Cornwall’s wild and rugged, beautiful charm has been praised for countless years, one famous Cornish poet Sir John Betjeman describing this wonderful part of the world most eloquently in his poem “The Delectable Duchy”, 1974.
“The golden and unpeopled bays/ The shadowy cliffs and sheep-worn ways,
The white unpopulated surf/ The thyme and mushroom scented turf,
The slate hung farms, the oil-lit chapels/ Thin elms and lemon coloured apples…”
Cornwall has something for everyone, beaches, cliff walks, the freshest of fish served in picturesque restaurants and cosy pubs, as well as world class hotels and golf courses. Whilst in some ways time has stood still in Cornwall and we can revisit history in the quaint fishing villages and on the moors where the evidence of a tin mining past is still evident, the county has also embraced change, and there is a vibrancy to its cultural, sports and leisure offering. Tourism to the region has been carefully managed to ensure that local character remains, whilst 21st century service and luxury have been added. Let’s explore Cornwall’s highlights, starting with our stomachs!
Cornwall lays on a feast for the foodie and the sea air makes you hungry! Think of Cornwall, and clotted cream with scones and jam comes to mind, an indulgence after walks by the sea, served with great pride all over the county. Locally caught fish is a big draw and the town of Looe situated on the South Coast between Plymouth and Fowey proudly boasts of its tidal fishing credentials, landing the catch each day means peak freshness is ensured. Rick Stein established his famous Seafood Restaurant in Padstow and has since opened a Bistro, Fish and Chip shop, and Cafe in the same town, as well as the fantastic Cornish Arms in St Merryn serving Sunday roasts and some of St Austell Brewery’s best ales.
Cultural highlights include Tate St Ives, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden and the Minack Theatre in Porthcurno. Once you’ve made the trip down to this south westerly corner of the British Isles, whether by road, rail, or by air flying in to Exeter, there is so much to do, and experience. There are a number of stunning National Trust properties to wander around, and nature reserves all over the county, as well as the famous Eden Project to explore.
Places to stay include first class hotels ands golf resorts with golfers being spoilt for choice. Trevose Golf and Country Club offers great championship links, beautiful accommodation and has the advantage of being close to Padstow with all its dining opportunities. Trevose will host the first Legends Tour event of 2021, the Farmfoods European Legends Links Championship, 17-21 June. Links golf courses with views of the sea are not to be missed, but non golfers too can embrace much of the same, perhaps setting themselves the challenge of walking or cycling The Camel Trail, a recreational route for walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders that runs from Padstow to Wenford Bridge via Wadebridge and Bodmin. In total it is 17.3 miles long, but importantly it is suitable for disabled access, and is joyfully flat!
There’s much to love about this golden corner of England so whether this has revived memories or created a desire to explore Cornwall, we hope you have a great British holiday.
