North Cornwall

North Cornwall's rugged Atlantic coastline serves up some of Britain's most dramatic scenery - from Bedruthan Steps' towering sea stacks to the wild romance of Land's End peninsula. The legendary B3306 St Ives to Sennen drive hugs remote cliffs past ancient tin mines and Cape Cornwall, England's only cape. Families gravitate toward Newquay's world-famous Fistral Beach for surf lessons, Cornish Seal Sanctuary for marine wildlife encounters, or exploring mystical St Nectan's Glen waterfall where legends claim fairies still dance.

This coastline birthed British surf culture - North Cornwall earned World Surfing Reserve status with consistent waves at Croyde, Polzeath, and Sennen. Couples discover romance at St Michael's Mount's fairy-tale causeway, dramatic cliff walks above Porthgwarra's secluded cove, or sunset dining at Port Isaac where Doc Martin fans recognize every cobbled street.

Cornish food traditions run deep - protected-status pasties (beef, potato, swede, onion only), fresh seafood from Newlyn (Britain's largest fishing port by value), and clotted cream teas where locals insist jam goes on first, not cream! Don't miss Tarquin's craft gin near Wadebridge or Camel Valley's award-winning English wines.

Book April-September well ahead as this coast's popularity means premium sites fill quickly. Visit May-June or September for perfect weather minus peak crowds. Winter brings dramatic storm watching but many attractions close. The South West Coast Path here offers some of England's most spectacular walking, linking hidden coves, mining heritage sites, and traditional fishing villages where Cornish culture thrives alongside world-class surfing.