Summer essentials

Our top summer recommendations from iconic surf shop Ann’s Cottage.

Summer is well and truly here (finally) and now is the time to grab your beach gear and head to the coast. Here at Cornwall Living we have a profound love for the sea and everything to do with the beach. Lazy Sunday barbeques and long coastal walks are what powers us through the week, and one company that can always be relied on for beach attire, from sunglasses to SUP boards, is Ann’s Cottage.

“our favourite is the blue Aztec bikini, with a design that can withstand waves and chasing your little ones round the beach, whilst still allowing you to catch that glowing tan”

In this piece we explore the summer essentials that are a must for any trip to the beach, which Ann’s Cottage have in abundance in their wealth of shops around Cornwall. The beauty of Ann’s Cottage is that its stores are strategically placed to be as close to the coast as possible on all sides of Cornwall. So, no matter what you need, whether it’s a new bikini or perhaps even a leash for your surfboard, rest assured that you’ll be able to find it close to hand and within the welcoming environment of an Ann’s Cottage store.

So here it is, our list of summer essentials that will see you through any trip to the beach this season! First and foremost, you can’t head to the coast without swimwear. Ann’s Cottage stock a whole host of swimwear, with big brands such as Seafolly and Rip Curl providing bikinis and costumes that are reliable no matter how big the swell is. We absolutely love Seafolly’s colourful one-piece and matching bag, perfect for surfing and exploring Cornwall’s coves and beaches. Similarly, Rip Curl has a stunning selection of swimwear on offer, our favourite is the blue Aztec bikini, with a design that can withstand waves and chasing your little ones round the beach, whilst still allowing you to catch that glowing tan. For the boys, make sure to check out the selection of Quiksilver boardies on offer. We’ve got our eye on the Everyday Volley shorts, light and breathable with quick dry technology, they’re an ideal choice for lounging on the beach or by the pool.

Relaxing on the beach and reading a good book is our idea of heaven, especially after going for an exhilarating swim. When lying in the sun good sunglasses are an absolute must. Ann’s Cottage stock premium brands Oakley and Ray-Ban, and with so many styles to choose from, and UV protection, these supreme quality sunglasses have got to feature in any tote bag bound for the beach.

Now for our favourite part, summer clothing. There’s something extremely satisfying about throwing together the perfect outfit, from hat to sandals it feels good to co-ordinate our summer style. Comfortable shorts for strolls along the sand and a warm cardigan to throw on if a cloud suddenly looms are fundamental additions to any beach wardrobe. Levis shorts are the ideal choice for long walks along the coast, offering great style with unrivalled durability.

If you’re planning on staying at the beach until well into the evening, then the Free People oversized jumper will keep you warm, whilst its white design maintains a light summery feel. Or, if you’re planning on heading to a cocktail bar when evening descends, the beautiful and intricately designed cream top, with its gorgeous statement bell sleeves is super trendy when coupled with a black Brixton Fedora, and achieves the ultimate balance between beach style and sophistication.

All these brands embody a carefree lifestyle by the sea and offer premium designs to equip you for your seaside escapades. Ann’s Cottage brings 40 years of experience in surf attire to the forefront of its own collections, such as their in-house brands, Born by the Sea and Saltwater Seeker. Entranced by the magical world of the sea, we love the colourful mermaid prints on the t-shirts and the men’s Saltwater Seeker collection incorporates the retro colours of California’s surf lifestyle.

So there you have it, our top summer essentials to fully equip you for your coastal adventures this season, all under one roof. Simply head to Ann’s Cottage and discover the beautiful summer collections; we’ll see you at the beach.

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Ann’s Cottage stores are ideally located in Polzeath, Fistral, Padstow, St Columb, Wadebridge, Bude and Falmouth. Strategically placed to enjoy some of Europe’s most prolific surfing breaks, as well as the sheltered estuaries of the south coast. Offering unrivalled customer service and product knowledge, a visit to one of the stores is bound to be a successful one. Or, simply head to the website and pick out everything you need for the summer season.