I need some suggestions as to which town to use as a base. I will have a car. Also could use any suggestions for where to go or what to make sure we see. I definitely want to see Port Isaac (big Doc Martin fan).
Posted by
Hereford
109 posts
We stayed in Penzance, granted a ways from Port Isaac, but central to some of things we wanted to do. We enjoyed walking portions of the coast path on the Lizard Peninsula, eating at Polpeor Café on the Lizard, and visiting Goldophin House. We also walked the coast path around Botallack Mine. We took pictures everywhere.....Mousehole, Men-an-tol. This was an easy trip. Because of airline difficulties we lost a day but we still had a great time. We travelled there in early November. We flew into Heathrow, got to Paddington and took the train to Penzance. That got us there in time to eat a light dinner, unpack and crash for the night. We got up the next morning and picked up our rental car at the train station....easy in and out. Hope this helps.
Posted by
211 posts
St. Ives for sure. Lovely town, but can be crowded on a beautiful day. Also near to Penzance is St. Michael's Mount (you can take a boat or walk the causeway depending on the time of day). Fowey is picture perfect, as is Mevagissey. If you like gardens, check out Heligan.
Posted by
OP
Baltimore
3 posts
Thank you both for your suggestions. Do you think 3 days gives us a good introduction to the area? I'm sure I'll want to stay more but we also want to see other places and have to end up in Glasgow.
Posted by
Hereford
109 posts
We only had two full days there....It was a great introduction and we want to go back.
Posted by
211 posts
Three days is good but there's a lot to see so I'm sure you will want to go back.
Posted by
Arlington, WA
993 posts
I agree with Leeb. I love Mevagissey as a base. We're going back in September.
Posted by
Texas
518 posts
We used Penzance as a base for a 4 day stay. It was fine. If you stay in Penzance, go to Mackerel Sky restaurant. Great, great food. Also, be sure to see the Lizard and allow enough time for some walking along the spectacular shoreline. Mousehole was fun. If you like to shop amidst a sea of people, then St. Ives is for you. Forget Land's End. It's just a sideshow. We thought we would make it to Port Isaac, but it was too far for the time we had. We also enjoying seeking out the ancient stone remnants that are in the area. Most are just out in a field or some place that you have to seek out according to some instructions. That was really fun. Cornwall was wonderful. Just for information purposes, the Dartmoor area which is close by Cornwall was equally enjoyable and perhaps a bit wilder. OK, I'm ready to go back now. :) Enjoy.