Staycation inspiration: How to cruise Cornwall by superyacht

For UK-based superyacht owners looking to cruise closer to home, Cornwall has more to offer than you might think as a staycation location. Discover our favourite fine dining spots, secluded beaches and homely hotels in the the west country that are perfect for a superyacht stopover...

Berth at: Port Pendennis Marina

Image Credits: Unsplash

Port Pendennis Maria is the only fully serviced marina in the region that can accommodate superyachts. It has a large outer harbour with 260 metres of pontoon dedicated to visiting yachts. It also offers unrestricted tidal access with a minimum depth of 4.6 metres.

Alternatively if your superyacht is in need of a little TLC then Pendennis Shipyard can accommodate yachts in its wet basin. The Pendennis Yacht Support team can also help with arrival support, customs and provisioning contacts.

Alternatively, drop anchor in one of the many bays and estuaries and explore hidden pathways and beaches by tender.

Stay at: The Idle Rocks, St. Mawes

Image courtesy of Luchford

Located in the heart of St. Mawes and accessible by tender from Falmouth, The Idle Rocks is an intimate, 19-bedroom Relais & Châteaux hotel. Its restaurant, headed by chef Dorian Janmaat, prides itself on using fresh and local ingredients to show off the finest Cornish cuisine. Stop by to stretch your sea legs and enjoy a traditional British Sunday lunch on the terrace while taking in the stunning views of the harbour. Alternatively, arrive in time for a sundowner and then enjoy a three-course meal with highlights such as Cornish Monkfish served with wild garlic, gnocchi, celeriac and clams.

If you are looking for a more rustic dining experience head to the Wheelhouse in Falmouth. Hidden down a side street, the Wheelhouse is considered to be something of a foodies' secret and has a reputation for serving some of the best crab, lobster and shellfish in this corner of Cornwall.

Play golf at: Budock Vean Hotel

Image credits: Budock Vean Hotel/Facebook.com

If you fancy a round of golf while in the region then head to the scenic Budock Vean Hotel. Originally designed by five-time Open Winner James Braid the challenging course is set within mature parkland. If members of the party are seeking a more relaxing day then they can check into the hotel’s spa for a day of seaside pampering.

Meet afterwards for a traditional Cornish cream tea while taking in the the stunning grounds that sprawl over 65 acres. Enjoy scones and cakes made according to a secret recipe passed down to the pastry chef from his grandmother, paired with a cup of tea brewed with leaves grown locally on the nearby Tregothnan Estate.

Helicopter to: Tresco

Image credits: Emily Luxton

If you aren't carrying a chopper on board your superyacht, charter a helicopter from Castle Air and be picked up from the Pendennis Shipyard helipad for a scenic flight around Tresco, the second biggest island in the Isles of Scilly group. Land on the island and explore the sub-tropical Tresco Abbey Garden, bursting with unique plant species from more than 80 countries around the world. From palm trees to shocking pink geraniums, the garden's 2,000 plants flourish well thanks to tall windbreaks that can channel the weather up and over the network of walled enclosures. Hidden within the garden is also the Valhalla museum, a collection of some 30 figureheads rescued from local shipwrecks.

Afterwards head to one of the island's many glittering beaches and watch the sunset over the small isles before returning to Falmouth.

Picture courtesy of Shutterstock.com

Visit: St Mawes Castle and Glendurgan Gardens

Image Credits: Pixabay

Alongside Pendennis Castle, English Heritage site St. Mawes Castle helped to guard the Port of Falmouth for more than 400 years. It is one of the best preserved of King Henry VIII's coastal artillery fortresses and its grounds stretch down to the Fal Estuary with views out to sea. During summer, open-air theatre performances are hosted within the grounds for an atmospheric night of entertainment.

Alternatively head to the National Trust garden in the valley of Glendurgan. The waterside garden runs down to the Helford River at the fishing village of Durgan and is filled with an incredible variety of plants and flowers. After your walk around the gardens and maze visit the tea house for a traditional Cornish ice cream.

Feast at: Hidden Hut

Hidden Hut feast nights/Facebook.com

If you are looking for a fun family evening then head to the Hidden Hut overlooking Porthcurnick Beach for one of their famous feast nights. Guests bring their own plates, cutlery and wine while the secluded beach cafe supplies the food for a sea-breeze scented outdoors picnic. The menu changes for every event and ranges from Cornish lobster and chips to wood-fired rotisserie chicken. 

Located just outside Portscatho on the Roseland Peninsula the cafe offers picture-perfect views and a relaxed environment. Make sure you buy your ticket in advance as the event is so popular it always sells out.​​

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