Cornwall Self Catering

Cornwall doesn't have a major city (the only city in Cornwall is Truro), but it's got more than its fair share of enchanting towns and villages, and distinctive areas...

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Bodmin

Bodmin is situated just to the north of the centre of Cornwall.  As the former County town of Cornwall, there is plenty here of historic interest.  This includes Bodmin Gaol (jail), a prison which was built in 1779 and was in use for 150 years.  The exhibits help paint a picture of what life was like in the jail over the years.  There is also a restaurant here, and you can even hire bikes!  The jail is right on the edge of the atmospheric Bodmin Moor, which borders the town.  Though the Moor is relatively small, there is much to see here too, in terms of granite stone formations and ruins dating from the Bronze age.   You can also enjoy a ride in a steam train on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway.  Find holiday lets in Bodmin.

Bude

On the North-West coast of Cornwall and containing some of the counties best surfing beaches is the area of Bude.  Whatever your level, you can improve with lessons at the Raven Surf School.  The town of Tintagel, the birthplace of King Arthur is here.  The 12th/13th century ruins of Tintagel castle are an awesome sight.  One of the main entertainment attractions in this area is the "Milky Way", an all-weather adventure park involving live shows, rides, sports facilities, entertainment and education for all ages.  Choose a Self Catering let in Bude.

Falmouth

This busy port town is thought by some to be the 3rd largest deep-water natural harbour in the world.  There is plenty to do here including visiting the Pendennis Castle, a 450 year old fort from which there are great views of Falmouth.  Also, Falmouth is home to the National Maritime Museum, (a famous Cornish Attraction,) which offers a fascinating look into the maritime history of Cornwall.  In addition to all this, Falmouth boasts some of the finest beaches in the south coast of Cornwall.  

And if you're staying in Falmouth, the Halford River is not far south. Here you can hire River boats and explore the beaches and shores of the estuary.

Fowey

There are many medieval buildings in Fowey, a natural harbour town on the South-East coast, at the mouth of the River Fowey.  There is also a beach at Readymoney Cove sheltered by cliffs.  Positioned at the mouth of the River Fowey, the town is a natural harbour and is busy with trawlers and yachts.  During the summer months you can hire dinghies or motor boats and explore the river.   Nearby is St. Catherines Castle, a small defensive fort built by Henry VIII.  Self Catering Accommodation in Fowey.

Hayle

Based at the Hayle Estuary, Hayle is the place to stay in Cornwall if you are interested in bird watching.  Hayle beach is three miles of gorgeous golden sand.  Amongst the sand dunes are the remains of first world war explosives factory.  Paradise Park is a theme park based a small zoo.  If you're after some liquid refreshment, The Bucket of Blood is a good old-fashioned pub that'll serve you a good ale.  And for watersports, look no further than Gwithian beach near Godrevy.  If you're travelling around Cornwall, make sure to take the St. Ives - Hayle train, which takes a lovely, scenic, coastal route.  Find a place to stay in Hayle.

Helston

The market town (market day is monday) of Helston is situated on the south coast of Cornwall, and is the closest town to the southern-most point of mainland Britain - Lizard Point, (it's a misconception that the south-most point is Land's End.) There is great walking in this area - many coves to explore and views to enjoy. The town itself displays much fine Georgian and Victorian architecture. Try out the local brew, Spingo, if you dare! at the Blue Anchor, an old monks rest house, which became a tavern in the 1400s. As such, it is sometimes claimed that this is the oldest private brewery in the country.  Self Catering Accomodation in Helston

Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly are an archipelago  of more than 100 seperate islands.  St. Mary's, Tresco, Bryher, St. Martins, St. Agnes are the larger of these and are all inhabited.  The others are not.  The Isles are a great base for diving, with a large array of marine life and some great wrecks to explore.  Other watersports such as kayaking, windsurfing, and just generally exploring in boats are popular here. 

Launceston

A market town near the border between Cornwall and Devon, Launceston is known as the "Gateway to Cornwall."  (Parts of the town's protective walls still remain.)  It was also the ancient capital of Cornwall and so there is much to see and do here, including many old and interesting churches.  The main attraction here is Launceston Castle, sitting impressively on a large natural mound.  The views from here are fantastic.  Good place for golf too - there are two golf courses in Launceston.  Self Catering Accommodation in Launceston .

Liskeard

Liskeard is an old stannary and market town positioned in North-East Cornwall, on the edge of Bodmin Moor. There is still a big market on thursday mostly involving large numbers of cattle. This is the main cattle market for the surrounding area. The town has interesting architecture with many Victorian shop fronts and a 15th century town church with a 17th century pulpit and 1902 tower.Stuart House is a 16th century town house now used as an arts and heritage centre. Here, arts and crafts are exhibited and sold, and there is a garden at the back laid out as a 17th century Gentlemens' Garden. The mesmeric attraction Carnglaze Caverns are also nearby Liskeard. Self Catering in Liskeard

Looe

Looe is a small fishing town on the South-East coast of Cornwall, actually comprising of two towns, East Looe and West Looe, which are connected by an early 19th century bridge.  There are some lovely beaches in the area and its an excellent base for fishing or diving.  All day sea fishing trips, speedboat trips around the coast, and watching the sea-life in a glass-bottomed boat are but a few of the many ways to enjoy this lovely area in the water.  Meanwhile, the  town itself has retained its medieval character, with narrow, winding streets teeming with art galleries.  On New Years Eve, the roads are closed to traffic from  6pm to 2am, while the people dress up in all sorts of fancy dress costumes.  But if you want to spend the New Year in one of the pubs or Inns make sure that you book well in advance as they are often ticket only and sold out months in advance.  Find Accommodation in Looe.

Newquay

Famed for its massive array of 11 beaches and for being the watersports base of Britain that it is, Newquay, on the north coast is one of the most popular destinations in Cornwall.  Attractions in Newquay itself include The Blue Reef Aquarium, home to many exotic species of sea-life, and containing open top tanks to allow close proximity to friendly rays.  Find a place to stay in Newquay.

Padstow

Padstow is another fishing village, but on the north coast.  Rick Stein has raised the house prices here by opening five eateries, so you can be assured of being able to eat well in Padstow.  Padstow retains some of its path with medieval buildings and old winding streets.  Being on the west side of the Camel Estuary, Padstow is nicely sheltered and also enjoys a very mild climate being so far South and West.  There is a water taxi service between Padstow and Rock, near Wadebridge.   Self Catering Accommodation in Padstow .

Penzance

The market town of Penzance sits on the South coast of Cornwall and is the nearest sizable town to Lands End., St. Michaels Mount and The Minack Theatre are also nearby. Penzance is very close to the sea and sits in the world-famous Mounts Bay - the beautiful stretch of coastline that runs between Land's End and the true southmost point of mainland Britain, Lizard Point. The town itself contains some Georgian and Regency buildings and some more contemporary architecture. The promenade is also famous, including as is does an open-air seawater Bathing Pool, built in 1935. Find a holiday let in Penzance.

Portreath

A small village on the north coast of Cornwall, which lies at the mouth of a wooded valley just off the shore.  This is a popular beach for more hardy surfers and also bodyboarders.  Less commercial then some of the other resots in Cornwall, it yet has a friendly vibe and plenty to satisfy tourists in terms of shops and restaurants.  The area is particularly good for walking and some of the old tram-roads from the days of Copper mining have been transformed into cycle paths.  Find Self Catering Accommodation in Portreath.

St. Ives

St. Ives is another fishing town on the north east coast of Cornwall, boasting beautiful beaches and numerous art galleries including the famous Tate at St. Ives, which hosts the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. This unique setup includes sculptures in bronze, stone and wood as well as paintings and drawings.  Find Self Catering Accommodation in St. Ives.

St. Teath

In North Cornwall, St Teath is a small village with a great sense of community - you'll find the website full of information about the village - try the pub for really good value food and drink.