A sleepy fishing village with two stunning beaches that feels like it’s been ‘frozen in time’ can easily compete with the tourist-filled Cornish hotspots like St Ives
Have the beach to yourself and avoid the selfie-stick-waving tourists in this tiny seaside village. There’s no denying hotspots like St Ives are worth a visit: famed for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and rotating art galleries.
However, with a staggering 540,000 day trippers and 220,000 overnight tourists visiting the Cornish town every year- things can get a little crowded. If you’re in dire need of a sunny staycation, but prefer calm tranquillity over bustling crowds – you might want to check out Cadgwith. An hour’s drive south of St Ives, Cadgwith is located on the east coast of The Lizard Peninsula – and can confidently compete with St Ives’ natural beauty. The sleepy fishing village is a postcard-worthy town filled with thatched and whitewashed stone cottages that cluster around the cove.
“[There are] two small beaches at the heart of the charming fishing village of Cadgwith on the eastern side of the Lizard Peninsula – Cornwall’s most southernly point,” states Visit Cornwall. “The east-facing shingle bays on either side of a rocky promontory called the Todden are a great place to watch the local fishing boats and wander amongst ink-well lobster pots. It’s a place that time seems to have forgotten, the archetypal Cornish village nestled in the valley, with only narrow winding lanes to access its cluster of quintessential thatched cottages and the pub.”
It’s worth noting that dogs are banned from the beach during peak seasons (July and August) between 10am-6pm. For those seeking a bit more of an active itinerary, Cadgwith Beach is a great spot to hire a sea kayak and burn off those fish and chips. On land, Lizard Lighthouse, Lizard Point, Bonython Estate Gardens, and Porthleven Harbour are all worthy sights.
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“To the south of the cove at Inglewidden is an interesting geological feature, a huge abyss in the cliff known as The Devil’s Frying Pan or in Cornish, ‘Hugga Dridgee’,” adds travel experts over at Into Cornwall. “Believed to have been created by erosion and the relentless power of the elements and the collapse of a cave, the sea foams and boils in this Devil’s Frying Pan during south-easterly gales.”
Driving to Cadgwith from the Big Smoke is no short trip, with the average car journey taking almost six hours. However, direct trains to St Erth (a 30-minute drive to Cadgwith) take less than five hours – and offer some pretty spectacular views on the way. One-way adult fares can be bought for as little as £66 if booked in advance.
What’s your favourite staycation destination? Let us know in the comments section below
