DAY 3: ST MARTIN’S

A DAY ON ST MARTIN’S

With its turquoise waters and powdery white-sand beaches, the little paradise island of ST MARTIN’S feels more Caribbean than Cornwall. It’s easily reached in about 25 minutes or so on one of the little tripper boats that regularly chug out of Hugh Town for the off-islands [morning departures for St Martin’s leave daily at 8.45am & 10.15am | £12 return, children £6]. The boats dock at the quay in Higher Town, which is conveniently right next to PAR BEACH, a stunning expanse of sand that is regularly voted the best in the UK. If this beach was anywhere else in the country, it would be absolutely swamped; but it’s considered busy here if visitor numbers reach double figures. You could easily make a day of it on Par Beach alone, lounging on the sand and hiring a kayak or SUP from St Martin’s Watersports for a paddle along the coast and out to Nornour, Little Arthur and Great Gonilly, part of the Eastern Isles and a reliable place for spotting Atlantic grey seals frolicking among the kelp [from £15 for 1 hour for a single kayak or SUP, £25 for a double kayak, includes paddle, a leash, buoyancy aid, whistle and waterproof housing for your mobile phone]. The boat back to St Mary’s normally departs from the quay at Lower Town, at the opposite end of the island [last boat back leaves around 4.45pm]. It’s a 30-minute walk from Par Beach along St Martin’s main (only!) road, but allow enough time to stop in for a drink at The Seven Stones Inn, a beautiful traditional stone pub with incredible sea views (plus an excellent hidden tree play area for the children).

WHERE TO STAY

STAR CASTLE HOTEL