Land's End to St. Ives

Land’s End is one of England’s most renowned landmarks and whatever you think of the commercialisation of the area, there can be no doubt, that once you are clear of the main tourist attraction area, the cliffs and coastline remains as spectacular as ever. The RSPB has several bird watching sites on the cliffs here, and the views out to sea across to the Longships Lighthouse never fail to delight.

Take the northern coast road from Land’s End and you soon reach the town of St Just-in-Penwith, a small grey mining community typical of this part of the Granite Coast. All around are the ruins of old mines and stone engine houses. But its charm and history along with some excellent shops, galleries and craft workshops makes it a perfect stopping place.

No visit to West Cornwall is complete until the magnificent scenery just north of Cape Cornwall has been explored. Lying just off the main road between Lands End and St Ives you will find a traditional village pub, the Queens Arms at Botallack, which is renowned for its food. Serving a wide variety of local fish, meat and game, the emphasis is on fresh produce cooked to order. Booking is strongly advised. The pub also has a large beer garden for sunny days.

Continuing north, the hamlet of Keigwin lies at the very heart of this dramatic coastal landscape and it is here that you will find Yew Tree Gallery. Gilly Wyatt Smith curates exhibitions between Easter and November and all have a distinctive character. Well-known artists working in various media are drawn from within and outside Cornwall to show in the two-roomed gallery and sculpture gardens.

The old courtyard provides plenty of parking and visitors are welcome to walk round the organic potager, full of herbs and saladings, and visit the ducks in their pen. Opening hours during exhibitions are Tues-Sat 10.30 to 5.30. Gilly also provides B&B in her 300-year old farmhouse, specialising in organic, home-cooked food.

Well known for its famous mermaid story and its association with D.H.Lawrence and other writers and artists, the ancient village of Zennor is also the home of Cornwall’s oldest private museum. The Wayside Folk Museum, founded in 1937, takes you back in time. Its numerous display rooms are crammed with items that will bring back memories of parents’ and grandparents’ homes. Visit the Blacksmith’s and Cobbler’s shops, the Wheelwrights and the Dairy. Learn about the ‘People of Past Zennor’ in photographs and stories along with areas devoted to Agriculture, Archaeology, Mining and the Sea, plus working water wheels, all set in a beautiful garden around a water mill.

Arriving at St. Ives, you will find that much of its character and charm lies in the mix of visitors and residents, fishermen, artists and crafts workers. Their vitality and conversation flow around you as you experience the atmosphere of a town, which has been a fishing village for centuries and a home to some of the country’s best known artists and craftspeople. Family run Pengenna Pasties will be happy to provide you with a fresh baked pasty, perfect lunch on the go.

Just north of St Ives, close to the beautiful Carbis Bay you will find the Atlantic Hotel & Restaurant, one of Cornwall’s premier Hotels. Enjoy beautiful sunsets over dinner in the Restaurant.

The Atlantic Hotel & Restaurant has gained a reputation as a place to relax and enjoy tasty modern food away from the bustle of St. Ives.

A modern and friendly restaurant offering great food in a hassle-free setting. Smart but very relaxed with menus and specials board that reflect the local produce and seafood.

Their chef produces traditional home-cooked fayre, all fresh and made on the premises. The frequently changing menu is suitable for everyone from the young to the mature whether you dine from the bar menu or the a’la carte cuisine.

Whether in the spacious dining room with lovely sea views, comfortable lounge bar or decking area for alfresco dining, the emphasis is on good quality, affordable, fresh food in convivial surroundings with outstanding service.