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Cornwall is probably the most popular coastal destination in England if not the UK and as you’ll read below, there are plenty of good reasons why so many people choose Cornwall as their preferred option for a romantic escape, group holiday or family break.
1. Best beaches in the UK
With 300 miles of the most stunning and dramatic coastline in the UK, you can expect to be spoilt for choice when it comes to Cornwall’s beaches. There are countless spectacular bays, beaches and coves washed by calm sea water in the South and the pounding Atlantic to the West. You’ll find windswept golden beaches backed by dunes and shingle coves of crystal waters and lush green cliffs, with many of Cornwall’s beaches holding the prestigious Blue Flag award.
2. Cornish weather
Thanks to its south-westerly position Cornwall receives a good dose of the warm current that is known as the Mexican gulf stream. This current increases temperatures by between 5 and 10 degrees giving Cornwall a wonderfully mild climate and more sunshine. Consequently, the sea is warmer and there are subtropical gardens and vineyards, especially in the South. Some of these subtropical gardens are worth a visit, including Trebah Gardens, Glendugan Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
3. Nature wildlife scenery
One of the great things about Cornwall is there is so much natural beauty in the form of topography, flora and fauna. The cliffs, estuaries and headlands are ideal places to explore and depending on which part of Cornwall you choose, you can spot dolphins, basking sharks, whales, seals, deer, wild horses or wild ponies. Then there’s a plethora of birdlife and butterflies to investigate.
4. Landmarks and attractions
Pretty much at every corner of Cornwall there is another breath-taking photo opportunity, be it an historic mine, a lighthouse or a headland from St Michael’s Mount in Marazion to the the Minack Theatre in Porthcurno through to the iconic Land´s End. There are just as many attractions too, including The Eden Project, Trewithen Gardens, The Tate and the National Maritime Museum. The newest addition is the Heartlands, a cultural space, complete with gardens, interactive art and an adventure playground.
5. Picturesque coastal villages
Dylan Thomas considered Mousehole as the loveliest village in England, but of course Cornwall has many more that are as equally delightful. Just look at Port Isaac, Portloe, Mevagissey and Zennor for a start. The list is long and distinguished. You would need a lifetime of holidays to visit all the postcard picture perfect seaside towns and fishing villages that decorate Cornwall’s exquisite coastline.
6. Coastal paths
There is nothing that beats the high you get from a proper hike along the Southwest Coast Path. There are 630 miles of coastline washed by the English Channel in the south and the Atlantic to the north. These coastal views are completely inspiring, the bracing sea air is invigorating, and the multitude of pathways is endless. A holiday could be dedicated solely to coastal walking with so many coves and landmarks to explore.
7. Food and drink
Apart from boasting beaches, nature and stunning scenery Cornwall has become a real foodie haven. Thanks to the popularity of seafood the number of top-quality restaurants has tripled and created a real hotbed for foodies. Try the famous Cornish Seafood stew, made with spaghetti seaweed! Our favourite savoury item on the foodie menu is the traditional and genuine Cornish pasty. For dessert it must be Cornish clotted cream, which is made by steaming Frisian cow’s milk, whether it’s enjoyed in plentiful cream teas, lashings of Cornish ice-cream or large chunks of velvety Cornish Yarg cheese. If you’re planning on spending some time in West Cornwall then check out our list of best restaurants in St Ives, perfect for a romantic break.
8. Surf and water sports
Cornwall is possibly the best natural playground for coastal activities and watersports, not just because of its ocean and quantity of surf beaches but because it caters for every level of skill. Whether you are a beginner or an expert there is a perfect beach and surf centre for you. The most popular surf centres are based around popular surf beaches like Bude, Newquay and St Ives. These locations have many excellent surf beaches to choose from depending on your level of expertise.
9. Dog friendly
It is clear to see that Cornwall is a dog-loving territory because there are over 200 dog-friendly beaches along these stunning shores. It is true that some of these have a few restrictions in the high season but even in the height of summer there are well over 50 beaches where your dog can join in on the beach holiday fun. There are plenty of dog friendly cottages in Cornwall along with most pubs, cafes and restaurants which are generally happy to welcome your pup too.
10. The friendly folk
The Cornish are renowned for being calm, friendly, welcoming and caring, especially towards their visitors and not just because their livelihood depends on the tourist industry. These are hardy seafaring people who truly love their coastal environment and research showed that quality of life improves exponentially by living on the coast. It’s said that there is a special light and Cornish blue that surrounds everything which brings calm and peace to your soul.