Holiday To Falmouth - Part One

Ahoy! Apologies for the delay in this holiday post but my Macbook decided it wanted to stay on it's startup screen forever, hurrah! Anyway, here is what I got up to in lovely, sunny Falmouth!

It was grey, rainy February morning when I suddenly just decided to book myself a holiday! I knew I fancied heading to Cornwall, so just looked at the most recommended places to stay. And it was there I discovered the beautiful Highcliffe Contemporary Bed And Breakfast - so Falmouth it was! Suddenly dreary spring looked a lot brighter, always nice to have a trip to look forward too that time of year isn't it?

So finally the time arrived and I found myself on the train, whizzing my way very south west! I must say, First Great Western trains were a complete joy and I had a very comfortable journey, wifi and tasty coffee and croissants included! 

Arriving at the B&B I was warmly met by Vanessa who showed me to the cosy Room 4, which despite being their 'budget' single (as it doesn't have a sea view) was absolutely beautifully designed and perfect for me! I particularly loved the antique gentleman's wardrobe, perfect for the size of the room! Throw in quality cotton bedding and a proper shower and I was sold instantly! 

The Highcliffe was only the second B&B I've stayed in, but I believe they beat hotel competition for being so friendly but also providing such a great quality experience, championing plenty of local products! Simon and Vanessa are always more than happy to give ideas for excursions and places to eat, and I really looked forward to our chats at breakfast as it was such a chilled, happy atmosphere! I was staying there the same time as a few other solo female arty types so we had plenty to talk about! And yes, the breakfasts ARE just as tasty as they look! The daily specials were all my favourite things, scrambled egg with spinach, or smoked salmon muffins, and on my last day, special eggy bread with maple syrup and berries, mmmm! 

Right, back to Falmouth! I had a cup of tea to recover after my journey, then headed to the beach which was only a mere few minutes walk from the B&B. It was a glorious sunny day and I could spot  Pendennis Castle in the distance here, and planned a walk unto it later in the week! The beach was a good mix of craggy rocks and soft sand, perfect for exploring, and the sea just seems a different colour in Cornwall doesn't it?

Walking along the clifftops I couldn't help but wonder if Poldark would suddenly appear riding his noble steed...sadly I must have missed him, but there were plenty of friendly locals walking their dogs to chat too! I headed to the Harbour Lights  fish and chip shop upon recommendation, a good start to the holiday indeed! Even the dreaded 'having dinner alone' scenario was cast aside as I had a brilliant seat right by the window and could watch the fishermen unloading their catch. They have this fantastic graffiti on the side of the building, and these little fish swimming amongst the paving slabs too!

  

Every day I headed along the clifftop walk from Falmouth to Swanpool beach, taking in all these gorgeous wild flowers along the way! One thing I did really love about Cornwall is how all the hardy seaside flowers just grow out of any space they can - out of craggy walls, cracks in the pavement, I kept snapping away at all the different types, probably looking a bit mad! But I particularly loved the contrast of this lime green silhouette against the clear blue sea. I highly recommend this path if you visit, and there is a great little cafe at Swanpool with mega ice creams!

The beach itself was busy with surfers, paddle boarders and kayakers so I found a nice quiet spot to just sit, soak up the sun and watch seaside life go by! As I was sat on a level which would be under water most of the day, I was surrounded by fascinating shells, mollusks and other sea beasties, and I did dare take my shoes off and have a quick paddle - VERY chilly! I did take a sketchbook with me so I sat here for a few happy hours with my watercolours, and this became my favourite little spot of the holiday, very peaceful. I do love it when you are on a holiday where you can take joy in doing NOTHING - a rare occurance!

I was very lucky to have nothing but sunny blue skies for my trip to Falmouth, I will have Part Two of the trip coming very soon! Hope you have a great weekend, I hopefully will have some news to share here very soon too! 

Thanks for reading,

Katie