Now that Christmas is over and we’ve not only welcomed a new year, but a new decade, it’s time to start thinking about that all important summer getaway. While it’s exciting to jet off to warmer climes, if you want to run wild on a beach, paddle in the sea, eat your body weight in ice cream and sip some of the finest ciders… you can do that right here in Cornwall.
One of the top destinations for staycations, we’ve put together six stellar activities you can enjoy this summer in Cornwall.
1. Eat a hedgehog ice cream at Chapel Porth
Tucked into the cliffs near St Agnes you’ll find Chapel Porth, a small cove selling big ice creams. The ice cream of choice among locals and holidaymakers alike is the famous hedgehog. You can expect a generous scoop of Cornish vanilla ice cream, covered with a dollop of clotted cream before being rolled in caramelised hazelnuts – it would be criminal to visit Chapel Porth and not indulge in one of these cooling treats.
2. Walk to the most southerly point in the UK
Cornwall is a great place to go walking, with miles of coast path to explore. A popular walk starts at Mullion Cove and winds its way up and over cliffs to the Lizard Point – the most southerly point of the UK. The walk is 6.9 miles in total, but expect a lot of ascents and descents along the way!
At Lizard Point you’ll find the destination signpost, which can tell you exactly how far away your home is. There’s also a selection of shops to browse, alongside the Lizard Lighthouse with its stunning coastal views.
3. See a solar powered lighthouse
Visit the inspiration behind Viginia Woolf’s classic novel To the Lighthouse. Godrevy Lighthouse stands just outside St Ives Bay, having been built in 1859 after a number of fatal shipwrecks deemed the reef dangerous. Today the lighthouse has solar powered operations, and you can get up close to the island on a boat trip, where the captain will tell you all about the history of both the island and the lighthouse.
4. Enjoy a pasty with a view
You can’t come on holiday to Cornwall and not try a delicious Cornish pasty. While many a pasty crimper claims their creation to be the best, one of our favourite spots for a proper Cornish pasty is Sarah’s Pasty Shop in Looe.
Here you’ll find delicious homemade pasties, which range from a traditional Cornish to their famous Breakfast Pasty and Fishy Friday offerings. Pick a pasty and head down to the harbour to enjoy seaside views and salty air.
5. Take a tour of a Cornish cider farm
Up there with pasties and ice cream, cider is something not to be missed on a trip to the Duchy. For an authentic taste of Cornwall, visit Healey’s Cyder Farm. Perfect for the whole family, there are animals to pet, food to try, plenty of cider to drink and a shop to browse. It’s also worth mentioning their cream teas (another Cornish classic!) which are delicious and perfect for sharing.
6. See a show at one of the world’s most famous outdoor theatres
The Minack Theatre overlooks Porthcurno beach and is definitely a ‘must see’ in Cornwall. Created by the iconic Rowena Cade, and her gardener Billy Rawlings, this outdoor theatre has been crafted into the imposing cliffs. First used to show The Tempest, the theatre now hosts many productions throughout the year – just remember to bring cushions and a picnic.
You can find out the full line up for 2020, here.
Fly to Cornwall
Fly to Cornwall this summer with Flybe from:
- London Heathrow
- London Southend
- Manchester
- Leeds-Bradford
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
With Aer Lingus from:
- Dublin
- Cork
With Loganair from:
- Newcastle
- Aberdeen
- Glasgow