Make it a September to Remember

A Cornish September is something special. The weather’s still warm and the sea is lovely, and while our favourite restaurants and attractions are still open, they’re a lot quieter.

It’s a lovely month for cycling down Cornwall’s lanes or for tackling the coast path. A bit of early autumn rain gives the hedges a new lease of life, but it’s still warm enough to sit outside the pub most evenings. It’s also (we reckon) the best time of year to catch a glorious sunset.

Here are just a few reasons why we love September in St Ives.

Quieter beaches

Porthmeor Beach St Ives

The beaches aren’t deserted yet (wait until November for that), but they’re certainly quieter. It’s much easier to find a good spot on the sand in September, as well as in the car park…

The really good news is that the sea is still warm. At around 16 C, it’s a lovely temperature for swimming, sailing and surfing, and the watersports schools in St Ives are still open. If you want to try paddleboarding for the first time without an audience but also without freezing, this is a great time of year.

Gently warm days

It’s not just the sea that’s warm. The temperature often reaches 17 degrees and warmer, which is really pleasant for a coastal hike or cycle ride. Take a walk up to Mutton Cove in Godrevy to see the seals (they come inshore to raise their pups from September to January).

Yes, there will be some rain (nine or ten days on average), but around five hours a day of sunshine more than makes up for a few showers. If you like to be warm, but not too warm, September is definitely a good holiday month for you.

An arty party

We’re so pleased that the St Ives September Festival is back this year. This year, the fortnight-long celebration runs from the 11th until the 25th of September, and there’s a packed programme of all sorts of events.

There are shows, gigs, exhibitions, talks, workshops, films, guided walks – all those things we’ve been missing. If you can, try to catch some live music or an art exhibition while you’re in St Ives. There’s a programme of events on the Festival website, along with details about how to book.

September is also a great month to see a show at the clifftop Minack Theatre – if you can take your eyes away from the stunning sea vista you are in for a theatrical treat.

Fabulous food

The wonderful restaurants and cafes of St Ives are still bustling in September, and this year, the brilliant St Ives Food & Drink Festival has been timed to coincide with the Arts Festival. Head down to Porthminster Beach on the 17-19 September for street food and demos in the most beautiful location.

St Ives Food Festival – credit Lizzie Churchill

Further afield food

Generally, September is dry enough for plenty of al fresco meals (note: we said “generally”!). Take some time to explore places to eat outside St Ives. There’s Birdies Bistro on the Hayle estuary, Lula Shack with seafood and ribs, and the Black Lobster, both in Hayle Harbour, and there are plenty of outside tables at Trevaskis Farm (some seriously hearty home-grown dishes).

Try the bistro at the Woodland Kitchen in Townsend, and we’ve heard a lot of good things about Agapanthus Tearoom near Gulval. There’s also the lovely Tremenheere Kitchen between Gulval and Ludgvan. Venture out to Porthleven for the best Cornish produce cooked over fire at Blower’s Place (until Dec 21).

Those (late) summer nights

If like us you love the woods at night, September evenings are the best time to enjoy them. It’s getting dark earlier, but it’s still warm enough to enjoy being out without your big coat on. Enjoy the fairy lights and cook up a feast on the fire pit. Make the most of the end of the local lobster season if you fancy gourmet firepit cooking.

We still have some availability for short glamping breaks in September. Take a look at our availability online; however, to book a last-minute break, please call us on 07795 284 356.

Thinking ahead? You can sign up for our mailing list for updates on September 2022 bookings and special offers for Wildflower Wood and Brea Cottage, or, please get in touch with us at Beersheba.

BEER-sheba Pancakes

Pancakes are fantastic holiday food, and aren’t just for kids, as our lush Beer-sheba batter pancakes prove. For a bit of a mix up on the traditional breakfast fare, swap the milk in your pancake batter for a splash of something more interesting.

Why use beer in your batter? Beer brings a bubbly lightness, as well as giving the pancakes a distinctive, yeasty flavour that’s perfect with savoury toppings.

Here’s what you need (with handy measures for a camp kitchen!):
110g plain flour (about 4 heaped tablespoons)
2 eggs
Pinch of salt
185ml lager (just over half a 330ml can)
approx 100ml water (use enough to make a thickish batter)
100g (ish – approx 2/5s a 250g pack) unsalted butter

Plus, a non-stick pan, a spatula you can trust, and a hob or camping ring that throws off a decent amount of heat (if you are staying in Wildflower Wood, you can hire all this and whip them up in your outdoor kitchen). A pouring jug or deep ladle for the batter will also make life easier.

1. Mix the flour, salt and eggs together, and gradually whisk in the beer and water.
2. Melt the butter in your frying pan. Set most of it aside for later, but pour a teaspoon or so into your batter to help prevent it sticking.
3. Heat the pan to smoking level, then wipe it round with a dollop of melted butter.
4. Pour or ladle in the mix, moving the pan around so the mix spreads into a nice, even circle around the base.
5. When it looks set, gently slide the spatula underneath the mix and flip it over to cook the other side. Note: don’t be a tosser: this mix is stickier than a conventional milk-based batter, and is a bit trickier to flip.
5. Slide the pancake onto a plate, and repeat until the batter’s gone.
6. Makes 12 small or 6 large pancakes.

Our Beer-sheba pancakes have a more savoury tang than milk batter ones. We’d serve these with grated cheese and fried mushrooms for a handy post-surf snack. Or, add chutney and some slices Cornish Yarg (like this lovely one from Kittows Quality Meats).

We used a Cornish beer, Harbour Brewery’s Antipodean IPA. You can use any beer you fancy, although IPA does work well. We’ve also heard good things about Belgian beer batters.

Not a beer fan, or flipping pancakes for the kids? Stick to the usual recipe – but use our local Trink milk for extra rich loveliness.

Drink