The Classic Guide to Holidays in Far West Cornwall
You’re right, it does take a while to get here, but when you arrive in the far west of Cornwall, you’ll feel as though you’ve crossed the border into an entirely different country.
That’s not to say that you won’t find the welcome little luxuries we all look for in a holiday - some of the region’s finest restaurants are tucked away in this little corner of Cornwall, watersports are big news here and St Ives is a Mecca for art lovers. Historic houses and gardens, one-off little shops, family attractions, museums and one of the most intriguing theatres on the planet (The Minack - worth visiting even when there are no plays on) - you’ll never be stuck for ways to amuse yourself in the far west of Cornwall.
If beaches are a vital part of your break, you’re in for a real treat - the coastline here is peppered with vast swathes of the whitest sand in Cornwall and the merest hint of sunshine turns the sea turquoise. For bucket and spade fun, the bigger beaches have all those facilities that make a family day on the sand a cinch, from easy parking and loos to cafes and restaurants. If, however, you are feeling more intrepid, this area of Cornwall has some of the most stunning hidden little coves you’re ever likely to clap eyes on; grab an Ordnance Survey map, don sturdy boots (the gorse can be spiteful) and lay claim to your own pristine stretch of sand.
A word of warning - when you’ve comfortably slipped into far west Cornwall time (you’ve stopped rushing and find yourself frequently stopping to admire the view), the urge to stay another week can be overwhelming. Well, you’ve not yet managed to squeeze in that day trip to the Isles of Scilly, and the lady in the newsagents mentioned a good pub in the next village along… You might find yourself planning a return trip before you’ve even got the last bag in the boot for the drive home.
“So raw, diverse and geographically blessed is this land that you could be forgiven for thinking you are in Scotland, Crete and California simultaneously,” Kate and Peter, Classic Designer and Writer.
We've picked the brains of our Classic Team past and present to bring you the inside line on what to see and do in each area of the South West. Read the Local Guide to find out what they have to say about all the best bits that only locals know about. Please note, you will need Adobe Reader to view the Local Guides.
Where to get snug this winter. Ten of the best pubs in the South West with fires. Plus walks, beaches and places to visit before you get cosy with a pint.
The home of the Kelly family since 1100c, this beautiful house is now open on select dates for viewing. Please see their Website for tour dates and how to pre-book tickets.
