THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

Winter blues? We prefer ours in the sapphire shades of
Cornwall‘s Atlantic coast. That’s why we’re offering you the
chance to win a three-night, self-catered getaway for you and up to
five friends in Porthcothan Bay.

Cradled by grassy dunes, this rocky cove between Newquay and
Padstow is the kind of place where days spent surfing and chugging
lungfuls of sea air on cliff-top walks are best followed by
evenings swapping stories around a roaring fire.

No hearth is more welcoming than that of Porthcothan Mill Cottage. Dating back to 1597 – when
Queen Elizabeth I was still on the throne – this former mill is the
oldest building in the village. It shows in the honeyed beams,
quirky alcoves and pitch-roof bedrooms, but more so in the way that
the cottage immerses you in the wilderness. Social distancing can
be tricky in the city. It comes naturally here.

The garden is the stuff of which novels are written. Cocooned by
the valley and ivy-shrouded trees, its rutted lawn is crisscrossed
by what was once the mill’s leat – as well as local wildlife, if
you approach quietly.

On a crisp morning, wander over to the end of the garden where a
packhorse bridge connects with a footpath that winds to the bucolic
valley, stroll through the fields to the beach, or, perhaps, jump
in the car – Padstow and Watergate Bay are within a short
drive.

Back at Porthcothan Mill Cottage, bundle into the utility room,
where a dedicated shower takes care of any sandy wetsuits,
surfboards and pets. Evenings here are characterised by home-cooked
meals around the sky-lit dining table; board games with your
playlist streaming through the Bang & Olufsen speakers; dozing
off on the couch with the warmth of the log fire on your cheek. If
you do make it to bed: snag bedroom two for the best valley
views.

Full terms and conditions can be found here.