"Putting the "corn" back in Cornwall" Top 5 Page for this destination Cornwall by iandsmith

Cornwall Travel Guide: 1,818 reviews and 3,951 photos

Hidden beauty

Cornwall has been described as an average picture in a glorious frame. Now that I have been there I can see why someone might end up with that impression. The rolling countryside at times is pleasant without being outstanding while the mysterious fishing villages and dramatic cliffs have an aura all their own.
To my mind though, this belies the hidden treasures that an average traveller could easily bypass. Having joined the National Trust at Corfe Castle for a measly 48 pounds for the two of us (there was an internet special on) it was only fair and reasonable I got my money's worth. Suffice it to say that we had comfortably done that even before we left Cornwall.
Treasures such as Lanhydrock, Cothele, Trelissick, Trengwainton and Mont St. Michael are there to be viewed, and look we did.
I vividly remember when Rosemarie and I were in the small museum at Lanhydrock and she beckoned me to the window. I thought all my Christmasses had come at once. Hastening outside I proceeded to rack off about half a roll of film on this stunning garden. I do hope you find something pleasant about it as well.

It's all about fishing villages

"....difficult mooring situation."

Think Cornwall and you can't help but think fishing villages. Every nook and cranny carved by unrelenting nature into the coastline seems to be a harbour for at least a couple of vessels and, more often that not, the tide seems to be out.
Tales of smugglers, brigands and just plain fishermen abound, so much so that in this village of Polperro they even have a museum of it all.
It just amazed me how some people make a living out of this industry, beset by the vagaries of the weather and the difficult mooring situation.

Gone to the dogs

Bridge at Cothele

After a few days, we couldn't help but remark on the number of dogs we'd seen. They seemed to be at every historical place we went to but we really freaked out when we saw people walking them around the precipitous Tintagel. It turns out that it's an English thing of course. Cornwall was no different to the rest of the country and I have to say that the dogs certainly seemed to be happy ones.
Of course, "gone to the dogs" is a descriptive term that can be used in many different ways these days and I applied it to the weather I encountered during our week on the peninsula.
It rained for five and a half days out of the seven and, the best day of all was slightly blighted by the fresh to strong winds that buffetted Fowey. This was balanced somewhat by the meeting with fellow VTers Sir Geoff and his lovely wife Mary.
I remember taking this shot when the weather had "gone to the dogs". Nearly stuck in mud with wind and driving rain, umbrella in one hand and camera in the other, I held little hope that you would even be able to see anything without it being blurred but, in the end, my perseverance was rewarded.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Glorious gardens, lovely coastal villages, lots to see
Cons:Weather
In a nutshell:Different from the rest of England, mostly due to the weather

Last visit to Cornwall: Oct 2005
Intro Written Nov 27, 2005
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (67)

Cambourne - a moving experience Favorites (21)

It's not only the Roman Empire that rose and fell. This town still does - every day! Just the thing for your trivia... more travel advice

The crumbling coastal ruin, where copper stains - Cornwall

Monuments to the past Things to Do (41)

By the 18th Century machine driven pumps were invented. The pumps were installed (1710) to remove the accumulating water... more travel advice

A potted history of the tin men Things to Do (41)

They're all over Cornwall. Tin mainly. That's what they used to mine but it copper and zinc was what started it all. At... more travel advice

Levant Things to Do (41)

Levant is an old disused tin mine, although, just over the rise, there is a current mine. All you have to do is follow... more travel advice

Hotels (5)
See All The grounds

Been to Cornwall?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (22)

easterntrekker Dec 28, 2010 at 3:17 PM Report Abuse

Looks like a wonderfulplace to visit. Lanhydrock...WOW! Thanks for sharing!
ardnas67 Nov 24, 2008 at 9:58 AM Report Abuse

love to read your tips about Cornwall. We'll visite it the coming year. greetings Sandra
ranger49 Aug 26, 2008 at 2:03 AM Report Abuse

We joined the NT on a visit to Lanhydrock in 1984 - a good decision. We are looking forward to a week on Bodmin Moor next month - your pages are an excellent refresher. Many Thanks.
budapest8 Sep 1, 2007 at 2:16 PM Report Abuse

Just noticed I visited these pages before, but still Very impressive Cornwall pages. Enjoyed reading the tips.If there is an attraction to see or a good view, be sure u will find a paying car park, maye a souvenir shop or cafe.. Tim
Mariajoy May 5, 2007 at 12:38 AM Report Abuse

Another fabulous page - I could while away the morning reading about Cornwall, the land of my ancestors, but I have things to do.. I'll be back later to finish reading.. "good service and plastic chairs" LOL! :))
rexvaughan Apr 3, 2007 at 6:35 AM Report Abuse

Am considering a short foray into Cornwall this year. As always your tips are interesting, personal, humorous and informative. Thanks. Hope all is well down under.
whitecliff62 Dec 30, 2006 at 2:58 AM Report Abuse

Ian, looks like you had a great time down there in Cornwall, such a beautiful part of England, all the best Cliffie
Bwana_Brown Sep 28, 2006 at 4:17 AM Report Abuse

Wow, Ian, you really covered a lot of ground in Cornwall! Great tips and photos that bring back many memories of warm summer days spent in this 'end of England'!! So much history and cliffs to boot!
TheWanderingCamel Sep 24, 2006 at 6:45 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for calling in at our Cornwall page! I very much appreciate your remarks coming from someone who has such a great page himself! Lulu
deecat Jul 30, 2006 at 7:53 PM Report Abuse

You are correct...I did enjoy your Cornwall pages. (especially the gardens) All of the tips are a combination of interesting, entertaining, personable, thorough, and helpful to travelers.