With a little one headed off to Granny's and out-of-offices switched on, we embarked from our home in West Cornwall to embrace a slower pace of life at Little Beside, set a 45-minutes away in the wilds of Bodmin Moor. The drive was simply magical, with winding country lanes and magnificent far-reaching views across the North Cornwall moors. As we approached St Breward, a group of wild ponies were gathered beside a charming stone bridge grazing peacefully in the afternoon sunshine, while our spaniel Chester looked out from the car window desperate to run free. We pulled over to take a few pictures, savouring the beauty of the Cornish countryside.
St Breward was easy to find, and we pulled up in the allocated parking space ready to unload our luggage. As we opened the garden gate, we crossed a little bridge over a stream before arriving at our traditional fairytale cottage. The sun was beaming into the picturesque garden, and our attention was immediately drawn to a sweet little outhouse hidden in the corner. We took a look inside and noticed the roll-top slipper bath just waiting for bubble-topped moments.
Stepping into the cottage through the farmhouse door into the kitchen, we discovered a hamper full of local goodies awaiting our arrival, which was a lovely touch from the owner. The kitchen has been recently renovated with rustic light wood throughout, beautifully complementing the character of the retreat. Above us, skylights illuminated the space with the afternoon sun.
The shower room was elegant and inviting, complete with beautiful tiles and a statement sink made of solid stone. Walking through to the lounge, we found the wood burner in a large granite fireplace, which was ready for us to light. The interiors were beautifully styled in a natural palette, with soft cushions and throws creating the cosiest ambience in this dream countryside setting.
The cottage was full of character, with exposed beams above and a storybook staircase leading up to the main bedroom. Taking centre stage was a sumptuous king size bed adorned with an abundance of soft cushions and cosy throws. With sweet little windows overlooking the grounds, we couldn't help but notice the eucalyptus tree in the garden which was just stunning.
After exploring our new weekend abode, we unpacked our things, eager to find the local pub as dinnertime approached. The Old Inn is only a short walk from Little Beside, so we took a lovely stroll along winding country lanes. A gentle breeze caught the crisp amber leaves beneath our feet, evoking a wonderfully autumnal atmosphere.
Located 720 feet above sea level, the Old Inn is the highest public house in Cornwall. We were warmly welcomed into the village inn, which dates back to the 11th century, and our eyes were immediately drawn to the roaring open fire. I opted for a glass of red, whilst my husband sampled a local ale. At our table, we were shown a specials board offering an abundance of homemade dishes, eventually deciding on homemade beef stew with dumplings and a delicious homemade curry. We also ordered some sausages for Chester, much to his delight.
We took a leisurely stroll back to the cottage as the last of the daylight fades. The evening was calm and still, with stars beginning to appear overhead. Heating birds singing in the distance, we even spotted rabbits hopping in the fields as we pass. We returned to a toasty cottage and lit the fire to add to the ambience and curl up to watch a film. Taking advantage of the peace and quiet, a rarity for us being busy parents to a toddler, Chester enjoyed a snooze by the fire and we suspected he may be just as grateful for the peace and quiet as we were.
After a wonderfully uninterrupted night's sleep, I was the first to wake in the morning, brewing a rich cafetière coffee while soaking up the peaceful ambience of the cottage. We tucked into some delicious hamper goodies for breakfast including a fresh loaf and local eggs and ensured we were well-fueled for an active day ahead.
We took a drive to Golitha Falls, somewhere we have always wanted to visit. A National Nature Reserve and an Area of Outstanding Beauty, Golitha Falls promises a series of magnificent waterfalls within the ancient oak woodland and it was every bit as spectacular as we'd imagined.
We spent a few hours exploring the enchanting woodland, where Chester explored new scents and dips in the river. Before heading home, we visited Inkies Smokehouse for a fresh cup of coffee which is conveniently located next to the car park. The café was bustling and the menu looked appealing, perhaps a lunchtime visit for another time. We took a small detour into Bodmin on the way back to our cottage to stock up on some supplies and eagerly headed back to light the fire and unwind.
We uncovered a warm outdoor shower at Little Beside, perfect for rinsing off muddy paws after our adventures. We spent a restful afternoon reading by the fire and enjoying a cream tea from our hamper – jam first of course! After a few hours of relaxation, we were soon eager to further explore the area. We took a short drive to St Tudy Inn, which is just a few miles away. St Tudy Inn is an award-winning, 16th century pub located in the heart of the chocolate box village of St Tudy. We ordered a couple of drinks and perched ourselves outside in the glorious, mild October sunshine.
That evening we prepared a meal in the well-equipped kitchen with the supplies we bought earlier in the day, prepping a feast in the Smeg induction range.
After dinner we settled in the garden with chilled sparkling wine in pursuit of the outdoor bathtub, a wonderfully cosy space with a spa-like atmosphere. Everything needed for a relaxing soak was on hand, from robes and candles to a generous supply of bubble bath. We filled the bathtub and savoured the serene moment until it was time to retire for the evening.
With the quietude of a romantic escape for two, we savoured a chance for a lingering lie-in on the Sunday morning. I enjoyed a moment of calm in the living room looking out to the garden, opening the window a little to welcome the birdsong and gentle sound of the flowing stream. I watched the garden birds, which include blue tits, chaffinches and robins, playing amongst the trees before getting ready for the day ahead.
Later that morning, we set off on foot from the cottage towards the rugged moorland. Chester eagerly led the way and within ten minutes we found ourselves surrounded by the sweeping expanse of Bodmin Moor. We were greeted by Highland cattle, wild ponies and moorland sheep - a nature lover’s dream.
Standing amongst the sweeping moorland, it's easy to understand why this landscape captures so many hearts. There's a wonderful sense of freedom here, far removed from the pace of everyday life. The area could be explored for days, and we wish we had more time to continue with our little adventure.
After a few hours exploring, we retraced our steps back to the cottage and reluctantly pack our belongings, reluctant to be leaving Little Beside after a truly magical weekend. As we began the journey home, we left feeling refreshed, restored and recharged, carrying wonderful memories of Bodmin Moor with us.
For those seeking untamed moorland adventures, uncover a dreamy escape at Little Beside here...
