Cornish Harbour Towns and Vineyards
Polperro has many times been voted one of the best places to live. It is a working fishing village with small sandy beach and tidal pool. Craft shops and eateries. The Blue Peter Inn at the waterside is recommended, as is Kitty’s lobster shack for a crab sandwich or platter to take away. No cars (long walk from the car park to the village, but there is a bus shuttle in summer). Steep steps to beach. SN PL13 2QY
Kingsand and Cawsand steeped in smuggling and fishing history, these two small towns merge into each other. The beach at Cawsand is a super family beach, and the small cove at Kingsand is dog friendly all year (see our beaches page). Shops, pubs and restaurants and lovely narrow streets to wander. It is possible to get a ferry from Plymouth to Cawsand if you want to see the coves from the sea.
Tavistock is a thriving, beautifully friendly market town that is worthy of any visitor. An ancient stannary town and home of the cream tea, Tavistock is the only town in Devon to hold world heritage status. The vibrancy and uniqueness of Tavistock is undeniable with a range of beautiful local independent shops which are a far cry from today’s typical high street. Not to be overlooked is the famous pannier market or the award-winning farmers’ market. It is truly a shoppers paradise.’ www.visit-tavistock.co.uk
For a traditional cream tea we recommend The Kitchen Café, Tavistock (14.7 miles from Kernock) A warm and friendly welcome awaits at The Kitchen. Superb cream teas and lunch menu. Off the main street so easily missed – make sure you have the post code so you do not miss out on this special place T 01822 6141492 SN PL19 8BD W www.thekitchentavistock.com
Mevagissey is a thriving village with working fishing harbour, natural beaches and quaint streets. The Lobbs Shop is super for local produce. The nearby Lost Gardens of Helligan provide a must see 200 acres of garden history. The seasonal night trail laminations are a spectacular winter attraction.
The Heligan kitchen is popular for a Sunday roast.
Looe is a thriving and popular coastal town on the South West coast path. Just 14 miles from Kernock this is a favourite destination. For families with children there is a glorious sandy beach, coffee shops, pasty shops, crabbing in the estuary and boat trips from sea safari to fishing trips or luxury boat charters www.welcometolooe.com
Explore this wonderful town with Cornish Tours Looe Walking Tours: choose from Historical Tales (who shaped Looe over the centuries?), A Taste of the Town (a culinary tour – adults only) or Smugglers and Skulduggery (the darker side of Looe’s history). Tours operate Tuesday to Saturday with private tours by arrangement from £20 adults £14 under 16s (Kernock guests can receive 10% discount – contact us for the code) www.cornishtouurs.com/walking-tours
Such is the community spirit in Looe there are many events throughout the year – we will let you know about any events scheduled during your stay with us.
Book ahead for a table at The Sardine Factory our top choice, serving local and fresh produce. Michelin awards and two Masterchef quarterfinalist chefs www.thesardinefactorylooe.com
English Vineyards
Believe it or not, this area around the Tamar valley is becoming something of an expert English wine making region. A visit to a local vineyard can be a great day out. The new Sandridge Barton Estate hosting Sharphams also has a lovely restaurant, but make sure you book a table.
- Camel Valley – small visitor attraction of the year – Cornwall Tourism Awards 2019/20. Little Denby Farm, Bodmin PL30 5LG T 01208 77959
- Alder Valley – wine tasting and vineyard tours, open Wednesday to Sunday 9-5pm. Alder Vineyard, Lewdown, EX20 4PJ 07813 752805
- Sharphams/Sandridge Barton wine tasting and tours www.sandridgebarton.com
- Tamar Valley Vineyard – guided tours and shop. South Hooe, Hole’s Hole, Bere Alston, Devon PL20 7BW www.tamarvalleyvineyard.co.uk
- Looe Valley Vineyard – established in 2008 on a sunny site of the Est Looe River in South Cornwall. 7000 vines are now established on over 5 acres. Guided tours and tastings led by one of the wine makers, also private group tours and tastings possible. Open Easter to October. Families and dogs welcome. To see availability and book or to purchase gift vouchers, visit www.looevalleyvineyard.co.uk Call Charles on 07792538442 or email sue@looevalleyvineyard.co.uk