The historic village of Marazion must surely have one of the most picturesque settings in the country. Set on the wide sweep of Mount’s Bay, with the beautiful St. Michael’s Mount in the foreground, this is a wonderful place to spend a day or a holiday.

The ever-changing seascape and the constant coming and going of small boats and (farther out to sea) large ships mean that there is always something to watch while relaxing on the sandy beach. There is safe bathing here and you can try your hand at wind surfing and sailing as well.

If you fancy complimenting your summer wardrobe with some stylish casual clothing, then The Rigging in Market Place is the perfect choice. The attractive white walled store, with stunning views of St Michael’s Mount close by, carries a great selection of summer casuals and swimwear.

The Rigging specialises in 100% casual cotton clothing by Deal and Lazy Jacks along with swimwear for all ages from Speedo and Heatwave. Amply stocked, there is plenty of opportunity to browse at your leisure, you also have the opportunity to shop online at www.stivesimage.com.

Close by is the Market House Gallery, which originally opened as Sims Gallery in 1998, selling traditional Newlyn and Modern British. In 2001, it became known as Market House under the auspices of Jonathan Grimble, bringing many modern and contemporary artists to further prominence.

During 2007 Paul Longthorne took over the space to continue with quality 20th Century Cornish Artists and the introduction of several new current figures. The gallery presents 6 exhibitions annually and carries an extensive stock including ceramics and glassware.

The little church at Perranuthnoe, illustrated on this page, is dedicated to St Piran and St Michael the Archangel. St. Piran was an Irish saint who came to Cornwall in 498 AD and ministered to the Cornish. He became the patron saint of Cornish miners and his flag is the familiar white cross on a black background. Although many features of the original church were destroyed in the Reformation, much has been done to restore it to its former beauty and it is well worth visiting.

At Whitecross on the A30 east of Penzance you will find Hardy Exotics Nursery. Choose from a fantastic range of exotic garden plants, collected and grown by Clive Shilton and his team. Many of the plants for sale are rarely seen outside botanic gardens. You can enjoy the Hardy Exotics experience as you wander through the 2 acres of landscaped nursery garden – a real Aladdin’s cave of plant treasures.

All plants are zoned for hardiness and the friendly staff will be delighted to advise you. Many of the plants are fully hardy so an exotic garden can be created in cold areas. The plant collection includes: herbaceous, trees, shrubs, succulents, palms, bamboos, grasses, ferns, climbers and much more!

Car too full? No problem - you choose your plants and the nursery will pack them and deliver to your door. Opening hours are 10am - 5pm. In summer they are open seven days a week, but in winter only six - closed on Sundays.

Clive’s obsession with exotic plants has created a nursery that for all who visit - ‘gardening’ will never be the same again. A true inspiration! Come and see for your self. Check out the exciting pictorial website on www.hardyexotics.co.uk.