Harbour Lights

The south of Cornwall holds many gems and Charlestown on The Rame Peninsula is one of them!  Poldark fans will recognise this small harbour village, which is regularly featured in the hit BBC series.  It was originally built in the 1700s to export copper and import coal and a visit to the harbour feels like stepping back in time.  The harbour has places to eat out, including a pub and there are also some craft shops to browse or purchase a souvenir from.

You can reach the seashore in Charlestown if you  fancy a paddle but if you are looking for a sandy beach, away from the crowds then Hemmick Beach is off the beaten track but well worth a visit of you can get there.  Small but perfectly formed with sheltered spots for a picnic or a little bit of lolling in the sun.  A more popular beach for ease of access is Par Sands, a long stretch of sandy beach suitable for all the family.

A couple of miles away is the popular seaside harbour of Mevagissy, which has quaint little streets lined with shops, galleries and cafes.  On sunny days, grab some traditional fish and chips and eat them harbourside, while watching the fishing boats bob up and down.  If you enjoy walking then you can easily access the South-West Coastpath from Mevagissy and walk back to Charlestown taking in the stunning Cornish coast on the way.

Garden lovers won’t want to miss a trip out to Pinetum Gardens, a 30 acre estate made up of different areas including water gardens, Japanese gardens and more besides.  Also high on the list for garden lovers are The Lost Gardens of Heligan a lost estate, only rediscovered in the 1990s and lovingly restored to their former glory.

Other nearby attractions include the Wheal Martin, Cornwall’s china clay museum, catch the ferry from Mevagissy to Fowey, Caerhays Castle and much more on top. There is something for everyone on this stretch of the south coast in Cornwall.