Out & About in Cornwall
The Penmere Manor
"Whatever you choose to do, we can make up a hamper for lunch so the day is bound to be a success."
Falmouth is the ideal location to base your holiday for exploring Cornwall. Whilst the Eden Project and the Tate St Ives are only an hour's drive, there is so much to see and do in the immediate vicinity.
Whatever the time of year the famous Cornish gardens must be seen. Within 10 miles of the Penmere Manor Hotel there are established estates such as Trelissick, Glendurgan, Trebah and Carwinion. We can also arrange individual garden tours with the head gardener of the Tregothnan Estate, the seat of Viscount Falmouth.
Visit the National Maritime Museum Cornwall on the edge of Falmouth Harbour and visit the watchtower to learn more about the evolution of the port and town. Walk around Pendennis Castle on the headland and then take the ferry to St Mawes to see the sister fortification, commissioned by Henry VIII to defend Carrick Roads against foreign invasion.
Take a cruise up the Helford River and see where Daphne du Maurier was inspired to write "Frenchman's Creek" or take any of the fabulous coastal paths and enjoy the countryside and coastline on foot.
Whatever you choose to do, we can make up a hamper for lunch so the day is bound to be a success.
Please find below dates for your diary of events both in Falmouth and around the surrounding area.
PADSTOW OBBY OSS – 1st May 2010
The first day of May is Obby Oss day in Padstow.*The origins of this traditional celebration are lost in the midst of time but it is thought to celebrate the arrival of Spring and may even be an ancient fertility festival.
* Unless May 1st falls on a Sunday in which case the Obby Oss celebrations take place on the Monday - May 2nd.
Inhabitants of Padstow (those born in the town) traditionally dress in white, with family loyalties dictating whether they follow the 'Red'/original Oss, or the 'Blue'/peace Oss.
Both Oss' are similar in appearance and perform a dancing ritual accompanied by an hypnotic folk song (unique to Padstow) around the town. Each Oss is lead by a group of followers as they make their way through the narrow streets and around the harbour.
The festivities start at 10am with the 'Blue' Oss making its first appearance from its stable, followed at 11am by the appearance of the 'Red' Oss from its home. Celebrations go on all day until the Oss' finally go to bed after 10pm.
Visit www.padstow.com for further details.
HELSTON FLORA DAY – 8th May 2010
"Home of The Furry Dance" Flora Day is held every year on May 8th except when this date falls on a Sunday or Monday, then it is held on the preceding Saturday. This celebration is believed to be pre-Christian and at one time during the Victorian era was banned as being "a drunken revelry." The whole town is decorated with local greenery and bluebells which grow in millions in the surrounding countryside.
To the beat of the big base drum, elegant gentlemen and their ladies dance in and out of Churches, shops and houses. The day starts with the 7.00 am dance (originally for the servants of the gentry) with the Gentlemen wearing shirt and tie and the ladies wearing light summer dresses. This is followed by a boisterous dance cum play called the Hal-an-Tow. Verses of this have reference to Robin Hood, the Spanish Armada and St George and the dragon.
Visit www.helstonfloraday.org.uk for further details.
DAPHNE DU MAURIER FESTIVAL – 13th - 22nd MAY 2010
The 2010 Festival takes place from Thursday 13th to Saturday 22nd May, inclusive.
The Daphne du Maurier Festival is based in and around the scenic Port of Fowey on the south coast of Cornwall - the Cornish Riviera - renowned for its mild climate. The numerous gardens nearby with sub-tropical and tender plants bear testament to the favoured situation of the Cornish Riviera.
Come to Cornwall - enjoy an entertaining and sparkling 10 days of Star Names, Drama, Music, Talks, Concerts, Guided Walks, local events plus Free entertainment. The combination of professional names and local events makes the Du Maurier Festival one of the most popular of its kind in the country. - There's something in the Festival for everyone !
Visit www.dumaurierrestival.co.uk for further details.
FAL RIVER FESTIVAL – 28th May – 6th June 2010
The Fal River Festival, which will run from May 28th to June 6th in 2010, is all about celebrating life on the river Fal in Cornwall.
The 10 day festival encompasses over 130 events which range from music and drama, the arts and heritage to rowing races, triathlons and walks. The festival, which was established in 2006, is celebration of life on the river, a chance to really embrace the places, people, history and culture that are connected by this very Cornish river.
Visit www.falriverfestival.co.uk for further details.
MAENPORTH RNLI FUN DAY – 30th May 2010
Fun Day on the Beach including Search & Rescue Demonstration
Email cornwall@mli.org.uk for further details.
ROYAL CORNWALL SHOW – 10th, 11th & 12th June 10
The showground and Wadebridge bursts into life for three days each year during the annual Royal Cornwall Show. There are a number of dog, falconry and equine competitions at this popular agricultural event where visitors are free to explore the many trade stands and exhibitions at the showground. One stand that always does well is the traditional Cornish pasty stall in the ever-popular food and farming marquee. During the weekend, over 100,000 people attend the show which includes a fun programme of live music and entertainment ranging from performances by local bands to a spectacular aerial display by the Royal Artillery Parachute Team.
Visit www.royalcornwallshow.org for further details.
LOE BEACH REGATTA – 12th June 2010
One of the local village regattas unique to the River Fal Estuary, Loe Beach Regatta has been taking place continuously since the 19th Century, with the exception of the war years.
Visit www.pofsa.co.uk for further details.
FALMOUTH SEA SHANTY FESTIVAL – 18th – 20th June 2010
Falmouth will host its fifth annual Sea Shanty Festival from Friday 18th June through to Sunday 20th June and once again is being organised by members of the local shanty group Falmouth Shout.
The aims of the festival are to create an enjoyable event that helps to preserve and promote the maritime heritage of Falmouth and Cornwall and to raise money to help volunteer RNLI lifeboat crews save lives at sea.
Visit www.falmouthshout.com for further details.
POINT & PENPOL REGATTA – 26TH June 2010
The regatta has been in existence for well over 100 years. The events stages consist of firstly, children's running races (Saturday afternoon), followed by the main event the Sailing Regatta. Times for the Sailing Regatta vary year by year as all is dependent on the times of tides. Monday evening sees rowing and running events.The Regatta is held from the Quay at Point Village and is situated where Devoran and Penpol Creeks join.
All of our spectators are able to have a remarkable view of the events because it all takes place within Restronguet Creek.
Visit www.pofsa.co.uk for further details.
ST MAWES REGATTA – 10th July 2010
This regatta has been in existence for over 120 years. It is a traditional Cornish community day, with children’s beach sports in the morning, still with the egg and spoon, sack, 3 leg, etc races plus a mothers and fathers race and free sweets to finish off the fun for the children.
The afternoon starts with the sailing races for local and national classes and the band taking up their position on the quay to commence their musical programme. Mid afternoon the aquatic events take place in the harbour with swimming, rowing, shovel, and novelty races. One and All are welcome.
Visit www.pofsa.co.uk for further details.
FLUSHING VILLAGE REGATTA – 24TH July 2010
The sailing regatta is based at Flushing Sailing Club with home-made teas to tempt competitiors. There are events for all members of the family with lots of activities for children.
Many holidaymakers make sure that they are here for this very special week so come and join us!
Visit www.pofsa.co.uk for further details.
CORNISH DRAGON BOAT CHALLENGE – 25th July 2010
Dragon Boat Racing throughout the day in aid of the RNLI - great spectator event
Email cornwall@rnli.org.uk for further details.
HELSTON AIR DAY – 28th July 2010
On Wednesday July 28th 2010 the general public will be able to ‘experience the world of Culdrose’, when for just one day of the year, the Naval Air Station, based in Helston, opens its gates to non-military personnel.
This means that budding fighter pilots and those who once dreamt of flying can experience the sights, sounds and smells of one of Europe’s largest helicopter bases first-hand.
Be Blown Away!
Air Day will be action packed from start to finish. As fast jets and military aircraft zoom across the skies, you will be able to meet Aircrew who have served on frontline Squadrons all over the world, Pilots who have just earned their ‘Wings’ and members of the Search and Rescue Squadron, who are seen flying all over Cornwall on daring rescue missions, often putting their own lives at risk to save those of others. Why not climb onboard state-of-the art aircraft, be scrambled on your own search and rescue mission, take a ride in a helicopter, be winched or jump into the driving seat of a military fire engine?
Fun for the whole family!
All ages will enjoy interactive exhibitions and displays from Field Gun Competitions and Parachutists, to Military bands and Motorcycles. A wide range of food and beverage outlets will also be available as will shops and other stalls.
HENRI-LLOYD FALMOUTH WEEK – 7th – 14th August 2010
Henri-Lloyd Falmouth Week has developed into the largest regatta in the South West, rivalled only by Cowes Week. It provides a racing schedule to challenge the most competitive sailors, yet retains a ‘fun and friendly’ feel which also attracts families and the less experienced.
Falmouth Week starts with the Falmouth Classics event, providing a special atmosphere and superb spectacle to kick off the week. Then follows six days of match racing for keelboats, traditional craft and dinghies in the waters of Falmouth Bay, the Carrick Roads and the Harbour. A Champagne Day on the final Saturday rounds off the week. Activity on the water is matched by a lively Shoreside programme of daytime and evening entertainment, culminating in a magnificent firework display over the Harbour. There is a Skippers’ Reception party in the National Maritime Museum at the beginning, and Grand Prize Giving party in the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club at the end of the Week.
Visit www.falmouthweek.co.uk for further details.
FALMOUTH OYSTER FESTIVAL – 14th – 17th October 2010
Falmouth Oyster Festival celebrates the start of the oyster season and the diversity and quality of Cornish Seafood and in particular, one of the last remaining traditional oyster fisheries.
The festival opens with a celebrity chef followed by a packed programme of cookery demonstrations by leading local chefs, oysters, seafood, wine and ale, children’s shell painting, sea shanties, town parade, live music and marquees packed with Cornish produce and crafts. The festival has broad appeal and is a must for all oyster, seafood and marine heritage enthusiasts - come and enjoy lunch and savour the atmosphere!
Visit www.falmouthoysterfestival.co.uk for further details.
Hotel Rooms
The Penmere Manor Hotel has 37 rooms, all of which are ensuite and we also have a range of rooms to suit single occupancy, doubles and family rooms for four, with bunk beds for the children. Discover more >>
Functions & Corporate Events
The Penmere Manor Hotel is just the right size and setting for a range of special occasions. We can cater for a variety of bespoke functions hosting between 18 and 38 people for a seated meal. Discover more >>
Weddings in Cornwall
Civil Ceremonies have become increasingly popular and the Penmere Manor Hotel is licensed to hold them in a choice of rooms: the Passingham Room, the library and the Manor Restaurant. Discover more >>