The sea and the city

We get the lowdown on the very best of Cornish life from both a local and a visitor from London.

When we’re in need of a beach break, it’s incredibly likely that our minds turn to Mallorca, Fuerteventura, Portugal or maybe even further afield. And while those spots are renowned for their sun-kissed beaches, to only look beyond our own shores is to overlook some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. The Cornish coast is one of England’s gems, home to sweeping white beaches that kiss up against inviting blue waters. When The Guardian put together its list of the top 50 beaches in the world, Cornwall appeared twice, while The Independent’s named three Cornish beaches in its UK top ten.

No flights, no exchange rates and stunning scenery, it’s difficult to think of reasons not to go to Cornwall. But if you still need a little convincing, we sought out the advice of two bloggers, one born and bred Cornish local and one Londoner with a desperate need for a break away from the city. They’ve shared their experiences of life and holidays on the Cornish coast and why it makes for one of the best holiday destinations you could wish for.

The Sea: Anna Clark, Cornish local
https://thecornishlife.co.uk/
What do you associate Cornwall with?

Cornwall always makes me think of stunning coastal landscapes with historic old engine houses from the tin-mining days, beach barbecues in summer, and exploring the countryside with a pasty in one hand and a camera in the other. In autumn and winter, it’s all about getting cosy in a beach-side cafe and watching the waves from afar, or foraging in the hedgerows for blackberries to make jam.

Do you ever escape the coast to feel the buzz of a city?

I rarely want to leave Cornwall, but occasionally in winter – when the days are short and there’s not much to do in the dark evenings – I do feel the need to escape to a city where there is more nightlife and things to do when the weather is horrible.

Which area in Cornwall would you recommend visiting?

There are so many! My favourite areas, however, include the Lizard, a wild and fairly untouristy peninsula with an incredible coastline and beautiful creeks along the Helford river. I also love Porthcurno and Land’s End for the stunning panoramic views of the end of England, and the stretch of coast between St. Agnes and Godrevy, which is full of engine houses, secret coves, and the best beaches.

What activities would you recommend people to go and try?

Of course, if you’re visiting Cornwall, you should probably have at least one surf lesson, just to say you’ve done it. But there’s so much more to do than just that. You could try stand-up paddle boarding at WeSup Cornwall in Falmouth, or explore the Helford river by boat or kayak with Koru Kayaking. If you’re more of a land lover, try a hike or foraging day with Fat Hen.

When do you recommend visiting Cornwall?

July and August are our busiest tourist season, and it tends to get very overcrowded in those months, so I’d suggest a ‘fringe’ month, such as May or September. Recently, we’ve had a run of stunning Octobers, complete with heat waves.

What UK city do you really want to visit?

I haven’t been to Edinburgh yet. Everyone tells me how beautiful it is, so I feel I really should see it for myself. You can get flights there from Newquay airport so I may have to pop up for a trip sometime soon.

If you could sum up life in Cornwall in three words, what would they be?

Relaxed, ‘connected-with-nature’ (I’m counting that as one word!) and balanced.

Photo by: Anna Clark https://thecornishlife.co.uk/

Chapel Porth. Photo by: Anna Clark https://thecornishlife.co.uk/

The City: Katie Brennan
http://bloodyhellbrennan.com/
What do you associate Cornwall with?

Seashores, cliffs, pretty little fishing villages, gripping novels by Daphne du Maurier, piping hot pasties, proper cider, cream teas, and fresh, delicious seafood.

What attracted you to the idea of visiting Cornwall?

It feels as though you’re properly getting ‘away’ without having to leave the UK. Plus, the coastlines and beaches really are the very best in the UK.

Which particular location did you choose in Cornwall and why?

We chose Newquay – we loved that the Travelodge was right by the train station and right in the centre of town, making our travel super easy, plus we were within a stone’s throw of our comfy bed at the end of a long day in the sea air.

What activities would you recommend to people?

Newquay is most famous for the surfing. We weren’t brave enough to try it – I have the sporting prowess of a potato – but we loved watching the surf schools ride the waves from the comfort of the pub on Fistral Beach. I’d also recommend walking the coastal path. You’ll be able to watch the boats bobbing in the harbour, spot heaps of beautiful wildflowers, explore caves, and stumble across pieces of history, like the Huer’s Hut. It’s truly wonderful for the soul to stand on a Cornish cliff on a sunny day and gaze out to sea.

What was your favourite thing about escaping to Cornwall from the city?

The beautiful sights. We were incredibly lucky with the weather, but it was so blue everywhere – big, beautiful skies meeting a glittering sea that went out as far as the eye could see. It was so wonderful to look at such a breath-taking landscape when most of my days are full of London greyness!

If you could sum up your visit in three words, what would they be?

Romantic, colourful, happy.

Would you visit Cornwall again in the future?

Can I go now? Please?

We’d love to hear about your favourite places in Cornwall or memories of holidays on the Cornish coast. Get in touch on Facebook or Twitter #SeaAndTheCity
Photo by: Anna Clark https://thecornishlife.co.uk/

Helford River. Photo by: Anna Clark https://thecornishlife.co.uk/