Last year I travelled around Europe for a couple of months, racking up 8 countries and plenty of wonderful experiences. Despite my adventures, my favourite vacation of the year was heading down to the south of England, to Cornwall, one of my most treasured corners of the world.
I wanted therefore to give you some ideas on what to do and where to stay in Cornwall, should you decide to visit this special coastal county. Cornwall is just different from the rest of the UK, so much so that many of the locals actually identify as Cornish rather than British!
Where to Stay
My recommendation on where to stay in Cornwall would be Padstow, a glorious little seaside town with the harbour being the central focus. This hilly town leads down to the sea, which is where you will find most of the action. Padstow is well located in terms of being accessible to other places in Cornwall, it is quiet and relaxing and there are many holiday cottages in Padstow where you can enjoy your break in luxury and comfort.
What To Do
Naturally the activities which you take on will be whatever suits you best, but there is a wide range of options throughout the county, depending on what you are looking to do during your break. Let’s take a look at just some of the experiences which you can find in Cornwall.
Minack Theatre
It is difficult to describe just how amazing this little theatre really is, but I will give it my best shot. This Greek-style theatre is situated just north of Land’s end, right on the coast. The open-air theatre is in the traditional ’round’ and guests sit on carved out steps that surround the stage. The backdrop to the stage is the spectacular English Channel, and if you are able to see a show as the sun sets over the water, it will be an experience you won’t forget.
Surfing
Cornwall and Newquay in particular have gained fame around the world for the quality of the surf which can be found here. Each year the town welcomes international surfers who are competing in tournaments and this is the best spot for both beginners and pros, to hit the waves.
Walking
Whether you want to wander across the rugged coastline or through the dense forest, Cornwall offers some of the country’s finest trekking routes and coastal paths. The pace of life is slow in Cornwall and a casual wander is practically prescribed to visitors!
Eating
The seafood restaurants in Cornwall are spectacular, serving freshly caught fish and seafood in picturesque settings. Another reason why I love to stay in Padstow when I go to Cornwall, is so that I can enjoy the outstanding cuisine on offer at Rick Stein’s seafood restaurant, the highest quality of fresh seafood, at great prices. Equally you can find sublime food options in St Ives, Penzance and Port Isaac.
There are so many reasons to hit Cornwall this year, and I implore you to do just that.