Cornwall
Cornwall literally means 'land's corner', and viewed on a map, it is the nation's south-western leg, stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean. The history here is of a fiercely independent people, proud fishermen, wealthy tin traders, and miners often supplementing their salaries with the odd spot of smuggling! Sun-worshippers will discover superb sandy beaches, with the warmest average temperatures in the country. Meanwhile, foodies will delight in some of the best seafood restaurants in Europe.__________________________________________________________________
Cotehele
On the slopes of the River Tamar, which acts as border between the counties of Devon and Cornwall, sits Cotehele. It is one of the most original medieval houses in the country, with a fascinating history and a picturesque surrounding landscape that will appeal to all the family. (Read more...)
Lanhydrock
A number of local guidebooks state that Lanhydrock is the grandest stately home in Cornwall, and there must some truth in this, as the National Trust claim it is the most visited house in England. There are over 50 rooms on show and extensive gardens parklands and woodlands. (Read more...)
Launceston Castle
Launceston Castle reflects the surrounding moors: bleak, hard and moody, and provides a glimpse into the Duchy of Cornwall’s medieval military past. Sitting on the county borders, from the old town below it has the resemblance of an unforgiving pass, the Duchy on the left hand side, and Devon on the right. (Read more...)
Pencarrow
Close to the Bodmin Moor in the county of Cornwall lies the fine Georgian house of Pencarrow. The interiors alone are worth a visit, but outside you will be able to enjoy 50 acres of park, woodlands and lake in a landscape that also features a renowned grade II listed garden featuring exotic plantings. (Read more...)
Pendennis Castle
Guarding the Cornish town of Falmouth, Pendennis Castle and its neighbour St Mawes Castle face each other across the estuary of the River Fal, the ‘key to Cornwall’. This really is a great castle for the whole family to explore, commanding fine views of the Cornish coastline. (Read more...)
Prideaux Place
On a hill above the Cornish fishing village of Padstow lies Prideaux Place, a country home with period interiors reflecting a microcosm of Cornish history throughout the past five centuries, and all set in a landscape of gardens and woodlands overlooking a deer park and the estuary of the River Camel. (Read more...)
St Mawes
Guarding the Cornish town of Falmouth, St Mawes Castle sits opposite its neighbour, Pendennis Castle, at the mouth of the River Fal, the third largest natural harbour in the world. It can be reached by car ferry through pretty Cornish countryside, or passenger ferry, across from Falmouth. (Read more...)
St Michael’s Mount
Shrouded in romance and mystery, and in a truly magnificent setting off the southern Cornish coast, St Michael’s Mount is linked to the mainland by a narrow causeway, and boasts a history stretching back to pre-history, during which time it has operated as a trading port, monastery, shrine, fortress and mansion. (Read more...)
Tintagel Castle
As romantic ruins go, Tintagel Castle takes some beating. Perched high on a cliff face above the raging Atlantic Ocean below, its dramatic placement offers mythical mystery with a ‘wow’ factor. Visitors should be prepared for a steep-ish climb before being rewarded with spectacular views over the north Cornish coastline. (Read more...)
Trebah Gardens
Described as the ‘Garden of Dreams’, Trebah Gardens is a steeply wooded 25-acre ravine edging down a sheltered valley, full of tree ferns, waterfalls, and rhododendrons, as it leads down to the sandy Polgwidden Cove, a secluded beach on the Helford river. It’s wild, enchanted and full of beautiful surprises. (Read more...)
Trelissick Garden
Near the small settlement of Feock, on the outskirts of the city of Truro, the administrative capital of Cornwall, sits the memorable Trelissick Garden. Located in a spectacular setting, it features glorious views over Fal River estuary and Carrick roads down to the town of Falmouth itself. (Read more...)