Monday 19 December 2011

The Week Ahead: W/C 19th December

What’s On

We’re so close to Christmas this week, it’s so exciting! We’ve been full of Christmas parties and have many more lined up so if you haven’t booked yours yet then do get in touch.

Meanwhile we’re also offering Christmas shoppers the opportunity to enjoy a lunch from the specials menu and get another lunch for a penny so that you can have a mid-spree break! Likewise we are also offering buy one get one free cream teas as a treat.

From all at Tregenna, we’d like to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

This Week’s Weather
Monday: Top Temp. 11° - Heavy rain
Tuesday: Top Temp. 10° - White cloud
Wednesday: Top Temp. 12° - White cloud
Thursday: Top Temp. 12° - Grey cloud
Friday: Top Temp. 12° - Light rain

This Week’s Surf Report - Porthmeor at 12 noon
Monday: 7 ft – WSW Wind 25 mph
Tuesday: 6.5 ft – WNW Wind 16 mph
Wednesday: 8 ft – WNW Wind 21 mph
Thursday: 6 ft – WSW Wind 15 mph
Friday: 9 ft – NW Wind 24 mph
Saturday: 7 ft – WSW Wind 8 mph
Sunday: 7 ft – SSW Wind 12 mph

Average water temperature is 12°

Monday 12 December 2011

Some lovely comments about Castle Kids

We were delighted when the Early Years Improvement Team – Children, Schools and Families for Cornwall Council visited Castle Kids last week to look at the quality of our provision and areas that might need additional support. Here are some of the things that they said…

“A bright, attractive, welcoming setting…”
“Confident friendly children who readily approached to talk about what they were doing and to share books…”
“Wealth of information displayed/available to parents and carers…”
“Good quality resources accessibly stored, labelled with pictures/text…”
“Displays/text which are relevant to children (e.g. the board where children’s ideas are written up daily at Circle time, expressed in children’s own words)…”
“Clearly defined areas in pre-school room (role play, creative play, mark making, book area, heuristic play,) with opportunities for learning in all areas…”
“Learning journeys with photos, observations linked to area/phase of development and possible ‘next steps’…”
“Policies reviewed and updated and system in place for ensuring parents/carers have read them; SEF in place…”
“Pro-active engagement with other professionals…”
“Enthusiastic forward-thinking manager…”

Our team works extremely hard to ensure that Castle Kids is a welcoming and educational place for our little guests and we have been rated by Ofstead as “outstanding”. You don’t have to stay at the hotel to use the facility, so do drop in and have a look around if you are looking for childcare.

A wonderful review

Helen stayed with us recently and wrote this lovely review, complete with great photography. Thanks Helen!

http://brightforyou.hubpages.com/hub/Tregonny-Castle-Estate-Cornwall

The Week Ahead: W/C 12th December

What’s On
For celebrations to truly get you sparkling this festive season, treat yourself to a fairytale Christmas day with us!
What could be more magical than spending the day in a castle decorated for Christmas, surrounded by family and friends, where you don’t have to lift a finger?
Join us for a delicious 3-course traditional Christmas lunch in our restaurant, followed by time to relax in one of our lounges - whilst our Castle Kids team impress younger guests with fantastic fun and games. Or enjoy our beautiful woodland walks with breathtaking views of St.Ives. Gather together for tea and Christmas cake with the Queen, as we tune in for her speech at 3pm and then more time to enjoy with your loved ones, before heading home with memories to treasure.
£49.95 per person – children half price.
Make a festive break of it, with a family room from just £90 per night.

This Week’s Weather
Monday: Top Temp. 9° - Heavy rain showers
Tuesday: Top Temp. 8° - Light rain
Wednesday: Top Temp. 10° - White cloud
Thursday: Top Temp. 10° - Heavy rain
Friday: Top Temp. 9° - Sunny intervals

This Week’s Surf Report - Porthmeor at 12 noon
Monday: 14.5 ft – SW Wind 28 mph
Tuesday: 19 ft – WSW Wind 36 mph
Wednesday: 25.5 ft – WSW Wind 40 mph
Thursday: 18 ft – SW Wind 37 mph
Friday: 15.5 ft – W Wind 37 mph
Saturday: 14 ft – NW Wind 22 mph
Sunday: 11.5 ft – NW Wind 21 mph

Average water temperature is 13°

Thursday 8 December 2011

New Executive Head Chef at Tregenna Castle Hotel


An international award winning chef has joined Tregenna Castle Hotel’s team. Scott Young brings a wealth of experience to his new role as Executive Head Chef at the St Ives hotel.

Scott has worked in fifteen countries which gives him a thorough knowledge of world cuisine. He is now keen to give diners the best of Cornish produce from a globally inspired menu.

“Cornwall produces excellent quality ingredients which are so exciting to use. My international experience has strongly influenced the new menu and I am enjoying offering Tregenna’s guests the best local produce prepared in a creative way.”

Scott has won gold and silver medals in Australia’s highly competitive Annual Salon Culinary. In the past he has been the Executive Sous Chef for international hotels in Australasia, has overseen award winning gastro pubs and restaurants here in the UK and has even been the Executive Chef for Honda’s Formula One team. Scott also managed the catering for the Rolling Stones ‘Bridges to Babylon’ tour, the largest catering operation for a musical tour in the whole world to date.

Operations Director James Parker is already getting great feedback from visitors.

“Scott has really made his mark by introducing a round the world culinary experience using the very best of Cornwall’s produce. His award winning expertise ensures that Tregenna’s visitors from near and far are enjoying outstanding meals.”

Tregenna Castle is encouraging guests and local residents alike to try Scott’s new menu by offering a three course dinner for two people complete with a bottle of wine for just £48 from Monday to Saturday from 7-9 pm.

The hotel is also offering other opportunities to enjoy Scott’s menus with ‘buy a lunch, get one for a penny’ during the week and ‘buy one get one free’ cream teas between 2 -5 pm every day.

Standing in a 72 acre estate, Tregenna Castle Hotel is well-known for its stunning views of St Ives and the glorious coastline of St Ives Bay. Frequently used by hotel guests, the restaurant is open to non-residents throughout the year.

For further information to book, which is advisable, please call us on 01736 795254.

Tuesday 6 December 2011

Nice November Notes!

We had more incredible feedback from our guests last month - thank you so much - and here are some of the best bits.

“A mid week escape to an enchanting castle...”
Driving up to the hotel you could mistakenly think you were in some film set, it was grand, imposing and felt very special. The staff were very helpful and accommodating and were more then happy to answer all of our questions. A very good location and a good place to relax whilst enjoying a bit of comfort.

“Wow”
Had a really lovely stay, the room was massive, the bed massive, the bath was massive, the view from window unbelievable. The grounds were a delight, and the indoor pool a good size for a hotel. The team in restaurant were well above average.

“Excellent Cuisine”
My husband and I spent a few days at the Tregenna Castle within the hotel accommodation and had an excellent time ! However the highlight most definitely was the food. Both nights we ate in the Restaurant selecting from both the A La Carte and Bistro menus, the fine attention to detail and attentive service all added up to an outstanding culinary experience!

“A Wow Weekend”
Tregenna Castle has the 'WOW' factor, is it such a wonderful place, stunning building and grounds. The rooms & Hotel were very clean. The Staff were 'FANTASTIC', so friendly and nothing was too much trouble, Had a lovely treatment at the Beauty Salon, again lovely staff. Breakfast was a wide selection of yummy food and you were never made to feel that you had to rush. A totally relaxing experience, enhanced by the Spa, sauna, steam room and pool. Fantastic location for walking into St Ives. Can't wait to go again, waiting for another fab deal :o)

“Wonderful self catering”
Not been to St Ives for 20 years and in November 2010 booked a self catering apartment at Tregenna Castle, we enjoyed it so much have returned twice since and booked again for spring 2012, We've stayed in three different apartments and have found them all to be first class in every respect fully equipped and immaculately clean. In every respect our holidays have been first class with the big bonus being the very professional and helpful staff.

“Great stay, friendly as well”
Had a one day stay at Tregenna as part of our visit to St Ives and really liked it. The sea view was great, and the view of the seaside town was great! We played a game of golf in the morning and it was a lovely walk. Hole 11 has a fantastic view due to the clear day!

“Lovely Hotel full of character”
Stayed here with my Fiancé for a two night break. Our only complaint was that it wasn't long enough!! Lovely warm welcome from the moment we arrived until the moment we left. Breakfast was lovely. Gardens were stunning.

“Self catering at its best!”
We were offered a 'galleried apartment' when no rooms were available. We had a beautiful, spacious, well-equipped space. Could not fault it - even tea towels and dishwasher tablets provided! We had breakfast included which was plentiful - and lots of variety. Fabulous setting, lovely staff, perfect weekend.

“Great location - fabulous views - a real family venue!”
A great hotel that consistently delivers good quality accommodation, fabulous food and all with a view to die for. Can't wait for the next visit!

“A great weekend away - definitely returning soon!”
Everything about the weekend was perfect. Our room was amazing. Breakfast was brilliant.

I am definitely returning and going to bring my little one as the facilities were great and think he would love them and also the Beach is not far.

Thanks to all the staff for being so friendly and helpful - see you soon.

Monday 5 December 2011

Colouring Comp at "Fair Mo"



Last Saturday (26th Nov) was “Fair Mo” in St Ives - the ancient “pig” fair that sees all kinds of entertainment and crafts in the town.

We ran a colouring competition for 0-5 yr olds and 6-10 yr olds, with a prize of Sunday lunch for 2 adults and 2 children for each age group winner.

We wanted to share our pictures with you as we have some budding artists in our midst!

Our winner in the 6-10 Yr Old category was Skye; Whilst our winner in the 0-5 Yr Old category was Ruby. Please see pictures in that order.

Well done Ruby and Skye and we look forward to seeing you for Sunday lunch!

The Week Ahead: W/C 5th December

What’s On
We are running some fantabulous special offers at the moment that are definitely worth enjoying, inlcuding buy one get one free cream teas, buy a lunch and get another for 1p…there are a multitude of reasons to come and visit us. Please see the special offers page for the details.

This Week’s Weather
Monday: Top Temp. 8° - Heavy rain showers
Tuesday: Top Temp. 9° - Light rain
Wednesday: Top Temp. 11° - White cloud
Thursday: Top Temp. 13° - White cloud
Friday: Top Temp. 9° - Sunny intervals

This Week’s Surf Report - Porthmeor at 12 noon
Monday: 10.5 ft – WNW Wind 27 mph
Tuesday: 11 ft – W Wind 32 mph
Wednesday: 15 ft – WNW Wind 34 mph
Thursday: 9 ft – SW Wind 28 mph
Friday: 7.5 ft – WSW Wind 24 mph
Saturday: 4 ft – SW Wind 14 mph
Sunday: 2 ft – NW Wind 30 mph

Average water temperature is 13°

Monday 28 November 2011

The Week Ahead: W/C 28th November

What’s On
It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas here at Tregenna! We have decorated and there are more and more pretty lights sparkling up from St Ives. It’s a truly magical place to do your Christmas shopping and to reward yourself, why not enjoy a mid week cream tea with us – they’re buy one get one free! We’re also offering mid week lunches for 1p when you buy another (starting Friday 2nd Dec), the perfect treat to help you get ready for the festive season. See below for even more special offers and reasons to be merry.

This Week’s Weather
Monday: Top Temp. 13° - Light rain
Tuesday: Top Temp. 13° - Heavy rain
Wednesday: Top Temp. 12° - Sunny intervals
Thursday: Top Temp. 10° - Light rain
Friday: Top Temp. 10° - Light rain shower

This Week’s Surf Report - Porthmeor at 12 noon
Monday: 8 ft – S Wind 25 mph
Tuesday: 2 ft – SSW Wind 43 mph
Wednesday: 12 ft – SW Wind 25 mph
Thursday: 11.5 ft – WNW Wind 6 mph
Friday: 9.5 ft – N Wind 18 mph
Saturday: 13 ft – SW Wind 36 mph
Sunday: 14.5 ft – W Wind 35 mph

Average water temperature is 14°

Thursday 24 November 2011

REASONS TO BE MERRY THIS CHRISTMAS!

Tregenna Castle has lots of special Christmas treats for locals and visitors alike over the festive period. See below for the perfect excuse to relax and enjoy holiday time, or for ideas to purchase for loved ones.

All offers end 31st March 2012 unless stated differently.

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Prepare to be Pampered…
Tregenna Castle Beauty are giving away vouchers for £10 to spend on all beauty/therapeutic treatments over £40. Their friendly and professional therapists provide the perfect treatments to help you to relax and unwind. You can also enjoy the indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, spa bath, steam room and well equipped gym.
Terms and Conditions: You must mention this voucher on booking and bring it with you; beauty/therapeutic treatments must come to over £40 before discount; the full £10 discount must be used on one session; may not be used in conjunction with any other offer; no cash alternatives.

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Cream Tea Treat - Buy One Get One Free
We want you to enjoy spending time with friends and family at Tregenna, so we are offering you the perfect tea time treat! Our Cream Teas are buy one get one free between 2pm – 5pm every day.
Terms and Conditions: You must mention this voucher on booking and bring it with you; customer must purchase one full cream tea to receive one free cream tea; may not be used in conjunction with any other offer; no cash alternatives.

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Enjoy our President’s Golf Course – Buy One Get One Free
We would love for you to bring a friend for free to enjoy our presidents Golf Course - a challenging 18 hole Academy course surrounding the hotel which is one of the most scenic courses in the country, enjoying spectacular views over St Ives and the surrounding coastline.
Terms and Conditions: You must mention this voucher on booking and bring it with you; each customer must pay for one person to enable a guest to partake for free; may not be used in conjunction with any other offer; no cash alternatives.

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Buy one lunch and get another for 1p!...
…yes, really! Between Monday and Saturday we are offering customers who enjoy a lunch with us, lunch for their guest for just 1p! With our mouth-watering menu and breathtaking views of St.Ives, grab a bargain and treat someone to special time with you at Tregenna.
Terms and Conditions: Starts Friday 2nd December; You must mention this voucher on booking and bring it with you; customer must purchase one lunch to receive one lunch for 1p; the lowest costing lunch will qualify for the 1p; may not be used in conjunction with any other offer; no cash alternatives.

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Eating Out With Tregenna
If you have a special occasion coming up, or just fancy a night off cooking, we are offering a 3-course dinner for two, complete with a bottle of wine for £48 between Monday – Saturday, 7pm – 9pm. Visit our menu on line to tantalise your taste buds!
Terms and Conditions: Monday-Saturday, 7pm-9pm only; you must mention this voucher on booking and bring it with you; 3 courses for two people, plus bottle of house wine for £48; may not be used in conjunction with any other offer; no cash alternatives.

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Relax on Sunday
On a Sunday evening, Tregenna’s popular 3-course carvery is just £16.95 per adult, with children eating for half price. Relax and let us do the cooking and washing up so you can concentrate on having a lovely time!
Terms and Conditions: No expiry date; Sunday evenings only; you must mention this voucher on booking and bring it with you; 3 courses for one person at £16.95; children under 10 eat for £8.48; may not be used in conjunction with any other offer; no cash alternatives.

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Exclusive Leisure Membership at Tregenna Castle
If the food and drink over the festive season may take its toll on your scales, Tregenna Castle are offering just 40 people the chance to enjoy an exclusive yearly leisure membership for £250 (reduced from £350). Membership includes unlimited use of our badminton, tennis and squash courts, the gym, swimming pools, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi.
Terms and Conditions: Applications invited between the 1st December 2011 and 31st January 2012 with the first 40 paid applicants securing the limited number of spaces. Strictly limited to 40 people; must be paid in full before the 31st January otherwise charged at the standard rate of £350; this represents a massive saving off £170.00 on peak pay monthly membership; may not be used in conjunction with any other offer; no cash alternatives.

TREE-genna!


Over the coming weeks we will be planting 20 trees within our grounds, bringing our total to over 1000 trees planted across our 72 acres over the past 15 years.

Tregenna Castle Hotel is situated at the top of the town in St.Ives, with beautiful gardens and woodlands complete with breathtaking views of the bay. With 30 Monterey Pines already planted over the past few months, the children of Tregenna's Castle Kids Nursery helped plant the 31st tree on Tuesday 22nd November, leaving a legacy for many years to come.

Monterey Pines were brought to Cornwall during the Victorian era, especially popular in the area due to being fast growing and tolerant of the prevailing South Westerly winds. Tregenna have been planting the Monterey Pines around the south boundary of their grounds, acting as a windbreak and protection from the weather, as well as honoring this local heritage.

Bill Price, our Head Gardener explains:
"Monterey Pines are a coastal pine tree, ideally suited for planting on the coast near to the sea as they can survive windy conditions which are frequent on our coastline. As well as being used to protect Tregenna's grounds, we are pleased to be honoring the heritage of this breed of tree which started to be planted here during Victorian times."

James Parker, our Operations Director continues:
"Over the past fifteen years Tregenna has undergone a running programme of planting, bringing our total to over 1000 trees. Over that time we have done a great deal of work in the grounds to bring them back to their original splendor. Thanks to the dedicated grounds team, we have painstakingly brought our woodlands and nature trail back to life - including installing over 40 bird boxes and clearing our ravine. At Tregenna we are lucky to have a range of different tree species and plants in addition to the Monterey Pines, accompanied by the bright colours of rhododendrons and azaleas which are in abundance.

"We are delighted that the children who attend our day care - Castle Kids - were able to help us plant one of the remaining 20 Monterey Pines that will complete our 50 new trees in the grounds. Jonathan Chaffin is one of our Gardeners at Tregenna and his son - Joseph, who attends Castle Kids - helped his dad to dig the hole and place the tree along with all of the children. So hopefully Joseph and the rest of the children will be able to visit their Monterey Pine for decades to come!"

Everyone is welcome at Tregenna Castle Hotel, with its 72 acre estate overlooking St Ives bay. You do not need to be staying at the hotel to enjoy its facilities which include woodland walks, various sporting activities, hair and beauty, swimming pools, gym and Brasserie.

Tregenna currently have a range of special offers available, including "two for one" on cream teas and "buy one lunch, get another for 1p". For more info and to download offers, have a read through the rest of our blog.

Wednesday 23 November 2011

'Putting' the 'T' into Tregenna!

Please excuse the puns, we're rather pleased with ourselves about our latest golf offer!

We've teamed up with Travel Zoo to offer two players a round on our challenging 18 hole Presidents Golf Course for just £20. We'll also provide tea, coffees, sandwiches and spectacular sea views.

For more information please visit:
http://www.travelzoo.com/uk/local-deals/Cornwall/Other/8443

Monday 21 November 2011

The Week Ahead: W/C 21st November

What’s On

We’re busy preparing for our fantabulous Christmas parties as our first is on 2 December. For less than £50 per person we’re providing a festive dinner followed by a party into the small hours, a night’s stay and a revitalizing breakfast. Call us on 01736 795 254 to book your party.


This Week’s Weather

Monday: Top Temp. 13° - White cloud

Tuesday: Top Temp. 11° - Sunny intervals

Wednesday: Top Temp. 13° - Sunny intervals

Thursday: Top Temp. 12° - Sunny intervals

Friday: Top Temp. 13° - White cloud

This Week’s Surf Report - Porthmeor at 12 noon

Monday: 3 ft – SE Wind 10 mph

Tuesday: 8 ft – N Wind 18 mph

Wednesday: 6 ft – SW Wind 14 mph

Thursday: 6.5 ft – SSW Wind 31 mph

Friday: 10 ft – WNW Wind 30 mph

Saturday: 6.5 ft – W Wind 26 mph

Sunday: 6.5 ft – NW Wind 25 mph

Average water temperature is 13°

Thursday 17 November 2011

Exclusive Leisure Membership at Tregenna Castle

We are offering just 40 people the chance to enjoy an exclusive yearly leisure membership for £250 (reduced from £350).

Membership includes unlimited use of our badminton, tennis and squash courts, the gym, swimming pools, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi.

Applications invited between the 1st December 2011 and 31st January 2012 with the first 40 paid applicants securing the limited number of spaces.

Contact us for further information.

Terms and Conditions: Strictly limited to 40 people; must be paid in full before the 31st January otherwise charged at the standard rate of £350. This represents a massive saving off £170.00 on peak pay monthly membership.