website updated 7 Sept 10

The following are just a very few of the hundreds of places to visit and things to do whilst staying in Cornwall:

The Daphne du Maurier festival of arts and literature in Fowey is held in May. There is a vast selection of concerts and recitals to attend, you missed fabulous Show of Hands, Gilbert O'Sullivan and Will Self concerts, amongst many, at the 2009 (13th) festival. Check the website www.dumaurierfestival.co.uk for news and more information about the 2010 festival, dates not yet confirmed.

The Eden Project is both stunning and interesting and a great day out, if a bit busy, in the rain. Not all our visitors love it but it is undeniably and amazing feat of engineering and extensive plant husbandry. Only 10 minutes from Sky Cottage it is definitely worth a visit.

Riding Centre - Approved riding stable treks, forest rides and beach rides, group or private lessons on Par Farm, Par only 10 minutes from Sky Cottage - call Anita 0797 432 9203

Snowland Angling Centre - Day tickets £5/angler - you must have an Environment Agency Rod Licence. See www.snowlandfisheries.co.uk near Par, only 10 minutes from Sky Cottage. 01726 825058

Fowey River and Sea Cruises ( www.foweycruise.com )

River Cruises explore the lower reaches of the River Fowey, they last approximately 45 minutes and in peak season depart from Fowey Quay every 15 minutes.

Longer river cruises to Lerryn or Lostwithiel run when the tides permit.

Wind in the Willows cruises are to Lerryn and a guide aboard gives a full commentary.

Stannary Cruises to Lostwithiel are met by a guide at the town and passengers are taken for an hour long tour around the ancient stannary town.

Sea Cruises to Polperro, Polkerris and Charlestown and special All Day cruises are only advertised on the day, or day before, when the wind and sea conditions are known.

Fowey River Expeditions ( www.foweyexpeditions.co.uk ) provide escorted river trips in open cockpit canoes along the beautiful river Fowey. You wear a buoyancy aid and don't need to be able to swim. There are also safety boats with each expedition. Expeditions stop in Golant or Lerryn where you can buy lunch or tea, or eat your own picnic. Start and finish in Fowey next to the Lifeboat station in Fowey in Passage Street. PL23 1DE. 01726 833627. Times vary based on tides. The cost is £25 per person for the whole day (2008 price) including canoe, paddles, buoyancy aid and all backup facilities.

Fowey Kayak Hire, self hire sit-on-kayaks for experienced paddlers www.foweykayakhire.co.uk

English Heritage in Cornwall

Tintagel Castle, built in the 13th century and now in ruins, was once a stronghold for the Earls of Cornwall. it is a rugged trail to climb across to the island, and a superb view of the Atlantic breakers crashing into Merlin's Cave. There is a cafe, shop, exhibition and loos, parking 600m. Telephone 01840770328 for opening times, cost etc. Postcode PL32 0HE.

Pendennis Castle, on the Pendennis Headland near Falmouth, was in use from Tudor times until World War II, when it was an observation post. It has a secret tunnel to the big guns of the Half Moon Battery. You can watch the Noon Day Gun firing in July and August. There is an exhibition, tearoom, picnic area, parking, shop and toilets, and is suitable for disabled. Telephone 01326316594 for opening times, cost etc. Postcode TR11 4LP.

St Mawes Castle, in St Mawes, overlooks the Fal Estuary and faces Pendennis Castle. It is picturesque and you can enjoy magnificent views, especially from its battlements. There is an audio tour, picnic area, parking (600m) and shop. Telephone 01326 270526 for opening times and cost. Postcode TR2 5DE.

Restormel Castle is a ruin about a mile from medieval Lostwithiel. It was a former stronghold of the Dukes of Cornwall and used as a miniature palace. In spring the banks are covered in daffodils and bluebells and in summer it is a perfect picnic spot with panoramic views of the Cornish countryside. There is a shop, parking and toilets. Telephone 01208 872687 for opening times, cost etc. Closed Nov-March incl. Postcode PL22 0EE.

Chysauster Ancient Village located almost at the very tip of England is an ancient settlement occupied almost 2000 years ago, it is the original Celtic Cornwall. The windswept ruins of a cluster of stone homesteads in rugged surroundings amongst wildflowers and heather. There is a shop, picnic area, loos and parking. Telephone 07831 757934 for opening times, cost etc. Closed Nov-March incl. Postcode TR20 8XA

The castles all host events like falconry displays, jousting, and theatre plays. For information look at the website www.english-heritate.org.uk/events.

Lostwithiel the ancient capital of Cornwall

John Betjeman said 'There is history in every stone in Lostwithiel' he obviously wasn't looking at the Co-op but he's pretty much right about the rest! Once the capital of the county it is now an antiques centre and good dining town. There is a nearby golf course which also has a swimming pool, tennis courts and gym. There is a weekly guided tour of the town in the summer season, starting at the Tourist Information Centre located in the Community Centre.