Places to visit on the weekend: Cornwall

If the emergence of the spring weather has left you pondering a weekend trip away, then Cornwall could well be the ideal destination. If you are studying in the Bristol area then the journey is easier than you would think and transport links from a range of other UK destinations make it a popular choice, especially as the weather looks set to improve further over the coming months.

When it comes to idyllic scenery, beaches, food and drink; locations in this country don’t come much better than Cornwall, even for youngsters so be sure to read on and find out just what you should get up to should you decide to head to the south coast this summer.

Places to visit

Perhaps the most well-known of towns in Cornwall is St Ives. It’s one of Cornwall’s most visited places thanks to its picturesque harbour area, four beautiful beaches and fine array of cafes, bars and restaurants that offer up some of the most delicious food you can find in the region. For travellers looking for a holiday closer to home, St Ives has everything and is a must-visit to anyone who wishes to book a relaxing long weekend away where they can taste culinary delights and explore the winding cobbled streets of this popular fisherman’s town. For a quieter visit to Cornwall, The Lizard Peninsula offers a magnificent coastline with the most spectacular views. Students looking to escape the rigours of the current term will be greeted with peace and tranquillity with beautiful countryside, rivers and parks to explore. Those looking for Cornwall beaches will find some of the best on The Lizard with Kennack Sands and Kynance Cove being two that should be at the top of everyone’s list. Avid walkers will do well to visit or stay in Polperro, the charming harbour village in the south-east of Cornwall. Narrow winding streets and old stone cottages surround the quay which was once popular with fishermen and still packed with boats. With its quaint pubs and cafes, Polperro offers good access to the coastal path for walkers.

Things to do in Cornwall

From sunbathing by one of the many beautiful beaches to chancing upon breath-taking ruins, Cornwall is packed full of attractions and things to do. Of the most popular of these may well be St Michael’s Mount. The mount can be reached on foot during low tide where a medieval monastery can be found. The chapel and gardens are some of the most beautiful in Cornwall and should be at the top of the list for anyone looking to visit the most popular Cornwall attractions. The Eden Project is open all year round but is best visited outside of peak summer periods. It’s known as one of the world’s largest rainforests in captivity and inside visitors will find themselves amongst thousands of plant species from many diverse climates. In summer, visitors can enjoy rock concerts and in winter, ice skating can be enjoyed.

Attraction with a difference

For something a little different, visitors to Cornwall may choose to visit Geevor Tin Mine, one of Cornwall’s last working tin mines. Enthusiastic guides bring the old buildings to life with stories of the miners back in the day. Not to mention the delicious homemade pasties that can be enjoyed after the tour in the nearby café. For families looking for things to do in Cornwall, Paradise Park is an intriguing place to visit. What once started as a conservation park for birds like parrots and macaws is now a wildlife sanctuary that’s home to penguins, otters and red pandas too. With over 650 birds and animals to see, it’s the perfect day out for all the family.

Beaches in Cornwall

Perhaps the biggest pull to beautiful Cornwall is it’s many beaches. It has a magical coastline with over 400 beaches that are accessible by foot and of all of those, these are our top picks:

- Perranporth Beach
- Charlestown Beach
- Treyarnon Bay
- Porthminster Beach
- Porthmeor Cove

Where to stay in Cornwall

From luxury hotels to unique and carefree campsites, the extensive offering of places to stay in Cornwall make planning a break easy no matter what couples, families or solo travellers are looking for. Hotels in Cornwall come in the form of quaint B&Bs, Cornish pubs, cute cottages and farm barns depending on where you plan to stay. The active seaside holiday towns of Cornwall are packed full of hotels both luxury and charming which can be used as a base to explore rocky cliff faces and sandy beaches as well as sample the fresh seafood straight from the sea.

So, there you have it. A plethora of places to go and things to see should you wish to take a trip to Cornwall and enjoy a relaxing or even action-packed weekend.