Eastern Cornwall - a weekend in Summer
Itinerary At A Glance
2 day independent itinerary for near Launceston and surrounds, based on driving from Leeds, in early August
Based on a couple travelling to see friends
Why here?
We have a friend who lives close by, and a group of us descended on the area for a long overdue catch-up.
Honest verdict
Does the itinerary work for the trip?
We tacked this onto the end of our other trip to Penzance - I think this would be really far to travel from Yorkshire for just 2 nights. 3-4 nights would be better, and there would be plenty to do to fill the time.
Similarly, a 2 or 3 night stay would be a very easy addition to a longer road trip to Brittany via the ferry in Plymouth.
Might this place improve or diminish at a different time of year?
While I expect Cornwall to be just as beatiful place in autumn or winter, this being a holiday destination means many of the activities and sites are closed Oct/Nov to March-ish. Does that improve things? You’d certainly be farther from the maddening tourist crowds that descend on this picturesque county in the summer months, but there will be far fewer events, cultural and foodie activities to enjoy.
Visiting out of season would need you to be focused on self-directed activities only, or some kind of working/creative retreat to be able to enjoy the area. I am reliably informed by my friend who lives here, that rain is a bit more prevalent in winter than the eastern side of the British Isles.
Is this a repeat destination, or a once was enough experience?
This is my third trip to Cornwall - though the first time I have stayed on this, the Cornwall-Devon border. I will say that this part of Cornwall feels the most under-the-radar, but also the easiest to access.
WHEN
Early August
The middle of high season.
We experienced 25C and sunny. Cornwall is more temperately climed than much of the rest of the UK, owing to the influence of the sea on both sides. Expect anything from hot and sunny, to cool and rainy.
LIGHT
Long hours of daylight
Sunrise: 05:35am
Sunset: 20:42pm
15 hours of daylight
TRAVEL MEANS
Car
Drive from Leeds takes about 5.5 hours
ACCOMMODATION
Coombeshead Farm, Working Farm & Guesthouse
the greatest breakfast spread we have ever had anywhere ever
luxury farmhouse design, blending modern with rustic
well suited for a couple
excellent on-site restaurant, farmshop and events
SCHEDULE
Day 1 - Friday
Drive in the morning, arrive and settle in at Coombeshead Farm
Dinner: with friends
Day 2 - Saturday
Breakfast: at Coombeshead Farm. Everything is made on site - the malt loaf blew my mind - bought three from the farm shop to take home and the on-site bakers generously shared the recipe with me.
Hike: Walking loop around North Petherwin, 6km
Dinner: BBQ with friends
Day 3 - Sunday
Morning beach walk: Cornwall is perfect for a morning beach stroll
Drive home
Ideas for another visit
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There are plenty of other interesting, authentic and design-led farm stays scattered across Cornwall and Devon.
Trelowarren Estate - cottages, B&B, and Flora Bakehouse - located on the Lizard Peninsula
Glebe House - cottages, guesthouse, restaurant and seasonal experiences - located in Eastern Devon
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Tre Pol & Pen Farmshop & Restaurant
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Adrenaline Quarry Aquapark & Zip lines
Other Short UK Itineraries
