Siobhan Purdy's Secret Cornwall

Artist Siobhan Purdy is a Cornwall girl through and through and her Cornish childhood is the basis for much of her work. When she's not painting, spending time exploring her home county is what she loves doing most. Here she shares some of her favourite Cornwall spots - illustrated by photographs from her - and her family's - albums.

"My favourite part of the Cornwall is the north coast -  I love it because of its drama and mining history. My family have lived on the north coast for generations so that adds to the draw for me. The walks are beautiful in spring, summer and dramatic in autumn and winter. It feels emotional, real and ever changing."

"I love walking and wild swimming. If I am not painting in the studio I will be walking somewhere enjoying the countryside and the beautiful coves and beaches around Cornwall."

"My favourite beach has to be Gwithian - a sweep of golden sand looking across the bay to St Ives. It was a favourite spot for walking my beloved dog Gem, who's no longer with us. But I love dogs and my mother who is blind has a gorgeous dog called Suzie I like to take her for walks." 

"I love camping anywhere in Cornwall but my absolute favourite spot is on some family land. Thirty years ago my family planted a number of trees on two acres of our land to encourage wildlife and now it's like a magical little woodland; it's my go to peaceful place where I can really relax."

"As much as I love the north coast,  I think the most inspiring part of Cornwall is the Lizard peninsula, I love spending time there and it's the first place I'd take a visitor to Cornwall to see."

"Cornwall has lots of hidden places that not many visitors find. For me one of those is Durgan - a really special place with beautiful walks, a lovely picturesque village that has great river beaches good for wild swimming and picnics."

"Another great spot for a picnic is Portreath Beach. I'd walk through Illogan woods and my ideal lunch would be a nice salad with falafels, seeds and avocado, also a chocolate bar and an apple, my water bottle and a small flask of hot water for tea or coffee; perfect. If I didn't fancy a picnic I'd head to the Fat Apple Cafe - it's on a lovely circular walk from St Keverne, through the woods to Porthoustock and around to the cafe."

"Other than Cornwall, I love to visit Dorset and Devon - the coast as well as inland. I've been going to Dartmoor and Exmoor since I was a child and still really love walking there."