louisemayerCultures and traditions converge in the United Kingdom. Explore the amalgamation of old and new.
Cornwall England’s far South West
Plymouth, Mendip
Planning to go in June 2019 and turn wishlist items into memories.
Updated 3 years ago
2
I visited here when it first opened 15 to 20 years ago. A biodiverse garden created in an old chalk pit. Update: things have grown luxuriantly. Lovely gardens now as well as the biomes. All beautifully kept. Very good day out but expensive. We used our BBC Gardeners World voucher to get two for one, which brought entrance fee down to acceptable level.
- +44 1726 811911
Bodelva, Cornwall, United Kingdom
- https://www.edenproject.com/
2
There are now 4 Tate Galleries in England. Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives, the seaside version. Been to the first three, so this one is on the wishlist too. Ok been there now. High quality art gallery, assuming you are interested in modern art. Most works have local connection but are not pretty seascapes. I enjoyed it. Views are stunning especially from roof top cafe. Make sure you get an outside seat. Can get combined ticket with lovely Barbara Hepworth garden. See separate recommendation.
- +44 1736 796226
Porthmeor Beach, Saint Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom
- https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-st-ives
3
I have long wanted to go to the Minack Theatre, an outdoor theatre in a most spectacular setting in Cornwall. Booked to see Pericles there in June. Will report back! UPDATE What a setting! For heavens sake, go! Pics are off The Globe performance of Pericles 27 June
- +44 1736 810181
Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom
- https://www.minack.com/
2
Have not been for nearly 40 years so will report back after June trip. Famously the most southwesterly point of England. Having your photo taken beneath the sign showing the distance to your home town is a tourist ‘must do ‘ Update ... unfortunately tacky, would recommend Lizard Point instead.
- +44 1736 871501
Land's End, Sennen, Penzance, United Kingdom
- https://www.landsend-landmark.co.uk/
4
It is a long drive to Cornwall, wherever you start from in the UK so we were pleased to find this purpose made picnic spot just over the border in Somerset. We had a picnic so cannot vouch for the cafe but it looked fine. Quite a choice of hot food at reasonable cost. Tourist info, loos and most importantly a nicely landscaped area for the adults to stretch their legs and children to let off steam. Update : returned here on way back and had nice traditional Sunday lunch, roast beef, yorkshire pud, roast pots and 3 fresh veg for £9.99
- +44 1935 822646
Cartgate Picnic Area, Yeovil, United Kingdom
- https://www.cartgatelodgecafe.co.uk/
3
Travel ‘in style’ from Falmouth to St Mawes on the 20 minute ferry ride, thus avoiding a long road trip. It is scenic and fun. Then visit St Mawes Castle, one of Henry VIII’s coastal defences. Buy a Cornish pasty to eat on the quayside.
Truro, United Kingdom
- https://www.stmawes.info/
Glorious subtropical gardens near Truro. Colourful and luxuriant. An added interest is the fact that you can walk down to the little private beach, from where, in 1944, over 7500 US troops embarked for the invasion of Normandy. ( D Day )
- +44 1326 252200
Trebah Garden Trust, Mawnan Smith, North Falmouth Cornwall, United Kingdom
- https://www.trebahgarden.co.uk/
2
St Erth may be lovely itself but I am afraid I only saw the railway station. It is perfect to park your car there for the day and take the scenic 12 minute journey to St Ives. ( where parking is definitely an issue!) but where there is much to reward you.
Cornwall, United Kingdom
- https://www.cornwalls.co.uk/st-erth
2
Lovely Airbnb near Truro. A little old fashioned but well equipped. Beautiful garden with lily ponds of which you have the full run. Very friendly hosts who live at the farmhouse. Extremely reasonable rates especially for Cornwall.
Ladock, Truro, United Kingdom
3
Lovely little garden packed full of Barbara Hepworth sculptures. Joint tickets with Tate St Ives available.
- +44 1736 796226
Barnoon Hill, St Ives, Saint Ives TR26 1AD, UK
Unpretentious appearance but this cafe has excellent locally sourced food, very well cooked. My bacon and brie three egg omelette was one of best omelettes I have ever had.
- +44 1736 795100
3 Chapel Street, Saint Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom
- https://www.cornishdeli.com/
When in Cornwall, you must try a proper Cornish pasty and this from Warrens hit the spot
- +44 1736 795901
1 Wharf Road, St Ives, Saint Ives, United Kingdom
- https://www.warrensbakery.co.uk/
2
The best thing here is the view of St Michaels Mount which you can enjoy without going in the gardens. The cafe is very well thought of and also outside. But personally I found the sculpture garden underwhelming and I normally like that sort of thing. Go to Trebah Gardens instead for the gardens and the Barbara Hepworth sculpture garden for the sculpture.
- +44 1736 448089
Gulval, Penzance, United Kingdom
- https://www.tremenheere.co.uk/
3
The most southerly point in mainland Britain. Forget Lands End and walk along the cliff top here. Surprisingly high quality cafe ...see separate entry, once I check out its name.
Helston, United Kingdom
2
Surprisingly high quality food and drink at cafe on Lizard Point. We only had the excellent homemade fruit cake and tea but others were raving about lunch. I’d like to ho back for Cornish lobster. The views are perfect especially if you sit on the open terrace. Quick and friendly table service.
- +44 1326 290939
Lizard Point, Helston, United Kingdom
- https://www.facebook.com/pg/Polpeor-Cafe-293064304147303
3
Large, nay very large, National Trust property in Cornwall. House largely rebuilt in the late 19th century due to devastating fire. So style is High Victorian, which means it looks like a castle but is pretend! Particularly spacious kitchen area as the family apparently wanted their servants to have good working conditions. Also very very large grounds with cycles available for hire. Good insight to how the well off used to live. Fine with children and / or dogs.
Bodmin, Cornwall, United Kingdom
- https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock
2
Ok it is in Devon, not Cornwall but we visited on our way back. This is where Sir Francis Drake was told of the approaching Spanish Armada in 1588. He was engaged in a game of bowls but refused to be hurried, saying there was time to finish the game and beat the Spaniards too.” Big green sward, Smeetons Tower, Barbican and harbour area which has lots of promising eateries.
Plymouth, United Kingdom
Goodness what incredible sized portions. Good quality, value for money hot ‘snack’ food. I ordered a bacon and egg roll... Sit outside only. Very popular with bikers and families and you can see why!
- +44 1752 262444
18 The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2LS, UK
Lovely little shop showing Jo Downs beautiful blue glass ware. If you cannot get there in person, the pieces are available online
- +44 1736 791555
5 Market House, Market Place, Cornwall, St Ives, Saint Ives TR26 1RZ, UK
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