Things to Do on Holiday in Cornwall

Cornwall is famous for its beaches and its dramatic coastline. This is why most people visit this destination for a holiday. However this lovely county has stunning fishing ports, spectacular natural swimming pools, beautiful rolling countryside and also gorgeous creeks surrounded by woodland.

Cornwall is a great place to explore either by car, bike or on foot. In fact Cornwall actually is a walker’s paradise with remote moorlands, forest trails and the South West Coast path ready to be enjoyed. For those who like to sample some culture on holiday, there is lots of artistic ancestry to look into and sensational architecture to admire. There is likewise a great night-life or fine-dining to enjoy when the sun drops below the horizon after a busy day of sightseeing.

Cornwall is a fantastic tourist destination with plenty to see and do during all lengths of holiday from a short weekend to a multi-week break. But what are the top places to see and things to do while in Cornwall? We explore some of our favourite options.

1. Eden Project

Prized as the ‘8th marvel of the globe’ by some, the Eden Project is a magnificent botanic garden contained within dome-like tropical biomes. This legendary destination is residence to a great deal of plant life, showcasing the complex plant/human relationship and humanity’s best dependence on nature.

The Eden Project is rapidly becoming a great educational resource for youngsters and also adults alike, demonstrating a lasting future where humans live in balance with nature. Discover the tropical plants that are used to make daily products, as well as experience the sights and gives off the jungle in the rainforest themed tropical biome. The Eden Project also contains an outdoor arena where you can appreciate the Cornish sunshine beaming down on the lovely plants and flowers. It’s a great place to hang out and sock up the sun and the atmosphere of this majestic attraction.

2. Jubilee Pool

It is often said Penzance is the jewel in Cornwall’s crown. This old fishing town is situated on a huge arched bay with St Michael’s Mount just offshore. Central to Penzance life is the Jubilee Pool  – a 1930s art deco swimming pool which attracts many thousands of swimmers each year. This council-run pool is one of couple of surviving initial lidos, and also features the largest salt-water pool in the UK. The pool’s beautiful art deco-inspired rounded edges as well as seafront area give it a Mediterranean character.

The swimming pool is open throughout the summer season for all the family to delight in. The pool features a safe, shallow-watered ‘infant swimming pool’ where the toddlers are close enough to really feel inspired by the swimmers in the main pool. The picturesque, panoramic sights from the jubilee pool take place for miles; take pleasure in an outing or poolside treat as you admire the views out over the sea and Cornish coast.

3. National Maritime Museum Falmouth

This relatively new museum has quickly become one of Cornwall’s main tourist attractions. The museum tells the history of sailing and boat building in Falmouth with some fascinating exhibits and interactive features. Situated at Falmouth docks, right next to the marina, it’s as if the museum itself is floating on the water for which Falmouth and much of Cornwall derives it’s history and its historic fortune. On a sunny day it’s a fine place to learn all about this maritime history while watching modern yachts and working boats sailing in this huge natural harbour.

4. Land’s End

You can’t visit Cornwall without a trip to check out to Land’s End. One of the most southerly points of landmass Britain, it is a wild and rugged spot which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. The cliffs and coast around here are ravaged by wild and waves but are still home to a impressive array of seabirds and wildlife.  It’s a lovely spot for stroll to get away from the inevitable toursist trappings of the Lands End museum and amusements. But a stop here wouldn’t be complete without having your photo taken at the legendary Land’s End sign which marks the distances to key cities and locations around the world. When it’s time for a break, wonder at the vast Atlantic Ocean and the wilderness of what is labelled the last and first point in Britain. The prominent Land’s End restaurant is a great place to re-charge the batteries and gaze out on an endless horizon of sea journeys which depart from this prominent point.

5. Tate St Ives

Tate St Ives remains a huge draw for visitors and is one of Cornwall’s most important tourist attractions. Sibling gallery to Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool and also Tate Britain, this impressive three-storey structure showcases the artworks of the excellent Cornish and modern-day artists. The gallery is located in the centre of town overlooking Porthmeor Beach. St Ives is an important artistic centre for it was here that the St Ives School of artists led the way in modern art and put Cornwall on the world art map. The Tate’s highlight is, undoubtedly, the ‘Ben Nicholson walking tour’ where you experience the gallery via the eyes of this renowned radical twentieth century artist.

For more ideas try Visit Cornwall or the What’s On section of the local newspaper the Cornish Guardian: http://www.cornishguardian.co.uk/entertainment