There is something strange about flying to Europe and beyond in search of the sun. You pass some of the most beautiful countryside and coastline – right here in Blighty.
Everyone knows that Cornwall is a tourist hotspot, attracting tens of thousands of visitors in the summer months. But on our last visit we didn’t hear a single Caledonian accent.
As a child my family followed a caravan from near Glasgow on an annual 500-mile pilgrimage to the Cornish coast, and for the last six or seven years I have followed the same roads south with my wife and two children.
Why my countrymen seem to ignore this magnificent part of our green and pleasant country is a mystery to me.
Sure, it’s a bit of a drive, but you can stop at some beautiful, historic towns and villages along the M6 and M5 to break up the journey.
Steven Henry and his family were holidaying in Boscastle, a “picturesque” town and harbor on the north coast of Cornwall. Above you can see Boscastle Harbour
And if you feel like it, planes and trains will get you there at the right time.
But what keeps pulling us back? Well, every trip guarantees something different.
This year we stayed at the beautiful Fuchsia Cottage in Boscastle, the picturesque seaside town and harbor between Padstow (of Rick Stein fame) and the surfer’s paradise of Bude.
If you are looking for an authentic Cornish cottage then this is it. Low pitched roofs, exposed beams, log fire and fantastic views over the nearby hills and the Bristol Channel.
A historic holiday home that sleeps four people (and pets are welcome). The raised garden is perfect for sitting with a strong coffee and the morning paper and enjoying the tranquility of Boscastle.
Steven lived in the “beautiful” Fuchsia Cottage in Boscastle. “If you’re looking for an authentic Cornish cottage, this is it,” he says
A bird’s eye view of the Boscastle coastline. “There are countless beaches in the region,” says Steven
If you decide to take a trip into the city – and you really should, because the city is beautiful – be warned that the extremely pleasant descent on the way back becomes a long hike. However, there’s always the Napoleon Inn to quench your thirst when things get too much. Just a stone’s throw from Fuchsia Cottage, this beautiful pub appears to have changed little since it was built in the 16th century.
This is how a traditional pub should be: cozy and welcoming with a wide selection of beers and lagers on tap and top quality food from the kitchen. There is even talk of a ghost or two. One of our late-night visits coincided with a performance by the Boscastle Buoys, an a cappella band who sing familiar (and sometimes salty) sea chants.
Boscastle is also home to the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. Unlike any other museum I have ever visited, it is alternately fascinating and deeply disturbing.
Widemouth Bay, pictured, “has ample parking and is the perfect mix of rock pools and wide sandy beaches.”
The Museum of Witchcraft and Wizardry, pictured above, is “by turns fascinating and deeply disturbing.”
Boscastle is situated between Padstow (pictured in the background) and the surfing paradise of Bude
Children’s entry is at the discretion of the accompanying adults and I would say this was fair warning. Some of the exhibits might raise your eyebrows, but you’d be crazy to miss the experience while you’re in town.
Exploring museums is all well and good, but every visit to the Cornish coast also includes a visit to the beach.
We spent most of our days on the sand. Only rain could stop the game, and even then it had to be a real downpour.
There are many beaches to be found in the region and we prefer Widemouth Bay. There is plenty of parking and is the perfect mix of rock pools and wide sandy beaches.
Oh, and there’s a great little cafe too.
If you like donning a wetsuit in the middle of a farmer’s field before diving down a 350-foot slide and slide, Cornwall has that too.
Three of these “mega chips” appeared in Cornwall this year.
I can’t say that I was entirely thrilled at the prospect of throwing myself off a tower down a hundreds of meters of waterlogged slide. But the grin proved that the grown-ups loved it as much as the little ones.
There is always something new to visit – and pies and cream teas to enjoy. On second thought, maybe I should have this place so overlooked by the Scots for myself.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
