Cornwall is the peninsula on the south west of Great Britain with over 200 beaches. Cornwall along with Devon have been the UK tourist hotspots where people return year after year to enjoy its varied north and south coastlines. On the northern and west Atlantic shore it is exposed and wild with sheer cliffs and beaches of fine gold sand to be found at the likes of Watergate Bay, Perranporth, St Ives and Bude.
On the English Channel south coast the white, sandy beaches are more sheltered like at Falmouth. This coastline is known as the Cornish Riviera as it’s more temperate with fine fishing villages. The rivers in this area are also popular with tourists for fishing, boating and canoeing.
The South West Coast Path takes you on a walking tour of both coasts. Lizard Peninsula is a good example of an ophiolite (ocean crust) forming fantastic cliffs at Kynance Cove.
Other attractions in Cornwall are the historic and prehistoric sites legacy of the Bronze Age, the countryside where Celtic crosses rear up from the rugged earth, the museums and the quaint villages. Surfing is very popular in the area with Newquay and Porthtowan providing local and national surf events.
Want some ideas on where to visit?
Every favourite location must be visited for the first time. Want some ideas, why not check out the below small selection of coastal locations, including beaches, activities, things to see and do, and places to stay and eat:
