Switching off is hard to do these days but if you veer off the beaten track, you’ll find plenty of places to unplug and recharge. Here’s our pick of the best
Immersive reading in St Agnes
Losing yourself in the world of a story is always the sign of a good read, but rarely do we have the chance to physically be in the space the story is set in. Beach Cottage, in St Agnes, offers just that opportunity and the chance to experience a new style of travel, dubbed ‘immersive reading’.
Not only is this charming cottage where bestselling author Paige Toon conceived the idea for her latest novel, Seven Summers, but it and the surrounding village is also where the book, about two star crossed lovers who meet every summer in Cornwall, is set. So, you can really switch off from the real world and completely immerse yourself by following the exact footsteps of the characters – including discovering sand art at Trevaunance Cove and clifftop walks to watch the sunset.
You can bring family and friends with you too as this Beach Cottage, which was refurbished in 2021 and features original exposed stonework, sleeps up to eight in four en-suite bedrooms.
Prices start from £1675 for three nights and £2094 for seven-night stays, cornwallhideaways.co.uk.
Step back in time on The Lizard
In 1872, the Signal Station was built as a beacon of safety for passing trading vessels. A team of flag signallers would direct passing ships while communicating with London via telegraph. Outward and homeward bound ships would report their name and other information and the particulars would be passed to the telegraph room below to be sent to the ships’ owners and the daily papers. It meant ships didn’t have to call at Falmouth as they could now receive orders directly from the Lizard.
Within five years the station was being used by more than 1,000 ships a month and, in 1883, insurance market Lloyd’s of London took over its operation, hence the name which is now emblazoned on its façade.
The station ceased operation in 1969 and remained unused until 1994 when it was converted into a home and now offers guests a unique self-catering coastal retreat to rent.
Inside, the white-washed walls and blue and grey decor flawlessly blends with the kaleidoscopic of the horizon, while industrial fittings and salvaged features nod to this unique home’s seafaring past. There are three beautifully uncomplicated double bedrooms on the first floor, all with stunning, sweeping views across the ocean, and window seats perfect for taking in both storms and postcard-worthy days. The roof terrace provides the perfect spot for some morning yoga or a contemplative cup of tea as you watch migrating birds soar above the ocean.
Prices from £2,250 per week and £1,695 per short break (three days), uniquehomestays.com.
An unplugged adventure for kids near Truro
Tucked away within a private 200-acre woodland estate near Truro, is a place where young campers can escape the stresses of 21st century life by ditching screens and smartphones in exchange for enriching experiences in nature.
This year marks 10 years of Camp Kernow, a pioneering off-grid residential summer camp for eight- to 15-year-olds where they can experience a whole host of unplugged adventures while mastering new skills and forming new friendships for life.
From forging with a local Blacksmith to feasting on wild foraged food cooked on a campfire and falconry there’s a whole host of activities to educate and inspire youngsters. Sustainability and minimising environmental impact is at the heart of the camp’s ethos with campers harvesting fresh, organic produce from the kitchen garden and polytunnel for meals and all water is drawn from a 64.5 metre deep borehole and filtered for drinking and heated for washing by wood-fired boilers and solar thermal technology. ‘By immersing young people in the natural world and reigniting their curiosity and sense of wonder in nature, we believe we can help them realise the passion needed to drive positive change for our planet’s future,’ explains camp co-founder Charlie Nicholson.
Six-day camps cost £694 and run on select dates between 28th July and 23rd August 2024, campkernow.org.uk
Learn how to farm in Looe
Sample a slice of the good life on Loretta and Mark Dennis’ family farm in the Looe Valley, where you can get up close and personal with the animals. Gwel Teg Farm specialises in dairy with a herd of 400 Holstein and British Blue cows and guests young and old can learn how milk is made. They also raise sheep, so spring is a great time to visit to feed the new lambs.
The canvas hideaways sleep five (with proper beds) and have a private hot shower, flushing toilet and wood burning stove, helping to create a cosy atmosphere in the evenings, but with no electricity or WiFi, a digital detox is unescapable.
That shouldn’t matter with an abundance of outside space and a playground for children to explore, while parents can relax on the veranda with a coffee made from hand ground beans or slip into the outdoor hot tub. There are plenty of idyllic quiet beaches nearby too – like Hannafore, with its many rock pools to explore at low tide.
From £150 per night (minimum three nights), featherdown.co.uk/looe-cornwall-cornwall
Stay in a shepherd’s hut near St Ives
Nestled between the coastlines of St Ives and Penzance and tucked away amongst the fruit trees of a peaceful Cornish smallholding, is a sweet little shepherd’s hut for two.
Decorated with Scandi-style, pared-back wood and home-sewn linen curtains, the hut offers visitors the chance to really experience the Danish tradition of Hygge – there are essential oils to diffuse, a tiny log burner for cosy nights in and plenty of books lining the shelves.
In the right season, fresh produce and flowers can be plucked from the organic garden and neighbouring greenhouses, and there are push bikes to borrow so you poodle about the local area with ease. Take an early morning solitary dip at Porthgwidden Beach or stroll along the deserted stretch of sand at Gwenvyr Beach in the evening and stop to watch the sunset.
Price from: £123 per night (2 nights minimum stay), kiphideaways.com
Enjoy an oasis of calm in St Tudy
Appearing to float on its own natural pond, Boslagen seamlessly blends into the nature that surrounds it. This architecturally inspiring pavilion has been designed to make the most of the orchard, meadow and woodland views from its full height glass walls and wraparound veranda.
What makes this spot truly special, however, is the water. The benefits of a waterside view are well documented and here you can achieve a sense of calm through the meditative appeal of rippling water as it laps against the veranda and reflects on the ceiling of the bedroom. There’s even an outdoor Japanese bath for the perfect al-fresco pamper experience, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the natural pond – an ecosystem of its own with native reeds and grasses, frogs and other pond dwellers to spot.
Wander barefoot in the wildflower meadow, pick fruit from the neighbouring orchard in the summer or just cuddle up together on the oversized sun cushions and chase the Cornish sun.
From £1,159 for three nights, cornishgems.com
