Top 6 things to see and do in Cornwall
This is 'Coates in Cornwall'. Cornwall resident and adventurer, Tiffany Coates, tells us her top tips for exploring the land of the pasty!
We caught up with Cornwall resident, Armchair Adventure Festival speaker and adventure motorcyclist Tiffany Coates, to find out what we should do if we have some extra time to explore the South West when we head down to The Armchair Adventure Festival this September. Here's Tiff's top tips!
If you’re heading down for the Armchair Adventure Festival, you’re in for a treat- not only the event itself which will be fantastic, but the remote nation (yep, we’re heading for independence right behind the Scots) of Cornwall is an incredible place to explore.
September is a great month to visit my picturesque home county– fewer visitors, the weather is still balmy, and the sea is at its warmest. From Mediterranean-style blue sea and white sand beaches, to moorlands and hills inland, here's five (or six!) things to see and do in one of the UK’s most spectacular counties.
1. Hit the beach - Cornwall boasts the longest coastline amongst England’s counties (don’t believe the online pretensions of Essex and its estuaries) and yet is home to less than 1% of the population – that’s a lot of beach space for visitors. So which ones to visit.
There are the famous Instagram beaches, such as Kynance Cove and Sennen but also many great hidden coves and little-known coastal spots to visit, try St Agnes on the north coast, just below Newquay or Coverack on the Lizard Peninsula, close to Helston.
2. Walk to a castle at sea - St Michael’s Mount near Penzance is a must-see. A castle perched on a small island, off-shore but still close enough that at low tide it’s possible to walk across on a causeway. Head over to enjoy a look around the gardens or a tour of the castle which dates back 800 years- that’s a lot of history.
3. Ride the incredible coastal roads - My most scenic route to ride (or drive) is the coastal route between Lands End and St Ives, a sweeping, twisty road with hills on one side and sea on the other passing through tiny villages hewn from the granite rocks around them.
4. Take a trip back in time - If it’s history and legends that appeal, then the mighty Tintagel Castle, fabled home of King Arthur is a must see. Standing proud on the rugged north coast, with plenty of beaches nearby to visit as well.
5. Taste the local delicacies - Head to the Roseland Peninsula, it's a great place to explore, with tiny harbours, great walks, traditional pubs and don’t forget to pause at a tea shop to enjoy a Cream Tea served with real Cornish Clotted Cream - just don’t forget it’s jam first! While we’re on the subject of food, a Cornish Pasty is a must, with several bakeries claiming to serve the best ones, Philps Pasty Shop at Marazion - just a stone’s throw from St Michael’s Mount is award winning and worth a trip.
6 Go whale watching - Take to the waves to spot some of the wildlife that our sea is teeming with, from seals and dolphins to whales, sharks, orcas and even Wally the wandering walrus. Take your camera and go out on a reputable boat that adheres to the ethical code of practice around sea life.
Try Atlantic Adventures in Penzance (http://www.atlanticadventures.co.uk/).
So, there's Tiff's top tips! What a place to explore! Tiff's a long term Armchair Adventure Festival supporter and one of the world's foremost adventure motorcyclists. She has racked up over 300,000 miles on her motorbike and has been almost every where on her travels! Tiff will be talking about her adventures along with a whole host of other adventurers at The Armchair Adventure Festival, Mount Edgcumbe, Cornwall from 24th-26th September.
Join us for a weekend of pasties, clotted cream, exploring the coastline and inspiring tales of adventure! Find out more here.
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