Cornwall has a vast array of attractions packed into this tiny county at the “toe†of England. Classic car lovers, railway enthusiasts and boating fans will surely find something to amuse them during their stay.
Airplane / Sports attractions in Cornwall
If you fancy seeing Cornwall from the air, there are plenty of opportunities, from hot air balloon rides to taking the controls of a light aircraft. Arranged through Extremewest, you can fly a two-seater aircraft over the beautiful Cornish countryside spotting familiar landmarks from an unfamiliar perspective.
If you fancy skydiving, Perranporth Airfield is the place to head for to train and jump with one of their fully qualified instructors from the Cornish Parachute Club.
Railway-themed attractions in Cornwall
Railway enthusiasts of all ages can hop aboard the Launceston Steam Railway, a narrow-gauge railway that runs for 2.5 miles through the scenic Kensey Valley on the former North Cornwall Railway Line. The terminus is at Newmills where visitors can visit the farm park before boarding a later return trip back to Launceston.
The project began in 1965 when teacher Nigel Bowman bought the steam locomotive “Lilian†from the Penrhyn Slate Quarry and restored her before looking for a suitable stretch of trackbed to run on. The first half-mile of track opened in 1983 and has steadily grown since to the current length. A further five steam locomotives have since been added to the group.
Classic cars attractions in Cornwall
Classic cars enthusiasts staying in the Truro area will be thrilled to note that there is a Morgan specialist in the area that welcomes visitors to browse around their showroom, swap car-talk and even hire a Morgan for a day or two. Perranwell Garage is a family-run company at Perranwell Station, five miles southwest of Truro and just off the A39. With 25 years' experience in the motor industry, it specializes in owning, maintaining and restoring Morgan sportscars.
The showroom always has a tasty selection of models of this classic British marque, and the workshop is right next door. Test drives are available for serious buyers, or you can browse and admire the four wheeler and three-wheeler models. For a real treat, why not hire a classic Morgan for a day and explore the roads of Cornwall in open-top style? It makes a great gift idea too and gift vouchers are available!
If you time your visit to Cornwall for the first weekend in August you can enjoy the annual Mount Edgcumbe Cornwall Classic and American Car Show. This event attracts a good collection of American and European Classic Cars, motorcycles and military vehicles on display along with over 100 stalls. Live music, refreshments and amusements for the kids in the beautiful setting overlooking the Cremyll ferry and distant views of Devonport Royal Dockyard make this a memorable day. Mount Edgcumbe is a day out in its own right with 854 acres of parkland, a grand stately home, formal gardens and wonderful coastal scenery.
A similar event for all petrolheads is Wadebridge Wheels which will be held on Sunday 14 July, 2013. Exhibitors and traders put on a wonderful event at the Royal Cornwall Showground in what is said to be the Best Classic Vehicle Show in the Southwest.
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.