Most people who visit England only make the time for London. And fair enough – it is a great place. But there is so much more to England than the big city! So, on your next trip to England, make time for the countryside. I highly recommend the region of Cornwall. Read on to see eight things you can see or do there!
Various coastlines and cliffs
Quite simply, the coastline of Cornwall is amazing. Be it a beautiful sunny day, a gloomy day, or a dramatic stormy day, the cliffs in this region are a sight to behold. I loved exploring them while looking out to the sea. There are many coastal places within Cornwall to wander but I enjoyed Land’s End (ignore the touristy bit) and the Brisons, a place where you can see President Charles de Gaulle in the bath. Ooh la la!
Villages and Small Towns
The villages and small towns of Cornwall are all cute as a button. I loved meandering quiet streets, peering down historic alleyways, admiring stone buildings, feeling the history in ancient churches, and exploring crumbling graveyards. Cornwall is a veritable cornucopia of amazing places so don’t forget to make room for lesser-known spots like St. Neot as you make plans to visit famous places like St. Ives.
Legendary Kings
Cornwall is probably most famous for the legend of King Arthur. Did you know you can visit what is said to have been his castle? And Merlin’s cave? All it takes is a trip to the town of Tintagel. And while you’re there, check out the post office as the building dates to the 14th century! Don’t forget to take a ramble along the cliffs – who knows, you just may be walking in an ancient king’s footstep!
Mother Nature
There is so much natural beauty in Cornwall. Artists of any sort would be inspired wherever they looked – it is a veritable feast for the eyes! If it is a lovely day, you can’t go wrong at Golitha Falls with its sun-dappled forest. If it is raining, you can check out the monster sized flowers at the Eden Project; it is all under bio domes, so you will stay dry!
Pirates
Yo ho and a bottle of rum, matey! Cornwall is infamous for smugglers and pirates who made use of the rugged Cornish coastline up until the 19th century. Have some fun wandering the famous pirate town of Penzance or go check out the pirate den of Jamaica Inn!
Castles
A visit to the United Kingdom is never complete without checking out a castle or two. I definitely recommend the tiny castle of Launceston and one of my favourites, Restormel Castle. One thing though – I’m not sure why anyone would have wanted to live in a stone castle. They always look hella uncomfortable!
Witches
Cornwall is a gift that keeps on giving: not only does it have legendary kings and gnarly pirates, it has witches too! Check out The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle. Where else can you see the ritual chalice of Aleister Crowley and dried cats?
A French Connection
Before my visit to Cornwall, I’d never realized that there was a second Mont St. Michel! The more famous one is Normandy, France, of course. But its Cornish twin is located just outside of Penzance and Marazion, loftily sitting on top of a tidal island. Time your visit properly: when the tide is out, you can walk along the causeway up to the hill. It’s quite a view from up there! Oh, and it is known by the English name – St. Michael’s Mount.
Great post and I am so glad you went out to capture some scenery and not just castles and old buildings. There is so much in nature so many travelers over look. cheers following.
I agree with you, Kelly. When I travel, I do the usual architecture, culture, and food appreciation but I also want to see the landscapes! Mother Nature is so amazing 🙂