Badgers Sett Blog

A Cornish Summer: Sun, Sea, and Slightly Melted Ice Creams !

Summer has well & truly arrived in Cornwall, alongside blasts of rocket fuelled heat! I for one can't wait to spend some time kicking up some surf on the many gorgeous sandy beaches just a short drive away from us!

As ever, take a look at the list below for some inspiration on great places to visit during your sojourn in Cornwall this year:

Tintagel: Where Legends Rise from the Sea Mist

Perched majestically on the rugged cliffs of North Cornwall, Tintagel Castle is a place where history and legend meet. Once a stronghold of Cornish rulers during the post Roman period, the site later became the seat of a 13th century fortress built by Richard, Earl of Cornwall. Today, the ruins straddle both mainland and island, connected by a footbridge that provides breath taking views of the ocean below.

The fascination with Tintagel is that it's famously linked to the legend of King Arthur, said to have been conceived here through the magic of Merlin. Visitors get to explore the remains of medieval halls & early Christian settlements, plus head on down to Merlin’s Cave which is revealed at low tide beneath the towering cliffs.

Managed by English Heritage, Tintagel Castle encourages exploration not just of its physical remains, but of the myths and memories that have shaped it for centuries. It’s a place where imagination roams & legends come to life!

Plan your Visit to Tintagel Castle

Tintagel Castle - Image Credit: Visit Cornwall

Wands, Waves, and Wonder: Why Boscastle Casts a Spell

Tucked into a steep Cornish valley where the river meets the sea, Boscastle is the kind of place where time slows down whilst seagulls chatter overhead, and even the ghosts are far too polite haunt you before dinner ...generally!

The village is home to the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, which is either deliciously quirky or mildly alarming, depending on how you feel about broomsticks and effigies! There is even a blowhole that shoots water across the harbour - nature’s party trick, beautifully timed of course, for when you’ve just put your camera away!

A popular place for cream teas, coastal walks, and the occasional literary ghost Boscastle is a place where folklore mixes charmingly alongside Cornish Pasties with every nook & cranny telling a story, some of which are true, most of them however are delightfully embellished!

Plan your visit to Bostcastle

Bostcastle Harbour - Image Credit: Visit Cornwall - Matt Jessop

Rock Oyster Festival: A Feast of Flavour and Fun by the Estuary

Held each July on the banks of the Camel Estuary at Dinham House near Rock, the Rock Oyster Festival is Cornwall’s ultimate summer celebration of food, music, and coastal fun.

The 2025 lineup includes Rag’n’Bone Man, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, and Ministry of Sound Classical, alongside sea shanties, funk, soul, and indie-folk from rising stars and local legends.

Festival goers can join in on foraging walks, yoga sessions, wild swimming and even witchcraft workshops (give it a go ..). It’s family-friendly too, with a dedicated kid's area with plenty of space where they get to run round and create general mayhem!

Whether you’re planning on glamping under the stars or stopping off for a day, Rock Oyster is a charismatic blend of Cornish charm, culinary creativity and musical magic, served with a dollop of sea air plus a delicious sprinkle of sparkles!

Plan your visit to the Rock Oyster Festival

Rock Oyster Festival - Image Credit: Visit Cornwall

Trethevy Quoit: Neolithic Real Estate with Excellent Ventilation !

Way before Stonehenge first had its fan club, Trethevy Quoit was standing loud & proud, thoroughly confusing the locals! Positioned near the village of St Cleer, this Neolithic monument (also known as King Arthur’s Quoit), looks like a giant’s attempt at DIY furniture, complete with a capstone that weighs more than a small car!

Locals call it the giant’s house, Archaeologists say it was a burial chamber! Whether you’re into ancient history or just enjoy a good rock formation with a healthy addition of folklore ... Trethevy Quoit is worth a look, just don’t try to climb it. The giant might be watching!

Plan your visit to Trevethy Quoit

Trevethy Quoit - Image Credit: Badgers Sett Holiday Cottages

Paddle Boarding at Harlyn Bay: Glide, Gaze, and Giggle!

With its soft golden sands and sheltered waters, Harlyn Bay is a paddle boarder’s dream, especially when the sun’s out and the sea is calm. Whether you’re gliding past rocky outcrops or tumbling your way into a graceful splash, Harlyn Bay is a safe and scenic location for all levels to enjoy.

If you're a total beginner or a wobbly intermediate Harlyn Surf School's Introduction to Stand up Paddle Boarding (SUP) sessions and guided tours are designed to suit all abilities. Providing both expert tuition along with high quality kit, giving an exciting chance to explore hidden coves, calm estuary waters and if you're very lucky even spot an odd seal or two giving you surprised glances along the way!

To quell those pesky hunger pangs, The dog friendly Beach Box Cafe, conveniently located by the beach, provides a great selection of food and drink to suit all tastes, from cinnamon buns to burgers, pizza and breakfast baps. Plus with a licenced bar on site, you can even indulge in a cheeky cocktail (or two), whilst taking in those picture perfect Cornish sea views - Bliss!

Plan your Day Paddle Boarding at Harlyn Bay

Paddle Boarding Fun - Image Credit: Harlyn Surf School

Posted:11 July 2025