Things that we are looking forward to in 2023!
Happy New Year to you all! It is always a time of year when everyone feels a bit deflated, but the days are gradually getting longer. We are almost half-way through January already, which means that before we know it, we will be opening, and it will be spring! It won’t be long until your Cornwall holiday!
We have our January Sale on for a limited time only, so book your 2023 holiday now to get a bargain and a little winter pick-me-up with something to look forward to!
Here are some ideas for your Cornwall holiday in 2023!
Enjoy an evening picnic on the beach
The longer days are one of the best things about spring and summer. There’s nothing better than making the most of the long days, and when on your Cornwall holiday, the beach is the only place to do it.
Whether you take you own stove or barbecue (check restrictions and only leave footprints!) to cook something, a fancy picnic, or even just a few nibbles and something refreshing to drink, there is nothing better than watching the sun set on a beach on your holiday in Cornwall.
Choose from one of Newquay’s seven beaches, which are all just minutes away (by car) at Hendra.
Read more about all of the beautiful golden sand beaches here and choose one to watch the sun go down.
Visit a Cornish Garden 
Here at Hendra, we love colourful blooms, shrubs and greenery too, with our award-winning grounds and excellent Grounds Team. We also absolutely love a Cornish Garden.
Cornwall is known for its beaches and coast, but we also have a great array of sub-tropical gardens to visit too. Home to many unique and individual flowers, plants and trees, these gardens offer a dreamy day out for the whole family.
Lost Gardens
You cannot write about Cornish gardens without first mentioning The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Rediscovered 30 years ago, these gardens have been restored after being lost amongst the brambles after the outbreak of World War One. Now you can enjoy these expansive gardens, with productive gardens, where you sample the food at the on site restaurant and farm shop, pleasure gardens for some rest and recreation, and for adventurers the UK’s only outdoor jungle, complete with a Burmese Rope Bridge. The bridge is one of the largest in the UK, 100 feet above the ancient ferns and trees. Imaginations can run wild here!
Eden Project
The Eden Project is one of the most well-known gardens. Created from a disused clay pit, the Eden Project is a collection of indoor and outdoor gardens. There’s a huge focus on sustainability, and the project offers a unique and educational visit. There are two Biomes, one indoor rainforest and one Mediterranean, Eden offers an experience like no other. There are events on throughout the year, with workshops and storytelling.
Trebah
Trebah is a beautiful garden, situated near Falmouth; this is a sub-tropical paradise. A place which has ample exploring opportunities, amongst the colourful flowers, trees, and greenery. Kids will love the outdoor play areas, as well as the garden’s very own private beach, Polgwidden Cove, perfect for relaxing, exploring, stone-skimming, and enjoying a picnic. In the high season you can buy local ice cream, snacks, and drinks at the Boathouse Café. Heavenly. Nearby to Trebah is Glendurgan, which also has its own beach as well as a maze.
And Newquay’s very own Trenance Gardens, is loved by locals, offering fantastic floral displays, as well as a park, crazy golf, cafes and peddle boats – all just down the road from Hendra.
Getting back into the sea
Cold water swimming is very popular in the winter throughout Cornwall, but we prefer to wait until the warmer months! There is so much watery fun to be had in the Cornish waters, from swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, as well as several other water sports.
Surfing in Newquay
Newquay is home to the top surfing beach, Fistral which means that there are lots of places where you can hire a board and learn to surf. You could also try some bodyboarding, and this can be completely free, easy and so much fun! Body boards contribute to a huge amount of waste each year, and there now freecycle boxes on many beaches, including Fistral. Here at Hendra, we also have our own freecycle boxes. Guests leave items that can still be used for somebody else to enjoy, such as body boards, buckets and spades and camping equipment.
Our favourite Surf School is SSS, located centrally in Newquay, at Towan Beach, this surf school has years of experience and expertise that is guaranteed to make you feel completely at ease for your first surfing lesson, or if you want to perfect your skills. There are many options, with kids surfing, family surfing and couples surfing all bookable.
Crabbing, Fishing and Rock pooling
Crabbing
If you don’t want to get too wet, there’s still plenty to do in the water without taking a plunge. Newquay harbour is the perfect place to crab. Drop a line with a weight and a small net attached (do not use a hook) in a suitable place off the harbour wall. Bacon and fish cut offs make an ideal bait. You will need to wait around 5 minutes until you pull up your line and you should have a few shore crabs munching away. You cannot eat a shore crab, so after observing them in your bucket, put them back into the sea. Remember to not put too many in the bucket at once, as they don’t like crowds, keep them out of sunshine and make sure after you have finished crabbing to take all your equipment and any rubbish with you.
Fishing
Fishing is also a popular activity. Sea fishing can be dangerous, so it is important to research where you do it. It is a good idea to book a fishing trip, with Newquay Sea Safari’s and Fishing Trips, where experienced skippers will give you an experience you won’t forget with all fishing equipment provided, and sustainable fishing practices adhered to. Sea Safaris also do tours on the ocean, where you can explore Newquay’s waters and spot wildlife, such as dolphins, sharks and seals.
Rock pooling
Rock pooling is always a great fun and free activity. It can be enjoyed come rain or shine and is a great way to explore the beaches. All you need is a net and bucket, and you can discover fish and other sea creatures. Be sure to return them to their rock pool, look at them calmly and keep them out of sunshine.
Have a healthy and happy 2023!
