We were in the UK this past week and during this trip we wanted to explore more of the are so we headed off for an adventure in Cornwall - taking in the beaches, seaside towns, and, of course, some pasties!
St. Michael's Mount
On Friday evening after work we hopped aboard a flight in Toronto and woke up 7 hours later in London, UK! Elizabeth’s parents also joined us for part of the trip, so on Saturday morning we were picked up at the airport by both sets of parents. Our journey continued by spending the day in Bath with Luke’s family; Luke seemed to avoid the jet lag quite well and was playing with micromachines (with his nephew, of course) as soon as he stepped through the door. We had a great catch up with everyone, including a delicious feast of bits and bobs for dinner.
A trip to the UK isn’t complete without checking out a new place or two, so after some more relaxing (and playing) on Sunday morning, we piled into two cars along with our parents and headed southwest to Cornwall.
As we made our way there, we seemed to switch between being in the middle of patches of rain or fog, with some overcast views mixed in. Unfortunately, this was the case for the majority of our time in Cornwall, but since we all come from places that are not particularly sunny, we all adapted fairly quickly.
After settling in at the amazing cottage where we were staying in in Lelant Saltings (not too far from St. Ives), we decided to fit in some exploring before our dinner. We headed towards Godrevy Lighthouse. There were a number of surfers in the water, and while we weren’t about to join in, it was nice to go for a walk and surfer-watch – at least, what we could see of them.
As we made our way there, we seemed to switch between being in the middle of patches of rain or fog, with some overcast views mixed in. Unfortunately, this was the case for the majority of our time in Cornwall, but since we all come from places that are not particularly sunny, we all adapted fairly quickly.
After settling in at the amazing cottage where we were staying in in Lelant Saltings (not too far from St. Ives), we decided to fit in some exploring before our dinner. We headed towards Godrevy Lighthouse. There were a number of surfers in the water, and while we weren’t about to join in, it was nice to go for a walk and surfer-watch – at least, what we could see of them.
Godrevy Beach
On Monday morning we went to St. Michael’s Mount, a castle on a tidal island in the middle of the bay in Marazion. It is connected to the mainland by a causeway which can be used to access the island at low tide.
We had researched the tides in advance so we timed our visit perfectly. We had just enough time to explore the island, walking through the village taking the cobblestone pathways all the way to the castle above, wandering through the castle and chapel before making our way back down and across the bay as the tide started to rise.
We had researched the tides in advance so we timed our visit perfectly. We had just enough time to explore the island, walking through the village taking the cobblestone pathways all the way to the castle above, wandering through the castle and chapel before making our way back down and across the bay as the tide started to rise.
St. Michael's Mount in the distance
Since we had spent so much energy climbing those cobblestone pathways, we decided to treat ourselves to some pasties for lunch from Philps, a local bakery. Pasties – not to be confused with ‘pastries’… although they are pastries – are a traditional Cornish food that was typically eaten by Cornish tin miners.
We then headed further west to Porthcurno, where we visited the beach (and saw a sea lion)!, and then walked up some steep steps on the edge of the cliff to get to the outdoor Minack Theatre which had some amazing views.
We then headed further west to Porthcurno, where we visited the beach (and saw a sea lion)!, and then walked up some steep steps on the edge of the cliff to get to the outdoor Minack Theatre which had some amazing views.
Minack Theatre
Walking back down, by taking the road this time, we stopped in at Porthcurno Telegraph Museum. Trying on some fun costumes, we learned about the history of Porthcurno as a major international communications station due to the number of telegraph cables that ended there; it was part of an early telegraph link from the UK to India, and the first one was landed there in 1870.
That night, we made our way to Mousehole to eat at The Old Coastguard. We all partook in some local Cornish ales and ciders. We went for a walk after supper - to aid in digestion - and ended up near a beautiful harbour, lit up at night, where we were also "treated" to some Morris dancing. An educational experience for all.
That night, we made our way to Mousehole to eat at The Old Coastguard. We all partook in some local Cornish ales and ciders. We went for a walk after supper - to aid in digestion - and ended up near a beautiful harbour, lit up at night, where we were also "treated" to some Morris dancing. An educational experience for all.
Hanging out in Mousehole
First thing on Tuesday morning, we drove through the narrow winding country roads all the way to Geevor Tin Mine, the largest preserved mine site in England which was still operational until 1990. We took a look at the indoor exhibits to understand the history of mining in the area and this site in particular, then strolled through a number of mechanical rooms and the surface processing plant before heading into the mine itself.
Walking through the narrow passageways of the mine was quite the (slightly claustrophobic) experience.
Walking through the narrow passageways of the mine was quite the (slightly claustrophobic) experience.
Barbara, a relatively small person, making her way through the tunnels
Later that afternoon, we went back to Lelant Saltings and caught the picturesque train into St Ives. After roaming around the town for a couple of hours past boats, pasty shops, and numerous beaches, we headed back near the train station where we had dinner at Porthminster Beach Cafe. Fresh seafood was had by all.
St. Ives
On Wednesday morning, Elizabeth’s parents left from Newquay airport, heading onwards on their holiday to Crete and Santorini, and we slowly made our way back to Bath. First, we stopped at Padstow, and walked around until it was acceptable to eat Fish and Chips by the water at one of Rick Stein’s restaurants
Then we went to Tintagel, the castle on the coast that is rumoured to be where King Arthur was magically conceived. We’re still unsure about that one, but regardless, it was an important area in the dark ages and they were closely involved in trade with the Mediterranean world. More importantly the whole area was absolutely stunning… and windy!
Then we went to Tintagel, the castle on the coast that is rumoured to be where King Arthur was magically conceived. We’re still unsure about that one, but regardless, it was an important area in the dark ages and they were closely involved in trade with the Mediterranean world. More importantly the whole area was absolutely stunning… and windy!
For a few days in Cornwall, we did pretty well and covered a lot of territory:
We then finished up our 3 hour drive back to Bath and had wagamama for dinner on Wednesday night. Elizabeth was loving life and is still eagerly waiting for one of them to open up in Toronto….
On Thursday Elizabeth headed to Seattle for a work event and Luke stuck around the UK, going to a wedding on Saturday in Oxford, with all of the festivities that go along with that, and then spent some more time with family on Sunday.
During our time in Cornwall, there were a few different cameras snapping photos, so we don't have all of the good ones, but here are some of our photos:
On Thursday Elizabeth headed to Seattle for a work event and Luke stuck around the UK, going to a wedding on Saturday in Oxford, with all of the festivities that go along with that, and then spent some more time with family on Sunday.
During our time in Cornwall, there were a few different cameras snapping photos, so we don't have all of the good ones, but here are some of our photos:
(SLIDESHOW)
