Holiday in Cornwall

What makes Cornwall special as a destination?

Cornwall is England's wild southwest — a dramatic peninsula where rugged cliffs meet turquoise waters, hidden coves lie between rock formations, and the Gulf Stream provides a surprisingly mild climate that allows palms and subtropical gardens to thrive. The county at the very tip of England has its own identity: Celtic roots, a unique (almost extinct) language, and a coastal landscape that is among the most spectacular in Europe. St Ives, once a fishing village, is now one of the most charming small towns in England: Narrow cobbled streets wind down to beaches with turquoise water reminiscent of the Caribbean. The Tate St Ives, an award-winning museum right above Porthmeor Beach, showcases modern art with a sea view. Artists have been drawn to Cornwall's unique light and colors for over 100 years. Tintagel Castle on the stormy north coast is, according to legend, the birthplace of King Arthur: The ruins of a medieval castle cling to steep cliffs high above the Atlantic, connected by a spectacular new bridge (2019) that replicates the old land connection. Merlin's Cave beneath the castle is accessible at low tide. The Eden Project, created in a former clay pit, is one of the world's most ambitious ecology projects: Huge geodesic biomes house tropical rainforests and Mediterranean landscapes under transparent domes. The project demonstrates humanity's dependence on plants and is also a masterpiece of sustainable architecture. The South West Coast Path, at 1,014 kilometers, is England's longest long-distance footpath, circling the entire coast of Cornwall: From Padstow to Land's End and further around the south coast, it offers dramatic cliff views, secluded coves, and encounters with seals, dolphins, and puffins.