The Greenbank Fal River Festival 2011

May 27, 2011 by karl

This weekend see the start of the Greenbank Fal River Festival is all about celebrating life on the river Fal in Cornwall. The fantastic 10 day festival is a not-for-profit community festival that includes over 150 events from food, music & drama, the arts & heritage to gig racing, swimming, walking & lots more.
The festival began in 2006 and this year will be celebrating its 6th birthday. It is a real chance to enjoy the people, places, history, culture & industry that are connected by this very Cornish river.
With its diverse mix of events taking place at dozens of locations around the river Fal, the festival offers something for everyone and is a real chance to engage with life on the river and discover some of its fascinating history.

I’ve been along to the festival every year since I moved down to Cornwall in 2005. It has such a great atmosphere and is a great place to go with friends. I’ve managed to see most of the different events and attractions that take part over the length of the festival. I’ve looked at this years programme and selected my top 5 must sees, whether you’re Cornish or not they are certainly not to be missed.

1. The opening ceremony (Friday 27th May)
The festivities start at 4:30pm/5:00pm with the “Beer Fleet” heading south down the river towards Falmouth. Last year there were over 30 vessels that joined the “Beer Fleet”. When the fleet makes it to Falmouth guests will be heading down to Events Square. At 6:30pm the opening speeches take place then from 7:00pm the real partying begin with a Live show from Truro School of Samba. The night continues with live musical performances until 11pm.
2. Them Beatles(Saturday 28th May)
When growing up my parents were massive fans of The Beatles, consequently I am now equally a massive fan like my parents. As The Beatles are no longer with us a great tribute band is the next best thing. Venue: Princess Pavilions, Time: 8pm, Price: £15
3. 2011 RNLI Castle to Castle Swim
The last few years I’ve enjoyed watching some friends do this challenge. I’ve thought about doing it myself before, but decided I much prefer keeping dry for my fitness activities.
4. Fal Fish Festival (Sunday 29th May 10am – 6pm / Monday 30th May 10am – 5pm)
It’s hard not to love fish when you live just a stones throw from the sea. So I’m always excited to go and enjoy a range of cooking demonstrations by local chefs, see some market stalls, listen to live music along with other attractions and exhibits.
5. Escorted River Paddle & Beach BBQ Monday 30th May 5:30pm onwards
The perfect, eco-friendly way to enjoy the tranquil, clear waters and natural theatre of Cornwall’s Carrick Roads and the River Fal. The paddle party will leave Loe Beach at 5.30pm and head past Trelissick House, down the Truro River towards the King Harry Ferry, soaking up the sites and wildlife of our picturesque surroundings. On return the group will be stopping at Turnaware Bar beach, a National Trust site to enjoy a BBQ supported by the Courtyard Deli of Falmouth. This event is suitable for children, we have a limited number of smaller boats for children as well as several double kayaks (suitable for two adults and a child) for reservation.
Price: £24 or £17 if using own kayak (All bookings must be made by Saturday 28th May)

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Posted in What's On |

St Nectan’s Glen, near Tintagel

April 26, 2011 by karl

Having lived in Cornwall for over five years I enjoy everyday down here. I especially enjoy exploring the county and finding new and exciting places I haven’t seen yet.

And a couple of weekends ago was no exception. This time I packed my camera bag, my tripod and my flask of tea and jumped in the car to explore an area of North Cornwall that I’ve never been to before, but comes highly recommended by a good friend of mine.

An hour and a half up the road and I ended up at the car park for St Nectan’s Glen (near Tintagel). Grabbing my kit I headed through the beautiful wooded area leading towards the waterfall. The walk through woods was certainly spectacular, it certainly didn’t feel like I was in Cornwall, more like somewhere in Borneo. After the ten minute hike through fallen trees, old bridges and some amazing looking wild flowers I arrived at the Hermitage Tea Garden over looking the waterfall.
Having talked to the owner of the of the hermitage for a few minutes there were certainly some interesting stories about the site.

St Nectan’s Glen is believed by many to be a very sacred place there were numerous ribbons, crystals, photographs, inscriptions, prayers and other devotions surrounding the area. Many visitors have added small piles of flat stones obtained from the stream, it was quite a surreal and intimate experience.

The waterfall was certainly beautiful and the area very peaceful. I spent about an hour and half just soaking up the scenery and talking to other people that were visiting the spot. I even met a couple with their two daughters that had come down from Scotland.
Getting the perfect photo of the waterfall was certainly an experience (and a cold one at that), to get the water crashing down through the opening in the rock meant taking off my boots and wadding in up to my knees to line up the shot. The water was crystal clear and felt like ice on my legs, but it was certainly refreshing!

If you are in the area, or even if not I would highly recommend going to see St Nectan’s Glen, it is truly an owe inspiring sight!

Enjoy the photo of me taking a moment to enjoy the waterfall.

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Posted in Places to see in Cornwall |

Top 10 things to do in Cornwall when it’s raining.

March 15, 2011 by karl

So you’ve come on holiday to Cornwall, you’ve packed the buckets and spades and sun tan lotion and the dreaded has happened. It starts to rain.

Don’t fret it isn’t all doom and gloom. Here are our top 10 things to do in Cornwall when it’s raining:

1. Modern and Contemporary Art
If you’re looking to see a bit art on your trip to Cornwall why not visit the Tate Gallery in St Ives, it’s filled with all kinds of fantastic exhibitions, talks and discussions and courses and workshops.

2. Wildlife Watching
Wildlife watching and Eco-tourism Trips can be done all year round, check out Orca Sea Safaris for more details.

3. Aquarium Visit
Fed up of the water from above? Why not head to the Newquay aquarium and surround yourself with it. A great chance to take the kids and see some of the many creatures the sea has to offer.

4.Active-8
Outdoor activities to do rain or shine. From indoor rock climbing to kayaking there is something for all the family to do.

5. Children’s play area
Why not take the kids to one of the many indoor play areas Cornwall has to offer. Flambards in Helston, Raze the Roof in Penryn, Playzone in St Ives plus many more.

6. Swimming pool
The sea might look a bit rough and uninviting when there’s a down pour. So my why not go for a dip. Whether you’re looking for a fun pool or some serious swimming there is something in Cornwall for you.

7. The Eden Project
You might think that it wouldn’t wouldn’t be a popular choice for wet weather. Well you’d be wrong. The Eden Project thrives when the weather takes a turn for the worse. If it’s a bit chilly, head down to the tropical biome and you’ll be feeling like your in the jungle in no time!

8. Surfing
Ever watched the pros doing it in the movies and thought “I could do that”? Well now is your chance. It doesn’t matter that it’s raining, you’re going to get wet any way and if anything it’s warmer when it’s raining. Check out our map to find the nearest beach and surf school.

9. Shopping
Why not take to the shops of Truro? There are plenty of shops to check, why not think about buying some Cornish goodies to take home for friends and families.

10. Cornish Drizzle Days,
Best of all Cornwall is still a beautiful place to explore when there’s a bit of drizzle. So pull on your rain coat and wellies and take a walk, it’s actually quite nice (especially if you end up in a nice warm café with a nice hot chocolate).

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Posted in Things To Do |