With COVID-19 having kept us from being able to fly to every corner of the world, it really makes us appreciate what we have not far from our doorstep. For me, my favourite staycation would be Southern Cornwall. Here are the 5 places I believe you can’t miss when you visit.
The Minack Theatre
This historical theatre built into the cliffs of Porthcurno has a fascinating history and the most stunning views. Built 86 years ago by Rowena Cade and her gardener, Billy Rawlings, they created a Roman Ampitheatre into the granite rocks. The entry fee is £6 for Adults.
As well as a beautiful theatre to explore are the Minack Gardens, all while overlooking the Atlantic ocean. The theatre has areas for you to be able to sit and take in the scenery, while they often have someone giving a dramatic telling of how the theatre became what it is today. If you have the opportunity to see a show one evening when visiting Cornwall, I highly recommend you get a ticket.
St Ives
St Ives is my favourite town in Southern Cornwall. With pretty little streets with plenty of shops, beaches and great places to eat with a gorgeous harbour view, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this seaside town.
St Ives is famous for its artistic influence and being home to the greatest artistics and scultures in the world. Whilst you are there, you must visit the Tate Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art as well as the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.
Once you have been around both galleries, you haven’t visited Cornwall without grabbing a cornish pasty and sitting on the beach to eat it while you fight off the seagulls. Protect your food. They are aggressive. There are 3 beaches to choose from – Porthgwidden Beach, Bamaluz Beach and Harbour Sand. Depending on where the tide is, depends on where you can sit at certain times in the day.
Finally, you must get a brownie from St Ives Bakery and some fudge to take home from one of the traditional cornish fudge stores, there are a few to choose from. For me, that ends a perfect day in my favourite seaside town.
Lands End
Lands End is one of Cornwall’s top tourist attractions. Although it does have some admittedly tacky and touristy shops at the entrance, once you get past that you are surrounded by a beautiful panoramic view of the Atlantic ocean.
There is a stunning coastal walk towards Sennen Cove, which is probably my favourite walking path in England. Keep an eye out for the abandoned ship wreckage between the rocks. The cliffs and sounds of crashy waves create the chilled walk we all need when we go on holiday.
Penzance
Penzance is a quirky historic port known for its pirates. It is rather run-down but I love the streets and promenade walk. You can go visit the Trinity House National Lighthouse Museum and Penlee House Gallery & Museum. This is my favourite place to visit in Penzance and is home to artwork of my favourite artist, Dame Laura Knight. I have a print of her artwork framed in my house. They do a range of exhibitions and I have loved the couple I have been to. Follow that by getting Fraser’s Fish and Chips to eat on the seafront. It’s a great Cornish day out.
St Michaels Mount
A stunning tidal island just off Marazion with a few shops, a church and a castle. With the castle so full of history and the grounds so stunning to walk around. To get across to the island you have to wait for the tide to go out to be able to walk the causeway. You can find the daily times that they are open here as it depends on the tide each day.
Entry to the castle is £11.50 and entrance to the terraced gardens is £8.50. There is something so satisfying about walking while the sea is either side of you as you make your way across to the island and back again.
Sun, Sea and Solo 