Cornwall

Cornwall is a rugged yet beautiful county which is located on the extreme south-western tip of Great Britain. Bordering Devon to the east, Cornwall offers many different landscapes – including wild moorland, granite intrusions, and extensive coastline.

Offering a mild climate and considered one of the sunniest areas of Britain, Cornwall is a terrific holiday destination. The north coast features steep cliffs which do battle against the untamed Atlantic ocean, while around the point on the south side you will find some gorgeous beaches.

The county of Cornwall offers many different landscapes – from wild moors to pristine beaches. Since most of Cornwall was untouched by roman rule many original Cornish structures are still standing, making Cornwall a terrific area to travel in if you are interested in some of the ancient structures of Great Britain.

Here are a few places to consider exploring if you are planning to visit Cornwall:

• Bodmin and Country: Located in central Cornwall, this area features an 83 acre nature reserve, granite protrusions and classic English moors, as well as the haunting Bodmin Jail.
• Boscastle and Tintagel: Offers a beautiful, unspoiled coastline as well as sheltered harbours and plenty of old buildings. Tintagel is a major conservation area and home to Tintagel Castle (which may have been visited by King Arthur), as well as some impressive 14th century buildings.
• Bude: A seaside resort on the northern end of Cornwall, offering wide and sandy beaches, a small castle, and considered a top surfing destination.
• Falmouth: The location of Pendennis Castle, built by Henry VIII from 1539-1564, as well as the national maritime museum. A place that should definitely be visited if you are interested in English history.
• Fowey: Natural beauty, acres of countryside, with tons of opportunities for hiking, as well as medieval and Tudor style cottages and great weather make Fowey a particularly special place to visit.
• Helston: Famous for its Floral Dance, Helston is a historic town in Poldark country with imposing architecture, museums, a 15th century brewery and Porthleven Beach!
• Kingsand and Cawsand: Quiet and bordered by water on three sides, this isolated area offers beaches, scenery and the incredible Mount Edgcumbe Park.
• Helston: With its landmark castle and interesting town centre, Launceston offers country walks, a museum and steam railway 20 miles from north Cornwall's best sandy beaches.
• Looe and Polperro: Scenic and unspoiled, this is a perfect summer locale that offers fresh seafood, sandy beaches, and boat trips.
• Mevagissey: This Cornish port features 14th century buildings, excellent pubs and restaurants, and is a terrific place to head out for sport fishing excursions.
• Newquay: Offers over seven miles of beautiful beaches as well as great surfing. The mild climate, zoo and water-world make it a terrific destination for families.
• Padstow and Wadebridge: Originally a fishing port and shipbuilding centre, this village still retains much of its medieval architecture, including the stunning St. Petroc’s Church from 1445.
• Penzance: Home to some gorgeous architecture and tons of history, as well as markets, piers and sandy beaches.
• Perranporth: Sand dunes, beaches, surfing, and storm watching, this quaint and quiet area offers something for everyone.
• Portreath and St Agnes: located in the cliffs of northern Cornwall, this area has fantastic beaches and is perfect for surfing. With 30 miles of trails this is where you go to hike, bike, or horseback ride.
• Rock & Polzeath: A mecca for well-heeled visitors, the coastal village of Rock faces Padstow across the Camel Estuary. Popular for all types of watersports, it is the home of Sharp's Brewery and Rock Sailing Club. Neighbouring Polzeath has a sandy surfing beach and a handful of cafés and shops.
• Saltash & Torpoint: Sitting on the banks of the Tamar River in SE Cornwall, Saltash and Torpoint are commuter towns for nearby Plymouth. Connected to the city by the Tamar Bridge and the Torpoint Ferry, the scenic area includes castles, historic estates, tidal creeks and coastal walks.
• St Austell and Eden: What started as a small market town is now the bustling part of Cornwall, and offers tons of attractions and events to keep you busy.
• St Ives: Fresh seafood, many independent art and craft galleries, and clear turquoise waters make St. Ives a haven offering surfing, cycling and horseback riding.
• Truro & Roseland Peninsula: Truro, Cornwall's pint-sized capital, has delightful shops, cafés and museums around the cathedral. Further southeast, the Roseland Peninsula is one of the prettiest areas in the UK.
• Watergate Bay and Mawgan Porth: Located near Newquay, this is the centre of adventure sports and offers sandy beaches, surfing, and many other activities. Whilst the nearby quaint village of St Mawgan, home to the gorgeous St. Mawgan Church (circa 13th century), is perfect for a peaceful getaway.
• Whitsand Bay and Downderry: Incredible sand beaches, quiet villages with quaint pubs, golf courses and activities galore, there is no shortage of things to keep you busy while visiting this area.

Overall, the county of Cornwall offers something for everyone – nature lovers, surfers, families, and those who want to learn a bit more about incredible Cornish history, and see some original architecture dating as far back as the 1300s. Anyone who prefers varied landscapes as well as beaches and a mild climate should consider Cornwall for their next vacation.