Things to do in and around Kernock Cottages

WELCOME TO KERNOCK

We hope you have a wonderful holiday staying in the cottages. While we are very relaxed and there is no long list of rules, there are a few things you need to know, so please take the time to read this page. Thanks

IMPORTANT - Kernock is not connected to mains sewerage. Owl and Tree Barns share a septic tank. It is very important for the correct functioning of the system that NO animal fats are put down the sink (please wait until it has congealed, and put the solid matter in the bin). We are also unable to use either bleach or any biological agents. We therefore provide you with environmentally suitable washing machine, dishwasher and cleaning agents and would be grateful if you would ONLY use these. Please also DO NOT dispose of tampons, sanitary towels, nappies, condoms etc down the loo. We have provided covered bins in all bathrooms for this purpose. This will prevent any unpleasant back-ups in the system which could affect your enjoyment of your holiday. Thank you for your cooperation on this issue.

Health & Safety

You are very welcome to make use of the walkways, woods and open areas of the estate, however, please be aware of the hazards. All the fencing is topped with barbed wire for stock control, and not suitable for climbing on or over. If you go walking in the fields please make sure that you close gates after you – cattle wrestling may sound fun, but can create havoc and be a danger to animals, people and property. Kernock also seems to have a rabbit population greater than that of Watership Down… Please do take care when walking the grounds, as there are many areas – particularly in the woods - where the paths are festooned with rabbit holes, which offers ample opportunity for ankle injuries. There are also a number of walls around the cottages which could present an attraction to an adventurous child. We have fenced and planted lots of prickly things around those which are a potential hazard as a deterrent, but please ensure the safety of your children by ensuring they do not have unsupervised access to potentially dangerous areas. This is also an area where adders can be found – we have never seen anything more exciting than a grass snake, but do be aware in areas of long grass.

Bins

Bin liners and bin bags are provided for you. We have from personal experience found it inadvisable to squash stuff down too much in the Brabantia bins – getting the liners out proves difficult! Please put any full bin liners, tied at the top, in the black dustbins outside. which for the Coach House can be found at the corner of the cottage at the barbeque end, by the steps. We will collect these and take them to the cage at the top of the drive on Thursday evening (Friday morning being rubbish collection day for the area).

Taxis

There are a number of small taxi firms which operate locally – advance booking is definitely recommended! Typical rates for the numbers listed below would be around £15-£20 to take you into Plymouth and around £12-£15 to take you to Callington. There is a Black Cab system in Plymouth itself and it is fairly easy to hail a cab or find one at one of the cab ranks. Saltash-based A.W. Cabs have the advantage of knowing exactly how to find us, as we use this one regularly – just say you are staying at the cottages at Kernock House in Pillaton. They also have a people carrier for larger groups, and can be contacted on (01752) 848400. Two other Saltash-based firms can be contacted on (01752) 848422 and (01752) 848484.

WE ARE VERY PROUD OF OUR HOME AND OUR COTTAGES AND HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL STAY HERE. WE ARE ONSITE FULL TIME - IF WE CAN HELP WITH ANYTHING AT ALL, OR IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS, PLEASE DO COME OVER TO THE HOUSE AND ASK, OR YOU CAN CALL US ANYTIME ON (01579) 350435 or MOBILE 07900 492954. Beth & Hugh Bailey Health and Emergencies (hopefully you will have no need for any of the following services during your stay, but provide details below just in case)

Doctors Surgery Callington Health Centre Haye Road, Callington PL17 7JJ Tel 01579 382666

Dentist C.R. Mercer 5-6 Well Street, Callington PL17 Tel 01579 383300

Hospital Derriford Hospital, Plymouth (large teaching hospital with full A&E department) Switchboard 08451 558155

Police Central Control – 0990 777444 Callington – 01579 382203 Saltash – 01752 853223

Car repairs The service station at Hatt also provides a repairs service (01752 840420). For garages specialising in specific makes of car, please consult the telephone directory (we have these if you need them – please ask us).

SHOPPING

Food - there is a Waitrose just off the first Saltash roundabout (as if you were going back to the Tamar Bridge). There is also a fruit & vegetable shop on your left as you come through Carkeel, next to the Garden Centre – good for fruit and veg ready to eat now (as opposed to the supermarket’s ripe-next-week variety) and lovely raw frozen croissants and pain au chocolat! There is also a good butcher van operating here – all local meat – excellent for burgers (that don’t shrivel to the size of a 20p piece when threatened with flame!), sausages, free range chicken, beef & pork. There is an excellent butcher at Tideford (Paul Bray) and two in Saltash, both of which are good. Callington and Saltash also have regular farmers markets where you can buy local produce. If you want to avoid shopping, Tesco will deliver here and there is also a local company which delivers locally-sourced food (including ready meals) to the cottage, in case this may be of interest – their full shopping list is on their website www.food4myholiday.com .

Non-food – you would be hard pushed to describe Cornwall as a Mecca of Retail Therapy, but if you want small art galleries then there are several in The Barbican in Plymouth, and also in Tavistock (about 20 minutes away). The Barbican also has a discounted Dartington Crystal shop. Tavistock is a pretty little town (voted Best Market Town in England, apparently…) which also has a very good covered market selling arts and crafts, some interesting antique shops and reclamation yards, and a very good value mirror shop. Plymouth has most of the big chains - M&S, Waterstones, Monsoon, H&M, Zara etc. Saltash and Callington both have a limited selection of shops including antique shops and good value gift-type shops. St Ives is renowned for it’s galleries. For “girlie” shopping, Exeter is probably your best bet. For bargain-hunters, Trago Mills (on the A38 past Dobwalls) is worth a visit. If you are unfamiliar with Trago, the best way to describe it is a poor man’s Harrods – they sell most things you can think of, from clothes & shoes to furniture, rugs, DIY equipment, lighting etc. Much of what is on offer is end of lines and the philosophy is to only add a 10% mark-up, so you can get good bargains (but there is also an awful lot of tat…). The rug centre there is worth a visit, and the kitchen and gifts department carries lines such as Dartington and Wedgewood. Note for the girls - a day at Trago is most men’s idea of hell!!!

EATING AND DRINKING LOCALLY

There is a good selection of watering holes and eateries to be found locally if you fancy an evening out.

Pubs

The Local is the 12th century (allegedly) Weary Friar in Pillaton (affectionately known as the Knackered Monk…). The pub is in the village – turn left at the top of the drive and keep going – it is about half a mile (just past the church), so is only about a 15 minute stagger home on foot if you want to walk it – but don’t forget to take a torch! The Weary serves bar-type food (lunch and evening) and also has a restaurant. They do a good selection of guest ales for bitter lovers. They are fairly child friendly if you want to eat there – high chairs etc and a childrens menu. Booking is recommended as they are very popular (for bookings call 01579 350238). Food is unpretentious and large portions. Sunday lunch is usually quite good.

The Coryton Arms in St Mellion (2 miles) is something of a spit ’n’ sawdust pub. Sunday lunch is apparently good there.

The Rising Sun at Botus Fleming (go to Hatt, and straight over the roundabout and down the track) does a good selection of local beers. No food.

For a real village feel, try Sunday lunch at the Church House Inn in Linkinhorne. Very good value and friendly. 01579 363631. The church itself is very ancient, having been gifted to Launceston Priory by King John in 1199. It boasts medieval wall paintings and a 13th century font of Polyphant stone.

For lunch with a fantastic view, try the Wheal Tor Hotel - sited in two and a half acres of woodland on the rugged slopes of Caradon Hill. It is the highest hotel in Cornwall, set in this remote location on the eastern edge of Bodmin Moor. From here there are magnificent views towards both Dartmoor to the east and the Cornish coastlines to the south and west. Steve and Alison offer home-cooked food including all-day breakfasts… Sunday lunch is very good value. They also do cream teas and coffees if you just want something quick after a great walk.

The Who’d Have Thought It (I don’t name these places, honest!) at St Dominick is also known for a good Sunday roast. Food served daily 11.30-2.00 and 6.30-9.30pm.

The Notterbridge Inn (at… Notter Bridge) is good if you want a pub with a big garden for the children on a nice day. The gardens overlook the river. Does get very crowded in summer.

The Crooked Spaniard at Cargreen has lovely views over the Tamar estuary. Seafood is a speciality. The food is quite pricey for pub grub, but you’re paying for the location.

The Rod and Line at Tideford is another great traditional spit ‘n’ sawdust pub, with open log fires. A very popular, real local pub, which often has live music (especially on Friday nights).

Restaurants

Langmans in Callington is the place to go for a special occasion. This was Cornish Restaurant of the Year in both 2002 and 2004 and has 2 AA rosettes. There is a 5-course set menu (vegetarians should give advance warning) and is only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Book early - there are only about 18 covers in the restaurant, so it is always full. They do 6-course tasting menus from £33, Gourmet nights with 6 courses including a recommended wine with each course, at £55 per head (including wine). Sometimes they do special themed nights (seafood, champagne etc) which are around £35.00 a head. Booking imperative (01579 384933). 3 Church Street, Callington. Their website www.langmansrestaurant.co.uk has menus and events.

The View – for simple but perfectly cooked very fresh food and spectacular views, try The View (http://www.theviewrestaurant.co.uk/) which is perched on the cliff overlooking Whitsand Bay. They use local produce and the menu changes daily depending on what is in season and available. Beautifully executed and very reasonable (lunchtime mains mostly £10-£15, fabulous puddings £5.00) this is well worth a detour for either lunch or supper (but it does get very booked up in the summer). Open Wednesday to Sunday. About 30 minutes drive (Take the A38 to the Trerulefoot roundabout. Turn left towards Torpoint. Then get onto the B3247 – signposted Millbrook – the restaurant is on the road overlooking the bay. To book call 01752 822345.

The Springer Spaniel is on the Launceston Road (A388) at Treburley. Award winning for several years running, recent reports are still excellent. Log fires, accredited local ales and award-winning food. Starters £4-£7, mains £10-£15. Open daily 12.00-3.30 and 6.00-11.00. Telephone (01579 370424). Out of interest, a taxi from the cottages to the Springer Spaniel is about £15.00. http://www.wagtailinns.com/index_files/springerhome.htm

The Royal at Horsebridge – 15th Century traditional pub with real ales, good quality simple home-cooked food, with a decent, moderately priced wine list. Follow the Launceston Road (A388). Turn right at the Duchy College sign, and follow to Horsebridge. Open daily 11.30-3.00 and 6.30-11.00 (10.30 Sundays). http://www.royalinn.co.uk/ (nb – apparently they don’t take under-14’s in the evenings)

The Rifle Volunteer at St Anne’s Chapel – pub/restaurant with great views over the Tamar Valley. The menu is pub-like (Calamari, prawn cocktail, garlic mushrooms followed by steak, gammon, lamb shanks, pasta dish etcRestaurant open for food 12.00-2.00 and 6.30-9.00 (last orders). Telephone (01822) 833038 http://www.riflevolunteerinn.co.uk/

The Old Plough at Bere Ferrers – not that easy to get to, but a pub-restaurant with good views in a picturesque village which serves good beer and well-prepared simple food.

Trawlers in Looe is apparently considered one of the finest seafood restaurants in the South West. The restaurant is in a lovely position overlooking Looe harbour, and the food is very good. They always have some non-fish items on the menu, such as Cornish lamb, for those whose palate doesn’t extend to things that live in water! For sample menus etc see http://www.trawlersrestaurant.co.uk/. To book, call 01503 263593.

If you like a bit of history with your (excellent) supper, then try the Artillery Tower in Plymouth, which is set in one of the oldest military buildings in the city. Their 3-course dinner is £36 a head. Lunch is £23.50 for 2 courses or £28.00 for 3 courses. For sample menus, see http://www.artillerytower.co.uk/index.html. To book, call 01752 257610.

Spa & Leisure

The China Fleet Country Club is in a stunning location overlooking the Tamar. They have a health & beauty suite – The Barn – which offers pampering treatments and a hair salon. The leisure complex includes a Jacuzzi, Steam Room, Sauna, Monsoon Shower and relaxation area. The 25m indoor pool includes water cannon & fan feature, bubble seat, air geyser and a large indoor flume, as well as lane swimming. They also have an Under 5’s crèche, children’s fun zone, nature trail and a choice of Restaurants, Brasserie and Bars. We have Pay As You Go membership for the cottages – collect the membership card from us to gain access, and you pay only for the facilities you want to use. Sample prices: Adult swim £4.10, junior swim £2.30. Fitness Suite £5.50, Squash Court £6.30, Children’s holiday activities from £4.50. 01752 854672 www.china-fleet.co.uk

St Mellion is no longer taking day members for the Aero Leisure, but you do not need to be a member to have a massage or treatment (you just can’t use the pool or gym…).

Saltash Leisure Centre - (01752) 840940

Swimming - There is a municipal pool at Saltash (4 miles away) which does adult sessions on weekday mornings 6.30-9.00 and on Saturday from 6.30-8.00. On Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings 8-10.00 is also adults only (Wednesday is Ladies only). An adult swim is £2.50.

Accessible Cornwall

Cornwall has some of the most diverse and interesting places to visit, many with facilities for visitors with disabilities. Most attractions will provide access and facilities for our less mobile visitors, but it is best to check specific requirements with the attraction before your visit.

Please see our Accessibility tab for more details of accessible attractions.

Golf

There are plenty of golf courses in Cornwall. Below are some of the more local ones and some of those considered the finest.

St Mellion (< 2 miles) has two 18-hole golf courses – the internationally renowned championship Nicklaus course (6626 yards, par 72), and the Kernow course (5927 yards, par 70). A single “casual” round currently costs £70-£90 on the Nicklaus course (depending on the day of the week) and £40-£50 on the Old course, or you can buy a day pass to play both courses for £90-£115. A cheaper option is their “Twilight” membership – if you tee off 5.00 pm then the cost is reduced to £35-£45 for the Nicklaus course and £24-£30 for the Kernow course. Buggy hire is £30 for a round, or £45 for the day. The Golf Course can be contacted on (01579) 352000.

China Fleet (4 miles) – with wonderful views over the River Tamar, China Fleet in nearby Saltash claims some of the most dramatic scenery in the South West. A round on the 18-hole championship course (6551 yards, par 72) on weekdays costs £30 until 2.00 pm; £20 for tee-off times between 2.00 and 4.00pm and £12.00 after 4.00pm. At weekends it costs £35 until 4.00pm and £12.00 after 4.00pm. Spa, swimming pool, leisure activities and crèche also available. Telephone (01752) 854665. www.china-fleet.co.uk

Lostwithiel (20 miles) off the A390, is set in wooded hills above the banks of the river Fowey. Fees for the 18-hole course (5984 yards, par 72) are £34 on weekdays and £40 at weekends per round, or get 2 green fees and a buggy for £75 (Mon-Fri). These rates are April to October – cheaper rates apply November to March. They also do day passes for the gym, tennis courts and indoor pool. Telephone (01208) 873822.

Launceston (15 miles) is another attractive course. Fees for the 18-hole course (6385 yards, par 70) are £30 for a round, or £40 per day. Spectacular countryside views over both Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor, with majestic views of our historic town and castle. Telephone (01566) 773442.

St Enodoc (30 miles) at Rock has 2 courses. The main course is the Church Course (6243 yards, par 69) which has good sea views, and the fees are £65 on weekdays and £75 at weekends for a round, or £90 for a day ticket. The Holywell course, which is shorter (4103 yards, par 63) and does not have the sea views, costs £20 a round. Alternatively you can play both courses for £80. Telephone (01208) 863216.

Trevose (40 miles) at Constantine Bay, Padstow, is another renowned course. Summer green fees for the 18-hole championship course (6608 yards, par 71) are £65 (September to May rates are cheaper; handicap certificate required for 18-hole course). They also have two 9-hole courses: 3031 yards, par 35 for £29, and 1360 yards, par 29 for £16. Other facilities include tennis courts and outdoor pool. Telephone (01841) 520208.

As we are close to Devon, the courses at Yelverton, Tavistock and Dartmouth are also all within easy reach (30-45 minutes drive).

Gardens and Historic Houses

The mild Cornish climate means that South East Cornwall boasts a wide selection of stunning gardens which are open to the public. For a full list of gardens, see http://www.caradon.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=783

Anthony House and Gardens, Torpoint (13 miles) – beautiful National Trust house bordering the Lynher, with gardens by Repton, this is where Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland was filmed. adult £7.50, child £4.80, family £19.80, family (1 adult) £12.30. Garden only: adult £4.90, child £2.50. Combined garden-only ticket: adult £6.95. Woodland garden, not National Trust (Standard Admission)*: £4.50, child free. 01752 812191 Antony has accessible facilities. For details see http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-antony/

Cotehele - St Dominick (01579 351346) – 4 miles At the heart of this riverside estate the house at Cotehele was mainly built between 1485 and 1627 and was a home of the Edgcumbe family for centuries. Its granite and slate stone walls contain chambers adorned with tapestries, original furniture and armour. Outside, the formal gardens overlook the richly planted valley garden below, with medieval dovecote, stewpond and Victorian summer house, and 18th-century tower. At the Quay there are interesting old buildings housing an art and craft gallery and an outstation of the National Maritime Museum. The restored Tamar sailing barge Shamrock is moored alongside. A network of footpaths throughout the estate provides a variety of riverside and woodland walks with a high nature conservation and industrial archaeology interest. Opening hours – Garden – all year 10.30 am – dusk (closed Sundays); House – 11 am – 4.30 pm (closed Fridays). nb - there is no electric light in the house so it is recommended to avoid dull days early and late in the season. Cotehele has accessible facilities. For details see http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-cotehele/

Mount Edgcumbe House & Country Park Originally built by the Edgcumbe family in 1550 and described by Samuel Pepys in 1683 as “the most beautiful place as ever was seen”, Mount Edgcumbe is a fascinating house set in stunning grounds, with a collection of paintings and tapestries. The house is open April to September, between 11.00 and 4.30 from Sunday to Thursday (closed Friday and Saturday). http://www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk/

Boconnoc Gardens, Lostwithiel Three miles east of Lostwithiel, Boconnoc can trace its history back to the Normans. Through the centuries, Boconnoc has been associated with many of this country's famous names and history-makers including Lord Russell, Earl of Bedford, who sold Boconnoc in 1579 to Sir William Mohun, who rebuilt it. Later, Thomas Pitt purchased the estate with the proceeds of the famous Pitt Diamond, which he sold to the Regent of France where it ended up in the hilt of Napoleon's sword. Pitt's grandson, William, became Prime Minister. Eventually, the estate was bequeathed to the Fortescue family, who still own it.The most prominent monument is the Obelisk, which is 123 feet high and was erected in 1771 by Thomas Pitt, 1st Lord Camelford, in memory of his wife's uncle and benefactor, Sir Richard Lyttelton. There are approximately 100 head of deer in the Deer Park contained within the grounds and also a garden of 20 acres, which is open in the spring for various charities. Boconnoc House and Park have been used for numerous film locations including the BBC 'Poldark' series, Daphne du Maurier's 'My Cousin Rachel' and scenes from the 1993 film of 'The Three Musketeers'. Headland Garden, Polruan With magnificent views over the open sea, Headland Garden is an idyllic garden carved out of layers of rock and has a cove which is ideal for swimming. Headland Garden is open May to September, 2.00pm - 6.00pm, and all money goes to charity. Ince Castle Gardens, Saltash Viscountess Boyd of Merton 01752 842249 Three miles south west of Saltash, south of A38. A five acre garden taking in woodlands, borders, orchard, bulbs and shell house, with lovely views of River Lynher. Opening dates for 2006 are as follows: 12th March, 9th April, 14th May and 16th July, between 2pm-5pm. No booking is required but further information can be found on the National Garden Scheme website on http://www.ngs.org.uk/ Ken Caro Gardens, Bicton, Nr Liskeard Location: in the village of Pensilva, 5 miles north east of Liskeard. Two acres mostly planted in 1970, with a further two acre extension in 1993. A well-designed and labelled plantsman's garden filled with rhododendrons, flowering shrubs, conifers and other trees. Panoramic views, a collection of aviary birds and plants for sale. There is limited disabled access. Cream teas are available. Open from mid April 2006. Mr and Mrs K R Willcock 01579 362446 Moyclare Garden, Lodge Hill, Liskeard Lodge Hill, Liskeard. Elizabeth and Philip Henslow. Tel: 01579-343114. Location: 0.5 mile south of Liskeard centre on St Keyne - Duloe road (B3264). Moyclare's one acre garden contains rare and unusual plants and shrubs, many of which are variegated, some are no longer available commercially. The Moyclare Pink broom and the astrantia Moyra Reid originated in the garden, which is open regularly to the public and which has been televised often in the past. Moyclare is often worth a visit early in the year - the camellias begin to bloom as early as January in a mild winter and azaleas often last until June. Late in the summer guests at Moyclare can discover cool secret havens of dappled shade to while away the odd hour out of the heat of the sun. There are plants for sale. Open by appointment only. Adults £2.00. Children free. No dogs. Disabled access. East Down Barn Julian and Valerie Sturby Signposted off the A38. Approximately 3/4-acre garden in a peaceful country setting. The steep slope is overflowing with sun loving shrubs, ground cover plants intermingle and cascade over the wall (and some of the gravel paths). There is a pergola, herbaceous border, ornamental grass area and a small bridge over the stream. A plantsman's dream. Teas by WI at Scawns House in aid of parish church. Opening hours: Sat, Sun June 10, 11 (2.00pm - 5.30pm) Combined admission with Scawns House is £2.50. Children free. No dogs.

Lanhydrock – Bodmin (01208 73320) – 25 miles “One of the most fascinating late 19th-century houses in England”, Lanhydrock is full of period atmosphere and the trappings of a high Victorian country house. Although the gatehouse and north wing (with magnificent 32yd-long gallery with plaster ceiling) survive from the 17th century, the rest of the house was rebuilt following a disastrous fire in 1881. The garden features a stunning collection of magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias, and offers fine colours right through into autumn. All this is set in a glorious estate of 900 acres of woods and parkland running down to the River Fowey, with an extensive network of footpaths. Opening Hours – Garden – all year, 10 am – 6 pm daily; House – 11 am – 5 pm (excluding Fridays). http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-lanhydrock/

Lost Gardens of Heligan - Mevagissey (40 miles) The award winning Lost Gardens of Heligan extend to some eighty acres of “superb pleasure grounds” together with a magnificent complex of walled gardens and a huge, productive vegetable garden, all fast returning to their former glory. Lying at the heart of one of the most mysterious estates in England, Heligan, the former seat of the Tremayne family, is now the site of the largest garden restoration in Europe. Its has an extraordinary plant collection together with a range of exotic glasshouses, working buildings, romantic structures and designed landscapes. The combination of these and the mild Cornish climate has resulted in a garden which is unique. To get there, take the A30. Past Bodmin, leave the A30 for the St Austell Road (A391) and continue on to St Austell. From St Austell take the road to Mevagissey (B3273) and follow the brown tourist signs to "The Lost Gardens of Heligan". http://www.heligan.com/home/home.html

The Eden Project – Bodelva, St Austell (37 miles) Also close to St Austell (4 miles to the east) you will find the world-renowned Eden Project, which is signposted from the A30, A390 and A391. Opening hours 31st Mar 2003- Nov 2nd 2003 - 9.30am - 6pm (last entry 5pm) (in school holiday periods you are advised to arrive early (i.e. at opening time). After 3rd November winter opening hours apply. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. http://www.edenproject.co.uk/

Mary Newman’s Cottage, Culver Road, Saltash. A quarter of a mile from Saltash town centre, near the Waterside, this was allegedly the childhood home of Mary Newman, the first wife of Sir Francis Drake. The grade II listed cottage is a perfect example of 15th century domestic architecture, little altered over the centuries with a reconstructed Tudor herb garden. Open May – September on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Also Easter and Bank Holidays. http://www.saltash.gov.uk/Partnership/Memberorgs/tps.htm

Fishing

Fly Fishing – Siblyback (140 acres), some 11 miles away, on the edge of Bodmin Moor, has an excellent reputation. Rainbow Trout averaging 2lb are stocked at regular intervals. Boats are bookable with the ranger. The 2006 average was 3.43 fish per rod, and the biggest fish was a 8lb 6oz Rainbow. Best flies Viva, Black & Peacock, Montana and Hoppers. The 2010 permit price is £20 for a full day (bag limit 6) or £16.50 with concession (> 65, recipients of State disability pension, full-time students under 18). Child rates are £4. £13 for a boat for the full day (includes 2 extra fish to bag limit). Evening rates are £16.50 Monday to Friday. Telephone (01579) 342366. http://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/pages/lakes/siblyback.asp

Colliford Lake Bolventor, Bodmin Moor. Tel: 01579 342366. 26 miles from Pillaton Managed by South West Lakes Trust Tel: 01837 871565. At 900 acres, the lake offers traditional fly fishing for natural brown trout and is regarded as Cornwall’s premier brown trout fishery. Permits available from Colliford Tavern and Siblyback Lake Office. Open 15 March - 12 October. Phone for prices and fishing methods. Local ranger tel: 01579 342366

Still Water and Coarse Fishing

Bush Farm, just down the road toward Hatt, has 3 lakes totalling 3 acres stocked mainly with carp (up to 32lb) but also tench, rudd, roach and bream. Day permits cost £9.00 dawn to dusk. Anglers are asked to use barbless hooks and keep nets are not permitted. Telephone (01579) 351102. Call Mrs Irene Renfree to book.

Bake Fishing Lakes Contact: Tony Lister, Broadmoor Farm, Saltash. Just off the Trerulefoot roundabout on the A38. Tel: 01752 849027 Still water trout and coarse fishing with five lakes totalling more than 14 acres stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Also good range of coarse fish. Fishing all year. Phone for prices and fishing methods.

Crafthole Reservoir Near Torpoint, Cornwall. Managed by South West Lakes Trust Tel: 01837 871565. Still water coarse fishing. Stocked with tench, bream and carp. Fishing all year. Phone for limited season permits.

Shillamill Lakes Lanreath, Looe. Tel: 01503 220886. Location: Signposted off B3359 between Taphouse and Lanreath. Still water coarse fishing with three lakes totalling 5 acres stocked with a variety of coarse fish. Fishing all year. Phone for prices and fishing methods.

Tregonhawke Farmhouse Millbrook, Torpoint. 01752 823210. Location: On the Rame Peninsula. Still water coarse fishing with 1 acre water in sheltered, wooded valley. Stocked with a variety of fish. Fishing all year. Phone for prices and fishing methods.

Deep Sea Fishing is available at Looe, which happens to be the shark fishing capital of the UK, and also holds the UK record for shark fishing! For boat charters try http://www.looedirectory.co.uk/boats_for_charter.htm or http://www.ukcharterboats.co.uk/acatalog/THE_SWALLOW__LOOE.html

Windsurfing, Canoeing & Sailing

Experience a canoe trip down the Tamar river between Morwellham and Cotehele with a short break at the village of Calstock. These trips are in large, stable Canadian canoes and are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. You do not need to be able to swim. (Easter to September) To book call 0845 430 1208 or e-mail info@canoetamar.co.uk or see website: http://www.canoetamar.co.uk/

Siblyback, on the edge of Bodmin Moor, is one of the premier watersports centres in the area, with a 140 acre lake. As well as fly fishing, it also offers tuition and hire in windsurfing, sailing and canoeing as well as rowing boats. There is a lovely three and a half mile circular walk around the lake, and a café and children’s playground. See below for equipment hire rates. Booking ahead is recommended for equipment hire. Telephone (01579) 346522. http://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/pages/lakes/siblyback.asp

Equpiment hire	One hour	Two hours	Half Day (9 - 1 or 1 - 5)	Full day (9 - 5)
Single sailing dinghy	£17.00	£28.00	£42.00	£65.00
Double sailing dinghy	£27.00	£44.00	£60.00	£83.00
Windsurf	£14.00	£24.00	£37.00	£55.00
Canadian Canoe	£17.00	£27.00	£42.00	£62.00
Kayak	£10.00	£18.00	£25.00	£45.00
Surf Ski	£10.00	£18.00	£25.00	£45.00
Double surf ski	£16.00	£26.00	£40.00	N/A
Rowing Boat	£15.00	£25.00	N/A	N/A
Rowing Skiff	£10.00	£18.00	N/A	N/A
Fast Forward Kit (+ £25 deposit)	£18.00	£30.00	N/A	N/A
Wheelyboat	N/A	N/A	£30.00	£45.00

Launch costs for launching your own craft:

All craft must be Third Party insured and not exceed 18ft length.

Dinghy

£10.00 per day

Windsurfer

£8.00 per day

Canoe / Kayak

£6.00 per day
Group (over 5 boats)
£8.00 each per day
Evening launch (after 4pm)
£4.00

Dinghy 1 week

£40.00

Dinghy 2 weeks

£60.00

Windsurf 1 week

£30.00

Windsurf 2 weeks

£50.00

Adventure Activities

Trax & Trails in Callington (01579 370718) does 4x4 off-road driving, clay pigeon shooting and archery by arrangement. Phone to book individual or group tuition. http://www.traxandtrails.co.uk/

Karting – there is a purpose built karting track about 6 miles away at Kart World near Liskeard (on the A38 just after Menheniot). Very well organised. It doesn’t require pre-booking, but the telephone number is (01579) 347229. They have junior karts of 100cc for 8-15 year olds and 200cc karts with a minimum age limit of 16 years. http://www.kartworldcornwall.co.uk/index.asp

If you fancy something different, check out www.adrenalinquarry.co.uk/ - close to Kart World in Menheniot, this venue offers hovercraft driving, quarry jumping and the UK’s longest zipwire… (01579) 308204

Tree Surfing – Check out the forest canopy: “A complex of ladders, rope bridges, zip wires and walkways gives you the freedom to explore our astounding native broadleaf trees from the top down... and all in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.” http://www.treesurfers.co.uk/

Clay Shooting

Apart from Trax & Trails (above), there are a few other places locally that offer clay shooting:

Cartridge Shooting grounds, Tredinnick Farm, Landrake. 01752 851262 (3 miles away)
Lower Lake shooting grounds, Upton Cross. 01579 363301 (About 12 miles)
TSL Associates, Florence Cottage, Florence Hill, Callington. 01579 384714 (About 4 miles)

Pony riding

TM International - one of only three British Horse Society Approved Training Centres in Cornwall. Set in a stunning location on Bodmin Moor, you can have a lesson in the sand school (midweek rates: child rates £12 for ½ an hour or £18 for an hour in a “group” – i.e. book 2 children in; adults £20/hour) or take an accompanied hack on the moors (midweek rates: child rates £22 for 1 hour or £35 for 2 hours; adults £24 for 1 hour or £40 for 2 hours). You can get there cross-country by going to Pensilva then following the signs to Henwood and continuing as below. Otherwise, if you take the A38 towards Liskeard, leave the A38 dual carriageway at the Liskeard sign and drive into the town. At the first T junction turn right (up the hill). In approximately 500 metres turn left taking the B3254 to Launceston. About 6.5 miles from Liskeard. at Darley Ford Garage. turn left for Henwood (see sign 'Henwood 3/4 At the telephone box in the centre of Henwood go sharp right up the hill (signposted to Kingbeare) for 200 metres. The car park is on the right just on the brow of the hill. It is adviseable to book at least 1 day before you want to ride – call between 8.30 and 9.30 on (01579) 362895. Website: www.tminternational.co.uk/lessons.htm

Penewin Farm, Trerulefoot (01752) 851365. They take children from age 3 for lessons in the sand school. Lessons are usually taught in groups and each pony is accompanied by a helper. A half-hour lesson in a group is £15, or 1 hour lesson is £22 (we have often taken 2 children, which is enough to constitute a group, or you may get put with others). A 1-hour private lesson is £28, or £18 for a half hour. Proficient riders can book a hack (about 1-1 ½ hours with cantering & galloping is £25). Booking is advisable. To get there follow the A38 to the Trerulefoot roundabout. Go right at the roundabout (towards Liskeard) and take the turnoff immediately to the right, opposite the garage. Follow the lane for about 2 miles until you see Penewin Farm signposted to the left. http://www.penewin.co.uk/

Activities for Children

If it is too wet to play outside or go to the beach there are still loads of things to do within easy reach to keep the smalls entertained.

Fancy a donkey ride? The Tamar Valley Donkey Park (just off the A390 in St Ann’s chapel between Callington and Gunnislake) has 25 of them and you can also feed and stroke the other animals, including goats, sheep pigs and rabbits. They recently built a good indoor soft play area and have indoor donkey rides when it is raining, which is great if you have small children – we had a season ticket for several years! You can even adopt a donkey here (open 10.00 daily Easter – end October plus school holidays. Weekends only in Nov, Dec, Feb and March). http://www.donkeypark.com/

The National Marine Aquarium is the biggest in Britain and the deepest in Europe. It has over 4000 different types of sea creatures, from sharks to the worlds’ largest collection of seahorses. There is a walk-through tunnel and a giant coral reef tank, and Britain’s only specimen of the giant squid! Open daily 10 am to 6 pm. The aquarium is well signposted. Cross the Tamar Bridge and follow the A38 to Marsh Mills (where you will see a big Sainsbury’s), then take the A374 Embankment Road. Follow the signs for the Aquarium and Barbican car park. Information line (01752) 220084 http://www.national-aquarium.co.uk/

The Monkey Sanctuary near Looe has been home for over 30 years to a colony of woolly monkeys. The sanctuary is an environmental charity, and the monkeys have a specially designed territory of interlinked enclosures set in beautiful woodlands overlooking Looe bay. They have a forest garden where food for the monkeys is grown, a Victorian herbalist garden and a bat cave complete with bat colony. They also have an adventure play are for children. Open Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 4.30 pm from the Sunday before Easter to the end of September. Take the A38 to the Trerulefoot roundabout (near Tideford) then follow the signs for Looe. Telephone (01503) 262532. http://www.ethicalworks.co.uk/monkeysanctuary/index2.htm

Carnglaze Caverns – St Neots, Nr Liskeard. Just off the A38 after Doublebois and Dobwalls this is a complex of 500 million year old slate chambers with a subterranean lake. Open Monday to Saturday between 10 am and 5 pm, the guided tour takes 45 minutes. Take a jumper and sensible shoes (the ambient temperature in the caves is 10 degrees centigrade and the floor can be slippy). Outside there are wonderful woodland walks including the Enchanted Dell, which has fairies, fountains, mushrooms, tree-houses and even a dragon… One of the caverns – the Rum Store – is used for concerts – the acoustics are apparently amazing. http://www.carnglaze.com/

Dartmoor Wildlife Park , Plympton – over 1000 creatures in 30 acres of beautiful Devon countryside, only 3 miles from Plymouth. This is a big cat conservation centre, with lions, tigers, jaguars, cheetahs, leopard, wolves, bears, and many other types of animal. They have flying displays at the falconry (they also offer falconry courses) including Eagles, Falcons, Buzzards, Owls and Kestrels. Watch the otters being fed, or have a “paws on” experience with a variety of animals – from Tarantulas to Tiger cubs – in the all-weather Talk, Touch, Learn facility. Open daily from 10.00. Entry fee: adults £8.95, OAPs £7.95, Children (4-15) £6.95, Under 3’s free, family ticket (4 people, max 2 adults) £29. Cross the bridge and follow the A38. From the A38, Turn off at Plympton, (Deep Lane Junction), follow the signs for either Sparkwell or the brown tourism signs for "Wildlife Park".

Trethorne Leisure Park – If you want to wear them out, this is the place to go. Trethorne has 45.000 square feet of indoor soft play structures and animals. These include a 4-storey ball blast arena, rope bridges, slides, tunnels, ball pits, trampolines, bungee runs, go karts, mechanical climbing wall, astra slides and freefall slides and much more (including an 8-lane tenpin bowling arena). There are opportunities to milk cows and brush miniature ponies, and there are always animals such as alpaca, goats, pigs, chickens etc which can be stroked. They also have picnic areas, which is handy as the food is not great and is expensive! Admission £8.20 for adults or children, under-3’s free, family ticket £30.80. Disabled £8.20 with one accompanying carer going free. Just off the A30, 3 miles west of Launceston on the junction with the A395. Postcode PL15 8QE

Beaches

While the North coast of Cornwall is perhaps better known for its beaches than the South coast, we still enjoy some beautiful coastline. The coast is about 10 miles away – take the A38 through Tideford and when you get to the Trerulefoot roundabout at Kernow Mill turn left. You can then either take the right hand turn after about half a mile signposted Seaton and Downderry, or you can follow the road to Torpoint until Cawsand and Kingsand are signposted. Cawsand and Kingsand are more traditional golden sand bucket-and-spade type beaches, while Seaton and Downderry have lovely long coastal walks with interesting rock formations and rock pools (ask us if you want to borrow buckets, spades and fishing nets!). There is also a lovely country park at Seaton. If you want more rugged cliff top walks try Rame Head, where you can walk out to an abandoned chapel on the promontory. For more on beaches, visit http://www.caradon.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=781 There is also a lovely beach at Looe. Whitsand bay has a spectacular stretch of sandy beach, but the paths down to it are quite long and rocky, so maybe not the best idea with pushchairs and for very small children.

The North Cornwall coast is well worth a visit. There are some spectacular beaches, including Bedruthan Steps (a few miles east of Newquay), which is a National Trust heritage site. It’s well worth a detour, but access is not brilliant if you have a pushchair or very small children. Surfing beaches The main Cornish and Devonian surf beaches and relevant ability levels are listed below, or see http://www.cornwall-calling.co.uk/surfing.htm . Locally, Whitsand Bay is used by beginners and middle ability surfers, while Pentewan is a pretty beach, used by all abilities of surfer. Of the North coast beaches, Bude is probably the nearest and apparently has some good surf beaches. For novices, there are a few surf schools in the Bude and Newquay - you could try http://www.bigbluesurfschool.co.uk/ . There is a more comprehensive list of surf schools on http://www.britsurf.org/links/Surf_Schools/

Bude - Mainly west facing, sandy beaches

Duckpool

shingle, faces west, not for beginners

Sandymouth

sandy, faces west, not for beginners

Northcott Mouth

at Bude, punchy waves, not for beginners unless light surf

Crooklets

popular surfing beach with the locals. Some serious stuff

Summerleaze

the town centre beach near the harbour breakwater

Widemouth Bay

the main surfing beach in this area, all abilities

Crackington Haven

works well on a rising tide

Trebarwith Strand

west facing. beach break

Polzeath - Again mainly west facing beaches that pick up most swells

Polzeath

another popular beach for all abilities of surfer

Hayle

a good beach for learners

Harlyn Bay

faces north and is about 3 miles west of Padstow

Constantine Bay

some reef breaks here that should be avoided by beginners

Trearon

best round low tide

Newquay

Has achieved its renown because there are beaches facing in all directions, because there is a good spread of types of surf, and, with the right conditions has some really excellent breaks

Mawgan Porth

only really works with easterly winds

Watergate Bay

sandy, flat and used by learners

Whipsiderry

sheltered from SW winds

Newquay Bay

3 sandy beaches, it can be crowded in summer

Fistral

the best and most famous surfing beach in Britain.

all the big competitions are held here

Crantock Bay

when the conditions are right this gives good surf

Holywell

best round low tide

Perranporth

The most southerly of the north coast surfing areas

Perran Bay

you have to walk to get there, so it has fewer surfers

Perranporth

long sandy beach, with a whole range of surf for all abilities

Penhale Corner

if the army are not using the firing range, you can surf here!

Trevaunace Cove

faces north, draws crowds when the conditions are right

Chapel Porth

tiny beach, only for experts

Porthtowan Beach

you can get good tubing waves here

Portreath

big swells round the harbour walls for the experts

The West

Once you leave the main surfing areas of the north coast, you have to pick your beaches carefully

Gwithian

good surf under most conditions

Carbis Bay

crowded in summer, good surf when big swells are running

Porthmeor Beach

the beach to surf at St Ives, can be a heavy wave, not for beginners

Sennan Cove

bracing, but can be hazardous

Porthcurno

only for experts, good in s westerlies

South Coast

Praa Sands

best with northerly winds, does not break well at high tide

Porthleven

only for the experts

Kennack Sands

south east facing, beach breaks

East Coast

Pentewan Beach

pretty beach, used by all abilities of surfer

Whitsand Bay

for beginners and middle ability surfer

River Cruises

Alternatively, save your legs and view the coast from a boat. Plymouth Boat Cruises (at Plymouth Barbican, tel (01752 822797) http://www.westcountrylinks.co.uk/pbc/ does pleasure boat trips from Plymouth to Calstock, regular tours of the Naval dockyards and a ferry to Saltash. Tamar Passenger Ferry at Calstock (01822 833331) does river cruises between Calstock, Bere Alston and Cotehele Quay. They also operate a cruise route to Weir Head and Morwellham Quay. Timetables vary with the tides – call for departure times.

Dive South East Cornwall

S E Cornwall offers a wide range of diving opportunities, from easy first dives to deepwater dives for the most experienced. From Europe's first artificial diving reef, Scylla, to other wrecks and dive sites, South East Cornwall has some top quality sites. HMS Scylla was scuttled as Europe's first artificial reef in Whitsand Bay in 2004. She was a Leander class frigate, the last frigate to be built in Devonport Royal Dockyard in 1968. Scylla is 113m long with a displacement of 2500 tonnes. She has been decommissioned and deliberately sunk by the National Marine Aquarium to create a new underwater attraction for divers with funding from the South West Rural Development Agency. The project to place the vessel in Whitsand Bay was the original idea of two local diving enthusiasts Nick Murns and John Busby of the Artificial Reef Consortium who saw examples from elsewhere in the world and saw huge potential for South East Cornwall It is hoped that the Scylla will become an important habitat in Whitsand Bay and will shed new light on the way that wrecks become colonised by sealife. Try either Looe Divers (tel 01503 262727) or Whitsand Bay Divers (tel 01503 250875).

Walking

Walkers are spoilt for choice in the area. Kernock lies in the Lynher Valley, which is on the edge of the The Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The AONB is located on the border of Cornwall and Devon, and includes the valleys of the Tamar, Tavy and Lynher. The AONB covers around 75 square miles (195 square kilometres), and contains several villages and hamlets, but is predominantly rural with a population in the region of just 17,000 people. For further details of the AONB see www.tamarvalley.org.uk . We lie between Dartmoor (www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk) and Bodmin Moor. Bodmin Moor, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a beautiful and wild landscape of open hills and rugged tors, with villages and farms in the lower valleys. It is the largest of Cornwall's granite uplands, an area rich in history, archaeology and important conservation sites. More information is available on http://www.lynhervalley.co.uk/BodminMoor.htm

Cycling

Anyone who can ride a bicycle can discover the very best of South East Cornwall. Cycling is the ideal way to explore the area without disturbing the peace of the countryside.The network of back lanes is ideal for cycling though care is still needed as they are used by motor vehicles as well. Travelling at bike speed gives you the opportunity to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the country at first hand. It is the ideal way for the whole family to explore at their leisure with none of the pressures of parking or traffic congestion. Cycling in Cornwall inevitably means a few hills, but this should not put would-be cyclists off. The free-wheel down the other side and the spectacular views are more than adequate compensation, and, with plenty of refreshment stops, there can be few better ways of enjoying the countryside.

Off-Road Cycling

For cyclists wanting to explore off-road, there are plenty of bridleways, byways and white lanes on which cycling is permitted. Please remember that cycling on footpaths is illegal, as well as dangerous. Again, there are plenty of published routes which are available through the mail order service. The six local guides to S E Cornwall are particularly useful.

Cycling Opportunities in S E Cornwall: Cardinham Woods Family cycling is particularly encouraged in these 650 acres of productive mixed woodlands owned by the Forestry Commission. There is a cycle hire centre and a 7.2km way-marked cycle trail. The trail is designed for family groups and is mostly gentle gradients. The woods offer safe off-road cycling for most of the way. There is also a café, picnic and barbecue areas, children’s playtrail and toilets. Contact: Forest District Office Tel: 01392 833138 or Site Office Tel: 01208 72577 Seaton Valley Countryside Park Opened in 1998, Seaton Valley Countryside Park offers a lovely flat 2km track which winds its way through a valley bottom with ponds, woodlands, picnic areas and a beach at the end. Particularly good for the very young.

Things to do and information