» Listings for 2023

1. Beach House Style

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 6th Apr 2023

   Bringing the seaside into your home - creating coastal vibes

   Being on, or beside, the sea has always been important to me - being near the ocean helps me get things into perspective, brings a sense of calm and it's simply my happy place.  Whether the sea is still or stormy, the beauty is equal and the effects are the same for me.

   So why not bring some of these coastal vibes into your home?  Create the perfect seaside living space for you and those you love.  Decorate with neutral tones and add colours of the ocean with your accessories or pictures - or choose your own shade of the ocean for your walls with maybe even a feature wall.

   

    

   Driftwood is great for bringing a little bit of the coast to your home, as are bare floorboards or tables and chairs in whitewashed wood. All give the feeling of seaside living and beach house style. A few nautical coasters can be dotted around, perfect for your drinks. Here at Cornish Magpie we've a huge range of nautical inspired coasters - think spider crabs, seals, starfish, lobsters and so many more.  If you're looking for coastal home accessories, we've plenty to inspire you and bring a seaside vibe to your living space.

   

    

   Placing a few favourite photos around your home in beach-inspired frames can add to the coastal living vibe, think of shells, rope and again, driftwood. Why not have a favourite photo made into a canvas to hang on your wall? Or what about a tide clock?  Tide clocks indicate how many hours there are until high tide or until low tide - they're a great way of knowing what the ocean is up to and the tide clocks at Cornish Magpie are simply beautiful - stylish and understated, they make a wonderful addition to any ocean lover's home, adding subtly to the coastal theme.

   

   You can really get creative in your kitchen - there are so many beautiful coastal accessories and homewares to inspire you.  So even when you're washing up you can think of the seaside. Check out our tea towels section, there's a huge range of coastal inpired designs including A Storm in a Teacup, Mackerel, John Dory plus lots more...and our tea towels are a great size, 100% cotton - and colourful too.  A great way of bringing the seaside into your kitchen, or a great gift if you're wondering what to buy that coast loving friend.

   

   What about hammams in your bathroom?  These colourful and bright lightweight towels come in a range of designs and colours to suit your theme.  Maybe a coastal inspired candle or two? Enjoy a bath surrounded by the scent of the ocean waves. Why not use a scallop shell for a soap dish?  

   

   And even when you're outside, having a cuppa, the coastal vibe can still be with you - choose your favourite mug, put your feet up and have a little daydream of the seaside or holidays past - or dream of those to come.

   

    

   We can't all live by the seaside but we can certainly enjoy a little bit of it in our homes.  A few little coastal touches here and there can make all the difference.  Let me know you bring the seaside home, I'd love to hear from you.  And of course, if you're looking for coastal gifts and homewares, just check out everything on offer here at Cornish Magpie - I hope you find something you like.  Wishing you all love and happiness.

   Shirley xx

2. What's On - Easter in Cornwall 2023

   Posted on 1:00pm Tuesday 28th Mar 2023

   Cornwall has a wealth of things to do, both indoors and outside, with lots of special events during Easter time.  Whether you're looking for walks, entertainment or Easter Egg Hunts, there's plenty of choice all over Cornwall, here's my pick of days out in April.

   1. There are Easter Egg Hunts taking place at various National Trust properties all over Cornwall, including Trerice, Lanhydrock, Trelissick and Trengwainton.  A full list of all the events can be found on their website, here: National Trust Easter Events in Cornwall

   2. The Seal Sanctuary in Gweek is always worth a visit, great for the whole family.  See the resident seals, those who are there for rehabilitation, visit the sea lions and also the Humboldt penguins. There's a cafe and lots of outdoor picnic areas too, as well as a play area for the kids.  Find out more here.

   3. St Endellion Easter Festival incorporates a chance to take in some beautiful classical music performances in the stunning St Endellion Church.  Chamber music, candlelit concerts or contemporary music and literary lunctime events are also on offer across the course of the programme.  The opening festival event “Come and Sing” is a chance to join in the music for yourself. The festival runs from 8th – 16th April 2023.

   4. Pendennis Castle are holding an Adventure Quest and this takes place throughout the Easter holidays. Explore the grounds to hunt for clues and challenges and discover traditional Easter games. Track down the Easter eggs and you’ll be rewarded with an adventurer’s certificate and a tasty chocolate treat. Find out more here.

   5. Why not try your hand at Football Golf?  Great fun for everyone and a brilliant way to enjoy time together as well as a bit of exercise to burn off all the Easter Eggs calories.  No experience of football is necessary.  Have a look on their website for more details of prices and how to book.

   6. Visit beautiful Penzance and enjoy an outdoor swim at the Jubilee Pool.  Not only is there a large, cold water pool but there's the wonderfully warm geothermal pool too. Definitely an experience not to be missed - booking in advance is essential. Get cosy afterwards with a hot chocolate or a bite to eat in the wonderful on-site cafe.

   7. Fancy some retail therapy?  Visit the fabulous Shipyard Market, part of the Harbour Market in the village of Porthleven.  You'll find a range of artisan sellers of food, drink, crafts and gifts.  Visit the amazing new Poke Food cafe and enjoy a leisurely lunch at the wooden banquet tables.  Ced's Bagels are only next door too with scrumptious offerings too. Visit Porthleven Harbour Market for more details.

   8. In the SW of Cornwall you'll find the awesome Minack Theatre, definitely not a place to miss off your itinerary. With wonderful gardens and breathtaking views, it's a must-see, built into the side of a cliff by one woman, the amazing Rowena Cade.  Theatre performances take place regularly both in daytime and in the evening.  Remember to wrap up warm and bring a cushion to sit on.

   9. If you're a lover of flowers, then why not visit the stunning Spring Flower Show in Wadebridge?  The show is on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd of April. This is an annual celebration of Cornwall’s early spring with dramatic displays of flowers and shrubs, exquisite exhibits by leading nurseries and landscape designers, and a spectacular spread of horticultural traders.

   10.  There are various locations across Cornwall offering cycle hire.  Cycling is a great way to get some exercise, fresh air and see Cornwall from a different perspective, and most offer electric bikes, great for dealing with some of the hills that you're likely to come across.  Hire shops include Camel Cycle Hire in Wadebridge, Lakeside Cycles in Helston and Shipyard Cycle Hire in Porthleven.

   11. The Eden Project is always a great place to visit, regardless of the weather. Make memories this Easter with plenty of family-friendly games, crafts and activities to get the whole family exploring Eden’s great outdoors and Biomes.  Booking in advance is essential.

   12. Stithians Lake is the perfect place to visit this Easter - enjoy an unforgettable family adventure, jam-packed with new experiences. There's an action-packed activity programme suitable for all ages and abilities. Activities include sailing and windsurfing, Multi-Activity Days and an Easter Eggstravaganza. Check out their website for more details.

   13. Download the I Walk Cornwall app and get outdoors on a guided walk. They have 304 walks in Cornwall, ranging from 2 to 13 miles. Nearly all of these are circular and the majority are in the 3-6 mile range. Walks packed with local history and nature information can be purchased via the app for a small charge which guides you around the route using detailed, heavily-tested hand-written directions tracked via GPS.

   14. Easter Holiday Fun is coming to Flambards as the full park opens from Saturday 1st April - Sunday 16th April 2023. There will be a whole host of family entertainment throughout the school holidays for all the family to enjoy. Flambards’ much-loved mascot Ferdi the Fox, who will be on site to meet and greet visitors throughout the holidays, is back with his popular Big Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 9th.

   So, as you can see, there's loads to do in Cornwall this Easter - and the above are only a handful of suggestions. Most tourist attractions will have special Easter events and there are countless Easter Egg Hunts taking place too.  The coast path will be springing to life with flowers and colour, and the various gift shops, cafes and restaurants will be welcoming visitors with open arms. Wishing you all a wonderful Easter 2023, whatever you're up to :-)