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The southwestern arm of England is blessed with a mild climate, 430 miles of glorious coastline, and beautiful countryside by the English Channel and Celtic Sea. As a tourist destination, the ‘English Riviera’ accounts for a quarter of the county’s gross domestic product bringing some £1.85 billion into the local economy. Five million visitors come to Cornwall each year to take advantage of the beaches, waves, museums, prehistoric sites to name just a few of the attractions. According to CLC World, Cornwall has 300+ beaches with many being the most pristine in Europe. Visitors come for the Cornwall operates a tourism-based seasonal economy; not all the attractions are accessible or open all year round so it is advisable to check before you travel.
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1) Eden Project
In 1995 Tim Smit took a closing China clay pit and began a large scale landscape project with biomes that now stands as a world-famous visitor attraction and education charity. Its biomes are home to the largest rainforest under glass and act as a showcase of ‘stunning plants, exhibitions and stories that serve as a backdrop to striking contemporary gardens and summer concerts’. It has recently planted the beginnings of the only redwood forest in Europe. The Eden Project operates all year round and welcomes families to its educational facilities. Learn about sustainability, conservation and find out all sorts of fascinating facts on the tours.
2) The National Lobster Hatchery
A major element of Cornwall’s economy is, unsurprisingly, fishing. But, due to the unsustainable nature of how we’ve fished, stocks of lobster are depleted. The National Lobster Hatchery is a marine conservation, research and education charity whose aim is to help replenish stocks and encourage sustainable fish farming. Expert tours include learning about the complex lifecycle of the European lobster, aquaculture and the importance of looking after our oceans. Their core intention for youngsters is to stimulate their minds and encourage them to take the first steps into a lifelong interest in the environment. It’s one of the few marine biology centres that are open to the public.
3) Adrenalin Quarry
If high action thrills and spills are your guilty pleasure then look no further than Adrenalin Quarry whose proud slogan is ‘throwing people off cliffs since 2009’! Based in a flooded quarry in Liskeard, you can experience many exhilarating activities including the 490-metre-long zip wire that is 50 metres above the water and reach speeds of up to 40 mph. There is the Giant Swing where you and two friends are winched 50 metres into the air then released, arcing across the lake accelerating at such a rate that your body doubles in weight. The popular activity of coasteering gives you guided tours of climbing the sheer quarry cliff faces before leaping into the depths of the water. Adrenalin Quarry is open most weekends and encourages the use of its venue as a stag-do destination.
4) Fistral Beach Surf School
Cornwall is known for surfing the world over and it is at Fistral Beach that most come to test their skills on swells some 2.5 metres high. Fistral Beach Surf School offers group lessons and private lessons for those keen to catch waves. If you’re more accomplished then you can benefit from training up to intermediate and advanced levels. All the equipment is provided by the school.
5) Kennack Diving, The Lizard
Staying on the ocean theme – arguably the biggest draw for many tourists – Kennack Diving is the most southerly diving school in mainland Britain. The PADI 5 Star Dive Resort is run by two local experienced PADI instructors who will guide you on your way to your own qualification. Facilities include onsite accommodation, heated indoor swimming pool, classroom and a fully equipped dive centre.
6) Geevor Tin Mine
Geevor Tin Mine is the largest preserved tin mine in the country. A visit here will open your eyes to the workings of mining in the 18th century. The Hard Rock Museum is an interactive facility that tells the fascinating story of Cornish tin and copper mining. The claustrophobic Underground Tour ‘takes you from the light into the dark, from the 20th century mine down into the early days of mining. In the Mexico shaft it is easy to image Victorian miners, men and boys, working long hard hours in the dark and cramped conditions.’
7) Minack Theatre
Voted Number 1 out of 59 of things to do in Penzance on Trip Advisor, the Minack Theatre is a unique open-air theatre occupying an elevated position on the cliffs high above the Atlantic Ocean. In the summer months you will be exposed to an amazing programme of drama, musicals, opera and comedy. Throughout the year there are opportunities to explore this wonderful location and discover the remarkable story of the theatre’s creator.
8) Screech Owl Sanctuary
The Screech Owl Sanctuary is open daily between 10 in the morning and 5 in the evening. The staff here take excellent care of their wards and a visit here will get you up close with magnificent owls and you will even get the opportunity to handle an owl yourself! The sanctuary plays host to many species including meerkats, raccoons and emus; and the option of spending hands-on time among them too.
9) St Michael’s Mount
Before the tide rises, you can walk out to St Michael’s Mount – a small island with medieval cobble-lined paths leading you up a refreshing walk to the castle. Immerse yourself in the history of this civil parish of 35 residents, managed by the National Trust. The earliest buildings lie on the summit and date back to the 12th century. Spectacular views, refreshing spray, a lovely cafe and gift shops all work to make this a little jewel in the crown of your holiday.
10) Duchy of Cornwall Nursery Cafe
The rightly famous Duchy of Cornwall Nursery also has a rightly famous cafe. A good holiday break needs good cuisine and here you will find the best of Cornish produce with fresh, locally sourced, food from 9 in the morning to 4.30 in the afternoon. The terrace is an ideal place to look out over vista of the nursery while sipping a coffee. Whether you’re enjoying a fabulous Cornish cream tea, imbibing a Camel Valley wine or sampling some of the delicious home-baked bread, the Nursery Cafe is a first-class gourmet venue.
Summary
This is just a taste of what Cornwall has to offer. History buffs, water sports enthusiasts and anyone interested in the natural environment will find lots to take pleasure in.
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Source: pommietravels.com