Experience the flora of the Mediterranean in another indoor dome, and discover native plant species in the outdoor botanical garden. The semi-sheltered Porthmeor Beach is an excellent spot for surfing, with surf schools and rentals. Other great beaches in St Ives include the picturesque Blue Flag Porthminster Beach, the small Porthgwidden Beach, and the relatively secluded Bamaluz Beach. One of the great sub-tropical gardens of the South-West on the Helford Estuary. It is also home to rare and endangered parrots, and is an excellent and informative day out for any family. Paradise Park carries out conservation work on native UK species, including the Cornish Chough, Otters, Owls, and Red Squirrels.
You can reach the island by walking across the causeway at low tide. Fistral Beach in Newquay is known for its big wavesNewquay is a great option for family holidays as there is quite a lot to in the town. You could enjoy some beach time, try your hand at crazy golf, win in the arcades, relax in a cute café or explore the independent shops.
Sitting 1.5 miles from St Austell, you’ll find the UNESCO harbour of Charlestown, an 18th-century port that looks as if it’s been frozen in time. It’s one of my favourite towns in Cornwall to get a slice of local life; I enjoy walking around the harbour, checking out the numerous landmarks, and walking through the narrow streets. Sitting right at the tip, there’s Lizard Point, which is the most southerly in the country.
As a result it draws countless visitors searching for a slice of the exotic and wild without having to get on a plane. As well-known for its food and art scenes as its coastline, Cornwall Media has lovely towns to wander through and incredible landmarks to explore. Plus, many smart hoteliers have set up shop across the county, providing space to bed down and get a taste of local life.
White-sand beaches, azure seas, a mild microclimate and a slower pace of life make them one of Cornwall’s most appealing places. Fleets of boat trips fan out from the main island, St Mary’s, to the other four inhabited isles. Tresco is the most visited thanks to the subtropical Tresco Abbey Garden. Rugged St Agnes has the Turk’s Head, the UK’s most south-westerly pub. But the best tip is to arrange to be dropped on uninhabited Sampson by the Isles of Scilly Boatmen’s Association. The twin hills and sweeping beaches of this eerie outcrop were home to a handful of farmers and fishermen until the mid 1800s.
Open on selected days all through the year, do check opening times before visiting; certain areas are closed on some days, and other days the entire attraction is closed. Take a walk through a replica Victorian village, experience London during the Blitz, and see the socio-economic divide from the past in a Victorian home. The formal gardens feature an abundance of plants and flowers and the woodlands are home to lots of wildlife. Follow picture-perfect riverside pathways and backcountry cycling routes.
Situated just a few miles from St Austell, The Eden Project is easily accessible to get to the coast for a bite to eat afterwards. A 26-acre paradise that descends to its own secluded beach, the beautiful Trebah Garden has sub-tropical trees to admire, canopies bursting with exotic blooms and fun adventure play areas for little ones. The hydrangea valley is particularly enchanting and the bridge with clouds of blue and white flowers in the background makes the perfect photo opportunity. It’s dog-friendly and only a mile from the coast, so you can take Fido for a walk along the South West Coast Path afterwards. While Hartland Devon Heritage Coast isn’t officially in Cornwall, it’s just at the county border.
Allow around three hours to visit, longer if you wish to explore the extensive woodlands in detail. Tour the eerie old 18th-century Bodmin Jail, visit the Military Museum, and experience legal drama at the Shire Hall Courtroom Experience. Polperro Model Village is another local highlight, with its quaint replica of Polperro and the working model railway. Step into the animated Land of Legend to uncover Cornish myths and folklore, all in miniature. You can learn more about Polperro’s nefarious past at the fascinating Museum of Smuggling, housed in an old pilchard factory.
Our historic four-star hotel in the cathedral city of Truro is just a hop, skip and jump away from Cornwall’s best attractions and most beautiful destinations. From the wildly beautiful Yorkshire coast to the sun-drenched southern counties, England has a beautiful beach for every taste. Soak up the views from atop Brown Willy, the highest point in Cornwall and one of the UK’s best hikes, or explore the stone circles and bronze age barrows surrounding the slopes of Rough Tor.