Highlights of The Coast of Cornwall

The south west of Cornwall has a collection of incredible seafood restaurants, sparkling waters and friendly locals.

While the rolling hills may be perfect for horseback riding and leisurely strolls, the glittering coastline’s salty air and sunshine will call to those with seaside wanderlust.

Have a look through our highlights of the Cornish coast and get ready to be inspired.

The Seafood Restaurant is not one that relies on the name of its celebrity chef, Rick Stein, to fill seats. Whether you’re perched at the island bar or taking advantage of the view by dining in the sunroom, rest assured that your meal will be as much a feast for your eyes as it will be for your taste buds.

The Seafood Restaurant believes that seafood from the waters surrounding the Cornish coast is among the best in the world and places it center stage. Sauces and herbs add a splash of color and depth to the dishes without overshadowing the catch of the day.

The talented team create fresh seafood dishes using Rick Stein’s own recipes.
Why not start with the creamy Porthilly rock oysters from Cornwall’s Camel Estuary or the Fal oysters with their powerful mineral flavors?

Don’t miss the langoustines caught from the west coast of Scotland, Cornish smoked salmon or the sweet and small Helford river prawns either.

There’s an ocean of delectable dishes on the menu and the best course of action is to dive right in.

Crossing from the mainland to St Michael’s Mount along the cobblestone causeway is a breathtaking experience.

The area’s amazing history begins with tales of mermaids trying to lure sailors to the jagged rocks back in 495 AD. However, an apparition of St Michael kept them safe.

Over centuries the castle has transformed from a priory (the chapel dates back to the 12th century and is still used for Sunday services) to a fort occupied during the War of the Roses, and finally a family home for the St Aubyn family in the 17th century.

All manner of items have been collected over the centuries and are proudly displayed here. In the family armory, a full suit of samurai armor stands guard and hidden somewhere on the island is the stone heart of the local giant Cormoran.

Amazingly this island is not just home to myth and legend but also 30 villagers. Pretty impressive!

The Fowey Estuary is the perfect place to take a day at your own pace. The hills overlooking the waterway offer a fantastic spot for an afternoon picnic and the countryside walks will lead you to some lovely vistas.

The Covington walking route is well worth it. It begins at the Readymoney Cove, home of author and playwright Daphne du Maurier, and takes you past St Catherine’s Castle.

Anglers will be spoilt for choice as there are plenty of fishing spots both on the coast and around the estuary. Bass, mackerel, pollock and even conger eels are all in the mix.

With or without a fishing line you can also take to the waters in a kayak or canoe. Guided tours lead you up the tributaries or you can follow your own route and paddle the waters at your own pace. You may be lucky enough to spot an otter or perhaps even a pod of dolphins.

This world-famous open-air theatre began its transformation only 80 years ago. Rowena Cade, a lover of theatre, invited the local village players to perform their next show in her gardens. With the aid of her groundskeeper, Rowena spent the winter preparing the hillside that overlooks the spectacular deep blue waters of Porthcurno Bay for a performance of The Tempest.

That first production in 1932 was lit by car headlights and after the play’s wonderful reception, Rowena went on to spend every winter improving the theatre, transforming it into the spectacle it is today.

Terraces once carved from earth and peppered with stones are now a mix of granite and lush grass. The overall ambience is made even more spectacular by the subtropical gardens that boast cacti, aloes and an array of colorful flowers.

With plays, concerts, opera and the ballet showing throughout the summer nights, an evening at the Minack is like a dream.

Standing on the southernmost point of mainland Britain is the Lizard Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships through the English Channel for over 260 years.

However, it has not been smooth sailing for the lighthouse. The light that first shone in 1619 was extinguished when funds ran out. Plus, in 1954, there was a fire in the exhaust pits.

There is plenty to see and do here. Power up the fog horn, learn how to send messages in Morse code, see how satellite navigation works and even track ships in real time. You can also step back in time by checking out artefacts from the National Maritime Museum and listen to interesting stories from lighthouse keepers.

And of course, there are the spectacular views from the top of the lighthouse out on to the Atlantic. This place is truly beautiful.

There’s an ocean breeze calling you to Cornwall! Explore the highlights of the Cornish coast with a Blue-Roads Touring tour through Cornwall.

The Lizard Lighthouse by Andrew