Summer’s in full swing, the ice cream vans are out in force and Cornwall is putting on an impressive show in the sunshine. The summer holidays are coming, but here’s the thing; you don’t have to follow the crowds to find some Cornish magic. At Talland Bay Hotel, we like our summer escapes with a little less queue and a little more character.

Whether you’re already booked in for sea views and food worth writing home about, or are still daydreaming about your next Cornish getaway, here is our not-so-secret-anymore guide to the best lesser-known things to do in South East Cornwall: our home turf and a particularly pretty part of the coast, if we do say so ourselves.

Escape the crowds at Talland Bay beach

It may seem like an obvious place to start, but our namesake cove is actually something of a secret. Tucked between Looe and Polperro, Talland Bay beach is often overlooked by those racing off to bigger names bays. But their loss is your gain, with clear seas, rock pools and peace here for the taking even at the height of the summer holidays.

Wander to Lansallos Beach

Not far from Talland Bay Hotel, and reachable via a footpath through leafy fields and an old smugglers’ route, Lansallos Beach is beautifully off-the-beaten-track and well worth the wander. It’s one of our favourite spots for a secluded sea dip or a sunset picnic.

Find shade in Kilminorth Woods

The beaches in Cornwall are such a delight that is can be difficult to give other terrains a try. We get it. But just a short hop inland from Looe is Kilminorth Woods, a patch of ancient woodlands that is perfect for days when the sun is just that bit too strong, the dog needs a run, and you’re keen to escape the crowds for a breather. With this summer set to be a scorcher, it’s a must-know.

Done Fowey? Explore Polruan

There can be no denying Fowey’s loveliness. But if you fancy fewer people and just as much charm, hop across the water on the ferry to Polruan. Tiny lanes, pretty pastel cottages and some of the best sea views in Cornwall are found in abundance here.

SOAK UP SOME HISTORY AT Antony House

If you’re escaping to Talland Bay Hotel from Plymouth, Antony House in Torpoint makes for a treat of a stop-off on your way here or home. The early 18th century mansion is something of a Hollywood star, having appeared in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland (did we mention we have our own Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon tea coming up, by the way?)

The handsome house is still home to the Carew Pole family, whose history weaves an interesting tale of the events of the English Civil War. Inside is a treasure trove of portraits and antiques, while the grounds outside spill dramatically down to the Lynher Estuary. The green fingered will be particularly impressed by a collection of daylilies known to be one of the country’s finest.

Walk the South West Coast Path (THE BEST BIT)

Ok, we know – a recommendation to walk the South West Coast Path is nothing new. But we think our particular slice of the path is some of the best of the whole 630 miles. Clifftops, coves, smugglers tales; the stretch from Looe to Polperro has it all.

Tempted to tick some of our suggestions off your list? Plan a stay at Talland Bay Hotel this summer. Our coastal hideaway is the perfect base for escaping the crowds and exploring a quieter corner of Cornwall. Sea views, an award-winning restaurant, a terrace that encourages you to slow down and enjoy something cold and refreshing when the temperatures are soaring are just some of our highlights. But there are many. We’re dog friendly, gloriously different and ready to welcome you for a summer that is anything but ordinary.

Book your summer escape at Talland Bay Hotel today. We’ll have your sun lounger waiting.

STAY WITH US THIS SUMMER