I want to include a couple of days on the Northwest Coast of Cornwall in my trip to Britain (other hightlights are Dartmoor and North Wales). I've done some research to see what areas would be the most interesting or picturesque and came up with this list (I know it's too long to see all of them): Bude, Widemouth, Crackington Haven, Bocastle, Tintagel, Port Isaac, Padstow, Porthcothan & the Bedruthan Steps. I'm hoping someone out there has been to some of these places and can give me advice or recommendations on whether to include them or skip them. I'm interested in nature, walking, the sea, history and small villages. Not interested in shopping, touristy towns, visits to estates or gardens. Also has anyone stayed at any of the Youth Hostels on this part of the Cornish coast? Did you like them or not? How about bed and breakfast places - any recommendations? And, does anyone have thoughts on whether it would be best driving and time-wise to visit the Cornish Coast before or after Dartmoor, because I will be driving north to Wales after visiting these two areas. Thanks - Diane
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Your last question first: Because you're driving to Wales next, it actually doesn't matter whether you do the Cornish Coast or Dartmoor first, because (if you look at a map this will make sense) to get to Wales you have to drive way back east past Bristol to get around the Bristol Channel.Now for your first question: Rick has good recommendations hin his book; or you could buy the Michelin Great Britain green guide and follow their Cornish Coast drive. In general, Clovelly, Bude, and Tintagel are some of the highlights of this remarkable area.
Posted by
Lewis, WV, US
178 posts
Kent, we just returned from the Cornwall area. I hate to add to your list of choices, but we went tothe Minack Theater and saw, "Curiousor and Curiousor." I spent a lot of time watching the waves crshing in from the Atlantic Ocean in an ampitheater carved from a hillside of stone. Gorgeous setting!
It was one of our favorite activities on a month's trip.
If it sounds interesting do a Goggle search.
My husband and I are 50, but we had our first hostel stay at The Blue Penguin in Penzance and was very pleased. It was clean, very quiet, very safe and the staff was very helpful. It was 15 pounds per person which was very reasonable and easy to find.
Keep traveling!