Cornwall: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Nature lovers get their money's worth in Cornwall. When you think of the southwest coast of Great Britain, rugged cliffs, lonely sandy beaches, and charming fishing villages immediately come to mind. The gentle hilly landscape is perfect for extensive hikes. St. Ives and Newquay are just some of the places worth seeing.
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Cornwall - Must-see attractions
St. Ives
The once significant fishing port of St. Ives is still known for its delicious fish specialties. Boat trips and fishing excursions are reminiscent of that time. Typical are the reconstructed two-masted fishing boats of the 19th century. Also visit the colorful regattas and parades. The Leach Pottery Museum exhibits impressive pottery by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada. Marvel at the imaginative bronzes in the sculpture garden of the Barbara Hepworth Museum. A special art delight is the works of the branch of the renowned London Tate Gallery.
St. Michael's Mount
From Marazion on the mainland, St Michael's Mount is accessible at low tide via a granite causeway. The highlight of the island is the chapel and the castle, from whose battlements visitors are offered a magnificent view over the bay. This place is legendary in any case: the legendary King Arthur is said to have fought a giant here. Due to the Gulf Stream, the climate is so mild that plants and herbs from southern regions thrive in the castle garden.
Lizard Point
Anyone who wants to hike after taking their obligatory photo in front of the information board marking Lizard Point will find what they're looking for in the spectacular landscape. From the southernmost point of the mainland, a nearly 4-kilometer-long path leads along the coast. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended for the narrow, rocky coastal path that steeply drops off towards the sea. Hikers are offered wide views of the Atlantic. The lighthouse is also directly on the path and can be visited for a fee.
Lost Gardens of Heligan
The approximately 400-hectare estate is located near Mevagissey in southern Cornwall, England. During a trip to England, you should not miss a visit to this mysterious garden. Stroll through palm avenues, the bamboo tunnel, and over the suspension bridge. One of the highlights is the jungle with its exotic plants. The old Northern Summerhouse delights with its ponds and a magnificent view of St. Austell Bay. There is also a kitchen garden with splendid fruit and vegetable plants.
Lanhydrock
The charming Lanhydrock House dates back to the 16th century and is surrounded by magnificent gardens. It has served multiple times as a filming location for movies like "Twelfth Night" by Trevor Nunn. Lanhydrock House is part of the National Trust and is accessible to visitors. A detour to the neighboring town of Bodmin is worthwhile. Take a hike in Bodmin Moor, a high moorland. King Arthur's sword Excalibur is said to have been thrown into Dozmary Pool to return it to the Lady of the Lake.
Tintagel
Tintagel is one of the most beautiful and also well-known places on the southwest coast of England. Numerous legends surround the community and the associated castle. Today, only remnants of the castle remain, but it nonetheless makes it a tourist attraction. In Tintagel itself, everything revolves around King Arthur, who is said to have been conceived at Tintagel Castle. The community does not have its own beach, but at the nearby Trebarwith Beach, you can swim and even surf.
Cornwall - Climate
When packing your suitcase for the trip to Cornwall, be sure to take a rain cover with you. As is typical in England, there can be a rain shower daily. Overall, the holiday region receives 534 mm of precipitation per year. It is particularly wet from November to January. On the other hand, during the warm season, the chance of sunshine is also high: from April to September, it appears for up to nine hours daily. The air temperature from June to September averages a maximum of 16 to 18 °C. The winters are mild with temperatures between 7 and 9 °C.