What to wear in Cornwall

Cornwall is green for a reason. The county has the most amazing, lush landscape all year round, and this is what makes it such a beautiful place to visit, but you can be sure that during part of your stay, it will rain. If it doesn't you have been truly lucky.

There is a saying I've heard here in Cornwall. Rain before seven, clear by eleven, and actually there is some truth in this. It is also true that Cornwall can have all four seasons in one day.

It lies between two expanses of water, you see. The Atlantic Ocean on the north coast, and the English Channel on the south coast. These, combined with the rugged landscape of Cornwall, provide the ideal conditions for changeable weather, so when people ask me, 'what should I wear on my visit', the answer is something for all seasons - layers. The distinct fashion in Cornwall is practical, comfortable, and layered.

High heels really aren't practical in Cornwall, not if you want to preserve your ankles. Neither are your prize £200 trainers if you want to keep them clean.  Flip flops, or wellies, there is often little in between. We have the most amazing sunsets, but a summer on the beach watching the sunset usually requires a winter coat if you are to see the sunset out. We just don't get the warm humid nights often found around London and the home counties.

It is also true that when there is rain on the north coast, it is often clear and sunny on the south coast. Likewise in summer, the weather on the beaches is often far clearer than inland. Here in Demelza, we find the most settled weather is in Spring and Autumn, when the temperature between land and sea has less variance, yet sea mist and fog often rolls in at the coast during the shoulder season.

October brings a break in the weather, with storm-watching season on its way, but spring comes early. I have frequently sat on the beach in short sleeves, soaking up the sunshine in February.

We seldom have snow, but when we do, don't expect to travel. Cornwall doesn't do well in the snow, and if it clears in Cornwall, most likely you'll get stranded around Okehampton, at the foot of Dartmoor. Best to book an extra night if it snows.

I'm not really selling Cornwall am I? 

You get used to it. Seldom do you see the Cornish put off by a bit of rain in summer, as they know it will usually clear in a short while. Complain about it and the response is usually, 'There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.' It's a good excuse to book a surf lesson - you're going to get wet anyway and you'll probably be sunbathing on the beach in an hour.

Cornwall is to be appreciated for its ruggedness, its landscape, coast and climate too. When the sun is out, you could be on a Greek Island somewhere, with azure seas, sea thrift blowing in the breeze, and the most amazing instagrammable beaches. They really do look as good as the photos on social media, when the sun is shining. It's what keeps people coming year after year, and when you visit, you'll understand why. The culture of Cornwall is about this beautiful landscape and immersing yourself in it. From the rugged shores from which tales of shipwrecks and smugglers abound, to the remoteness of Bodmin Moor, with its stories of beasts and criminals hiding from the law. Today, the weather and landscape work in harmony with surfers and wind-sailers, hikers and farmers.

And when you've immersed yourself in all the marvellousness that Cornwall has to offer, there is an equally marvellous, warm and toasty place for you to stay, at Demelza Cottage.

A final note about umbrellas. Don't bother - the wind will trash them in seconds.