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From postcard worthy destinations to hearty cuisine and fascinating culture, our county is a must-visit in the UK. Read on for our top 20 reasons to visit Cornwall.
Arguably best known for picturesque beaches, coastlines and Cornish pasties, the county has so much more to offer visitors. If Cornwall isn’t on your bucket list yet, we’ve got 20 reasons why it should be! Read on to discover more, or experience the perks of Cornish living for yourselves.
Breath-taking beaches
From top surfing destinations such as Perranporth and Sennen, to unspoilt natural beauty spots like Porthcurno and Pedn Vounder Beach. We couldn’t possibly begin to list all the gorgeous spots for a beach day in Cornwall.
Cornish pasties
You are never more than a few metres away from a pasty when in Cornwall (or at least that’s what we think anyway)! Locals will argue over which bakery does them better, but if you haven’t taken a bite of a proper Cornish pasty yet, you’re in for a treat.
Lively festivals
From world-class headliners at music festivals such as Boardmasters, Eden Sessions and Tunes in the Dunes to the famous food festival in Porthleven and oh-so-Cornish Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, we know how to throw a party here in Cornwall.
Arts and culture
The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Tate in St Ives, the legendary Minack Theatre carved into the cliffs overlooking Porthcurno Beach and Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens are just a few places to get on your to-do list. Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature is also a great annual event.
Glorious gardens
The county has an abundance of sub-tropical paradisal gardens and luscious stretches of countryside to potter around on a bright day. Some of our top recommendations include Trebah Gardens, The Lost Gardens of Heligan and Pinetum Gardens.
Local tipples
Sink a swift pint of Cornish ale from the likes of Sharp’s Brewery, or treat yourself to a delicious gin cocktail created from Tarquin’s Gin in true Cornish style. At The Alverton we love celebrating all the local tipples at our annual Gin and Cornish Drinks Festival. Come along to sample some of the best beverages in the county, and meet the suppliers behind the brands.
Succulent seafood
We have access to freshly caught fish and seafood right on our doorstep. Stroll down any Cornish town or village and you’ll probably stumble across a handful of fish and chip shops and restaurants or cafes serving something caught from the Cornish waters.
Think sizzling pan-seared scallops, delicate mackerel fillets, line-caught lobster and moreish mussels. Our personal Alverton recommendation would be our chef Liam’s catch of the day recipe, a summertime classic perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a taste of Cornwall.
Claim to fame
The much-loved Doc Martin series starring Martin Clunes was filmed in beautiful Port Isaac and the popular BBC adaptation of Winston Graham’s classic historical novels, Poldark was captured in various locations across Cornwall. The most recent claim to fame comes from the BAFTA award-winning film Bait, much of which was filmed in Charlestown harbour and West Penwith.
Fascinating history
Visit the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth, perfect for boating enthusiasts, take a walk along the coast to visit the famous Wheal Coates tin mine or visit our grade II* listed hotel to immerse yourself in nineteenth century architecture and original features from the previous Cornish convent many moons ago. There’s so much to discover when you delve back into Cornwall’s timeline.
Cosy pubs
If you’re looking for an authentic Cornish experience, head on down to one of the charming local pubs dotted around the various towns and villages. If you’re looking for a brilliant pub vibe with harbour views, we’d recommend The Working Boat in Falmouth, situated just below our sister hotel The Greenbank.
Fairytale-worthy castles
You may already be familiar with St Michael’s Mount, and take it from us, it is even more stunning in person than on Instagram! With a mysterious causeway only accessible during low tide, stroll across or take a boat ride to the floating island ready to explore. Two of Henry VIII’s best-preserved coastal artillery fortresses also sit proudly in Falmouth and St Mawes. You can admire from afar, take a tour of the grounds and even get married in Pendennis Castle.
Plenty of watersports
Whether the water is your second home or you are looking to take the plunge with a new hobby this year, Cornwall has a whole host of watersports to get involved with. So get your wetsuits at the ready next time you’re visiting and make a splash!
Talented musicians
Head to various Cornish events to discover the hidden gems of the musical world. We love showcasing up-and-coming artists at our Summer Garden Sessions. Every Friday from June through to August we have a musician to entertain the crowds of al fresco diners on our terrace, with two for £10 cocktails and tasty bites from our outdoor barbeque.
Scrummy cream tea (done the Cornish way of course)
Hearty home made scones with dollops of fruity jam topped with lashings of Cornish cream. A cream tea is one of our favourite sweet treats down in this neck of the woods. Serve your scones with a pot of Tregothnan loose leaf tea, England’s only tea plantation. Brew up and tuck in!
Beautiful coastal walks
The many paths to choose from, including National Trust walks as well as secret ‘off the beaten track’ routes, make for great reasons to visit Cornwall. Soak up the sweeping sea views and panoramic scenery whilst breathing in some fresh Cornish air and squeezing in a good workout. The rugged coastline caters for all, from light strolls on easy terrain to more advanced treks. Get adventurous, the view always pays off in the end!
Myths and folklore
How about the Cornish piskies or the mesmerising mermaids of the ocean? Cornwall has so many quirky myths and legends that have been told for generations and still have a place in today’s society. Explore King Arthur’s Tintagel, marvel at the history of sorcery in the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle and roam the moors in search of the Beast of Bodmin.
Romantic wedding destinations
The wedding photo opportunities are endless, and the scenery exudes romance.
Marine wildlife
Book a sea safari and pack your binoculars to spot dolphins, whales, basking sharks, seals and all kinds of seabirds. You can also guarantee a sighting of the popular sea creatures at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek.
Dogs dig it here
Stay in one of our dog-friendly rooms at The Alverton where you and your pooch will be pampered from head to paws! With plenty of beaches to roam, waves to swim in and fields to hurtle across, your pooch will be begging to return to Cornwall every year!
Truro
Perched just on the outskirts of the centre, we love being a part of the bustling city. Cobbled streets, a magnificent cathedral and a whole host of independant shops and cafes as well as big high street names, Truro is full of surprises and things to do. We’ve narrowed it down for you with our insider’s guide on how to best spend 24 hours in Truro. Make sure you pop into The Alverton during your visit for some award-winning food in our restaurant, a few cocktails in the bar or a relaxing overnight stay.
Call us on 01872 276 633 or email [email protected].