IN THE HEART OF CORNWALL

Holiday Cottages in Drym

Nestled in glorious, rural countryside between the North and South Cornish coasts lies the peaceful hamlet of Drym. This secluded and unspoilt area of West Cornwall provides a tranquil escape from everyday life, offering the perfect haven to spend quality time together with loved ones, and to reconnect with nature. One of the best things about Drym is its central location for exploring many of Cornwall’s great attractions, whilst the coast is just a 15 minute drive away to St Ives Bay and Hayle in the west or Porthleven and the Lizard peninsula in the south.

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The Drym guide

Rich Cornish history

Being tucked away in this quaint area of Cornish countryside leaves so much room for getting off the beaten track and exploring beautiful farm and moorland walks. This area is rich with Cornwall’s mining past with many of these landscapes having been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2006 including the likes of Hayle, Gwinear and Tregonning. Explore the mining history first hand at the King Edward Mine Museum, or by venturing on The Great Flat Lode — the perfect hiking trail which is dotted with large engine houses and mining structures like the South Wheal Frances Mine. The Croust Hut is the ideal place for a bite to eat before or after the route, and conveniently located at the Museum. Discover fascinating ancient historical sites including Carn Brea — an ancient neolithic hilltop which The Great Flat Lode encircles. This historical hilltop is well worth the climb for its panoramic views of Cornish countryside stretching right across to the north coast. Carn Brea Castle, with origins from the 1300s, sits majestically atop this hill and houses its own eatery, the Carn Brea Castle Restaurant, perfect for a unique dining evening experience.

Wonderful wildlife

Drym is close to many of Cornwall’s great attractions, including the National Trust’s atmospheric Godolphin — an estate over 500 acres in size consisting of a historic house dating back to the 1400s, medieval garden and tearoom. There’s plenty to explore from secluded woods, rivers and historic hills — which are all set within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dotted with ancient Bronze Age features. Spot small pearl-fritillary butterflies on Godolphin hill, or the rare native Cornish black honey bee in the Gardens. Immerse yourself in nature amongst lavender and white foxgloves as you wander up Godolphin Hill, or for a more challenging walk try Tregonning Hill — both offer rewarding panoramic views across the picturesque countryside towards the iconic St Michael’s Mount. Explore nearby Paradise Park for a wildlife adventure which is fun for all the family, especially little ones. This brilliant wildlife park is home to a multitude of animals including over 1200 birds, ranging from penguins to parrots. Say hello to several farm animals, as well as some more exotic ones such as the red panda or the rare red squirrel.

Close to either coast

Although located in the picturesque Cornish countryside, in just 15 minutes you can reach either the North or South coast. The beaches of Hayle and Gwithian on the north offer the ideal beach day out and have brilliant places to eat and drink. On a gorgeous summer’s day at low tide, a four mile stretch of azure water from Hayle Towans sweeps all the way along to Mexico Towans, Gwithian and Godrevy — so there’s plenty of space for everyone! Gwithian of course is a water sports paradise, where you can take to the waves with Global Boarders or stay for a spectacular sunset. To the south, the mile long stretch of flat sandy beach at Praa Sands is well worth a visit and quieter gems like Rinsey beach can also be found near here, which benefits from being quiet and dog friendly all year. The little fishing village of Porthleven can be easily reached and is full of Cornish charm. The impressive historic harbour is surrounded by a multitude of restaurants, eateries, and galleries which are woven amongst traditional fishermen’s cottages and net lofts. The annual Porthleven Food Festival is held in April, a wonderful three-day celebration when the village bursts with live music, cooking demonstrations from local and celebrity chefs, and a variety of stands and stalls. Some of the finest sunsets can be seen from Porthleven pier, whilst storm watching is a popular past time in the winter months.

Beaches

Hayle

The Hayle Estuary marks the start of an endless stretch of beaches including Hayle, Upton Towans and Mexico Towans, all of which combine at low tide. They are backed by vast grassy dunes and benefit from being dog-friendly all year. Hayle estuary is also one of the UK’s most well-known RSPB reserves, being a popular haven for birdlife with numerous species ranging from oystercatchers to wigeons. The best time to see the birdlife is winter, when up to 20,000 descend in search of a milder climate.

Gwithian Towans beach, Forever Cornwall

Gwithian

A popular lifeguarded water sports paradise with a multitude of activities on offer. Gwithian offers the ultimate beach day — from surfing to bodyboarding, to rock pooling and sandcastle building, as well as some of the most glorious sunsets the UK has to offer. There are several cafes for well-earned appetites, from the brilliant Hungry Horsebox Co. right on the beach, to the well-known Sunset Surf up on the cliffs. When the wind whips up, enjoy kite surfing or wind surfing – contact Pasty Adventures to book a lesson.

Waves Over The Rocks During A Storm At Porthleven, Cornwall

Porthleven

Porthleven is a sand and shingle beach stretching along from Porthleven pier to Loe Bar and along to Gunwalloe fishing cove, which is a fantastic sweep of coastline for keen walkers. A good spot for a beach picnic but due to the current, only experienced surfers are recommended here. Harbour jumping is a popular past time enjoyed by daring kids and teens in the summer.

Forever Cornwall Praa Sands Beach Blue Sea.jpg

Praa Sands

Located on the south coast between the towns of Helston and Penzance, this brilliant family friendly beach has excellent waves and a mile of flat, golden sand. Lifeguard cover from May to September and dogs welcome September to June. Overlooking panoramic views of the beach is the Sandbar, a contemporary eatery which enjoys an informal atmosphere catering for the beach lifestyle. Enjoy home cooked food with a Mediterranean twist, or amble along for drinks on the terrace.

Places to eat

Porthleven

This little fishing village tucked away on the south coast is now well-known for being a foodie haven. With the likes of The Porthleven Food Festival held annually in April, the place is buzzing with activities and things to do. A wide variety of eateries can be found here, from more formal dining restaurants such as Kota or Michael Caines’ The Harbourside Refuge, to casual cafes like Nauti but Ice or The Corner Deli. Stop off for a drink in the atmospheric 17th century pub The Ship Inn, which is the perfect little bolthole on a dreary day.

The Croust Hut

The Croust Hut: Day time café located at the King Edward Mining Museum, making it a perfect stop before or after venturing on The Great Flat Lode trail. They are open for breakfast, lunch, drinks and cakes as well as Sunday roast throughout the season.

Carn Brea Castle Restaurant

A wonderful restaurant set atop Carn Brea hill in the castle itself, providing an ambient atmosphere set with log fires, stones walls and candlelight. The menu offers Middle-eastern style dishes and advance booking is recommended.

Trevaskis Farm Hayle

Trevaskis Farm

A brilliant gem consisting of farm shop, restaurant, and seasonal pick your own. There is a wide variety of locally sourced produce to choose from including a bakery, butchers, fishmongers, and deli. The Trevaskis Farm Restaurant is open daily from 8:30am offering hearty breakfasts, fabulous lunches, cream teas and a la carte dinner menu. They’re particularly famous for their generous Sunday roasts and incredible dessert counter.

Things to do

Godolphin

A large 500 plus acre estate consisting of historic house, medieval garden and tearoom owned by The National Trust. There’s so much to explore across the estate which allows for a real immersion in the beautiful Cornish countryside.

Red Panda At Paradise Park, St Ives Bay, Cornwall

Paradise Park

A fantastic day out for the family, with plenty of wildlife to see and learn about. This brilliant wildlife park is notably home to over 1200 birds, ranging from penguins to parrots, as well as Red Pandas, the rare red squirrel, flamingos and much more. They offer a range of events (make sure to check their website to see when they are on), which includes penguin feeding and flying shows. There’s also the Jungle Barn – a fantastic soft play area to tire the kids out.

Helston Railway

Hop aboard a fun train adventure from Prospidnick to Truthall Hult along a restored railway line, taking in beautiful countryside views towards the Lizard. Stop by the gift shop for a railway-themed souvenir or visit the restored railway carriage for a snack.