August is a busy month of cramming in summer adventures under sunshine and starlight. Here’s what’s in our calendar this month…
We were absolutely mesmerised by the breathtaking Flight of Joni Mitchell at The Minack Theatre in July. Blessed with still, sunny weather, every note of Joni’s incredible songs filled Rowenna Cade’s clifftop amphitheatre, with the beat of the ocean filling in between tracks. And while I’ve often mentioned that you can often see dolphins in the backdrop of a Minack show, this time we really did. So get yourself down there in August to see Florence Adooni or the Ishmael Ensemble, or pick a theatre performance from The French Lieutenant’s Woman, Peter Pan, Young Frankenstein and Jamaica Inn.
Talking of music by the sea, we also experienced an incredible evening with the Symphonic Orchestra and Mr Switch to celebrate 25 years of Lusty Glaze Beach. While September’s huge Disco Classics beach party is already sold out, there are free sundowner music sessions every Wednesday and Sunday evening throughout August. No wonder it’s being hailed as one of the top outdoor music venues in the UK. Cue cocktails with your toes in the sand, dreamy tunes and sublime sunsets. See you there.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan are an epic experience in daylight hours, but imagine an exclusive night-time journey into the jungle. Heligan’s Jungle Nights start with a cocktail (or mocktail), before you cross the Burma Rope Bridge into the jungle, Lost Valley and play meadow, for an immersive evening in paradise and alfresco dining on flame-cooked delights.
Everyone’s heading the beach in Cornwall this August, right? And while our website is a font of knowledge on which beach to choose to suit your needs, we’re also huge fans of the new MyCoast app created alongside the RNLI. Using real time information from 60 lifeguarded beaches across Cornwall, it’ll help you plan your beach days out and get in the know before you go – from the tides and sea conditions to where to park and the nearest cafés and toilets. Download it now.
After a six year break, the August Bank Holiday sees the return of the Bowgie Inn’s Ale & Cider Festival. Set to receive the biggest turnout in its history to raise funds for Cornwall Hospice Care, the family-friendly event will see a weekend packed with music and entertainment, alongside a wide offering of cask ales and ciders served in the Bowgie’s stunning cliff-top setting.
As surfers we can’t help but lament the flat days of summer, when we’re grovelling for a ripple in a crowded line-up. But we’ve found the perfect alternative for summer surfing – wake surfing off the back of a boat with Camel Ski School. Their high-tech vessel creates a wave that can be adjusted to different heights, so once you’ve been towed to your feet, you can ride an endless wave all to yourself. If you’re a fan of watersports, check out loads more suggestions of things to do on water in Cornwall.
Yes, we do get often get wet weather here in summer, but luckily there are plenty of things to do in the downpours. Rather than mooch around and wait for the sun to put its hat back on, why not try axe throwing, an escape room, go behind bars at Bodmin Jail or burrow underground in a miner’s hat? We’ve got plenty of suggestions for things to do in Cornwall on rainy days.
Stretch into the day with your toes in the sand and sun salutations on the beach. There are beach yoga sessions popping up all over Cornwall, including regular sessions on Fistral Beach, Gwithian Beach, Mawgan Porth, Lusty Glaze and Watergate Bay. We can’t think of any better way to start a summer’s day than with yoga and a sea dip, can you? We can’t wait for Silent Disco Yoga on Fistral this Saturday. Check out our beach yoga feature to find a class near you.
August sees Boardmasters, Tunes in the Park and St Austell’s Nova Festival in the line-up, alongside sailing regattas countrywide. But for something a little different, why not take a jaunt up to Bude for the 35th annual Jazz Festival (27-30 August), and find your groove to old-style New Orleans and classic jazz music?
While we love beach life, the busy summer shorelines urge us to seek quieter places and experiences away from the crowds. No better time then, to don your walking boots and take a hike along the coast. Whether you fancy a day walk, an afternoon stroll or an epic three-day hike around the toe of Cornwall, check out our top summer walks.
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