Newquay - just a great place!
Cornwall is a county of England in the United Kingdom, forming the tip of the south-western peninsula of Great Britain and being the most south-westerly county in England.
It is bordered to the north and west by the Atlantic Ocean, to the south by the English Channel, and to the east by the county of Devon, over the River Tamar. Five million tourists visit Cornwall each year, mostly drawn from within the UK. So it’s no wonder that its successful tourist industry makes up around a quarter of the Cornish economy.
Cornwall’s unique culture, spectacular landscape and mild climate make it one of the most popular tourist destinations. It is most famous for its stunning scenery – tantalising views of deep wooded valleys and wide vistas of sparkling blue sea combine with a varied and luxuriantly coloured landscape, historic market towns, attractive fishing villages and picturesque riverside hamlets.
Cornwall Beaches
The county is rightly well known for its beaches. Whether you are down here on a beach holiday Cornwall and looking for a beach to take granny and the kids with easy parking and likely safe bathing, or are more energetic and fancy a Cornish Coast Path Walk thrown in, Cornwall has it all.
From Newquay’s Fistral, like Polzeath a favourite for Cornwall Surfing, to Porthmeor Beach St Ives, or Bude’s Crooklets Beach, both popular with families. There’s even beaches off the beaten track hidden down narrow lanes, often accessible only on foot.
Surfing in Newquay
A fantastic selection of beaches all within walking distance including the famous fistral beach. Should you wish to purchase surfing equipment or hire it, we can recommend Emoceanl surf shop (Spider boards stockist)
Surf Lessons
While staying in Newquay, young or old, why not try your hand at surfing.We would recommend using a surf school for your first introduction to surfing, for your safety and to other beach users, it also allows you to progress faster without the mistakes.
We do have the Errant Surf School located at the top of the road where many of our guests have started and returned for more advanced lessons.
St Michael’s Mount
St Michaels Mount is a granite rock near Penzance with a church and castle at its summit. St Michaels Mount is an island for most of the day. However there are between two and five hours in each day when you can walk across the causeway to the island. Ferry boats run regular services to the island when the tide cuts off the causeway. The island has a small harbour on its northern shore, with picturesque houses, shops and restaurants. The nearby town is Marazion and it is situated in Mounts Bay.
At the top of the island is an embattled castle, which originally was a Benedictine Priory, built in the 12 century and a daughter house to Mont St Michel in France. The Mount is dedicated to St Michael, the Archangel, who according to Cornish legend, appeared to a group of fishermen on the western side of the Mount
Eden’s Gardens
The Eden Project is a global garden for the 21st Century, a gateway to a sustainable future and a dramatic setting in which to tell the fascinating story of mankind’s dependence on plants.
An unforgettable experience in a breathtaking epic location will make your day unforgettable. Its home is a dramatic global garden the size of thirty football pitches, nestling like a lost world in a crater overlooking St Austell Bay.
One of its giant conservatories is a majestic rainforest cathedral, the other is host to the fruits of the Mediterranean and the flowers of South Africa and California. Outside in the landscaped grounds you will find tea, lavender, sunflowers and hemp.
Land’s End
Land’s End is the most Southwesterly point in Britain and part of Cornwall in the South West.
Land’s End’s main represents both the starting and ending points of the longest journey in Great Britain, Land’s End to John O’Groats. Consequently, it is known as “The First and Last”, due to its position at the extremity of the UK. It is an atmospheric, dramatic piece of coastline steeped in history and romance.
The whole area can be easily accessed on foot. Take care with clothing, because Land’s End can be a rough, windy place due to its exposed location and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
Tintagel Castle
The 13th century castle is a romantic ruin constructed on a windswept point of rock, with waves crashing all around. The castle is surrounded by Roman and Dark Ages remains, but more thoroughly surrounded by legends of King Arthur, who is said to have been born here.
Alternate legends claim that Tintagel is the site of Camelot, Arthur’s court, though that honour is also claimed by a dozen or so places throughout the British Isles!
Mousehole
The name of this attractive little fishing village near Penzance is pronounced “Mowzel”. Mousehole has been called one of the prettiest villages in Cornwall, and with good reason. It is a maze of narrow, winding streets lined by cottages built of local dark grey stone. Within the harbour are two small beaches. Along the coast is a huge cave, said to be the source of the village’s unusual name.
The road into the village is extremely narrow, and parking is quite limited so visitors are encouraged to park their cars at the parking lot outside the village and walk in, or use the regular bus from Penzance.
Mousehole has its own unique holiday. December 23 in the village is Tom Bawcock’s Eve, in memory of a famous episode in the village’s past. It seems that long ago bad weather forced fishing boats to stay in harbour, and the villagers were faced with starvation. In a short lull in the storm one brave man by the name of Tom Bawcock managed to catch enough fish to keep the villagers alive until the storm abated. The fish was baked into a large pie, called Star Gazzy Pie.
Each year on December 23 Star Gazzy Pie is eaten at the inn on the quay to commemorate the event, and the village is lit with spectacular lights. Most of the illuminations are in the shape of traditional Christmas characters, but there is always a Star Gazzy Pie created in lights!
Lanhydrock House and Garden
This site is magnificent late Victorian country house with extensive servants’ quarters, gardens and wooded estate, offering you an unforgettable day out. It offers: stunning 17th-century gatehouse and long gallery, the ultimate 19th-century ‘Upstairs/Downstairs’ experience, fabulous collection of spring-flowering magnolias and bluebell woods, adventure playground, with wobbly bridge, scramble nets and animal sculptures.
It has also been film location for The Three Musketeers (1993) and Twelfth Night (1996). There are 50 rooms are open to visitors, who should allow at least two hours to tour the house.
Minack Theatre
The unique and inspiring Minack Theatre on the cliff edge at Porthcurno in Cornwall has won the TravelMail award for the Best Day Out in the national Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2009.
It is the most famous cliffside theatre in Britain, possibly in the world, carved into the granite cliff overlooking the spectacular panorama of Porthcurno Bay.
The Rowena Cade Visitor Centre tells the remarkable story of how a girl from the Victorian Cheltenham grew up to build this internationally famous Theatre with her own hands. Visit during the day, explore the Theatre and relax in our cafe, overlooking the Theatre, and soak up the magic that is Minack.
