Prior to hooking up with Mr Husband, I’d never been to Cornwall. Typical Surrey girl, innit! But since getting swept off my dupe-Charlotte-Olympia-cat-slippers by Mr Husband nearly ten years ago, I’ve now actually lost count of how many times I’ve visited his beloved home county. Kernow – as it’s fondly known in the West – is still home to all his family, so it’s safe to say that we’re A303 regulars! So much so that I’m sure I recognise one of those piggies opposite Stone Henge. OINK!

OK, so the five-hour (sometimes EIGHT, FFS!) drive from Surrey to Falmouth in Cornwall is admittedly a very long one but once you’ve done it a few times (we go down maybe four/five times a year) you get to know the drill. Snacks and more snacks! ALL the chargers. Rubbish bags, Kwell Kids, wet wipes/kitchen roll/anti-bac are essentials when going the long distance with kids. I’m used to sitting in the passenger seat now while Mr Husband drives the camper van and I know my duties – handing out snacks, tea pourer, iphone/ipad/Nintendo Switch/DS charger-upper and collector of all the rubbish and wrappers. It’s character building stuff people. Puts hairs on your chest and if I’m honest, the journey is probably not too dissimilar to watching a National Lampoon Vacation movie! But the final destination, Falmouth, is always worth the wait.

FALMOUTH

Located on the south coast of Cornwall and famous for its maritime heritage, Falmouth is a picture-perfect town, strewn with bunting and buzzing with a creative vibe thanks to the ever-growing art college, galleries and craft boutiques on every corner. We visit all year round during the school holidays and it always begins with an Aga-cosy welcome from the family. It’s pure BLISS!

However, it’s not long before the kids start making noises to hit the beach (whatever the weather!) and before you know it, we’re rock pooling on Gyllyngvase beach. Only a stones throw from my in-laws, this blue flag beach is known locally as Gylly. As a child, Mr. Husband spent many hours playing on here with his two older sisters. It’s overlooked by Pendennis Castle plus, he also proposed on this beach too, so it’s got mega memories for us. Additionally, the kids reckon that the beach café serves THE BEST hot chocolate and chunky fries – and for the grown-ups, I can personally recommend their juniper berry G&T! You’re welcome.

From here it’s a short walk past pastel houses into town where you’ll really experience a fusion of coastal living and contemporary culture. As you wind through the cobbled streets, there’s a beautiful all-year-round buzz amongst the melting pot of surf shops, artisan coffee houses and cool craft shops. From sailing regattas to oyster pop-ups, make sure you also check into the main square overlooking the historical harbour, home to must-see exhibitions and family friendly events and just around the corner is Falmouth’s infamous colourful Maritime Mural commission to raise awareness for autism.

There’s truly so much to do here, I could write a list as long as anything. From paddle boarding to pitch & putt, Rick Stein’s Fish ‘n’ Chips to family friendly festivals; Falmouth is full of stuff to do. But if you were to twist my new Maria Tash tragus piercing until I ‘fessed up, these would be my top five favourite things to do…

FIVE FAVE THINGS TO DO IN FALMOUTH

1: Espressini

An artisan coffee house on Killigrew Street where calamine pink walls showcase local illustrations. Here you’ll find an array of coffee, hot chocolates and their babychinno’s come served in mini milk bottles. Nestled amongst the eclectic mix of vintage furnishing and decor, here we experience coffee (and home-made cakes) at its finest.

2: Saffron Buns

Pasties, cream teas and ice-cream maybe the Holy Food Trinity in Cornwall, but for me, a trip wouldn’t be complete without a saffron bun too! Again, something I never knew existed until Mr Husband – a bit like a hot cross bun meets tea cake – now I’m a connoisseur and my favourites comes from a local bakery, Choak’s. Their pasties are yummy too so it’s no wonder my jeans never fit after a visit, but who cares when you have dungarees to pour yourself into, right?

3: Gylly Beach Cafe

One word – BUSY! It’s right on the beach, it’s idyliic and it serves the best local, fresh produce so it’s no wonder there’s never really a lull in this sea front hot spot. But when you do find that free outdoor sofa that overlooks the Atlantic, with lap blankets and heaters, I swear you’ll want to hang out here forever. It’s THE dream! We had our engagement drinks here after Mr Husband proposed right on Gylly beach, so it’ll always be a super special place for us (and because of that, I can forgive them for taking off their awesome home-made nachos and chilli from the menu.)

4: Willow & Stone

Addicted to Rifle Paper Co stationery or artisan soaps? Love screen prints and ironmongery items? Then, like me, you’ll probably spend a lot of time in here! Thank God for the wooden toy kitchen in the corner which the youngest still plays with while I shop, especially after the husband and first born tend to abandon us in there now, because they know it’s the kind of place where I could spend forever in. A beautiful edit of beautiful things for you and your home and great for gifts too. A truly stunning shop.

5: St Michael’s Hotel & Spa

This award winning, luxury 4 star hotel is only 150 metres away from my in-laws, plus it overlooks our much-loved, Gylly beach. It’s the ideal place to unwind, de-stress and re-balance. On our most recent trip, Mr. Husband took the kids to the pool (yassss!) so I could escape to their newly refurbished spa for an indulgent Elemis Free Style Deep Tissue massage. As with all great massages, I didn’t want it to end and  contemplated crying/begging in the hope that I could have just FIVE.MORE.MINUTES.PLEASE! (One day I hope this technique really will work!) To be honest, the only thing that eventually coaxed me out of the treatment room was the spectacular autumn sunshine and the promise of cheesy chips across the road on Gylly Beach. Always eating, innit!

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Thank you for reading, if you need any more info on our travels to the West Country, please just ask and if I don’t know the answer, I’m sure Mr. Husband will and he’ll get back to you dreckly, as they say in Cornwall…

F.T.

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