Amazing artwork, beautiful beaches and Cornish towns to visit
January is a time for fresh starts, hunkering down and setting out plans for the year. For a touch of inspiration, we thought we’d say hello to 2020 with some local inspiration for your next Cornish escape. From seaside towns and bucket list beaches, to some of our favourite local companies across the county, here’s our A-Z of Cornwall.
A is for Award-winning restaurants. Cornwall is a haven for holidaying foodies. Some of our favourite north coast locations include Nathan Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen in Port Isaac and The Dining Room in Rock, while a little further west you’ll find Porthminster Beach Café in St Ives and Kota in Porthleven. The seafood mecca of Padstow is characterised by Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant and Paul Ainsworth at Number 6, while Prawn on the Lawn earned its title of Best Seafood Restaurant earlier in 2019.
B is for Beaches. A guide to Cornwall isn’t complete without some of the best beaches around. Stretching from Porthcothan to Trevone, walking the Seven Bays is the perfect way to explore the county by sand and sea, while Sennen Cove is renowned for its surfing scene and Watergate Bay for its annual Polo on the Beach. Children will love the soft sands of Harlyn Bay, while dogs can run to their heart’s content at beaches like Crantock and Mawgan Porth.
C is for Camel Trail. Whether it’s a leisurely stint from Wenford to Wadebridge or you’ve set your sights on Padstow, the Camel Trail promises a family-friendly day out in the great outdoors.
D is for Dog-friendly. Beaches free of the dog ban, dedicated pet boutiques and dog-friendly ice cream everywhere you look – Cornwall was made for four-legged friends. Woof Wednesdays at Lusty Glaze are perfect if you’re looking to treat your dog on holiday, and there are great walks to be explored at the Lanhydrock Estate, the Helford River and across the beach from Rock to Daymer Bay.
E is for Eden Project. Just as fun for adults as it is for children, The Eden Project offers a great day out – with its iconic biomes playing a key part in many holidays to Cornwall. Take a walk through the rainforest, visit the ice rink come winter or soar through the summer skies on the Hangloose zip wire.
F is for Fisherman’s Friends. From small beginnings in Port Isaac to taking the box office by storm with their traditional sea shanties, Fisherman’s Friends are flying the flag for Cornwall in their debut film.
G is for George’s Surf School. One of our local favourites, if you’re looking for tailored surf tuition, head to Polzeath Beach and look for George. Recognised as one of the top 10 surf schools in the world, George Stoy’s personalised coaching focuses on improving confidence in the water, with private or group lessons well worth booking in for.
H is for Harlyn Bay. One of the most family-friendly beaches in the county, Harlyn Bay sits just west of Padstow and welcomes dogs all year round. Children will love playing in the shallows, exploring rockpools and running wild in Harlyn’s many caves, while decent swell will keep surfers happy too.
I is for Ice Cream. Stop by Tallships Creamery in Charlestown or venture further down west for a scoop or two from Moomaid of Zennor. From prosecco sorbet to ‘lemon heave ho’, there’s no shortage of interesting and indulgent flavours to try.
J is for Jam first cream tea. Take note when you cross that border!
K is for Kayaking. Cornwall’s combination of calm south coast waters and choppier waves further north make it a great place to climb aboard a kayak. Beginners will love a tranquil ride along the canal in Bude or along the coast from Gorran Haven, while for group excursions, we recommend booking a session with Cornish Rock Tors or Camel Ski School.
L is for Land’s End. Being the most southerly point in the UK, it’s no surprise that Land’s End offers some of the most spectacular views around. Whether it marks the end of your walk, you’re stopping for a drink at The First and Last House or smiling for photos beside the iconic signpost, you’ll get the full Cornish experience.
M is for Minack Theatre. A visit to the world-famous open-air theatre at Porthcurno is an absolute must if you’re visiting Cornwall in 2020. An atmospheric home for live performances, storytelling events and backstage tours, the theatre is perched on the cliffs high above the ocean. From Jane Eyre and Footloose to The Wizard of Oz, expect a riveting mix of comedic, operatic and musical performances with a backdrop like no other.
N is for New Year’s Eve. Cornwall comes alive at New Year’s, with sparkling events in St Ives, Looe and Newquay amongst the county’s most popular. Fireworks light up the skies, lantern parades take to the streets and restaurants and pubs are open late to welcome the revellers. If you’ve not visited Cornwall at this time of year, it’s the perfect opportunity to embrace the Cornish magic in 2020.
O is for Oysters. Whether it’s lunch by the sea or a shucking masterclass with The Oyster Lady, these little ocean gems are synonymous with Cornwall. The freshest can be found right by the water in Newlyn, while Catch in Mawgan Porth and Falmouth’s Wheelhouse Crab and Oyster Bar feature them in pride of place on their menus.
P is for Pasty. Perched on a bench overlooking the sea, wrapped up warm in the car or al fresco at your holiday home. However you choose to enjoy yours, a trip to Kernow simply isn’t complete without a traditional Cornish pasty.
Q is for Quality local produce. Pasties aside, there are plenty of other culinary delights that have given Cornwall its fantastic foodie reputation. From yarg and cider to Michael Morpurgo’s favourite stargazy pie, the county prides itself on fine fares that are loved across the nation.
R is for Royal Cornwall Show. Promising three days of family fun in June each year, The Royal Cornwall Show celebrates all things Cornish. Based in Wadebridge, expect food, fairground rides, live music, agricultural displays and plenty of shopping.
S is for St Michael’s Mount. Perhaps Cornwall’s most iconic landmark, St Michael’s Mount near Marazion makes for a memorable family trip, holiday highlight or afternoon by the sea. The impressive tidal island can be reached by boat at high tide, or by foot when the water recedes, uncovering an ancient cobbled walkway. Discover the century-old castle, explore the gardens or take a look around the village and harbour.
T is for Tate St Ives. A haven for art lovers, the Tate Gallery in West Cornwall occupies an idyllic location overlooking Porthmeor Beach. Showcasing bronze work by Barbara Hepworth, installations from Haegue Yang and a string of exhibitions throughout the year, a day at Tate is a fitting way to soak up the magical culture of St Ives.
U is for Unmissable events. From Boardmasters Festival to the Fowey Regatta and May Day celebrations in Padstow, you’ll never be stuck for what to do in Cornwall. Porthleven Food Festival takes place in April, with Rock Oyster, Bude Rhythm and Blues and the iconic Eden Sessions also returning with tempting 2020 programmes.
V is for Vineyards. If you can tell your Camel Valley from your Trevibban Mill, you’ll know there’s plenty of fizz to choose from in Cornwall. Be tempted by the county’s award-winning selection of reds, whites, rosés and sparklings and book a vineyard tour and tasting to find your new favourite tipple.
W is for Watergate Bay. Loved for its expanse of golden sand, beachside restaurants and Polo on the Beach, Watergate is one of our favourite north coast beaches. Dogs can run to their heart’s content and paddle in the shallows, while breakfast, lunch and dinner are taken care of at the nearby Wax.
X is for XXX. Don’t forget the kisses at the end of your postcard! Whether it’s the Wheal Coates mine from Poldark country or the much-loved Polzeath Beach on the front of your postcard, don’t forget to pick up a memento to remember your time in Cornwall.
Y is for Yacht charter. Climb aboard to spot birds out by The Rumps or head to Gweek for your chance to see sunbathing seals – boat trips offer a completely different perspective of Cornwall.
Z is for Zennor. Made famous by its very own merry maid, the civil parish of Zennor sits just off the coast from Penzance. Its high rocky cliffs and rolling moors make it one of Cornwall’s most atmospheric landscapes. On stormy days, the beach at Gurnard’s Head promises quite the storm watching spot, best enjoyed wrapped up with a flask of something warm.
If you’re tempted by a 2020 escape, browse our beautiful collection of holiday homes and find the perfect seaside setting. From characterful cottages leading right onto the beach in Gorran Haven, to modern beachfront homes with large gardens, there’s a beach house for every occasion.
What’s more, our inclusive concierge service is on hand to make every family getaway, romantic retreat and impromptu escape totally unforgettable. From restaurant reservations to boat trips, call 01208 895570 and plan the details with our concierge team.
Posted by Sophie Boyce
When she's not out for a roast by the coast, Sophie loves exploring with her husband and their golden retriever pup, Obi. She writes about all things Cornwall and is a strong believer that there’s no such thing as too many house plants.
