EXPLORE, ENGAGE, ENJOY … IS YOUR HOLIDAY LONG ENOUGH?
The Eden Project, Lanhydrock Golf Course and Bodmin Dragon Leisure Centre with indoor pool, gym and racket sports facilities are 10 minutes’ drive away. So is magnificent Victorian Lanhydrock estate, which has easy to challenging new cycle trails in addition to its renowned cultural appeal. Tudor Cotehele, Elizabethan Trerice and Classic Antony represent different historical periods. Privately-owned properties well worth visiting include Pencarrow House, Prideaux Place and Port Eliot.
Apart from seeking out the giants in the Lost Gardens of Heligan, a huge variety of gardens await visitors of mid-Cornwall ranging from cottage gardens such as Marsh Villa, Hidden Valley and Poppy Cottage to the larger grounds of Pinetum, Tregrehan and Caerhays. Many offer plants for sale.
The popular Camel Trail for cyclists and walkers runs past Bodmin, the new Cyclist’s Metropolis, to Wadebridge and Padstow on the level old railway track and provides a great day out for all ages. Golfers can tee off in fantastic locations such as Lanhydrock, Carlyon Bay, St. Enodoc and Porthpean.
Venturing further afield, look across the Atlantic from Land’s End, mainland Britain’s most western point and soak up the stunning views. Share a unique experience at the Minack open-air theatre on the cliffs at Porthcurno and catch a glimpse of picturesque St Michael’s Mount on the way. Weave your way home through Mullion and Kynance Coves on the Lizard Peninsula, the most southerly tip of Britain, which boasts its own beautiful landscape.
Alternatively, grab an award-winning pasty from Philps in Hayle and walk the quaint streets of St Ives, enjoying the seaside views, gift shops and many galleries, including the Tate St Ives. Further along the North Coast are Geevor Tin Mine, Cape Cornwall and Sennen Cove.
An exciting day out for the children could include a visit to Dairy Land, Flambards or Camel Creek Adventure Park. Other popular attractions in mid-Cornwall are Newquay Zoo, Porfell Wildlife Park or the Steam Railways near Bodmin and Newquay.
