The Cornwall Guide - Cornish History, Accommodation, Photos and more
Cornwall's beaches are unrivalled elsewhere in Britain for their beauty and variety. Beach towns such as Perranporth, Polzeath and Newquay are perhaps the best known of these, they are also excellent surfing beaches. In my opinion the most beautiful are the tiny coves that dot the coastline like Coverack and Porthcurno (home of the Minack Theatre).
Dubbed the Cornish Riviera is St Austell Bay. This stretch of the south coast is home to some beautiful sandy beaches between the charming fishing village of Mevagissey and the upmarket riverside town of Fowey with its literary connections including Daphne du Maurier. Not to be outdone, the north coast has St Ives Bay, a fantastic stretch of golden sand beaches reaching to Hayle and beyond. Popular with surfers and families this is prime beach holiday territory.
Also on the coast are some of the Duchy's most enchanting fishing villages and harbours; Looe, Port Isaac, Portreath and Mousehole are but a few. It's not just the villages that have something to offer those sightseeing. The towns (and city!) of Cornwall are rich in history and attractions of their own. Take Padstow with its picturesque harbour and Rick Stien, Falmouth - a working port and charming shopping town. There is Truro, the only city in Cornwall where the cathedral still dominates the skyline.
For industrial heritage Redruth has few rivals. Once at the centre of the industrial revolution and the tin mining industry, Redruth and Camborne have spent many years in decline. However, the area is finally bouncing back with regeneration projects such as the Heartlands park on former mining sites.
Penzance is one of the largest towns in Cornwall and there is plenty to do and see in this old market town. From the sub-tropical Morrab Gardens to the bustling fishing port of Newlyn you should find something of interest. It is also here that you can take a day trip to the Isles of Scilly plus it's within walking distance of Marazion and St Michael's Mount.
Bored of towns? Then check out the stately homes and gardens of Cornwall. The National Trust is very active in Cornwall and along with a host of independently owned tourist attractions you should find plenty to see and do.
There are many gardens in Cornwall worthy of mention; The Lost Gardens of Heligan, The Eden Project, Trelissick and Trebah are just a few. Stately homes include; Lanhydrock house, Prideaux Place and Pencarrow.
Another unique draw of Cornwall is its ancient past. The moorland countryside of West Cornwall and Bodmin Moor are littered with megalithic monuments such as standing stones, barrows and stone circles. Less ancient ruins that abound in Kernow are the leftovers of the mining industry, in many places these share the same sites the ancients chose to build on creating strange juxtapositions.
Along with neighbouring Devon, Cornwall has long been one of the most popular UK holiday destinations. As a result there is a flourishing tourist industry providing a host of accommodation options. It's not just Cornwall cottages to rent; there are campsites by the beach, family friendly holiday parks, luxury hotels, bed & breakfasts and hostels for backpackers on a budget too. Not to mention a host of self-catering apartments in Cornwall to choose from.
So what brings people back to visit Cornwall time and again?
Well, the "sub-tropical" climate is certainly the mildest in the UK but our summers aren't the hottest! So it must be the combination of spectacular natural assets, a rich history and the rise of cool Cornwall with all its contemporary chic.