Attractions - England

Attractions - London

Cornwall, England

Occupying England’s extreme southwesterly tip, Cornwall is a magical mix of soaring cliffs, indented coastline, peaceful coves, idyllic fishing villages and fine sandy beaches ideal for surfing. Cornwall was one of the last Celtic strongholds in England and the Cornish language survived until the late 19th century. Come and discover for yourself what makes this wild corner of England so unique.

Begin your Cornish odyssey in Penzance, a charming town popular with artists lying at the end of the railway line from London. Linger awhile here among its fine Georgian and Regency houses and stroll along the harbour. From Penzance head east to St. Michael’s Mount. Set on an island a few hundred yards offshore from the ancient town of Marazion and in the heart of Mounts Bay, the castle was home to the St Aubyn family for centuries. Now owned by the National Trust, the Mount was originally a Benedictine Priory which had religious links with the famous Mont St Michel in Normandy. Heading away from the Mount, enjoy a stroll around the Lizard Peninsula – the most southerly point in Britain – which boasts good walking trails, rare species of plant and unusually coloured rocks. Continue on into the town of Truro and enjoy a pint and a bite to eat and check out the town’s neo-Gothic cathedral. The area east of Truro is dotted with pretty fishing villages. Don’t miss the picturesque village of Polperro and the attractive town of Fowey. One of Britain’s most impressive Tudor mansions – Cotehele – lies on the west bank of the river Tamar which forms the border between Devon and Cornwall. Well worth a visit, the Cotehelde estate features a beautiful garden, a museum and a water mill as well as the stately home.

Heading west from Penzance, you hit Land’s End. The coast on either side of this peninsula is some of the most truly breathtaking in Britain. Walk all or part of the 25 mile trail known as the Coast Path around Land’s End towards St. Ives, taking in the wild beauty all around you. The beautiful sandy beach, narrow streets and charming harbour at St Ives have attracted artists for years. A branch of London’s Tate Gallery opened here in 1993 and is a showcase for the St Ives school of art. Eat in some of the town’s excellent restaurants or stroll along the beach with a bag of fish and chips. If you’re feeling energetic walk along the coast path to the idyllic village of Zennor where the writer D.H. Lawrence wrote Women in Love. And if you’re looking for the best surf in Britain, head for the beaches of North Cornwall.

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