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Unique landscapes and close proximity to major attractions of international renown, the Eden Project, Tate of the West, St Ives, National Maritime Museum at Falmouth and Land's End make 'The Heart of Cornwall' an ideal touring base and destination well worth considering! Here the granite heights of Carn Brea tumble down to meet the South West Coastal Footpath that winds its way between Portreath and Godrevy on the majestic North Cliffs, vantage point for spotting dolphins, seabirds and Atlantic Grey Seals that frequent the seas below this wild and grand stretch of Heritage Coast. Spectacular views northwards along a coast, famed for its shipwrecks and smuggling, are unique and many a visitor has sought to capture the romance of the area by photographing colourful sunsets over Godrevy Light and St Ives Bay. Beaches along the Atlantic coastline are amongst the finest in Europe or even the world! Clear Gulf Stream waters with changing hues of blue; turquoise and green reflect the changing moods of the seasons, sparkling, shimmering summer swells giving way to wild white waves that create dramatic seascapes in winter. The popular family resort of Portreath is ideal for swimming and rock pooling and here surfers gather like seals to catch breakers that wash the sandy beach. Wide, open family-orientated beaches backed by dunes between Gwithian and Hayle promise childhood memories of ice creams, sandcastles, buckets and spades. However if it is seclusion that is desired this can be found on smaller secret beaches such as Fisherman's Cove that nestles beneath the towering North Cliffs. Winter walking along beaches and coastal paths is an exhilarating experience and perfect way to unwind on a short break or longer stay.
Surrounding the towns of Camborne and Redruth is much evidence of a rich industrial past. Intensive mining in the 18th and 19th centuries placed this area at the hub of one of the most important copper and tin producing areas in the world! Former mining villages of St Day, Lanner and Carharrack, can be investigated on leisurely strolls following published routes. John Wesley had strong links with these. Retrace his footsteps by visiting Gwennap Pit and the Museum of Cornish Methodism in Carharrack. An extensive network of Tramway Trails affords opportunity for 'off the beaten track' exploration. Choose to walk the Great Flat Lode or Coast to Coast from Devoran to Portreath calling in at a local character pub en route to sample a pasty and a pint in true Cornish tradition! Imposing engine houses, extensive relict mine sites, industrial harbours, mineral tramways, foundry and fuse work buildings, mining towns and villages are collectively recognised not only as national, but also as international treasures. World Heritage Status, as sought, will put this area within the 'The Heart of Cornwall' on a par with Stonehenge; Bath the Taj Mahal and Great Wall of China! An excellent heritage centre dedicated to mining and other traditional Cornish industries can be visited at Taylor's Shaft. Genealogists researching their Cornish ancestry will find 'The Cornwall Centre' or 'Kresenn Kernow', based in Redruth an invaluable resource. Here, visitors consult family history records and research anything they ever wanted to know about the county.
Holidays or escapist breaks spent anywhere in the area allow Cornwall, county of many contrasts, to be explored from the heart. Country house hotels, charming family run guesthouses, traditional stone cottages, modern apartments, holiday parks and campsites provide accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets. It's central touring location, warm welcomes, stunning scenery, choice of activities and leisurely pursuits, make this an area where one may get more than bargained for! 'The Heart of Cornwall' is a definitely a destination and not merely an area to be passed through. Viv Robinson - Discover Cornwall (Blue Badge Guide) |
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| Heart of Cornwall Tourism Association Site
designed, managed & hosted by Cornwall Online - Tourism and Holiday Guide |
Inland
dramatic landscape changes are seen as one passes amidst a patchwork
of fields and country lanes, the hedges of which host a profusion of
wild flowers. Pretty hamlets with their ancient churches, clusters of
granite cottages and isolated farms, bear witness to a bygone era as
one winds between the solid Cornish hedges. The Tudor mansion at Godolphin
can be visited and scattered country houses of wealthy Mineral Lords
of the 18th and 19th Centuries provide evidence of a most prosperous
past. Tehidy Country Park, once the grounds of Tehidy House seat of
the Basset family, now boasts a number of woodland and lakeside trails
suitable for walking, cycling and horse riding. Alternatively, be challenged
on its orienteering course or just enjoy a picnic in the leafy shade
whilst watching for the park's wealth of wildlife. Birdwatchers and
fishing enthusiasts visiting Stithians Lake enjoy rural contrasts whilst
being only minutes from the sea. Sailing, windsurfing and canoeing facilities
make this a popular venue for watersports fans that may participate
in special events taking place throughout the year.
Something
of interest goes on throughout all seasons in 'The Heart of Cornwall'!
May and June see streets in Camborne and Redruth bustle with activity
hosting stalls, entertainers and inevitably steam engines as Trevithick
Day and Murdoch Day are celebrated in honour of two great inventors.
July is the season for agricultural shows, as at Stithians and music
of brass bands and Cornish choirs fill the air in many a venue as villages
host a variety of annual events. Family entertainment and all weather
activities are plentiful. Children will be intrigued to 'pan for gold'
at the Gold Centre near Portreath or take an underground trip into Poldark
Mine. Youngsters and adults alike can partake in bowling, karting and
paintball or indeed visit the Carn Brea Leisure Centre or local hotels
that provide excellent facilities for swimmers and fitness fans.