A perfect day in Falmouth

A slow-paced, sun-soaked day in Falmouth where the goal is to wander, reflect, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the town. Here’s an itinerary that leans into that laid-back vibe — a true "ponder and potter" kind of day.

Morning Coffee and Cormorants

Start your day off at the Beach House Falmouth, perched on the side of Swanpool Beach. The perfect spot for unwinding after the long journey. If you can snag a table in the sun, that’s even better. The view of the sparkling sea, cormorants darting in and out of the water, and maybe even some brave sea swimmers getting their morning dip is an idyllic way to begin.

Coastal Path to Castle Beach

Once you’ve had your fill of sunshine and good coffee, it’s time to move on, following the coastal path towards Gyllyngvase Beach. This path winds along the cliffs, offering panoramic views of the bay. Arriving at the first beach you’ll find a long stretch of golden sand waiting to be explored. If it’s low tide, it’s the perfect opportunity to hunt for rock pools—a treasure trove of small sea creatures, from shy crabs to colorful anemones.

Eventually, you’ll reach Castle Beach, which is quieter and more secluded compared to Gyllyngvase. The beach is home to some intriguing history, including the sunken WWII U-Boats just off the shore.

A secret lane, otherwise known as an Ope in Cornwall.

Mid Morning - Castles and Big Ships

If you’ve got the energy then why not take the coastal path up to King Henry VIII’s Pendennis Castle? Once at the top, admire the panoramic views from the castle’s ramparts which stretch all the way to St Anthony’s Lighthouse, over St Mawes, across the beautiful Carrick Roads and out to the open sea. Take a moment to wander around the ancient moat that surrounds the castle. It’s quiet here, and you can almost imagine the history that this fortification has witnessed—guarding the coast against invaders for centuries.

As you make your way down the road into town, observe the comings and goings of Falmouth’s famous dockyards. If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of the newly arrived cruise ships and their passengers disembarking. It’s always fun to watch the buzz of activity here, with the sound of cranes, ships being unloaded, and the occasional tour boat making its way across the harbour.

Boats and Lunch

The best way to experience Falmouth Harbour is from the sea. Head over to Falmouth Haven to hire a self-drive boat. It’s a relaxed, way to enjoy the sea and the staff will make sure you’re comfortable with everything—there’s no need to be a seasoned sailor! They’ll give you a quick briefing on how the boat works, and off you go. You can hire a boat for anywhere between 1 and 8 hours, depending on how much time you want to spend.

At high tide the perfect place for lunch is the historic Pandora Inn where it is easy to moor up and grab a crab sandwich Alternatively, at low tide, head to Cafe Mylor. This spot has a lovely, understated charm, and it’s the perfect place to stop if you want a more laid-back, casual atmosphere.

If I can drive a boat, you definitely can….

Nap Time

Ah, a nap is absolutely essential for the perfect day.If you’re looking for a little literary escape while you rest, why not reach for a local author? (You’re in the heart of Daphne du Maurier country..).

Supper

If You're in the Mood for Something Spicy – Wilder Plant Based Thali Kitchen.

The Wilder Kitchen team is known for their creative takes on vegetarian food, making it a perfect choice if you're craving something vibrant and nourishing (bookings essential)

Or The Verdant Seafood Bar for Seafood Tapas & Speciality Beer

This hidden gem is one of Falmouth’s best-kept secrets, tucked away just off the beaten path. Here, you’ll find seafood tapas that are fresh, simple, and utterly delicious. Expect small plates of local treasures—like lobster rolls and fresh seafood ceviche—accompanied by a well-curated list of local beers (no bookings).

Night Cap

If you're not ready to wind down just yet, head around the corner to The Cornish Bank to keep the evening alive with some live music or comedy. This informal spot is a local favorite for its cozy, lively vibe.

Sunset over the Fal River

The Joys of June

I can’t quite believe that June is upon us, one of the absolute best months of the year. Apart from exams and the background waffle of this years Genny Lec, June is a good one. Some of you cool cats will be enjoying festivals this month. I have finally admitted to myself that Hay On Wye is the only festival for me and you can have the Pyramid Stage and all the sequins and I’ll have a nice bed in a Welsh cottage with my books. Anyway, here are my small joys of June…

• Pick Your Own (PYO) . Basic PYO farms are getting harder to find (a field with a weighing scales). Nowadays many of these venues seem to have a cafe and fancy farm shop (also nice). It’s always fun to pick your own strawberries and feel slightly sick driving away….

• Village/ Church Fairs. A lovely slice of WI sponge whilst listening to a questionable brass band. Always good jam, plants and a gorgeous community atmosphere. Bonus points if there is a dog show.

• Glastonbury on the sofa. With BBC Sounds you can pretty much watch the whole festival in real time from your sitting room. If you want a more authentic experience, serve warm beer in plastic cups.

• Lots of good book releases including ‘Same As It Ever Was’ by Claire Lombardo and ‘Bear’ by Julia Philips. There is something lovely about reading outside in a quiet spot.

• Outdoor Cinema / Open Air Theatre. Bring warm clothes and a competitive picnic and huddle up to watch a classic film or play if you are lucky. ‘The Secret Garden’ is on at Regents Park Open Air Theatre and we’ll be watching Miracle Theatre at Trebah Ampitheatre (Cornwall).

• Wimbledon again on the sofa. It’s the time of year that we give out unqualified tennis tips to top athletes from our own home and make a failed plan to improve tennis playing.

There are many more great things about June. Please add yours to the comments below and I will continue to add little gems of fun to Poppy and Honesty’s Instagram.

Wishing you a lovely June

Sophie x

Handmade Quilt in Liberty Fabric ‘Paysanne Blossom’

The Small Joys of Autumn

Let’s be honest, Autumn and Winter can be grim : the longest term ever for the kids under low grey skies and the assault of Halloween and Christmas marketing in parallel with a cost of living crisis. However, all is not lost, I have been in cahoots with my family and friends and we have come up with a list of the tiniest things that may bring you a little touch of joy this time of year.

I find that short days provide the ultimate excuse to be lazy, there is no laundry to bring in and it’s too dark to possibly go out. Autumn really is the perfect time to snuggle up with your books, films and listen to music as soon as the sun goes down. I have put a few ideas below and hope that I have included some small joys that are accessible to all.

1. Sunrise at an acceptable hour.

2. Hedgehogs. Help them to hibernate successfully, build a hog house or maybe even get a camera !

3. Eating bowls of custard with or without crumble (Birds is fine)

4. Candle light, firelight and fairy lights.

5. Sparklers (fireworks too scary for dogs)

6. The lingering smell of bonfires.

7. Hanging up food for birds. Recipe for Fat Balls here

8. Sunday roast at home or in a pub after a long walk

9. Bright orange tangerines in the shops

10. Soup … think of all those poor disgarded Halloween pumpkins. Recipe here (I love mine with ginger and toasted pumpkin seeds.

11. Plant as many spring bulbs as possible (dig them deep into the soil- it will be worth it..)

12. Corduroy

Once you put your mind to it, I am sure that you will find other pleasures suited to this time of year. Please add them to the comments below for everyone to enjoy.

I will leave you with this beautiful quote that we can all aspire to, although in my opinion it is perfectly acceptable to moan and bitch throughout the whole season.

In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there's something stronger – something better, pushing right back.

Albert Camus

Sophie xx

Linen tablecloth and napkins in Florence.

Motherhood doesnt make you a super hero - being a magnificent woman does

Mothers’ Day is fast approaching and whilst this is a happy, stress-free event for me, I understand that it can be very difficult and problematic for other women. Mothers’ Day must be excruciating for those who have experienced loss or were unable to have children; or for women grieving their own mothers or poorly parented childhoods. However, for women who have chosen to be child free, Mothers’ Day must feel like a rather exclusive party to which they weren’t invited.

Despite the fact that in this day and age women achieve the most incredible things, reproduction is still frequently considered to be the most life changing and rewarding event in a woman’s life. Whilst I adore being a mother and holding those little precious bundles in my arms was indeed life changing and amazing, I think it’s naive and almost verging on arrogant to consider this experience the ‘pinnacle of life’ for every woman. There is no one-way route for happiness and fufillment, just look at Dolly Parton and Oprah (two amongst many fabulous, child-free women).

There is a widely felt assumption that motherhood generates more empathy, compassion and ultimately makes you more evolved as a human being. In light of the number of cases of neglected and abused children, this notion is frankly absurd (Remember Rose West?). Conversely, this prevailing generalization suggests that child- free women have less empathy. I have to say that the fabulous women I know, who have chosen not to have children, are just as insightful and fully briefed on life, as those who know that pain of staying up all night with a teething infant. It was once suggested that Teresa May was less qualified to act as Prime Minister as she had chosen not to have children. I’m not entirely sure how wrangling toddlers makes you any better prepared to negociate a flailing Brexit Deal but I might be wrong there!!

Motherhood can often be exclusive. I have heard of so many cases where mothers have dropped their child- free friends because ‘they don’t understand.’ This is a mistake; for they can bring news on the outside world and a fresh perspective on your potty training woes. (I have to confess a tiny part of me was selfishly disappointed when my long term child-free friend announced her pregnancy: who would provide that great big dose of reality and potty free discussion?) The thing is, motherhood can be divisive and it’s hard to smash the patriachy when there is so much infighting; so let’s just agree that all women are different and equally magnificent.

To the Mothers; I wish you a Happy Mothers Day. (I, for one will be milking it for all it’s worth). To my child-free pals, thanks for all your support, I bloody love you. And for the love of God, can we all leave Jennifer Aniston alone, she’s not having a baby and allegedly she’s cool with that!

Sophie xxxx

Bedding in Liberty Print ‘Wild Flowers’