Author: Kingfisher Cottage

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Our Favourite Local Animal Charities

Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary

Only 4 miles from Kingfisher Cottage

See how the Flicka Foundation are caring for over 70 donkeys and 30 horses, all rescued from situations of abuse, neglect and abandonment. Some are young donkeys and foals, like Hamish, Darcey, Clover and Archie.

Lots love to be fussed and there is a Tea Bray’k tea room overlooking the donkey paddocks for when you need nourishing.

Animals and tea rooms

Originally called ‘The Golden Oldies’ in 1995, it changed to its current name when “Flicka” came along. Flicka was a small strawberry roan pony, rescued after being found abandoned in the middle of an industrial estate amongst high-rise buildings and billowing smoke. He was delightful – he loved people, was very affectionate and adored fuss and attention despite his terrible start in life. After several years of teaching young children to ride he was retired to peaceful convalescence never to be forgotten…

Since Flicka’s arrival, over 1,000 animals have been rescued and rehabilitated for lots of different reasons, including hundreds of horses, ponies, sheep, pigs, cows, cats, dogs, rabbits, other small animals and of course donkeys. Each one has had a story to tell. Some had suffered unthinkable cruelty, neglect or abuse, others had been abandoned or were ailing in some way and requiring lots of special attention and TLC.

Our children and grandchildren love fussing them when they come over to greet you, but some of the donkeys may be more nervous due to the trauma they have suffered, and might prefer hanging back slightly.

During the spring and summer months nearly all the donkeys are out in the paddocks; you can take a stroll down the visitor walkways and watch them enjoying their lives in peace after all the trauma they have endured.

The Tea Bray’k tea room serves drinks, snacks and delicious homemade cakes from 11.00 – 4.00. Overlooking the donkey paddocks, the vegetarian café sells delicious homemade cake and light snacks with all proceeds going to the charity and the care of the wonderful resident animals.​ Your dog is welcome to wander around the sanctuary with you but must be on a lead.

Access to all areas of the site is possible for visitors with limited ability and disabled toilet facilities are available.

Car parking is available.

Location: The Flicka Foundation, Penty Noweth Farm, Penryn, Falmouth, TR10 9JB

Telephone: 01326 373601

For further information, including opening hours and special events visit: https://www.flickafoundation.org.uk/

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Our Favourite Local Animal Charities

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary

ONLY 9 MILES from Kingfisher Cottage

Set in the picturesque Helford estuary, by the beautiful village of Gweek, the Cornish seal sanctuary is a charity that rescues and rehabilitates grey seal pups from around the coastline.

Each season they rescue over 70 malnourished or damaged seal pups, including the grey seals, as well as some common seals, and patagonian sea-lions. Whilst many can later be released back into the sea, for some this becomes their permanent home. When visiting, you can experience wonderful marine mammals up close and personal and learn about their individual stories.

The sanctuary also provides a much-needed haven for a variety of other animals, such as penguins, sheep, ponies and goats that need protection. Occasionally the sanctuary’s facilities and expertise are called upon to aid the rescue of other marine creatures such as dolphins and turtles.

About 9 miles from Kingfisher Cottage, it will take you around 20 minutes by car.

For more information visit https://www.sealsanctuary.co.uk

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Falmouth

Beautiful gardens close to Falmouth

Abundance of gardens

Due to its the mild climate, this area of Cornwall has an abundance of wonderful gardens which are open to the public. A pretty drive will take you past the coveted oyster beds of Port Navas through Constantine and to Gweek at the head of the Helford estuary, or past Falmouth towards Truro for the gardens overlooking the Falestuary. Below is a small selection to consider.

Trelissick, near Truro

Owned by the National Trust and set on its own peninsula estate, it is a welcoming garden with stunning maritime views over the Fal estuary and lovely, meandering woodland walks leading to exotic plants and herbaceous borders.

The tiered garden is home to the national collection of photinias and azaras.


It has extensive Woodland and Riverside walks. The house has a friendly and inviting atmosphere with a renowned art gallery with paintings from local Cornish artists.


Crofters café offers a delicious range of National Trust fare, including its famous cream teas. You can arrive by car or catch a passenger ferry from Falmouth.


For more information check out: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

Enys Gardens, Penryn

It is said that Enys is considered to be the oldest garden in Cornwall. Robert Enys lived there during the reign of Edward 1. The 1709 edition of Camden’s Magna Britannia mentioned that Enys was noted for its fine Italianate gardens, with long vistas reaching down the length of the current garden.


In 1833 John Samuel Enys engaged Henry Harrison a London architect to produce designs for the garden as well as the house. Amongst these features was the Ladies garden, later called the Flower garden. This garden leads into the Colonel’s garden named after Colonel Enys (1757-1818).


The Gardens now offer a unique, tranquil and unspoilt experience, presenting a wide variety of peaceful garden vistas.

Within the 30-acre gardens lie the open meadow known as Parc Lye, where the spring show of bluebells is breathtaking; the Ponds, where the waterwheel can be found, The Flower Garden, The New Zealand Garden, Broadwalk and The Orchard, to mention a few.

For further information visit: https://www.enysgardens.org.uk

Glendurgan Garden

Owned by the National Trust this is a subtropical valley garden on the edge of Mawnan Smith, just 15 minutes from Pendra Loweth.
You can stroll down through the peaceful, exotic and playful valley to a sheltered beach at the bottom of the garden. A place to watch birds and boats, skinm stones and build sand-castles.


There are three valleys of Glendurgan to lose yourself in – full of fun, informality, natural beauty and amazing plants.


Glendurgan is home to a Laurel maze which dates back to 1833, as well as a maypole known as ‘Giants Stride’.

There is a café and a shop and the gardens are usually open between February and November each year.

For more information: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/glendurgan/

Trebah Gardens

Set in Mawnan Smith just 15 minutes from Pendra Loweth, with a bus stop close to the entrance, is a beautiful sub-tropical Cornish Valley garden with over 4 miles of footpath and its very own private beach.


Explore under canopy’s bursting with exotic blooms. And follow vibrant tunnels of colour that cascade down to the Helford River.


Trebah offers visitors a year-round experience. In spring it comes alive with a colourful array of 100 year-old rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias; in summer the giant gunnera is a must see for young and old; in autumn, Hydrangea Valley cast clouds of china blue and soft white across Mallard pond; and in winter, their spectacular champion trees dominate the landscape, whilst plants from the southern hemisphere flower.

With adventure play areas, children’s trails and special events all year round it is a family and dog-friendly garden. There is ample parking and a Café and shop on site.

For more information visit: https://www.trebahgarden.co.uk/

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Falmouth

The National Maritime Museum

Steeped in history

Dip your toes into the historic Falmouth docks. The National Maritime Museum showcases the fascinating maritime history of Falmouth and the greater Cornwall region.

The National Maritime Museum is situated in Discovery Quay, midway between the town centre and Falmouth Docks. Dipping its toe in Falmouth Harbour, the multi award-winning it offers a fascinating history and celebration of the sea, boats and Cornwall. The vast, iconic building is home to exciting exhibitions and a wide range of galleries taking visitors on a journey through the influence of the sea on history and culture.

The building was custom-designed and built on land that was once covered in the sheds of boat builders. has the most fantastic, breath-taking views over Falmouth harbour.

The variety of boats on display from around the world is staggering and includes rafts and logboats from the earliest times, right up to those now used for working, fishing, rescue, ceremonial and transportion. Each boat reflects its unique heritage.

At the heart of this display is the enormous Thames steam launch, Waterlily, a memory of an age of elegance, idleness and long, sunny, summer days. Dating from 1866, she was one of the earliest such pleasure craft on the Thames and helped set the trend for the Edwardian era that followed.

There’s also the Edna Mair, the tiny dinghy in which the Robertson family – five people and a friend – survived for 38 days in the Pacific after their yacht had been holed. This is one of the great ocean survival stories of modern times.

Check their website for events on special exhibitions: https://www.nmmc.co.uk/

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Falmouth

Pendennis Castle

English Heritage Site

Looked after by English Heritage, this is one of the finest of the mighty fortresses built by Henry VIII to defend the country against invasion.

Set on a headland with breath-taking views of Falmouth, nearby beaches and far out to sea you can look out for sea-faring vessels, a huge range of wildlife, birds and coastal creatures.

This picturesque castle has defended Cornwall since Tudor times and played a vital role during the two World Wars.

Today you can experience the sights and sounds of battle and climb to the top of the keep to scan the horizon for enemies, as you’re transported back to wartime Cornwall.

The Castle has seen action in many conflicts and was one of the last royalist strongholds to fall during the English Civil War. You can witness a Tudor gundeck in action here and see how the Guardhouse was equipped during the First World War.

This award-winning visitor attraction also boasts an exciting interactive exhibition where you can experience the sights and sounds of battle and relive an enemy attack on a Second World War observation post. During the summer there are often events at the Castle.

And when you’re feeling peckish, the Pendennis Castle café boasts a wide selection of freshly prepared meals, including local and seasonal Cornish dishes.

For an up-to-date list checkout their website:

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/pendennis-castle

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Falmouth

Falmouth Lifeboat Station

Open to the public

Welcoming visitors, the lifeboats are open to the public to inspect. Members of the team of volunteer guides will be happy to explain the activities of the RNLI and give you a tour of both the Falmouth inshore lifeboat and the much larger Falmouth all-weather lifeboat.


In recognition of this incredible commitment to helping save lives at sea, long-service medals have been presented to 15 volunteers who have
passed significant milestones at Falmouth station, totalling over 450 years of service between them.


For more information: https://www.falmouthlifeboat.co.uk

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St Mawes

St Mawes and it’s castle

Beautiful fishing village

This spectacular small fishing village nestling at the end of the Roseland peninsula is a lovely place to visit. With beautiful gardens, wonderful views, fantastic pubs & restaurants and a boating paradise, St. Mawes is a fantastic day out.

Being positioned within the gulf stream, the climate in St Mawes and on the Roseland Peninsula is very mild all year round and during the summer temperatures reach that of the Mediterranean, as a result there are beautiful local gardens throughout the Roseland with exquisite fauna and flora.

St Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula, Cornwall and the surrounding area is a Mecca for the boating and yachting fraternity and St Mawes boasts three boatyards with numerous moorings and anchorages for visiting yachtsman in and around the Roseland Peninsula. The local sailing clubs in St Mawes, Portscatho and Portloe are extremely active arranging racing events and evening functions for locals & visitors alike. In July 2015 the village hosted the first ‘ St Mawes Boat Show ‘, showcasing many local marine businesses.Of course being right on the seafront these villages are also a haven for the gastro enthusiast, with restaurants and pubs serving up superb fish and shellfish dishes all year round as well as the more traditional dishes.

St Mawes still has a working fishing fleet, albeit a bit smaller than years ago, that consists of about a dozen operators and who now have a wet fish shop open on the St Mawes harbour Quay. This is something that should be greatly appreciated, as currently the nearest fish shop is either in Falmouth or Truro, the County town of Cornwall.

St. Mawes Castle, owned by English Heritage, is positioned on the western point of the village.
The castle was built in 1538 by Henry VIII after a confrontation with Spanish and French warships in Falmouth Bay.

The Castle was built with sea defence in mind and as such did not offer much protection from land based forces. During the civil war in 1646 the St Mawes governor surrendered immediately without resistance as he knew defence from the land-side was hopeless.

St Mawes Castle has always been an important gun emplacement right up to the end of the Second World War. Today it is frequented by visitors coming to the village and is also used as an excellent venue for wedding functions.
https://www.stmawes.info/st-mawes-castle

St. Mawes can be reached via the foot-passenger ferry which leaves from Prince of Wales Pier or Customs House Quay in the centre of Falmouth. You can drive to St.

Mawes using the King Harry Ferry at Feock, just off the main road between Falmouth and Truro. Or for a longer journey you can drive via Truro.

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Falmouth

Castle Beach

Beach and Cafe

This beach consists mostly of shingle at high tide. But at low tide golden sand can be found as well as plenty of interesting rock pools to explore. Whilst those of a more adventurous disposition can enjoy diving and snorkelling.

This is a lovely location with stunning views out over Falmouth Bay in one direction and the historic Pendennis Castle and St Anthony headland in the other.


Castle Beach Cafe

Provides hot and cold drinks, ice creams, pasties, paninis, sandwiches and light meals. There is a large sundeck area, with tables and chairs. The shop sells beach balls, buckets and spades. The café opens Easter to September.

There is no dedicated car park for this beach, although there is plenty of road parking nearby, the nearest car park being situated along Pendennis Point.

Like most of Cornwall, dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10 am & 6 pm throughout July and August.

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Falmouth

Gyllyngvase Beach

Magnificent views

Gyllyngvase is Falmouth’s main beach and one of the most popular in Cornwall. Warmed by the waters of the Gulf stream, with a wide arc of golden sand and inviting sea, it is a Blue Flag status beach. Set just off the main link road that leads to the Castle headland the beach, with its raised promenade, offers magnificent views across Falmouth Bay.

The beach and immediate surroundings offer excellent facilities for all the family , including disabled visitors who can book an ‘all terrain’ wheelchair from the cafe.


Gylly Beach Cafe is built over the beach and offers fantastic views from its sundrenched terrace and is open all year round. Family run, it prides itself on utilising fresh local produce wherever possible. It’s menu includes lots of fish/shellfish, salads, tapas, accompanied by chilled out acoustic music sessions. Perfect for a romantic meal or a family gathering by the beach: http://www.gyllybeach.com

Adjacent is a small building selling take-away food, ice-cream and beach goodies throughout the summer.

Deck-chair, volleyball and tennis-hire facilities are available.

Queen Mary Gardens adjoins the beach, as does the South West coast path.

A large car park and public toilets are close by.

Dogs are not allowed on this beach between 10 am & 6 pm throughout 15th May to 30th September. Other local beaches are less restrictive.

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Falmouth

Swanpool Beach

Only 1 mile from Kingfisher Cottage

Swanpool is a sandy cove about a mile from Kingfisher Cottage on the west side of Falmouth. It’s a friendly, fun and welcoming environment, which can be reached along Swanpool road or across the coast path from Maenporth beach or Gyllynvase beach.

There’s a large carpark, crazy golf course, toilets & changing rooms, kayak hire, free wifi on the beach or just simply relax on the sand.

Classic British seaside experience

Along with a small collection of beach huts, one of the beach’s most popular features is the Swanpool Beach Cafe – great for hot drinks, snacks and even ponchos. The cafe is open all year round and is home to the “Quirky ice cream”, with flavours living up to the name – http://www.swanpoolbeach.co.uk/cafe/

For a more substantial meal with a fantastic view, head across to the 2022 Michelin Guide recommended Hooked on the Rocks restaurant – https://www.hookedontherocksfalmouth.com where the menu includes excellently prepared crab, lobster and their speciality of scallops with seaweed butter and hazelnuts.
Those after a little more active entertainment can try Elemantal UK watersports school based on the beach. They offer equipment hire and a range of tuition including sailing, kayaking, coasteering and raft-building – https://www.elementaluk.com

The beach backs onto the Swanpool Lake Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This lagoon is home to a wide range of bird species along with the rare Trembling Sea Mat! http://www.swanpool.org.uk

Swanpool lake was once part of the sea but became cut off by a shingle bank during the last Ice Age creating a freshwater lake. In the 1820s a small channel was created between the lake and the sea allowing sea water in and some freshwater out, thus creating this unique environment.

If you really want the British seaside experience then you could grab a round of crazy golf and take out a rowing boat on the lagoon whilst you’re here.

At the northern end of the cove is a path on the coast which leads round to Gyllyngvase Beach about 5 minutes walk away. Whilst a path from the southern end loops over to Maenporth beach about 15 minutes away.

Car Parking fees are in line with Falmouth town and Gyllyngvase Beach, starting at £1.40 per hour, although free November to end of February (2020).

Please note: Dogs are allowed on this beach but, like most beaches in Cornwall, not between 1st July & 31st August (between 10 am & 6pm). Nearby Sunny Cove, positioned halfway between Swanpool and Maenporth beaches, allows dogs all year round – as well as naturists.