Cornwall’s Romantic Roseland

For anyone who’s ever visited this enchanting corner of the world you’ll know that there’s nothing quite like spending an evening on the Cornish cliffs with the person you love most, looking out over the crystal-clear waters that surround England’s southern-most county. For those who’ve never been, now is a great time to try something new and discover one of the UK’s most romantic coastal getaways, with regular flights to Cornwall from around the UK and Europe.

Just a short drive south from the Airport is Cornwall’s stunning Roseland Heritage coast, full of picturesque and quaint spots that are hidden away off the beaten track, yet still afford all the grace and style that one would expect of true luxury accommodation. One of the best examples of this is the Idle Rocks, a Hotel and eatery perched on the edge of the harbour in the picture-perfect postcard town of St Mawes. 

The attention to detail is stunning and the experience makes you feel like a truly welcomed guest. From the personalised slate signs bearing a guest’s name on each individual door to the distinctive features making each room unique amongst it’s fellows, the whole place makes visitors feel like more than just a number. 

This is helped by the fact that with only 19 rooms, the Idle Rocks provides a truly exclusive experience and guests are genuinely made to feel special. Not only is the accommodation exquisite but as part of the Relais & Chateaux group the food on offer is superb, serving locally sourced produce, skilfully prepared by their award winning team. 

One of the gems of the Roseland is the internationally acclaimed Lost Gardens of Heligan, hidden in the countryside above the cosy fishing village of Mevagissey. Whilst their more well-known sister, the Eden Project explores possibilities for the future, the Lost Gardens of Heligan are a mysterious and romantic step into the past. 

The history of the gardens sings out to those with a romantic disposition.  After they were lost to nature and neglect for most of the 20th Century, they were rescued in 1990 and, after being restored to their former glory, now cover over 200 acres making them among some of the finest gardens in the country and part of ‘The Great Gardens of Cornwall’. 

With three distinct areas to explore the Lost Gardens have something for everyone. Take in the ‘Pleasure Gardens’ strolling hand-in-hand with your partner though traditional flower gardens, or visit the ‘Kitchen Gardens’ and marvel at the tropical pineapple pits as they flourish in the summer. If you want a bit more privacy, lose yourself in ‘The Jungle’ with it’s monstrous Jurassic-style ferns, giant rhubarb and other tropical plants that flourish in Cornwall’s sub-tropical climate.

As we already mentioned, you don’t even need to leave the Idle Rocks to find delicious local cuisine; their excellent offering includes a fantastic lunch menu, as well as expertly constructed taster menus and evening dining for that extra touch of culinary class, all served whilst you and your other half gaze out across the enchanting blue waters. They work closely with the Lost Gardens of Heligan and other local producers to bring diners the freshest local food; grown, reared and prepared all within a couple of kilometres.

Cornwall has undergone a foodie renaissance in recent years and the options for great food are many and varied, giving you plenty of opportunities to sample the local produce – from freshly caught seafood, to locally sourced meat and vegetables.

The Hidden Hut, a short drive north of St Mawes, is a great example of this. Even though this is essentially a small shed, tucked away overlooking Porthcurnick beach, it has become one of the most popular places to eat on the Roseland, partly due to their commitment to serving fresh local produce. Popular with walkers tackling the southwest coast path, the Hut is open all day serving seasonal Lunches and beachside refreshments. 

They also have special evening meal events, sitting outside overlooking the bay serving a rustic evening meal, but be warned – these evening events are limited and incredibly popular so make sure you book well in advance if you hope to grab a seat!

​Book your flights to Cornwall at Flybe.com, or have a look here to discover your closest connection to the Cornish coasline...