Village of St Mawes seaviews on the Roseland Peninsula in Cornwall

Cornwall

Destination

There’s something about the prospect of teetering on Land’s End cliff tops that’s inexplicably alluring. Though, whether you’ll get there is another matter. It’s not that it’s too far – it’s simply that holidays in Cornwall are so distracting. If you’re not watching surfers ride the seemingly impossible waves, you’re trekking the lengthy coastal path, meandering along farm tracks or buying something crafty and local in a village so picturesque it almost hurts. Of course, all this is immaterial if you’ve happened upon Bodmin Moor. You’ll not be lost in the wilds – but you could well just be too smitten to even consider going anywhere else.

All these outdoor activities will warrant somewhere you’ll get a good night’s sleep. And, frankly, your choices in Cornwall are joyfully quaint, quirky and eclectic. Cast aside any thoughts of a generic hotel stay. Here? You’re looking at pods, tipis, yurts, treehouses, log cabins and just about anything that doesn’t remotely resemble traditional hospitality. Holidays in Cornwall are for far more exploring. Getting back to nature? There’s an element of that, if you want it. But for everyone – however you spend your time. It’s about pure indulgence. Be it pasties or picking the best spot to watch the world go by. Just enjoy every second.

paddleboarding cornwall

A water sports guide to Cornwall

See & Do

When travel talk turns to turquoise waters and perfect watersports conditions, you immediately assume somewhere Mediterranean is on the cards. What if we told you Cornwall can more than match any Euro hotspot on scenery, beach facilities and competition level watersport locations?

Dive Cornwall’s depths to track down steam engines that have been submerged for over 100 years, sea kayak your way to a more than decent pasty or paddle into hidden creeks. However you enjoy the Cornish coast, get in it, get on it – but whatever you do, don’t just look at it. The FOMO will almost certainly be too much to bear.

cornwall seal watching

A wildlife spotting tour of Cornwall

See & Do

The seemingly endless miles of coastline make Cornwall an ideal spot for wildlife watching. No surprises there. But if you’re only expecting to spot a few seals and sea birds, think again. Basking sharks cruise the waves in summer, while minke and fin whales make enough sporadic appearances to make it worth getting out on the water. Pods of dolphins seem to love Cornish waters as much as the holidaymakers, but don’t forget to point your binoculars to the clouds now and again. Kestrels, peregrine falcons, northern wheatears, snipes, curlews and more roam the skies.

glamping cornwall

Spotlight on: Camping in Cornwall

Guides & Tips

In Cornwall, if you can sleep in it, some plucky entrepreneur has built a camping business around it. From showman’s touring cabins to geodomes, pods and treehouses, there’s a budget – or luxury – camping option for just about every taste. Even the classic canvas option has had a revival, with safari tents and pre-set up camps adding a glamping touch to the no-frills end of the Cornish camping spectrum. Add in the choice of moorland views, coastal cliff tops and secluded woodland into the mix and you’ve got yourself a dizzying dilemma. We’ve handpicked some crackers to get you started…

cornish pasty cornwall

Where to find the best pasties in Cornwall

Food & Drink

There are many, many wonderful reasons to visit Cornwall. Among them? The coastline, moorland, festivals and the sea life stand out as genuine crowdpleasers. But perhaps, one reason outshines the rest. The humble Cornish pasty. Yes, you can nip to your local grocery store and buy an imposter – but it won’t match the kind of baking seen in Cornwall. Finding the best pasties in this county can only mean one thing. A pastry-packed road trip to each and every bakery until you decide on a winner. Here’s a shortlist to get you underway…