Zennor

The village of Zennor lies between St Ives and St Just, on the Atlantic coast of Cornwall. It lies above the high, rocky cliffs of the coast and the rugged, boulder-strewn, granite hills and moors. There used to be a stone quarry on Zennor Hill, and local granite was used to build much of St Ives and the Falmouth Harbour walls. This is a romantic, wild and brooding landscape which has been inhabited for at least 4000 years.

In 1748 and later, John Wesley preached to the people of Zennor in an attempt to convert them to Methodism. A large stone by the road leading into the village is said to have been used as a pulpit by him.

Farming, fishing, quarrying and mining were the industries of the past in this part of West Cornwall. The quarry and the mines closed long ago and there are only a few farmers and fishermen remaining today. Now the main industry is tourism. The Wayside Museum was founded in the 1930’s and illustrates many aspects of life in West Cornwall long ago. It comprises of a cottage with a traditional Cornish kitchen and an outdoor exhibition of domestic and mining tools, including waterwheels, corn grinding wheels and tools dating from 3000BC. A mill building contains a collection of early agricultural implements and there is evenm a blacksmith’s forge can be seen.

Zennor was one of the last bastions of the Cornish language. Although the last person to have Cornish as her sole language was said to be Dolly Pentreath, buried in the village of Paul near Mousehole, John Davey of Boswednack, Zennor was one of the last people with a traditional knowledge of the language. He died in 1891, aged 79.

https://www.cornwalls.co.uk/Zennor

Sat Nav: TR26 3BY

Cape Cornwall

Priest Cove at Cape Cornwall is one of those places that you can only find in Cornwall, a rocky beach with the remains of the Victorian mining industry all around and fishermen’s sheds overgrown by wild flowers.  In the winter, the Atlantic storms batter the beach and surrounding cliffs, whilst off shore the Brisons rocks stand firm, despite everything thrown at them by the elements.

The beach itself is mainly a rugged collection of rocks and pools. A little bit of shingle can be found at the back and a small pool has been created amongst the rocks for safe paddling. At high tide much of the beach is underwater. A slipway onto the beach is still used by local fisherman, whose huts cling to the cliff, covered in flowers in the late spring/summer.

A National Trust run car park sits just above the cove, the area being presented to the National Trust by Heinz (of Baked Bean fame) in 1987. Public toilets and a refreshment van are open seasonally in the car park.

Towering above the beach is Cape Cornwall itself with its iconic mine chimney stack dating back to 1894. The area was heavily mined in the 1800s for copper and tin and at the back of the beach fenced off tunnels can still be seen leading deep underground and out to sea.

Off shore, the Brisons Rocks, known affectionately as ’General de Gaulle in his bath’ are home to many types of seabirds and between them and the mainland is a dangerous reef that has claimed many a passing ship over the years.

The National Coast Watch have a lookout on the seaward side of the cape and welcome visitors as well as keeping an eye out for vessels going up and down the coast.

https://www.visitcornwall.com/beaches/toilets-nearby/west-cornwall/sennen/priest-cove

Sat Nav: TR19 7NN

Charlestown

Situated on the outskirts of St Austell on the South Coast of Cornwall is Charlestown Harbour, an unspoilt, original Grade II Listed Harbour. Used recently as a key location for the filming of the BBC’s remake of the 1970’s hit series Poldark, starring Aiden Turner as the Cornish hero of the show, Ross Poldark, it has also been used for Dr Who, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, and many other films and TV programmes.

The harbour is the home port for a famous collection of old ships which are employed in film projects all over the world – they have brought work and life to the quays and harbour buildings and are a particular draw for visitors. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and gift shops to be enjoyed whilst taking in the breathtaking views out over St Austell Bay.

https://www.visitcornwall.com/places/charlestown

Sat Nav: DT4 9TP

Polperro

In Polperro it is easy to step back in time in what is a largely an unspoilt fishing village on the South East coast of Cornwall. Its beautiful cottages cling to steep hillsides around a small harbour with spectacular views of land and sea making it an artist’s paradise. Like its neighbour Looe, Polperro offers plenty of places to eat and relax and has a great selection of accommodation. Dotted around the village are several galleries selling work by local artists. Many of these artists are involved in the arts and music festival in June, which includes the crowning of the mock mayor and parades through the narrow streets.

Reasons to visit Polperro

• The coast either side of the harbour provides fantastic walking
• Its infamous history as a smugglers haunt
• Unique tidal sea pool
• Beautiful beaches close by including Polperro beach, Talland Bay beach, Lansallos beach, Lantic Bay 
• Famous for its delicious seafood caught by local fishermen
• Relaxed pace of life
• Situated in an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’
• An exciting calendar of events including Open Studios Cornwall and Polperro Music and Arts Festival
• The abundance of quirky  independent shops
• Easy access to nearby attractions

Things to do in Polperro

• Walking Stroll along the coastal footpaths for spectacular views and access to beautiful beaches, often empty even in the summer. One great walk is from the village to the nearby town of Looe via the five mile coastal footpath, one of Cornwall’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Beaches Polperro has a small sandy beach located just outside the main breakwater. The beach is in front of Willy Wilcox cave, believed to have been used by smugglers. There is a small walkway across the beach, used at low tide, to convey holiday makers to the frequent boat trips that leave Polperro’s small inlet. Other beaches close by include Talland Bay beach, Lansallos beach and Lantic Bay
• Tidal pool At the foot of Chapel Cliff on the small sandy beach at Polperro lies a small tidal bathing pool which has been the site of many first swims. As natural as they come it could be described as a giant rock pool so buckets and nets, along with a keen eye are essentials. There’s also a call for a head for heights and steady legs, for the steps carved into the cliff giving access to the pool. There are no hand rails here but what waits is more than worth the beating heart.
• Fishing trip Pulling into Polperro from the sea is an unforgettable experience, especially when you’ve caught a basket full of fish! Fishing trips or pure pleasure cruises are easy to arrange from the quayside
• Museum Learn about the village’s trials and tribulations at the hands of the sea with a visit the heritage museum where you’ll discover stories of pressganging, smuggling and even unique knitwear
• Shopping and eating Mercifully free of traffic (there is a tram for those who want to arrive in style) you can wander through the streets and browse the shops that major in locally made handicrafts and confectionery. After a long day strolling round and taking plenty of photos of the picturesque harbour, you’ll have developed a good thirst and appetite. Enjoy a crab sandwich at the harbour or head to one of Polperro’s excellent cafes, restaurants or pubs
• Visit attractions nearby Located in South East Cornwall, visitors staying here can enjoy plenty of great attractions nearby including the Eden Project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Restormel Castle

https://www.visitcornwall.com/places/polperro

Sat Nav: PL13 2QR

Seaton

A friendly place with a big heart, Seaton welcomes thousands of visitors each year who come for it’s beautiful coastline, peaceful landscapes, traditional seaside activities; shops and businesses and more adventurous endeavours such as steep coastal walks, kayaking and of course the annual Grizzly run!

A unique seaside town in East Devon, Seaton sits on the Jurassic Coast and Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site. It offers natural wonders, family adventures, sporting opportunities and a large variety of places to eat, drink and relax. The famous South West Coast Path – one of the top walks to be found anywhere in the world- is easily accessible as well as the spectacular River Axe and Axe Valley wetlands.

The Seaton Tourist Information is now nestled in the New Seaton Jurassic Centre. Please take a look at the ’Visitor Information’ page for more information on our services and we look forward to welcoming you, your family and friends to Seaton soon!

http://www.seatontic.co.uk/

Sat Nav: EX12 2WD

Porthpean

Porthpean is located in the parish of St Austell Bay, newly created in 2009 to cover the stretch of coastline between Charlestown and Black Head.

Just two miles from St Austell, Porthpean Beach is safe and sandy, ideal for families and popular with windsurfers, swimmers and sailors. Nesting birds populate the cliffs to the east and numerous rock pools can be found to the west.

Nearby and with excellent views over the sea and the surrounding countryside is the Porthpean Outdoor Education Centre and camp site, run by Cornwall County Council and offering everything from high and low ropes courses to kayaking and archery.

Porthpean’s parish church is dedicated to St Levan and was built by the Sawle family as part of the Penrice Estate. It was given to the parish on the death of Mrs Cobbold Sawle in 1981.

There is a golf club and a sailing club based in Porthpean, from where it is a short, easy walk north along the coast path to Charlestown.

https://www.cornwalls.co.uk/Porthpean

PL25 3RD

Lostwithiel

This ancient stannary town dates back to the 12th century, yet it’s one of the most vibrant and lively communities in Cornwall.

Whether you’re here for the day or down on holiday, Lostwithiel is the ideal base to explore breathtaking countryside and discover the unspoilt beaches of south east Cornwall.

There’s plenty of accommodation from hotels and pubs to cosy b&bs and self-catering cottages.

Antiques shops and regular fairs have made Lostwithiel the antiques capital of Cornwall while the wide range of independent shops provide everything from grocery and convenience goods to deli foods and gifts.

There are excellent restaurants and pubs plus an award winning farmers market. It’s not just the shops which draw the crowds:

Lostwithiel’s calendar is full of highlights such as LostFest, Carnival week and Dickensian Night as well as regular markets, vintage fairs and auctions.

Find us on the A390 and take advantage of the ample free parking or take a train to our mainline railway station located in the centre of town.

Look forward to seeing you!

https://www.lostwithiel.org.uk/

Sat Nav: PL22 0BW

Crantock

Crantock Bay provides an ideal holiday destination for families. The beach at Crantock offers holiday makers and families over a mile of level high quality sand and sand dunes, with plenty of rock pools and caves to explore at low tide along the edges of the West Pentire and East Pentire Headlands. The cliff line along Crantock Bay’s western edge provides a degree of shelter to the beach. The southern edge of the beach is lined by sand dunes and Marram grass- creating a nature haven for the local wildlife and a great place for the children to explore.

Crantock Bay looks out onto the Atlantic, making it a popular surfer’s beach and is patrolled by the Lifeguards during the peak season. The Eastern edge of the beach, by the River Gannel, is not however suitable for swimming, due to the tidal nature of the river. Crantock’s beach is a popular for swimming, fishing, snorkelling, surfing, wind surfing and canoeing. Safe, swimming and body boarding areas are designated by between the red and yellow flags on the main beachwith all surfing and between the black and white chequered flags.Crantock Beach Facilities

The beach has a range of facilities, including cafes, surf hire, toilets and parking.

The Fern Pit Café lies just below the East Pentire Headland ( on the Eastern banks of the River Gannel – just across from the main beach). The picturesque Café and Boathouse has some stunning views of both the beach and the river. The café provides a range of sandwiches and light refreshments, as well as their own locally caught lobster and crab. Adjacent to the Fern Pit café is a small path leading to the Ferry – a small boat that runs across the river from East Pentire to Crantock Beach at high tide, when the small footbridge is not available.

On the main beach at Crantock, there is a small kiosk located at the River Gannel end of Crantock Beach . TheCrantock Beach Kiosk operates during peak season, supplying a range of snacks, andwiches, beverages, ice creams, hot and cold drinks. Windbreaks, sun loungers, deckchairs, and sun parasols are also available to hire from the kiosk.

Surf Hire, (surf boards and wetsuits) is also available at the beach from a converted shipping container -located on the beach, at the edge of the sand dunes, just a little way down from the kiosk.

Dogs are allowed on Crantock Beach all year round

The village of Crantock retains much of its original old fashioned charm and character. Large parts of the local parish are now in the ownership of the National Trust, including West Pentire headland which is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest – noted for its wonderful wild flowers and rare plants. The famous South West Coast Path follows the seaward side of the parish – along the edge of Crantock Bay and around West Pentire towards Holywell Bay. The older part of the village is situated around its church which is dedicated to St Carantoc, founder of the village.

http://www.cornwall-online.co.uk/restormel/crantock.htm

Sat Nav: TR8 5SA

Newquay

Looking for things to do in Newquay whilst you are on holiday or just visiting for the day then you have come to the right place!

Here you will find some of the things we think you might like from attractions, activities, beaches and places to visit.

If you are looking for something a little different then take a look on the events page to see what is happening when you are here – who knows it could be when Boardmasters, Polo on the Beach or the Newquay Fish Festival is on!

Attractions

In Newquay you will find many action packed attractions to keep all the family happy both in the town and the surrounding area – each one a great day out.

Newquay being family friendly has lots of attractions to keep everyone entertained. Newquay is very lucky to have Cornwall’s largest zoo and Cornwall’s largest aquarium along with the interactive pirates at Pirate’s Quest. Just outside of Newquay are two enjoyable small theme parks Flambards and Camel Creek, which are both all-weather attractions.

Looking for a relaxing day admiring beautiful homes and gardens? Then just outside of Newquay you will find the National Trust property – Trerice Manor, an Elizabethan house which has some very pretty gardens and a very good tea room! Throughout the year Trerice Manor hosts many events for adults and children so be sure to check out their entry on here to see what is going on.

Activities

Newquay is known as the surf capital of England and with the incredible beaches here it is no wonder that surfing is the main activity. There are numerous surf schools, surf hire and surf shops on the beaches and in the town to get you kitted out and ready to hit the waves. It is not just surfing though Newquay has much more to offer and has all kinds of water sports for you to try.

Newquay activities do not just start and end on the beach, there are plenty more in and around the town including go karts, bike riding, sea safaris, fishing, golf, day tours – exploring some of the other towns and coastline that Cornwall has to offer and Newquay’s very own Cornwall Zorbing if you fancy something a little different!

Whatever your age, fitness level, ability or experience there will be something to suit you and you will be in safe hands with some of the UK’s top coaches and instructors that we are lucky to have here making sure you will enjoy every minute of the fun.

Beaches

Here in Newquay we are very proud of the beaches and when you see them you will see why! It is not just us who think they are the best around. Fistral Beach, Porth Beach and Crantock Beach have all been voted in the Top 25 Beaches on Trip Advisor.

Wherever you are in Newquay or the surrounding areas, you are guaranteed not to be far from one of these stunning beaches – all of them with golden sand and Atlantic breakers, each of the beaches offer a different beach experience for every day of your stay.

https://www.visitnewquay.org/

Sat Nav: TR7 1BU

Liskeard

Located on the southern edge of Bodmin Moor, the old town of Liskeard was granted its first charter back in 1240 and became an important market town which, with the onset of the copper mining boom in the 19th century, flourished. Today that prosperity can still be seen in the fine buildings dotted around then town. Webb’s House, a huge early Victorian former hotel dominates the town centre, shops have original Edwardian facades, medieval Stuart House once provided lodgings for Charles II and the Guildhall is a fine example of Victorian grandeur with its imposing clock tower. Due to its proximity to the moor, Liskeard is a great place to stock up for a picnic and a stroll around the old town stopping for a coffee at one of the many cafes is not a bad way to spend the morning.

Things to do in Liskeard

• Stuart House offers a quick glimpse into its 500 year old history with themed rooms and there’s also a varied program of arts exhibitions, craft workshops and concerts. Free entry
• Liskeard Museum opened in 2002 and houses a good collection of local artefacts that tell the story of Liskeard’s long history through frequently changing exhibits. Free entry. The building also houses the towns information centre.
• Just 4 miles outside the town you can take part in some slightly scary activities at Adrenalin Quarry which is home to one of the UK’s longest zip wires at over half a kilometre and one of the highest giant swings, there’s even some coasteering thrown in, too
• Minions village, six miles away on the edge of Bodmin Moor, is part of Cornwall’s World Heritage industrial landscape and is surrounded by mining relics. It is also close to the Bronze Age stone circle known as The Hurlers  and the moorland to the north of the village is dominated by the Cheesewring, a bizarre geological rock formation on the horizon.
• Just north of Liskeard, Trethevy Quoit is a Neolithic tomb, dating back 5,000 years. It is probably one of the earliest man-made structures in Cornwall.
• Try a windsurfing or kayaking lesson at Siblyback Lake and Counyty Park  is an inland reservoir five miles away where instructors give watersports lessons on the calm water and build your confidence
• See a show at Sterts Theatre at Upton Cross a few miles from Liskeard. A unique canopied amphitheatre that has a summer long program of shows from star acts  to local choirs and their own theater company.

https://www.visitcornwall.com/places/liskeard

Sat Nav: PL14 6AA