Blog Travel

Staycation Devon Cornwall and Cardiff

Staycation Beach

We recently went on a staycation in the UK. Basically we needed a break but didn’t want to go abroad because of the risks from Coronovirus. Plus, my mum and dad are shieldingand my mum is due for a major operation, so we didn’t want to take the risk.

The UK has an array of lovely places to visit, but this time I really wanted to visit Cornwall this year. Although my favourite place is the Lake District.

This time we thought we would break up our journey by staying at different places. We were starting our journey from London and the first pit-stop was Devon.

Devon Beach

We left really early, so we could make the most of the day, so went straight to the beach. The first beach we went to was the Hope Cove which was a lovely sandy beach, but it was a bit crowdy, so we didn’t stay for long.

We had a lovely meal at Hope Cove though, as it was midday by the time we got to Devon (South). Who can’t resist a fresh fish and chips at the beach! We decided to have only one portion of fish and chips and a pizza – margarita. I had the most delicious and refreshing berry drink.

We then went onto another beach only half an hour away called the Blackpool Sands and this beach was amazing, I really loved the views to get to it. There was also an outdoor cinema that was showing Disney’s Moana. Fortunately for us this beach was not only spacious but also not so crowded, which meant we could keep our distance. (We were wearing masks, except for the sneaky photo.)

After a few hours at the beaches we drove onto our hotel, which was attached to a hotel and was very spacious. All booking made were through Bookings.com – not sponsored.

The next day we left early again for Cornwall, about 10am. I had pre-booked Trebah Gardens (near Falmouth) which is a lovely garden with great food, gorgeous botanical plants and a beach at the end. Everything was one way, so it was safe. The beach was also traffic lighted so that groups could be managed. This beach was a pebbly one, so not so nice, but worth the visit for sure.

Trebah gardens is well worth a visit. It is ticketed, so do pre-book and you have to come on time, or they say you’ll lose your time-slot. Do visit the site for prices and time-slots. You have to see the gardens to believe it! Some Pictures Above.

There were various covid restrictions to bear in mind when visiting any of the attractions, so please have a look or google the places you want to visit and make sure you don’t need to book. I will go through some places below, of where we missed out due to pre-booking.

We wanted to make the most of the day, so on our way out we visited the Lizard point in Cornwall. The Lizard point is full of numerous white beaches, turquoise seas and nature spots. We visited Kynance Cove. It was truly beautiful. Just beware though it is a trek to get the the beach, but of course so worth it. You’ll definitely need to have good footwear on the walk down.

Kynance cove is exquisite and worth a visit. It is managed by the National Trust so you know it will be an excellent scene. It’s easier going down the hill towards the beach, then it is going back up as it is all up-hill. We found that going the back way, by the outside toilet facilities as it was easier. This way back is better too, as you can see some beautiful flora. The views at the top are to die for.

We had a little swim here and as said before the place was equipped with toilets where you could change and an outside shower. These facilities were a little away from the beach but not too far. It was a lovely sandy beach and clear waters. Lots of seaweed but thankfully no jellyfish.

For the evening we booked another place at the Barrowfield Hotel, where they gave us some brilliantly impressive conjoined rooms, as we were three. The bed, joint bathroom and rooms were enormous and after that big walk at Kynance and Lizard Cove, I was exhausted.

The next day we went to a man made pool called the Bude Sea Pool. We parked up and had to walk through the beach for the pool. It was nice, but the weather this day wasn’t so nice and the pool wasn’t as nice as the pictures. We didn’t go in but encouraged out son too, but even he didnt want to as the water was cold. We then opted for a walk around the beach and rocks and dipped out toes in the water.

We then made out way to Cardiff in the afternoon to break up our journey, so we wouldn’t be too far from London and made the journey more easier for the driver. That night we stayed in a hotel near the town centre.

So the last day we spent sight-seeing Cardiff. We took a bus tour of the city, where there were a few stops. The stops included the Quay, Cardiff Bay and the funfair. We also visited the Castle, which was open for a walk but not for going to any excursions or the castle.

The day sent in Cardiff was lovely too and the weather was brilliant as it was 30 degrees and we were lucky that we were having a heat wave that week on our staycation. We made the journey back before the evening and had time to rest back in London.

When planning a staycation make sure to book in advance. I found that some places were booked as much a 2 weeks if not 3 weeks in advance. I wanted to go to the Tintagel Castle and the Minack Theatre at Porthcurno beach.

The Minack is an open-air theatre, Porthcurno, 4 miles from Land’s End in Cornwall. Shame we couldn’t go to either, as you can get some very Instagrammable picture.

I would have liked to stay longer in Cornwall, so in hindsight, I should have booked a few more days, maybe 2 to do more. I wasn’t gutted though, as we got a lot done in a few days anyway and because of the pre-bookings problem.

Where would you recommend for a staycation in the UK? Did you do that this year or brave enough to go abroad?

I enjoyed out staycation and will be going back to visit soon.

(71) Comments

  1. There is some amazing places to go and visit around the UK. I totally admit that Devon and Cornwall are some of my favourite places to go to.

    1. Louise craney says:

      Stay at home

  2. Ive not been to that part of the country much but its always been somewhere id like to have taken the kids more, great post.

  3. Rhian westbury says:

    You’re so right about booking in advance, it’s so important so you know you’re able to go where you want to. There are so many stunning places in the UK and Cornwall is high on my to visit list x

  4. I love Devon and Cornwall, some of my favourite places in the UK. Norfolk is somewhere I always suggest people visit as well as East Sussex.

  5. I love a staycation and exploring somewhere new. We’d love to go to Bude and I know my kids would enjoy the sea pool, they are used to the cold water as they are regular lake swimmers. Mich x

  6. What lovely photos and seems like you had a fantastic staycation holiday. Trebah Gardens sounds like a place I would love to visit on my next trip to Cornwall.

  7. valerie says:

    A staycation was a great idea for the circumstances. I’d love to visit that area, the views and scenery all look so lovely!

  8. I love staycations but the cost of the UK ones often puts me off but Wales now that place I can go anytime, I enjoyed reading this.

  9. It looks like you had an incredible time. These photos show that you don’t need to go abroad too, stunning scenery

  10. We once stayed in a lodge in Norfolk and that was a fab staycation but we would love to visit Cornwall

  11. ashleigh allan says:

    Looks great!

  12. justine meyer says:

    Scotland is my perfect staycation

  13. Linda Jones says:

    I like walking hols in the countryside, staying in a lodge or caravan

  14. Charlotte isobelle says:

    We love going to Cornwall as they have some lovely views, beaches and walks.

  15. Wayne Lee says:

    I like places with buffet breakfast, food makes everyone happy 🙂

  16. Annabel Greaves says:

    Lovely post, we love family staycations visiting the beach

  17. webkin1979 says:

    My mum owns a caravan in Weymouth and we go there often. It’s like a second home we love it down there. This year we got to swim in the sea.

  18. We love staying in the U.K. Wales, Lincoln and Ludlow are some of our favourite places.

  19. Susie Wilkinson says:

    I love Cornwall, especially the Mawgan Porth area, I can usually find myself a little cove to relax in

  20. Sandra Bald says:

    A trip to the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland is our idea of the ideal UK staycation

  21. Sheena Batey says:

    I love a self catering cottage inthe countryside or by the sea

  22. I love going to Devon to stay with family or anywhere on he coast.

  23. Margaret Gallagher says:

    Love the sea air and shops – my perfect staycation

  24. Leila Benhamida says:

    A lovely cottage in Scotland it’s my perfect staycation.

  25. Ursula Hunt says:

    I enjoy camping in the Cotswolds

  26. I’ve still never been to Cornwall and it looks so beautiful. I’d love to have a staycation there, hopefully sometime soon!

  27. Stephanie Keill says:

    I love anything to do with camping away , especially at my favourite place loch earn .so peaceful .

  28. Jessica says:

    My partner and I love going to Glasgow for our staycation, we always fall in love with the nature and people.

  29. Lydia Joy says:

    I like a cabin in the woods type thing. Think Center Parcs. Such fun and freedom

  30. I have to be by the sea and away from hustle and bustle . Anywhere warm and peaceful will do me .

  31. Ms Nolene O'neill says:

    I have never had a staycation holiday! I love the guaranteed sunshine too much to stay here

  32. sherri Hough says:

    somewhere warm and with a bath to relax and have a soak in

  33. We love a UK Beach holiday usually Devon Or Cornwall but we recently visited Tenby and were totally blown away by how wonderful it was !

  34. Emma Walton says:

    I’ve never been on a staycation. If I go anywhere, it’s always abroad.

  35. I loved cornwall when I went it’s so peaceful compared to London

  36. Love a staycation in West Pentire Cornwall extended family plus my dog. The best beaches for miles and lots of walking on Natural Trust land. Fantastic!

  37. We have incredible beaches, scenery , history and heritage in the UK.
    My favourite staycation doesn’t have a type, but it would always have sunshine 😉

  38. My favourite staycation is going the British coast.

  39. Anywhere on the British coast!

  40. Rebecca Nisbet says:

    love just a quaint little cottage somewhere with the hubby, with a log fire and somewhere peaceful

  41. Nigel Soper says:

    My favourite staycation is a cottage in the countryside away from the hubbub

  42. Phil B says:

    I love self catering holidays in log cabins or caravans. I used to love visiting Devon and Cornwall, but since moving to Scotland its a bit far to travel, now I go to Yorkshire which has some lovely places to visit

  43. I love a day out nature watching on the East Coast, followed by a stroll on the beach and a fish and chip supper.

  44. We love a staycation, it’s a chance to visit the places we don’t usually get to and have lots of lovely meals out.

  45. Denise Dunn says:

    My favourite is The Lake District also!!

  46. Alice Bell says:

    I like countryside walks or beach walks especially with the dogs.

  47. yolanda davis says:

    I like visiting areas with lots of history. Places with castles and or museums.

  48. yolanda davis says:

    Self catering somewhere with a lot of history and museums.

  49. BERNIE EGERTON says:

    Love the Lake District

  50. Nigel Soper says:

    We love a cottage in peace and quiet of the countryside

  51. Kelly Cooper says:

    I love caravan parks with lots of space and greenery.

  52. Kelly Cooper says:

    I love caravan parks and places with lots of greenery

  53. Katie B says:

    My idea of a staycation is just anywhere that isn’t where I live sometimes you just need a break from life and as long as there are some pretty sights and some places to get nice food I’m happy!

  54. Maurice Haigh says:

    An old fashioned English seaside

  55. I’d love to have a staycation! Somewhere in South Wales is ideal for me!

  56. Gemma Clark says:

    We usually go to the Dale’s, I love the countryside. My girls love the coast which I dont mind but up north it’s very busy with a mass of arcades and rides which just give me a headache lol. I’d love to visit Devon and Cornwall as we have never been and it looks beautiful

  57. Rebecca Walker says:

    a cottage in the middle of nowhere

  58. adrian price says:

    cant beat hiring a cottage in the lake district –not cheap but worth it

  59. Alice Gilkes says:

    My favourite type of staycation is in a cottage in the countryside.

  60. South and North Devon are favourite staycation destinations of mine

  61. James Travis says:

    My favourite type of staycation is a static caravan by the sea.

  62. Tracey Hallmark says:

    My favourite staycation is usual a cottage holiday with lots of scenic walks either in the countryside or along the coastal paths but equally I love a city break to there is just so much beauty in the UK

  63. Lovely photo’s beautiful place to see. I’ve only been once. I love the North Yorkshire Coast . One lovely little fishing village I love to go to is Robin Hoods Bay I’ve stayed lots since I was little having childhood memories there . It’s worth going to

  64. Amanda Botterill says:

    we had a staycation in Devon this year and loved it

  65. Melissa Lee says:

    I love these areas, and they are probably my favourite places in the UK. I just think the south west is so gorgeous!

  66. Debra Walker says:

    A hotel in a different area

  67. Joanne Smith says:

    My favourite staycation is West Coast Scotland, near Oban, in a cottage with beautiful views over the loch and a real fire. The scenery is so beautiful that a day trip in any direction is wonderful and a week soon passes by.

  68. Love walking and browsing

  69. Shahzad Khan says:

    Somewhere very remote and very quiet

  70. Shahzad Khan says:

    Somewhere very remote and very quiet

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