Now that Summer has finally arrived it’s the perfect time to start daydreaming of your escape to the seaside.
We asked photographer, Brooke Harwood, to take us on her ideal road trip through some of her favourite spots on the Cornish coast, from Watergate Bay to the wild cliffs of Zennor…
“I try and get down to Cornwall as much possible as I find it resets me and slows me down after the fast pace of London life. Nothing quite beats waking up by the sea, breathing in that fresh Cornish air and if you’re lucky with the weather in Summer, there is nowhere better I tell you! So without further ado here is my ideal road trip itinerary when visiting my happy place…”
One of my favourite beaches on the North Cornish coast, Watergate Bay makes a perfect pitstop on the long journey down West. With a huge golden sandy beach, rugged cliffs and rolling waves, it’s a great spot for a beach BBQ, with surfers and sunsets providing all the entertainment you’ll need…
Next up is St Agnes for epic coastal walks and views of the heritage coast. Ideal for blowing away the cobwebs, looking out and seeing nothing but blue seas and green coast lines. Plus you’ll feel like you’re in an episode of Poldark walking past all the tin mines along the way. Check out Canteen Cornwall for lunch – quite possibly some of the best food I have ever had!
Next we’ll take our road trip down to the sights of the South Coast to two of my fave spots – Portscatho & Portloe. Portscatho is a lovely little cove with calm waters, ideal for a paddle or a swim if you’re brave enough! My top tip would be to check out the (not so hidden) Hidden Hut and the feast nights they host on the beach (you can thank me later!) Nearby Portloe is a beautiful fishing village, perfect for an afternoon wander and for taking photos of all the picture-perfect cottages.
Heading West we’ll stop next at St Ives for quintessential Cornish seaside scenes. I love wandering the cobbled streets shopping for shells and souvenirs, or hiring a wetsuit and board down at the sandy Porthmeor beach and trying (& failing!) to surf! Regain some energy with lunch at Porthmeor Cafe, overlooking the beach and the pro surfers doing their thing.
We wound up our trip with a night at Artist Residence in Penzance, a great base for visiting St Ives, Zennor, Porthcurno, Mousehole, Land’s End, as well as endless unspoilt cliff paths and coves to discover. We still have lots of places to go and explore in Cornwall but if you are thinking about taking a trip this summer I hope my recommendations helped plan your stay and I am sure like me, you will keep on coming back!
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Thanks for reading!
Brooke x