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The Cornwall Guide 2016

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South<br />

COAST<br />

Stretching from Rame Head to the Helford River,<br />

the South Coast of <strong>Cornwall</strong> is a tranquil blend<br />

of lush green countryside and a pretty coastline,<br />

scattered with hidden bays, traditional fishing<br />

villages and exotic gardens.<br />

SOUTH COAST<br />

Crossing the border into <strong>Cornwall</strong>, you’ll find the twin<br />

villages of Kingsand and Cawsand as the Tamar River<br />

meets the sea. <strong>The</strong> calm waters here are perfect for sailing<br />

and windsurfing and offer some of the best dive sites in<br />

the UK. Nearby is the wide golden expanse of Whitsand<br />

Bay, ideal for surfers and day-trippers alike.<br />

<strong>The</strong> working port of Looe is just the place to<br />

buy freshly caught fish, as well as enjoy the mix<br />

of shops and eateries dotted around the town.<br />

Further along, wonder the traffic-free, narrow<br />

streets of Polperro towards the small harbour to<br />

admire the fisherman’s cottages, sail lofts and<br />

shops selling local crafts and treats.<br />

Take the Bodinnick Ferry across the Fowey River to the<br />

town of Fowey with its upmarket shops, trendy cafés<br />

and wonderful harbour. Upstream, hidden in a magical<br />

woodland setting, the village of Lerryn is said to have been<br />

the inspiration for Kenneth Grahame’s book, “<strong>The</strong> Wind in<br />

the Willows”. At the ancient town of Lostwithiel, once the<br />

capital of <strong>Cornwall</strong>, is a striking 12th Century castle built for<br />

Edward the Black Prince.<br />

<strong>The</strong> tall ships and rows of 18th Century<br />

cottages in Charlestown give a glimpse<br />

of a bygone era, while at Mevagissey,<br />

beyond St Austell and the ever-popular<br />

Eden Project, a scenic boat trip allows<br />

access to the hidden coves once used<br />

by smugglers.<br />

Stretching along the river on the immense Fal<br />

Estuary, St Mawes is a peaceful place to visit. Hard<br />

then to imagine that Henry VIII built its castle<br />

to protect against invasions from the sea! Take<br />

to the water on board one of the many ferries<br />

that cross the estuary and keep a look out for a<br />

multitude of wildlife. <strong>The</strong> climate is so mild here<br />

that tea bushes flourish a few miles away at the<br />

Tregothnan Estate.<br />

Truro, at the<br />

head of the River<br />

Fal, showcases<br />

fine examples<br />

of Cornish<br />

architecture,<br />

such as the<br />

19th Century<br />

Neo-Gothic<br />

cathedral, as<br />

well as many<br />

Victorian and Georgian buildings.<br />

Tempting boutiques, fine restaurants<br />

and fashionable bars make the city a<br />

shopper’s paradise.<br />

01872 261735 visitcornwall.com<br />

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