Cornwall sits on the far south west of England’s coastline and is a mecca for tourists. It’s renowned for its surfing, but other attractions include diving, kayaking, angling, walking, and cycling. Blessed with long golden beaches and the best weather Britain can offer, Cornwall also appeals to those who don’t want such a hectic pace to life.

The best and most economical way to explore Cornwall’s charms is to hire a self catering cottage. Within Cornwall’s picturesque villages, you’ll often find rows of sea front cottages which were formerly used by fishermen but are now put to great use in the tourist trade. An example of this is the beautiful row of cottages in the small village of Looe, which are close to the harbour and can be rented for around £300 per week.

Cornwall’s natural beauty makes it a stand-out holiday destination. There are towering cliffs, breathtaking beaches, rolling moorlands, and winding country roads. How you choose to enjoy Cornwall will depend upon what floats your boat which is quite an apt phrase given the importance the ocean plays in Cornwall’s appeal.

The activity most associated with Cornwall is surfing, with dedicated surfers coming from all over the world to pit themselves against the Cornish breakers. It might not have a Californian climate but Cornwall is the UK equivalent and attracts a cool surfing and kitesurfing crowd.

Cornwall, however, offers something for all lovers of the sea, attracting people keen to try out sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, diving, and angling. Kayaking lessons are available from companies such as Outdoor Adventure who are based at Widemouth Bay. Kayaking offers a unique opportunity to explore the coast and observe wildlife including seals, basking sharks, and dolphins.

Cornwall also offers a host of activities that don’t necessitate squeezing into a wetsuit or clambering into a boat. Why not hire a bike and cycle through Cornwall’s beautiful and rugged countryside? The county offers scenic routes that are suitable for beginners and kids, as well as more challenging off-road routes that will test the more hardened cyclists.

And for those whose motto is “two legs good, two wheels bad”, there are plenty of walks that can be enjoyed by enthusiasts of all ages along the world-renowned South West Coast Path which covers 630 miles!

Finally, no holiday would be complete without convivial company and good food and drink and Cornwall boasts some of the finest traditional English pubs. The pub grub and local ale will taste even sweeter if your meal comes after a hard day’s cycling, walking, or surfing!