SPRING AND SUMMER ON CORNWALL'S STUNNING LIZARD PENINSULA

Cornwall's Polurrian on The Lizard hotel is bringing new meaning to being 'beach ready' this year, with the introduction of a selection of outdoor activities guaranteed to get guests - both big and small - enjoying all that the hotel's nearby beaches and surrounding Lizard Peninsula have to offer.  Highlights include:

Beach survival skills with Lizard Adventure[1] – guests of all ages can channel their inner Bear Grylls and enjoy an action-packed half day course where they not only learn about the pollution and maritime litter issues which are threatening the local area, but also practical survival skills.  Activities include lighting a fire without using matches, raft building as well as foraging and rock pooling.

Wild swimming[2] – the breath-taking beauty of The Lizard Peninsula makes it the perfect location to dive in and try a spot of wild swimming.  Throughout July and August, water lovers can join Beyond the Wave CIC with Lucy Green, a qualified lifeguard, Forest School Leader, Open Water Swim Coach and a member of Mullion Lifesaving club, for an introduction to open water swimming along the stunning coastline.  Sessions can be bespoke, arranged to fit your needs, or you can join several pre-arranged swim, walk and cook sessions. You will learn how to plan a route, improve technique and risk assess your swim whilst taking in sights such as Polurrian Cove, the South West Coast Path and Poldhu Cove, all from a unique ocean perspective. The sessions include a circular walk with a swim or two to suit the ability of the group, to a relaxing spot where participants will build and light a fire to warm up, cook a meal make a hot drink.

Rock pooling for conservation – taking part in The Rock Pool Project[3] will turn a holiday trip to the beach into an unforgettable marine biology adventure. Dr Ben Holt, a leading marine biologist, will take guests on a journey to discover the marine wildlife found in the magical world of rock pools, from swimming crabs to bioluminescent anemones. The species will be recorded using waterproof handheld devices, and the findings added to the marine conservation records at the National Biodiversity Network. At the end of the session, participants will receive a personalised report of their rock pool wildlife finds, explaining how they contributed to the project and the building of a better picture of local marine life.

Dan Joel Surf School   – If you want to catch some waves while staying at Polurrian on The Lizard, then look no further than the Dan Joel Surf School. Dan is a champion surfer with 20 years' experience and teaches surf lessons at Poldhu Beach with all equipment provided.  Make sure to have a rewarding hot chocolate post lesson – the ones served from the on site beach hut are legendary.

Kayaking[4] – a favourite family activity is guided kayaking from Mullion Cove or Cadgwith Cove on the Lizard Peninsula. This offers the opportunity to learn about the local wildlife and natural history, as well as explore the rugged coastline, explore caves and visit islands, and is led by knowledgeable guides.

Coasteering[5] – this adrenalin-filled activity is the ultimate coastal experience and great for adventure seekers.  Great to do with family and friends, coasteering involves exhilarating opportunities to jump and play where the sea meets the cliff, all under the careful supervision of qualified guides.  Polurrian on the Lizard's adventure partner, Lizard Adventure, offers lots of other great activities including rock climbing, paddle boarding and survival skills.  Bookings can be made at the hotel. 

AND FOR THOSE WISHING TO RELAX…

For those who want to chill and stay around the hotel, there's plenty to do including enjoying a leisurely swim – be it in the indoor swimming pool or in the hotel's outdoor heated pool which offers amazing sea views.  Alternatively, guests can take advantage of Polurrian on The Lizard's tennis courts and enjoy a game outside while looking out to sea (in between serves!) or join one of the hotel's organised fitness classes such as Cliff top yoga or pilates.  Classes will be held in the hotel's ground weather permitting. 

COCKTAILS WITH A VIEW

After all the fresh air, activities and excitement, guests can enjoy a sundowner back at the hotel on its veranda which overlooks Mount's Bay. It's the perfect spot to indulge in a drink from the hotel bar's extensive selection of rums, gins, beers, and wines, many of which are locally sourced from Cornwall, as well as an enticing cocktail list – while watching the sun go down.  Children are not forgotten about and can choose from a selection of fun mocktails.

The views from the hotel are arguably one of the most dramatic in the South West and, to ensure guests can enjoy it to the full, the hotel will be making full use of its terraced gardens as well opening a lovely new sun terrace with views along the coast to St Michael's Mount this season.  The terrace is a great spot for guests to chill out, enjoy a cold beer, a cocktail or coffee, and indulge in one of the hotel's award-winning afternoon teas while enjoying views of Polurrian Cove, Love Rock, the Marconi memorial and, on a clear day, Wolf's Rock Lighthouse.

BEST OF CORNWALL'S FOOD AND DRINK

Polurrian on The Lizard's restaurant, which features a Gozney wood fired oven, serves delicious hand-stretched pizzas alongside rustic dishes and bold flavours of the Mediterranean, made using the finest produce from Cornwall's countryside to its coastline.  Dishes include tapas starters, locally caught fish and mouth-watering desserts including the famous Roskilly's ice cream.

The hotel's fish suppliers mainly work out of nearby Cadgwith Cove, and delivers daily to its front door.  Current catch includes mackerel, pollock as well as the main ingredient in these new dishes:

• Cornish bouillabaisse with, mackerel, crab, mussels and prawns
• Whole bass with lemon and Cornish saffron aioli and a orange, pickled fennel, cucumber, watermelon and chilli salad
• Pan-seared scallops, pickled Polurrian cove rock samphire, smoked bacon relish with a caramelised apple puree and a golden raising dressing.

OUTDOOR CINEMA

Following the success of last year's outdoor cinema screenings, there will also be a weekly sunset cinema, screening classics movies for all the family to enjoy.  Films will be shown outside in the hotel grounds fortnightly and will include classics such as Grease and Dirty Dancing.

ROOMS AND VILLAS

Guests have a choice of accommodation when staying at Polurrian on The Lizard.  The hotel boasts 41 bedrooms, many with sea views and the option of inter-connecting for families.  Right next to the hotel are four stunning three-bedroomed, two-bathroom, seaside villas which are also available to book. These high-spec villas, which sleep six, offer guests their own private space while being able to benefit from all the hotel's facilities.

Rooms from £159.00 including breakfast.   Villas from £597 for a three-night break.  Villas rented on a weekly basis during school holidays.  For bookings please contact www.polurrianhotel.com or call 01326 240421.

Ends

For more information and images:

Maria Boyle                                     

MB Communications Ltd                

0208 876 8444                                                          

maria@mbcomms.co.uk                

Twitter: @mbcommsltd

[1] £30 per person. Discount of £2 offered for groups of 4 to 7; £4 off for groups of 8 or more. Suitable for all ages (under eights require adult supervision). Bookings can be made by: bookings@lizardadventure.co.uk 07845 204 040

[2] Beyond the Wave CIC is a non-profit social enterprise committed to making open water swimming and access to nature inclusive and accessible for all.  3 hours walk, swim, fire, and food £35/person, minimum 4; £140 per group booking up to 6. 1-hour swim lesson £30/person 1:1 or £25/person 1:2 or £12/person minimum 4 people, max 6. Sessions suitable for all ages and abilities, children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Bookings can be made via the hotel.  Swimmers need to bring their own wetsuits (though wetsuits are not obligatory depending on need) and they don't need any prior experience.

[3] The Rock Pool Project is a not-for-profit community enterprise dedicated to marine wildlife conservation, education, and research. Sunset & Night Rock Pooling Sessions: £22 per adult, £16 for under 18s (must be accompanied by an adult). Kids/Family Rock Pooling Sessions: £25 per child, parents/guardians are welcome to join in for free.

The Rock Pool Project is a not-for-profit community enterprise dedicated to marine wildlife conservation, education, and research.

4 The kayaking sessions are suitable for children aged 8 upwards. Participants are provided with a warm wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet. You will need to bring swimwear, a towel, and old trainers to wear in the water. You will be in a small group of approximately 8 people.  Bookings can be made via bookings@lizardadventure.co.uk 07845204040

[5] Participants are provided with a warm wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet. You will need to bring swimwear, a towel, old trainers, and old shorts for over the wetsuit. You will be in a small group of approximately 8 people. Strictly for ages 8 and over. You don't need to be a strong swimmer, just be comfortable in deep water. Bookings can be made by via bookings@lizardadventure.co.uk 07845 204040