Our summer holiday this year was a staycation. We decided not to travel abroad, as we have a very exciting trip planned for the end of the year. Cornwall felt like the natural choice. It never disappoints, and after many visits over the years, it remains a place we return to with ease and affection.
With the car packed and ready, we set off for the four to five hour drive to our holiday rental. A long journey, but one I secretly enjoy. There is something comforting about travelling by car: stopping at services for a hot latte, picking up a bit of chocolate or a packet of crisps, and gathering small treats to enjoy along the way. The scenery shifts slowly, and after a few hours the coastline begins to appear. That first glimpse always feels like the true beginning of the holiday.
St Ives is well known for its charming seaside, its beaches, its little shops, and its relaxed atmosphere. We had visited before, and as our rental was only twenty minutes away, we decided to go early in the morning to enjoy the town while it was still quiet. Arriving at around 8.30 am, we found St Ives almost asleep. The harbour was bathed in soft sunlight, the seagulls were resting along the shore, and the stillness felt almost magical.
A small coffee shop had just opened its doors, so we stepped inside for a latte and a croissant. We carried our breakfast to the main little beach at the front of St Ives and sat down on the sand to eat. It was a moment of complete calm. Our daughter played with the gentle waves, bringing us every now and then a shell of some sort or an 'interesting' beach found, the sun was warm, and the town remained peaceful. The coffee and croissant were simple but perfect. My husband and I chatted about our plans for the day while looking out at the water, our daughet playing and the general beautiful atmosphere.
Slowly, the harbour began to wake. Shops opened, footsteps appeared, and the familiar hum of the town returned. We spent the morning browsing the shops, then wandered around the beaches, the lighthouse, the port, and the surrounding hills. We also enjoyed a Cornish pastry also sitted at one of the beach ( a must do!!) while trying to not have the seagulls stealing our lunch. The views were beautiful, and it felt good to explore before the afternoon crowds arrived. By early afternoon, we left the bustle behind and returned to our holiday rental (for a mid-afternoon deep into the holiday park swimming pool) , carrying with us the quiet charm of the morning.
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