Dramatic ocean panoramas, glorious expanses of open natural spaces and wildly rugged landscapes, West Cornwall presents a unique and beyond-beautiful holiday destination for those wishing to escape it all in sweetly sublime style.
As an almost-island-like peninsula surrounded by stunning coastline, there’s a breath-taking selection of beaches to pick from. Whether you’re based in the uber quaint seaside realms of St Ives or selected somewhere more off-the-beaten-track like Porthcurno, Zennor or Morvah – rest assured there will be a stretch of sand or hidden cove to relish nearby.
Then there’s the rural hinterland to explore. With windswept paths weaving from coastline to cairn, scenic woodland trails, countryside, World Heritage Mining sites and moorlands to discover, it’s no wonder why West Cornwall has both generated and drawn artists, poets, writers and musicians to its soul-stirring and awe-inspiring surrounds.
And with dining, events and entertainment, attractions, and cultural and historic highlights all in the magnetic mix, every type of visitor can find something to suit their own personal whim and agenda.
For family-friendly days out…
From a jam-packed day of sightseeing to a week’s worth of discovery, the joy of west Cornwall is that you can design a schedule to suit all time and travel requirements.
Visit the most westerly point of the country at Land’s End where you’ll encounter a farm park, exhibitions, 4D cinema show, and bar and restaurant. Roam the Land’s End Heritage Trail, or head toward Porthcurno for its jaw-dropping beach before enjoying a matinee show at the renowned Minack Theatre or visit to the village’s National Telegraph Museum.
Spend a day at Newlyn’s famous fishing port and art gallery before venturing along the promenade to the market town of Penzance for its sister art space, The Exchange. Visit the art deco open-air lido of Jubilee Pool, or take a trip to Marazion and walk the causeway to the iconic, St Michael’s Mount.
Further east you’ll step onto the Lizard: the country’s southernmost tip. From the crystalline waters of Kynance Cove to attractions including Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station, Roskilly’s Farm and Gweek Seal Sanctuary, there’s oodles to see and do.
For some coupled-up downtime…
Book a romantic meal at one of west Cornwall’s top restaurants, such as Kota in Porthleven, Tolcarne Inn in Newlyn, Ben’s Kitchen in Marazion, Porthminster or Porthmoer Beach Cafés in St Ives, or The Shore in Penzance.
Take a stroll to one of the area’s more remote and peaceful locations such as Trencrom Hill or wander toward wooded valleys like Lamorna and Cot Valley before finding a secret cove to sprawl on such as Nanjizal, Prussia Cove, Penberth, Portheras or Porthgwidden.
For a stint of adrenalised or outdoor action…
Watersports are as ubiquitous as west Cornwall’s seascapes, so try your hand at surfing, stand up paddle boarding (SUP), windsurfing, kayaking, open water swimming or sailing at some of the best and most picture-postcard pretty locations.
Join the mud-clad masses at St Buryan’s Tuff Enuff obstacle-course event, or sign up for the St Ives Biathlon or such-like for a sweat inducing adventure.
From rock climbing at beginner’s sites or the legendary Commando Ridge to coasteering, horse riding, cycling, and paragliding – or simply donning your walking boots for the South West Coast Path – west Cornwall is an adrenaline junkie’s or outdoor adventurist’s dream territory.
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Tags: Newlyn | Penzance | Porthcurno | Porthleven |