How to have the perfect weekend in Cornwall

In the final instalment of our driving series, videographer and model Toby Watkins heads to England’s most southerly spots, all behind the wheel of a Polestar 3

Words: Gentleman's Journal

Videography: Toby Watkins and Matt Scales

Spring is fully in bloom, and with it comes a sense of new beginnings, exploration and a willingness to get away from the noise of life. Following beautiful sojourns to the Cotswolds, West Sussex and up to Scotland, we decided to conclude our driving series with a soul-reviving weekend in Cornwall – a corner of England that’s been long admired for its gentle pace of life, its surf and its pleasant beaches. For the final instalment, videographer and model Toby Watkins got behind the wheel of a Polestar 3 – the Swedish marque’s electric SUV that drives like a sports car and whose sleek styling blends seamlessly into any setting – to take us for a spin through these beautiful lands.

After picking up the keys in Plymouth, Watkins began his journey to St Mawes – a drive that lasts just under two hours as it winds towards England’s most southerly corner – before finally pulling up at Hotel Tresanton, a one-time yacht club that has been reconditioned into a whitewashed bolthole by Olga Polizzi. Each room here features a considered mix of old and new fixtures, local art and, perhaps best of all, views of the sea.

Pulling up at Hotel Tresanton

Then, following a quick coffee boost, Watkins made the most of the glorious spring weather as he headed to the local beach for a dip. The Rising Sun, a local pub that overlooks the harbour and serves braised-rabbit pappardelle and mussels in a sauce of dill and lobster, was the setting for dinner.

Catching the waves at Newquay

Fuelled the following morning by a full English, Watkins headed an hour north to catch the waves at Newquay, where, he says, ‘the sun was shining, but the water was extremely cold,’ and there was ‘a good swell’ to allow for a solid hour of surfing. Picking up fish and chips, that most typical of long-weekend rituals in England, was an afternoon highlight, before a return to St Mawes, stopping off at several places along the way to capture the stunning landscape.

That evening, ‘an amazing sunset’ took place, which was enjoyed on the hotel veranda with a sundowner, before a dinner of duck liver parfait and lemon sole. ‘Both were incredible,’ says Watkins.

It was perhaps the perfect ending to a few weekends exploring the very best of Britain.