Have you ever simply fallen in love with a travel destination? Some locations are more lovable than others and Cornwall is one that has captured the hearts of many visitors from all over the world.
Cornwall is lovable for many reasons, including its long and beautiful coastline covered in beaches, its amazing scenery and its fascinating Celtic heritage that includes tales of pirates and smuggling. The area is packed with attractions, including farm experiences, general amusement parks, bird conservation centres, historic gardens and much more. It is also becoming known as a popular destination for those interested in cultural tourism – due to its long association with the written and visual arts.
With so much to explore there are many reasons to love Cornwall. What are some of the main reasons that you will fall in love with this part of the UK? Here are five of the big ones:
1. Fantastic Seafood
Cornwall’s seaside location means that it offers some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the UK. Fishing has always been integral to the Cornish lifestyle and there are a number of vessels sailing along the 326 miles of coastline. The range of seafood in Cornwall is amazing – from crab to haddock to bass to scallops to squid.
Dine on the catch of the day at a number of superb restaurants, often garnished with local berries and plants from the cliffs such as wild garlic, rock samphire, wild flower petals and alexanders. Cornish lobster is one of the most amazing dishes of the region and it is believed that the cooler waters make for a better flavour. If you are a seafood lover you will have a blast here sampling all of the delicious treats from the sea.
There are some very special restaurants in Cornwall where you can enjoy top notch seafood, such as Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in the small fishing village of Port Issac. It is the only fish specialised restaurant to be awarded two Michelin stars and it is famed for serving up some of the best sustainable British seafood in Cornwall. The restaurant sources their seafood daily and locally via a small fleet of independent fishing boats off the Cornwall coast. There is an emphasis on seasonality and sustainability in all aspects of the menu.
Indulge in Cornish seafood with a culinary short break >>
2. The Weather
Cornwall is one of the southernmost areas in the United Kingdom, which gives it a wonderfully warm climate. This means that you will be able to enjoy a lot more outdoor activities during your visit such as hiking, swimming and water sports.
The weather in the rest of the UK is often grey and dreary, but most of Cornwall has up to 1540 hours of sunshine per year. It has one of the best climates in the UK. Don’t forget to bring your sun cream and sunglasses!
3. The Fascinating History
Cornwall has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its rich and complex history. Its vibrant identity has evolved back 3,000 years and there is a rich traditional culture that is still alive and well today.
Learn more about the history of Cornwall by visiting the many castles, ancestral houses, museums and much more. Discover the hub of Britain’s global communications in the secret WW2 tunnels at the Telegraph Museum in Portcurno. Learn about the history of the fortress at St. Micheal’s Mount and discover myth, legend and over 1,000 years of incredible history. Get a glimpse into the mining history of Cornwall at the King Edward Mine Museum, with a restored machinery and an indoor exhibition. You can even visit Lanhydrock House and Garden, which is a lovely late Victorian country house with extensive gardens and servants quarters.
4. The Beautiful Beaches
What could be better than spending a sunny day at the seaside with your toes in the sand, the sun on your face and the ocean breezes blowing in your hair?
Cornwall has some of the most stunning beaches in the country, so why not bring a blanket and a picnic and spend the day relaxing on the sand? For example, check out Praa Sands, a little beach that feels like it is located on the end of the Earth. There is a little restaurant and bar there called the Sandbar, which is very popular on a Sunday when they serve a carvery.
Another great beach is Gyllgyngvase, which offers beautiful sands and still water. It is the perfect place for setting up a BBQ, so bring the friends and family. These are just a couple of examples of the many gorgeous beaches you can enjoy in Cornwall.
5. Gorgeous Hiking Trails
Walking is one of the most popular activities in Cornwall, which comes as no surprise given the diversity of the natural landscapes and the excellent climate. Cornwall’s trails will take you through windswept moors, clay trails, lakes, dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and secluded coves.
Try the South West Coast Path, which runs along the coastline of the south-west peninsula in Britain. The trail will take you through stunning beaches, farms, fishing villages and heaths. It is a lovely way to experience the region in all of its variety.
The Camel trail is an 18 mile off road cycle track that follows the scenic estuary of the river Camel. You could also go rambling in the Helman Tor Nature Reserve, which includes the wetlands of Breney Common to the West and Red Moor to the East. There are also some lovely gentle strolls along Carbis Bay and the railway line, with spectacular views over St. Ives Bay.
These are just a few of the reasons to fall in love with Cornwall, so why not start planning your trip and see what you will love about this region of the UK? Or, if you’d rather travel further afield, maybe consider a European short break.