Cornwall: A Unique vacation paradise

Accommodations to fit any budget

Cornwall offers numerous lodging options. If you’re traveling in a large group, you can rent a house – if you plan in advance, you’ll find a wide variety of options to choose from in every price range. If you prefer the convenience of a traditional hotel, there are a number of boutique establishments, such as The Scarlet ecolodge in Mawgan Porth, with its breathtaking ocean view, the tastefully decorated The Idle Rocks in St. Mawes, or the peacefully relaxing The Nare in Truro. Are you traveling on a limited budget? Stay at one of Cornwall’s charming, hospitable bed & breakfasts.

Sample the local cuisine

Thanks to its coastal location, pleasant climate, and long growing season, Cornwall boasts a bounty of fresh, local specialties and ingredients. Freshly caught seafood and shellfish can be enjoyed in any establishment, and more and more restaurants are offering locally grown organic vegetables. For example, at The Sardine Factory in Looe, you can savor fresh delicacies such as Fowey mussels and smoked Scottish haddock eggs or the catch of the day served with drawn butter or cocktail sauce. Other gastronomic treasures include The Hidden Hut, a charming restaurant on the beach in Portscatho and the tiny greenhouse café Potager Garden in Constantine.

Cornwall is famous for its hearty meat pie, the Cornish pastry, which is filled with delicious meats and vegetables, and the local cider known as scrumpy. In recent years, however, the region’s natural wines have been rising in popularity. The Old Coastguard in Mousehole, and Scarlet Wines in Lelant are just a few examples of local bars that offer a generous selection of natural organic wines from all over the world.

Discover the landscape on foot

Emerald green steppes, dramatic cliffs, and chalk-white sand. With its one-of-a-kind natural scenery, Cornwall’s no longer a well-kept secret among hiking enthusiasts. The South West Coast Path, which winds along the entire coast, is a 1,000 km-long trail that passes by picturesque small fishing villages and some of England’s most beautiful coastal landscapes. If you’re a hiker with a taste for history, you can’t go wrong with the lush Bodmin Moor, with its Bronze Age stone cairns and medieval relics.

The British surf invasion

If you’re looking for that perfect wave, the southwestern tip of England is the place to go. Surfers from all over the world flock to Cornwall’s 200-plus beaches. As beaches like Fistral and Constantine can get packed in the high season, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, try one of the lesser known spots. Gwenver Beach, just north of Sennen Cove, Crantock Beach, Praa Sands, and the beaches around the small fishing village of Porthcurno all offer awesome waves.

From towns to castles

Small, picturesque fishing villages, natural wonders, and awe-inspiring castles. Cornwall has something for everyone. Just outside of Porthcurno, you’ll find the Minack Theatre, a gorgeous outdoor playhouse built into the cliffs with an incredible view of the beach. St. Michael’s Mount, a tidal island with a majestic medieval castle and stately courtyard, offers visitors a rich history in a stunning natural environment. Other castles in the area that are worth a visit include Tintagel Castle, which is said to be the birthplace of King Arthur, and St. Mawes Castle, a Tudor fortress looking out on the River Fal delta.

Text by Agnes Regell