There are plenty of contrasts to be found within mid-Cornwall, although the area is a mere 16 miles distance from the north to south coast and 25 miles from east to west. The rugged north coast with its surfing beaches has a rocky coastline battered by the Atlantic. The area around St Agnes Beacon, Perranporth and Holywell Bay are a delight to explore via the South West Coastal Path as the area is littered with old mine workings and St Piran's Church, once buried in sand.
A whole host of fauna
Bats are now the only residents of hand-cut mine shafts, while razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes choose to nest on the craggy cliffs. More birds find sanctuary and food in the broad Gannel Estuary which can be crossed on a boardwalk.
Newquay, once known for its cheap boarding houses and family beaches, has gone upmarket with luxury apartments and trendy beach cafés attracting a younger crowd of well-heeled funmakers. The Extreme Academy of Watersports and Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Cornwall restaurant cater to this lively crowd in Watergate Bay while the coastal resort of Rock concentrates on sailing, dinghy racing, waterskiing and windsurfing.
In total contrast, the south coast is more sheltered with indented coves and harbours making up the convoluted coastline. The wooded river estuaries and deepwater natural harbour at Falmouth are a sailing and boating mecca and glorious estate gardens cover much of the sheltered sloping terrain.
Unspoilt coastline in mid-Cornwall
The delightfully unspoilt Roseland peninsula has a rugged coastline from St Anthony Head to the villages of Gorran Haven and Mevagissey, better known for its narrow, tortuous streets than its lovely harbour. Charlestown, another historic harbour with a tricky dogleg entrance, is now the setting for historical dramas.
When the tall ships “Kaskelot” and “Phoenix” are moored during the summer, visitors can step aboard and imagine the harsh practicalities of shipboard life in times gone by. Another insight into Cornish history is the fascinating Shipwreck and Heritage Centre crammed with shipwreck artifacts and treasures.
A car is essential for getting around this area of mid-Cornwall. Falmouth is built firmly on maritime traditions and is home to the superb National Maritime Museum. It has two castles, Pendennis and St Mawes, that date back to Henry VIII's era and were intended to protect the waters of the Carrick Roads.
A busy port in days gone by
Once a busy port, it has now settled into semi-retirement with dignity as a holiday resort, fishing port and ship-repair centre. Plenty of shops, art galleries and restaurants keep the town a-buzz, especially during the summer season. Ferries now transport visitors to St Mawes for lunch, Trelissick Gardens for the afternoon or the Roseland Peninsula for a day's hiking.
Another lovely trip by boat, and a great way to visit the Maritime Museum without the hassle of parking in Falmouth, is taking the Falmouth Park and Float service that runs every 20 minutes from Ponsharden down the Penryn River to the Falmouth's Custom House Quay.
Whatever you are hoping for in a holiday to mid-Cornwall you will surely not be disappointed. With an unrivalled range of holiday cottages and luxury apartments there is sure to be the perfect place to stay while exploring this lovely area.
So that's our guide to mid-Cornwall. Have you visited any of the places we've mentioned? Or are the other places in mid-Cornwall that you think are worth a visit? Share your thoughts with and leave a comment below…
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.