We would be hard pressed trying to pick our favourite. Luckily there is no need too as you can have them both!
Perranporth
Perranporth has the beach which is probably one of the best in the country. All the beach activities you can imagine are on offer. It’s the classic British beach holiday. Think lazy days on the beach, fish and chips, seagulls trying to steal a chip or two, too much ice cream, buying a holiday t-shirt and so on.
Perranporth is a great for family holidays. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone occupied even on a rainy day.
If you manage to get bored, then you have all of Cornwall within a 45 min drive. A day out in Newquay, St Ives, Falmouth, Padstow? It is all doable.
St Agnes
St Agnes is a village full of old-world charm. Read up on Poldark and pay attention, you will notice that the inspiration for the books was drawn straight from Perranporth and St Agnes. How is this possible you may ask? Winston Graham the author of the saga lived in Perranporth for many years, and this is where he found the inspiration.
You must see Stippy Stappy, the grade II listed cottages climbing up the path from Trevaunance Cove to St Agnes. Tip, at the top end of Stippy Stappy is the St Agnes Bakery.
The St Agnes Church right in town is beautiful and do explore the cemetery too.
Go visit the St Agnes Museum for more information on the rich heritage.
Churchtown Arts will satisfy your cravings for beautiful gifts and artwork. Artist Celia Creeper has her studio to the rear of the shop and you can watch her work as well as purchase.
Little Feathers Gallery has the cutest jewellery and works by Artist Gary Hall can be viewed, commissioned and purchased. Bayliss the Shar Pei might even be in the shop if you are lucky.
A drive along the Beacon Drive, a short hike up to the St Agnes Beacon for stunning views. Pop into the little National Coast Watch Station. It is manned by volunteers, and they will happily give you an introduction to the work they do.
Drive or ideally walk down the Rocky Lane, start at the top and work your way down to Trevaunance Cove. Halfway down, the view is incredible.
Go for a beach walk, inspect the rock formations and cliffs, hunt for pretty sea shells,, watch the surfers. Pick up the Southwest Coast Path at Trevaunance Cove and hike to Chapel Porth which is on the other side of the Beacon.
On the hike to Chapel Porth you will pass the old engine house of Wheal Coates. At Chapel Porth, get yourself a hedgehog ice cream from the National Trust Café.
While down at Trevaunance Cove, try the craft beer made at Driftwood Spars Brewery. Pop into the St Agnes RNLI shop for some gifts. Walk back into town along the Trevaunance Road and marvel at the pretty cottages.
