With the ongoing issues associated with traveling abroad now being relaxed, it is likely US citizens will be getting out and about once again. Flights to the UK have recently resumed, and that means an exciting vacation is just a plane journey away. In the UK, there are cosmopolitan cities to explore and some truly inspiring coastline. The southwest of the country is an area known as Cornwall, England.
It’s soaked in Celtic traditions. It is best known for places such as Penzance, steeped in pirate history, and Neqauy, famed for its surf. However, North Cornwall is a great place to start a vacation and is often overlooked. When one thinks of Cornwall, it is easy to think of Land’s End, St Ives, and the extreme western tip, bypassing the places on the north coast, close to the Devon border. Don’t fall into that trap; the northeast of Cornwall is spectacular, with several great places to visit.
#1 Widemouth Bay
Widemouth Bay is a real hidden gem tucked between Bude and the more popular locations such as Port Isaac. It is a ‘blink, and you miss it’ village with a spectacular view to the north. The large, sweeping bay is popular with surfers, and there’s plenty of beachside car parking. The clifftop walk to Bude is beautiful, and you can do it there and back in a single day. It’s said you might even see the mythical Beast of Bodmin whilst there.
#2 Tintagel
Tintagel is steeped in the history of King Arthur and might feel like an understated location given the character’s pop culture reach. The legend of King Arthur has featured in films, such as Legend of the Sword from 2017. You can also find the themes in video games such as Arthur’s Knights and King Arthur’s Gold. On mobile, Gala Casino has slots such as Arthur and the Round Table and Arthur Pendragon, further strengthening the legend. The castle, Excalibur sword, and Arthur even feature in Magic Sword 4 on iOS. However, don’t expect to pull a sword out of a stone at Tintagel, but do expect to be fully immersed in all things Arthur and the round table. Just watch out for that bridge across to the castle; it’s very high!
#3 Rock
Rock is a lot like Tintagel in that there isn’t a huge amount there; it isn’t a bustling town full of bars and restaurants, but it is a great place to visit. The beach is huge, and at low tide, you can walk across to Padstow. The area is famous for being the home to celebrity chefs; Gordon Ramsay has a home in Rock and is often spied out and about on his bike. The star of Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares and iOS apps such as Cook With Me has raised the area’s profile, but it doesn’t need him; the majestic beauty of the mile-long stretch of sand is enough to keep people coming back again and again.
#4 Polzeath
Polzeath is on the same peninsula as Rock, but there’s more there for a day out. It’s tricky to drive into; you drop down into the tightly-packed bay, but as you do, the spectacular sight of the former fishing village will take your breath away. There are many campsites, such as Robbie Love’s, which cater to a range of holidaymakers. Polzeath is a lovely place to base yourself, should you wish to explore this coast with the comfort of a few facilities nearby in the evening.
Conclusion
North Cornwall is an area often missed as tourists zip down the A30 to Land’s End, Penzance, and even Newquay, but it is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. From rich history to rugged coastline, quaint fishing town to contemporary arts, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Remember to pay regular visits to our Wild Bum homepage for more great locations to visit in the post-pandemic world.
