Cornwall Weekend Journals: Spring

Spring is such a lovely time of year to be in Cornwall, the colours get brighter and the sea is (a little) warmer for those brave enough to swim! Smaller businesses that have closed for winter begin to reopen and it’s light enough for evening barbecues on the beach again! It is the time of year we often choose to photograph venues for Weekend Journals as the light is so soft and photogenic, and it is when the outdoor businesses are at their best. 

Chapel House was one of the first hotels I stayed at in Cornwall as an adult and it was one of the first venues we wanted to showcase in the first Cornwall book. Found on one of Penzance’s most picturesque roads, Chapel House offers views of St Michael’s Mount and the nearby harbour. Owner Susan Stuart worked tirelessly to transform the building (which was once home of the Penzance Arts Club) into a thoughtful and luxurious hotel. Wherever possible Susan supports local makers and suppliers and the artwork on the walls is loaned from Newlyn School of Art. 

Flora at New Yard opened in summer 2023, the first permanent café, bakery and restaurant space for chef Tim Spedding and his creative wife Louise Rødkjær Spedding. The whimsical café and dining room are found deep within the Trelowarren Estate, close to the Lizard, which is the southernmost tip of Cornwall. Tim has worked in some of the country’s best restaurants, and though the food here is more casual it still very much showcases his expertise and flair.  

There are several lovely independent venues worth popping into in St Ives for a drink if you know where to look. Little Palais is tucked away on Wharf Road and serves natural wines, small plates and ice-cream. Visit on a Thursday for one of their celebrated ‘vinyl nights’. 

I also love St Eia for a coffee in the day or glass of wine in the evening. The wine selection is really unique and the accompanying snacks are worth saving your appetite for! 

Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens is a lovely place to spend an afternoon, and is ideal for all age groups. The dramatic setting offers magnificent views and is an impressive backdrop for the striking artworks. Look out for works by renowned artist Richard Long and Tim Shaw. My personal favourite is James Turrell’s Skyspace – a mesmerising oval space offering a glimpse of the ever-changing Cornish sky. 

If you are feeling extra adventurous while in Cornwall, take a helicopter ride over to the Isles of Scilly. This special destination is made up of approximately 1500 tiny islands off the coast of Cornwall, but only 5 are inhabited. The short flight takes you into St Mary’s and from there you can reach the other islands by boat.  Each island has something unique to offer – Tresco for luxurious bliss, St Agnes for an isolated artistic retreat and Bryher for a rugged, remote escape.

Get the boat across to Rock from Padstow, eat at Four Boys (their burger is unbeatable) or head to The Mariners for Paul Ainsworth’s fabulous fish and chips.  

Find more suggestions for exploring the best of Cornwall in Milly’s Weekend Journals Cornwall book, available here. You can also find Milly on Instagram @millykr and @weekendjournals.