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The UK is one of the top European destinations for American travelers this summer.
And for travelers who want to get out of London and see a little more of the UK on their next trip, Cornwall is the destination for you.
Cornwall sits on the southwestern tip of the United Kingdom, and it is famed for its beautiful and wild beaches, chic fishing villages, stunning coastal walks, and exceptional seafood.
Here’s why summer is the perfect time to visit Cornwall:
The Beautiful Beaches
As a Brit, I’m prepared to admit that I’m biased. But I think the UK is home to some of the best beaches in the world. I’m a Norfolk gal myself, but the beaches of Cornwall are regularly awarded best in the UK status.
There are over 300 different beaches to choose from here. Newquay is perhaps Cornwall’s most famous beach and is a great choice if you love to surf, as it attracts surfers of all abilities from all over the world.
Alternatively Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula is small but perfectly formed. It is one of Cornwall’s prettiest beaches with its clear, turquoise waters.
Adventure lovers will love Port Gaverne which boasts some of the best caves, climbs, and wild swimming in Cornwall.
You can take a Cornish Coasteering tour here with Cornish Adventures which costs £50 ($63) for a 2.5 hour session.
And there’s good news for beach lovers this summer.
The beaches in Cornwall are notoriously overcrowded, especially when the sun is shining.
But a new report from Cornwall Live has found that tourism in Cornwall has reached its lowest point for 10 years this summer.
Meaning there’s never been a better time to visit if you want to beat the crowds!
A County Full Of Postcard Villages
Cornwall is such a picturesque, pretty part of the world. And many of its postcard-perfect villages make you feel like you’re stepping back in time.
Because Cornwall is a popular staycation destination, and second-home spot, for the stylish London crowd, this is reflected in its villages.
Some of the best villages to explore in Cornwall include Mousehole and Port Isaac.
Mousehole was once described as ‘the loveliest village in England’ by Dylan Thomas, and it is full of quaint cottages and cobbled lanes.
I love shopping in village stores, because you often find handmade or locally sourced pieces that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
And Mousehole is a great place to indulge in this hobby. Its cobbled streets are crammed with art studios, pottery, and locally produced crafts.
Cornwall Is Foodie Heaven
Some people visit Cornwall to get outdoors and enjoy some of the best beaches and verdant countryside that the UK has to offer.
But many people are just here for the food!
Cornwall is heaven for foodies. Several acclaimed celebrity chefs such as Rick Stein, Nathan Outlaw and Paul Ainsworth have restaurants here, and there are a clutch of Michellin starred restaurants in Port Issac and Padstow too.
If you’re looking for something a little more low-key then the local food scene is impressive too. The seafood is freshly caught and delicious. And you can’t go to Cornwall without trying a handmade Cornish pasty!
If you can only eat in one Cornish restaurant, then make it Four Boys in Rock. This is Gordon Ramsays favorite Cornish restaurant (so you know it’s going to be good!) and it has some of the best seafood. The mussels and cavatelli with wine butter sauce and the brown shrimp salad are both must order!
Getting To Cornwall
It’s worth noting that getting to Cornwall isn’t easy. It takes 5 hours and 10 minutes to get from London to Cornwall on the fastest train service, and you’ll need to change trains 3 times on the route.
The earlier you book your train tickets, the cheaper they’ll be. Traveling on weekends is also cheaper than traveling during the week.
The cheapest return train ticket from London Paddington station to St Ives in Cornwall in August will cost £129.29 ($163) when booked with Trainline.
Alternatively you could consider renting a car and driving to Cornwall.
This is a great option if you want to explore as much of the county as possible in one trip because many of the smaller beaches and villages aren’t accessible by public transport. Just remember that you’ll need to drive on the left-hand side of the road!
I love a good road trip, and stopping for sightseeing and snacks on route is a big part of my vacation, but it’s worth noting that when you get off the motorway, some of the narrow, winding rural lanes can be daunting, especially if you’re not used to them.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.