seasalty things to do for christmas 06...

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Anything to get us out the kitchen, away from the jammed car parks and into a bit of cheerful seasonal spirit...if you are spending Christmas in Cornwall these are some things to do you should check out...

Mousehole Lights
Mousehole is one of Cornwall's prettiest harbours at the best of times but at Christmas it really turns magical. Serpents and dolphins rise from the water, Christmas puddings and crackers flicker and shine. Old fashioned lanterns hang in the lanes and families line the harbour walls, listening to carols and eating a fish and chip supper. On 23rd December Tom Bawcock's Eve remembers the fisherman from long ago who saved the village from starvation when he brought in a catch in the lull of a storm. A giant fish pie was created that fed the hungry villagers. Star Gazy Pie, famous for the fish heads poking through the pastry crust.
www.mouseholelights.com

Skiing in Truro
This Christmas you won't have to travel hundreds of miles to 'bust some airs'. Truro's Lemon Quay will become home to the first ever UK city centre ski slope this winter. Whatever the weather throws at us in Cornwall this winter, there will always be an abundance of snow on Lemon Quay thanks to the joys of science. Snowflex provides the closest sensation to real snow and minimises the chance of injury. The slope will be open every day (except for Christmas Day) until the middle of January and a full programme of activities with 'learn to ride' sessions for new learners and improvers, film shows, big air demonstrations and skiing and snowboarding competitions will be announced in the coming weeks.

Opening hours will be from 10am - 9pm daily. Freestyling practice sessions cost £5 for children, £9 for juniors and £12 for adults for 45 minutes slope time. Ski and snowboarding lessons cost from £8 for children, £12 for juniors and £15 for adults for 45 minutes slope time. All equipment is included. Because of the expected demand, organisers advise early booking. Tickets can be purchased from 6 November at boxoffice@hallforcornwall.org.uk or by calling 01872 262466 or 0845 0175000

More Skiing...
If the temporary Ski slope in Truro has wetted your appetite why not visit the dry ski slope in Plymouth for some longer runs? The Plymouth Ski Centre is open daily between 10am and 10pm and offer skiers, snowboarders and bladers of all levels the facilities to practice and learn new skills.
Tel: 01752 600220
www.plymouthskislope.co.uk

Trebah's Santa Trail
Trebah is one of our favourite local gardens. With its own beach and the most fabulous Cornish palms, rhododendrons and a playground through the trees, it also has stunning vistas across the Helford River. On 10th, 17th and 21st December they are holding their popular Santa's trail that takes children on a magical journey to reach Father Christmas in his grotto. On the 15th Dec there will be candlelit carol singing and on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, whilst all facilities are closed, an honesty box is left for anyone wishing to wander the grounds and build an appetite before the turkey.
Tel: 01326 250448

Miracle Theatre - The Time Machine
Quirky theatre from our local Miracle group...they are superb. Always hilarious, their latest play takes an extraordinary and somewhat unpredictable journey in The Time Machine. Often performing in village halls, don't be fooled into thinking you will be seeing an amateur performance - they are inventive, creative and very pro. 23rd to 30th December they are appearing at Falmouth Princess Pavilions Tel 01326 310988. For other performances visit: www.miracletheatre.co.uk or phone 01209 216762

Extreme Academy
Fancy flying across the sand in a kite pulled buggy...careering down a hill on a mountain board...or perhaps you like the idea of riding the surf in a wave ski? The Extreme Academy at Watergate Bay is offering lessons on all these sports over Christmas and we just love the idea of bombing around the beach away from all the bustle. What better way to spend a day this Christmas than to get a gang of family and friends and head to the beach for some fun. Granny can watch the action with a hot chocolate in 'The Beach Hut' while the rest of you work off those mince pies. It's a great way to blow away the hangovers or how about buying a Kite Surfing lesson as a gift? For lessons on Boxing Day book early on 01637 860840 or check out www.extremeacademy.co.uk from £25 each for a wave ski lesson to £195 for a two day intensive Kite Surfing lesson.

National Trust Christmas Garland
If you think National Trust properties are a bit fusty, think again. The events going on at Cotehele, Trelissick, Trerice, Cotehele and Lanhydrock are really special and utterly seasonal. For families or couples, there are some really wonderful things to do. From candlelit suppers to carol singing and fireside story telling it is a magical Christmas line up. Famous for its 'Christmas Garland' the main Hall at Cotehele is a fabulous site. Not to be outdone, Lanhydrock also has decorations that are more than worth a peek. And, with all kalegreenery gathered from the grounds it is a reassuringly sustainable way of filling the houses with seasonal cheer. Whilst the houses and facilities are closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day we like the idea that The National Trust leaves the grounds open for anyone wishing to wander and ponder life as an aristocrat...
Tel: Cotehele 01579 351346
Tel: Lanhydrock 01208 265950
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Ice Skating at The Eden Project
This year Eden promises a bigger and better rink. There is also more space to watch from the sidelines so even more fun to be had by all. We have loved it since the start, going back for bruised bums a couple of times a year (still can't quite get to grips with going backwards...perhaps this year...?!) Until 17th December, Eden are offering Cornish residents a discounted entry of £5. Skating is an additional £4 for forty minutes on the rink. Take along proof of your address and enjoy the ice, domes and a festive menu in the restaurant.
Tel: 01726 811972
www.edenproject.com

Carols in Falmouth
Just before Christmas every year, Falmouth's main streets are closed to traffic and a male voice choir, made up of retired dock workers and members of other local choirs, moves through town singing carols and collecting for charity. The sound of their deep voices and beautiful harmonies is seriously uplifting and garaunteed to fill even the most scooge-like soul with Christmas spirit! The staff in our Falmouth shop are lucky enough to hear them loud and clear each Christmas as they stop to sing right outside the front door. Saturday, 23rd December: The Cornish Harmony Choir, leave the Watersports Centre at 11am, stopping at Church Corner, Nat West Bank, Rowe's Bakery and finishing up on the Moor at 1pm.

Boxing Day Walk...
Kynance to Lizard Point never fails to blow away the Christmas cobwebs. Watch the seagulls swoop and the wave's crash from this spectacular cliff top vantage point. Park in the National Trust carpark at Kynance and follow the cliffs back towards the lighthouse. Don'[t leave the cliff path and after about 45 minutes you will reach the most southerly point of Britain, a great place to be on Boxing Day - apart from the Seasalt and Wildlife sale of course!