New Year, new things to try in Looe
A new year can spur us on to try new things, develop a skill or simply do something that takes us out of our normal comfort zone. It can be exciting, and at times frustrating, but ultimately ticking off a new year’s resolution helps us on our way to personal growth and fulfilling important life goals.
Sometimes all we need is a little kick-start to help us get motivated, ready to take on new challenges this year. For those on holiday in Looe and Polperro, the Cornish beauty spots have plenty to offer those wanting to step into 2016 with a new passion, talent or attitude…
Cardio on the coastline
Getting fit is a New Year’s resolution for many and it’s great to want to improve our health but sometimes we need to walk before we can run, spin, kick box and so on.
Fortunately, the coastal line around Looe offers lots of opportunities to squeeze in some cardio exercise. Take a leisurely stroll or pick up speed with your 2016 goals, whether you’re simply looking to tire out the kids or training for the next triathlon.
For guidance on the best coastal route to take, iWalk’s online guide can help visitors learn more about the walks in the area. Uniquely,
iWalk’s John Alden suggests making the most of what’s in season. Visitors can expect to see bluebells in spring and by the summer places such as West Pentire put on a wonderful display of wild poppies. He also has this advice for those new to coastal walks in Cornwall:
“Give yourself time: by the time I stop to take a few photos, I find I average about 2mph when walking, but it’s definitely worth adding some extra time for picnics and exploring. Sometimes it’s nice just to stop and spend a few minutes watching the sea and the wildlife which is often when you get to see some truly beautiful things that most people pass by.”
Master the pasty
All that walking is bound to work up an appetite but why not take control of your kitchen in 2016 with a fun cookery class to learn the secrets to serving up Cornish cuisine?
Cover all the key culinary lessons that the region has to offer at Philleigh Way Cookery School on their one day Pasties and Cream course. Run on the family farm of head Chef George, Philleigh Way’s ethos is all about promoting the wonderful array of produce available in Cornwall and teaching recipes and skills handed down over the generations.
Providing a great introduction to the best of Cornish dining as well as teaching students a range of new skills, the hugely popular day courses teach holidaymakers some classic recipe tricks to recreate the county’s favourite dishes at home. Learn how to make the iconic Cornish pasty or enjoy tucking into a scrumptious Cornish cream tea, on this fun day course, you’ll learn how to cook the ‘proper’ Cornish way using the finest local ingredients around.
Save the seaside
Now you know how to prepare the best ingredients in the county, make sure they stay top quality by protecting Cornwall’s stunning coast and the creatures that call it home. If you’re hoping to adopt a more environmentally friendly attitude this year, learning a few tips to help keep Cornwall’s beaches beautiful is a good place to start.
Meeting locally, Looe Marine Conservation Group regularly organise talks to help families be more seashore savvy when they visit Cornwall and their beach clean events allow everyone to take a hands-on approach to caring for the coast and the wildlife that lives there. Take a look at their 2016 Calendar of Events to see what’s on for eco-champions in Looe.
Looe Marine Conservation Group also has a few quick tips that families can follow to look after nature and keep safe on a trip to the beach:
- Leave animals and seaweeds where you find them.
- Always replace overturned rocks – they are someone’s home!
- Take your litter home with you or put it in a bin.
- Take only photos, leave only footprints!
- Be careful on the shore at all times; check the tides and keep away from the cliffs.
- anything unusual washed up on the beach or spotted offshore to Looe Marine Conservation Group.
You can find more helpful tips in their Code of Conduct for the coastline.
Be a buccaneer for the day
Alternatively, you could use the New Year as a chance to be brave and go on a thrill-seeking adventure in the South West. Leave your caravan park in Cornwall for the day and step into another world where swash-buckling pirates still rule the seas!
Combining the incredible history of the area with exciting special effects, family attraction Pirate’s Quest is an immersive walk-through experience that brings the past to life. Taking visitors on a journey through the legends that have helped to shape the Cornwall that we know and love, this fun day out takes a look at intriguing characters like King Arthur, the dastardly coastal smugglers and even Cornwall’s ancient giants.
Catering for all ages, Pirate’s Quest also hosts special seasonal events around Easter and Halloween and this February, guests are invited to join the Republic of Pirates in their all-new adventure. Featured in the image below, Captain Calico Jack and Anne Bonny highly recommend that young adventurers dress the part and pick up a treasure map when they visit, before arriving would-be ‘first mates’ can meet the seafaring crew with a special message in a bottle craft activity available to download through their website.
Whatever your personal goal is in 2016, with so many things to do and see in Cornwall you’re guaranteed to stumble across something new this year.
This content was written by Alex Jones.
