Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the southwest peninsula of Great Britain, Cornwall, enjoys a subtropical climate. There are many beautiful and interesting spots to visit in Cornwall, including charming fishing villages, subtropical flora, and seaside fun to draw visitors of all kind to the area. The rugged coast intertwines with sandy bays making it a beautiful place to explore.
This part of Great Britain is decidedly unique and is well worth a visit. The following 5 spots will most certainly not disappoint visitors:
St. Ives
St. Ives is perched above the sea with picturesque beaches, colorful flowers, cobblestone pathways and decent surf. It's easily accessible by rail or car from London. One telling sign of a great place to visit is somewhere that people describe as "an artists’ haven" and St. Ives is most certainly one of these. While visiting the area, be sure to take a moment to stop by the Tate St. Ives, a distinguished art gallery where traditional local art meets new ideas and works.
Minack Theatre
The Minack Theatre is Conwall's world famous open-air theatre, sitting high above the rugged cliffs of Porthcurno. The theatre was built by Rowena Cade, in the early 1930s, who bought the land for 100 GBP! Visitors can come to see the breathtaking views and explore the theatre, while others might enjoy taking in one of the many performances that are put on during the summer season.
The Lizard
The Lizard is the southernmost peninsula in Britain and it's where you’ll find a rugged coastline exposed to the elements of the open sea. In some of the coves protected by the rugged cliffs, you'll find small fishing villages with colorful boats and thatched roofed houses exist hand-in-hand with the sea. Due to the nature of the peninsula, visitors will need to go out of their way to discover this dramatic piece of land. The land has an exciting history, including a few nautical mishaps and shipwrecks with the Man O’ War Rocks just off its treacherous coast. Also of note to history buffs, Marconi sent his first transatlantic radio message from Poldhu Cove in 1901.
Flora Day in Helston
If you find yoursel traveling in the Cornwall region during the 8th of May, Helston is the place to be. The 8th of May marks Flora Day, the celebration of the arrival arrival of spring. To honor the day, the town of Helston hosts an all day parade including dancing and gorgeous costumes. Loads of visitors celebrate in the streets with a carnival-like atmosphere from morning through the evening. If you plan on taking a trip to the town, be sure to pop in to The Blue Anchor Inn, one of the oldest inns in Britain and has been an operating brewery for 600 years.
Penzance and St. Michaels Mount
Penzance is known to contain some of the most brilliant architecture and illustrious history in all of Britain. It is a market town with great pubs and hidden gems amongst its winding streets that lead to the sea. There is a mysterious feel to the charming village with the tales of smugglers and pirates who once passed through the area. At low tide, walk the causeway to St. Michael’s Mount where a historic and fairytale-like castle sits upon a green hilltop, waiting to be explored.
