Six for summer

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  Nothing says summer like an ice cream by the beach.

  
  

  Summer is in full swing so we thought we'd share some of our suggestions for making your holiday as memorable as possible.

  
  

• Cool down with an ice cream. Our favourites include Palais Provisions in St Ives for their delicious seasonal flavours and Moomaid of Zennor which has parlours in St Ives, St Just and Lelant. Of course it wouldn't be a proper trip to West Cornwall without a visit to Jelberts in Newlyn for one of their iconic clotted cream ice creams.

• Find a hidden cove. While the Insta-worthy spots beaches like Kynance and Pedn Vounder are absolutely worth a visit, they can be extremely busy in the summer so if you're looking for a somewhere a bit quieter try Porthchapel near the Minack or Rinsey which is just a short drive from Middle Colenso. Of course we're also huge fans of Prussia Cove. Bessy's, the main cove, can become a bit busy but a short walk will bring you to my personal favourite, Piskies. If you're looking for a big sandy beach, head in the opposite direction to Kenneggy Sands. You can read more about Prussia Cove here.

• Eat al fresco. There are lots of options for outdoor dining but our favourites include the courtyard at Flora on The Lizard and the garden at The Old Coastguard in Mousehole. Penzance's 45 Queen Street has an outdoor seating area which is a lovely spot on a warm day.

• Find the perfect beach read. There are lots of terrific books set in Cornwall but for a really good beach read I recommend Rosamund Pilcher. I've just re-reader her classic The Shell Seekers but even better for soaking up the atmosphere of West Cornwall is her war-time saga Coming Home. If crime is more your thing, try Angel WithTwo Faces by Nicola Upson in which The Minack Theatre Featurese heavily and The Feast by Margaret Kennedy which is set in a  fictionalised St Ives.

• Pack a picnic. Whether you're heading for the beach or just fancy an easy supper in the garden, there are some great places for stocking up on supplies in Penzance. Try The Cornish Hen, the deli at 45 Queen Street, LOAFS and The Roundhouse.

• Experience outdoor theatre. The Minack Theatre is world famous  but did you know we have our own outdoor theatre in Penzance? Penlee Park Theatre will be hosting a wide range of productions over teh summer including Miracle Theatre's Twelfth Night as well as productions of Sense and Sensibility, Alice Through the Looking Glass and The Secret Garden.

And remember, Cornwall is busy during August. Our top practical tip would be to get out early and bag a parking space before the crowds. If you're planning on visiting St Ives, the park and ride train from St Erth is definitely the way to go.