Autumn's promise
- Jamie Crocker
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
Words by Jamie Crocker
When late summer warmth begins to mingle with the cooler days ahead.
As August takes its leave and September makes its entrance, The Nare Hotel continues to welcome guests in time-honoured fashion, exulting in its position above Carne Beach on Cornwall’s Roseland Peninsula. Days are still too long to justify battening down the hatches and drawing the curtains in late afternoon, offering guests the chance to make the most of the conditions for walking, swimming, or simply sitting outdoors. But the season is starting to turn. The sea breeze carries a cooler edge, and in the evenings, the hotel’s open fires are lit, providing an enticing end to the day.
The Nare, which is privately owned, has built a reputation over several decades for its traditional approach to hospitality. It is one of the few remaining hotels in Cornwall that maintains a full-service model: daily cream tea is included in the stay, the restaurant serves a four-course dinner each evening, and staff demonstrate how to be attentive but unintrusive in their service. It is a place where returning guests are common, and where first-time visitors often comment on how quickly the atmosphere puts them at ease.
Throughout the hotel, the interiors reflect a traditional English style. There is wood panelling, antique furniture, classic oil paintings, and a sense of continuity in the way spaces are arranged and used. As the days draw in, the drawing room comes into its own – a place where guests linger by the fire to read, write, or share conversation. Others drift to the Wardroom lounge, where a newspaper and a drink await. Beyond the windows, Gerrans Bay stretches out towards Nare Point, ancient and constant.
Outside, the Roseland remains a strong draw. The hotel is located directly on the South West Coast Path, with access from the garden gate. Some guests choose short circular routes, while others set out for longer walks towards Portscatho or Portloe. Wellies are available to borrow from the boot room in a full range of sizes. For those who prefer to see the coast from the water, the hotel operates its own boat, the Alice Rose, available exclusively to guests. Excursions explore the Fal estuary and nearby coves, offering a practical and enjoyable way to see a different side of the landscape.
The Nare’s connection to the sea is reflected in the menu at The Quarterdeck Restaurant. Local seafood remains central, though the offer begins to shift in September as the kitchen responds to the season. The service is formal in structure but relaxed in delivery, in keeping with the overall character of the hotel.
Throughout late summer and early autumn, guest routines tend to follow the rhythm of the day. Mornings begin with walks or swims, afternoons may include a boat trip or time spent in the spa or hot tub, and by 4pm, guests return for traditional Cornish cream tea, served with freshly baked scones. During warmer weather, this takes place on the terrace; later in the season, it moves indoors to the comfort of the lounges. There is no need to book – it is part of the standard daily schedule, available to all guests.
The hotel’s other services are equally straightforward. For those travelling long distances, a private door-to-door Range Rover chauffeur service can be arranged in advance. It is particularly useful for guests travelling from London or other parts of the country who would prefer not to drive themselves.
Evenings at The Nare are deliberately unfussy. Dinner is unhurried, with several courses served throughout the evening. Afterwards, guests may return to the drawing room, have a nightcap in the bar, or head directly to bed. Staff remain on hand and there is no formal dress code, though many choose to dress smartly.
By late September, the pace slows further. The beach is quieter, the sea is cooler and the fires are lit earlier in the day. Walkers are still out there traversing the beach or pacing the paths, but clad in woollens and jackets – there is a sense that the busier summer weeks have passed. The hotel sits in the background, ready to welcome back its occupants, offering comfort and warmth.
For guests arriving at this time of year, it seems that it is the quiet consistency that draws them in. The Nare evolves with the seasons rather than embracing a wholesale shift in character. Menus adapt, activities align with the weather, whilst the service continues with its familiar rhythm.
