What to Do in Cornwall (Besides Watching the Rain Hit the Window)
Cornwall is a mood. A mix of wild landscapes, salty air, and villages with names you’ll absolutely butcher on the first try. Whether you're here for the surf, the pasties, or just to escape real life for a bit, there’s something about this place that feels like stepping into a postcard - just with more seagulls trying to steal your chips.
Start with the obvious: the coast. Hike the South West Coast Path, find a hidden cove, or pretend you're in a BBC drama while staring wistfully at the waves in St Ives. If you're more about action, grab a board and attempt to surf at Fistral Beach. (Or, if you're like most of us, spend 30 minutes in the water, realise you're terrible at it, and go for fish and chips instead.) For a less sandy adventure, head to the Minack Theatre, a literal cliffside stage where you can watch a play with the ocean as your backdrop. Dramatic in all the right ways.
Of course, it rains. A lot. That’s just part of the deal. But Cornwall knows how to do cozy. Duck into a pub with a roaring fire, wander around the Eden Project pretending you’re in a futuristic biodome, or get lost in an art gallery in Newlyn or Penzance. And if the rain is really settling in for the day, there's no shame in retreating indoors with a cup of tea and a good movie on Netflix. After all, stormy weather is best appreciated from a warm, dry spot.
No matter what you do, Cornwall has a way of slowing you down, in the best way possible. It’s a place to explore, to pause, and to let the sea breeze clear your head. Just keep an eye on those seagulls - they’ve got their own agenda.
True Spirit – A Teenager, a Boat, and Zero Chill Weather
I stumbled across True Spirit on Netflix the other night, not really expecting much more than some nice ocean shots and a bit of inspirational fluff. Instead, I ended up watching a sixteen-year-old out-sail most adults I know - and I’m still not over it. The film follows the real-life story of Jessica Watson, who attempted to become the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop around the world. No backup crew, no land in sight, just her, a boat, and an endless stretch of angry-looking waves. It’s part adventure, part therapy session for anyone who thinks parallel parking is stressful.
The movie keeps things tight and personal, showing not just the sheer physical challenge but also the mental load of being alone for months at sea. Teagan Croft does a solid job as Jessica - equal parts stubborn and endearing - and the whole thing has this breezy, hopeful tone without glossing over the rough stuff. It’s a reminder that sometimes you’ve got to be a little bit crazy to chase something epic. Also: lots of water. Like, a lot of water. Don’t watch this if you get seasick easily.
Honestly, True Spirit kind of snuck up on me. I hit play expecting background noise and got a dose of "maybe I should be doing something more ambitious with my life." If you’re into real-life stories, ocean vibes, or just need a reminder that teenagers can be terrifyingly capable, give it a go. It’s streaming on Netflix now, and it's a pretty inspiring way to spend a rainy afternoon. Think you can watch it with a VPN if it's not available in your country. Check it out!
East Coast Sailing Stops Worth Dropping Anchor For
The East Coast of the US is one of those stretches where you can hop from one unforgettable harbor to the next and never run out of character, scenery, or seafood. Whether you’re sailing down for a weekend or stringing together a longer adventure, there are a few stops that always deliver. Think cobblestone streets, colonial charm, and beach walks that start right at the pier. Here are five ports of call that are more than worth tying up for.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is basically the East Coast’s sailing capital. The harbor fills with yachts in summer, and the town itself feels like it was built for wandering after a day on the water. The Cliff Walk offers sea views on one side and Gilded Age mansions on the other. Once you’ve stretched your legs, it’s all about the raw bars and waterfront taverns.
Mystic, Connecticut
Yes, Mystic is famous for pizza, but it’s even better for history lovers. Mystic Seaport Museum is a working shipyard that feels like stepping back in time, complete with tall ships and old ropewalks. The downtown is small but perfect for an afternoon of shops and ice cream before heading back to the marina.
Annapolis, Maryland
This one is all about colonial charm mixed with a bustling harbor scene. Annapolis has brick-lined streets, seafood shacks with blue crabs spilling out of baskets, and plenty of live music. It’s also home to the US Naval Academy, which is worth a stroll for both the history and the architecture.
Charleston, South Carolina
Farther down the coast, Charleston blends Southern hospitality with serious nautical beauty. Rainbow Row, cobblestone alleys, and the Battery promenade make for a perfect shore day. The food scene is legendary too - shrimp and grits taste a lot better after a day on the water.
Key West, Florida
If you’re feeling like stretching the trip all the way south, Key West is pure color and fun. It’s a little more laid-back Caribbean than traditional East Coast, but it makes for a memorable final stop. Sunsets at Mallory Square, Hemingway’s house, and a lively marina packed with character - this is where you trade in quiet evenings for a little rum and music.
When it comes to staying on shore, you’ve got options. Some sailors prefer booking cozy waterfront inns right in town, while others go for beachfront hotels. And for those who aren’t old enough to check into every hotel yet, under-21 guides are out there too, pointing toward properties that welcome younger travelers.
In the end, the beauty of the East Coast is variety: you can be in a colonial port one day, a seafood haven the next, and finish off with island sunsets. All you really need is a good chart, a curious streak, and maybe a rolling duffel for when you decide to linger longer on land.
Keeping Up With British TV While Abroad
If you’ve ever settled into a deck chair abroad only to realise you can’t stream BBC iPlayer, Sky Go or Channel 4, you’re not alone. The shows you take for granted at home suddenly vanish the moment you cross a border. The solution? A VPN. With a decent one, you can trick your devices into thinking they’re still in the UK, which means you won’t miss that cliffhanger everyone will be talking about on WhatsApp.
BBC dramas, Sky’s endless sport, and Channel 4’s mix of quirky comedies and documentaries are all accessible again once you’re virtually back on home turf. It’s a lifesaver on longer trips, and yes, it even works if you’re parked up in some marina in Portugal with sketchy Wi-Fi. The Irish have it slightly easier - they can watch RTÉ abroad with fewer hoops to jump through, though half of them will still complain the stream buffers during the Six Nations.
Because let’s face it, the sunsets are beautiful, but sometimes all you want is your own sofa shows—even if that sofa happens to be in another timezone.