City life is great, but sometimes you need a break. Staycations can be the perfect choice in this situation, allowing you to get some much-needed rest and recuperation without having to travel extremely long distances away from home. More than that, these types of holidays have evolved to become incredible travel experiences of their own, providing a combination of luxury and extravagant excursions to keep you entertained. In the UK, one staycation destination that has all of this and more Cornwall.
Accommodation in Cornwall
Cornwall offers a variety of luxurious accommodations that cater to every taste, whether you seek the grandeur of historic estates or the comfort of modern hotels. In terms of location, there are several different areas of the region that are worth attention, but one standout is Newquay.
In Newquay, grand estates like The Headland Cornwall promise a fully inclusive experience, and the property boasts Victorian architecture that captures both heritage and luxury. Not too far away and perched up on a clifftop with breathtaking views is the Fistral Beach Hotel. Just like The Headland, Fistral Beach is a 5-star hotel. Some of its features include both indoor and outdoor pools and dining options that prioritise local Cornish ingredients.
If you’re after something a bit quieter, consider one of Cornwall’s more secluded properties away from the action. Both the Scarlet Hotel and Bedruthan Hotel and Spa in Mawgan Porth are good options, but there are countless hotels in Cornwall to choose from. Given how easy it is to tailor your stay by using the filters on travel booking platforms, you should have no trouble finding something suitable.
Fine Dining in Cornwall
Cornwall’s gourmet scene is a treasure trove for foodies. It has an impressive emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and many must-try restaurants. Given its proximity to the ocean, you won’t be surprised to learn that there are some amazing seafood dishes to be had in Cornwall.
One perfect example of this is Restaurant Nathan Outlaw. It’s located in Port Isaac, and its exceptional seafood dishes have seen it be awarded with two Michelin stars. At Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, you can choose between the intimate first-floor dining area or the kitchen bar where you’ll have a front-row seat to the chefs making your meal.
Just in case one wasn’t enough, Nathan Outlaw has another gem of a restaurant in Port Isaac that’s worth checking out. Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen is a one-star Michelin restaurant on the harbourside that serves up daily changing tasting menus. The menus change based on market-fresh produce and local catches from day boats. This is a more low-key experience than the main restaurant, but still a unique and worthwhile experience.
If casual yet sophisticated dining is what you’re after, then The Sardine Factory in Looe should be next on your list. If you are staying in the Newquay area, it’s about an hour away. It’s worth the drive, though, and it has a Michelin Bib Gourmand award to prove it. Make sure to choose the terrace seating option so you can enjoy some views of the bustling harbour with your meal.
Unique Excursions in Cornwall
To make your city break really unforgettable, why not throw in a bit of excitement? Exploring a new region by foot or by car is great, but doing so by sky can kick things up a notch. Get Heli is a company that can give you exactly that, with their 30-minute flights that present an unrivalled perspective of Cornwall. While sipping champagne, you’ll see impressive parts of Cornwall like St Ives and Lands End from a perspective that very few do.
If you want to make this experience even more unique, Penzance Helicopters will take you up in the sky on a tour that’s catered specifically to you. Interested in the maritime history of the region? No problem. More of a geology buff? You got it. This type of personalization is a great way to transform this experience into one you won’t soon forget.
Another way to tour the area is by yacht. Private charters are easy to find, and this is another unique way to explore. More and more celebrities are buying houses tucked away on the Cornish coastline, and if you’re lucky, you might even see some of them.
If you’d prefer to stick to land during this trip, there are some garden tours worth your time. Cornwall’s temperate climate and fertile soils have made it somewhat of a horticultural haven, and there is some very interesting history that’s connected to them. One tour may lead you to see Pendennis Castle, built by Henry VIII, and another could take you to Dozmary Pool, the place where King Arthur’s sword last saw the light of day.
Cornwall is the perfect choice for travellers of all kinds, but especially those seeking a lavish break. Whether you want a pampering and luxurious self-care getaway or to eat at every up-scale restaurant in the region, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Cornwall.
