Cornwall
Somewhere between tea and tides
Cornwall occupies Britain’s far southwestern corner, though the Cornish would probably prefer you not reduce it to geography. The UK, technically. Entirely its own personality, more accurately. Long before the coastline appears, the journey begins to loosen its grip a little. Belmond’s Britannic Explorer rolls through countryside that gradually softens into sea views, hidden coves, surf towns and historic villages with names that sound pleasantly invented. By the time Cornwall arrives, life already seems to be moving somewhere between tea and tides.
A cinematic rail journey
Treat the Britannic Explorer not as your hotel, but as a moving theatre. Adding a stretch along these historic rails brings a little golden-age romance to any Cornish itinerary. Watch dramatic coastline slowly settle into green valleys from the comfort of a private suite. It provides a magnificent, rolling contrast to days spent exploring fishing villages.
Find Britain’s unexpected tropics
England is not widely associated with turquoise water. Cornwall disagrees. Hidden along the Penwith Peninsula, Pedn Vounder appears with white sand and water so blue it causes brief geographical confusion. Frequently called the “Bali of Britain”, which feels ambitious until you arrive and realise Cornwall may have a point.
Follow the waves to Perranporth
Cornwall and surfing have a long-standing relationship. Perranporth remains one of its more committed addresses: long stretches of sand, Atlantic swells and people discussing wave conditions with impressive precision. Even if surfing itself feels slightly adventurous, the beach still understands slower activities remarkably well: long walks, sea air and watching everyone else do the difficult part.
Choose sides over pasties in St Ives
St Ives feels like Cornwall leaning into its better instincts. Art galleries and small cafés sit comfortably alongside fishing boats drifting through the harbour. Every bakery claims a superior Cornish pasty recipe, with locals seemingly happy to defend it. Traditionally filled with beef, potato, onion and swede, the half-moon pastry was originally created as a practical lunch for miners.
Essential Cornwall
At Britain’s southwestern tip, Cornwall sits between rugged Atlantic coastline and villages shaped by centuries of fishing, mining and maritime trade. Once part of the ancient Kingdom of Dumnonia, Cornwall even comes with its own language, because it has long preferred doing things slightly differently. Start with Dedh da (“hello”). Home to some of Europe’s most unexpectedly turquoise beaches, it also has enough coastline to keep surfers occupied indefinitely. Between train conversations, Cornish pasties and local pubs, life here unfolds a little closer to the tides.
Where it is
Cornwall, South West UK
(between the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel)
When to go
May to June, September to October
Why go there
Slow travel
unexpected beaches
surf culture
coastal villages
strong opinions on pasties
What to see
Britannic Explorer
Penwith Peninsula
Pedn Vounder Beach
Perranporth
St Ives
