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Cornwall Holiday Cottages
Cornwall is situated on the United Kingdom's South West Peninsula and is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel and the neighboring county of Devon. It is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country, due largely to its magnificent coastline and temperate climate. Details of Cornwall holiday cottages and self catering accommodation follows this guide.
Lands End is the westernmost point in the UK and is set near a mass of steep granite cliffs and sheltered coves. This region, which includes the popular resort of Penance, is warmer than most parts of the UK and boasts a climate mild enough to encourage sub-tropical plant-life. The Lizard, taken from the Cornish words lisp (palace) and yard (high) seems almost detached from the rest of Cornwall and has acquired AONB status. It consists of hidden coves, white-washed fisherman's cottages and sheltered harbours.
The distinctive coast is peppered with a number of picturesque fishing villages such as St. Ives, Gunwalloe and Coverack. Before the advent of railed travel, these towns and hamlets relied on fishing. Now tourism is the primary industry, with visitors coming from all over the world to experience the charm and mystery of Cornwall.
Inland, the county consists of windswept uplands such as Bodmin Moor and the granite moorlands of Dartmoor - the highest region in Cornwall. Designated as a National Park, this area is a popular destination for hikers and ramblers. For more information about self catering accommodation in Cornwall, visit the link below.
Cornwall self-catering attractions
This section contains more detailed information about top visitor attractions, restaurants and pubs in the country of Cornwall. Links, opening times and locational information are provided.
Outdoor activities
Crealy Adventure Park is a popular visitor attraction, especially with children and features a range of roller-coster rides, a playtime farm and a Viking pirate ship. The park includes top-notch facilities and helpful staff devoted to helping visitors make the most out of their day out. Opening times are 10am to 6pm and tickets are between £7 and £14. (Infants are allowed in free).
The Eden Project in Bodelva is also hugely popular and is one of the UK's most important conservationist sites. It includes the world's largest green house and a selection of biomes which houses exotic plants from around the world. Families are well catered for with a number of nature trails, workshops and play areas. It's open from 9.30am to 6.00pm with special discounts available for online bookings.
The World of Model Railways in Mevagissey also provides a good day out and has over 30 model trains that
run through elaborately made landscapes. There's also a shop with a wide collection of trains and accessories from leading brand such as Hornby. Opening hours are 10am to 5pm and tickets are well-priced at just £3.95 for adults and £2.95 for children.
Food and drink
The acclaimed
Sea Food Restaurant in Padstow is well-located next to the sea-front and serves international seafood. Popular dishes include monkfish and local scallops. A children's menu is also provided and families with children older than 3 years are welcome.
The
Gurnard's Head in Treen is also noteworthy and specialises in both contemporary and traditional British cuisine. The interior has a country-pub type feel and features open log fires and wooden falls. It's appeared in a number of culinary guides and holds two AA rosettes.
Also worth visiting is the Pandora Inn, Falmouth, which is beautifully set on Restronguet Creek and built in the 13th century. It has remained largely untouched and retains flagstone floors, a low beamed ceiling and thatched roof. Local ales are served and there's an excellent wine list.
History and Culture
National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth exhibits over 100 boats and craft from the last 150 years including artifacts from the famous ocean-liner, the Titanic. Tintagel Castle is also a major historical attraction and is steeped in Arthurian legend. It dates back to the 13th century and is precariously set on the majestic coastline. Opening times are 10am - 6pm.
Pendennis Castle is also worth seeing and is located at the mouth of the River Fal. Built by Henry VIII to defend against the French, the castle was also used during WWII - underground tunnels built during the conflict can still be seen. Opening hours are 10am - 5pm.