When the rain is pouring in London a place of sunshine and solace within reach seems like an impossibility. Cornwall really benefits from its Southern position – every time I visit I feel like the sun appears as soon as the train reaches the bridge welcoming you into ‘Cornwall’. First Great Western offer a number of services daily that transport you from dreary London into the picturesque Cornish countryside in under five hours.
Picking a place to visit in Cornwall can be tricky, St Ives is wonderful, Mousehole is adorable, Penzance is so pretty… there is something for everyone whether you want sports and activities, a family country holiday or a private cottage retreat. Long energising walks, seaside frolics and pasties are all a must though, wherever you choose to stay.
Take a trip to Truro, Cornwall’s capital and discover a wealth of historic interest and at least a weekend’s worth of activities and adventures. Here are a few of my suggestions for this part of the world:
1) Truro’s architecture is both varied and spectacular – wander through the cobbled Georgian streets and admire the city’s glorious Gothic cathedral.
2) Every Wednesday and Saturday you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of Truro Farmers Market on Lemon Quay – pick up some fresh fruit and veg and potter around the shops.
3) Visit Mylor, hire a canoe for an hour and work up an appetite before returning back to the harbour for a delicious breakfast and superb roast coffee at Mylor café.
4) Discover Rick Stein’s culinary delights at his fish & chips restaurant and takeaway. This renowned chef offers Cornish seafood at its very best.
5) Board the Enterprise Boats to Trelissick Gardens to see the four summer houses and find a perfect picnic spot.
6) The epic National Maritime Museum of Cornwall is currently celebrating its tenth anniversary and over its five floors and fifteen galleries it illustrates the past, present and future of this island nation. Kids go free.
7) If you are keen on sealife, the Orca Sea Safari is a must… on the boat trip you will be introduced to the wide range of wildlife on the Cornish coastline and, fingers crossed, you might see dolphins, seals or even basking sharks.
8 ) If you have a car and don’t mind the drive, the Minack Theatre is well worth the journey… a magnificent open air stage cut into the cliff edge promises an unforgettable performance beneath the stars.
9) Swanpool is often recommended by locals as the best of the many beaches in and around Truro. Small but friendly with excellent facilities including a watersport centre for you to give a surfing a try.
10) The Lugger is a very special little hotel on the idyllic Portloe coast overlooking a tiny harbour with crystal clear water. With immaculate sea facing rooms and a restaurant that serves wonderful fine food, this hotel will take your breath away ensuring your stay in Cornwall is as memorable and magical as possible.
Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with First Great Western trains.
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Photography by James Lidgett.
***My new travel book, CORNWALL by Weekend Journals is available to order here. Use the code TMM10 to get 10% off.***
