South Coast of Cornwall
The South coast gives visitors a chance to see a different aspect of the county. Here you can find woodland valleys, historic castles, and picturesque harbour towns. This area is generally more serene and sheltered than the wilder North coast, and illustrates the diversity that Cornwall offers.
The bustling town of Falmouth has something happening year round. Foodies will have a wonderful time here. Seafood features prominently (as you would expect) but there’s also a great selection of pubs by the quaysides, fine restaurants, and Rick Stein has a fish and chip shop in the town.
Aspiring sailors will love this area. Falmouth has the third largest natural deep water harbour in the world, so there are plenty of options for sailing and fishing trips. You can partake in many other watersports, including surfing, snorkelling and windsurfing, around the beautiful Fal estuary and the Helford river. If observing is more your thing, the Falmouth Regatta and the Pendennis Cup attract thousands of sailing enthusiasts every year.
For those who prefer to keep their feet on terra firma, there are many walks you can enjoy, from bracing cliff hikes to rambles through farmland or idyllic valleys. The Helford River, with its lush landscapes and peaceful scenes, is a favourite, or how about lunch at Castaways Wine Bar in nearby Mylor, overlooking the yacht harbour, followed by a walk along the coastal path?
Gardens abound in this part of the county, including Glendurgan, Trelissick and Trebah Gardens. The mild climate means that many plants from warmer shores can thrive here, making for an exotic and colourful spectacle.
Whatever time of year you visit, take a ferry ride along the estuary to Truro or St Mawes, for a different perspective on the outstanding scenery along the way. Other attractions include the National Maritime Museum, which has an observation window looking out into the waters of the harbour, and a Tudor fortress at Pendennis Castle.
There is a wide variety of unique craft and gift shops and art galleries, attesting to the artistic integrity of the area; many painters, photographers, sculptors and others find inspiration here.
Other places of note include the rugged landscape of The Lizard, the southernmost point of mainland Britain, Kynance Cove, and similar sheltered coves, abounding in breathtaking views and legends of shipwrecks and smugglers. Cadgwith Cove is a lovely secluded cove and typical of the charming fishing villages Cornwall has in abundance. The harbour at Porthleven is definitely worth a visit, and a meal at The Ship Inn is a must!
Nearby is Mullion, with a lovely thatched pub, The Old Inn, a pottery, and Trenance Chocolate, where you can pick up a souvenir of your trip (if it lasts until you get it home!)
