The wild Cornish countryside

Why go?

When the Mediterranean sun gets too intense for comfort, why not hop on a plane and move on to cooler pastures. The Cornwall coast on the Roseland Peninsula offers a cooler alternative to our baking shores, with cream teas and fish hauled fresh from the sea, along with local crabs.

The sandy beaches, lush green countryside and huge craggy cliffs make Cornwall an ideal spot for those with a spirit of adventure with a love of the outdoors.

What to do?

Try some extreme sports to get the blood pumping through your veins. Canoeing, kite surfing, horse riding and many other activities can be organised. Alternatively, take a gentle stroll and enjoy the wild rugged countryside of the Cornish coast.

Cornwall has always been a perfect family destination, with plenty of activities to keep the children occupied during your stay. Visit the Newquay Zoo and the Blue Reef Aquarium (also in Newquay), or spend a day at the Crealy Adventure Park near Wadebridge.

If you’re looking for something a little bit more cultural, there are stunning historical sites such as Lahydrock House and Pendennis Castle – which has its roots as the coastal stronghold of Henry VIII and served the UK until its last military role as a secret World War II base.

The Tate St Ives offers an introduction to modern at contemporary art, with works from the Tate Collection, even featuring the sculptures of Barbara Hepworth.

The Maritime Museum in Falmouth celebrates the sea and boats of Cornwall. 15 stunning galleries beautifully illustrate the past, present and future of this island nation.

Where to stay?

The award winning Budock Vean Hotel (www.bidockvean.co.uk) set in 65 acres of sub-tropical gardens on the banks of the Helford River. There’s an indoor pool and a golf course – plus boat trips.

A romantic luxury beach-house hotel overlooking the South West Coast Path, the Driftwood Hotel (www.driftwoodhotel.co.uk) has direct access to the beach. Light, airy maritime décor and simply decorated rooms have stunning views over the coast.

The Lugger hotel was once the smuggler’s inn on Portloe’s tiny harbour. Rooms are in the main inn and annexes, all overlooking the sea. This is a great base for walks along the South West Coast Path.

Olga Polizzi’s designer hotel, the Hotel Tresanton (www.tresanton.com), is a discreet place to stay. All rooms have magnificent sea views, individually furnished with antiques and Cornish art.

Where to eat and drink?

Have a four-course meal based on local produce, served in a grand formal dining room with live music every night at the Budock Vean Hotel (www.budockvean.co.uk).

Try the stylish little shellfish and oyster bar that is Falmouth Bay Seafood Café (www.falmouthbayseafoodcafe.com). Come here to spin a bottle of sparkling wine and a dozen Falmouth Oysters.

You can’t visit England without stopping for fish and chips. Harbour Lights Fish and Chips (www.harbourlights.co.uk) serves fish from sustainable sources as approved by the Marine Conservation Society along with chips from Cornish potatoes.

Outstanding pub food is served up at the King’s Head (www.kings-head-roseland.co.uk). Try the unique roast Ruan duckling.

Proper Cornish tea is served in the quirky, old-school hotel The Nare (www.narehotel.co.uk). Cream tea is served with a view of the Roseland Penninsula.

Hidden on the banks of the Fal estuary and part of the cast Tregothnan estate lies the Smugglers’ Cottage and the Tea Bar at Tolverne (www.thergothananshop.co.uk). Come here for afternoon cream tea, light lunches or evening meals in the thatched cottage.