Why swimming in our own Cornish fishing cove beat travelling abroad

When the sun is shining in a beautiful blue sky, there is no better place on earth than a staycation in Cornwall. Though, to be honest, there is also no such thing as the wrong weather for a new adventure to explore Cornwall’s rugged coast.

Returning to the allure of Cornwall’s characterful coastine with its tempting seafood and smugglers’ pubs has marked the milestones of our family life – before and after children. Padstow has always been a favourite, later adding Polzeath to our list of top destinations when my husband discovered a love of surfing and then shared that with our children as they grew.

So we felt it was time to try somewhere new and settled on the cove of Port Gaverne, with the attraction that our holiday cottage Stop Tide was literally steps away from the beach. It was the ideal, beautifully furnished base for a grown-up family holiday, where everyone could please themselves and carry paddleboards the short distance to the shore whenever they chose.

Behind the scenes of a film location

With a popular pub and the best crab I’d ever eaten, at the stylish yet laid-back Pilchards restaurant on our doorstep, Port Gaverne had all that we desired. The added bonus was that Doc Martin’s Port Isaac was also only a short walk up the headland.

As a fan of the TV show, I was intrigued to spot landmarks including Dr Ellingham’s surgery, Louisa’s primary school and Bert and Al’s pub while we wandered the cobbled streets lined by whitewashed cottages. Apart from daily summer tours sharing insiders’ news from behind the scenes of the hit series, we were pleasantly surprised that Port Isaac has kept its original charm.

And that’s saying something when its real-life pub The Golden Lion was also the film location for Fisherman’s Friends. We were tempted into the pub by the sound of singing on our way ‘home’ from an evening out, and lucky enough to discover the local lifeboat crew giving an impromptu performance of familiar sea shanties which were almost as good as the authentic Fisherman’s Friends group, which we’d recently seen on tour.

UK’s top short break destination

What is not to love about Cornwall, with its stunning scenery, homemade pasties and cream teas, plus maritime arts and crafts? Port Isaac, which was recently named the UK’s top short break destination for spring according to research by Sykes Holiday Cottages, has it all!*

And when you want to feel the wind in your hair and blow away the cobwebs, the coastal walk around its headland has breathtaking views. Just remember, when you’re deciding how far to walk, that for every steep cliff descent there’s an arduous climb on the other side.

If a day at a white-sand beach is more your style then Polzeath is only a short drive away. It’s the surfing and bodyboarding mecca that discerning enthusiasts flock to and parking couldn’t be easier – it’s on the beach!

We’ll definitely be back to make more happy memories to add to our Cornwall collection: Port Gaverne and Port Isaac have now made it straight to the top of our list of favourite destinations.

Enjoy 30% off your getaway

There’s no better time to plan a cosy staycation and with Sykes’ big Autumn Sale now live, enjoy up to 30% off your getaway. Whether it’s crisp countryside walks or blustery beach days, there are plenty of seasonal escapes to choose from.

To find out more or make a reservation, visit https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/autumn-holiday-cottages.html

Our reviewer stayed at three-bedroom holiday cottage Stop Tide at Port Gaverne, which is available for seven nights from £676.

* Sykes has been awarded ‘Best Large UK Holiday Cottage Booking Company’ at the British Travel Awards for 11 consecutive years.