Unable to travel abroad at the moment Mr C and I are enjoying more than ever what the UK has to offer. Driving for what seemed like an entire day we reached South West Cornwall and it instantly didn’t disappoint. Coming from a very flat county the scenic hills were a pleasant change. As with every holiday, I had a great itinerary planned for our stay. First off we were heading to the Stunning Land‘s End Peninsular & surroundings, the furthest point west in the UK. Famous for its sign post, I found there was much more to be seen and enjoyed, even during Storm Alex! Here are my recommendations for what to see around Cornwalls most south westerly point.
Mousehole Village
This cute little harbour village is worth a stroll around. It’s on the South East side of the peninsular we are visiting today and our first stop. Beware though, the lanes are narrow, one car wide in places and at some times very steep. However, when visiting Cornwall you will need to get used to these kind of roads, they are everywhere! Grab a pasty from a local shop, have a cream tea in a cafe or just enjoy looking at the cute little houses dotted around.
Lamorna Cove
Next stop on our clockwise tour of the Land’s End Peninsular and it’s surroundings is Lamorna Cove. If you can brave the very steep twisting one car wide road down to this cove you will be rewarded. The bay is beautiful and if you take the coastal path to the right the views beyond are stunning. There are boulders to climb over which if wet are very slippery so watch your step. Climbing the muddy and windy route was such fun, Mr C was like a goat climbing from rock to rock. I was a little more cautious as have been known to be a but clumsy!
The Merry Maidens Stone Circle
A quick stop between Lamorna Cove and the next official stop will have you find the Merry Maidens Circle. This is the largest surviving group of standing stones in Cornwall. The local myth is that 19 maidens were turned in to stone as punishment for dancing on a Sunday. Treat the site with respect as you take a few photos after climbing a style to access the field.
Minack Theatre
We hadn’t booked any tickets to enter but luckily it wasn’t too busy so we could go. Please book in advance to avoid missing out. The Minack Theatre is an outdoor amphitheatre where many a famous play has taken place. The tiered seats are steep so watch your step, however the views out to sea are amazing. Looking to the left you will see the beautiful beach of Porthcurno, possibly the most beautiful in the region. Looking back at the theatre you will notice the Juliet balcony to the right. You can have a cheeky go in this!. Take a look at the chairs beginning from the front row. You will notice that they are engraved with the names and dates of performances which have taken place. Loved visiting here!
Land’s End
Slightly more commercial than I expected it to be is the official area of Land’s End. Here you are at the most westerly point in the UK. Unless you wish to walk a few coastal miles to reach it you will need to pay a car parking fee. Once there you are free to roam to the ‘End Point’, see the famous signpost and visit the “First & Last House’. Cheekily to stand next to the sign & be photographed you need to pay a fee.
Storm Alex was in full force when we visited and it was difficult to catch our breath at times. We made it to the furthest point you can walk to. Looking out to sea, the next land you would reach is America. In the distance to the right is a rocky outcrop with a lighthouse on it. The seas in this area have claimed many a ship!
Cape Cornwall
Cape Cornwall headland is where two great bodies of water meet, the waves down below were crashing together during our visit. Once a thriving industrial area for mining, the land is now silent apart from the sound of the birds which nest along the coast. Climb up the short walk to the top of the hill and take in the view from the bench beneath the mine tower.
Botallack Mine
A short way further along the coast are the Botallack Mines, old arsenic tunnels cover the landscape which you can freely roam in. Crazily windy when we were here it was really tricky to make it to the coast line. In the distance you can see the old mines dotted along the seas edge.
Hopefully you have enjoyed the ‘tour’ of Stunning Land’s End Peninsular & Surroundings and put a few ideas on your bucket list.
Where to Stay
As a base for our 3 nights on the South West coast we chose to stay just outside of Helston at Tresowes Green Cottage. I cant recommend this beautiful cottage more highly. The hosts Leslie & Johnny went above and beyond to make sure our stay was perfect, even with the Covid restrictions. The welcome hamper was amazing, with fresh bread, butter, jams, orange juice, milk, eggs and Cornish shortbread!
The cottage itself is decorated to a high standard with the bathroom being newly refurbished in to a stunning wet room. There is everything you could need in the kitchen to cook any meals you choose. The best part for me though was the summer house overlooking the lake. With heating if you need it and a docking station to play your tunes, this was the perfect place for an evening glass of wine while the sun set. We will definitely be returning here, thank you Leslie & Johnny!
Need something a bit warmer? Try the Dordogne in the South of France. Rolling hills and fields full of sunflowers, it was so enticing we made an offer on a house here!