Cornwall – The picturesque Southwest of England

Peter — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 08:21:43 +0000

Overview

How to get to Cornwall

St. Ives

Penzance

Tintagel Castle

Lizard Point

Port Isaac

Gardens in Cornwall

County Cornwall – How to get there

The county of Cornwall is located in the southwest of England and is a charming holiday destination that impresses with its breathtaking coastal landscapes and small fishing villages similar to Ireland. The relaxed atmosphere, mild climate, and culinary delights, including fresh seafood, make Cornwall an unforgettable travel destination. And here’s how you can easily get to Cornwall:

The small Newquay Airport in the heart of Cornwall is the easiest and fastest option, although it is also very limited. Most flights operate within the UK, but you can fly there as well from Düsseldorf, Faro, Alicante, Zurich, Malaga, Copenhagen and Guernsey.

By car, the journey takes a bit longer, approximately 5 hours from London. The first section on the highway is relatively fast, but patience is required for the subsequent journey on the country roads.

The most convenient option is the GWR train, which goes directly from London to Cornwall.

St Ives

St. Ives is a picturesque coastal town in the west of Cornwall and one of the most popular holiday destinations in all of Great Britain. The town stretches along a bustling harbor front characterized by colorful fishing boats. It is renowned for its art scene and surf beaches such as Porthmeor Beach.

Simply stroll through the narrow streets of the town and discover the small art shops, or in the evening, visit one of the numerous seafood restaurants along the promenade.

St. Ives has a rich cultural scene and is home to a variety of art galleries, including the renowned Tate St Ives, showcasing modern and contemporary art.

Penzance

Penzance (pronounced Pen Sans) originates from the Cornish language and roughly translates to “holy headland”. The town is known for its maritime atmosphere and the impressive St. Michael’s Mount a small island in the sea with a majestic castle perched on a hill, offering a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. The island is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway that is visible only at low tide. During high tide, one must resort to a boat.

In Penzance, the famous South West Coast Path starts, as well as the picturesque train route to St. Ives.

Insider Tip: The coastal path section at Pedn Vounder is breathtaking. You can also start from there. It’s best to park in Porthcurno and then head up to the cliffs. Right in Porthcurno, you’ll find a small beach if you fancy a swim in the sea and the Minack Theatre, one of the most impressive open-air theatres in Europe.

Tintagel Castle

Tintagel Castle is an impressive castle ruin that majestically perches on the cliffs of the North Coast of Cornwall. The castle is often associated with the legend of King Arthur and is considered one of the possible locations where his legendary castle may have stood.

Access to the castle is via a massive suspension bridge that connects the two halves of the cliffs, offering visitors a spectacular view of the surrounding sea.

Insider Tip: Right on the cliffs stands the Camelot Castle Hotel, where staying overnight is a real highlight. Spectacular views from all windows and located directly on small hiking trails that meander along the coast. Of course, the rooms are anything but modern, rather small but charming.

Lizard Point

Lizard Point is the southernmost point of Great Britain and is characterized by its breathtaking coastal landscapes, often explored by hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The Lizard Lighthouse, perched on the cliffs, is a distinctive landmark providing a spectacular view of the English Channel.

The Lizard Peninsula is marked by steep cliffs, hidden coves, and small beaches, ideal for surfing. The South West Coast Path winds along the cliffs, offering a fantastic view of the coast and the turquoise sea.

Port Isaac

My recommendation is Port Isaac. This spot might not necessarily be listed in all the top attractions of Cornwall, but it is definitely worth a visit. The small picturesque fishing village is located on the north coast and is known as the filming location for the popular British TV series “Doc Martin”.

The charming cobblestone streets wind their way among the traditional fisherman’s houses. The coastline around Port Isaac offers spectacular views of the sea and is a popular destination for hikers exploring the South West Coast Path.

Gardens in Cornwall

Cornwall is renowned for its beautiful gardens, showcasing exotic plant diversity and vibrant colors in its Mediterranean climate.

Trebah Garden

With over 100 years of history, Trebah Garden not only offers an impressive collection of plants from various parts of the world but also picturesque trails that wind through forests and past idyllic ponds. The garden is particularly renowned for its azalea forest and the spectacular view of the bay on the Helford River.

Admission is approximately £15 for adults and around £8 for children. The easiest way to get there is through the nearby town of Falmouth, about 10 km away.

Eden Project in Cornwall

The Eden Project is perfect for a rainy day in otherwise sunny Cornwall. It is a unique and futuristic botanical garden located near St. Austell and is the largest indoor rainforest in the world.

The massive individual greenhouses simulate various climatic zones of the world. In the Rainforest Biome, you can discover exotic plants, or explore the Mediterranean flora in the Mediterranean Biome. More than 10,000 plants from about 5,000 species thrive and flourish here in this unique conservation project.

Admission is a bit expensive, approximately £40 for adults and around £12 for children.

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