Places of interest

Away from the beaches, the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the top family attractions, Cornwall also boasts some must-see destinations. From cultural and artistic centres and historic market towns to fishing ports and the county’s only city, there really is so much to see.

Here we pick out some of our favourites…

Newquay

Let’s start with one of the nearest – Newquay. Just 5 miles from our Cornwall holiday park, this vibrant coastal resort is extremely popular. It’s a great place for surfing (with the world famous Fistral as its flagship beach) and for enjoying fantastic, fresh food, with many restaurants in and around the town. Newquay’s population swells massively in the summer months and so it does get busy – but there is so much to see and do here. Wander around the shops, take in the attractions, pay a visit to the harbour and, of course, make the most of the seven different beaches!

Padstow

Made famous as the home town of celebrity chef Rick Stein, Padstow continues to grow in popularity. With a busy working harbour at its heart, Padstow is thriving little fishing town. As well as Rick’s own restaurant, Padstow is a great place for an evening meal – especially if you’re a fan of fish. It’s also ideal for those who wandering around narrow streets and cosy shops. For outdoor enthusiasts, Padstow is the start and end point for the Camel Cycle Trail and a good base for water sports.

Port Isaac

Port Isaac may look familiar but that’s because you may know it by another name – Portwenn, the fictional home of TV’s most miserable doctor, Doc Martin. Since the show first hit our screens back in 2000, Port Isaac has become a popular place with tourists, wanting to see where the majority of the show is filmed. This charming fishing village is well worth a visit and a great starting points for walks on the north coast. The village centre also has plenty of places where you can pick up a souvenir or a grab a bite to eat.

Truro

Cornwall may only have one city in Truro, but it is rather special. With a beautiful cathedral at its heart, Truro is a small but perfectly formed city. A great place for some retail therapy, Truro has a wonderful feel to it, with its character properties and cobbled streets. It combines a range of national and independent shops and is also home to a mix of restaurants, cafes and bars. Well worth a visit, especially for those who enjoy indulging in a spot of retail therapy…

Falmouth

Regarded as Cornwall’s artistic capital, Falmouth is arguably one of Cornwall’s most lively places to visit. With a university campus and busy working port, Falmouth has garnered a name for itself as one of the South West’s leading cultural destinations. Falmouth’s maritime legacy and coastal culture is a huge part of its charm boasting world class watersports on its sheltered waters including gig rowing, kayaking and diving. The magnificent Pendennis Castle is also well worth visiting if you’re planning a trip to Falmouth.

Wadebridge

Head towards the north coast and you’ll soon pick up signs for Wadebridge. This small town spans either side of the River Camel and was once famous for wool production. With easy access to the Camel Estuary and home to one of the most popular stretches of the Camel Trail, Wadebridge is a busy little town that has forged a reputation as the place to go for independent and boutique shops, bucking the national trend of declining town centres. There’s also a number of great cafes, pubs and restaurants here too.

St Ives

With its turquoise waters, sandy beaches and vibrant shopping streets, it’s little wonder that St Ives is so popular. Home to the Tate St Ives art gallery, the town, like Falmouth, has a reputation as a centre of art and culture in Cornwall. St Ives is a winner of a showcase of national awards including best family holiday destination by Coast magazine and one of the 10 best European beach destinations compiled by TripAdvisor

Fowey

Heading south east and from Nancolleth is our final highlight. The delightful town of Fowey is a truly amazing setting where the Fowey Estuary meets the sea.  The town is packed full of independent shops and is a joy to walk around. It’s also home to the fantastic annual Fowet Regatta, featuring a display by the Red Arrows. You can also enjoy a bite to eat at the many cafes and restaurants or why not take a boat trip over the water to neighbouring Polruan?