Thursday, 28 April 2016

Cornish Costas come up trumps

Cornish Costsa’s come up trumps

You can’t do better than visit Cornwall for a few days break. Jutting out into the Atlantic, this captivating corner of Britain is famed for its warm and mild climate, which along with the Scilly Isles is the warmest place in Britain. Even, during winter months, you could be forgiven for thinking that you were somewhere abroad, as palm trees waft gently in the breeze and the sunshine glistens across the beautiful seascapes, calming those jangled nerves as one relaxes into holiday mode ...

(image courtesy of istock.com artist accelerator hams)

Cornwall, however, has more to offer visitors than mere feel good factor and mild climate. For a start, Cornwall boasts a magnificently varied coastline, with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and secluded coves, not to mention its great surfing and wide range of other outdoor pursuits. And as if that's not enough, the county has a rich maritime history and unique cultural identity that unites the distinctly different geographical regions of north, west and south-eastern Cornwall. But above all, the people of Cornwall are friendly folk with a big welcome for tourists, at all times.

Out and About in Cornwall

Cornwall is all about the great outdoors. One of the best ways to explore Cornwall is on foot. Walkers can enjoy over 300 miles of coastal footpaths and around 2,400 miles of inland public rights of way. Cyclists are also well catered for throughout Cornwall with many dedicated cycles tracks, including the Camel Trail that links Padstow and Bodmin. Climbers and hikers will not want to miss Bodmin Moor, which contains Cornwall's highest points, Rough Tor (1,311 feet) and Brown Willy (1,377 feet). The whole region of Bodmin Moor is scattered with ancient remains and enveloped in romantic tales and legends. Camelford, for example, which lies thirteen miles north of Bodmin is allegedly the site of King Arthur's Camelot and Slaughter Bridge, a mile north of Camelford, is where the duel took place between King Arthur and his illegitimate son, Mordred.

Cornwall, and west Cornwall in particular, is nothing short of a gardeners' paradise. For most of the year the hedgerows and roadsides are awash with vividly coloured Mediterranean type plants and dotted with exotic palms. West Cornwall is really one big wild garden, there for all to enjoy. In addition, Cornwall is also famous for its several ornamental, public gardens including: Trebah, the spectacular Cornish Ravine garden near Falmouth, rated among the eighty finest gardens in the world, 'The Lost Gardens of Heligan', near Mevagissy and Penzance's sub-tropical Morrab Gardens. Cornwall's best know garden attraction, however, is the St Austell's Eden Project which, in recent years has been dubbed 'one of the Garden Wonders of the World'.

Where to stay

From basic value-for-money B&B's to luxury hotels, you will find both located in traditional seaside resorts and unspoilt, picturesque fishing villages. If you are looking for the more upmarket Cornwall Hotels, these are also available - but they do get booked up! You will also find self catering holiday cottages available.

Cornwall offers accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. The choice is vast and the following suggestions are merely intended as a starting point:

Penzance, on Cornwall's south-western tip, makes an ideal base for visitors wishing to explore the region using public transport. Ferry and air services also operate from Penzance to the Scilly Isles. Surfing enthusiasts should look for bed and breakfast Newquay, known locally as 'the new California'. Even outside peak season, a surfing culture prevails in the pubs, bars and cafés of this once quiet seaside resort. Surfing aside, Newquay boasts some of the best and most varied accommodation in Cornwall. Other popular tourist bases include the picturesque north Cornish fishing port of Padstow, with its cobblestone harbour, magnificent estuary and sea views and, of course, Rick Stein's famous seafood restaurant. Or how about Bude as a base, famous for its Summerleaze Beach, with expansive sands at low tide and a natural swimming pool in the rocks which is filled at high tide? Then there's St. Ives, where artists gravitate, captivated by the charm of this traditional Cornish seaside resort.

So, if you're desperate for a break, somewhere where the weather is mild, but simply can't face the hassle of booking abroad, why not head for Cornwall instead? Cornwall offers many of the plus points of resorts in warmer climes, without the downside. Cornwall is very much an all-year-round favourite with families, couples, walkers, surfers and independent travellers who simply want a change of scene. Visitors return time and again to Cornwall - and that says it all.