Cornwall

This is a tough one… and it will depend on what you value the most. Below are some picks that locals and tourists often rave about! However, many would argue this is merely the tip of the ice-burg!

St Ives: An all-rounder and a fabulous destination if you seek the charm of a fishing town with golden beaches, clear waters and an artistic feel. The town itself is studded with many local galleries, cobbled streets, wonderful cafes. The sunset is pretty spectacular too.

The Roseland Peninsula: A more low-key, peaceful destination compared to many hot-spots. The rolling countryside allows for picturesque views, hidden coves and quieter beaches.

Kynance Cove: Has often been dubbed “a UK favourite”. For sun-seekers, it offers dramatic cliffs, white sandy beaches and a crystal-clear sea. It could easily be mistaken for somewhere in the Mediterranean…if the sun is out!

Mousehole: A quaint fishing village with the trappings of traditional Cornish charm. Just beware of those narrow lanes! At Christmas, the famous Christmas lights are especially a must see.

Truro is Cornwall’s one and only city. It was granted “city status” by Queen Victoria in 1877, when its Gothic Revival cathedral was being built. Upon its completion in 1910, Truro’s status as Cornwall’s capital was cemented.

Before Truro, Launceston held the title. For centuries, Launceston was the de facto capital of Cornwall title thanks to its strategic location near the Devon border and its historic Norman castle, which served as the seat of the Earls (and later Dukes) of Cornwall.

This really depends on whether it is a question of political borders of cultural identity. Cornwall is both English and Celtic.

The Celtic Dumnonii and Cornovii tribes inhabited the county between the Iron Age and Post-Roman period. It joins Wales, Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man and Brittany as being a member of the ‘Celtic nations.’

Cornwall is English by political governance and is a part of England as a county in the southwest, under the purview of English law and government. Even if the Celts have long disappeared, their influence are deeply woven into Cornwall’s cultural identity.

Cornish locals can quickly tell if someone “is not from around here” by the way local names are pronounced – or mispronounced as the case may be! The towns of Mevagissey, St. Ives, Mousehole, Penzance and Helston are no exception to this. However, the most frequent mispronunciation that tops the charts is the town of Fowey.

It is often incorrectly pronounced as “Fo-wey.”

By pronouncing Fowey, “Foy”, you have will have instantly succeeded in avoiding a common pronunciation pitfall!

Fowey is a small port town, perched on the southern Cornish coast. It has 2,300 residents that call Fowey “home” and is celebrated for its historic Daphne du Maurier links. It is also aplomb with independently owned shops and renowned for its scenic harbour along with its cobbled streets

Cornwall has rich culinary heritage. It empathises fresh local ingredients both from land and the sea. An infamous regional icon, once enjoyed by miners, is the Cornish pasty.

Eaten hot or cold, this regional classic is a hearty pastry filled with beef, potatoes, onions, and swede. Seafood is also a staple. You can enjoy locally caught Cornish crab, lobster, mackerel and mussels in many of the county’s coastal restaurants.

The traditional Cornish cream tea is also a favourite, with locally-produced jam and cream smothered over a halved scone (with jam on top first, mind!). Cornish cider and ales are also a must. Be sure to arrive hungry!

As Cornwall has over 300 beaches along 250 miles of coast, it really is more of a question of when you will find your nirvana rather than “if.” It really does depend on what you are looking for.

Below – a few suggestions based on what many visitors and locals enjoy:

Surf and water sports: Head to the world-renowned Fistral Beach (Newquay) on the North Cornish coast for top-tier waves. If you are newer to surfing try Polzeath Beach for a gentler setting. If you are further west, try Perranporth or Porthleven Beach for more experienced surfers.

Rest and relaxation: For a move relaxed, quieter vibe, explore the turquoise waters of Sennen Cove Beach (Near Land’s End) or build sandcastles in the peach and tranquillity of Portheras Cove Beach. Or, if you require adventure in pursuit of secluded relaxation, Lantic Bay Beach (Polruan) provides that picture perfect setting after a steep walk down!

Before you travel, be sure to check the tide times so that you can be sure to maximise your enjoyment.