Cornwall Gems

The cool wind blows off the kaleidoscope of tumbling turquoise blue waters, kissing the golden sands. The grass reeds which cover the rolling sand dunes > dance in the breeze as birds soar over head. The land exists as if from a paradise, and if you are dreaming of this place and wondering where it is then look no further than Cornwall.

The South West peninsula of the British isles is famed for its Cornish pasties and cream teas. But it also boasts the most beautiful rugged coastlines and breath-taking beaches to rival the tropics.

Nestled in the north coast of Cornwall is the beautiful sea side town of Hayle, my favourite place in the world. The area is built around the Hayle River and Estuary and  was granted World Heritage Site status in 2006. The Estuary is a bird watchers paradise as the air is filled with birdsong from migrating wading birds making their way through the reserve.

To the west of the town over the sand dunes is the golden gem of Hayle, the 4 mile stretch of beach. The sand here is feather light and stretches as far as the eye can see. It is hard to resist the need to feel this sand between your toes and to sit and stare out across the blue sea tumbling onto the shore. It will blanket you in tranquillity and make it impossible to leave. An unspoilt haven.

Quaint shops and numerous eateries make up the centre of the town, curving around the river. The White Hart Hotel, a historic hotel built in 1838 in the centre of the town, hosts the most mouth watering Sunday roast. Another recommendation is to try the famous Philps pasties, as you cannot visit Hayle without trying one.

If you are looking for an adrenaline rush then the coast of St Ives Bay is a must for you. Surfing, windsurfing and paragliding is available, with local surfing schools dotted along the coast offering you the chance to learn these popular water sports or even brush up on your skills. Surf boards and wet suits are readily available to hire.

If you can manage to pull yourself away from the enticing shoreline of Hayle then across the bay is the popular fishing town of St Ives. A must visit to this part of the country. Winding cobbled streets map across the town, lined with boutique shops, art galleries, sweet shops and bakeries. Fishing used to be the main income here and the bustling harbour is still the centre of the town.

Wondering around the streets you can easily get lost in the charm of Cornwall. Originating from the fourth century there are many historic buildings in St Ives, the most notable being the Sloop Inn. Built in circa 1312 it is famed for being one of the oldest inns in Cornwall, it is a perfect spot to sit and have a refreshing drink and to look out across the historic harbour.

If you are craving more artistic culture then you can also visit the Tate St Ives which is situated on the edge of Porthmeor Beach, looking out towards the Atlantic ocean. Hosting modern art exhibitions and offering an art pass for the art gallery and entrance to the famous Barbara Hepworth museum and sculpture garden this gallery is definitely worth the visit.

The Cornish countryside and history has been largely shaped by the mining industry and you can still see the footsteps of this way of life across the county. High on the cliff-side of Botallack is the old tin mines. This could be argued to be one of Cornwall’s most iconic sights, made popular by the BBC drama Poldark.

The engine houses jut out of the rock edge, standing strong against the stormy Atlantic sea that crashes below. This area is captivating regardless of what the weather decides to throw at you. Whether you have storms raging below and grey skies above, or blue skies and beautiful blue waters, the stone buildings are secure and steady on the horizon, providing solidarity against the winds coming inland.  Sitting here on the ridge of the cliff you can spend hours staring out to sea, and you are reminded of the rich history of Cornwall and the ever changing power of the ocean.