Top Sights in Devon & Cornwall
For most of us the annual holiday to exotic destinations are the highlight of our year. Exploring new cultures, lounging on sunny beaches and indulging in local cuisine. However, within our own backyard in the UK there are a whole host of fascinating attractions to explore!
In the coming weeks we’ll be setting out to discover the unmissable sights across the UK. From breath-taking beaches to ancient history and local charm, it’s all packed into this stay-at-home guide to the UK.
During the first part of our tour of the UK we visit Devon & Cornwall exploring all the exciting sights of the UK’s most Southerly counties.
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Dartmouth Steam Railway
Visit the beautiful Elberry Cove in Paignton during your steam train journey
Step back in time with a journey aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway. Awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence (2015) this is an exciting trip for holidaymakers of all ages and is one of the best ways to explore South Devon. Catch the Round Robin to visit Paignton, Totnes, Dartmouth and Torquay to begin your adventure where seals, dolphins and even ospreys can be spotted along the way! Visit during the winter time to be joined by Father Christmas himself on the Santa Express with mince pies, mulled wine and gifts for the children. Geo Coordinates: 50.435071, -3.564484
South West Coast Path
Wander along to the Porthcurno Bay as part of your South West Coast Path
Wander along the longest National Trail in the UK by exploring the 630 miles of unspoiled scenery of the South West coast path. Explore this idyllic path by taking in the hidden coves and lighthouses that are dotted throughout. Explore the breath-taking Porthcurno to Gwennap Head walk taking in the stunning Porthcurno Bay or the Lelant to St Ives trail visiting the picturesque harbour at St Ives. Geo Coordinates: 50.212304, -5.540194
Torquay – English Riviera
Admire the pretty yachts of Torquay marina
Torquay is a pretty harbour town within the English Riviera Global Geopark and is the birthplace of the Great Agatha Christie. Dine within its horseshoe-shaped bay with fish from Brixham’s nearby famous fish market and take a peek inside Albert Square at the Babbacombe Model Village. Discover the quintessentially English village of Cockington with its thatched cottages and pretty village greens just a few miles from Torquay. Geo Coordinates: 50.461925, -3.525256
Eden Project
Explore the wonderful exhibits of the Eden Project
Awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence (2015) the Eden Project is one of the stand-out attractions in Cornwall, only 20 minutes from Lakeview Country Club. Experience the tropics within the Rainforest Biome or capture a photo with WEEE Man the intriguing art sculpture made out of over 3 tonnes of recycled waste. Get your heart-racing on the SkyWire Zip Wire, England’s longest zip wire, and learn about the great work being put into conservation from the team at Eden! Geo Coordinates: 50.360351, -4.744287
Woolacombe Beach
Visit the UK’s number 1 beach at Woolacombe
Voted as the #1 beach in the whole of the UK from TripAdvisor reviewers and awarded the prestigious Traveller’s Choice (2015) award Woolacombe Beach has to be on your must-see list. This 3-mile stretch of clean, unspoiled beach also made it into the Top 5 beaches in the whole of Europe making it a haven for seaside fun. After exploring this beautiful stretch visitors should head to the Red Barn restaurant with its classic collection of Surfing memorabilia and local dishes that make it the perfect location for lunch. Geo Coordinates: 51.168226, -4.212427.
Lands End
Head to the UK’s most Westerly point at Land’s End
Penn-an-Wlas (Land’s End in Cornish) is the most Westerly point in England and offers breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean from its stunning granite cliff face. Capture your visit with a photo by the iconic Land’s End Landmark and look out for the local wildlife including basking sharks just off the coast! Families will love the Shaun the Sheep experience perfect for the little ones whilst the 4D cinema takes you on a journey back in time to discover “The Lost World” from millions of years ago. Geo Coordinates: 50.066282, -5.714482
The Minack Theatre
Catch a show at the unique Minack Theatre overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
This unique open-air theatre is perched on the cliff faces above the Atlantic Ocean and was created by Rownena Cade back in the 1930’s. Over the years it has hosted numerous great shows that continue to this day including The Proms. Boasting a full programme of music, comedy and story-telling during the summer months The Minack Theatre is a spectacular sight to behold. Take a stroll through its sub-tropical gardens or admire the incredible views with a drink from the café. Geo Coordinates: 50.040825, -5.651148
Fistral Beach
Learn to surf at the world famous Fistral Beach
Cornwall is renowned for its great surfing beaches and one of the very best in the UK is Fistral Beach only an hour from the St Mellion Golf & Country Club. Making it into the Top 10 beaches in the UK, Fistral Beach is the perfect place to learn to surf for visitors of all ages with a dedicated surf school located right on the beach. Head into the water for exhilarating coasteering and bodyboarding or ease into a slower pace with a dog walk along the sands and a relaxing round at the Newquay Golf Club opposite the beach. Geo Coordinates: 50.418624, -5.097582
Lizard Point
The most Southerly point in the UK at Lizard Point
The most Southerly point in the UK is found at The Lizard in Cornwall. From fascinating wildlife to unmissable coastline this is a true spectacle you shouldn’t miss. Take a guided walk in the spring to admire the heathland flowers and don’t miss the Choughs fledglings this time of year too! Discover the fascinating wildlife that reveals itself at low tide and take a cycle ride along this wonderful network of trails. Geo Coordinates: 49.958180, -5.205482
St Michael’s Mount
Uncover the secrets of St Michael’s Mount off the coast of Cornwall
Home to just 30 people this island is steeped in history and charm just off the coast of Marazion in Cornwall. Walk across the causeway at low tide or catch a ferry over for a day to remember. Venture into the castle to uncover its secrets and treasures from past centuries, follow the garden trail breathing in lavender along the way and join the village tour to discover the myths and legends that surround the Mount. Geo Coordinates: 50.116912, -5.477523