Cornwall is a popular area for holidays of all descriptions. Firstly Cornwall is surrounded by the sea on the North, South and West coast and this has a big influence on the area. The coastline is spectacular with dramatic cliffs, mixed with rocky coves, glorious sandy beaches interspersed with authentic fishing villages. Cornwall was also an important centre for Tin Mining and the remnants of the mine engine houses with their tall chimneys are present throughout the area. These help to give Cornwall a unique character and flavour and it is a recognised World Heritage Site.
Cornwall also has beaches that compare favourably with anywhere in the world. Long sandy beaches with fresh clear sea water straight from the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the beaches such as Fistral beach in Newquay have waves that attract surfers from all over the world and regularly host surfing competitions. Most of the popular beaches have lifeguards in the summer season who are there to ensure that people bathe safely.
Cornwall also has a good range of attractions. For animal lovers there is Newquay Zoo in Newquay, the Seal Sanctuary in Gweek and Paradise Park at Hayle amongst others. For theme park enthusiasts, Flambards, Holywell Bay and Crealy offer rides that will excite the younger generation. For those seeking an exciting nightlife, Newquay is the largest and most vibrant resort with a large number of bars and nightclubs. Newquay also has attractions for children and a good number of holiday parks in the area which offer affordable family accommodation.
For those looking for activities the coastal path is second to none and offers a walking experience that you will never forget. For those that want to cycle, the roads are narrow and sometimes challenging but the scenery will make it very worthwhile. For those that are interested in boats fishing or sailing, Cornwall has a lot to offer.
For those that appreciate the arts Cornwall has the magnificent Tate gallery in St Ives, built to house some of the paintings of leading artists in the country that have lived in the area. There are also a multitude of small galleries and shops selling an array of paintings, sculptures and prints. Another unique attraction is the Minack Theatre at Porthcurno, where due to the efforts of one very determined Lady an open air theatre has been created on the cliff with the sea as a backdrop.
The fishing villages such as Mousehole also have a special and unique flavour. The small boats on the beach or in the harbours are still used for line fishing or crabbing. The granite cottages on the sea front seem mostly unchanged in hundreds of years and would have many stories to tell of big fishing catches, smuggling, celebrations or sometimes tragedy.
e that is available. Cornwall is known for its fish and seafood. It also has a strong dairy industry which produces high quality cheese, ice cream and clotted cream - ideal for that relaxing afternoon tea with jam and scones. The local meat and vegetables are also of a high quality. Last but not least on the food list is the humble Cornish pasty. What started as a practical means for miners to have food that kept warm and that they could easily carry has turned into a global institution.