Summer has already begun with the rolling heatwaves and weather rarely seen in summers of my youth. There is an element of climate change at play and London has been buckling under the heat of 37 degrees celsius. Escapes to the local beaches of England are on the rise.
It has actually been a very long time since I have holidayed in the UK even though I am British. I have not been based here for a long time and exploring the isles seemed more of a chore when I was young. It is true that transport is still bad. Trains are often delayed or cancelled in the heat or cold, expensive and unreliable does not really hold much allure and driving is still easier that is one of the biggest problems, especially when attracting foreign tourists.
However, Cornwall still remains one of the most popular summer destinations. This part of the country is very much worth it and it is home to some of the best beaches in the world that hold the precious Blue Flag. A trip to the Bude area reminded me of the unique allure of the end of the British isles where it trails into the Atlantic. Surf, beaches and picturesque villages dapple along the north and south of the county are beautifully sheltered from much of the influences of the rest of the country.
Bude itself is on an estuary and is a typically beautiful Cornish town with boats and quaint cottages along the banks and dramatic coastline that dates back 310 million years. Sandymouth Bay is a sprawling expanse of golden sand and bright blue skies and seas. Protected by the National Trust and is a Blue Flag Beach, littered with ancient rock pools and smuggler's caves. Perfect landscapes for swimmers, surfers and lovers of nature, it is a perfect place for more adventurous travellers and ocean lovers down a rocky path.
Conservation is not just reserved for nature in Cornwall. The villages are still preserved in another time in many parts, with thatched cottages and pubs that have been around for centuries. Once home to pirates and fishermen, you are more likely to see tourists now. However there is still incredible seafood to be had here, and it is an enclave away from the popular areas of Padstow and Rick Stein. Life's a Beach, Bude serves up various dishes and the mussels with cider is one of the best I have had in my life and has an easy surfers vibe rather than fine dining.
Cornwall has many areas and all have a unique allure and characteristic. The conservation of these unbelieveably clean beaches and working towns in their beauty is to be admired and something that England and the UK is incredibly good at. Whilst the world searches for authentic then this is the perfect part of England to explore.
1 comment
I love Cornwall.