Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to escape from the bustling city life or seeking out a secluded spot for a quiet break, Cornwall has it all. From the breathtakingly picturesque Land’s End, to the fishing villages of Padstow and St Mawes, the county’s many attractions will be sure to please.
Land’s End
Land’s End is a tourist complex located in western Cornwall, England. It’s eight miles west of Penzance on the Penwith peninsula. It’s on the A30 road and faces the English Channel and the Celtic Sea. It’s a popular tourist destination for those who want to see some incredible views.
Land’s End is the most westerly point of mainland Britain. This famous attraction is part of the South West Coast Path. You’ll find plenty of cliffs to hike or stroll around. This site is also where the famous Land’s End to John o’Groats walk began. It’s a popular tourist destination, with three million visitors a year.
If you visit Land’s End during the summer months, you’ll find a lot of activities and attractions in the town. You can visit Land’s End Cafe and Bar, which has an extensive menu. This restaurant is located along the coastal path, near the First and Last Point of Land’s End. In addition to dining options, you can browse through some local art galleries and enjoy a craft workshop.
This unique location has fascinated people since ancient times. Names of the area include ‘Penwith Steort’ (meaning ‘end’ in Old English) and ‘Londeseynde’ (meaning ‘end’ in English). It has also had connections to Arthurian myth. In ancient times, the land below the cliffs was known as Lyonesse, a part of King Arthur’s realm that was drowned by the sea. Nowadays, the cliffs are owned by the National Trust.
Penzance
If you’re looking for places to go in Cornwall, Penzance is an ideal choice. It’s a seaside town with a wealth of restaurants serving local seafood. For instance, at the Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar, you can sample locally caught fish, mussels, lobster, and scallops.
Penzance is also known for its art scene, which is evident in its numerous galleries. The town’s biggest contemporary art space is the Exchange, which is housed in an old telephone exchange. Its striking glass facade, which has LED lights all the way around the front, features works of local artists. The town also has many pubs and B&Bs, and the Acorn theatre is a small but popular venue for live performances.
The town’s waterfront promenade is a great place for a morning stroll. Enjoy the beautiful views of the sea and St Michael’s Mount as the sun rises. The city’s art deco lido is another must-see, and is the largest in the UK. It was built in 1935 and was named for King George V’s silver jubilee.
Penzance is an excellent base to explore Cornwall. It has a population of just over 20,000 people, and is easy to explore on foot. However, some attractions are a little further away. Thankfully, there is ample parking in Penzance, making it a great base from which to explore the rest of Cornwall.
Padstow
If you are planning a trip to Cornwall, you can visit the fishing town of Padstow, which is located on the west bank of the River Camel. It is five miles northwest of Wadebridge and Bodmin, and is about ten miles northeast of Newquay. It is an excellent destination for families and is full of fun attractions.
You can also visit the May Day celebrations, which feature a huge parade. The parade is led by Obby Oses, which are essentially one-man pantomime horses. The celebrations include accordions and drums, and date back to pre-Christian times. It is one of the liveliest days of the year.
Padstow is a popular holiday destination in Cornwall. The town has several sandy beaches, which are all within walking distance. It is also a good base to explore nearby towns. Accommodation in Padstow is usually busy during the tourist season, so it is best to book early.
While you are in Padstow, make sure you visit the Padstow Vineyards, which is an award-winning vineyard with a large wine collection. They also offer tours of their vineyard and serve light lunches and tasting boards. For foodies, there are a range of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries to choose from.
Cycling is another popular activity in Padstow, with the Camel Trail providing picturesque views and a flat 17-mile trail. Suitable for bikers, walkers, and horse riders, the Camel Trail begins in Padstow and ends on Bodmin Moor. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife along the way. It is also suitable for families, as you can rent bicycles in Padstow.
St Mawes
The town of St Mawes is a picturesque fishing village that has a Mediterranean climate. A regular harbour ferry connects St Mawes with Falmouth and Anthony’s Head. If you enjoy exploring the coastline, you can take the St Mawes Coastal Path to Portscatho and Dodman Point. The town is also home to an old church dating back to the 14th century.
While the town is home to a variety of high street stores, you can also find locally owned boutiques in St Mawes. These shops offer local artwork and unique souvenirs. Many of these shops are located along the harbourside or tucked away in narrow streets. A few examples of these shops include Grace and Favour, a small, quaint gift shop, and Onda, a designer clothing boutique.
While in St Mawes, you can visit the St Mawes Castle, which was built by King Henry VIII. The castle is located in beautiful grounds, and the view from the top of the castle keep is stunning. You can also visit the Tregothnan estate, which is known for its tea gardens and herbal infusions. It has been in the same family for over five centuries, and its lush gardens line the banks of the River Fal.
You can also enjoy the evening entertainment at one of the many pubs that line the shoreline. The Rising Sun, Victory Inn, and Bohella Bar are just a few of the options for entertainment.
St Ives
If you’re looking for a relaxing day out, you can check out St Ives. This picturesque town is home to some amazing beaches. You can also visit the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Managed by the Tate Gallery since 1980, it is the former home of the famous Cornish artist.
You can get to St Ives by train. There are direct trains from Cardiff Central and London Paddington. You can also get a direct train from Exeter St. Davids. The best time to visit St Ives is from May to early July. The weather is warm and dry in these months. There is also the St Ives September Festival, which celebrates poetry, sculpture and folk music.
Surfing is one of the best things to do in St Ives. But you should watch out for the crowds. The surf is extremely popular in the summer. If you’re visiting the area with kids, you can take them to the local tide pool, where they can discover all kinds of marine life. Alternatively, you can go to the Tate St Ives, an impressive art gallery located on Porthmeor Beach.
Another great place to visit is the St Ives Beach. Located just a short walk from the town, this sandy crescent has a safe surf break. Alternatively, you can head out to Porthminster Beach, which is a more laid-back spot, and the tiny Porthgwidden Beach, which is popular with stand-up paddleboarders.
Sennen
Sennen is a village in Cornwall and a civil parish on the coast. It’s about eight miles west of Penzance. It has many attractions that you can visit while you’re in the area. The town is very picturesque and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cornwall.
If you love the sea, you can go surfing or windsurfing in Sennen. Sennen has an extensive surf scene, which is a great place to try the sport. There are a number of surf schools and shops in town. Sennen also has an historic lifeboat station and harbour, which is open to visitors during the day.
When visiting Sennen, it’s important to bear in mind that the town can be very busy during the summer months and on weekends. This makes it best to visit during the week or during the shoulder seasons. The town can also be chilly in spring and autumn, so you should plan your visit accordingly.
The town is home to Warrens Bakery, which is one of the oldest pasty makers in the world. Despite the tourist industry, the town still has a strong community feel. It is located just a mile from the seaside village of Botallack and four miles from the National Trust’s Levant Mine and Beam Engine.
