Friday, 15 March 2019

Best Little Cafe Stops in Cornwall

I really don't want to shout too loud about these little gems as I might not be able to get in next time if too many people find out! They are all run by hard working individuals who serve the most amazing homemade food. There are lots more amazing places to eat in the area which you'll find on our website, but these are the more little independent 'cakey tea' stops (those who've watched the Poldark parody on youtube will know the phrase!) that we've tried, tested and LOVE, but Shhhh don't tell anyone else! 

Off the Path Coffee Company
Just a short stroll from Merlin Farm, through woodland and across a little river and you will come to this lovely little outdoor venue overlooking the tranquil and lush Valley of Lanherne. Perfect as a breakfast/lunch/cake stop if you are walking to St Mawgan Village, you can order your fresh fish and seafood here too! www.facebook.com/Off-The-Path-Coffee-Co-174281363288462


Carnewas
THE best cream tea in Cornwall - we think so anyway. About 40 minutes walk from Merlin Farm (that's me marching on focused on my cream tea, allow longer for stopping and taking in the breathtaking views along the way). Just before you reach Bedruthan Steps Beach you will see Carnewas Tea Rooms. www.carnewas-tea-rooms.co.uk


Fern Pit
A terraced tea garden perched above the Gannel Estuary in Newquay with direct access via a little ferry to Crantock Beach. You can also buy Crab and lobster caught locally on their own fishing boat. www.fernpit.co.uk/cafe


Snails Pace Café
A charming little eco-friendly café at Wenford Bridge. We usually bike ride from the Camel Trail at Bodmin, stop and have lunch here then ride back again. They hire bikes here too so you can start off here and enjoy 18 miles of glorious cycling on almost traffic free trails for riders all the way to Padstow and the North Cornish Coast. www.snailspacecafe.co.uk


Woods Café
 A charming cottage in the heart of Cardinham Woods, Woods Café near Bodmin never disappoints. A great food stop after a long walk or bike ride in the woods. www.woodscafe.co.uk



Rock Pool Cafe
A bit further afield down on the Southern Tip of Cornwall is this gorgeous little lookout over Mounts Bay, stumbled upon by chance on a lovely walk from Penzance to Mousehole one day. It's a good hour's drive (in low season) from Merlin Farm but worth the journey, and do walk to it from Penzance if you can. www.rockpoolmousehole.co.uk


If your café isn't on here it's probably because we haven't found it yet - give us a shout!

By Lucy @ Merlin Farm Holiday Cottages

Thursday, 19 April 2018

My Personal Sanctuary [Spa Experience] at Merlin Farm


It couldn't have been more perfect for a pampering afternoon at Merlin Farm. We thought we'd treat ourselves to a visit from My Personal Sanctuary, sumptuous spa treatments without leaving the comfort of your surroundings. The weather was gorgeous so we fully opened the bi-fold doors on the Eco Cottage and immersed ourselves in nature with the tweeting of the birds adding to the tranquillity.


Lindsay our friendly Spa Therapist arrived half an hour prior to our treatment time to set up, which included a heated treatment bed, aromatherapy diffuser and some relaxing background music.  She discussed our chosen treatments and we got to select our own blend of aromatherapy massage oils.



Darrel enjoyed a whole body massage with grapefruit and jasmine aromatherapy oils and I chose reflexology, back, neck & shoulder massage with lemon, geranium & lavender oils. Lindsay checks beforehand how much pressure you would like applied to your massage.
Our massages were wonderful and I'm pretty sure I nodded off briefly more than once!
We both agreed that we found the experience more enjoyable and relaxed than visiting a day spa. The afternoon was all about us and it didn't feel rushed. We could hang around in our robes afterwards and it was nice not to have to go anywhere and stay in the 'zone'.


All products used were Neal's Yard, divine smelling and made using the maximum organic, natural and wild ingredients.

*UPDATE* My Personal Sanctuary has now been taken over by GloPamper. To book a Spa Experience visit https://www.glo-pamper.co.uk/ where you can tailor your own package.  


Sunday, 30 April 2017

Eco Friendly Portable Barbecues

Eco Friendly Portable Barbecues

Merlin Farm Holiday Cottages offer luxury and Eco Friendly accommodation a short walk from Mawgan Porth Beach on the stunning North Cornwall Coast. The perfect base to spend your Holiday in Cornwall; Enjoy picturesque coastal & countryside walks, cycle trails along estuaries and through historic mining landscapes. Taste organic Cornish wine at a nearby Vineyard, sample freshly caught fish at a local restaurant and enjoy picnics & barbeques on the beach. We have been searching the internet to find 'eco' barbecues, here is what we have found...



EcoQue Grill
This amazingly portable grill features the reflective pyromid design that focuses heat efficiently. EcoQue Grills consume up to 75% less fuel than similar sized grills by reflecting more heat up toward the cooking surface for optimal performance. You can cook a meal for four with as few as nine briquettes, or cook with twigs, wood chunks, and other found fuel.
By changing the orientation, height and amount of fuel, you can fine-tune the heat for anything from a fast grill for steaks to a more gentle roast for veggies and fish. In fact with an EcoQue you can BBQ, bake, fry, roast, boil and even smoke your foods!
Made of durable stainless steel, with a cooking surface is 1300cm sq.  It folds into a carry bag (made from recycled materials) just over 4cm thick and fits in picnic baskets.
Optional foil liners are available to enhance performance and make clean-up faster. £109.99 for a 12" and £129.99 for a 15" Barbeque inc. delivery. https://www.bushgear.co.uk/products/ecoque-portable-bbq-15


LotusGrill
The German LotusGrill is considered more eco-friendly than other charcoal grills, because you use very little charcoal. Thanks to the fan assisted charcoal burning it comes up to temperature quickly and allows you to start cooking your mouthwatering food in under 5 minutes. One fill of the charcoal basket gives you about 45-50 mins of cooking time and the great thing is that the parts of a LotusGrill BBQ that get dirty are made from stainless steel and can all be washed in the dishwasher. A 32cm diameter grill costs £144 inc delivery https://lordsathome.com/lotusgrill-smokeless-charcoal-grill-bbq-green-standard.html? or £189 for a 40.5 cm diameter http://www.grooves-inc.co.uk/lotusgrill-limettengruen-lotusgrill-hardware-electronic-pZZa1-2097661565.html



EcoGrill
EcoGrill is the Eco cool way to BBQ. 100% environmentally friendly, easy to light and fun to use. Due to its design it maximises the use of the charcoals within it and prolongs burning time giving over 2.5 hours grilling while the heat remains even, and up to 5 hours as a heat source.Perfect for toasting marshmallows after dinner and keeping warm whilst waiting to watch the sunset. When it's finished all that remains are ashes and memories. The Eco Grill is light and compact (20-25cm diameter) and is easily lit with its own natural and odour free resin wick which quickly lights the coals (no need for lighter fluid) and is ready to use within 20 minutes of lighting. An EcoGrill costs £10, although if you buy in bulk (5+) cost £8 each. Optional extra's: reusable grill stand £5 & cooking pan £10 http://www.eco-consumer-products.co.uk/index.php/buy-online/eco-grill?page=shop.product_details&flypage=yagendoo_VaMazing_2.tpl&product_id=1&category_id=1

Do you know of any other 'Eco Friendly Barbecues' or are you a manufacturer of one?
If so, please get in touch to let us know


Eco Friendly Picnicware

No Barbecue is complete without funky picnic plates and these are no exception! Made from sustainable bamboo fibre these plates are Bio degradable, Non-toxic, BPA free and Dishwasher safe. Currently in the sale at £3.85 from Natural Collection.
Co-ordinating bowls, cups and bags also available: http://www.naturalcollection.com/search/?search=vintage+ivy



Sunday, 8 January 2017

February Half Term 2017 Cornwall

Cornwall is a great place to spend a family holiday and here are just some ideas of what to do this February Half Term...






Page still under construction, bear with us whilst we find more things for you to do this February Half Term.....

To book a stay at Merlin Farm visit www.merlin-farm-cottages-cornwall.co.uk
Arrive Friday 10th or Saturday 11th for 7 nights
10 nts for the price of 8 arriving Friday 10th 

Saturday, 4 June 2016

Husqvarna Automower Challenge Day 1 - Installation



We were delighted to have been one of hundred participants selected to test the new Husqvarna Automower in our garden in return for feedback and video reviews via social media.


A garden survey was undertaken by Grahams Garden Machinery, who will also be installing the Automower. Our garden, which includes gentle slopes, a huge ornamental rock and an orchard will apparently be no match for the Husqvarna 430X, so let's see......


We have kept the lawn cut short in preparation for the Automower's arrival and have had an electrical supply fitted to a central location within the garden. Upon installation the friendly chaps from Grahams Garden Machinery connect the Automower docking station and cut a groove (using a nifty machine) around the perimeter of the garden to sink a guide wire. A wire is also fitted centrally guiding the Automower back to the docking station.


A quick set up chat, a pin code is required to access the control system, which is all pretty straight forward. Options include setting time parameters, cutting heights, which days you would like the mower in action and number of times per week, etc. We have set the mower to work during daylight hours as we generate electricity onsite via 216 solar PV panels, so it makes sense to make use of the solar generation. 


And we're away.....the Automower springs into action, gliding across the lawn quite happily (and so quiet!) although it doesn't have much grass to cut for the moment. It rather feels like we have another pet, so we have named him Malcolm the mower. The dog and pet donkey aren't sure what to make of him! 

 
Thanks to Huqvarna for giving us this opportunity, so far we are delighted with the Automower. It will be saving Darrel so much time, whole sunny days can be lost mowing this monster of a lawn! We'll be updating everyone with our video reviews on our YouTube channel, also look out for posts on our Facebook and Twitter. Don't forget to check out the Husqvarna Automower website too. Please also feel free to share this information with anyone you feel would be interested in this product.
 
Thanks also to Grahams Garden Machinery for a smooth and friendly installation.
Brighton Cross, Truro TR2 4HD. Tel 01726 884001
 
*Trade in any petrol, battery or electric walk-behind lawnmowers, sit-on or robotic mower that are in working condition and save 10% when purchasing a Husqvarna 420/430X/450X at your local participating Husqvarna dealer http://www.husqvarna.com/uk/products/robotic-lawn-mowers

Tuesday, 26 April 2016

April Giveaway - organic apron set from Ochre & Ocre

Merlin Farm loves the beautiful range of organic textiles for the home from Cottage in the Hills, home of Ochre & Ocre. You can be in with a chance of winning the new 'Roost' apron, tea towel and oven glove set by visiting www.facebook.com/merlin.farm.cornwall simply like & share the post and answer a simple question. Competition ends 30th April 2016 and the winner will be announced soon after. Good luck! Make sure you check out Cottage in the Hill's website too


Saturday, 26 March 2016

Suggestions for a Windy Wet Easter Saturday in Mawgan Porth



Guests arriving yesterday were teased by beautiful sunshine, although bittersweet after experiencing heavy traffic on their journey down to Cornwall. So you can see how lovely it can be, but what to do when the weather turns and it's wet and windy? Don't be down hearted there are still lots of lovely things to do. Here are a few suggestions....
(I have compiled this for our guests staying at Merlin Farm in Mawgan Porth so have tried to suggest places as nearby as possible)

HOT CHOCOLATE/CREAM TEA STOPS:
The Merrymoor Inn overlooking Mawgan Porth Beach http://www.merrymoorinn.com
The Beach Hut overlooking Watergate Bay https://www.watergatebay.co.uk/food-and-drink/the-beach-hut/

INDOOR ATTRACTIONS
The Eden Project, St Austell. The biomes offer great shelter, we often go on wet days and wander round the tropical rainforest biome. Great food, fun and educational for children https://www.edenproject.com
Lobster Hatchery, Padstow. Quite small so won't take long to get around. http://www.nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk
Pirate Quest, Newquay. http://piratesquest.co.uk
Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay. http://www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/newquay/

SWIMMING
Oasis, Hendra, Newquay http://www.oasis-hendra.co.uk

CINEMA
What's on? Batman v Superman, Kung Fu Panda...
Nearest Cinemas at Newquay and Wadebridge, for more details visit: http://wtwcinemas.co.uk

OTHER IDEAS
Kernow Chocolate Factory, St Eval http://www.kernowchocolate.co.uk/index.php/
Disco Beads, Mawgan Porth. Make your own jewellery https://www.discobeads.com

Thursday, 15 October 2015

RNLI Minecraft Beach Safety Project - ideal half term activity

Is your child aged between 7-14 years and Minecraft mad? The RNLI would like them to take part in a pilot project to see whether Minecraft can be used effectively to increase children’s knowledge of beach safety running from Friday 23 October 15 (ideal half term activity). Children will be challenged to craft beaches with lifeguard huts, rescue craft and colourful safety flags and signs. The aim is to make the beaches safe for characters to enjoy a swim. For more details visit: http://rnli.org/howtosupportus/getinvolved/Volunteer-zone/volunteer-zone/Pages/Volunteer-news-content/rnli-news/Calling-all-parents-of-Minecraft-fanatics.aspx Did you know that the RNLI rely on donations to provide, a 24-hour on call lifeboat search and rescue service around the UK and Ireland, and a seasonal lifeguard service? To find out how you can help visit: https://rnli.org/donateorbecomeamember

Tuesday, 22 September 2015

Top 5 woodland walks in Cornwall

Woodlands can be enjoyed in all seasons and in most weathers if you dress accordingly. These are our top woodland walks in Cornwall.

 
Cardinham Woods, nr Bodmin
The 1.5 mile flat tree lined Lady Vale Walk is perfect for families and follows a stream flowing through the woods. There are also another 3 trails of varying lengths and gradients to choose from. There is a lovely children's play area and a visit to the delightful Woods Cafe is a must! http://www.forestry.gov.uk/cardinham
 
Tehidy Woods, nr Illogan
Tehidy Country Park is the largest woodland in Cornwall covering 250 acres and over 9 miles of paths including a circular walk which runs around the edge of a lake taking around 30 minutes. Little children will love feeding the ducks! Flat and with a lovely café onsite for refuelling.
 
Idless Woods, nr Truro
A well-laid path stretching for 2.8 miles and framed by a variety of tree types offering climbing challenges for mini adventurers. Bluebells carpet the ground in the Spring. Scan the woodland floor for pine cones and nuts in the autumn. Look out for deer and otters.
 
Carnanton Woods, St Mawgan
A great woodland walk in the Vale of Lanherne along the River Menalhyl. Wander deep in to the woods as far as the ruins of Lawry's Mill then return for refreshments at the 16th century Falcon Inn or the village Tearooms. Look out for deer.
 
No.5 coming soon...still deliberating. Can you help? Do you have a favourite that's not above?

Top 5 things to do this October Half Term in Cornwall for Families 2015

Here are our top picks for family fun activities in Cornwall this October Half Term
 
 
HallowEden
Ice Skating and magical Halloween activities at The Eden Project, home to the worlds largest indoor rainforest. 24 Oct - 1 Nov. There is a Little Monsters Halloween Ball on 31 Oct. Click here for more details
 
 

Rogue Theatre at Tehidy Woods
Watch The Rogue Theatre's 'Dead of Night Dance', a wicked and wonderful Halloween celebration full of adventure, thrills, frights and delights in the heart of the woods. Not to be missed! Shows at 2pm, 5pm & 8pm 27 Oct - 1 Nov.  Click here for more information and to purchase tickets
 
 

Pendennis Castle, Falmouth
The fearsome pirate leader Captain Bones has taken Pendennis. Meet this most salty of seadogs, discover scary stories of Pendennis’ piratical past, and embark on our spooky smugglers quest to find the buccaneers ill-gotten gains. Tales of dastardly deeds, discover the pirate skills of ropes and rigging, and discover some of the most infamous weapons from the Golden Age of Piracy. Frightfully good fun this Halloween half term! 26-30 October. More info at:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/captain-bones-takes-pendennis-Pend-26-10-2015/

 

Crealy Adventure Park, Wadebridge 
 Crealy's Witch will be residing in her grotto throughout the week, casting spells and giving a free gift to each child, plus a pumpkin carving competition (every child receives a free pumpkin), close up encounters with some of the residents of Crocodile Corner Reptile House, magic shows and face painting. There will also be the opportunity to feast on hot pumpkin soup, toffee apples and gingerbread biscuits available throughout the day. 24 - 31 October http://www.crealy.co.uk/Cornwall/What's-On
 
The Great Outdoors
Wrap up warm and go on a woodland walk or a cycle ride
 

 

Monday, 21 September 2015

Best family bike rides in Cornwall

 
Cornwall boasts some of the most picturesque and varied bike trails in the UK. Pedal your way along rivers and coastline and through woodland and mining heritage sites. There are enough trails to do a different one day of the week (weather permitting of course!). I have recommended some bike rides below, in particular 'traffic free' which are ideal if you have children. And as I am always thinking about my next meal have included great places to eat along the way.
 
 
The Camel trail: Wadebridge to Padstow - 5.5 miles
Probably the most popular cycle trail in Cornwall. A nice flat trail following the picturesque Camel Estuary. There are some lovely spots to stop and enjoy a picnic, alternatively grab an award winning Cornish pasty at The Chough bakery or visit Greens Café in Padstow. There are some lovely cafes and coffee shops in Wadebridge too. If you don't have bikes you can hire them at either end of the trail.
 
 
 
The Camel Trail: Bodmin to Wenfordbridge - 6.25 miles
Relatively quieter than the more popular and better known Camel trail between Padstow and Wadebridge, this disused branch line between Bodmin and Wenfordbridge follows the river through tranquil woodland. It is flat all the way and you can park free at Scarletts Well Road in Bodmin. It took us a steady hour (with a tired & wingey 11yr old moaning most of the way due to previous late night) to get to the end of the trail at Wenfordbridge where we stopped for lunch at the delightful Snails Pace cafe.  We were pleased to see that this café is taking a similar approach to ourselves by running a sustainable 'eco' business, complete with compost toilet, solar panels and a bicycle powered smoothie maker! The food did not disappoint either, all freshly homemade and a lovely cream tea. Such a delightful little cafe that I almost want to keep it a secret. 
 
Pentewan Valley Trail - 3.4 miles
A lovely flat trail from St Austell to Pentewan. Take a bucket & spade, lock your bikes up at Pentewan village and walk to the Hub Box on the Beach for refreshments (they serve fabulous burgers too) and spend some time on the golden sands before heading back or there is the option to leave the traffic free section of the trail at Pentewan and continue on to Mevagissey totalling 8 miles. After leaving St Austell going towards Mevagissey, you can park for free in the laybys and small car parks along the left hand side of the road before London Apprentice.
 
Mineral Tramways
You can cycle 11 miles coast to coast from Devoran to Portreath but if you have younger ones you may wish to turn around about half way. We got to about the 7 mile mark before turning back. This disused tramway through Cornwall's historic mining sites was one of the earliest railways in Britain. The trail is a mixture of flat and a steady incline (not really noticed by my 11 yr old who was obviously having a good day!) but this decline was a welcome treat on the homeward journey. There is a nice little café, The Bike Chain at Bissoe serving homemade cakes and refreshments. Set off from Devoran where you will find free car parking.
 
 Lanhydrock Trails
This fantastic new bike trail in the grounds of The National Trust's Lanhydrock House offers a variety of trails for all abilities. Ranging from a gentle 1.5 mile trail to a series of 1-2 mile moderate trails taking you deep into little explored woodland on the estate. If the kids have any energy left after their bike ride they can blow off even more steam in the adventure playground which is located near the Park Café and the car park.  The beautiful Lanhydrock House is the grandest house in Cornwall and is well worth a visit if you have the time.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, 27 July 2015

DINOSAURS UNLEASHED AT EDEN 2015

Eden have excelled this year in providing the perfect family day out for my dinomad son and his friends.  What more could they want - finding dinosaurs in the worlds largest indoor rainforest!


On arrival collect your free Adventure Journal where you will find all of the information you need to become a Certified Dino Expert and collect the stamps as you complete all the dino activities at Eden.

Walk through a magical underwater scene to marvel at ancient sea life, then step into a landscape from 67 million years ago to explore a world of prehistoric beasts. Cower in the shadow of a life size T.rex and peep into a nest of Dromaeosaurus babies. 
 
At the Palaeo Camp you can hone your palaeontology skills in the Dig Pit, sharpen your dinosaur knowledge and complete your Dino Expert training. There are also Jigsaurus puzzles to test your palaeontology skills and piece together creatures from the past.
 
As you wander around the site look out as you may come face to face with a ferocious Australoventor! 
 
We spent 5 hours at Eden, which included stopping for a delicious lunch in the Eden Kitchen (before you enter to the Mediterranean Biome). It was a dry and sunny day so we wondered around quite relaxed as the children explored. Eden is a great rainy day venue too but expect it to be a lot busier! 
The dinosaurs are at Eden this Summer until 2nd September 2015.
 
 
 
 
Late Summer Escape

WHY NOT STAY AT MERLIN FARM
 
We can also recommend the fabulous Rogue Theatre for a captivating afternoon or evening in Tehidy Woods, choose from the 2pm performance of 'Blackbeard's heart or the 7.30pm performance of 'King Arthur'. Shows everyday until 31st August. Tickets £7.50, under 3's free.
"

Wednesday, 13 May 2015

Another award for Merlin Farm

We are delighted that our Eco Cottage has won 'Best Green Holiday Home' in the European Holiday Home Association Awards 2015...
 
 
 
The European Holiday Home Award 2015 
Announcement May 12
 
As a way to generate more public awareness about the benefits of holiday home renting in Europe, the European Holiday Home Association launched a search for the best representatives of our industry to compete for the first European Holiday Home Award.
 
 
The EHHA was thrilled to announce this initiative and received more than 200 excellent entries from all across Europe covering all categories of a modern holiday home.
 
The purpose of the awards was to showcase the fantastic examples of the holiday home rental products. The members of the European trade associations, representing the short-term rental industry, nominated the holiday homes. Both member trade associations, direct pan European members and private house owners made their entries. 
 
The European Holiday Home award reflects 7 categories of excellence, which are, Green, Health & Wellness, Beach House, Family Friendly, European Capital, Pet, and Unique Spot.
 
A special jury of experts and professionals compiled the short-list by selecting 8 finalists in each category. This selection was made from an objective set of criteria including presentation, indoors and outdoors, bookability, amenities and special parameters specific to each category. The EHHA owes great thanks to our expert panel Niki Christian Nutsch, Miguel Ferrer and Jacob R. Kirkegaard Larsen for their great contribution. We also thank SuperControl for managing the Award Webpage with great professionalism.
 
The final vote was given by email to the EHHA administration by the member trade associations of the EHHA in France, Germany, Spain, Scotland, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.
 
We congratulate the winners who represent the very best of the holiday home industry! 
 
And the winners are:
 
Best Health and Wellness Holiday Home: Whitefalls Spa Lodges, Scotland
Best Holiday Home Beach House: Holiday House Dra�nice, Croatia
Best Holiday Home family friendly: Holiday Home Orizzonte Monteriggioni, Italy
Best Holiday Home in European Capital: Mitte Penthouse 1 Berlin, Germany
Best Pet Holiday Home: Pet friendly Holiday Home with pool and garden Catalonia, Spain 
Best Unique Spot Holiday Home: Northern Fiord Area, Norway 
Carlos Villaro Lassen
Secretary General


Sunday, 1 March 2015

Best places to view the solar eclipse in Cornwall

We have fond memories of the 1999 eclipse, on the morning of 11th August sat on blankets sipping Champagne and eating strawberries on Pentire Headland. It was grey and cloudy and just minutes before, the clouds parted enough for us to see the total eclipse, then the clouds moved back over, it felt like a miracle. So as we brace ourselves for another eclipse, the biggest since 1999, here are a few suggestions of where to view this rare phenomenon, there's no guarantee you'll see it, but where better to be than at one of the highest landmarks in Cornwall.

The partial eclipse is expected to begin shortly after 8am and lasting up to 90 minutes on Friday 20th March. Sadly we won't be able to get to any of these focal points in time following the school run, but hope to get a glimpse from the top of our field.
 
Brown Willy - Cornwall's highest point, Bolventor
 
Photo: The Guardian
 
Carn Brea, near Redruth.
 
 
The Cheesering, Minions
 

Photo: The Guardian
 
Helman Tor, Lanlivery.
 
 
Kit Hill, near Callington
 
 
Rough Tor, St Breward
 
 
Looking for somewhere to stay? Visit Merlin Farm Holiday Cottages