Cornwall has something for everyone. From dramatic coastlines steeped in legends and mystery to instagrammable beaches and surfing hotspots. Here, in no particular order, are our top 10 must visit places for your Staycation in Cornwall.
1. Lands End
There’s heaps to see and do at the most westerly point of mainland Britain. Accept Merlin’s challenge and immerse yourself in his magical world as you cross the Gorge of Fire to find the dragon in Arthur’s Quest. Wander round Wallace & Gromit’s living room, experiment in the inventing workshops and step inside their infamous rocket and take a giant leap out onto the moon (is it really made of cheese?) in Aardman Presents A Grand Experience. Visit 200 year old Greeb Farm and traditional Cornish workshop. Oh and don’t forget to take your photo at the iconic clifftop signpost too.
2. Kynance Cove
Famous for white sands and turquoise waters, you could be mistaken for thinking the breathtakingly stunning Kynance Cove is located in the Indian Ocean rather than here in Cornwall. At low tide, you’ll find caves and islands to explore (beware of rising tides). And take a 40 minute coastal walk to The Lizard (the UK’s most Southerly point).
3. Fistral Beach Newquay
Any trip to Cornwall would be incomplete without a day in the surf, and Newqay’s Fistral Beach is famous as one of the world’s top surfing destinations. Whether you’re a salty-haired pro or a complete Barney (that’s the term for a newbie to the surf), Fistral is the place to go. Alternatively just sit back and relax on the golden sands and watch with fish and chips from Rick Stein’s near-by restaurant.
4. Eden Project
Arguably, one of the most recognisable spots in Cornwall, The Eden Project’s biomes explore the interconnections between all living things, a place where you can experience the sights, sounds and smells of the rainforest and the Mediterranean. Go on a thrill-seeking adventure over an aerial assault course, fly through the sky on England’s longest and fastest zip wire or plummet in a giant swing! Or catch an Eden Session where the natural acoustics attract world-class stars including Lionel Richie (14th June 2022) as well as Oasis and Elton John to name just a few.
5. Minack Theatre
An open-air theatre perched on the edge of cliffs overlooking the spectacular Porthcurno Bay. Despite looking like something built by the ancient Greeks, The Minack Theatre is actually less than 100 years old. The story of the theatre is very much the story of one incredible woman, Rowena Cade, who built the theatre by hand, an amazing feat. Today, the theatre has an impressive programme of music and theatre, as well as wonderous sub-tropical gardens and views for days.
6. St Michaels Mount
Arrive at the town of Marazion and take a stroll across the man-made causeway where giants once walked, to the island of St Michael’s Mount, crowned by a medieval castle and church. The castle and gardens are National Trust properties and therefore chargeable.
7. St Ives
Known for its picturesque harbour, art scene (Tate St Ives can be found on the seafront), surfing on Porthmeor Beach and quaint cobbled streets, St Ives is just one of those places you have to visit, and it won’t take you long to see why. Watch out for those seagulls though, they’ve been known to enjoy a whole pasty as much as every other Cornishman.
8. Golitha Falls
A series of spectacular waterfalls and cascades along the River Fowey make up Golitha Falls. Enjoy getting back to nature with a walk through the woods, lookout for the bluebells, bats and dormice that can be found here. This walk is particularly impressive following a heavy rainfall as water gushes down from the moors. Finish up your walk with a treat from Inkie’s Smokehouse before you leave.
9. Tintagel Castle
Another historic, clifftop castle, Tintagel is entrenched with legend and legacy, if the legends are true, Tintagel was once the home of King Arthur. Cross the bridge from the mainland, roam the castle grounds, meet Gallos- a life-sized bronze statue of an ancient king overlooking the seas below, and venture into Merlin’s cave for a day filled with wonder. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some seals frolicking along the shore.
10. Padstow
Last but not least, you couldn’t stay at Harlyn Sands and not spend a day exploring the beautiful Padstow. A typical Cornish fishing port, bustling with activity, Padstow is unsurprisingly one of the UK’s top foodie destinations particularly for those who enjoy fresh seafood brought into the port daily. Work up an appetite with a cycle along the Camel Trail or choose a stretch of the South West Coastal Path to enjoy.
Harlyn Sands Holiday Park is the perfect place to set up camp to explore all the amazing sights that Cornwall has to offer. For more information or to book, call the team on 01841 520720, we can’t wait to show you the best of the Duchy.
HARLYN SANDS HOLIDAY PARK, Lighthouse Road, Trevose Head, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8SQ
Telephone: 01841 520720
Email: enquiries@harlynsands.co.uk
