Tourists guide to Cornwall 2

Cornwall guide and sightseeing
SummaryThe rugged coastline, spectacular scenery, sheltered fishing villages and picturesque sandy coves lure hordes of visitors to Cornwall every year. It's a place where you can relax on the beach or get active on land, walking part of the South West Coast Path National Trail, or in the waves, sampling the best surf in the UK.There are wonderful family attractions and historic sights, and a wide range of accommodation from self-catering cottages to fabulous waterfront hotels. You'll also find a liberal sprinkling of Michelin stars dotted around the county's restaurants and you're never far from a cosy pub. A top all-round destination.

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Getting there/around CornwallIf you really want to explore Cornwall, then your best option is to drive. Access is via the M4, then the M5 and finally the A30. If this isn't an option, coaches run to most destinations in Cornwall and Penzance coach station is right next to the railway station. By rail, services run from London Paddington and Truro is the main station in the area.You can even fly to Newquay Cornwall Airport from Bristol, Cardiff, Dublin, Leeds-Bradford, Manchester and London Gatwick. If you really want to see the sights in style, why not hire a gorgeous classic car and turn heads wherever you go.
Sightseeing around CornwallThere's lots to keep you busy. Land's End, Britain's most south-westerly spot, has great views and there's also St Michael's Mount, an impressive old monastery which is cut off from the mainland at high tide. The Minack Theatre, near Porthcurno, is an incredible open-air theatre, perched on the edge of a cliff, which has performances from May to September. There are lots of idyllic villages to explore too and St Ives, Mousehole, Cadgwith, Polperro and Fowey are among the prettiest. Art lovers should not miss the Leach Pottery, Barbara Hepworth Museum and St Ives Tate.
If you fancy a hike, then Bodmin Moor is a bleak but imposing heath with bogs and high tors. On the edge is Launceston with its castle, and the Jamaica Inn (as in Daphne du Maurier's famous novel) in Bolventor is great spot for an atmospheric evening drink.

Cornwall family attractions, day trips and shopping experiences
Family attractions in CornwallThe Eden Project is undoubtedly one of the best family attractions in Cornwall. Described as a global garden for the 21st century and built on the site of an old quarry, surrounded by a dramatic landscape, the Project is home to the two largest conservatories in the world. In the larger of these spectacular Covered Biomes (to give them their proper name) you'll find plants from the tropics, and in the other, less humid dome, you'll find Mediterranean, South African and Californian plants. Stroll where you like or take a guided tour to learn more about the remarkable flora and fauna.
Also worth a visit is the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, near Gweek, close to Falmouth, which treats injured marine animals and is open to visitors every day from 9am to 5.30pm.
Day trips from CornwallHead off-shore for a fantastic half day trip by boat. Several companies run wildlife watching trips from Penzance Harbour and there's every chance of spotting seals, dolphins, seabirds, basking sharks, sunfish and even whales.It also gives you the chance to take in the stunning coastline and your fee includes the use of full waterproofs and lifejackets so you don't need to bring a thing.
Shopping in CornwallArt collectors will love St Ives and especially the Sloop Craft Fair where you'll find local arts and crafts such as paintings, woodcarving, pottery and beautiful silver and glass. It's a wonderful place to spend a few hours. The delicious clotted cream and farm honey are also good buys. For bargain hotels in the UK visit http://www.latebreakhotels.com/links.htm


Cornwall nightlife, restaurants, bars and clubs
Restaurants in CornwallSunday national The Observer recently wrote that Cornwall was the best place to live in the UK for foodies. Indeed, it's gone from being a gastronomic backwater to one of the hippest places to wine and dine.
The nation's darling, Jamie Oliver, recently opened 15 Cornwall in Watergate Bay so expect to book well in advance. The seafood is fabulous all over the county, but nowhere more so than Padstow, where you'll find The Seafood Restaurant, owned by Rick Stein. For a cheaper, but equally delicious meal, try his nearby cafe. Finally, make sure you don't leave without sampling a traditional Cornish pasty.
Nightlife in CornwallNewquay's nightlife scene is making waves. Thanks to its surfing scene, cool bars and clubs like the Barracuda Bar, The Beach club, The Koola, and Sailors. Falmouth has also got a good live music scene.
The annual Run To The Sun dance music festival (normally in May) in Newquay celebrates the glorious vehicle of choice for the true surfer dude - the Volkswagen. There are also DJs, comedians, circus performers and laser shows.

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