A cosy autumnal weekend stay at Pedney

On a blustery Friday afternoon as the storm blew across the county, I made my way to Pedney, and was well and truly ready for a weekend of relaxation. Set back from a main road, the hut is so accessible and easy to find. Making my way up the steps, pretty festoon lighting led the way to my hidden haven. The lovely owners had the chiminea and wood-burner lit for my arrival, making it all that more special. I stepped inside and was greeted with a warming hug as the wood-burner roared - the perfect little bolthole to get cosy in, away from the storm.

After freshening up in the gorgeous shower-room (with a rainfall shower), it was time to get snug - favourite fluffy socks on and glass of red in hand, I sunk into the comfy armchair and drifted into a dreamy state of relaxation, just the antidote after a busy week. A cosy night in wouldn’t be complete without the luxury of an indulgent cheese board, which I tucked into as the embers of the wood-burner softened. 

The stormy skies eventually blew over and the soft twinkle of stars peered between intermittent clouds. I made the most of stargazing, wrapped up in a blanket with the warmth of the chiminea keeping me toasty, before heading inside the hut and drifting off into a sweet slumber, cocooned in soft linens.

As Saturday morning arrived, I drew back the curtains and opened up the large window at the foot of the bed to reveal the coppery autumnal canvas that laid before me. Sunlight slipped between the branches and illuminated the space with a soft glow. I embraced a leisurely morning, reading my book and sipping coffee, while listening to the wind gently kiss the trees.

With brunch on my mind, I decided to head into Newlyn (just a couple minutes drive from Pedney) and made my way to Lovetts. This welcoming café sits on a bustling street corner, serving a delicious brunch menu and coffee by day, turning into a wine bar in the evening. I opted for the grilled halloumi, smashed avocado, tomato chilli relish and egg on sourdough toast, accompanied by a delicious oat latte. With a bustling vibe, this neighbourhood café welcomed people in from the rain, a lovely friendly atmosphere and the perfect brunch setting. 

Between rain showers, I wandered the little independents and galleries of Newlyn, including the Riverside Gallery and the pottery shop before it was time to head to Penzance as I had booked myself in for a self-care afternoon at Rising Embers Sauna. 

A tenebrous sky loomed and stormy seas meant I was unable to swim at my usual spot off Battery Rocks in Penzance. On a calm day, if the tide is right, this is the perfect place to take the plunge before heading into the sauna, or if you'd prefer you have the option of the Jubilee seawater pool just across the road. But, due to the weather conditions this was closed. I booked a half an hour session in the wood-fired barrel sauna, stopping half way for an ice bucket. There are so many benefits of hot and cold therapy, you can read all about our full experience at Rising Embers here. They also offer lots of different wellness experiences and classes, including fauna and sauna experience, heat contrast therapy and Wim Hof breathwork, as well as having essential oils and scrubs available for your use. This is just the most rejuvenating wellness experience, and will leave your mind feeling still and your soul nourished!

I had planned to make my way to Porthcurno to stroll across the sandy shore and visit the Minack Theatre and gardens, but due to the unpredictable fitful storm, I instead opted for a little trip to St Ives. Pedney’s location couldn’t be better, you can reach the likes of Porthcurno, Land’s End and Sennen in under half an hour, with beautiful St Ives just 20 minutes away. I stopped at Yallah Coffee as the rain poured down and warmed up with a coffee and sweet treat before wandering the sweet little independents; The Painted Bird, Onda and Sweet Lime, were just a few of my favourites.

Returning to the hut, I freshened up for the evening and met my parents for dinner in Newlyn. We opted for Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar, just opposite Lovetts, they also have their Shack just up the road if you fancy burgers, tacos and nachos! Set in the heart of the village, Mackerel Sky serves only the freshest and most local produce, we were truly blown away by all the delicious flavours. We went tapas style and ordered a few of their tasting plates; crispy lemon sole with katsu curry sauce, mussels in a white wine sauce, crab nachos, scallops and salt and pepper squid with chilli jam from the specials board. The food was super fresh, made in the open kitchen within the restaurant. Our lovely waitress explained how squid is only in season for a couple months of the year, and we had timed it just right to sample the freshest produce, it truly was mouth-watering. We then popped across the road for a glass of wine at Lovetts, then I returned back to Pedney for another peaceful night’s sleep. 

The unpredictable weather continued into Sunday morning, with glimpses of sunshine and downpours of rain, which I actually found very therapeutic as I embraced a lazy lie-in. Raindrops rhythmically fell down the window as I sunk further into the dreamy bed linens. Making a fresh pot of coffee and tucking into some delicious pastries, I whipped out my journal and pen and jotted down a few thoughts and favourite snippets from my weekend. Practising gratitude is a great method of journaling to boost positivity and free your mind from negative thoughts. Packing my bag, I waved goodbye to my peaceful weekend getaway and headed into Mousehole as the clouds parted ways.

Just a 10-minute drive away sits charming Mousehole, a quaint fishing village with cobbled streets and lovely independents. I grabbed a coffee from Mousehole Kitchen and Deli and wandered around the harbour as the tide began to retreat. Popping into Just Lily, I was welcomed by a plethora of warming scents from the collection of scented candles on offer, St Eval being my favourite! With lots of handmade jewellery and their Christmas stock on display (which I have to admit made me very excited for the festive season), the shop was a delight to the eye! If you are visiting around Christmas, Mousehole is an idyllic place to buy lovely unique gifts for your nearest and dearest. They also have the famous harbour lights display, where the village is illuminated with twinkling lights and festive magic!

The Mousehole is another favourite, recognisable from its white washed walls and turquoise sign, it's settled on the corner beside the bustling harbour. With plenty of little niknaks on offer from board games, cards, toys and stationary, great to stock up for those cosy game nights! Once again, I was drawn to the candle section and had to get myself a little treat; a lovely glass candle stick holder and ‘Bonfire’ scented candle, which was very fitting as it was November 5th! They also had lots of lovely jewellery, which I pooped on my Christmas list.

It was almost time to head home, but first I wanted to make the most of the fresh sea air so stopped at Perranuthnoe, just 10 minutes away. After a blustery beach walk, which certainly blew away the cobwebs, it was time to return home feeling totally relaxed after my cosy weekend stay at beautiful Pedney.