Help! I have some elderly Australian visitors coming to stay next month. I‘d like to take them to Cornwall for a few days, but don’t know where to start. I’m looking for a typical Cornish fishing village, with tea shops and some mystical history. Where do you suggest? Emma, via email
If you have your own car, I suggest exploring Padstow as both the village itself and the surrounding area should fit the bill. The town is also Cornwall’s culinary hub, boasting some of the UK’s best seafood in an idyllic harbourside location, including restaurants from world-famous chefs such as Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth. Close by, you will find Tintagel Castle, made famous by King Arthur.
If that isn’t enough mystical history, Boscastle, just north of Tintagel, is home to the Museum of Witchcraft.If you decide to travel by train, St Ives may be a better option as it has a direct line from London.
In St Ives, you can visit the Tate Gallery and take a boat to Seal Island to see the local seal colony. You will be spoiled for choice for tea rooms in St Ives as the village’s cobbled streets are lined with cafes. Check out Madeleine’s Tea Room for excellent cakes.
Between St Ives and Padstow, you could also visit Trevaunance Cove, where there are a number of caves to explore at low tide. Be aware that access is via a slight incline so this one’s not for the less mobile. There’s also a pretty but less crowded beach at the neighbouring Trevellas Porth.
It’s a long journey from London to Cornwall, so I’d add a couple of additional days to your trip just for the travelling.
Photo: St Ives
