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Beaches, gardens and great food - a weekend at Middle Colenso Farm

My first itinerary for a long weekend in Penzance proved popular with our readers so I'm following it up with one that will work well for anyone staying in one of our cottages at Middle Colenso Farm. This has more of an outdoor focus and has lots of options for those of you who have dogs.


FRIDAY PM

After unwinding with a cup of tea and a homemade scone and jam in your cottage, it's time to get your bearings and breathe in some fresh sea air. Make your way to nearby Rinsey for a short but spectacular walk along the South West Coast Path. As well as beautiful coastal scenery, you'll see some dramatic mining ruins perched on the edge of the cliff and, if the tide's out, you can pop down to the beach for a swim or paddle.


After working up an appetite, make your way to Porthleven which has become a haven for foodies in recent years. There are lots of cafes, restaurants and pubs to choose from including guest favourites Kota Kai and Amelies. If the weather's fine, The Mussel Shoal is a great spot for an alfresco dinner right on the harbour.




SATURDAY AM

For me, there's no better way to start the day than with a swim and we're very lucky to have Prussia Cove just a couple of miles away. The main cove, Bessie's, is a heavenly swimming spot with lots of history and you can get into the water whatever the tide. For somewhere even more secluded, make the short walk to nearby Piskies Cove. If swimming's not your thing, there are plenty of walking opportunities including a relatively short circular walk to nearby Perranuthnoe where you can grab a great breakfast at The Cabin or Peppercorn Cafe.


Godolphin House, just a short drive from the cottages, sits at the heart of one of Cornwall's oldest mining estages and is a lovely place to while away a few hours. It's home to one of the oldest formal gardens in Europe and if you're feeling eneretic, the walk up Godolphin Hill affords fabulous views. You can see both north and south coasts on a clear day. Booklovers will want to visit the small but well-stocked secondhand bookshop.


SATURDAY PM

If you enjoy gardens, then don't miss Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens on the outskirts of Penzance. Wooded walkways, exotic planting and a wonderful collection of sculptures make this one of Cornwall's most interesting gardens. There's also a gallery and an excellent restaurant which is a good option for afternoon tea or an early Saturday night supper.


Alternatively, you could spend the afternoon and evening exploring Penzance. Enjoy a stroll along the Prom, visit Penlee House Gallery and Museum or browse in one of the many independent shops in town. If you're staying for cocktails and dinner, we highly recommend 45 Queen Street.




SUNDAY AM

One of our favourite places to eat is Flora, a fabulous cafe run by our friends Tim and Louise, on the Trelowarren estate at the top of The Lizard. Make your way there for breakfast or brunch or, even better, the delicious Sunday lunch served in the slightly more formal setting of the New Yard restaurant. You can spend the rest of the morning exploring the estate. There's a nice little walk to Halligye Fogou, a mysterious underground tunnel dating back to the Iron Age.


SUNDAY PM

With its hidden coves, picturesque fishing villages and flora and fauna, there's a lot to see on The Lizard. We love Kynance Cove although it does get very busy during the summer. Church Cove and Gunwalloe are slightly quieter alternatives. Make sure you have a look at the church of St Winwalloe which is nestled in the sand dunes and is one of the oldest churches in Cornwall. The Lizard Lighthouse is also well worth a visit, especially if you have children with you.


It can be tricky to find somewhere to eat on Sunday evening but you may like to swing past The Welloe on the way back to Middle Colenso. It offers a casual dining experience with views over Praa Sands. Alternatively, all of our cottages have fully-equipped kitchens and barbecues if you feel like rustling up something back at your cottage.


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