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Photos of Cornwall: Dan Pattison

This month’s featured photographer is Dan Pattison….

View Dans photography website , Instagram and Youtube Channel for more beautiful photos and videos of Cornwall

Tell us a bit about yourself. How long have you been a photographer? Is it your full time job?

Photography has always been a strong interest i’ve held from when i was younger. I had always been interested in pursuing a career in the Navy so photography had always been a hobby/interest on the side. Just over a year ago i moved down to Cornwall to RNAS Culdrose near the Lizard, thats where i fell in love with Cornwall’s scenery !

Porthcurno+01-04-17
Above: The magical Pedn Vounder beach in West Cornwall. © Dan Pattison

Do your photos have a focus? 

My work has never had a particular focus, i started out with shooting aviation themed images but gradually started to experiment with landscapes to widen my audience. Aerial photography has been a recent addition to my portfolio with images captured from a drone.

Aerial photo of the coastal town of St ives in West Cornwall. © Dan Pattison
A glorious aerial photo of the picturesque harbour of St Ives, West Cornwall. © Dan Pattison

What equipment do you use?

I use a NIKON DSLR with a 18-105mm lens and a 70-200mm telephoto lens. I also use a DJI Phantom 4 drone.

What is your favourite place in Cornwall?

This is a tricky one , there are so many stunning locations in Cornwall but my favourite place has to be Padstow and the North Cornwall Coastline.

Aerial photo overlooking the river Gannel near newquay with crantock beach on the left
The winding river Gannel with the beautiful sweeping sands of Crantock beach to the left, located on the outskirts of Newquay. © Dan Pattison

Do you have a favourite photo of Cornwall that you’ve taken?

My favourite image taken of Cornwall has to be a recent drone image taken from 400ft above Kynance Cove. (below)

Aerial photo of Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula in South West Cornwall. © Dan Pattison

Sunrise or sunset?

Sunset!

Aerial photo of Godrevy beach during sunset in West Cornwall
Sunset and waves on Godrevy beach, West Cornwall. © Dan Pattison

Any funny / horror stories from your photo expeditions?

Luckily I’ve not got any horror story to tell, but my weirdest moment was during a drone flight, discovering that Pedn Vounder beach is actually an unofficial nude beach ! I’ll say no more on that matter….

Porthcuno beach West Cornwall
Amazing birds eye view of Porthcurno beach in West Cornwall. © Dan Pattison

Where are you headed next to shoot?

As Cornish people will know, the weather can be very unpredictable so in terms of choosing a location i just take every day as it comes !

Logans rock in West Cornwall
Sea view of high tide on Pedn Vounder beach and Logan’s Rock in West Cornwall.

Are your photos available to buy? 

As it stands my images are not available to buy at this time, but this is something i am working on. So stay tuned for updates!

 

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Carbis Bay beach flies Blue Flag for Cornwall

Carbis Bay Beach near St Ives in Cornwall

Click here to view the beautiful Carbis Bay beach in 360º with our interactive panorama.

Carbis Bay Beach has retained its Blue Flag status for the eighth year, making it the only beach in Cornwall to receive the honour in 2014.

The Blue Flag Award is an internationally recognised symbol only awarded to the best beaches in the world.

In Britain the prestigious scheme is administered by Keep Britain Tidy, which announced today (Tuesday 20 May) that Carbis Bay had retained its award for another year.

The 25 acres of golden sandy beach at Carbis Bay is owned by the Carbis Bay Hotel & Spa, which overlooks the bay and offers direct access to the beach for its guests.

As well as being the only beach in Cornwall to be awarded Blue Flag status in 2014, Carbis Bay is also the only British beach privately owned by a hotel to achieve the accolade.

Stephen Baker, owner of the Carbis Bay Hotel & Spa said: “We strive for the highest standards across all of our hotel facilities, and being awarded the Blue Flag lets all of our guests and visitors know that they can expect the very best in water quality, facilities, safety, environmental education and management.

“The award doesn’t just benefit the hotel, but the wider tourism economy in Carbis Bay and West Cornwall. Combined with our planned beachfront development, which will include which will include a water sports centre, conference and wedding venue, restaurant and community hub, Carbis Bay Beach will become a focal point for the local community, attract year-round use and bring more visitors to the area.” Carbis Bay beach is one of 168 in England to be awarded a Blue Flag for 2014.

Carbis Bay Beach near St Ives in Cornwall has been awarded the blue flag in 2014

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Three Cornish beaches presented with Seaside Award

Seaside award 2014

 Polzeath beachPorthtowan beach and Gyllyngvase beach have all been awarded a 2014 Seaside Award for good management by the Keep Britain Tidy group. The seaside award is a nationally recognised mark of approval for a beach that merits water quality, developed facilities, encouraged beach activities and dog responsibility.

 

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Polzeath Beach in Cornwall achieves Seaside Award 2014

Seaside award 2014

The beautiful Polzeath Beach, on the north coast of Cornwall has been awarded a 2014 Seaside Award for good management by the Keep Britain Tidy group. The seaside award is a nationally recognised mark of approval for a beach that merits water quality, developed facilities, encouraged beach activities and dog responsibility.

polzeath-blog

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Cornwall named most child friendly holiday destination…In the world!

Cornwall has been voted the most child-friendly holiday destination…in the world!

In a poll of over 2000 parents, our glorious county picked up the top spot  beating off strong competition from  the likes of Florida and Spain thanks to it’s beautiful beaches, child friendly restaurants and the short journey time to reach. Our neighbours Devon picked up a very respectable 3rd place.

A spokesman for the UK’s leading holiday home lettings company, who commissioned the research said,

“If you have young children, there is so much to consider when deciding when to go on holiday, where to go and what accommodation to stay in.

”Not only do you need to choose somewhere that is safe for children, but you also want somewhere that has plenty of things to do, food that fussy kids will be happy to eat and also a journey which will be as stress-free as possible.

”And it seems Cornwall is the place that fits the bill. It only involves a few hours in the car and you can be confident there will be the right food and plenty of activities to keep your children busy.

Families looking to holiday in Cornwall this summer can look forward to spending some fun relaxing time on some of our beautiful beaches below…

Porthminster Beach in St Ives Cornwall
Crystal turquoise waters of Porthminster Beach in St Ives, Cornwall

 

Sand dunes at Crantock Beach near Newquay in Cornwall
Escape the hustle and bustle at Crantock Beach near Newquay, Cornwall
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Cornwall Beaches Event Guide Summer 2014

Polo on the beach - Watergate Bay Beach Newquay Cornwall

What’s on in Cornwall this summer…

Cornwall’s beaches aren’t just a great place to relax, they’re also perfect locations to hold activites and events such as music festivals, world belly boarding championships and beach polo competitions!

To make sure you don’t miss out on anything whilst on holiday in Cornwall, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to what’s happening on and around Cornwall’s beaches this summer.

Scroll down to see the events in date order…

7-8th June – Electric Beach Festival – Watergate Bay beach – Newquay, Cornwall

Electric Beach Festival 2014 Watergate Bay Beach Newquay Cornwall

A festival, on the beach, in summer, in Cornwall…what more could you ask for. The Electric Beach Festival returns to Watergate Bay in Newquay this summer. Artists such as De La Soul have performed in previous years.

Taking place over the weekend of Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th of June the music starts at 1pm and goes all through the day until 10pm (not forgetting the arter party!) with a licensed bar to keep your dancing juice topped up all night. Camping is available. For more info and the latest news check out the festivals official site HERE

5-6th July – Polo On The Beach – Watergate Bay Beach – Newquay,Cornwall

Polo on the beach - Watergate Bay Beach Newquay Cornwall

The usually tranquil, flat golden sands of Watergate bay in Newquay are turned into an equestrian battle ground for the sport of polo making for an action packed, champagne fuelled weekend of fun…and it’s free to watch!

Taking place over the weekend of Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th July, a total of 3 matches will be played, featuring some of the countries finest polo players all hoping to take home this years crown and lift the Watergate Bay Trophy.

This truly unique, spectacular event is definitely one not to be missed, and with additional events planned,a champagne bar, BBQ and live music playing into the night theres plenty to keep you entertained! Full details can be found HERE

20th July- Dodgeball 2014 – Lusty Glaze Beach – Newquay,Cornwall

Dodgeball on the beach - lusty glaze beach newquay cornwall

Dodge, Dip, Dive, Duck and Dodge – Those are the 5 rules of dodgeball!
Lusty Glaze Beach in Newquay will be hosting it’s very own dodgeball tournament on Sunday 20th July, giving you and your team a chance to recreate some of your favourite scenes from the hollywood blockbuster. So if your a good at dodging,dipping, diving and ducking get a team together and have some fun on the beach! It’s great to watch too and Lusty Glaze is packed full of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Food and drink is available with a live band playing throughout the day and into the night.
For more information and details on how to submit your team click HERE

6-10th August – Boardmasters – Fistral Beach,Watergate Bay – Newquay, Cornwall

Boardmasters Festival of Music and Surfing newquay Cornwall

Boardmasters Festival of Music and Surfing newquay Cornwall

Boardmasters Festival of Music and Surfing newquay Cornwall

Boardmasters Festival of Music and Surfing newquay Cornwall

Boardmasters, the biggest music and surfing festival in Europe returns to Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay in Newquay Cornwall this summer for more adrenaline filled fun in the sun. Set over 5 days from 6th-10th August it promises to be bigger and better than ever. Attracting thousands of party people every year it’s easily the biggest and best event in Cornwall.

The festival is split across two legendary locations in Newquay on the North Cornish Coast – Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay…

Fistral beach, famous for its perfect surfing conditions is transformed into a pumping mini festival and will host the pro surf contests, and features skate and BMX half pipe, graffiti art installations, live music and a bustling surf shopping village.

A few miles up the road is Watergate Bay, host to the main headline music festival and campsite. Set overlooking the dramatic cliffs of the North Cornish Coast it’s a full three days of live music, food stalls, bars, fairground rides and more! Headliners this year include BRIT award winners Bastille and legendary drum & Bass duo, Chase & Status.

Now if that hasn’t whet your appetite were not sure what will. For tonnes more info and to buy tickets check out the official boardmasters site HERE

8-17th August – Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week – Falmouth, Cornwall

Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week 2014

Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week is one of the biggest sailing regattas in the South West and has become one of Cornwall’s most vibrant and colourful festivals celebrating the spirit of the sea.
From Friday 8th- Sunday 17th August, the marine town of Falmouth will be buzzing with events on and off the sea catering for all ages and tastes. Carnivals, Live music, regatta racing and even an aerobatic display by the red arrows to finish things off! Sound good? We thought so!
For a full schedule of events check out Falmouth Week’s official website HERE

August (Date TBC) – St Ives Raft Race – Harbour Beach – St Ives, Cornwall

St Ives Raft Race Cornwall
Organised by the St Ives Pilot Gig Club, the annual St Ives raft race is a fun evening for everyone involved participants and spectators alike. Local people and businesses are invited to take to the waters around the picturesque St Ives harbour in their homemade watercraft and race from one end to the other. This mixed with mermaids, fancy dress, flour bombs and general chaos makes it a memorable evening.

17-23rd August – Fowey Royal Regatta & Carnival Week

Fowey Royal Regatta

Every August, thousands of visitors flock to the harbour town of Fowey to enjoy a week filled with entertainment both on and off the sea in the Fowey Royal Regatta and Carnival.
As well as the daily boat races out on the water, the festival continues on land (and air) with endless activities throughout the week including a carnival, live music, children’s entertainment, crab catching, pasty eating contest and even an aerobatic display from the red arrows!
The regatta is wrapped up on the Saturday night with a beautiful illuminated dinghy procession followed by a spectacular fireworks display. A must see. To see the whole weeks schedule visit the Fowey Royal Regatta site HERE

22nd-24th August – Lusty Glaze Tag Rugby – Lusty Glaze Beach – Newquay, Cornwall

Beach Rugby at Lusty Glaze Newquay Cornwall
Lusty Glaze beach in Newquay will be holding it’s annual beach tag rugby tournament over the August bank holiday weekend from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th. It’s a fun weekend, and tag rugby is a non contact sport suitable for all the family that promotes fitness and participation.A great way to spend the bank holiday at the beach and perfect if you have youth groups that would like to be involved. For more info on participating see the official Lusty Glaze website HERE

28th-31st August – Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta – Falmouth, Cornwall

Tall Ships Falmouth Cornwall

Falmouth will play host to one of the biggest international sailing events in English waters when over 40 vessels from around the world, including a number of magnificent tall ships descend on the marine town for a three day regatta festival,

During their time berthed in Falmouth Docks, these majestic ships will be open to the public enabling people to go onboard and experience the sights and sounds of these giants of the sea. The town will also be awash with events including a colourful ships crew parade through the town centre.

The last night of the regatta will see a fantastic fireworks display, with the fleet leaving in style the following day by forming a spectacular parade of sail between the twin tudor castles of St Mawes and Pendennis in Falmouth Bay.

For a complete list of events over the 3 days check out the official Falmouth Tall Ships website HERE

7th September – World Belly board Championship – Chapel Porth Beach – St Agnes, Cornwall

World Bellyboarding Championships 2014 St Agnes Cornwall
The world belly board championships, held on Chapel Porth beach in St Agnes Cornwall is a unique celebration of all things connected with the art of riding traditional wooden surf boards.

Now in it’s 12th year, hundreds of people of all ages bravely take to the water dressed in vintage bathing suits equipped with their primitive wooden surf boards to ride the waves hoping to become this years belly board world champion.

For more information and how to get involved this year visit the official belly boarding championship website HERE

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Watergate Bay Beach in Newquay, Cornwall to Host English National Surfing Championships 2014

Watergate Bay Newquay Cornwall English National Surfing Championships

Watergate Bay beach in Newquay, Cornwall will be the location for the 42nd English National Surfing Championships held over 3 days from May 4th – 6th 2014 ( bank holiday weekend)

So if you’re in Newquay why not head down to see some top surfing and soak up the great atmosphere or if surfings not your thing just take in the gorgeous views. Watergate bay is also home to Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant if you would prefer to watch tucking into some posh nosh!

Here are some shots from last years event and you have to admit it does look pretty awesome. To keep an eye on updates you can follow the championships official Facebook page here

Watergate Bay Newquay Cornwall English National Surfing Championships

Watergate Bay Newquay Cornwall English National Surfing Championships Watergate Bay Newquay Cornwall English National Surfing Championships

 

 

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New Live Beach Search!

Live Cornwall beach search

We’ve just added a really useful “live search” tool to our site, which autocompletes your search queries – making it easier to search Cornwall’s beaches and perfect for if you can’t remember the exact name of that wonderful beach you visited last summer! This is in addition to our “regional” map search and can be found in the top right of every page. We hope you enjoy the new addition and look out for more search facilities coming soon!

Live Cornwall beach search

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Beach Canvas Prints

Fancy having a lasting memory of your holiday to Cornwall? Well our beach canvas prints will be the perfect idea to let you take some of the magic back with you.

These beautiful images of your chosen beach will be available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit all styles and budgets. We’re also looking into the possibility of customising your print with text to make it truly personal.

We are still in the beginning stages of this exciting project and so the canvases are not available to buy just yet, but we’re busy behind the scenes making this work and will keep you updated!