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What is Cornwall famous for? When you hear ‘Cornwall’, a lot comes to mind, from beaches and surfing to pastries. This county, on the rugged southwestern tip of mainland Britain, is one of the country’s gems. If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’re interested in the county and want to learn all about what it offers. It’s a great thing you’re in the right place, as we’ll cover all that and also throw in some facts about the geography, weather and the best way to get around when visiting Cornwall.
Cornwall, a short distance from South Devon, is famous for its cuisine, attractions, cultural heritage, the Cornish language and the various activities it offers. Let’s take a deep look at the various factors that make this county stand out.
Cuisine
There can’t be a discussion of Cornwall without mentioning its cuisine. This county offers its own unique pasties, pies and ice creams.
Cornish Pasties
The Cornish Pasty is associated with Cornwall but you can get it in almost any part of the country. This pie typically consists of a crimped shortcrust pastry circle filled with meat and vegetables, folded and baked.
In addition to the basic recipes, pasties with many different fillings are made and some shops even specialise in selling different types of this pie. The Cornish pasty is also popular in areas like South Africa, New Zealand and Ulster in Ireland.
Cornish pasties pair well with cream tea, another Cornish foodie staple.
Stargazy Pie
Here’s another iconic Cornish dish. Stargazy pie, also known as Starrey Gazey pie, is made from sardines along with eggs and potatoes covered with pastry crusts. Although there are different variations of this pie, most versions have fish heads and tails protruding through the crusts.
Stargazy pie is originally from the village of Mousehole in Cornwall, where locals eat it during the festival of Tom Bawcock’s Eve. It serves to celebrate the bravery of a fisherman who saved the village from starvation.
Cornish Yarg
Your exploration of Cornish cuisine won’t be complete without trying out the yarg. Cornish Yarg is basically a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese. It has a creamy texture, nutty flavour and unique appearance with leaves wrapped around.
Yarg pairs well with dry white wines, beer and cider. These days it is usually produced by Lynher Dairies Cheese Company on Pengreep Farm near Truro in Cornwall.
Cornish Cider
Here’s a treat nobody wants to miss out on. Cornish cider has been around for centuries and is one of the products that have helped to put the county on the map. Made from apples grown in the region’s orchards, it offers a unique, refreshing taste that’s perfect for a warm day.
Cornish Ice Cream
This special ice cream originated in Cornwall, made with Cornish clotted cream and sometimes sorbet. Today, it is still produced using milk from many farms in Cornwall. You can get cornish ice cream in various flavours, from cream and cornish fudge to sea salt caramel, lemon curd and rhubarb.
Attractions
Away from cuisine, let’s explore the most iconic attractions in this county.
The Eden Project
The Eden Project is one remarkable attraction located in a reclaimed china clay pit in Cornwall. It comprises a global garden, educational charity and social enterprise all in one. What makes it stand out are its unique biomes, which are massive greenhouse structures that mimic different environments around the world.
The Mediterranean biome features beautiful flower displays and seasonal crops, while the Rainforest Biome houses a large collection of tropical plants from rainforests across the world. Outside the biomes, the outdoor gardens also showcase different plants.
St Michael’s Mount
St. Michael’s Mount is another reason to visit Cornwall. This iconic landmark is known for its ancient castle and beautiful village. The island has been a place of religious significance for centuries, with a chapel dedicated to St Michael standing at the top. Immerse yourself in history here or explore wildlife like seabirds and dolphins.
Tintagel Castle
The Tintagel Castle is popular due to its association with the legendary King Arthur. According to the legend, King Arthur was conceived at Tintagel Castle, making it a place of great mythical significance. Start by exploring the ruins of the castle, including remnants of the walls, towers and other structures. The cliffs around the castle also offer lovely views of the area around.
Minack Theatre
Cornwall is also home to the world-famous Minack Theatre, one of the most popular open-air theatres. This is a must-visit place for anyone exploring Cornwall. The Minack offers a range of live performances, including plays, musicals, operas and dances. Visitors are also welcome to enjoy an extraordinary story of how the theatre itself was created.
Beaches
It’s almost impossible to talk about Cornwall without making mention of its beaches. Cornwall’s beaches are rated not just among the best in the UK but the world. From perfect waves to water sports and games, these beaches offer everything.
Some of the best beaches in this county include Carne Beach, Cadgwith Beach, Sennen Cove Beach, Portreath Beach, Crackington Haven Beach, Porthtowan Beach and Bossiney Cove Beach. The best part is you get both sand and shingle options.
Hire a small car from SDVH anywhere in the UK for a great solo trip. You should also check out our spacious 7-seaters for group trips.
History & Heritage
Cornwall is also known for its rich history and heritage and you’re about to find out why.
St Piran’s Day
When it comes to history, few celebrations are as important as St. Piran’s Day in Cornwall. This is a celebration for St. Piran, one of the patron saints of Cornwall. Piran was the patron saint of tin and the holiday started as a celebration observed only by tin miners. It has since grown to be celebrated by all of Cornwall. In fact, some Cornish businesses are even closed on this day for workers to join the festivities.
Tin Mining
The mining of tin has been a huge part of Cornwall’s history for centuries, shaping its economy and culture. Cornwall’s tin mines have made it a major centre of tin production in Europe.
Tin mining brought wealth and prosperity to Cornwall in the earlier years, but advances in technology and the discovery of new tin deposits in other parts of the world mean it isn’t as popular in this country as it once was. It, however, remains a significant part of Cornwall’s history.
Art
Cornwall is also famous for being an artistic hub. Its beautiful cliffs and waters have been an inspiration for numerous artists over multiple generations. St. Ives in particular is seen as the heart of art in Cornwall, known for its special light that casts a soft blue glow off the sea. It was in this town that famous sculptor Barbara Hepworth made some of her best works, many of which you can see at galleries and museums in St. Ives.
Film & TV
You may also know Cornwall from a few movies. Cornwall’s beautiful beaches and striking cliffs mean that it has been featured in many iconic films and TV shows. For example, the 2015 series Poldark features clifftop scenes in locations like Charlestown, Kynance, Porthcurno and Holywell Bay. Other shows like Doc Martin and The House of the Dragon have been filmed with many scenes in Cornwall.
Smugglers
Cornwall’s rich history is also intertwined with smuggling and piracy. The region’s proximity to the English Channel made it an ideal location for illicit activities. Many local people were involved in smuggling activities, either directly or indirectly, as smugglers relied on the cooperation of farmers and fishermen.
King Arthur
While the historical existence of King Arthur is debated, his legends are deeply linked with Cornwall. Many of the most famous Arthurian tales are set in Cornwall and other nearby places. Many even speculate that Camelot, the legendary court of King Arthur, was located in Cornwall.
Celebrities
Cornwall has been home to several world-famous celebrities throughout history. One of such famous people is Kate Winslet. The Academy Award-winning actress grew up in the town of St. Albans, Hertfordshire, but her family has strong ties to Cornwall, and she often visits the region.
Daphne du Maurier, a bestselling author, lived in Fowey, Cornwall, for many years and wrote several of her most famous novels there. Other notable figures associated with Cornwall include King Charles III, Tim Smit, Roger Taylor and Ben Ainslie.
If you enjoy Cornish culture so much, you should see the best places to live in this county.
Activities
Cornwall is also brimming with various enjoyable activities for people of all ages, but the most popular are surfing, fishing and hiking.
Surfing
Cornwall’s world-class surf spots have made it a mecca for surfers from around the world. The region’s Atlantic coastline is exposed to consistent swells, creating waves suitable for both beginner and pro surfers. Newquay, Sennen and Porthleven are some of the most popular surfing spots in this county.
Fishing
Cornwall’s rich marine ecosystem provides great opportunities for fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, you can visit any of the spots around the county to enjoy this activity. The North Coast and Falmouth Bay are perhaps the best areas for fishing in this county.
Hiking
Cornwall’s stunning landscapes offer countless hiking trails to explore. The South West Coast path is one of the best for a hike, stretching over 630 miles (1,014 km) along the coast. You also get to enjoy the stunning scenery as you take on the challenging terrain. Bodmin Moor is another area with various great trails for both walkers and cyclists.
Beyond Cornwall, check out the best things to do in North Devon.
Cornwall’s Geography & Climate
Cornwall is known for its rugged coastline and unique geological features. The geography here is mainly a blend of rolling hills and valleys. The county also has plenty of cliffs, beaches and sheltered coves, which offer opportunities for outdoor activities.
Cornwall’s climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in a temperate climate. Winters are generally mild, with average temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. In summer, it can get warm, with temperatures reaching the low 20s, which is when palm trees thrive. The region also receives moderate rainfall all year round, but the overall climate is pleasant.
What’s The Best Way To Get Around Cornwall?
The best way to get around Cornwall is with a car. Renting a car provides great flexibility, allowing you to explore this county at your own pace. You can enjoy the scenic routes and discover hidden gems as you go. Keep in mind, however, that parking can be limited in popular tourist areas, especially during peak season.
Taking the bus is also not a bad way to get around. Cornwall has a good network of bus services, connecting major towns and villages with affordable bus passes. You may consider walking or cycling if your preferred locations are not too far apart.
Hiring a car in Cornwall is as easy as can be with SDVH. We also offer a range of minibus options in Cornwall, perfect for group trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Make Cornish Pasty?
You make Cornish pasty by filling up pastry with a mixture of meat, vegetables and potatoes. You also need other ingredients like flour, butter, water, onion, sauce and thyme. Start by making the pastry, then prepare the filling before assembling the pasties. The final step is to bake. For the best taste, add sweetness and serve with clotted cream.
What Beaches Are Around The Cornish Coast?
The beaches around the Cornish coast include Perranporth Beach, Kynance Cove, Porthcurno Beach and Holywell Bay Beach. Cornwall is lined with various lovely beaches spread across the north, south and west coasts. Other great beaches in this area include Watergate Bay, Crantock Beach, Summerleaze Beach, Castle Beach and Polzeath Beach.
What Makes Cornwall Popular Among Surfers?
What makes Cornwall popular among surfers is the consistent waves and variety of breaks. The region’s Atlantic coastline is exposed to consistent swells, which means the surf conditions are reliable throughout the year. Cornwall offers a diverse range of surf breaks, from beginner-friendly waves to challenging barrels, which cater to surfers of all levels.
What Wildlife Can You See In Cornwall?
You can see wildlife like seals and red squirrels in Cornwall. This county is home to various animals, including terrestrial and aquatic. In addition to seals and squirrels, you’ll find other wildlife like bottlenose dolphins, basking sharks and seabirds. On land, the popular creatures are otters, hedgehogs, badgers and butterflies.
Conclusion
So, what is Cornwall famous for? From the various attractions to the cuisine and even the Cornish language, everything about Cornwall and the Cornish people is so special. If you’re a tourist in the UK or someone simply looking for a unique experience, a visit to this county should be close to the top of your list.
