Discover Talland Bay

Top things to do in south east Cornwall this summer

The days are long, the weather is fine and the flowers are putting on a magnificent display…Cornish summertime has arrived in all its glory. From savouring fish and chips on the beach to supping a cold Cornish ale, revelling in regattas and rock-pooling, what makes the perfect summer staycation? We’ve picked some of our favourite things to do and see on a visit to south east Cornwall this season.

 

Take in a Cornish festival

There are plentiful fairs, shows and festivals to enjoy throughout the summer in Cornwall, each showing off a different inimitable feature of the county. One of the earliest summer highlights is the Royal Cornwall Show (7-9 June), which draws crowds in their thousands to celebrate everything that’s great about the Dutchy.  

 

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(image: Royal Cornwall Show Facebook page)

 

Colourful events to look out for close to Talland Bay include the Coast and Cove Challenge (16 and 17 June), an opportunity to walk the beautiful south east Cornish coastline in aid of Cornwall Air Ambulance. And the Polperro Festival (16-24 June); A finalist in Channel 4’s Village of the Year, this pretty little fishing enclave hosts its week-long jamboree each June with live music, arts and crafts, comedy and a carnival. Or pop along to the Boconnoc Steam Fair (27-29 July) near Lostwithiel, one of the largest of its kind in the south west, to see vintage tractors, classic cars, rides and craft tent on the picturesque Boconnoc Estate. There are also numerous regattas and carnivals in seaside towns including Looe (30 July – 4 August) and Fowey (19-25 August).

 

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(image: Polperro Festival Facebook page)

 

Explore hidden beaches and coves

If you think that Cornwall’s beaches are over-run with visitors in the summer then take time to seek out the less well-known spots. South east coast favourites include Lantic Bay and Lansallos as well as Talland Sand and Rotterdam. Ideal for a spot of rock-pooling these sheltered bays are most-often blessed with calm seas and less tourists, great for a picnic or even a refreshing dip if you dare.

 

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(image: Cornwall Beach Guide website)

 

Get out on the water

With the sea right on our doorstep it would be rude not to embrace this on a visit to south east Cornwall. Kayaks can be hired from Talland Bay beach just below the hotel and regular boat trips can be enjoyed from both Looe and Polperro. Head out with Looe Fishing Trips for the chance to catch mackerel or even shark - Looe is renowned for being the sharking capital of the UK and during the summer months the waters here attract blue, porbeagle and mako sharks. For a great wildlife spotting opportunity take a boat trip aboard Moonraker to Looe Island, a marine nature reserve home to grey seals, cormorants, shags and oystercatchers.

 

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(image: Talland Bay Beach Café Facebook page)

 

Dine outdoors

There are so many lovely places around Cornwall to eat fabulous food al fresco with a stunning view, from chic beach cafes to restaurants set in vineyards and pubs on pontoons. Check out our top five places to dine outdoors in Cornwall.  It’s also worth keeping an eye on the upcoming exploits of the Wild Wine Club, run by Debbie Warner of Bibendum wines who supply the Talland Bay Hotel.

National Cream Tea Day on 29 June seems the perfect excuse to indulge in a Talland Bay Hotel staple (jam first, of course), best enjoyed out on the sunny terrace overlooking the sea. We’ll also be introducing our new Summer Sunday Menu and look out for tasty treats on the specials board including locally caught lobster.

 

Relax and switch off

Of course, when the weather’s good there’s really nothing nicer than sinking onto one of our sun loungers here at Talland Bay Hotel with a book and a refreshing drink. The sub-tropical gardens afford a tranquil haven from which many can’t bear to tear themselves away.

We’ll be marking World Gin Day (9 June) with a new cocktail created by Kyra and are offering a complimentary gin of the day to anyone booking a stay with us this summer on new bookings made before 16 June - see our offers page for details.