Where the land ends and the surf’s up. Cornwall is full of breathtakingly beautiful beaches, landscapes, rich in cultural heritage and there are times it feels like your not even in England anymore.
I’ve been to Cornwall many times over the years, but strangely I’ve never been to Lands end. I must get down there soon. The place I’ve been most would be Newquay, we went camping every year from when I was 18 until mid 20’s and we’d also visit for the old Run to the Sun festival. Now I’m lucky to sometimes work around Cornwall, so I get to see a fair bit creating a go to list as I see things and places that catch my eye in the hope that I’ll get around to coming back when I have more time.
It goes without saying that Beaches are a huge attraction for the majority of people and for sure there are some stunning little beaches on both the north and south coast. I definitely need to cover more of the south coast from a personal point of view. There really is so much to see and do, I stumble across something new every time I visit and it goes without saying I will add it to the list on here when I do.
In 2019 we were near Newquay at Quintrell Downs and had arranged a taxi minibus to drop us off and pick us up as there were 13 of us. This turned out to be a mistake as taxis in Newquay (maybe even Cornwall) are some of the most expensive I have ever experienced and I’d go as far as saying the most expensive taxi in the world!! We were picked up at Trethiggey Holiday Park and driven to Perranporth beach next to Percy Davy Close which was a distance of 9 miles and should’ve taken 16 minutes, but this taxi took us 25 minutes. The taxi we used was A2B Taxis and while on the phone we were quoted £3 or £4 per person with return for 13 people. However it wasn’t A2B that turned up, a taxi called Pat’s Cabs picked us up. Before we got in the driver asked to confirm where we were going. Once we were all in the minibus and travelling on route he then asked how many of us were there, we said 13 of us and he then responded with that’ll be £130 then!!!!!! £10 each, £5 per person for each way. WTF, we aren’t doing an airport run to Heathrow ffs!! He said some excuse of they got the destination mixed up on the phone, which is a likely story. To make things worse he wanted the whole £130 bill up front. We then argued this, as we would have no guarantee that he would even come back to pick us up later as he would already have had all our money and therefore could do a runner. He wrote us a receipt and signed it as proof, but still insisted on the full fare there and then. We basically had to trust that this dude would return at the agreed place and time which Thankfully he did, midnight on the dot, but needless to say none of us were happy with the service and all felt that we had been totally ripped off. I expected the bill to be more around £70 knowing it’s expensive in Cornwall but even then I thought that would be on the extortionate side.
If you don’t want to be completely ripped off DO NOT use A2B Taxis or perhaps any taxis at all, it’s probably best to drive yourself.
The population of Cornwall in 2011 was 536,000 people meaning it’s the 40th most populated of the 47 counties in the UK. Cornwall is the 41st most densely county in the UK with only 151 people per square kilometre meaning there is plenty of space for you while on holiday in Cornwall. The population was relatively steady during the 20th century but has been gradually increasing since 1961 when the population was 342,000.
- The Cornish flag is known as the Flag of St Piran and is a white cross on a black background. The Duchy of Cornwall shield has 15 gold bezants in the shape of a triangle on a black shield. There are several flowers which can lay claim to being the Cornish natural flower including, broom, furze, rhododendron, Cornish heath and daffodils. The national tree is a sessile oak which is known locally as a Cornish oak.
- Emmet is a word in the Cornish dialect that is used to refer to tourists or holidaymakers coming to Cornwall. There is debate over whether the term is pejorative or not. It originally referred to tourists who visit Cornwall, but has also been used by native Cornish folk to refer to “incomers” or residents who have moved to the county but were not born there.
Cornwall developed its own language during pre-Roman times and had close ties to the Celtic nations who also had their own languages. Cornwall finally became part of England around the time of the Norman Conquest but kept powers over their most valuable exports namely tin. Tin plays a key part in the story of the formation of Cornwall’s flag with the white representing tin metal against black tin ore which is the black section of the flag. In the 18th-century Cornwall became a part of Great Britain marking the start of a steep decline in the use of the Cornish language.
- Hostels are best if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option and you don’t mind sharing facilities. In most British cities there is a selection of simple, clean and good value hostels. starting from £10 a night dorm rooms. Many modern hostels also have private rooms and en-suite bathrooms starting from £25. Amenities usually include free wi-fi, breakfast, a common room, TV and laundry facilities. Check out hostelworld.com
- Airbnb is my preferred budget choice and cost from £20 a night for a private room, while entire apartments/homes can start around £40 a night. Get £30 off your first Airbnb trip of £55 or more click here.
- Stay at the Inn, as traditional as cream tea and cake. The British pub culture often comes with the option of a bed for the night. You can socialise, eat and sleep all under one roof, which is a great way to meet friendly locals. Many date back to the 18th century and some are even older! Expect a warm atmosphere, traditional décor and the possibility of an onsite dog (or cat) to welcome you! Check out stayinapub.co.uk
- Bed & Breakfast, probably the most famous budget accommodation in the UK. These are usually private houses or farms and tend to be family ownership. Facilities can be simple (rooms may not have TV, no telephone or bathroom), but the best of them can be a home from home. Prices include breakfast. Some B&Bs won’t accept credit cards or travel vouchers, so I advise to bring cash with you.
- Budget hotels like Travelodge, Premier Inn or Easy hotel offer the same amenities and start around £30 per night for a twin room. It’s best to book a month or more in advance.
- Campgrounds can be found all around the country and most have basic facilities. Expect to pay around £7 per night for a place to pitch your tent. Check out campinmygarden.com
- Bus, Cornwall’s extensive network of bus services is run by two main operators, First Devon and Cornwall and Western Greyhound. Smaller operators also offer services in specific areas. Timetables for all services and maps can be accessed online.
- Car, The majority of visitors to Cornwall use their own cars to get around. Although the car is usually the most convenient way to travel in Cornwall, during the main holiday seasons traffic volumes mean journeys take longer and may require patience on major routes and on arrival at popular destinations.
- Rail, Many of Cornwall’s coastal towns are linked to the main railway line which runs through Cornwall by the scenic branch lines to Looe, Falmouth, Newquay and St Ives.
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Taxi, If you want to get somewhere extra quickly or have a journey to make that isn’t served by public transport and you don’t want to drive then consider it, but be prepared for it to be expensive. From my past experience I would make sure you settle on a price before leaving and that it’s for the trip and not for each person. In Newquay a 9 mile return journey from A2B (Pats Cab turned up) minibus of 13, cost us £65 each way £130. The same in Devon would be £20 or less each way on the highest tariff and split between all in the vehicle.
- Adrenalin Quarry
- Beaches
- Bodmin Moor
- Bodmin Jail
- Eden Project
- Fistral Beach
- Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm
- Land’s End
- Lost Gardens of Heligan
- Men-an-Tol
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Merlin’s Cave
- Minack Theatre
- Poldark Wheal Roots Tim Mine
- South West Coastal Path
- St. Nectan’s Glen (Waterfall)
- St. Michael’s Mount
- Tintagel Castle
- Trebah Garden
- Confirm a price with the taxi before getting in.
- Newquay Taxi:
- A2B Taxis 01637 877777 (Expensive)
- 123 Taxis 01637 851234.
- 10-11 Taxis 01637 871011.
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