Last Updated on April 13, 2021 by Fiona Maclean
The Best of Cornwall
The stunning scenery in Cornwall is a match for anything you can find overseas and it is somewhere in England you can reach easily by car from London in around five hours, or by train from Paddington. It’s a very special place and where I grew up. I still love Cornwall and visit as often as I can. We’ve tried and tested plenty of charming beach and boutique hotels in Cornwall too, which are perfect as a base for exploring Poldark Country. This part of England is rich in special places – we share many favourites with this brilliant summary of the best places to visit in Cornwall
Cornwall stretches from the River Tamar in the east, the natural border with neighbouring Devon, to Lands’ End, the most westerly point in England. The county was one of the centres for tin mining in the 20th Century. Today you can still visit Geevor Tin Mine and the remains of tin mines can be seen occasionally dotting the landscape. Cornwall was also known for smuggling; the hidden coves and bays ideal for smugglers to come ashore. Jamaica Inn on Bodmin Moor, made famous in the book by Daphne du Maurier, was widely associated with smuggling too. Today, you can visit for a drink, a bite to eat or even to stay there!
The Atlantic coast or the North Coast of Cornwall is a dramatic coastline with high cliffs and sandy beaches, all of which can be accessed by the South West Coast Path which runs all around the county. Surfing is hugely popular on the North Coast, with excellent surfing waves at beaches such as Bude, Polzeath and the world-famous Fistral Bay, near Newquay.
The remains of Tintagel Castle, associated with the legend of King Arthur, are perched on the high cliffs close to Tintagel, with a panoramic view of the surrounding coastline. Visit one of the many beautiful ports on the North Coast such as Boscastle, Port Isaac (where the television programme Doc Martin is filmed) or Padstow with its lovely setting on the Camel Estuary.
In West Cornwall is the town of St Ives, a magnet for artists, who have flocked to the town over the centuries to capture the spectacular scenery. St Ives is home to the modern Tate St Ives gallery exhibiting work from artists who are associated with the area. Lands End is a place to visit, although there is not a great deal there.
The South Coast of Cornwall has its own beauty, being more sheltered from the wind than the North Coast. This part of the county has more woodland, beautiful river estuaries such as Fowey and Falmouth as well as picturesque harbours amongst them Mevagissey, Polperro and Charlestown.
Close to Fowey and Mevagissey are the Lost Gardens of Heligan, a personal favourite of mine, especially the jungle of tree ferns that flourish in the mild climate. This part of Cornwall is also home to the Eden Project, situated close to the town of St Austell. The groundbreaking development, built on a disused china clay pit, has transformed the ugly landscape with its two biomes containing diverse plants from all over the world.
The beauty of the Cornish landscape has been showcased in the BBC television series, Poldark, with filming locations on Bodmin Moor, St Breward, Porthgwarra, Padstow and Kynance Cove.
Why not take a holiday in Cornwall and explore everything this county has to offer? There are plenty of stylish boutique hotels and inns as well as self-catering accommodation, to suit any budget. Here are a few of our favourites – all tried and tested – and all highly recommended.
Stargazy Inn
The newly refurbished Stargazy Inn is easy to find, at the top of the village on the road which leads to Port Gaverne. It has its own small parking area which is a definite plus in a village where parking can be at a premium. Port Isaac is the location of the Doc Martin TV series and every bit as picturesque as the show suggests.
Bedruthan Hotel, Mawgan Porth
The stylish Bedruthan Hotel, built into the cliffs above the golden beach of Mawgan Porth, is only a short distance from Newquay airport and is an ideal base for a family or walking holiday exploring the beautiful North Cornish coast. It is dog-friendly with rooms suitable for guests bringing their pets with them. A few minutes away from the Bedruthan by foot is sister hotel, The Scarlet, which is an adult-only hotel.
The Headland Hotel Newquay
The Victorian Headland Hotel is perched on the peninsula overlooking Newquay’s famous Fistral Beach. Ideally placed for surfers, walkers or for a relaxing holiday, the hotel is dog-friendly and welcomes families.
Chapel House Boutique Hotel Penzance West Cornwall
A Grade Two listed Georgian townhouse with just 6 room, Chapel House hotel offers views of St Michael's Mount and an ultra-friendly, intimate place to stay in West Cornwall.
The Beach at Bude
Looking for a charming boutique hotel with great food, right on the beach? The Beach at Bude is just that, step out from the hotel onto a beautiful sandy beach, or enjoy a cocktail from the terrace watching the sun set.
The Lugger Hotel Portloe – offering the best of Cornwall
So close to the sea that if you miss the front door you’ll end up getting wet, The Lugger Hotel sits right on the water’s edge in the heart of picturesque Portloe.
Quaint and quintessentially Cornish, the village hugs the hillside as the road slopes down towards the cove and the welcome sight of The Lugger, Cornwall’s only AA-rated Five Star Inn, and once The Sunday Times choice of “Best Seaside Hotel.”
The Old Quay House Hotel - boutique hotel in Fowey Cornwall
The charming town of Fowey is a popular destination in Cornwall, with charming boutique shops and great pubs and bars. The Old Quay House Hotel opens out directly over the harbour and offers an amazing place to stay.
The Scarlet Hotel - Mawgan Porth
Eco-friendly spa hotel, The Scarlet offers a luxurious stay without harming the environment. The Scarlet has a well-equipped spa and a stunning eco pool that leads out to Mawgan Porth beach. Adult-only, it's a great place for a quiet relaxing break with no kids!
Star Castle Hotel - Scilly Isles
This quirky hotel on St Mary's, the largest of the Scilly Isles is an old fort. There's an excellent fine dining restaurant, an indoor pool and charming rooms - your choice of accessible garden rooms with their own terrace looking out to sea or individually decorated traditional rooms in the main hotel
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