Holidays in Cornwall
Cornwall’s beaches are renowned as unrivalled in Britain for their excellent surfing, beauty, variety and family-friendly. Towns such as St Ives, Perranporth, Polzeath and Newquay are to name only a few. Some of the most beautiful are tiny coves that dot the coastline like Coverack and Porthcurno (home of the famous outdoor Minack Theatre).
Otherwise known as the Cornish Riviera, visit the beautiful St Austell Bay, where you will find beautiful sandy beaches between the charming fishing village of Mevagissey and the upmarket riverside town of Fowey (known for its literary connections including Daphne du Maurier). The north coast has one of the tourist’s favourite, St Ives Bay, a fantastic stretch of five golden sand beaches reaching to Hayle, with its estuary (a great place for bird-watching) and beyond. Popular with surfers, families and with all-year-round pet-friendly beaches, this is prime beach holiday territory.
Enchanting fishing villages and harbours; Looe, Port Isaac (home of Doc Martin and The Fisherman’s Friends), Portreath and Mousehole (see the extraordinary Christmas light display every December) to name a few. It’s not just the villages that have something to offer those sightseeing. Cornwall’s towns and cities are rich in history and attractions. Visit Padstow with its picturesque harbour and Rick Stien restaurants, Falmouth – a working port and charming shopping town, don’t miss the fabulous tall ships display. Spend a day shopping in Truro or the old market town of Penzance (known also for St Michael’s Mount and the gateway to the Isles of Scilly). Experience the charm of traditional sea shanties and tales of years gone by.
For something a little different, book a visit to The Lost Gardens of Heligan, The Eden Project, Trelissick and Trebah to name a few. Stately homes include Lanhydrock house, Prideaux Place and Pencarrow.
A few firm favourites are:
Land’s End – One of Britain’s best-loved landmarks, famous for its unique location, natural beauty and stunning scenery.
Botallack Mine – On the wild Tin Coast, the famed Crowns engine houses cling to the foot of the cliffs. Part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site and Poldark filming location.
Charlestown – A popular location for TV and film-makers, including Poldark and The Three Muskateers (to name a few!)
Zennor – Known for its 12th Century church and the Legend of the Mermaid, as well as hosting writers such as DH Lawrence (Sons and Lovers, The Rainbow, Women in Love and Lady Chatterley’s Lover)
There’s plenty to offer those seeking a full day out – discover the cliff-top trails, natural splendour, visit the fantastic value family attractions, and wander around the West Country Shopping Village.
Another unique draw of Cornwall is its ancient past, with megalithic monuments such as standing stones, barrows and stone circles.
So why do people visit Cornwall time and again?
The “sub-tropical” climate is the mildest in the UK. The combination of spectacular natural assets, a rich history and the rise of cool Cornwall with all its contemporary chic cannot be beaten.
