Discover Cornwall
Photo Credit: Bill McBee
Cornwall is probably my favorite place on Earth that I've never visited! Tucked away on the far southwest peninsula of England, Cornwall is one of the six original Celtic nations, which include Brittany, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and the Isle of Man. Its unique Celtic language, Cornish, is no longer anyone's first language, but there are bilingual speakers, and the 21st century has seen a revival of the language. The Cornish dialect of English is distinct for being rhotic (they pronounce their r's) and sounds "pirate-y" to our ears (think Hagrid from the Harry Potter movies).
Photo Credit: George Hiles
Cornwall is one of the most picturesque places in all of the British isles, boasting 422 miles of coastline with stunning cliffs and beaches, along with the mildest and sunniest climate in the United Kingdom. Cornwall has an ancient Celtic history that progressed largely separated from the rest of England by the River Tamar. The effects of Roman occupation were minimal in Cornwall due to this geographic separation.
Cornwall has a strong fishing history, with numerous villages tucked into is rocky coastline. The northern coast on the Atlantic Ocean is wilder, while the southern coast facing the Engligh Channel is more sheltered. The Southwest Coast Path allows hikers to traverse a complete circuit of both coasts.
Photo Credit: Nick Fewings
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There is only one major city in Cornwall, Truro, but many smaller towns and villages. Cornwall boasts a vibrant art scene along with a rich folk music tradition. You may have heard about the Fisherman's Friends of Port Isaac, who often sing in the harbor. Port Isaac is also the idyllic setting for the BBC television drama, Doc Martin, which ran for 9 seasons.
Cornwall also has a delicious culinary heritage, producing treats such the Cornish pasty, saffron cake and Cornish heavy cake.
One of Cornwall's most beautiful and stunning sights is St. Michael's Mount, which like its neighbor Mount St. Michel in Normandy, is also seated on a tidal island, accessible only at low tide. Its 15th-century building served as the exterior of Dracula's castle in the 1979 film.
Photo Credit: Ana Sousa
Photo Credit: Benjamin Elliott
Cornwall is also hub for technology and advancement. Twenty-two of the world's largest undersea transatlantic fiberoptic cables have their terminus on the Cornish coast.
The Eden Project is also located in Cornwall. Consisting of geodesic domes housing two huge biomes, the environmental site houses hundreds of plant species in areas replicating both a rainforest climate and a Mediterranean climate. The purpose of the Eden Project is environmental education regarding the interdependence of humans and plants.
Cornwall may feel worlds away, but it is easily accessible from London via plane to Newquay (1 hour 20 minutes), and by train or car in 4-5 hours. If you're looking for a truly unique and charming destination for your next vacation, why not consider Cornwall? Other destinations in the British Isles can be reached in a single trip as well. Contact me to plan your trip to the home of the Pirates of Penzance!
Photo Credit: Greg Wilson