Christopher Caddy

Cornwall at a glance:

8 reasons to visit

1. Discover the Rame Peninsula. … 
2. Uncover an unspoilt haven of tranquillity. … 
3. Wander the South West Coast Path. … 
4. Celebrate food and drink. … 
5. Immerse yourself in garden greenery. … 
6. Delve into Cornwall’s fishing history. … 
7. Walk through a sea of yellow. … 
8. Explore the English Riviera.

Places to visit

1. St Ives

In the 20th century St Ives evolved from a fishing harbour to possibly England’s prettiest seaside resort.

This has much to do with the abundance of heavenly beaches close by.

The choice is almost dumbfounding, but Porthminster and Porthmeor and their soft golden sands and natural seascapes are the cream.

2. Newquay

For most people the name “Newquay” immediately conjures images of surfing.

This is surf central for the UK, blessed with six superb beaches for riding waves.

But the reason for Newquay’s fame is the Fistral, with a beach break that causes tall, hollow waves that will test the skills of seasoned surfers and give newcomers the ideal intro to the sport.

3. St Austell

Like the best towns in Cornwall, St Austell has hilly, scurrying lanes enticing you to explore.

China Clay was the big industry here in the 1800s, and embedded in a former clay pit is the Eden Project, a mind-blowing botanical project that was unveiled for the new millennium.

4. Penzance

As England’s most westerly town Penzance has had a lot of maritime visitors, some friendly, some not so much, like Barbary corsairs or foreign fleets like the Spanish Armada in 1595. It’s a handsome port, with lot of granite-built regency and Georgian architecture. 

5. Falmouth

Lots of things contribute to Falmouth’s fame as holiday getaway.

First is the Fal River estuary, widening into the third-deepest natural harbour on the planet.

You can’t beat this place for hikes,  and on the water you can hop from village to village on boat trips that you’ll remember all your life.

6. Bude

In the far north of Cornwall, Bude is like Newquay as it faces the Celtic Sea, which is essentially the Atlantic Ocean.

The two main beaches, Crooklets and Summerleaze, are broad, windswept and have awesome conditions for surfing on the right days.

7. Truro

A dinky city, Truro is smaller than many market towns but doesn’t suffer for its size.

The cultivated Georgian and Victorian architecture in the centre dates to the time tin mining was a way of life, putting Truro on the map as the centre of political power.

The cathedral was built at this time, in the gothic revival style at the end of the 19th century, and is pretty unusual for having three spires.

8. Bodmin

In tin-mining country at the heart of Cornwall, Bodmin’s streets are furnished with bold granite architecture funded by this historic industry.

The County Court in its neoclassical splendour conveys Bodmins standing in centuries past.

What’s the local cuisine

Cream tea

Cornish Yarg 

Stargazy pie

Pilchards 

Saffron Bun 

Cornish mead 

Hevva cake 

Newlyn crab 

What attractions are there in Cornwall

1. Trebah Garden · 

2. The Lost Gardens of Heligan · 

3. Pendennis Castle · 

4. The Eden Project · 

5. Cornish Seal

Fun facts you may not know

Cornwall has the longest coastline of all England’s counties.

Cornwall only has 1 city – Truro.

Pasties contribute £150million to the local economy.

Times to visit

Summer for the amazing beaches.

Price rating

Expensive.

Things to do

Surf, eat and relax.

Places stay

The Headland Cornwall

St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa

Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate

Essential Information

Be safe and cautious when exploring the coast and be sure to check the advice of the RNLI Lifeguards.

Getting around

A car is the preferable way to travel around and get to see all Cornwall has to offer.

Map of Cornwall:

As with everything right now please take note that there may be disruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. That being said outdoor activity is almost always a good idea and exploring by bike is a great option. That is why we have come up with a list of some of the best cycle routes the UK has to offer. We will cover everything from long-distance bike rides to shorter more achievable rides.

Best cycle routes: Southern England

The Bristol to Bath cycle route.

An easy 15 mile long cycle route.

This is a great way to combine two great cities into one day trip. In addition its a great one for racers, commuters, pootlers or even toddlers, the path sees cyclists of all ages and abilities. Its a path that doesn’t discriminate. Top the trip off with an ice cream from the Warmley café or even have a sit down lunch at one of the pubs in Saltford.

This route is one of many off-road paths developed and maintained by sustainable transport charity Sustrans with others ranging from the Camel Trail in Cornwall to the Spen Valley Greenway in Dewsbury.

Cornwalls Camel Trail.

An easy 18 mile long cycle route.

Now that we’ve mentioned it, it wouldn’t be right not to suggest this wonderful route. Great for both cycles and pedestrians, with various breath-taking views of the Camel Estuary. Part of it being named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with the additional prospect of spotting wildlife like otters, dormice, kingfishers and bats.

This route runs along an old railway line so it’s presently flat, perfect for family bike rides. After just 5 miles you can stop off at Wadebridge, witness the Camel Valley Vineyard, or carry on another six miles and hit Bodmin, towards the hills of the moor.

Best cycle routes UK: Wales

The Great Orme

An easy and short route of only 5 miles.

Being both very short and very sweet, this is a charming stretch of road perfect for cycling that covers limestone headland above the Welsh seaside town of Llandudno. The name, which was given by the Vikings, actually means ‘sea monster’ and is what this textured protuberance resembles from the town’s promenade.

Coming 207m out of the sea it’s seen as a mini-mountain to the residents here, experienced best by bike. With such memorable views, be sure to keep at least one eye on the route.

Best cycle routes UK: Eastern England

Norfolks Cromer Ridge.

A moderately difficult 14 mile route.

Whilst east Anglia isn’t renowned for its hills, this takes in the highest point in Norfolk, known as Beacon Hill, which actually stands at 103 metres. With that in mind the views from these paths create a great cycling route, as you blissfully travel past Cromer’s Victorian Pier, flint villages and the National Trust’s Felbrigg Hall.

Despite being one of many Sustrans’ Cycle Route’s, being number 30, some sections are off-road and uneven. It’s a circular route that will take you around three hours but if you want to spare yourself two miles return to Felbrigg Park from Aylmerton Church.

Best cycle routes UK: northern England

Keswich Loop

A difficult 26 mile route.

As a cycling destination, the Lake District has few competitors and the market town of Keswick is a perfect place to start. Start here and travel anti-clockwise, it will take you to the best mountain passes in the whole park. Whinlatter, to start, is a relatively gentle two-mile climb carved through Britain’s only true mountain forest of the same name and a regional mountain biking hotspot.

Followed by Honister, starting by Buttermere Lake, where the route transitions to something far more challenging towards the summit. You’ll likely feel very remote but like most climbs in the Lakes, you’re never too far off the grid.

Best cycle routes: Scotland

Applecross peninsula, via Bealach Na Ba

A moderately difficult 44 mile route.

The wild, single-track mountain pass of Bealach Na Bà is the closest thing we have in Britain to the wonders of the Alps. Linking the incredibly remote village of Applecross with the rest of the UK, the Bealachis is one of the longest climbs in Britain and boasts a height gain of 626m.

Start from Shieldaig with the shortest loop of 44 miles, head clockwise to catch the climb from its best side. Attempt it in the summer, getting caught out in the cold on this peninsula is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry and we would not recommend.

Best cycle routes UK: Northern Ireland

Slieve Croob..

A difficult 25 mile route.

To the south of the capital – Belfast, in good weather, the Slieve Croob and Mourne mountain can provide breathtaking views over to the Isle of Man. The route begins in Castlewellan, a charming market town, and passes through the Castlewellan Forest Park right by Slieve Croob mountain which stands at 500 meters above sea level.

It’s a circular route and eventually finishes back in the same market town of Castlewellan with a difficult uphill climb, make sure not to burn out before this final stretch!