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Cornwall

Legends, surfing and a stunning coastline

C

ornwall is a cornucopia of delights with Britain's best surf beaches, jaw-dropping coastal scenery, picturesque fishing villages, and the barren beauty of Bodmin Moor . You are never more than 16 miles from the sea and with over 300 beaches to choose from it really is the ultimate place for a beach holiday. And once you’ve maxed out on sand there’s the Eden Project , Tintagel Castle , and historic tin mines to explore.

History and Heritage
Cornwall is a land of myths and legends, from King Arthur and his supposed birthplace at Tintagel Castle to the pixies and giants that roam along the 50 miles of heritage coastline. It also has a more tangible maritime and mining history. You can explore Cornwall’s tin-mining past across various cliff-top sights that have been awarded World Heritage Status.

Arts and Culture
With fantastic light and a stunning coastline, it’s no wonder that Cornwall has such a thriving art scene. St Ives is at the beating heart of all things arty with harbourside alleyways housing local galleries and artists' workshops as well as the excellent Tate St Ives and Barbara Hepworth Museum . And when it comes to theatre, it doesn’t get more dramatic than the cliff-side Minack Theatre .

Must See Attractions
The futuristic domes and unique environments of the Eden Project can make a day disappear in a fascinating flash. The castle-topped isle of St Michael’s Mount is simply legendary, and Constantine Bay is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world. If you fancy escaping that coastal light then go underground with a trip to Geevor Tin Mine where you can experience Cornwall's mining history.

Food and Drink
There’s more to Cornish cuisine than the calorific but delightful clotted cream and pasties, but then when you try an authentic steak pasty you might not care. Nicknamed Padstein thanks to the TV chef’s four restaurants, Padstow is the place to go for prime Cornish seafood. To tuck into delicious Lebanese cuisine in a medieval folly then dine out at Carn Brea Castle to the sound of crashing waves.

Sports
Cornwall is all about surfing. So what are you waiting for, dude? Grab your board and head down to Fistral Beach in Newquay to spend a day catching waves. Scuba divers will be amazed at the sealife to be found within the wrecks off the coast of Falmouth . And to experience Cornwall's mining heritage then cycle the Mineral Tramways path which takes you through Camborne, Redruth and Gwennap.

Key Events
Camp over at the Port Eliot Literary Festival for the literary equivalent of Glastonbury or head to the Fowey Festival of Words and Music , which celebrates the author’s work as well as bringing the best comedians and authors to Fowey . In August, Newquay hosts Boardmasters , Europe's largest surf, skate and music festival. Head to Truro in November to feel the heart-warming glow of the City of Lights festival.

Family Fun
If a day of sun, sandcastles, and splashing on the beach isn’t exciting enough for your little ones then the Adrenalin Quarry near Liskeard has the UK’s Longest Zip Wire, guaranteed to blow their socks off. And the adventure doesn’t have to stop there – with coasteering the whole family can enjoy a wet and wild day exploring the cliffs.


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Burnham-on-Crouch

Burnham-on-Crouch

Burnham-on-Crouch  's charming quayside is surrounded by listed buildings and dotted with yachts


Blakeney

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Home to common and grey seals, Blakeney also attracts a range of in-the-know walkers, birdwatchers and tranquility-seekers 


Lowestoft

Lowestoft

Lowestoft is flanked by two Blue Flag beaches and a variety of countryside and coastal walks


Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle

Once home to Northumbrian kings, 2,000 year-old Bamburgh Castle is famous for its breathtaking coastal location 


More about... Cornwall

Information

Information

Visit Cornwall - Official website of Cornwall Tourist Board.


Things to do

Things to do

From events and attractions to fine dining and nights out; discover  things to do in Cornwall.


Accommodation

Accommodation

Find a  place to stay in Cornwall; from hotels and B&Bs to hostels and spas.


Travel

Travel

Find out more about  getting to and around Cornwall.


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