Stephanie Pelser

With excellent beaches, easy walks & hikes and a historic & literary heritage like no other town in Cornwall, Fowey is a place that everyone should visit.

On top of that, it’s one places with the best seafood along the English coast – even celebrity chefs agree and have the local fishermen deliver to their star rates restaurants all over the UK. With excellent transport links to other towns in the area, and a variety of National Trust walks nearby, Fowey is a wonderful place to base yourself in for your holiday in Cornwall!

For those who like a bit more action than usual in Cornwall, Falmouth will not disappoint – dozens of unique shops that sell local handicrafts and food as well as a variety of theatre and cinema venues will make sure that there’s always plenty to discover, even on a rainy day.

Nights in Falmouth are an experience, as well – there might be only three pubs, but they make up for that with a wide selection of local drinks and excellent music. Falmouth is a lively holiday town with one of the deepest natural harbours in the world, and a great place to discover if you are looking for a slice of Mediterranean life in the UK.

Sandy beaches, a bustling harbour, ferry and boat trips and over a dozen grand mansions – it’s no surprise the Victorians fell in love with Salcombe.

Laze on the beach, marvel at the unusual exhibits at Overbeck’s Museum, walk in the countryside or just have a dreamy cuppa or lunch with a breathtaking view over the estuary from one of the town’s many cafés and restaurants! The town in South Devon has been a popular holiday destination for about 150 years now, and while it used to be a place for the upper crust only, everyone is welcome these days.

The fishing village of Mevagissey in Cornwall is located in a part of the country that has been declared an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, and it’s easy to see why: in addition to several national parks, there are many gardens and other ecological projects in the area.

But it’s not all nature: countless art galleries, charming restaurants and a bustling harbour make Mevagissey a place that everybody will want to return to! Whether you too are looking for inspiration or just want to unplug, Mevagissey is the place to come if you feel you need to get away from it all.

Boscastle is not just another fishing village in Cornwall – if you are looking for a romantic, fun and quirky place to spend your holidays, look no further!

From breathtaking views over the Atlantic and one of England’s most stunning sunsets at the harbour, to an unusual village busker and the Museum of Witchcraft, magical Boscastle has been fascinating visitors for decades. For a tipple and hearty food as well as fresh seafood, the village pub not only serve drinks, but also delicious food to a variety of live music.

There may be many fishing towns that look alike, but Brixham certainly is one of a kind: with unique street names that hint at the town’s history and even quirkier buildings and museums, it’s definitely a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Even the nearby nature reserve has a fun character as it features not only the remains of a Napoleonic fort but also the smallest lighthouse in England. Where many other places in Torbay have been turned into monochrome resort towns, Brixham refuses to give up its historical, architectural and natural heritage.

St Austell is Cornwall’s biggest town and a perfect base for exploring the surrounding countryside, especially the historic port of Charlestown, whose narrow harbour has been used as a location for many films.

Yet, the attraction that has made St Austell famous world wide is the spectacular Eden Project, a masterpiece of engineering and architecture that simulates several climate zones, right here off the Cornish coast. The mystery Lost Gardens of Heligan are also just a short drive from the town, as are a number of excellent beaches. If you need a green fix, St Austell is the place to go!

The birthplace of Sir Francis Drake, Tavistock is a great base for a holiday in Cornwall or Devon, no matter whether you are looking for a beach holiday, getting out & about and exploring the lush countryside on foot or by bike, and want to learn about the culture and history of this wonderful part of the country.

Tavistock might be small, but its charms make it stand out among the many holiday resorts of the area. Just wandering around town and exploring the market and shops will keep you occupied for days!

If you are looking to get away from it all, but don’t want to or can’t leave the country, the villages of Teignmouth and Shaldon are perfect for a relaxing holiday.

They are close enough to larger towns with with many tourist attractions, restaurants and night life, but if you feel like unplugging, you’ll barely find any traces of tourism’s worse sides – overcharging and overcrowding – in these picturesque villages. Just a short drive from Dartmouth, Paignton and Cornwall, they allow you to choose between peaceful countryside and sights and activities whenever you like.

The villages of Kingsand and Cawsand are located just a five minute walk from each other at the Rame Peninsula, one of Cornwall’s corners that still haven’t been discovered by mass tourism.

The villages used to be separated by a stream, which has dried out now so it seems they are more like one village than two – in any case, both of them have managed to remain traditional and you will feel like you have stepped back in time when roaming around the narrow streets and picturesque buildings.

Chulmleigh is more than just the gate to the Exmoor National Park: the village is home to an astounding history and heritage and has many different attractions and activities for anyone, should you ever get bored of exploring the National Park.

From ancient Saxon ruins to excellent sports facilities and top notch restaurants, Chulmleigh always offers something to discover, although its attractions are of the quiet and subtle kind, not screaming from the hilltops – take your time!

Watergate Bay and Mawgan Porth have become famous ever since Jamie Oliver set up camp here with his ‘Fifteen Cornwall’ restaurant, but not only since then have these two villages been a place for those who were looking for a fresh start, relaxation and new experiences that can transform their lives.

While Jamie’s restaurants tends to young chefs, the Owl Sanctuary cares for owls that have been injured and you, too, can grow a brand new set of wings with a course in kite surfing or wave skiing at the Extreme Academy for Water Sports!

Exmoor offers endless possibilities: explore the open moor, the deep wooded valley and high cliffs, roam around long forgotten historical buildings, get active on your bike or on horseback or just relax and take in the peace and tranquillity of the beautiful countryside.

If you enjoy fishing, this is a true paradise all year round. The area is also home to some of the west’s best beaches, excellent restaurant and shopping. In spite of the rise of tourism, old traditions are kept alive with dozens of quirky festivals throughout the year.

When people think of Cornwall, they usually think of a remote, romantic part of the country. We won’t tell you that it isn’t – yet, in Penzance, you will discover a different Cornwall, one that has been shaped by the many cultures and tribes that have made the town their home or just passed through and left their marks over the centuries.

From early Bronze Age settlers to 17th century pirates, the town has always been bustling with live and maybe is more colourful than anywhere else in the West Country, although it does offer breathtaking beaches and picturesque country trails just as well!

Since Victorian times, Ilfracombe has been one of Devon’s most popular holiday destinations. These days, it’s not just a place for the rich and powerful, and the colourful harbour and promenade attracts many visitors all year round.

Ilfracombe is home to the unique Tunnels Beach, which can be accessed via 4 tunnels that were hand cut by miners. Modern cafés, restaurant and a vibrant cultural life, combined with beautiful country side and old mansions that are begging to be explored, Ilfracombe will make your time here fly by!

A holiday in Kingswear truly offers the best of both worlds: relax and unwind in a peaceful holiday apartment overlooking the River Dart, or even the sea and other breathtaking sights, or take a short ferry trip to bustling Dartmouth for an instant history and culture fix.

If that’s not enough, Kingswear is located perfectly for walking and cycling in the surrounding countryside for its connections to the stunning South West Coastal Path and Dart Valley Trail. Or take it easy and watch the world go by on a boat or romantic old steam train!

For a real taste of countryside life, there is no place like Holsworthy – rent your own holiday apartment or cottage, go shopping at the local farmer’s market and enjoy the simpler aspects of life with your favourite people!

If you are looking for some action, though, there’s plenty to be had in the area. A variety of festivals throughout all seasons always brings life into town. Holsworthy is located perfectly for an outdoor holiday, as it is well connected to scenic walking paths, while surfers and swimmers can enjoy the nearby beaches of Bude and Widemouth Bay.

It’s a myth that all Victorian seaside resorts have turned into places where the only thing you can do is drink and eat fish and chips.

The villages of East and West Looe are still popular with visitors, but the overall feeling is very relaxed. Kids and animal lovers will find lots to do in and around Looe – from seals to monkeys, there’s a surprising variety of wildlife in this small place!

As with many other small port towns and villages in Cornwall, Polperro had more of a reputation for smuggling than its actual fishing industry from as early on as the 12th century.

The peak of the smuggling trade in the area, however, was in the late 18th century, when many tried to smuggle heavily taxed goods past here during the times of war with France and the USA. Since a coastal guard was established in the 19th century, things have calmed down and Polperro has become famous as a holiday destination, instead.

The biggest city in the West Country, Plymouth is much more than just a gateway to Cornwall and Devon – the city is surprisingly vibrant and attracts millions of visitors each year.

From the historic Barbican to splendid Victorian gardens to dozens of theatres and museums to the historical dockyard, there’s something for every taste and interest in Plymouth! Yet, the city’s tourism board has a slightly low-key approach and as a holiday destination, it still is somewhat of a secret tip – discover Plymouth now before the word gets out about this stunning city!

You’ve always dreamt of exploring the English Riviera but are a city dweller without car or don’t drive? That’s no excuse not to go, as beautiful Dartmouth features great transport connections to just about anywhere in England and even Scotland.

In addition, the town is well-connected to other places of interest in the area with various ferry and rail services. That doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to see in Dartmouth itself – with many streets and buildings dating back to over 700 years, you’ll always discover something new just by roaming the streets of this picturesque, sunny town!

While many of the towns and villages of Cornwall have undergone so much reconstruction that you might barely recognise them, Charlestown has kept all of its original charms.

The film industry agrees on this, and many famous films have used the impressive harbour that used to be the heart of Cornwall’s China clay industry as a filming location. Charlestown is an excellent and quiet place to base yourself in if you want to relax, yet be close to some of Cornwall’s main attractions, including the lively market town of St Austell and the spectacular Eden Project.

Paignton with its endless opportunities and parks offers entertainment for visitors of any age, is just perfect if you have children and are looking for a place where the little ones can play in a safe and stimulating environment while you relax.

Any time you want, you can ride a historic steam train, explore a pristine medieval castle, get up close with animals at the local zoo or an organic farm or just enjoy a walk along the esplanade and discover it’s many excellent pubs and restaurants. Feeling sporty? Surfing, sailing and kite surfing are just a few of the many water sports you can try in Paignton!

St Ives is a true gem among the many port towns of Cornwall. Just wandering around and enjoying the views and atmosphere along the narrow streets, at the beach or one of the many restaurants and cafés makes up most of the charms of St Ives.

Art lovers will find a little paradise here, with many local and international artists owning galleries here where you can sometimes find true gems at surprisingly affordable prices. Sun worshippers will love the varied beaches in this exceptionally bright and sunny town that also features great transport connections to the rest of Cornwall and even to London!