Cornwall
Legends, surfing and a stunning coastline
C
ornwall is a cornucopia of delights with Britain's best surf beaches, jaw-dropping coastal scenery, picturesque fishing villages, and the barren beauty of Bodmin Moor . In Cornwall you are never more than 16 miles from the sea with over 300 beaches to choose from. And once you’ve maxed out on sand there’s the Eden Project , Tintagel Castle , and historic tin mines to explore.
History and Heritage
Cornwall is a land of myths and legends, from King Arthur and his supposed birthplace at Tintagel Castle to the pixies and giants that roam along the 50 miles of heritage coastline. It also has a more tangible maritime and mining history. You can explore Cornwall’s tin-mining past across various cliff-top sights that have been awarded World Heritage Status.
Arts and Culture
With fantastic light and a stunning coastline, it’s no wonder that Cornwall has such a thriving art scene.
St Ives
is at the beating heart of all things arty with harbourside alleyways housing local galleries and artists' workshops as well as the excellent
Tate St Ives
and
Barbara Hepworth Museum
. And when it comes to theatre, it doesn’t get more dramatic than the cliff-side
Minack Theatre
.
Must See Attractions
The futuristic domes and unique environments of the Eden Project can make a day disappear in a fascinating flash. The castle-topped isle of
St Michael’s Mount
is simply legendary, and
Constantine Bay
is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world. If you fancy escaping that coastal light then go underground with a trip to
Geevor Tin Mine
where you can experience Cornwall's mining history.
Food and Drink
There’s more to Cornish cuisine than the calorific but delightful clotted cream and pasties, but then when you try an authentic steak pasty you might not care.
Padstow
is the place to go for prime Cornish seafood. To tuck into delicious Lebanese cuisine in a medieval folly then dine out at
Carn Brea Castle
to the sound of crashing waves.
Sports
Cornwall is all about surfing. So what are you waiting for? Grab your board and head down to
Fistral Beach
in Newquay to spend a day catching waves. Scuba divers will be amazed at the sealife to be found within the wrecks off the coast of
Falmouth
. And to experience Cornwall's mining heritage then cycle the
Mineral Tramways
path which takes you through Camborne, Redruth and Gwennap.
Key Events
Camp over at the
Port Eliot Literary Festival
for the literary equivalent of Glastonbury or head to the
Du Maurier Festival
which celebrates the author’s work as well as bringing the best comedians and authors to
Fowey
. In August, Newquay hosts
Boardmasters
, Europe's largest surf, skate and music festival. Head to
Truro
in November to feel the heart-warming glow of the
City of Lights
festival.
Family Fun
If a day of sun, sandcastles, and splashing on the beach isn’t exciting enough for your little ones then the
Adrenalin Quarry
near Liskeard has the UK’s Longest Zip Wire, guaranteed to blow their socks off. And the adventure doesn’t have to stop there – with coasteering the whole family can enjoy a wet and wild day exploring the cliffs.
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Psst... Handy Hints
TAKE THE TRAIN
St Ives Bay Line has some of the most beautiful scenery in England and makes for an easier arrival into St Ives than driving.
FALMOUTH
Travel to Falmouth to see what the latest crop of young artists and photographers are producing.
FLOWRIDER
If it’s too cold or the surf's flat then the Flowrider at The Loop provides a simulated wave surface perfect for all-weather carving.
LUNCHTIME
From Trebah Garden take the ferry to the famous Ferryboat Inn for home-cooked lunch in one of Cornwall’s most romantic settings.
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