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When I mentioned to my youngest that I was doing a blog on Porthcew Dairy, he said I remember when that (The Milkshake Hut) opened, it was revolutionary for Porthleven 😆 - never one to be dramatic! But joking aside, it kind of was, our local milkshake shop had closed a year or so earlier and had definitely left a hole in the market and then suddenly there was a Milkshake Hut, that was open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, used glass bottles (which you could reuse each time you went), used ‘very’ local milk, and had a range of flavours that would constantly be changed and updated. Since the ‘Great Milkshake Revolution of 2024’ Porthcew Dairy has added a coffee shop with homemade ice creams and sorbets as well as tea, coffees and hot chocolate. This summer, they ran a very successful PIck Your Own sunflowers, and off the back of that the Pick Your Own Pumpkins is opening this week. Currently open 12pm - 6pm at weekends and every day of the October half term, it is free entry to the PYO and the pumpkins are priced according to size and don’t worry there are wheelbarrows on hand to help you get them back to the car. Talking to the staff there are some big plans for the future of Porthcew Dairy and it is definitely a business to watch! You can keep up to date with the goings on via their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/porthcewdairy/ and Instagram account: @porthcuedairy But in the meantime, I am going to grab myself a hot chocolate and eye up the biggest pumpkin…..oh yeah, and grab a milkshake to take home! Useful Information: Email: info@porthcewdairy.co.uk Phone: 01326 755 597 Address: Methleigh Farm, Porthleven, Helston, TR13 9LB What3words: /// orchestra.strong.pleaser

One of our favourite places to visit is the Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, not only is it a great day out but you are supporting a worthy charity. Each year they rescue over 70 injured seals with the aim of rehabilitating them before releasing them back into the wild. You can see these pups in the Seal hospital whilst they are recovering and then, once they are on the road to recovery, in the nursery pools . Sometimes, for various reasons, the seals cannot be returned to their natural environment so, they are provided a permanent home at the sanctuary to live out their days (which does mean there are always seals there when you visit) The resident seals are in the Harbour View pools which has underwater viewing areas, it is fascinating to watch the seals swimming around and interacting with each other. Throughout the day there are talks and feeding sessions to watch. The staff are very knowledgeable and are on hand to answer any questions you may have. Upon arrival there is a timetable of the talks and feeding times and my advice is to make a note of these and plan your day around the ones you want to see. As well as seals, the sanctuary is home to goats, sheep and a family of beavers, and most recently, 10 Icelandic Puffins! There is also a play area for the children to burn off some steam along with a cafe and ice cream parlour. The sanctuary is open every day from 10am to 5pm and there is no need to book, although you do receive a 20% discount if you purchase tickets via their website at least 2 days in advance. And the best thing? Your tickets are valid for the next 12 months!!!! Your admission ticket gives you unlimited free entry to the sanctuary for the next year - so what are you waiting for? Book your day out and do your bit for the seals. Useful Information: Web site: https://sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org/en/ Phone: 01326 221 361 Email: seals@sealifetrust.com Address: The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, Cornwall, TR12 6UG.

If you are looking for good food, a relaxed atmosphere and great service I cannot recommend Wheal Dream enough. Located just outside Helston it is easy to get to and has plenty of parking. As well as offering amazing food there is also an 18 hole Football Golf Course, a 9 hole, par 3 golf course and Rugby Golf on site however for me the draw to Wheal Dream is the Sunday carvery! Offered between 12pm and 6pm on a Sunday, Wheal Dream is renowned for its carvery, offering a choice of slow roasted meats with fluffy roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, the hugest yorkshire puddings and amazing gravy! If you have any space left after eating all of that, there is also a range of tasty, freshly made desserts to choose from. Despite being incredibly busy, the staff are friendly, efficient and happy to help. Although the place is incredibly popular, you don't feel pressured to eat up and go! My only advice is you need to book , however if they are fully booked or you want to eat at home, they do a walk in takeaway carvery! Having written all of that, I've made myself hungry and in need of a carvery so I am now going to book my table for Sunday - may see you there! Useful Information: Web site: https://whealdream.com Phone: 01326 653275

I have found my new favourite place to spend a Sunday whether it is a gorgeous summer morning or a crisp winter day. I absolutely love Poldhu!!! The car park is directly across the road of the beach, which is free to park in during the winter months. On the beach is Poldhu Beach Cafe, which serves the most delicious "breakfast in a box” and one of the best caramel iced lattes I have had…. I have had quite a few. Once we had finished breakfast we headed down onto the sand to explore the beach, which is suitable for sand castle building, beach games, and great for swimming, bodyboarding and surfing. Next to the Cafe is the beach shop where you can purchase a 'Poldhu' beanie or hoodie. We then followed the road out of Poldhu, up the hill and headed towards Mullion, exploring Mullion Cove and then a visit to the Chocolate Factory, where you can see chocolate being made and purchased a few samples from the shop. There is a few little independent shops within the Chocolate factory to purchase other goodies. Useful links: Poldhu Cafe - poldhu.yolasite.com Poldhu Cove - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/poldhu-cove Mullion Cove - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/mullion-cove The Chocolate Factory - www.the-chocolatefactory.co.uk/