There are endless reasons to stay in Cornwall, a historic, picturesque and a unique corner of the country with so much to offer to its visitors.
It is continually the top staycation destination in the UK as well as growing in reputation with overseas visitors owing to its unique allure. It has everything to offer whether you want a relaxing, romantic, family or adventure getaway. Wild moorland, beautiful beaches, wildlife, quaint villages or outdoor pursuits. Cornwall simply has it all, a spellbinding destination for adventure and discovery regardless of the time of year.
Although difficult to narrow down we wanted to share our top reasons to come to this little corner of paradise.
1. Ease of Travel
First and foremost has to be the ease in which you can get here with a great road network, and the fact you can take your own car, simply load up, drive to your destination, park on your doorstep and unload; straightforward and no hassle factors involved. No airport queues for you, no exchange rate issues, and the cost of fuel is much cheaper than flights and airport transfers. With many rail options and increasing domestic flights from around the UK flying into Newquay Airport in Cornwall, it is the UK's fastest growing airport and continually opening new routes, it couldn't be easier to reach here.
2. Beaches
Secondly there are the astounding beaches; they will rival those that you will find abroad with their wide golden sandy beaches and sparkling clear turquoise seas. With over 400 beaches in the region and the longest coastline of any English county, you are spoilt for choice. Many of their beaches hold a Blue Flag status, so you can rest assured in the knowledge that these beaches reach high standards of water quality, cleanliness and safety. The beaches on the north coast boast great surfing and are a surfers paradise attracting wave chasers from all over the country, although they do cater to everyone. The south coast provides sandy beaches, calmer waters, quiet coves and private beaches where you can escape the crowds. The rugged coastline at Land's End is simply breathtaking. Families can enjoy simple pursuits like rock-pooling, crabbing, building sandcastles and frolicking in the warm waters or perhaps a game of cricket on the vast expanses of the beaches. Take along a picnic, stay and catch a stunning sunset and make a day of it.
3. Outdoor Pursuits
If you are a fan of outdoor pursuits, you are spoiled in Cornwall, with so much at hand to occupy your time. Water-sports abound from surfing to sailing, paddle-boarding, canoeing, diving, swimming, fishing, white water rafting, jet skiing and much, much more. Surfing is a very popular activity and if new to this invigorating sport you can take lessons with one of the many professional surf schools, lessons are taken by professional surfers, and the schools have all the equipment needed for your use. Dry land offers coastal walking, hiking, coasteering, horse riding, cycling, golf and many more activities. Theme parks, inflatable aqua parks, playgrounds, and sub-tropical gardens also located here.
4. Culture & Heritage
Bursting with a rich culture and heritage, being home to a number of world heritage locations particularly the mining industry with tin and copper mined here for many years. Evidence of this past industry is clearly evident along the mining stretch of coast from St Ives to Land's End. Although there are mines dotted throughout the region. Take time to visit a former working mine for an insight into the working conditions of this era. It also has a rich and long maritime history, and the quaint fishing villages reflect this with their pretty harbours with boats bobbing in the waters, you can still see the fishermen arriving back with their haul of fresh fish in the evenings.
5. First-rate Attractions
Home to first rate and unique attractions such as Tate St. Ives, the Eden Project and historic attractions the Minack Theatre, St. Michaels' Mount, stone circles, medieval castles, ancestral stately homes and Land's End not to mention the many fantastic museums such as the Royal Cornwall Museum, National Maritime Museum, Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Barbra Hepworth Museum and many more equally intriguing and informative. Visitors will certainly get their fix of arts and culture whilst here.
6. Dining-out
Dining out is a delight in Cornwall, it is England's cuisine capital, not surprising with nine Michelin starred restaurants in the region. If this is too rich for your plate, there are tasty local dishes like the famous Cornish Pasty, a visit is not complete without one, or that traditional favourite of fish and chips, so fresh and tasty especially if eaten by the beach. There is a superb selection of restaurants, cafes and bistros offering a diverse choice of fine food, with most of the produce sourced locally creating delicious dishes for your enjoyment. Locally caught seafood features heavily on the menus with delicious fresh lobster, crab, mussels and oysters just a sample of what you can look forward to here.
This foodie heaven has attracted a number of top chefs who have opened restaurants here, such as Nathan Outlaw, Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth to name a few. To accompany your meal there are many fine wineries and breweries here that produce first-rate ales, beers and award winning wines. An Afternoon Tea is not to missed whilst visiting, take time out of your busy schedule to relax and savour this age-old traditional ceremony with its delicious treat of fresh scones, dolloped with Cornish clotted cream and jam, remember it is always jam first here in Cornwall; accompanied by a pot of tea in dainty china cups.
Nothing is better than a Great British staycation and Cornwall is certainly the place to come. It is a real crowd pleaser and caters to so many individuals and ticks so many boxes whilst removing the stress and hassle usually involved with traveling abroad. You can simply enjoy your time away and discover the wealth of things on your own doorstep.