How To Have An Amazing Cornwall Summer Holiday

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Most people think you have to head somewhere like Spain, France or Greece if you want a beachy holiday. I’m here to tell you, that’s not true! Cornwall has everything you need for sunbathing, surfing, amazing beaches and more. It’s an area of the UK that has a unique culture, fascinating history and wonderful wildlife. Here is your guide to having the best possible summer holiday in Cornwall.

What is Cornwall?

Cornwall is a county in England. Its name comes from an ancient kingdom called Cornwall, which was located on the south west of Britain. Cornwall is famous for its landscape, culture and hospitality. The county has many attractions such as beaches, coastal towns and picturesque fishing villages. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK. The county also produces a wide range of products including tin, copper and slate.

People usually visit Cornwall to relax, explore and enjoy its scenery and culture. The county has many places of interest including museums and castles. There are also many restaurants, pubs and cafes to choose from. Due to it’s great tourism industry and many amazing beaches, it makes for the perfect summer holiday destination. It’s also the place in the UK most associated with surfboarding, which really adds to the summer feel of the whole place.

Why should you visit Cornwall?

• Cornwall has a long history of world-renowned beaches. Near the West Country town of Bude, there is the famous Fistral Beach, which attracts large crowds during the summer months. The beach stretches for over two miles and is one of the most popular in Britain. Other popular beaches include Porthcawl and Fistral Beach in Newquay, as well as Sennen Cove near Land’s End. In summertime, you can also find amazing beaches along the Atlantic coast, such as Hayle Sands and St Ives – both filled with sandbanks that stretch out into the sea, forming perfect spots for swimming and surfing. Although sand dunes have been eroding away at these coasts for decades, recent restoration efforts have been successful, making beautiful new beaches all the more accessible for visitors to enjoy.

Check out my post on the Best Beaches in the UK to learn more.

• Cornwall has an amazing history. It used to be one of the remaining British lands when the Saxons invaded and still has a strong link to that heritage. There are many castles to explore, including the ruins of Tintagel Castle – the supposed birthplace of King Arthur. Truro Cathedral is another impressive historical spot to explore. Due to its enormous expanse of coastline there are some beautiful historical harbours to explore too, including Padstow and Port Isaac.
• Many of Cornwall’s coves are linked to stories of piracy. Many of these coves are available to go and visit and can make for an exciting insight into this darker side of Cornwall’s past. Church Cove and Piskies Cove are some great places to start. Rumour has it that there may still be buried treasure in these coves, so keep your eyes peeled for a glint of gold in the dark.
• Cornwall is home to some stunning wildlife, and is a dream for any wildlife watcher to go and visit. One of its most famous residents is the grey seal, which can be spotted around the entire coast of the county. I highly recommend taking a visit to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary to get up close to some of the rescued seals there. Other marine wildlife in Cornwall are dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, whale sharks and octopuses. It’s also a great place for birdwatchers to visit, as it is home to many bird species including lapwings, snipes, curlews, and oystercatchers.

• One of the top attractions in the whole UK is the Eden Project, found in Par, Cornwall. It is an enormous garden, home to many tropical plant species and the world’s largest indoor rainforest. If you’re a botany fan, then this is an absolute must-visit. For those with even the most casual interest, it is an amazing experience to walk along some of these enormous and colourful tropical plants. This is just one of the many ways that a visit to Cornwall can make you feel like you’re on the other side of the world.
• Watersports are a very popular pastime in Cornwall, making in the perfect place to visit if you’re a fan or fancy giving it a go. Some of the activities on offer include kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, surfing, wild swimming and diving. Pentewen Sands is definitely one of the top places to go if you’re looking at getting adventurous in one of the Cornwall’s beautiful blue seas.
• Cornwall has a great literary history. It has inspired the famous novels of Daphne De Maurier, including Rebecca and Jamaica Inn. In fact, you are even able to go and visit the original Jamaica Inn that inspired De Maurier to write the novel. Other works that Cornwall is said to have inspired are Mousehole by Dylan Thomas, The Wind In The Willows by Kenneth Graham, and multiple Agatha Christie novels, including Ordeal By Innocence.
• If you’re a foodie, then you will adore Cornwall. It has a great selection of seafood, due to the many fishing villages found along the coast. It is home to Cornish Clotted Cream, which you must try with scones and jam. Cornish Ice Cream is also renowned for being delicious and is a must-try on a hot day. It is also, of course, where the Cornish Pasty was invented so, wherever you go, there will be numerous places to purchase an authentic one of these.

How to plan your visit to Cornwall

• Decide what your priorities are for your holiday. If you want to go for a relaxing beachy holiday, make a list of the best beaches to visit. If you want to do some exploring, visit the sites you want to explore. If you want to do a mix of everything, make sure to pick the ones you want to do most. This way you can design the perfect holiday for you and have the best holiday possible.
• Pick the time of year to suit you. Cornwall is one of the top summer holiday destinations in the UK, and for good reason, with all its wonderful beaches. This is when most people like to visit. However, there is an argument for visiting in the colder months of the year too. At this time, the towns are much, much quieter, accommodation is cheaper, and you can enjoy the dramatic tides crashing against the cliffs.
• Find the perfect accommodation to suit you. Finding the perfect place to stay can make a massive impact on how much you enjoy your trip. Having a place to come back to relax can help you feel ready to go on your adventures day after day. I think this is one of the most important parts of your entire trip. It is your home away from home, after all. Here are my top 5 places to stay in Cornwall:

Tips for a successful trip

• Visit popular tourist spots like the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Make sure to fit in some of the most popular spots in Cornwall. They are popular for a reason, and you don’t want to come back regretting that you missed certain things. Set some time aside to visit the main Cornish attractions.
• Take a trip on the Bodmin and Wenford Steam Railway. This is one of the best ways to see the Cornish countryside. This railway trip takes you through 13 miles of beautiful Cornish sights. This is a unique experience which gives you the opportunity to sit back, relax, and see the sights of this stunning county.
• Visit one of Cornwall’s many beaches, such as Watergate Bay or Porthcurno Beach. It might actually be sacrilege to visit Cornwall without visiting one of its beaches. In fact, there are so many beaches I think it’s probably impossible not to visit one while you’re there. Still, do a bit of research and find one to suit you. You certainly won’t be disappointed.
• Go for a walk or hike along the South West Coast Path. This is the longest and best-loved walking route in the entire UK. Featured in many books, and with legendary views, this is the coastal path that winds around the entire coast of Cornwall. This is a great activity to combine with a beach visit, so check out different sections of the coastal path and find your perfect Cornish walk.

Frequently Asked Questions

The last thing you need to know about Cornwall

Cornwall is the perfect place to take your summer holiday this year. Whether you’re visiting from abroad or having a staycation, Cornwall has everything you need to make it a summer holiday to remember. From walks to beaches, to food, to castles, there is plenty of wonderful things to explore. More than anything, Cornwall is a place to get away from it all, relax, reset, and soak up some rays while you’re at it.