Green Travel Guide to Cornwall

Words by Florence Fortnam.
Artwork for Green Traveller's Guides by Tina Smith and Mark Edwards.

Foreword by Malcolm Bell, Head of VisitCornwall

Welcome to the Green Traveller's Guide to Cornwall – a low-carbon guide to enjoying one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations.

There are lots of things Cornwall is loved for; the dramatic coastline with its captivating fishing harbours; the spectacular beaches and the pounding surf that provide a natural playground for a variety of water sports; and who can forget famous Cornish pasties and cream teas?

But there are also lots of things about Cornwall that may surprise you. For instance, the wilderness of captivating Bodmin Moor with its panorama of big skies, fascinating prehistoric remains, great walking trails and more than its fair share of local legends.

There's also the dynamic art scene found in mainly in West Cornwall, inspired by the naturally stunning landscape; and more recently a food scene to rival London and beyond; Cornwall now has a multitude of award-winning local food producers and stellar chefs putting the region well and truly on the gourmet map.

The natural environment, recognised nationally across the twelve sections of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is accessed by the spectacular South West Coast Path providing walkers with miles of gentle strolls and challenging hikes.

Keep up to date with all things Cornwall at www.visitcornwall.com @ilovecornwalluk and www.facebook.com/ilovecornwall

Map: VisitCornwall

What our writers discovered in Cornwall

Strings of golden beaches, historic fishing villages, fantastic local food around every bend, and a strong cultural identity celebrated in festivals and regattas throughout the year: Cornwall really does seem to have it all. The Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, accessed by the stunning South West Coast Path, provides walkers with everything from gentle strolls to challenging hikes, uncovering hidden beaches and wild swimming spots along the way. Those who come to enjoy the natural environment will also find a thriving food scene, proudly serving Cornish produce, as well as a rich cultural heritage and a host of wonderful accommodation.

A tour of the Camel Valley Vineyard, Bodmin, Cornwall

Florence Fortnam follows her nose to Cornwall's best-loved vineyard, the Camel Valley Vineyard in Bodmin, for a tour and tasting session

Activities in Cornwall

Jackie King picks out a selection of watersports, nature, cycling and walking.

Local Attractions in Cornwall

Jackie King picks out a selection of family-friendly fun and festivals.

Where to Eat in Cornwall

Fish, glorious fish! Jackie King picks out a selection of pubs, cafés, local food and food festivals.

Where to Stay in Cornwall

Jackie King picks out a selection of B&Bs, hotels, self-catering and camping in one of the England's most popular holiday hotspots

Stay, Eat, See & Do

Our pick of places across Cornwall

Google Map Key:
Click on the coloured icons for more information about each listing
Green = Places to stay; Blue = Places to eat; Yellow = Attractions; Purple = Activities

Click on the square brackets top right of map to reveal expanded map

Twelve separate areas of have been recognised as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
These areas include 10 stretches of Cornish coastline, the Camel Estuary and Bodmin Moor and cover 958 sq km in total
In Cornwall you are never more than 16 miles from the sea
The National trust protects 38% of Cornwall’s coastline – that’s over 220 miles
The National Cycle Network in Cornwall covers 179 miles
Cornwall has more ancient sites than any other county in Great Britain and 1872 scheduled ancient monuments
Tregothnan Estate, Truro, is the only place in Great Britain to grow, harvest and make tea (www.tregothnan.co.uk)