Juliet Mayhew's Perfect Cornish Afternoon
The things I'm day-dreaming about right now are so simple. It's not fabulous far-flung foreign holidays (although that would be so nice!) or eating at beachside restaurants. No, it's things like being able to go to the supermarket with a shopping list and actually find everything on it. Or spending a long weekend on the Cornish coast with family and friends. And who better to give shape to my daydreams than Juliet Mayhew, the self-described 'international event imaginator' and lifestyle queen? Juliet is a humanitarian, an event planner, a West End actress and an interior designer, among other amazing attributes. But even the most successful of us have to wind down sometimes, and Juliet has shared her ideas for a perfect Cornish afternoon.
Enjoy! And stay safe,
Fiona x
THE PERFECT CORNSH AFTERNOON
Cornwall is the jewel of the English countryside, filled with chocolate box villages, quaint seaside towns, bustling harbours and miles of rolling coastline. It is one of England’s most popular holiday destinations thanks to its combination of beautiful scenery, welcoming people and delicious food.
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed with choice when deciding how to spend your time in the Cornish countryside but here is the perfect recipe for the most relaxing of Cornish afternoons. Grab all the family (and the dog!) and get outdoors.
EXPLORE THE HELFORD PASSAGE
The Helford Passage takes ramblers along the river Helford and then into the surrounding countryside in a circular loop. It is the perfect mix of Cornish coast, riverside and countryside – giving you a taste of all walks of life. Passing through tranquil villages, banks of the river, beautiful beaches and a glimpse at some of Cornwall’s most stunning gardens.
Highlights of the route include the views over the Helford River, gardens of Trebah and Glendurgan and beaches at Durgan and Helford Passage. Its circular route means you won’t see the same section twice and there is something new to see around every corner.
Make sure you come prepared with footwear to suit all surfaces under foot and be wary of the rain. Dogs are welcome on most parts of the path however not in Glendurgan Gardens which is an optimal part of the route.
GRAB A BITE AT THE FERRY BOAT INN
Luckily there are several pit-stops along this walking route such as Budock Vean Hotel and Meudon Hotel. My personal favourite however is the The Ferry Boat Inn, located on the North Helford Passage on the waterfront. It is surrounded by wooded banks and sloping fields, giving guests a relaxing experience whilst dining.
After walking the circular route of the Helford Passage you deserve a well-earned rest. At The Ferry Boat Inn there are some of the best views in the south-west which can be enjoyed by plenty of beach seating. In the winter months there is an open fire to keep you cosy after your brisk wintery walk.
The menu at The Ferry Boat Inn has something to please everyone from sandwiches to small and big plates. With a range of fish (they are by the sea so of course!), pub classics and delicious sides there is something for every appetite or craving you might have.
On the last Sunday of every month The Ferry Inn has live jazz in the bar area. After a long walk on a Sunday afternoon, is there anything more relaxing than winding down with a drink and the crooning of jazz music in the background? It starts at 7.30pm so explore the coast by day, eat and drink at night.
For more of Juliet's fabulous lifestyle tips, visit julietmayhew.co.uk and follow her on Instagram @julietmayhew