Looking for a new place to escape to for a weekend, with sandy beaches and outdoor activities galore? Most of us have heard of Cornwall’s iconic spots, so we spoke to a homeowner to discover its hidden gems.
As the bank holiday approaches, this weekend is the perfect excuse to leave the hustle and bustle of the city. The constant noise, the crowded streets, and the fast-paced lifestyle can take their toll on even the most resilient urbanites.
This was discovered by @Elliothitchen and his family, as the London lifestyle quickly becomes overwhelming for them. Therefore, he invested in a property for his family overlooking Whipsiderry beach in Porth, Cornwall.
“Cornwall is a great place to head this summer, trying to escape the busy city centre in London, running around walking at a thousand miles an hour and jumping on tubes, going to meetings, grabbing lunches here, there and everywhere”, he said.
“You can actually escape for once, which is the reason we moved there.”
Stunning Natural Beauty
Cornwall is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. From the rugged cliffs of Land’s End to the serene beaches of St Ives, the county offers an array of picturesque scenery.
The South West Coast Path provides ample opportunities for invigorating walks with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Imagine strolling along sandy beaches, exploring hidden coves, and witnessing dramatic sunsets over the sea. The natural beauty of Cornwall is a refreshing contrast to the grey urban environment.
“We have access to Whipsiderry beach, only a five minute walk from the apartment. It is perfectly private, and peaceful. The views at any time in the day are to die for.”
Rich Cultural Heritage
Cornwall is steeped in history and culture. You can visit the iconic Tintagel Castle, believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur, or explore the enchanting Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre carved into the granite cliffs.
The Eden Project, with its futuristic biomes housing diverse plant species, offers an educational and awe-inspiring experience. Cornwall’s heritage is a delightful blend of myth, legend, and historical significance, providing a rich tapestry for exploration.
Culinary Delights
Cornwall is a foodie’s paradise. The region is famous for its fresh seafood, traditional Cornish pasties, and clotted cream teas. Indulge in a meal at one of Cornwall’s many award-winning restaurants, where locally sourced ingredients take centre stage.
From gourmet dining to quaint seaside cafés, Cornwall offers a culinary experience that rivals any city dining scene and even offers some nightlife if that floats your boat.
Elliot added: “There’s brilliant pubs, brilliant restaurants. My favourite is the Mermaid Inn. It is my local so I am slightly biased, but it’s a great place to get dinner.
“Heading into Newquay does get a little bit more city-like, but nothing on the extreme of London. If you head right down to the end near the docks, there’s some brilliant pubs and a bit more of a nightlife as well if you’re interested in switching it up, but overall it’s nice and peaceful in the county of Cornwall.”
Outdoor Adventures
For those seeking adventure, Cornwall is an outdoor playground. Surfing enthusiasts flock to beaches like Fistral and Porthmeor for some of the best waves in the UK. Kayaking, sailing, and paddle boarding are also popular activities.
For a more leisurely pace, take a boat trip to spot seals and dolphins or explore the picturesque countryside on a cycling tour. Cornwall’s diverse terrain caters to all levels of adventure seekers.
“There’s so many activities to do if you ever get bored which you rarely will you can obviously surf and bodyboard, but the rarer, more niche, jet skiing is also a great option. You can even fish at the beach.”
“Surfing at Watergate Bay, where they host the World Championships, is another great option.”
“I also love to cycle around. You can see so much of Cornwall in such a short length of time with cycling, but you can also hike the same routes if you have a bit more time on your hands”
Bustling towns
Perhaps the most compelling reason to escape to Cornwall is the peace and tranquillity it offers. Away from the noise and stress of city life, Cornwall provides a sanctuary where you can relax and recharge. The slower pace of life, the friendly locals, and the serene environment combine to create a perfect setting for unwinding.
Although, more ‘touristy’, Elliot still regularly attends St.Ives and Padstow during an unwinding trip.
Elliot said: “It has great options for beaches and has the St Ives Tate Museum, which is a brilliant art gallery.
“Padstow can be quite busy, but you can go to Rick Stein’s many restaurants which serve brilliant seafood.”
Cornwall is an ideal destination for a bank holiday escape. Its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, culinary delights, outdoor adventures, and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect retreat from city life. This bank holiday, leave the urban chaos behind and discover the rejuvenating charm of Cornwall.
Elliot included all his special spots below:
Looking to escape the city this bank holiday explore our other guides here:
Bristol – https://ninetoalive.co.uk/2024/05/23/opinion-explore-the-best-of-bristol-this-bank-holiday-weekend/
Bournemouth – https://ninetoalive.co.uk/2024/05/22/why-should-you-scape-to-bournemouth-this-bank-holiday/
