Must-try Activities for Visitors to Cornwall During Summer

A historical county located in southwest of England, Cornwall is one of the more remote parts of Great Britain. Nonetheless, it’s among the most famous tourist destinations in the UK and is visited by millions of people, both locals and tourists, every year. A picturesque peninsula flanked by the Celtic Sea and the English Channel, the county owes its popularity to the many superb beaches along its coastline, coupled with a moderate climate throughout the year. For first-time visitors staying one of the delightful holiday cottages in Cornwall, there are particular activities and places to try, especially during summer.

Get the perfect tan at Bude

Three fourths of the county is surrounded by the sea, which means it is abundant in enviable beaches, perfect for numerous water activities or just a quiet day of tanning. Bude, a town located in the north, has a near perfect climate throughout the year; summers don’t get too hot, and winters are moderate. This is why it is one of the most famous destinations for those who crave for wonderful summer holiday in the UK. Two of Bude’s main attractions are Widemouth Bay, which offers a long, sprawling beach just several miles from the town proper, and Sandymouth Beach, which has incredible rock formations and caves within the area. Because there are so many great cottages in Cornwall to rent, the county is an ideal holiday place for family getaways as well.

Surf at Newquay

Newquay offers an organized chaos and fun from sunrise to sundown. Regarded by locals and tourists as the surf capital of the UK, the town boasts nine pristine beaches along its coastline; among them is Fristal Beach, one of the most famous beaches not only in this county but in the whole of Britain. It is widely known to have the town’s best beach break, and holiday cottages in Cornwall here get packed during peak season, as surfers take the perfect chance to test the waters. Also in Newquay is the Cribbar, which is famous for its record-breaking reef break in 2006 that reached up to 40 feet. But tourists can do so much more than catch the wave at Newquay. At night, the town comes even more alive with many local pubs and cafes where both locals and tourists frequent.

Revive the Arthurian legend at Tintagel

While in the present day it is famous for its beaches, perhaps the county’s most significant characteristic is its association with the Arthurian legend. Tintagel, a small village located along the Atlantic coast, is home to the ruins of the Tintagel Castle, believed to be where King Arthur was conceived. In his History of the Kings of Britain, noted cleric and historian Geoffrey of Monmouth chronicled how King Uther Pendragon disguised himself as Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall, in order to enter Tintagel and get closer to the duke’s wife, Igraine. While there is no direct mention whether King Arthur was born in the castle, it remains one of the most visited destinations in the UK.

Another popular attraction in Tintagel is King Arthur’s Hall, situated on Fore Street. Built in the 1930s, it now functions as the main hub of Arthur enthusiasts, with a bookshop dedicated to everything Arthurian, and stained glass windows and paintings depicting scenes from the legend. Tourists who want to further immerse themselves in the village’s culture and history can opt to stay at the Camelot Castle Hotel – a very different version of the cottages in Cornwall!

Katie Chown is a Property Consultant for Classic Cottages. We have a selection of spectacular holiday cottages in Cornwall as well as cottages in Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Whether you're looking for a stunning rural retreat or a luxury cottage on the coast, we have the perfect holiday home for you to fall in love with.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.