The UK may not boast the same temperatures as sunny Spain or possess the gastronomic heritage of foodie France. But whether it’s out of necessity, curiosity or national pride, increasingly, people are realising that there’s still so much to enjoy about good old Grande-Bretagne.
And actually, the weather isn’t too bad either, particularly in places like Cornwall. When it comes to staycation ideas, Cornwall is all over our TV screens with dramas, travel shows and food programmes all showcasing the sights of the (relatively) sun-drenched South West.
The county’s appeal has risen so much that recently, it was reported that Cornwall had overtaken London as the most searched for location for Brits looking to up sticks.
But today, we’re simply exploring. Cornwall destination full of magic and mystery. Each corner of Cornwall’s coastline tells a conflicting story, and its landscape includes misty clifftops, majestic rocks rising out of the sea, tranquil coves, relaxed villages, and lively beaches.
If you’re planning a staycation in Cornwall and are wondering just how to focus your holiday, then you’ve come to the right place; here are 7 staycation ideas for an incredible holiday in Cornwall.
HIT THE BEACH
Cornwall boasts over 300 beaches, so the top thing on most staycationers’ lists is to check out the golden sands of gorgeous Kernow. Whether you’re young or old, seeking adventure or escape, there’s a Cornish beach for you. With mile-upon-mile of white sands, you can enjoy seaside strolls and fresh fish at delicious coastal cafes. Or, if you like things lived at a faster pace, you can try some of Cornwall’s famous water sports like surfing, bodyboarding or paddleboarding.
To help you narrow things down just a little, here are the top 12 rated beaches in Cornwall, according to Conde Nast Traveller:
- Kingsand beach
- Porthcurnick beach
- Kynance Cove, The Lizard Peninsula
- Porthpean Beach, St Austell
- Porth Joke Beach, Newquay
- Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth
- Porthcurno Beach
- Summerleaze , Bude
- Pendower Beach, The Roseland Peninsula
- Whitsand Bay, Torpoint
- Sennen Cove, Land’s End
- Fitsral Beach, Newquay
EXPLORE THE SEA
Hey, you needn’t only recline on the golden sands on your staycation to Cornwall. If open water swimming is your thing, what better place for some blue therapy than the mild temperatures of the south west seas? Some of the best spots for swimming in Cornwall include Port Gaverne, near Port Issac, Stanbury Mouth, just two miles from Duckpool, Lansallos Cove in Polperro and Kynance Cove, in Lizard.
If you’ve got children with you, be sure to explore some of the region’s hundreds of rockpools too and see what creatures you can spot. Remember to keep your eye on the tide though! Whilst we’re considering the kids, Nanjizal Bay in Penwith has shallow waters perfect for young paddlers.
Alternatively, for a truly memorable experience, get out on the open water and try a sea life safari. On one, you get to experience some of the best parts of Cornwall from the vantage point of the open seas. Riding the west coast waves aboard an exhilarating RIB boat, you can not only see native marine life like dolphins and seals, but you also get a tour of the coastline from a completely unique angle, altogether creating an unforgettable day out.
BUMBLE AROUND THE FOREST
Cornwall isn’t only about beaches and the ocean, however. Inland, there are lush forests you can explore when the weather gets too hot (or too wet!). Woods like Tehidy or Cardinham are a great afternoon out on a staycation in Cornwall, and has walking trails available.
For the opportunity to escape the coast proper to a peaceful woodland paradise where you can stroll along, enjoying the sights and sounds of the forest from birdsong to babbling brooks, this one’s for you.
GO FOR A HIKE
If you’d like to up the energy levels several degrees above ‘bumble’, then have you considered hiking in Cornwall? Hiking is probably something you wouldn’t think about doing in Cornwall, but Bodmin Moor, in particular, has some spectacular tors that you can climb and marvel at the 360-degree views of this stunning region. Rough Tor is a relatively steady climb up to its peak at 390 metres and, if you fancy a bit more, you can continue on to its neighbour Brown Willy, which climbs up to around 420 metres.
Read: 5 of the best caravan holidays in Cornwall
TAKE A BIKE RIDE
Seeing Cornwall on two feet is fantastic, sure, but for many, it’s best experienced on two wheels. Indeed, within the region, there are abundant cycle paths to be explored and mountain biking tracks around woodland areas to tackle.
The renowned Camel Trail stretches some 18 miles, following a disused railway line from Bodmin to Wadebridge and Padstow. The Trail is a smooth ride and passes through woods, countryside and coastal areas, giving you a taste of everything Cornwall has to offer.
Whether you brought your own bike or you need to hire one, you can choose to enter the Camel Trail at any number of points and continue as far as you like. Each town on the route is perfect for a pit stop with various cafes and restaurants, and you can even find little cafes and food trucks along the path as you ride.
SAMPLE THE REGION’S CULINARY DELIGHTS
After all that exercise, you will need some refreshment, and Padstow is the ideal foodie destination in Cornwall. From quirky cafes to award-winning bakeries and Michelin-star restaurants, this harbour town has views that are as delightful as its culinary scene. So whether you’re into haute cuisine or simply a hot pasty, you can enjoy the sea air, amazing views and delicious food.
For a fine dining experience, it has to be Paul Ainsworth at Number 6, which offers a modern, playful tasting menu celebrating Cornwall’s frankly world class produce. Celebrity chef Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant and Rick Stein’s Cafe are also both within the town, earning it the nickname Padstein. We also love Prawn on the Lawn, a deceptively simple ode to the region’s amazing seafood. They also have an outpost in London’s Highbury and Islington neighbourhood.
Port Isaac fishing village is another must visit for fans of fresh fish. If you’re after some truly top draw seafood cookery, then one of the finest fish chefs in the world, Nathan Outlaw, owns two fantastic restaurants in Port Isaac, making the very most of the area’s finest produce. Which, in Cornwall, of course equates to some bloody nice seafood.
Read: 10 IDEAL gems to discover in Cornwall this summer
EXPLORE THE RUGGED COASTLINE
One of the best itinerary ideas for your staycation in Cornwall is to go for a coastal walk. The Cornish coast is striking with its rugged cliffs, deserted coves, white sandy beaches and endless stretches of azure seas.
The South West Coastal Path continues right along the Kernow cliffs, connecting some of the region’s most beautiful beaches. A major bonus of the South West Coastal Path is that you can do as little or as much as you want. Seasoned hikers can walk for full days, enjoying overnight stays along the way. But equally, you can walk for an hour or two from one beauty spot to another, exploring the unspoilt coastline in between. Or you can simply head up the path of an afternoon at the beach to get a bird’s eye view of the sand, sea and surfers.
If you’re looking to make your holiday a little more expansive, then check out our tips for an Autumn staycation in these 5 IDEAL places to holiday in Southwest England.