Flower fields near Perranporth
From late spring to summer, it’s a special time on the north coast of Cornwall, where wild flowers bloom against the backdrop of sparkling seascapes. If you visit Perranporth in spring or early summer, you’ll be treated to the sights and scents of the spectacular blossoming scenery.
We’ve popped together a list of nearby spots to see some of Cornwall’s best buds and blooms. Colourful flowers and stunning sea views are guaranteed to brighten your holiday. Read on to find the best places to visit, some for free and some for a fee…
Poppies at Polly Joke
From late May through to July, the cliffs above Porth Joke beach, affectionately known as Polly Joke in nearby Newquay, are a sight to behold. The coastal fields of West Pentire, between Hollywell Bay and Crantock Beach, explode in a carpet of red poppies and yellow corn marigolds. This spectacular sight is thanks to the careful management of the area, which is a dedicated nature reserve for plants and wildlife, by the National Trust.
The fields of poppies can be accessed via the South West Coast Path or through a network of footpaths that crisscross the headland. For the flowers to flourish, it’s important to make sure you stick to the paths while soaking up the stunning sights. Be sure to take your camera so you can capture some awesome images!
Cornish Lavander
Nestled between Perranporth and St Agnes, Cornish Lavender, a beautiful lavender farm and tea room, is a hidden delight! Home to three types of lavender: Maillette, Grosso, and Folgatte, this family-run farm grows and harvests lavender for limited edition oils, and as a key ingredient in their wonderful lavender scones and shortbread!
Your senses will be dazzled by the mesmerising sights, scents and sounds, as row upon row of vibrant purple blooms fill the fragrant fields while bees buzz happily from flower to flower. Complete the sensory experience with a tasty treat from the tea room, which can be enjoyed in one of the wooden pods overlooking the sea of purple plants. Kids will also enjoy the woodland fairy walk and mud kitchen, and dogs are welcome on a lead.
Be sure to stop by the shop before leaving, where you can purchase a selection of lavender goods to take away with you. Cornish Lavender also runs several workshops throughout the season, including art and craft sessions – ask the team to find out more.
Bluebells at Tehidy Woods
If you go down to the woods today… You’ll discover a blanket of bluebells glistening in the sunshine, as golden rays speckle through the canopy of leaves. This picturesque scene can be found at Tehidy Country Park, home to 250 acres of beautiful woodland and over nine miles of pathways to explore.
There are five access points to the woods, so park up (the car parks have limited parking) and head off to explore the winding, interlacing pathways. Whichever pathway you follow, you’ll be treated to stunning scenery and wondrous wildlife; squirrels scurry amid the foliage, ducks glide along the ponds, fish dart through the cascading rivers, and birds tweet in the luscious trees.
The vibrant hues of the bluebells can be spotted from afar. Upon reaching them, be careful to stick to the footpaths as you soak up the sight. As your walk comes to an end, why not stop off at Tehidy Woods Cafe, where delicious food and divine cakes await!
Sunflowers at North Cliff Dairy
Situated on the coastal road between Godrevy and Portreath, North Cliff Dairy, a dairy farm producing milk from cows that graze in the cliff-top meadows, makes the freshest gelato, straight from the field to the table! Each summer, North Cliff Dairy also opens up its pick-your-own sunflower fields. And what could be better than immersing yourself amid blooming yellow flowers, and picking your own, than ending with a tasty ice cream?!
Choose from a selection of flavours, and enjoy your freshly made ice cream in the picnic area overlooking the sunflowers, cows and sea views. Although a little further away from Perranporth, we definitely think it’s worth the trip!