Summer at Laloma Cottage means...
Cozy cottage nights
Stargazing on Laloma’s lawn, spotting constellations and looking for meteors
Salty skin after days spent on the beach
Lunch at the Shipwrights Arms, 2 minutes walk from Laloma
Picnics in the woods and fields overlooking Frenchman’s Creek
Crabbing and paddling at the Helford Point
Beautiful dog walks straight from the gate
Ice creams from Helford Stores
Abundant wildflowers in the hedgerows and verges
Each season has its high points and joys but Summer at Laloma is particularly special
- The beaches around are waiting with crisp, clear waters.
- This provides many chances to rock-pool, surf, swim, kayak, paddle-board and snorkle. Or hire a boat for the day and explore the creeks.
- The weather in Cornwall is at its best with wide deep blue skies, bright cheering sunlight. The turquoise seas make you feel like you could be in the Mediterranean.
- Excluding the obvious water-based activities and glorious walking chances – There is so much more to do as well. You could see a play at the famous Minack theatre or take a local wildlife tour to see if you can spot dolphins. You can also go shopping at the many galleries and independent shops throughout the area and eat fresh seafood or local ice creams.
- The cafes and restaurants are bustling and at their most vibrant.
- The wildflowers and hedgerows in Summer are stunning. With campion, ox-eye daisies, cow parsley and so many others crowding the sides of the roads. All bringing vibrant pinks, whites and yellows to an otherwise lush green.
At Laloma the wildflowers are blooming and campion, daisies, forget me nots, red valerian, speedwell and scarlet pimpernel have replaced the spring flowers. The trees and hedges around the cottage support chattering sparrows and friendly robins that love to investigate what you might have for them at the picnic table.
In the day the skies above are full of swifts and martins as well as seagulls, buzzards and jackdaws. At night you can hear the owls calling across the creek to each other. Or lie on the lawn to stargaze and hopefully see a meteor or two.
The stars at Laloma are stunning on a clear night due to the lack of light pollution and you can regularly see the Milky Way, planets, satellites and meteors. Make yourself a hot drink and either lie on a picnic blanket on the lawn, stand on the carpark by the creek or sit on the picnic bench for the best stargazing experiences.
On a clear night you can see meteors here all year round. However the best times in Summer (weather permitting) are during the most well-known meteor showers in July and August.
Delta Aquariids – mid July to late August – 25 meteors per/h
Perseids – mid July to late August – 100 meteors per/h
In the Helford Creek
There are often little egrets perched in the trees across the creek from Laloma, their bright white plumage making them unmistakeable while they scavenge while the tide is out. Flocks of turnstones scurry across the rocks while oyster catchers and curlews give their characteristic calls. Dolphins and porpoise can also occasionally be spotted at the entrance to the Creek.
Laloma is a perfect spot for nature lovers to explore, relax and enjoy the sights that Summer brings to Cornwall.
Summer around Helford Village
If you like to paddleboard, canoe or kayak then there is a slipway right next to the pub where you can enter the creek.
This is only a 2 minute walk from Laloma and you are very welcome to store your kayaks or paddleboards on Laloma’s triangle lawn as you enter the gate to the cottage, so they are ready to use.
The Helford Point is only about a 5 to 8 minute walk from Laloma and is lovely for paddling, crabbing, rock-pooling and catching the foot ferry across to Helford Passage. The views are also stunning and you can see right out the Creek to the open sea.
There are many walks that you can access directly from Laloma’s gate. Most through beautiful ancient woodland and following coastal footpaths. This includes walks to Frenchman’s creek, made famous by the Daphne Du Maurier book of the same name.
The Shipwrights Arms is just a 2 minute walk from Laloma and serves drinks, lunches and evening meals. You can sit inside but the real treat is to sit outside and enjoy the views. The Shipwrights Arms website is:
https://www.shipwrights-helford.co.uk/
The Holy Mackerel cafe sits as you enter the village (next to the village car park at the top of the hill) and is open during the Summer serving light lunches, cakes and drinks.
The Helford Stores has a wonderful selection of food and drinks as well as everyday essentials. It also serves ice creams and pasties, perfect for a treat at the end of a walk.
