 0 26

Over 20 years of independent expertise, bringing you

Over 20 years of independent expertise, bringing you quality pieces with character. quality pieces with character. Cornwall | uneeka.com

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Escape the Ordinary Escape the Ordinary Escape the Ordinary PENVENTON PARK HOTEL

A Warm Four-Star Welcome Awaits You In Cornwall

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Cornwall Living Awards WINNER Best Pet-Friendly Business 2025 & 2026 | Best Hotels & Guest Houses 2025

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