Cornwall has an abundance of places to visit, activities to do and things to see. From rugged coastline to rolling moors, Cornwall has it all, what ever your interests, hobbies or tastes, St Kew Holiday Cottages are not far away.
Beautiful Beaches
Polzeath: Polzeath is a popular beach and well known for it’s surf. There are surf schools here if you want to learn to surf and the sand is perfect for the little ones to build sandcastles.
Rock: A long stretch of golden sand following the estuary, there is plenty of room along here and you will always find a spot. Rock is an ideal location for canoeing and kayaking or take the Black Tor foot passenger ferry to Padstow. Also an ideal location for artists to capture the many moods of the estuary.
Daymer Bay: Daymer Bay is not as well known as some of the other beaches nearby which gives it a slightly more secluded feel. Daymer Bay is within the mouth of the Camel Estuary and it’s sandy gentle sloping beach makes it perfect for rockpooling, swimming, kite surfing and windsurfing. There is also a footpath from Daymer Bay to St Enodoc Church where poet laureate Sir John Betjeman is buried. In the summer, visitors can enjoy watching Gig Rowing at the Reggata.
Picturesque Fishing Harbours
Port Isaac: Well known as the village in the TV series Doc Martin, Port Isaac is a 700 year old fishing village. The village has been a popular tourist spot for years due to it remaining unchanged and retains its old Cornish character, with narrow streets and whitewashed houses. Also home to the Fisherman’s Friends, who perform on the harbour slipway on alternate Friday evenings throughout the summer.
Boscastle: Boscastle is a medieval harbour and village hidden in a steep sided valley. Famous for it’s natural harbour, Boscastle is at the bottom of a steep valley, with plenty of footpaths to explore.
Padstow: Best known for it’s fantastic seafood, Padstow is a very popular place to visit. Among the picturesque streets are many contemporary art galleries and interesting shops. Every May Day the streets of Padstow are full with revellers enjoying the festivities of Obby Oss. With it’s great position on the Camel Estuary, the area is one of considerable natural beauty with beautiful bays, golden beaches and many interesting walks, particularly along the Coastal Footpath and along the Camel Trail. A must stop off for any foodies as it has many cafes and restaurants, see our Eating Out page for more details.
Cornish Gardens
Eden Project: The Eden Project is world renowned and is a must visit whatever the weather. Whether or not you are a garden enthusiast , the Eden project has something for everyone.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan: Heligan consists of over 80 acres of magnificent gardens which until 1991 were lost and hidden beneath 70yrs of undergrowth. These magnificent gardens now include rare plant collections, a series of walled gardens, exotic glasshouses and a two-acre kitchen garden. There is also a sub-tropical jungle garden and the ‘Lost Valley’ gardens.
Trelissick Gardens: Famed for its tender and exotic plants and shrubs it is a plantsman’s delight. The gardens feature walks through 500 acres of parkland and riverside woods.
Trebah Gardens: A sub-tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop. One of the Great Gardens of Cornwall and rated among the 80 finest gardens in the world, Trebah offers the visitor a year round experience.
Caerhays Estate: Caerhays has an international reputation for its camellias and rhododendrons and is home to a National Magnolia Collection. You can visit the castle and gardens, walk in the grounds and visit the stunning beaches which make up the estate.
RHS Rosemoor: A little bit further afield but well worth a visit is RHS Rosemoor. With 65 acres of intoxicating beauty, meticulously crafted and planted, retaining the essence of rural North Devon within a dramatic backdrop of steep wooded valley sides.
Places to see
National Trust Properties: Cornwall has many wonderful old country properties. Lanhydrock near Bodmin, Trerice near Newquay, The Old Post Office in Tintagel and Cotehele, are just some of the many properties within a short driving distance of St Kew Holiday Cottages.
The Leach Pottery: The Leach Pottery, established in 1920 by Bernard Leach, is Britains foremost Craft Pottery. Jon Whitten, of St Kew Pottery, trained with Bernard Leaches son, Michael.
The Tate St Ives: A must for any art enthusiast, Tate St Ives does not hold a permanent collection of work in the gallery but presents special exhibitions which change three times a year.
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden: Just a short walk from the Tate is the Barbara Hepworth Museum which offers a remarkable insight into the work and outlook of one of Britain’s most important twentieth century artists.
National Maritime Museum: Falmouth is home of the Maritime Museum and it strives to promote an understanding of boats and their place in people’s lives, and of the maritime heritage of Cornwall.
Crealy Adventure Park: Near Wadebridge is Cornwall’s Crealy Adventure Park. Huge indoor play areas and exciting rides for all ages. Cornwall’s exciting visitor attraction with fun for all in the heart of Cornwall.
If you would like further information about places to see, beauty spots for a landscape, a good coastal walks or where to catch the best waves, then please contact us here for further info.