Callestock Blog

Warm days, plenty of sunshine, beautiful sunsets, colourful gardens - September in Cornwall is a treat for the senses.

If you're visiting, here are a few perfect ways to spend the day, focusing on West Cornwall, whether you're looking for action, culture, art, history or culinary adventures.

10. Jubilee Pool, Penzance

The UK's largest sea water lido, located on Penzance's seafront, offers a very different sea swimming experience.

The pool fills with 5 million litres of sea water every day as the tide goes out, revealing a deep pool of natural salinated water for swimming. The pool closes briefly in October 2019 for the final stages of work that will see geothermal heating providing a warm and toasty dip, whatever the weather.

Visit Jubilee Pool website >>>

9. Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, Penzance

In a sheltered lush vally, overlooking St Michael's Mount (see below), these gardens provide a tropical micro-climate for rare plants, calming water features, local wildlife and modern art exhibits.

Formerly owned by the monks of St Michael's Mount, the gardens were bought privately in the 13th Century by local farmer Michael De Tremenheere. They have since been developed to feature a wide range of bamboos, palm trees and planting that provides a year-round rainbow of colour and texture.

View the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens website >>>

8. Newlyn fresh fish market

The fishermen land their catch daily on the harbour at Newlyn, where you can pick up some of the freshest bass fillets, monkfish, tiger prawns, scallops, oysters and mussels.

Brace yourself for a mouth-watering pic that may just have you getting in the car and driving straight to Newlyn right now...

7. Mousehole Harbour

Famous for its Christmas lights, this picturesque fishing village also appears in the much-loved children's book, The Mousehole Cat.

Nestled on the south coast between Penzance and Land's End, the harbour is a haven for the working fishing boats that operate there, so you'll find fresh fish landed here on the quay most days too.

It's a truly beautiful part of Cornwall that is well worth the hour's drive from Callestock.

6. Mount's Bay coastal walk

A low impact 2-mile walk around the Bay is just the ticket when you're looking to enjoy the far-reaching views across St Michael's Mount and the Lizard.

Park at the train station, close to Albert Pier, so named after Prince Albert who landed at the pier with Queen Victoria on a visit to Cornwall in 1846. From here, follow the line of the coast around to the little village of Marazion, past a nature reserve popular with wild birds.

5. The Egyptian House, Penzance

This unusual Grade 1 listed building stands proud between the traditional cottages and shop-fronts of Penzance town centre. It was originally constructed in the early 1800s, inspired by Egyptian architecture, and was restored by the Landmark Trust in 2013.

It's been described as one of the most unusual buildings you'll ever see. Take the camera and get ready for a selfie or two.

4. Trengwainton Gardens, Penzance

This 25 acre garden is owned and run by the National Trust. It's a year-round garden, with colour, sounds and texture flooding the lawns, winding paths and rich woodland twelve months of the year.

From the buzzing bees to the babbling streams, it's a perfect place to reconnect with nature, stare at the sky, breathe in the fresh air and completely switch off.

3. Roseudgeon Car Boot, near Hayle

Not quite as cultured and historic as the other suggestions on this list, but still well worth a visit and they are starting again on the 8th September 2021.

One of the biggest and most popular carboots in the South West, it's held every Wednesday morning until the end of October. As you'd expect, there are hundreds of goodies to browse, from antiques and collectibles, to toys, books, clothes, homeware, furiture, plants and tools.

2. Local Food Market, Penzance

Before heading back to your holiday accommodation, stock up on essentials at this weekly farmers' market, held every Friday morning at St John's Hall at the top of Causeway Head in Penzance.

Local producers and makers offer plenty of choice on their stalls - crunchy fruit and veg, freshly made preserves, seasonal cut flowers, locally-grown plants and herbs, and of course sweet treats are all available.  

1. St Michael's Mount, Penzance

And in the top spot it is, of course, St Michael's Mount. Whether you take the little boat across to the island at high tide, or are lucky enough to arrive at low tide and cross the causeway on foot, it'll be a day to remember. 

Take a peek inside the historic castle, climb the ancient stone staircases, and face approaching adversaries from the ramparts. The gardens are also well worth a look with their extensive range of rare and tropical plants.

Top tip: as you head up to the castle, look out for the heart stone, which is found underfoot on the pathway - legend has it that this stone is the heart of the giant who once lived there. If you can find the little heart, stand directly over it and some say you can still hear the giant's heart beating rhythmically deep within.....

Holiday Accommodation for your stay in Cornwall:

So there's our round-up of West Cornwall - it's the most southerly point of the UK, home to Land's End, St Michael's Mount, St Ives and the Lizard.

But it's also home to less well-known landmarks, traditional Cornish fishing villages and quirky stories that will fascinate and thrill.

Penzance is less than an hour from the cottages at Callestock Courtyard, making us a perfect base for exploring the whole of the county. Browse the properties and book your holiday at Callestock online, or give Liz a call on 01872 540445.