Whether your idea of a holiday involves sitting around in a garden or on the beach with a good book, or if you are after something a bit more active, Porthgwarra Cove is an excellent base. There are many safe, sandy beaches in easy reach (in addition to the Cove itself) plus a whole network of footpaths leading through spectacular scenery. The area abounds in wildlife (a wide range of birds are regular visitors). There is fishing and other water sports nearby, and many interesting places to visit. For those seeking more cultural pursuits, the famous Minack Outdoor Theatre is only 20 minutes walk along the Coastal Path.

A holiday at Carn Scathe House will be long remembered!

• Local Beaches
• Wildlife
• Activity Holidays

• Cultural Attractions
• Places to Visit

There are several beautiful sandy beaches within walking distance of Carn Scathe House, including Pednevounder (left, with the Logan Rock), Porth Chapel, Porthcurno and Whitesands Bay at Sennen.

Choose your sheltered beach according to the wind direction.

Porthgwarra is a naturalist's paradise: in the spring Porthgwarra valley is covered with a wonderful display of wild flowers, and the cliff tops are carpeted with heather. Traces of the bulb farming formerly carried out are evident in the hundreds of daffodils that can be seen in March.

Due to its southerly location, Porthgwarra is an important resting place for many migrant birds, as well as being home to many native species, and has therefore long been a favoured spot for ornithologists.

The surrounding sea is also home to much more than the fish which provided a living for the inhabitants for so many years: seals can regularly be seen in and around the cove (you can even watch them from your bedroom window in Carn Scathe House). At times even bigger creatures are seen, such as dolphins, basking sharks and even a small group of killer whales!

Porthgwarra is an excellent base for sea-fishing: fishing trips can be booked from many of the larger neighbouring ports. Sailing is also very popular: boats can be launched from the slipway in the Cove. Many of the local beaches are excellent for surfing. Local centres also provide tuition and facilities for a range of other water sports.

For those who prefer to stay dry, West Cornwall is a wonderful place for walking. The Cornwall Coastal Path runs only yards from Carn Scathe House, and many days can be filled walking the network of paths in the area. The cliffs in this area are well known to climbers with many well-known climbs: Chair Ladder for example.

Holidays in West Cornwall can involve far more than beaches, water-sports and walking: there are a range of more 'cultural' attractions as well. Foremost locally is the famous Minack Outdoor Theatre,(left) which is only 20 minutes walk away along the coastal path. Penzance offers a range of concerts, theatrical activities and festivals during the summer. St Ives is of course home to the Tate Gallery, and there are many other small local galleries throughout this area, which has been such a magnet to artists for so many years.

West Cornwall has been called home by people for many thousands of years: megalithic remains are everywhere: try the Merry Maidens near Lamorna (shown left). Further reminders of the past are the remnants of the old tin and lead mines: you can visit Geevor Tin Mine & Heritage Centre to learn more. Penzance is home to a range of attractions including art galleries and museums. St Michael's Mount near Penzance is a 'must-see'! The fishing history of the area can be seen in all the fishing villages nestling around the coast, as well as in the larger ports, and in the Pilchard Works museum at Newlyn. More modern technology is reflected in the Museum of Submarine Telegraphy at Porthcurno and the Satellite Earth Station at Goonhilly (visitors centre).

For those wanting to go further afield, a day out on the Isles of Scilly, travelling either by boat or helicopter from Penzance, is well worth considering.