By James Starkey
Those of you who read my recent post will know how in love with the South West of England I am. So, for my second post, I’ve decided to write about Devon’s neighbouring county – Cornwall.
When many people think of the UK, they often consider a trip to London or one of the larger cities, however, by getting out in to the countryside and discovering the beauty of traditional England, you can experience so much more.
Just like Devon, Cornwall’s beauty is to be found in its miles upon miles of unspoilt countryside, huge stretches of golden, sandy beaches and small villages that keep the values of community life alive in the modern era. However, it’s not just the places that make Cornwall so special. The people are renowned for their welcoming demeanour and the food. The food is to die for!
There are some of the finest attractions to be offered in Cornwall so it’s no wonder thousands of people from around the world come back here year after year to enjoy their holidays.
The world’s most famous sign-post sits at Lands’ End. With directions to New York and John O’Groats in Scotland, it’s worth heading to the most westerly point on the British mainland if only to get your photo taken here! Further east you’ll find the beautiful St. Michael’s Mount at Penzance and on the north coast, the picturesque St. Ives.
If you’re interested in wildlife and horticulture, then you won’t want to miss The Eden Project. These world-famous biomes house a wide selection of different plants and flowers from all around the globe and it makes for a superb day out for all ages. A little insider tip: if you’re in the area during the summer time, check out ‘The Eden Sessions” – a series of intimate shows with some of the country’s top musicians… Definitely worth looking into if you get the chance.
If you’re looking for surfing, then the town of Newquay is filled with beaches that offer up some of the finest waves across the entire Western Europe. For big competitions such as “Boardmasters,” you need to look no further than Fistral, perhaps the most popular beach in the whole of Cornwall. Although if you’re looking for activities somewhere a little quieter, then Lusty Glaze, just around the bay from Fistral, offers up a whole range of things to do whilst enjoying the privacy you might be unlikely to get at the more popular beaches. If you’re looking at a surfing holiday, then there is a huge range of Cornwall Hotels to choose from across the county, with some of the best sitting right on the edge of the coast, close to the waves that so many surfers are hunting for throughout the year.
Now… the food! Many people will have heard about the Cornish pasty, a dish that takes its name from the very county in which it was made, however, as the locals will be quick to tell you, you can’t get a better pasty than one made and eaten at home! Therefore, my recommendation for the first culinary delight you should get your hands on when visiting the county is to head to any local bakers for a pasty. While there are far too many shops to list individually, I’m sure that if you find a family-run bakery, you’ll be in for a treat!
If you’re after a freshly caught meal, then Rick Stein, the world-famous chef, has a restaurant in Padstow that serves up the best daily catch.
So here, next time you’re planning a vacation in the UK, be sure to put Cornwall on your list.
The author, James Starkey, is a travel writer for a number of different publications across the UK. He writes on a wide range of different topics covering locations as well as things to do and what to see across the globe.