Whether you’re just visiting Cornwall or have lived here all your life, there are certain rites of passage you simply have to partake in when you’re in the Duchy. Be it sights to see, music to hear or food to taste, particularly over summertime the county becomes a hub of activity no matter where you turn.

Fool everyone into thinking you’re a local, or wow your friends with stories of the South West. Every stay at Caerhays is a timeless, magical experience, so here’s our top picks for the best and most uniquely Cornish things to experience this summer – no timetable required!

Enjoy Local Food and Drink

Numerous cider producers offer tours of their farms or factories, allowing you to see the apples’ journey from field to glass firsthand. Of course, it would be rude not to sample the collection to see which type of cider is your favourite! From classic rough scrumpy’s to modern fruity blends, there’s a cider to suit every palette.

Lots of local pasty makers allow you to get hands-on with your lunch, creating your own version of the iconic treat. Cheap, fun, educational and regardless of your ability in the kitchen, you can’t go wrong with a classic steak pasty! Of course, you could always just pick one up from the Caerhays Beach Café and enjoy relaxing with stunning views of Porthluney beach – proper job!

Take a Walk

With stunning headlands and coast paths surrounding the Caerhays Estate, not only is there the chance to see breathtakingly beautiful scenery, but a fantastic opportunity for some quality family time as well. From gentle strolls to more serious treks, you’ll have plenty to talk about with rolling Cornish countryside to one side and the dramatic Atlantic ocean to the other. Park the car, let the dog off the lead and fully take in the sea breeze – there’s no fresher air in the country!

Get out on the Water

Getting out of bed in the morning and being greeted by the sound of waves rolling ashore is something we Cornish folk never take for granted. There are so many ways to make the most of the water in Cornwall; whether it’s learning to paddle board in secluded coves, sailing into quaint Cornish harbours by boat or catching a ferry service to arrive at your next shopping destination in style. Conveniently, our Percuil View and Parc an Bounder properties couldn’t be closer to the King Harry Ferry, which offers a chic, more direct route into Falmouth and Truro compared to the Cornish lanes.

For something a bit more active, nearby Porthluney Beach is the perfect spot to take to the waves! The sandy beach accommodates every level of experience so the whole family can have a go at surfing, or you can sit back and watch from the shore whilst soaking up the rays.

Attend a Farmer’s Market

Get a taste of rural life by trying the freshest, tastiest meat and baked treats the county has to offer at a local Farmer’s Market! All the local vendors are experts in their fields (literally!) with many winning national awards for their produce, so you can sample the finest Cornish fare before taking some back for lunch at your Caerhays home-away-from-home!

Learn a Sea Shanty



Better than any souvenir and something to teach your friends, once you’ve learnt a sea shanty you’ll catch yourself humming it for months to come! Some of the local pubs hold sing-a-long nights featuring their house band, creating a sense of community you can only find in the South West. Infectiously catchy, historically relevant and sure to bring a smile to your face – you wont ever look at the sea in the same way again.

What unique experiences would you add to the list? No matter how you decide to spend your time in Cornwall, staying at Caerhays means you’re guaranteed a luxurious visit. From grand castle wings to quirky Cornish cottages, and countryside retreats to oceanside hideaways, there’s a property to suit every kind of Cornish getaway (take a look around here).