Action
Often painted as the relaxed and rural retreat of England, Cornwall’s beating heart is actually fed by the adrenaline of a coastline rich in great surf, mesmerising scenery and action sports galore. You’ll fine surf on the north coast beaches, but for a well-curated pick ‘n’ mix experience, head to the Extreme Academy at Watergate Bay. And we’re not talking DayGlo wetsuits, tatty surfboards and testosterone-fuelled instructors more interested in your wife/ daughter/mum than your tube- riding skills. Set on a two-mile playground of golden sand, the academy is the height of modernity and throws the luxury Watergate Bay Hotel and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall restaurant into the mix, too. It’s all right on the beach so you can see the surf from your bedroom and munch moules in your wetsuit.
Family
Cornwall is like a giant playground for kids old and young. Among the plethora of seaside towns to choose from, Bude is among the most family-friendly. Its two beaches – Summerleaze and Crooklets – are well-patrolled by lifeguards, have surf and kayak schools, rockpools, beach huts, and a fantastic saltwater sea pool built into the cliffs that empties and fills with each new tide. The canal that runs into the sea is also prime fishing territory. Stay in one of the many local self-catering cottages and use it as a base to explore nearby attractions. North takes you to Morwenstow Tea Rooms and the best cream tea in Cornwall, perfect for refuelling after a coastal walk in search of the extraordinary Hawker’s Hut. South takes you to popular Widemouth beach (pronounced ‘widdymuth’), and Millook, famed for its zigzag cliffs and bountiful wildlife. Dolphin and seal sightings are common.
Relaxation
You’re never far from a luxury spa in the UK. And Cornwall has some of the best in the Scarlet (scarlethotel.co.uk) and the St Ives Harbour Hotel (stives- harbour-hotel.co.uk). But when you’re surrounded by such natural beauty, make the most of that too. Breathe in the sea air and indulge in the solitude of long country walks. We favour the Lizard Peninsula for its deserted beaches and coves, and postcard fishing villages like Coverack and Mousehole (pronounced ‘muzzle’). Get in some culture at the bonkers MinackTheatre built into the cliffs, lose yourself in the Lost Gardens of Heligan, then retire to Lovelane Caravans – vintage lodging perfect for even the most stressed urban escapee.
Partying
Despite crowds of stags and hens in mankinis and fairy outfits, Newquay is still the best party scene in a county not famed for its nightlife. Why not coincide your trip with one of its festivals and capitalise on the natural resources of Fistral andTowan beaches with barbeques and all-night raves? The Newquay Boardmasters has grown from local surf contest into the biggest in the UK, married to a festival attracting big name acts.This year’s August event sees The Vaccines, Basement Jaxx and Ben Howard headline.To get some distance from the constant baseline, stay a 10-minute stroll away in Porth.The Glendorgal is perched on the fantastic Lusty Glaze beach, which hosts its own calendar of music and sport events.
boardmasters.co.uk, glendorgalhotel.co.uk
Food
Cornwall is in the grip of a food and wine revolution – good news if you’re heading there with a rumbling tum. Padstow has long been its epicentre thanks to Rick Stein’s four restaurants, of which St Petroc’s Bistro is the best and Stein’s Fish & Chips worth munching on the harbour wall. But Stein has been eclipsed by Paul Ainsworth’s No. 6, which this year won its first Michelin star for its local ingredients and Cornish twist on British classics. Cornwall’s traditional pasties and ice creams are also reason enough to visit – buy local to get the real deal. Budding oenologists should visit Camel Valley Vineyard in nearby Bodmin, which knocks out world- class whites and fizz. You can tour, buy by the bottle or glass and sup on the terrace overlooking the vineyard.
