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| the path leading to town from our flat |
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| St Ives beaches |
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| Barbara Hepworth Gallery and Garden |
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| This door is the most photographed in St Ives |
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| St Ives Harbour at low tide |
Monday, September 17, 2018
a few more photos of beautiful St Ives
Kynance Cove and Mullion Cove
Another day we took a trip to Kynance Cove and Mullion Cove, both close to The Lizard Peninsula.
Kynance has been popular since Victorian times. It is a remote pretty cove, with white sand, islands and caves. Now owned by the National Trust who have built a carpark on the downs and two ways down to the beach, one a gravel path steep in places and the other walk is very rugged with steep steps, rocky path and very steep. On a rocky outcrop overlooking the beach is a cafe with breathtaking views of the turquoise waters.
Our next visit was to Mullion Cove. Originally built in 1890's the picturesque harbour shelters a small fishing fleet from the powerful westerly storms.
the day we were there the harbour walls were closed off as there had been a landslide. We sat near the harbour watching a group of people having what appeared to be their first lesson in kayaking in the sheltered harbour.
The one small cafe there is famous for their huge crab sandwiches which Colin tried.
Kynance has been popular since Victorian times. It is a remote pretty cove, with white sand, islands and caves. Now owned by the National Trust who have built a carpark on the downs and two ways down to the beach, one a gravel path steep in places and the other walk is very rugged with steep steps, rocky path and very steep. On a rocky outcrop overlooking the beach is a cafe with breathtaking views of the turquoise waters.
Our next visit was to Mullion Cove. Originally built in 1890's the picturesque harbour shelters a small fishing fleet from the powerful westerly storms.
the day we were there the harbour walls were closed off as there had been a landslide. We sat near the harbour watching a group of people having what appeared to be their first lesson in kayaking in the sheltered harbour.
The one small cafe there is famous for their huge crab sandwiches which Colin tried.
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| Kynance Cove |
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| steps leading to Kynance Cove |
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| Us at Kynance Cove |
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| Mullion Cove |
St Ives Cornwall
We went on a day trip along the coast. Our first stop was Crantock Beach located near Newquay on the North Cornish Coast. It has been voted best beach in Britain by the BBC.
There is a National Trust carpark and as we are members of the Trust it didnt cost us anything to park there. Many of the beaches along here are National Trust owned and the carparks are free to us which is a great saving.
The beach is accessible by very steep sand dunes, easier going down to the beach than coming back up. It is worth it though, there is a large expensive of golden sandy beach between the Pentire Headlands. apparently there is often dolphins there but not the day we visited.
From Crantock we went to Newquay. It’s known for sandy Fistral and Watergate Bay beaches, where waves from the Atlantic Ocean create strong surf. there is also an aquarium and a zoo. Its a fairly big town as well and very popular holiday spot especially with surfers.
After Newquay we stopped off at Treyarnon Bay where Colin holidayed as a child.
We then went along to Bedruthan Steps another favourite destination.The granite rocks that are dotted across the beach are said to be stepping stones of the giant Bedruthan.
Unfortunately on this visit we were unable to access the beach, via the steep steps, as the tide was in and it cuts off the beach completely. We were only able to admire the views from the cliff top.
There is a National Trust carpark and as we are members of the Trust it didnt cost us anything to park there. Many of the beaches along here are National Trust owned and the carparks are free to us which is a great saving.
The beach is accessible by very steep sand dunes, easier going down to the beach than coming back up. It is worth it though, there is a large expensive of golden sandy beach between the Pentire Headlands. apparently there is often dolphins there but not the day we visited.
From Crantock we went to Newquay. It’s known for sandy Fistral and Watergate Bay beaches, where waves from the Atlantic Ocean create strong surf. there is also an aquarium and a zoo. Its a fairly big town as well and very popular holiday spot especially with surfers.
After Newquay we stopped off at Treyarnon Bay where Colin holidayed as a child.
We then went along to Bedruthan Steps another favourite destination.The granite rocks that are dotted across the beach are said to be stepping stones of the giant Bedruthan.
the wow factor doesn't even begin to cover it. Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps is one of the most popular destinations on the Cornish coast and is an absolute must-see. The landscape is synonymous with shipwrecks and smugglers, and the spectacular clifftop views.
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| Crantock Beach |
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| Us at Treyarnon Bay |
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| Newquay |
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| Newquay |
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| Beach huts Newquay |
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| Bedruthen Steps |
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| Bedruthen Steps |
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| Bedruthen Steps |
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| Bedruthen Steps |
Sunday, September 9, 2018
St Ives Cornwall
After Bath we headed off for a week in St Ives Cornwall.
St Ives is a small town in the far west of Cornwall surrounded by beautiful beaches. Originally a fishing village it is now a popular holiday destination with many of the old fishing cottages turned into B&B's and quirky apartments on tiny narrow streets. It is also famous for internationally renowned artists and galleries.
There's the Tate St Ives with a changing exhibition and the Barbara Hepworth museum and sculpture gallery.
There are many artists studios dotted around the town and pottery, glass and ceramic shops and galleries. You can take classes in art, photography, pottery etc. or simply admire the talented works on display.
We rented a flat at the top of the town up a very steep hill. The flat, one of 4 in a former Victorian mansion had the most amazing views from the loungeroom window. I could of sat there mesmerised all day watching the fishing boats bob about and come and go from the harbour.
One day we decided to take the double decker Coastal bus around the peninsular. Sitting in the open top deck we had a fabulous view of the countryside and ocean that you dont get from a car because often you cant see over the hedges.
Our bus took us from St Ives to the little village of Marazion where you can visit St Michaels Mount. If the tide is out you can walk along a paved path and when the tide is in, as it was when we visited a fleet of small boats ferry passengers to and from St Michaels Mount.
From Marazion we visisted Penzance and then on to Lands End where we stopped for a while to have some lunch and wander about amongst the heather covered cliffs. From there you have a great view across the water to Cape Cornwall.
The bus took us to the lively little village of Sennen Cove with its beautiful beach and there were lots of people in swimming.
We visited the village of Zennor. Most people come to Zennor to see the Mermaid chair in the church which itself dates back to the 12th century. The carving is dated to between 1400-1500. The carving shows a mermaid carrying a comb and mirror. The pose is similar to classical depictions of the goddess of love and of the sea, Aphrodite.
St Ives is a small town in the far west of Cornwall surrounded by beautiful beaches. Originally a fishing village it is now a popular holiday destination with many of the old fishing cottages turned into B&B's and quirky apartments on tiny narrow streets. It is also famous for internationally renowned artists and galleries.
There's the Tate St Ives with a changing exhibition and the Barbara Hepworth museum and sculpture gallery.
There are many artists studios dotted around the town and pottery, glass and ceramic shops and galleries. You can take classes in art, photography, pottery etc. or simply admire the talented works on display.
We rented a flat at the top of the town up a very steep hill. The flat, one of 4 in a former Victorian mansion had the most amazing views from the loungeroom window. I could of sat there mesmerised all day watching the fishing boats bob about and come and go from the harbour.
One day we decided to take the double decker Coastal bus around the peninsular. Sitting in the open top deck we had a fabulous view of the countryside and ocean that you dont get from a car because often you cant see over the hedges.
Our bus took us from St Ives to the little village of Marazion where you can visit St Michaels Mount. If the tide is out you can walk along a paved path and when the tide is in, as it was when we visited a fleet of small boats ferry passengers to and from St Michaels Mount.
From Marazion we visisted Penzance and then on to Lands End where we stopped for a while to have some lunch and wander about amongst the heather covered cliffs. From there you have a great view across the water to Cape Cornwall.
The bus took us to the lively little village of Sennen Cove with its beautiful beach and there were lots of people in swimming.
We visited the village of Zennor. Most people come to Zennor to see the Mermaid chair in the church which itself dates back to the 12th century. The carving is dated to between 1400-1500. The carving shows a mermaid carrying a comb and mirror. The pose is similar to classical depictions of the goddess of love and of the sea, Aphrodite.
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| View from our apartment loungeroom window |
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| Barbara Hepworth gallery |
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| Colin in the Tate St Ives |
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| View from inside the Tate looking out to the beach |
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| our flat was top right |
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| Mermaid of Zennor |
Monday, September 3, 2018
Bath
Bath is the perfect base for exploring the Cotswolds, Wiltshire and Somerset towns.
We spent a week in an apartment a 10 minute walk from the city centre. So much to see and do in Bath.
The Roman Baths are right in the centre of Bath, home to Britains only hot spring. Archaeologists recently discovered 17000 roman coins which are now on display in the museum along with loads of other roman artifacts.
We visited the Holburne Museum which was holding a temporary exhibition of Dutch Masters paintings owned by the National Trust and usually displayed in country houses around the UK.
We also took a day trip into the Cotswolds to visit Tetbury.
We spent a week in an apartment a 10 minute walk from the city centre. So much to see and do in Bath.
The Roman Baths are right in the centre of Bath, home to Britains only hot spring. Archaeologists recently discovered 17000 roman coins which are now on display in the museum along with loads of other roman artifacts.
We visited the Holburne Museum which was holding a temporary exhibition of Dutch Masters paintings owned by the National Trust and usually displayed in country houses around the UK.
We also took a day trip into the Cotswolds to visit Tetbury.
Tetbury, an historic wool town, is the southern gateway to the Cotswolds. The town is known as an architectural gem with many of the wool merchants’ houses remaining the same as they were in the 16th & 17th centuries during the height of it’s the town’s prosperity from the wool trade.
Tetbury’s buildings include, the Grade1 listed Market House, for centuries this has been the hub of the town & markets are held there regularly. The Parish Church of St Mary’s (the Virgin & Magdalen) has one of the tallest & most elegant spires in the U.K and greets the visitor whichever way they arrive. The cobbled Chipping Steps flanked by weavers cottages climb from lower Tetbury to the Chipping & are one of the iconic views of the town.
Chipping is the old world for market.
We visited the Police Museum in the Old Court House which houses the world renowned Alex Nicols collection of handcuffs & restraints, together with Gloucester policing memorabilia.
Tetbury is well known for its independent shops, exclusive boutiques & the Highgrove shop. Highgrove Estate, home of Prince Charles and Camilla is one mile away and we saw the impressive gates of their Estate.
Back in Bath I followed the trail of the Owls. Minerva's Owls of Bath. Why Owls?, Minerva whose symbol was the owl, was the goddess of wisdom. The owls are being auctioned in October and the proceeds going to charity. There are 82 owls displayed around the town.
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| Bath skyline from Alexandra Park |
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| Kent and Avon Canal Bath |
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| Colin on the water taxi on the canal |
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| Church Tetbury |
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| Tetbury Market square |
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| Chippings Steps Tetbury |
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| Bath Owls |
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| IslamBIRD Kingdom BrunOWL |
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