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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