Holiday in Cornwall
Cornwall, with its picturesque countryside in the far south west of England, is a traveller’s dream come true. Here you will find the perfect blend of idyllic scenery, rich history and vibrant culture.
Who doesn’t dream of the breathtaking coastline, gentle cliffs and golden beaches? In Cornwall, these unrivalled natural experiences can be found on almost every corner. Here, where the turquoise sea meets the horizon, you’ll find some of the most spectacular seascapes in the UK.
But Cornwall offers much more than just its coastline. It is a land of legends and stories, steeped in its Celtic past. The mystical moorlands and medieval castles tell stories of a bygone age and offer great destinations for travellers.
The region borders Devon to the east and is surrounded by the sea and the English Channel in all three other directions. The Isles of Scilly, some 45 kilometres off the coast, are part of the county, as are the areas of Penwith, The Lizard, Carrick, Bodmin Moor, Cornish Channel Coast and North Cornwall.
From a culinary point of view, the region offers a wealth of local delicacies. From the famous Cornish Pasties to fresh seafood straight from the clear waters of the Atlantic, every meal is a feast for the senses. Traditional cream teas in cosy cafés and cider and ale tastings in quaint pubs round off the culinary experience.
Film fans are particularly drawn to Cornwall. Numerous Rosamunde Pilcher films have been made in the region by ZDF. In addition to stories centred around the theme of love, they show wonderful stretches of coastline from the region that simply make you want to see more.
Excursion destinations in Cornwall
The Cornish coast is one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Great Britain. Fantastic cliffs, hidden bays and sandy beaches are just waiting to be discovered.
In my opinion, renaturalizing a disused quarry is a good way to keep our planet green. The Eden Project has taken an interesting approach and created a botanical garden with global appeal.
Find accommodation in the region
Booking.comTravel information about Cornwall
Travelling to Cornwall
By aeroplane
The nearest major airport is Newquay Cornwall Airport. Regular domestic flights arrive here from major cities in the UK such as London, Manchester and Edinburgh.
The nearest major airport with international flights is Bristol Airport, 250 kilometres to the north-east.
By train
From London Paddington you can reach Cornwall in just over 5 hours on the Great Western Railway. The main railway stations in Cornwall are Truro, Penzance, St Austell and Bodmin.
By bus
Various long-distance bus providers travel to towns in Cornwall.
By car
It takes around 5 hours by car from London to Truro. The best connection to Cornwall is via the M5 motorway and to Exeter via the A30 motorway.
By boat
There are ferry connections from France and Spain to the harbours in Plymouth or Portsmouth.
By bike
The NCN2 leads from Dover to St Austell. The NCN3 cycle route comes from Bistol and leads to Land’s End. The secondary route NCN 32 connects the towns of Truro and Bodmin.
On foot
There is a footpath that goes all the way round Cornwall – the South West Coast Path.
On the way in Cornwall
By car
Travelling by car offers the greatest flexibility for exploring Cornwall, especially for more remote places that are difficult to reach by public transport.
Smaller roads are often bordered by high stone walls or hedges. Here, turning or overtaking is almost impossible.
By train
The train network connects larger towns such as Penzance, St Ives, Truro and Falmouth. Some railway lines, such as the route along the coast to St Ives, offer spectacular views and are among the highlights of a visit to Cornwall.
By bus
There is a network of bus routes connecting many places in Cornwall. Unlike buses in the city, however, they are infrequent, make frequent stops and take a long time to cover a relatively short distance. However, buses are an inexpensive option for getting around Cornwall.
By bike
Cornwall has some beautiful cycle routes that take you through picturesque countryside and coastal areas.
On foot
Cornwall is known for its wonderful walking trails, including the South West Coast Path. Some of the most beautiful sections of the path include the coastline between Land’s End and Porthcurno.
Best time to visit Cornwall
The Cornwall region is characterised by a moderate maritime climate, which is influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
Spring (March – May):
In spring, the average temperature in March is around 8-10°C, rising to around 11-13°C in May. The amount of sunshine increases, with longer and brighter days, especially in May. Spring is relatively dry with average rainfall. The amount of rainfall decreases slightly over the course of the season.
Summer (June – August):
Summers in Cornwall are warm, but rarely extremely hot. Average temperatures are around 15-20°C. Summer is the driest season. However, there can be occasional rain showers and short thunderstorms.
Autumn (September – November):
Temperatures start to drop in autumn. Average temperatures in September are around 14°C and in November around 10°C. The days become shorter and the amount of sunshine decreases. Rainfall increases in autumn, especially in October and November, leading to wetter conditions.
Winter (December – February):
Winters are mild in Cornwall with average temperatures around 5-8°C. Snow is rare and frost is moderate. It is the wettest season, characterised by frequent rain and occasional gales.
Language
English is spoken in Cornwall.
Originally, the Celtic language Cornish was very widespread in the region. It was almost forgotten, but is being revitalised regionally. There are now even place-name signs with the Cornish name on them.