Coach House

Things to do and information

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 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.  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 (try Doom, Eden or Weary if they are on).  Friday night tends to be liveliest, as it is “locals” night.  They are fairly child friendly if you want to eat there – high chairs etc (the childrens menu is limited to the usual sausage/chicken nuggets thing, though).  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.

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 spit ‘n’ sawdust pub.  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 £8-£9, fabulous puddings £3.50) 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.  There is a new chef who was apparently a former protégé of Rick Stein’s in Padstow – recent reports are excellent.   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 – good pub/restaurant.  Everything seems to come with a whole roasted head of garlic, so if you don’t like it (or are on a first date…), be sure to say so when you order!  Restaurant open for food 12.00-2.00 and 6.30-9.00 (last orders).  Telephone (01822) 832508  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.

The Webbs Inn in Liskeard (10 miles) – The Webbs Hotel, a landmark building in Liskeard, has been rebuilt in lavish style after a fire.  In the basement there is a new fine dining restaurant owned by  Wykeham Inns.  The restaurant kitchen is headed by Graham ex Dartmoor Union.  Recent reports are excellent.  They do dishes such as  Seared Tuna with Red wine pan juices and Dartmouth Kiln Baked salmon.  They also do a 6-course taster menu for abut £20 a head – very good value with a good wine list that is not excessively priced.   01579 343839.  www.webbsinn.co.uk

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

St Mellion is just down the road and has a good leisure complex.  There are 3
swimming pools (25m training pool, leisure pool and baby pool) with sauna, steam
room and Jacuzzi.  They also do treatments at the Spa (massage, facials etc) and there is a gym which also does all sorts of classes.  Temporary week-long memberships are available at £30 per adult or £25 per child for swimming and racquets only, or the full leisure package (which includes use of the gym and dance/exercise studios) for £40 per week for adults.  They also do a day rate of £15 for adults and £5 for children (including use of the gym).  They have a crèche on site for £3.00 per hour per child - handy if you want to have a massage or facial in the spa.  St Mellion Spa can be contacted on (01579) 352003 or via their website – www.st-mellion.co.uk.  http://www.st-mellion.co.uk/

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.  http://www.caradon.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=1275

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 Old course (5927 yards, par 70).  A single round currently costs £60 on the Nicklaus course and £40 on the Old course, or you can buy a day pass to play both courses for £85.  A cheaper option is their “Twilight” membership – if you tee off before 8.00 am or after 5.00 pm then the cost is reduced to £25 for the Nicklaus course and £17.50 for the Old course.  The Golf Course can be contacted on (01579) 352000.  http://www.st-mellion.co.uk/

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) costs £25 on weekdays and £30 at weekends.  They also have spa facilities and a swimming pool.  Handicap certificate required.  Telephone (01752) 854666.  http://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 £28 on weekdays and £33 at weekends per round.  They also do day passes for the gym, tennis courts and indoor pool.  Telephone (01208) 873822.  http://www.golf-hotel.co.uk/

Launceston (15 miles) is another attractive course.  Fees for the 18-hole course (6374 yards, par 70) are £20 per day.  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 £55 on weekdays and £65 at weekends for a round, or £80 for a day ticket.  The Holywell course, which is shorter (4103 yards, par 63) and does not have the sea views, costs £19 a round.  Alternatively you can play both courses for £70.  Telephone (01208) 863216. Take the B3314 from Wadebridge signposted Rock (three miles).

Trevose (40 miles) at Constantine Bay, Padstow, is another renowned course.  The fees for the 18-hole championship course (6608 yards, par 71) are £60.  They also have two 9-hole courses:  3031 yards, par 35 for £28, and 1360 yards, par 29 for £15.  Other facilities include tennis courts and outdoor pool.  Telephone (01841) 520208.  http://www.trevose-gc.co.uk/

Whitsand Bay Country Club (10 miles)  is an 18-hole cliff top golf course with spectacular views.  The course (6013 yeards, par 70) was laid in 1905.  Green fees are £20 on weekdays, and £28 at weekends.  You will find it at Portwrinkle.  Tel 01503 230276 www.whitsandbayhotel.co.uk

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

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.
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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. 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/

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 2008 permit price is £19.50 for a full day (bag limit 6) or £16.00 with concession (> 65, recipients of State disability pension, full-time students under 18).  Child rates are £4.  £12 for a boat for the full day (includes 2 extra fish to bag limit).  Evening rates are £16.00 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 £6.50 dawn to dusk.  Anglers are asked to use barbless hooks and keep nets are not permitted.  Telephone (01752) 842148 or 844473.  No booking required.

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 two and a quarter 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

Launch costs for launching your own craft:

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

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

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 £9 for ½ an hour or £16 for an hour in a “group” – i.e. book 2 children in; adults £18/hour) or take an accompanied hack on the moors (midweek rates: child rates £18 for 1 hour or £30 for 2 hours; adults £20 for 1 hour or £35 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 £12, or 1 hour lesson is £20 (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 £25.  Proficient riders can book a hack (about 1-1 ½ hours with cantering & galloping is £19).  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 £7.50 for adults, children £7.00, under-3’s free, family ticket £24.00.  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/

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.

DVD list for Kernock Cottages   (As of March 2007)

Please let us know if you would like to borrow any of the following titles:
The Constant Gardener (Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz)
The Manchurian Candidate (Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep)
Closer (Julia Robers/Jude Law/Natalie Portman/Clive Owen)
The Italian Job ((1969) (Michael Caine, Noel Coward)
The Italian Job (2003) Charlize Theron/Mark Wahlberg/Edward Norton)
Deliverance (Burt Reynolds, Jon Voigt)
Lock, Stock & two smoking barrels (Vinnie Jones, Sting etc)
Enduring Love (Daniel Craig, Rhys Ifans, Samantha Morton)
The Hours (Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore)
War of the Worlds (Tom Cruise)
Secret Window (Johnny Depp)
Drop Zone (Wesley Snipes)
The Skeleton Key (Kate Hudson)
Mean Creek (Rory Culkin, Trevor Morgan)
Lord of the Rings – The Fellowship of the Ring
Lord of the Rings – The Two Towers
Lord of the Rings – The Return of the King
The Godfather (Part I, II and III)
The Importance of being Earnest(Judi Dench, Reese Witherspoon, Rupert Everett)
The Perfect Storm (George Clooney)
The Bourne Identity (Matt Damon)
The Bourne Supremacy
Layer Cake (Daniel Craig, Sienna Miller, Michael Gambon)
The Pianist (3x Oscar winning Roman Polanski film)
Matrix Reloaded (Keanu Reeves)
The Matrix Revolutions (Keanu Reeves)
Nikita (Anne Parillaud)
The Shawshank Redemption (Morgan Freeman, Tim Robbins)
Educating Rita (Julie Walters, Michael Caine)
The Patriot (Mel Gibson)
Three Kings (George Clooney)
Gangs of New York (Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz)
Behind Enemy Lines (Gene Hackman, Owen Wilson)
From Hell (Johnny Depp, Heather Graham)
Amadeus (8 Academy awards, F Murray Abraham, Simon Callow)
Master and Commander (Russel Crowe)
Brief Encounter (Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard)
Zulu (Michael Caine)
Apocalypse Now (Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Martin Sheen, Harrison Ford)
Groundhog Day (Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell)
S.W.A.T. (Samuel L Jackson, Colin Farrell)
Saving Private Ryan (Tom Hanks)
King Arthur (Clive Owen, Kiera Knightly)
Men of Honour (Robert de Niro, Cuba Gooding Jnr)
Troy (Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom)
The Beach (Leonardo DiCaprio)
Calendar Girls (Helen Mirren, Julie Walters)
X-Men (Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen)
Kill Bill Volume 1 (Quentin Tarantino, Uma Thurman)
The Deer Hunter (Robert de Niro, Meryl Streep)
The Fabulous Baker Boys (Michelle Pfeiffer, Jeff Bridges, Beau Bridges)
Charlie & the Cholocalte Factory (Johnny Depp)
A River Runs Through It (Brad Pitt, Brenda Blethyn)
Paris Texas (Nastassja Kinski)
The March of the Penguins (wildlife documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman)
The Patriot (Steven Seagal)
Gattaca (Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law)
The Calcium Kid (Orlando Bloom)
The Fisher King (Robin Williams, Jeff Bridges)

Childrens DVDs – Coco also has some DVDs for small people, which she will happily lend out.  These include:

Lion King         
Lion King 3 – Hakuna Matata                                                     
Piglets Big Movie
Springtime with Roo
Antz                                                                             
Brother Bear
Finding Nemo
Shark Tale
Toy Story
Robots
The BFG
Bambi
Sleeping Beauty
Alice in Wonderland                                                                  
Mona the Vampire                                                        
Scooby Doo & Monster of Mexico
Scooby Doo & Loch Ness Monster
Scooby Doo 2
Spongebob Squarepants – Nautical Nonsense
The March of the Penguins (wildlife documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman)
Mary, Mungo and Midge                                               
Hans Christian Anderson
Watership Down                                                           
Christmas with the Simpsons
Balamory (Archie’s Inventions)                          
Dr Doolittle
Bagpuss                                                                      
Willie Wonka & Chocolate Factory (original with Gene Wilder)
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (Johnny Depp version)
Strawberry Shortcake
Eyewitness Dinosaur