Cornwall : A Destination Guide

Crossing the Tamar and going into Cornwall is almost like going to another country – and another time. The landscape is both romantic and rugged, and has been an inspiration for poets, writers and painters for generations.

Cornwall was, for a long time, a country in its own right, with more in common with Brittany than Britain. It has managed to keep its Celtic identity and in recent years the Cornish language has made a comeback. You’ll even see it on road signs.

The moors, tin mines, ancient castles and weather-worn coastline have made Cornwall a holiday hotspot. Its fertile land and bountiful seas have also attracted many top restaurateurs, such as Rick Stein. The West Country has a reputation for outstanding produce and great food, and has become a gastronome’s delight as a result.

Travelling to Cornwall also gives you access to the Isles of Scilly. These islands are rich with flora and fauna that you won’t find anywhere else in the UK.

Holiday cottages are in plentiful supply throughout Cornwall. The toughest decision you’ll have is deciding where you want your home from home. To help you with your choice, we’ve compiled some of the most popular and interesting things to see and do. There are plenty of luxury holiday cottages close to all these attractions, and they’re available all year round.

1. Walking in Bodmin Moor Bodmin Moor is one of the last remaining areas of unspoilt beauty in the south west. Its expansive, breathtaking moors and dramatic granite Tors are as inspiring today as they were to the Bronze Age settlers who farmed the land over 4,000 years ago. There are over 30 Tors on the Moor, including the two highest peaks in Cornwall: Rough Tor and Brown Willy. Climbing either of these will give you some of the most spectacular views in the area. You’ll also find ancient tin mines and other industrial sites that are hundreds of years old. These are designated as World Heritage sites and well worth a visit.
2. Surfing and Wave Watching Cornwall’s beautiful beaches aren’t just for soaking up the sun. Head to Newquay and you’re in the UK’s surfing capital. There, you’ll find surfing instructors to teach you the basics, and plenty of places to rent or buy surfing equipment. Newquay also has a vibrant night life, complete with some fantastic restaurants in which to unwind. If you like your downtime to be relaxing, then be sure to visit places such as Fistral Beach, where you can soak up the seascape and watch the waves.
3. Visit a celebrity chef’s restaurant Padstow and Rick Stein have become so interlinked that the locals refer to the town as ‘Padstein’! Stein has no less than four restaurants in Padstow, from his famous Seafood Restaurant to his fish and chip bar. He has paved the way for other top chefs who want access to locally grown produce and the best fish in the British Isles. Other restaurateurs such as Paul Armstrong are putting Cornwall on the map as a place for gastronomes to visit. At the very least, you ought to try a genuine Cornish pasty!
4. Explore Tintagel Castle Cornwall is brimming with myths and legends. The most famous have to be those of King Arthur. Tintagel Castle is said to be where the Excalibur-wielding monarch was born. A cave beneath the castle is supposed to have been where the wizard Merlin lived. The castle itself will enchant tourists of all ages and the visitors’ centre tells you all you need to know about one of the UK’s most legendary figures. It also gives you some more historically accurate accounts of life in the area from the Bronze Age onwards.
5. The Eden Project The Eden Project is one of Cornwall’s most celebrated landmarks. It inspires visitors to learn about the world they live in, and encourages awareness of the environment. Covering an area the size of 30 football pitches, the Project houses an extraordinary range of plants. It runs a full programme of events throughout the year. Voted the UK’s Best Leisure Attraction for three consecutive years, the Eden Project is a must-see for any holidaymaker.

Luxury holiday cottages are plentiful throughout Cornwall. Our extensive selection is sure to provide you with the perfect cottage in a location best suited to your holiday needs.