Favourite place when you have time off?

Falmouth, the high street in particular, where you can be engulfed by the delicious smells of local cafes and restaurants. The views are out of this world and you could spend hours gazing out over the harbour and sea.

When’s a good time to come?

There is always heaps going on in Cornwall, with music, food and dance festivals happening all year round. The summer particularly offers a great time to experience the Cornish way of life, with events happening around Cornwall daily. However, if it’s the tourists you want to avoid, Cornwall offers just as much in the colder seasons of the year. The views are as amazing as they are in the summer.

Lunchtime treats?

My favourite is Oggy’s Pasty Shop in Falmouth. The apple and blackberry pasties are to die for.

Evening delights?

I like going to local cafes with friends, particularly in Falmouth in the summer because so many overlook the beach.

Don’t miss

There are many amazing things not to be missed in Cornwall. The beaches are obviously a must for surfers and non-surfers alike. The Marine Aquarium in Newquay (01637 878 134, www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk) is amazing and has a huge octopus. It really is massive. Pendennis Castle (01326 316 594, www.english-heritage.org.ukpendennis) in Falmouth, where I volunteer with the education programme, is another must. It caters for adults and children and offers a full day out with activities and hands-on exhibitions, plus the opportunity to walk around the site, which was once involved in a siege during the Civil War. Visit www.english-heritage.org.uklearning for details of discovery visits for all key stages.

Rumour has it the graves of the siege victims are still on the site somewhere. Another not to be missed is Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant at Watergate Bay (01637 861 000, www.fifteencornwall.co.uk). It offers a reasonably priced breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, with stunning views.

Visitors beware

Obviously, if you’re a crowd-a-phobic it’s best to avoid Cornwall during high season as it can get very busy.

Remember to bring or buy

If you’re coming in the summer, remember to bring lots of sun lotion and your swimsuit. If you’re heading down to Cornwall anytime between October and March, bring your raincoat Helen Frost was talking to Renata Rubnikowicz

Find out more

Visit Cornwall (01872 322 900, www.visitcornwall.co.uk); Falmouth Tourist Information (01326 312 300, www.acornishriver.co.uk).

How to stay there

Classic Cottages (01637 878 134, www.classic.co.uk) has a selection of properties in the area, such as Little Trefusis, a mile north of Falmouth, which sleeps four and costs pound;672 a week in high season. Or try Cornish Traditional Cottages (01208 821 666, www.corncott.com) whose Oystercatcher Cottage in Falmouth, sleeping two adults and two children, costs pound;690 a week in late July and late August.