CORNWALL AREA GUIDES

Boscastle

Located in an area of outstanding national beauty (ANOB) Boscastle has a unique and picturesque harbour located in a narrow ravine features a natural stone wall harbour and quaint white painted stone cottages and has a range of shops, art galleries, public houses, tea rooms and an Ofsted ‘Good’ rated Sir Jams Smith’s community school can be found approximately 4 miles away. From Boscastle there is direct access onto the South West Coastal with walks to the lookout which provides a fantastic viewpoint of the coastline.

Bude

Close to the Devon / Cornwall border Bude is Cornwall’s most northernly town. A popular seaside coastal resort that dates back to the Victorian era due to their desire for sea bathing. A prominent feature in the town is Bude castle which sits above Summerleaze beach built by Sir Goldsworthy Gurney in 1830. The area benefits from plenty of amenities from Doctor’s surgeries to Ofsted ‘Good’ rated primary and secondary schools. Independent primary education is offered at St Petroc’s school within the town. Bude has a choice of sandy beaches, with Crooklets and Summerleaze beach both located within walking distance of the town centre, along with Bude Sea Pool, a semi- natural pool that is a haven for free and safe bathing. Adjacent to the beach and sea pool is Bude and North 18-hole golf course and clubhouse with North Atlantic coastal views. 

Fowey

One of the most desirable waterside communities in Cornwall, Fowey is in a thriving estuary renowned for its sailing facilities and two sailing clubs. Set on one side of a steep side estuary, a water ferry connects you to Polruan, a small village where you can continue the walk along the coastal path. This is an abundance of walking routes and access to the popular beach of Lantic Bay via the South West Coastal path. 

Launceston

Once the capital of Cornwall with its Norman Castle sitting above the town. Launceston continues to be a bustling hub of activity close to the Devon and Cornwall border and with good access to the A30.  With its history, heritage, and local culture it is well known for its independent shops, traditional narrow streets leading to the central town square. There is also independent primary and secondary schooling offering at St Joseph’s school in the town.

Liskeard

Liskeard offers everyday amenities in a busy high street. Located in the heart of South East Cornwall with good access to the A38 and a mainline train, it is only 10 miles to the dramatic Cornish south coast in one direction and Bodmin Moor in the other offering walkers a great selection of walks. There are many walks nearby such as Golitha Falls for walk alongside a river under a tree canopy or Minions, 4 miles away providing spectacular moorland scenery with the historic stone circles of the Hurlers and natural formation of the granite Cheesering slabs perched on the hillside.

Looe

A thriving tourist and active commercial fishing town popular with boating enthusiasts. Looe harbour offers boat moorings and sea fishing. Looe has an ambulance of narrow streets that pass a wide range of independent shops, pubs and restaurants as they lead to a sandy beach at the end of the town, perfect for swimming and other water-based activities. A golf course is also located nearby, and access to the South West Coastal path with walks overlooking the turquoise waters of south coast to neighbouring beaches at Talland Bay and Seaton. 

Polperro

This beautiful fishing village has narrow streets and ancient cottages perched on the hillside overlooking the turquoise waters in the harbour. There is a section of local shops, Ofsted ‘Good’ rated primary school. There is a sandy beach nearby at Talland Bay. 

Polzeath

Polzeath offers one of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall. Divided into two, New Polzeath and Old with a wide stretching renowned surfing beach, a selection of local shops, restaurants, public houses and cafes. Excellent walks are accessible along the coastal path to either New Polzeath in one direction and the water sports haven of Daymar Bay 1 mile and Rock in the other, famous for their spectacular coastal scenery as well as providing good conditions for water skiing, swimming and sailing. 

Port Isaac 

A popular and charming fishing village in North Cornwall with its famous harbour, more recently it has been the home to the singers Fishman’s Friends and the ever-popular tv series Doc Martin. Narrow winding streets with quaint traditional cottages lead you down to the harbourside with its turquoise waters, where you will find excellent restaurants, cafes and public houses. 

Tintagel 

Home to the birthplace of King Arthur and a formally under Roman occupation Tintagel Castle ruins sit on the headland above the Cornish sea and one of the most spectacular historical sites in England. The site is now run by English Heritage and a recently opened foot bridge once again connects the headline to the mainland. Upon this headland an 8 ft bronze sculpture of King Arthur can be found overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Tintagel has two beaches nearby, Trebarwith Strand and Bossiney Cove and access to the South West Coastal Path. 

Truro

Truro is a historic market town and Cornwall’s capital city located on the banks of the river Truro. The city has a most impressive Gothic cathedral and has a wide range of shops, bars, restaurants, golf course, leisure facilities and the Hall for Cornwall, a performing arts and entertainment venue. Both grammar and independent schools are available.

Wadebridge 

Situated on the idyllic Camel estuary and a short drive to some of the county’s most stunning beaches, where the popular camel trail cycling route to Padstow starts. There are plenty of independent shops in its thriving high street, excellent schools and the town is fast becoming known as a food destination.  The town benefits from good road access to the A39 to access the North Cornish coast and the A30.