Travel Diaries: Cornwall
The stunning Cornish coast is the perfect place to take a break this summer. With a rich cultural heritage and beautiful scenery, there are plenty of attractions to visit and outdoor experiences to enjoy. So, read on for some holiday inspiration as we gain a little more freedom in time for the Great British Summer!
Base yourself in a central Cornish coastal town and you can reach a plethora of delightful destinations in anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes drive, meaning you can pack a lot into a short break! Check out Visit Cornwall’s interactive map to help plan your visit.
Photograph credit: Charlotte Bird
Before I begin, you can’t think of Cornwall without mentioning Poldark. The hit BBC series was filmed across the county, with many dramatic backdrops to the regular Poldark-Warleggan feuds.
Think of Bodmin Moor’s jail and misty wilderness, Botallack’s impressive clifftop mine used as the location for Wheal Leisure, the spectacular Kynance Cove (aka Nampara Cove) or Holywell Bay where THAT Ross Poldark ocean scene was filmed. If you’re a fan, you can keep yourself mightily entertained dashing across Cornwall – why not check out more of the filming locations used here.
Located on the southwest Cornish coast, St Michael’s Mount is an intriguing place to visit. As a tidal island, it is only accessible during the day when the man-made causeway is exposed at low tide, with little boats nipping the residents back to the mainland at high tide (available to tourists too).
The impressive castle dates to the 12th Century, with monastic buildings evidenced before this. The island has since witnessed the 1275 earthquake, 17th Century English Civil War and the Second World War, amongst other major events. Combined with a rich geological history, plenty of local folklore and legends and an appearance in James Bond: Never Say Never Again, St Michael’s Mount really has something for everyone.
Photograph credit: Charlotte Bird
Land’s End is the westernmost point of England, infamous as the start or end point of the End-to-End challenge to John O’Groats, first thought to have been completed in 1879. The site is now home to a large tourist complex, with interactive experiences for children, such as Arthur’s Quest and Greeb Farm.
This was a joyous evening out as my mom regaled us with tales of her childhood visits to this unique open-air theatre. With seating cut into the granite bedrock, enjoy the sunset as you watch the entertainment unfold beneath you. From murder mysteries and comedies, through to folklore and local musicians, there are performances to suit everyone’s taste. Why not pack a picnic basket (I spotted a spectator with strawberries and champagne!), but make sure to bring a blanket as it can get a little chilly as the sunsets.
Port Isaac is one of my favourite Cornish villages to visit, but you may know it better as Portwenn, the home of the lovable (if characteristically grumpy) Doc Martin. This fantastic comedy series has been filmed here since 2004 and Port Isaac has maintained its charm as a quaint fishing village, with a restaurant selling local catch and a traditional sweet shop.
A relatively steep walk up by the Doc’s surgery offers views over the harbour and surrounding bays, with a weather station at the top for any enthusiasts out there. Other filming locations of interest can be found here - the show’s popularity does make it a busy place, but it’s still worth a visit.
Photograph credit: Charlotte Bird
Way back in my high school geography lessons, I was taught about the devastating Boscastle floods of 2004, where helicopter-rescues saved trapped residents from rooftops as cars were washed downriver. I had no idea what to expect, but Boscastle turned out to be the most delightful harbour village.
Owned by the National Trust, there is pretty much one street that runs from the car park, down to the estuary, with a café, bookshop and several holiday cottages, alongside the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. Take a stroll down to where the river meets the sea and you’ll be greeted with a vast expanse of blue, where you can park up on a bench with a flask of coffee and enjoy the glorious sunshine (we can hope)!
Photograph credit: Charlotte Bird
We hope we have inspired you to visit a few interesting places this summer, but please check the attraction websites before visiting to find out about their latest Covid-19 regulations and booking systems. Don’t forget to share your travel tales with us at City Girl Network and wherever you go – happy holidays!
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Written by Charlotte Bird
