About Cornwall: A Top UK Coastal Resort

Cornwall is a region in southwest England that is known for its idyllic coastal resorts and rugged landscape.

Sitting on the peninsula in the far west of England, Cornwall is a popular vacation resort for those looking for a sun-soaked UK tour immersed in natural scenery. The region juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, meaning you are never far from sublime sea views if you choose Cornwall for your 2018 UK beach vacation.

If you’re thinking about a vacation to Cornwall in 2018, here is our guide to the region.

About Cornwall

Being dominated by 300 miles of dramatic coast, Cornwall is one of the top UK resorts for seafood and there are many captivating fishing harbors to discover that make you feel like you have stepped into a fairytale. In fact, Cornwall is home to an impressive 12 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which sit mainly along the south-west coast and are famed for their rugged beauty.

As well as rocky coves and steep cliffs, Cornwall boasts sandy beaches, making it an excellent choice for a UK beach vacation. The best beaches tend to lie on Cornwall’s south coast, but north Cornwall offers some of the best water-sports opportunities in the UK and is particularly well known for surfing.

Top Cornwall Resorts

The perfect Cornwall resort for you will depend on what you want to enjoy on your Cornwall vacation. If you choose to book your UK beach vacation through us, we will take the time to understand what you want from your custom UK tour and will then recommend the best resort for your needs. However, below, you will find some of the most popular resorts.

Padstow

If you want to immerse yourself in the charm of a Cornish fishing village, Padstow on the north coast is a wonderful choice. The town has a vibrant harbor, with shops, English pubs, cafes and bars, as well as bakeries serving the traditional Cornish pasty.

While the harbor is busy during the peak (summer) season, venturing out of the town center allows you to discover wonderful guest houses and villas with sublime coast views.

St Ives

If you’re enjoying a family vacation in Cornwall, St Ives is an excellent Cornish resort as it was voted “Best Family Holiday Destination” by Coast magazine. It boasts glorious sand beaches and has long attracted artists, such as JMW Turner and Henry Moore, with its beautiful views and subtropical atmosphere.

As well as beaches you can relax on, there are numerous galleries and exhibitions to enjoy, such as the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, which houses a selection of sublime 20^th-century sculptures set in a tranquil garden.

Boscastle

Boscastle is an enchanting fishing village in north Cornwall with a natural harbor surrounded by ancient stone walls that date back to 1584. It is a wonderful choice if you want to enjoy a Cornwall walking vacation as the village sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the South West Coast Path passes through the village.

If you want to discover a little of the local history and culture, take some time to visit the mystical Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, which has exhibits dedicated to folk magic, Freemasonry and Wicca.

Falmouth

For a more city-like Cornwall resort, choose Falmouth, which sits on the south coast. It is the perfect mix of vibrancy and coastal living, boasting shops and cafes not far from stunning beaches.

The best beaches are Swanpool and Gyllyngvase and the harbor on the Fal Estuary is particularly pretty. But for the best cultural attractions, don’t miss the National Maritime Museum Cornwall to discover interactive galleries and a flotilla of model boats, the 16^th-century Pendennis Castle, and the Trebah Garden, which has beautiful subtropical plants and a relaxing atmosphere.

Cornwall Attractions

Aside from the glorious beaches and untamed walking trails along the coast, Cornwall has numerous cultural and fascinating attractions to enjoy. Here are some of our favorite Cornwall attractions.

Bodmin Moor

If you want to capture the essence of the Cornish landscape, a day trip to Bodmin Moor is a must. The panoramas here are simply breath-taking, featuring rugged vistas, ancient woodland and meandering creeks.

Bodmin Moor holds World Heritage Site status and is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Cornwall. It is the perfect place to enjoy hiking, with over 100 square miles of nature to explore.

Camel Valley Vineyards

The Camel Valley in north Cornwall is one of the best wine-producing regions in England, and the Camel Valley Vineyards is an award-winning wine estate best known for its English sparkling wine. You can take a tour of the vineyards to learn more about this family-run estate or visit the wine shop, where they offer special tastings.

Eden Project

The Eden Project is a revolutionary eco project with tropical and Mediterranean gardens filled with rare plants, as well as educational displays and exhibitions, making it a wonderful and fulfilling day out.

This botanic garden, which was once a deserted quarry, is defined by its huge domes, which help protect rare plants from the changeable UK weather. In the tropical dome, you can see pineapple and banana trees, as well as the glorious Brazilian grapetree. There is also a magnificent waterfall in the dome and a walking platform staged high above the plants, so you can enjoy a staggering vista of the plants and trees below.

There is also a sister site called the Lost Gardens of Heligan near Saint Austell, which boasts sub-tropical outdoor gardens and a nature reserve.

Land’s End

Land’s End is the most westerly point of the UK and a place where you can enjoy unrivalled sea views. There are many walking trails to enjoy here, featuring narrow, winding lanes that herald to a time long-forgot by modernity.

We recommend stopping by the Visitor Center during your Cornwall vacation to learn more about this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here, you can pick up a free walking guide so that you can take in the delightful natural sights with ease, including the famous Longships Lighthouse and even views of the Isles of Scilly on clear days.

Lanhydrock House and Garden

For a sample of English country life, take a day to visit Lanhydrock House and Garden in Bodmin. This is a wonderful Victorian house managed by the National Trust, where you can wander around lavishly furnished rooms and imagine what it must’ve been like to revel in Victorian life. The gardens are simply idyllic and the perfect place to enjoy a country picnic (there is also an on-site café).

Cornwall Cuisine

Cornish cuisine is defined by the humble Cornish pasty, which is a D-shaped baked pastry containing beef, swede, potato and onion. It is considered a national dish and was awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in 2011 by the European Union. Today, all manner of Cornish pasty flavors are available, including cheese and onion, and sweet fruit fillings.

The iconic cream tea is also popular in Cornwall, featuring perfectly brewed English tea accompanied by a scone served with jam and clotted cream. It’s the perfect afternoon treat!

Visit Cornwall

If you would like to visit Cornwall on a UK beach vacation tailored to you, contact a friendly member of our team on (US) 347-594-5500 or click here to send an online inquiry. We specialize in travel to the UK and create custom UK tours and vacations that perfectly suit the needs of our valued customers. As a part of our dedicated service to you, we can arrange:

• Return flights from your choice of airport (luggage and taxes included)
• Private airport transfers so you arrive in luxury and style
• Accommodation (3-, 4- and 5-star options available, as well as self-catering villas)
• Day trips and entry tickets to popular attractions
• Wine-tasting experiences
• Restaurant reservations
• Car hire

To find out more about our personalized UK travel planning service and Cornwall beach vacations, please contact us.