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Home » Adventure » 8 Reasons to Visit Cornwall

8 Reasons to Visit Cornwall

Published on December 31, 2018 by Elizabeth Atia 23 Comments
Last Updated on January 1, 2019

We go on a VW T4 camper van road trip through Cornwall, visiting some stunning places and trying some of the local food. What would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments!

Visit Cornwall

It’s been a very long time since I’ve gone on a proper road trip. You know, when you pack provisions in a vehicle and head off with a road map to explore new horizons just for the pure fun of it. No plans. No expectations. Just pure adventure.

I was lucky enough to get to do this recently with my friend Jane from The Hedgecombers. I took a little detour en route to London (for the Vuelio Blog Awards) to spend four fabulous days & nights with a friend. A proper holiday.

To get to Cornwall from Shetland required an overnight ferry trip to Aberdeen from Lerwick and a three-hour flight (via Manchester) from Aberdeen to Newquay.

I arrived after dark, so my first glorious sight of Cornwall, uncharted territory for me, was as the sun rose over the hills on Jane’s family farm. I might have swooned a bit, especially at the sound of an owl in the distance just before daybreak.

Reasons to Visit Cornwall

Jane had planned quite the itinerary for us for the following few days, starting with a visit to Looe, a seaside town in the south east of Cornwall.

Looe (Cornish: Logh, meaning deep-water inlet) is a busy fishing port and a popular tourist destination. It’s got a gorgeous suntrap of a beach, perfect for families, and an array of shops, cafes and restaurants to visit. I loved how all the houses were built up on the sides of the hills overlooking the fast-moving River Looe.

Looe, Cornwall
Looe, Cornwall

It was in this coastal town I had my first taste of an authentic Cornish Pasty, bringing me to the first reason you need to visit Cornwall.

Table of Contents

  • 1. The Cornish Pasty 
  • 2. The Signpost at Land’s End
  • 3. St. Michael’s Mount
  • 4. The Coastline
  • 5. The Light in St. Ives
  • 6. The Cornish Cream Tea
  • 7. Golitha Falls in Bodmin Moor
  • 8. The Olive & Co Cafe in Liskeard

1. The Cornish Pasty 

Traditional Cornish Pasty in Looe Cornwall

The Cornish Pasty has been part of the local diet since the 14th century when it was eaten by the rich upper classes and royalty. By the time the Cornish tin mines opened in the 19th century, it was firmly established as a part of the local culture as it was an inexpensive, portable meal to make for the miners.

A Cornish Pasty contains roughly diced or minced beef, sliced or diced potato, turnip (swede), onion and seasoning (usually salt and pepper) in a savoury pastry case. There must be a minimum of 12% beef and 25% vegetables, and absolutely no gravy added. The edges of the pastry case are crimped to seal them, and this is what makes the characteristic Cornish pasty shape. 

In 1993 the Cornish pasty got Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, meaning only Cornish pasties made in Cornwall can be called such. Reason #1 for you to visit Cornwall: eat a genuine Cornish pasty. Just be careful if you’re trying to eat yours on the beach promenade; the local seagulls have a taste for Cornish pasties too.

2018 Christmas Vlog - VW T4 Tour of West Cornwall - Penzance YHA - Barbara Hepworth Museum

After burning off the calories at my very first Cross Fit sessions, and after good night’s sleep in a caravan in a log shed, we packed up Jane’s VW T4 camper van with a few things and set off (in the pouring rain!) on a tour of West Cornwall. She made a fabulous vlog about it for Boxing Day, so make sure to click play, above!

2. The Signpost at Land’s End

Our first stop was Land’s End, the most south-westerly point of mainland Britain. This place has been a popular destination since the time of the ancients Greeks, when they called it ‘Belerion’ – place of the sun. Truth be told, we didn’t see any sun while we were there, but at least the rain held off for a few photos!

Lands End Signpost Shetland

There’s quite an extensive selection of visitor attractions, shops and catering outlets at Land’s End, but most were closed as it was the end of the tourist season. There was still a fellow in a kiosk next to the famous Land’s End signpost landmark, charging just under £10 for him to open the chain gate and take your photo. The photograph will be posted to you in a paper frame; mine arrived pretty quickly.

We stopped at the nearby First & Last Inn for a bite of lunch. This inn has been a haven and shelter to smugglers and ship wreckers since the 17th century, and they serve a mighty fine fish and chips, delicious washed down with a half pint of Cornish ale. If you visit here, you’ve got to check out the entrance to a smuggler’s tunnel running to the cliffs, circa 1620, in the floor (you can see it in my video at the end of this post).

As an aside, the trackable geocoin you see in the photo below came from California, and it wants to have its photo taken in British pubs. For geocachers, there’s plenty to be found in Cornwall.  

Fish and Chips at the First and Last Inn Lands End Cornwall
First and Last Inn Lands End Cornwall

3. St. Michael’s Mount

This tidal island just outside Penzance, 500 metres from the shore, is only accessible via a cobbled causeway when the tide is low. It’s run by the National Trust, and visitors can step back into time when they visit. 

St Michael’s Mount was a Cornish counterpart of Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France, given to the Benedictine religious order of Mont Saint-Michel by Edward the Confessor in the 11th century. Some of the buildings on the island date back to the 12th century.

St. Michael's Mount Cornwall

Truth be told, we didn’t make it over to the island itself, just stopping for photographs at the beach en route to Land’s End. A reason to return one day!

Nearby, I’d recommend the Penzance Youth Hostel as a place to stay. I’ve stayed in many youth hostels, and this one has been my absolute favourite so far. This refurbished Georgian mansion has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a rather well-stocked bar.

4. The Coastline

Cornwall boasts a whopping 296.2 miles (476.6 km) of coastline and a considerable part of it is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In fact, nearly a third of Cornwall is designated as n AONB including its rugged uplands and tranquil wooded river valleys. There are over 90 detailed coastal walks you could go on to explore the shoreline of Cornwall in bite-sized chunks.

Visit Cornwall

5. The Light in St. Ives

Our road trip took us next to St. Ives, a coastal town on the Celtic Sea side of the county. The town has been the winner of multiple national awards including best family holiday destination by and one of the 10 best European beach destinations. It is an oasis where the beaches are golden, the vegetation is lush and the light piercingly bright.  

St Ives Cornwall
St Ives Cornwall

The light has been attracting artists to the area for decades, including modernist sculptor Barbara Hepworth. A visit to the Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden is a must if you’re visiting St. Ives. It’s easy to get to, just a few minutes’ walk from a car park and just a few streets away from the waterfront.

Although Hepworth passed away in a fire in her studio in 1975, the studio remains just as if she’s stepped out for a moment; like she could return and carry on her work at any moment. It’s quite an emotional place.

Barbara Hepworth Museum & Gardens

The museum and gardens have been managed by Tate since 1980 and visitors can see some of Hepworth’s most monumental sculptures in the environment for which they were created. You can buy a combined ticket to for both the Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden and the nearby Tate Modern Art Gallery.

6. The Cornish Cream Tea

Of course, no visit to Cornwall is complete without a Cornish Cream Tea. A warm scone, split in two, spread with delicious strawberry jam and a generous dollop of Cornish clotted cream. Perfection.

Cornish Cream Tea in St Ives Cornwall

Traditionally, Cornish cream tea was served on a Cornish ‘split’, a slightly sweet Cornish white bread roll, instead of a scone. Most cafes usually give you the option to assemble as you wish – are you a cream or jam on the top person? 

Either way, Cornish clotted cream is incredible, thick, rich and delicious. 

Cornish Cream Tea in St Ives Cornwall

7. Golitha Falls in Bodmin Moor

Golitha Falls is one of the best-known beauty spots on Bodmin Moor, and it’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its woodland fauna.

As the river flows through the woods the scenery varies, from wide wooded glades to the steep-sided, craggy gorge where the falls are at their most dramatic. Don’t get your hopes up to see a huge waterfall though, the falls are more like a gently cascading and tumbling flow along a section of the River Fowey as it makes its way through ancient oak woodland. It’s still an incredibly gorgeous walk, though; well worth a visit.

Golitha Falls Bodmin Moor

8. The Olive & Co Cafe in Liskeard

Our final stop on our tour was a fabulous little cafe called The Olive & Co Cafe in Liskeard. Run by husband and wife team Roxy and Lee (and their young daughter Olive), their independent cafe serves homemade food, cakes and gourmet tea and coffees. They’re so good, they even won the award for Best Coffee/Tea Shop in Cornwall 2018 at the prestigious Cornwall Life Magazine Food and Drink awards.

I loved the relaxed, laid-back environment and the delicious range of freshly made home bakes on offer. Their experimental vegan, gluten-free chocolate & candied pecan torte, pictured below, was thoroughly enjoyed (for breakfast!) with a cuppa before catching the train to London.

Vegan chocolate pecan tart Olive and Co Liskeard

With huge thanks to Jane from The Hedgecombers for taking me on this awesome road trip, and showing me some of her favourite spots in Cornwall.

Have you ever been to Cornwall? Where/what would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments!

8 Reasons to Visit Cornwall

PIN THESE REASONS TO VISIT CORNWALL FOR LATER

8 Reasons to Visit Cornwall #travel #cornwall #stives #landsend
8 Reasons to Visit Cornwall #travel #cornwall #stives #landsend

Filed Under: Adventure, England, Travel

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Comments

  1. Steve says

    January 26, 2020 at 2:10 am

    After nearly 40 years living and working abroad, most of it in the San Francisco Bay area, I will be moving back to England when I retire later this year. Not to my native Yorkshire, but to Looe! I love that little town. Just twenty minutes away from my son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, in Torpoint. I can’t wait!

    Reply
  2. Megri says

    March 5, 2019 at 6:11 am

    It is such a treat to come to know that Cornwall has so much to offer. Your pictures are amazing and surely will consider visiting there.

    Reply
    • Alan Spencer says

      January 22, 2020 at 11:51 am

      Bedruthan steps beach, just west of Padstow, beautiful, magical, truly breathtaking. Mevagissey & Gorran haven also fabulous, you can’t go wrong with Cornwall!

      Reply
  3. anita vick says

    January 20, 2019 at 2:01 pm

    i must confess, alli see is that cornish pasty….lol

    Reply
  4. Ami Holt says

    January 6, 2019 at 12:19 am

    After my first ever visit to Cornwall for my birthday a couple of years ago, it’s without doubt my favourite place on earth. You toured a lot of the fab attractions we love, but I wholeheartedly recommend a trip to Holywell Bay – it’s a beautifully simple beach but utterly breathtaking all at the same time. Xx

    Reply
  5. NAti says

    January 5, 2019 at 9:25 pm

    What an exciting trip! It definitely worth a visit, I’ll put it on my list of places to travel to!

    Reply
  6. Courtney says

    January 3, 2019 at 10:50 pm

    Oooo Cornwall looks like a fabulous place to visit!!! Hopefully my travels take me there one day!

    Reply
  7. Ana says

    January 3, 2019 at 10:24 pm

    Looks like you had so much fun! Your pictures and video speak for itself how splendid this place is!

    Reply
  8. Jenni says

    January 3, 2019 at 10:20 pm

    You fit so much in! My friend goes to Cornwall every summer and loves it. It does look beautiful

    Reply
  9. Louise says

    January 3, 2019 at 12:31 pm

    Wow it look like you had a wonderful time. I love Cornwall and used to visit a lot as a kid, but I don’t remember visiting any of these places!

    Reply
  10. Jasmine Hewitt says

    January 3, 2019 at 1:06 am

    i’ve never been to Cornwall. But your pictures are amazing! really adds to the stories of your trip

    Reply
  11. Eric Gamble says

    January 3, 2019 at 12:01 am

    You had me at chocolate and candied Pecan Torte! Haha! But seriously, Darcee & I are thinking of places to explore on our return to England and Corwall is definitely on our bucket list to explore. I personally want to explore Lands End and hike up Michael’s Mount. While I think Darcee would really want to explore the amazing coast line and all the little towns! Plus that Cream Tea feast looks amazing! Thanks for the tips, is it easy to get there though without renting a campervan?

    Reply
  12. Maggie Unzueta says

    January 2, 2019 at 9:59 pm

    Wow! Cornwall sounds so interesting. They have beautiful tourist destinations and their foods look sooo yummy! I should add this on my bucket list.

    Reply
  13. Kara says

    January 2, 2019 at 12:09 pm

    We love Cornwall and despite visiting numerous times have so much we want to see. We did St Michael’s Mount last week and it was stunning

    Reply
  14. Tiffany Barry says

    January 2, 2019 at 11:43 am

    That looks like such an amazing trip! I’d most definitely enjoy heading there and exploring, too.

    Reply
  15. Kelsey says

    January 2, 2019 at 10:17 am

    Your photos look gorgeous! I would love to visit Cornwall, I recently went to Plymouth and loved being so close to the seaside, plus the fudge! I am from London and never realised how beautiful the rest of the UK is as silly as that sounds.

    Reply
  16. Janet Yarwood says

    January 2, 2019 at 9:54 am

    Wow, you managed to fit so much into your trip. It sounds amazing. I love Cornwall but it’s been far too long since I was there. I’d love to take my little girl some day.

    Reply
  17. Alexandra says

    January 2, 2019 at 4:11 am

    How lovely! I have never been to Cornwall before, but my Mum’s family is from here – so I truly cannot wait to visit one day 🙂 What beautiful photos!

    Reply
  18. Sara says

    January 2, 2019 at 1:12 am

    What a charming place filled with so much history and yummy places to eat! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  19. Holly A Castillo says

    January 1, 2019 at 8:43 pm

    Oh my gosh that pastry looks AMAZING

    Reply
  20. Explore The 6 says

    January 1, 2019 at 5:07 pm

    Cornwall looks like an awesome place to visit, so much to do and see. Great photos

    Reply
  21. Rhian Westbury says

    December 31, 2018 at 1:50 pm

    I’ve been down that way but never as far as Cornwall and I’m super keen to go. An authentic cornish pasty and cream afternoon tea sounds amazing x

    Reply
  22. Erica Hughes says

    December 31, 2018 at 1:17 pm

    I love exploring Cornwall. I’m a big fan of Padstow, but I have a soft spot for St.Ives too – it’s no wonder it’s been an artistic inspiration for so many years.

    Reply

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Daydream adventurer. Expat Canadian. Foodie. Calls Shetland home - for now. One eye is always on the horizon. Read More…

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